Cornwall, Hastings, North Devon, West Cumbria, East Riding of Yorkshire and North Norfolk have each been designated as a Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) as part of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) Axis 4 project.

The Axis 4 programme is run in England by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and aims to sustainably develop smaller communities which largely depend on fishing for employment.

Eight groups originally applied for funding from the scheme and submitted business plans to the MMO outlining the challenges facing the local fishing industry. The final six areas were chosen by a panel of judges in recognition of the difference additional funding could make to the whole community and environment.

Ray Hedley, Chair of the judging panel, said "The proposals recognised that action is essential to help local fishing industries meet the challenges they face and that diversifying the economy of fishing communities will be very important for the future.

"We were pleased to see the FLAGs involved representatives from a wide range of backgrounds, including those working directly in the fishing industry and private and public sector organisations. Many have previously worked together on successful projects and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can achieve with our support."

Representatives from the FLAGs will attend a developmental workshop in December which will help them to share experiences and put together formal strategies on which the allocation of funding will be based. They will also be encouraged to bid for further funding from EFF, which has around £38 million to help the fishing industry in England to adapt to changing needs.

Notes for editors

The convergence area of Cornwall will receive €985,000, with individual funding allocations for the other areas to be decided following the presentation of formal strategies.

The judging panel included representatives from sea fisheries committees, regional development agencies and the Marine Management Organisation's conservation and enforcement teams.

Applications were assessed on a range of criteria including:

* communities with a low population density and a proven tradition of fishing
* fisheries in decline - supported by data on catch, vessels and employment
* measurable economic benefits
* reducing waste and discards
* reducing the impact of fishing on the environment and habitats
* potential for creating opportunities for the entire community
* evidence of a balanced and inclusive group
* a high level of community involvement with the fishing sector.