Projects must be completed by December 2022.  

Applications will address one or more of the following themes:

🐟 Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products

🐟 Support for diversification of fisheries and aquaculture sectors

🐟 Promoting innovation in fisheries and aquaculture

🐟 Lifelong learning, attracting young people into fisheries, aquaculture, and marine related careers and activities

🐟 Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in fishing, aquaculture and marine based industries

🐟 Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries, aquaculture and maritime areas

🐟 Developing and enhancing environmental assets of the fisheries areas

🐟 Strengthening the role and governance of fisheries communities in local development.

Projects should be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate

how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

Applications submitted after the final closing date and time will not be accepted.

 For further information, procurement templates, or to discuss a project proposal contact:

T: 0330 137 4051

E: sea@nmandd.org

Projects must be completed by October 2022.  

SEA FLAG seeks applications that address one or more of the following themes:

🐟 Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products

🐟 Support for diversification of fisheries and aquaculture sectors

🐟 Promoting innovation in fisheries and aquaculture

🐟 Lifelong learning, attracting young people into fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime related careers and activities

🐟 Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in fishing, aquaculture and maritime based industries

🐟 Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries, aquaculture and maritime areas

🐟 Developing and enhancing environmental assets of the fisheries areas

One-to-one virtual workshops available to include procurement and application

form guidance. To register or for further information contact SEA FLAG to

arrange a meeting.

Projects should be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate

how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

Applications submitted after 5pm on 31 March 2021 may not be accepted.

T: 0330 137 4051

E: sea@nmandd.org

Projects must be completed by October 2022.

 SEA FLAG seeks applications that address one or more of the following themes:

🐟 Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products

🐟 Support for diversification of fisheries and aquaculture sectors

🐟 Promoting innovation in fisheries and aquaculture

🐟 Lifelong learning, attracting young people into fisheries, aquaculture, and marine related careers and activities

🐟 Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in fishing, aquaculture and marine based industries

🐟 Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries, aquaculture and maritime areas

🐟 Developing and enhancing environmental assets of the fisheries areas

🐟 Strengthening the role and governance of fisheries communities in local development.

One-to-one virtual workshops available to include procurement and application

form guidance. To register or for further information contact SEA FLAG to

arrange a meeting.

Projects should be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate

how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

Applications submitted after the final closing date and time may not be accepted.

T: 0330 137 4051

E: sea@nmandd.org

www.seaflag.co.uk

South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) invites final applications for grant aid under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-2020, co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

SEA FLAG seeks applications that address one or more of the following themes:

🐟 Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products

🐟 Support for diversification of fisheries and aquaculture sectors

🐟 Promoting innovation in fisheries and aquaculture

🐟 Lifelong learning, attracting young people into fisheries, aquaculture, and marine related careers and activities

🐟 Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in fishing, aquaculture and marine based industries

🐟 Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries, aquaculture and maritime areas

🐟 Developing and enhancing environmental assets of the fisheries areas

🐟 Strengthening the role and governance of fisheries communities in local development. 

Two further application rounds have been set for this year, and these will be the last chance to access funding from the 2014-20 programme.

Projects must be completed by October 2022.

One-to-one virtual workshops available to include procurement and application

form guidance. To register or for further information contact SEA FLAG to

arrange a meeting.

Projects must be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate

how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

T: 0330 137 4051

E: sea@nmandd.org

Fisheries Minister Edwin Poots has announced a substantial £1.5 million support package for Northern Ireland’s fishing industry.

The financial scheme has been announced to help prop up the fishing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, after social distancing measures and the collapse of the European and domestic fish markets have made trading virtually impossible.

Minister Poots said: “Northern Ireland’s fishing industry has faced extreme difficulties as a result of COVID-19 and is in urgent need of our support to ensure we have a profitable fishing industry to return to, once COVID-19 subsides.

“I have therefore announced a £1.5 million support package to help the fishing industry weather the storm. The scheme I’ve announced is the most far-reaching in the UK and will help the fishing fleet to cover their fixed costs for three months. It’s not an answer to everyone’s problems, but it will certainly help the fleet survive what has been one of its most difficult periods.”

The assistance will be for three months with a maximum amount of total funding per ‘undertaking’ capped at around £104,000.  It will be delivered via monthly payments varying with vessel size as below:

Vessel overall length (metres)         Monthly payment (£)

• 0-10                                                 £1,050
• 10.01-11.99                                     £1,800
• 12.00-14.99                                     £3,550
• 15 and over                                     £4,550

The following conditions apply:

• The vessel must be a fishing vessel registered in NI
• The vessel must normally be active during the period March to May
• The vessel must have had fish landings of at least £10,000 in 2019
• Vessels of overall length 28m and over are not eligible
• The vessels must be available to fish if there is a market for their product (i.e. this is not a “tie-up” scheme)

The Department will inform vessel owners in due course about how to apply for the scheme and provide further details including appeals.  It is anticipated that the first payments would be made early in May 2020.

The Department is aware that the EU intends to further amend the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to give additional support to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in response to COVID-19.  The details of these changes will be considered by the Department as they emerge and industry will be consulted.

G Smyth Boats Limited has been successful in obtaining grant assistance from the South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) through Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.  

The Fisheries Local Action Group is pleased to approve financial support for the Kilkeel based company. G Smyth Boats Limited is well known throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom and across Europe for their exceptional design, build and boat fit out. This grant assistance which will help G Smyth Boats Limited diversify into the 12m catamaran market and in turn create three new jobs within the fishing community of Kilkeel.  

Gerald Smyth, Sole Director of G Smyth Boats commented, “Since being established in 2009, the company has grown from strength to strength. With the support of grant assistance from SEA FLAG, we are delighted to be able to develop our business offering and provide our quality products and services to more customers on these islands and further afield. We employ 15 highly skilled staff and look forward to attracting new people to our team and the industry. I would encourage anyone with a project within the fishing communities to contact SEA FLAG for more information”. 

SEA FLAG Chair, Alderman Carson welcomed this project, stating; “G Smyth Boats Limited is an essential component of the maritime industry in Kilkeel, and SEA FLAG is happy to provide funding to help the company further diversify their business. It is projects like this that make a positive impact across our fishing dependent communities. I have no doubt that G Smyth Boats Limited will continue to grow and establish new markets, providing by-product for other local companies in the Kilkeel area”.  

For further information please contact member of the SEA FLAG team at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on 0330 137 4051.

Pictured from Left to Right: Andrew Rooney, FLAG representative; Patrick Higgins, FLAG representative; Alderman Angus Carson SEA FLAG Chair; and Lisa McBride, FLAG Board member.

The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) is pleased to announce that the Northern Ireland Fisheries Harbour Authority (NIFHA) has recently installed two refrigerated bait stores, one at Ardglass Harbour and the other at Portavogie Harbour, funded through Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

The new chilled storage facilities are welcomed by the local creel fishermen in the local fishing communities. With the benefit of the refrigerated storage, this will protect and preserve the quality of the bait assisting to maximise the lifespan of the resource and maximise efficiencies.

Mr Kevin Quigley, NIFHA Chief Executive commented “I am delighted to receive funding from SEA FLAG, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the European Union. The central chill stores will enable the fishermen to increase the length of time bait is viable, increase the security and protection of the bait and will also reduce its potential for contamination. I am confident the facilities will have a positive impact on the local creel fishermen of Ardglass and Portavogie.”

SEA FLAG Chair, Alderman Angus Carson stated, “Following the success of funding in 2014 for a similar project, this demonstrates the commitment from SEA FLAG to provide such provisions. By providing shared refrigerated stores at the harbours, it will address one of the needs of our local fishing dependent communities. The cost efficiency and reliability can be improved for the creel fishermen based in Ardglass and Portavogie, helping sustain small coastal fisheries.”

Alderman Carson continued, “I would encourage everyone who feels they may benefit from this financial support to contact the SEA FLAG office to discuss potential projects.”

SEA FLAG supports projects which impact the fishing dependent communities of Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie and surrounding areas. The fund supports a broad range of projects which focus on job and business creation, economic growth, social inclusion and providing support to the fishing dependent communities. Funding can be sought under the themes of; Diversification, Adding Value, Social Inclusion, Environmental and Building Capacity.

For further information please contact a member of the SEA FLAG team on 0330 137 4051.

Pictured from Left to Right: Eddie Robinson, Portavogie harbour master; David Lindsey, Northern Ireland Fisheries Harbour Authority project manager; Councillor Terry Andrews, vice-chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Alderman Bill Keery, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council; James Kelly, representative of Portavogie Inshore Crab Fishermen; and Alderman Angus Carson SEA FLAG Chair.

Applications will be accepted up to 30 April 2020 for consideration at the next subsequent FLAG assessment meetings. The new timetable can be found below:

Application supporting documents listed below must be submitted to the SEA FLAG Admin Office in hard copy or electronic to sea@nmandd.org prior to submitting an application: –

• Business Plan (New Business, the proposed investment would have an impact on the operation’s profitability, income or operational costs or projects over £25,000)
• Written evidence of Match Funding or evidence of match funding being sought (e.g. bank statement, loan or overdraft facility)
• Procurement exercise completed (please ensure you obtain a copy of the programme procurement procedures or contact the office to arrange a procurement meeting)
• Evidence of permissions, planning consents & licences
• Leases on lands & buildings/ownership evidence (10 years)
• Insurance certificates (if relevant)
• Sole Trader – Certified proof of identification (see 8.2 of guidance notes)

If you are working towards the deadline above, we would be grateful if you could contact us as early as possible so that we can help you work towards this date.

Further guidance in relation to the above or to arrange a procurement meeting please contact the SEA FLAG Admin Team.

Applications and supporting documents received after the above date will not be considered until the subsequent meeting.

Applications will be accepted up to 31 January 2020 for consideration at the next subsequent FLAG assessment meetings. The new timetable can be found below:

Application supporting documents listed below must be submitted to the SEA FLAG Admin Office in hard copy or electronic to sea@nmandd.org prior to submitting an application: –

• Business Plan (New Business, the proposed investment would have an impact on the operation’s profitability, income or operational costs or projects over £25,000)
• Written evidence of Match Funding or evidence of match funding being sought (e.g. bank statement, loan or overdraft facility)
• Procurement exercise completed (please ensure you obtain a copy of the programme procurement procedures or contact the office to arrange a procurement meeting)
• Evidence of permissions, planning consents & licences
• Leases on lands & buildings/ownership evidence (10 years)
• Insurance certificates (if relevant)
• Sole Trader – Certified proof of identification (see 8.2 of guidance notes)

If you are working towards the deadline above, we would be grateful if you could contact us as early as possible so that we can help you work towards this date.

Further guidance in relation to the above or to arrange a procurement meeting please contact the SEA FLAG Admin Team.

Applications and supporting documents received after the above date will not be considered until the subsequent meeting.

SEA FLAG will accept applications up to 2 October 2019 or 31 January 2020 for consideration at the next subsequent FLAG assessment meetings. The new timetable can be found below:

Application supporting documents listed below must be submitted to the SEA FLAG Admin Office in hard copy or electronic to sea@nmandd.org prior to submitting an application: –

• Business Plan for any project relating to support for diversification and new forms of income regardless of the cost of your project
• Written evidence of Match Funding or evidence of match funding being sought (e.g. bank statement, loan or overdraft facility)
• Procurement exercise completed (please ensure you obtain a copy of the programme procurement procedures https://seaflag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Procurement-Seaflag.pdf or contact the office to arrange a procurement meeting)
• Evidence of permissions, planning consents & licences
• Leases on lands & buildings/ownership evidence (10 years)
• Insurance certificates (if relevant)
• Sole Trader – Certified proof of identification (see 8.2 of guidance notes)

If you are working towards either of the deadlines above, we would be grateful if you could contact us as early as possible so that we can help you work towards this date.

Further guidance in relation to the above or to arrange a procurement meeting please contact the SEA FLAG Admin Team.

Applications and supporting documents received after the above dates will not be considered until the subsequent meeting.

Funding Opportunities for the Fishing Dependent Communities up to £125,000 

Invitation to Public Information Sessions – European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group is holding a series of information sessions to provide information and guidance for potential applicants who wish to apply for funding under Union Priority 4 of the EMFF.

Under Union Priority 4, the Funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Maritime economy.

Projects must be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

Information Sessions will be held on the following dates:

*          Monday 24 June, 3pm & 7pm in The John Warnock Centre, Portavogie 

*           Tuesday 25 June, 3pm & 7pm in Ardglass Golf Club 

*           Wednesday 26 June, 3pm & 7pm in Kilkeel Leisure Centre

To confirm your attendance or for further information, contact 0300 013 2233 extension 2511 or email sea@nmandd.org.

Please confirm your attendance on or before 12 noon on the day of the event.

The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) is pleased to announce that Marshall Engineering Services has been awarded grant assistance from the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs through Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Marshall Engineering Services provide vital engineering support and products to the local fishing industry. Through this investment, Marshall Engineering Services will purchase a telescopic handler enabling the business to become more efficient and attract a greater volume of work, including repair of propeller shafts and deck gear.

Welcoming the grant aid, Matthew Marshall, Owner commented,

“I am delighted to receive approval for funding from Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and I must thank the Fisheries Local Action Group for all their support throughout the application process. This investment would not have happened without them. It will enable us to continue to develop the business whilst providing a high quality service to the local fishing industry. I would encourage anyone with a project within the fishing dependent communities to contact SEA FLAG for more information on the process”.

SEA FLAG Chair, Aldermen Angus Carson stated,

“Funding like this is essential to the fishing dependent communities and I am pleased that grant aid has been secured by Marshall Engineering Services. Not only will it benefit this business but undoubtedly benefit local vessel owners.” 

He continued,  

“The FLAG recognises it is essential that the local fleet have companies in the area, with the experience to support the ever-changing industry. They have become an integral part of the fishing community and their specialist services play an important role in keeping our fleet at sea, allowing for smooth, efficient and profitable performance.”

Pictured from Left to Right: Councillor Richard Smart (Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council), Matthew Marshall (Marshall Engineering Services), Alderman Angus Carson (SEA FLAG Chair & Ards and North Down Borough Council), Councillor Mark Murnin (Chairman Newry, Mourne and Down District Council).

Funding Opportunities for the Fishing Dependent Communities

Invitation to Public Information Sessions – European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group are holding a series of information sessions to provide information and guidance for potential applicants who wish to apply for funding under Union Priority 4 of the EMFF.

Under Union Priority 4, the Funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Maritime economy.

Projects must be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

Information Sessions will be held on the following dates:

• Monday 26 November, 3pm and 7pm in Kilkeel Leisure Centre
• Tuesday 27 November commencing, 3pm and 7pm in Portavogie Community Hall
• Wednesday 28 November, 3pm and 7pm in Ardglass Golf Club

To confirm your attendance or for further information, contact 0300 013 2233 extension 2511 or email sea@nmandd.org.

Please confirm your attendance on or before 12 noon on the day of the event.

For more information please visit www.seaflag.co.uk

European Maritime & Fisheries (EMFF) – Sustainable Development of Fisheries Areas

Under Union Priority 4 the Funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Marine economy.

The £2.3million funding will be made available through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to aid communities in Northern Ireland where commercial fishing remains a major source of income and provides employment opportunities.

A Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), representing public and private partners from relevant socio-economic sectors, local community, business and industry representatives has been established and, and following public consultation has developed the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Fisheries Areas.

In order to provide information and guidance to potential applicants, interested community and business representatives and groups are invited to attend oneof the forthcoming information sessions:

• Monday 25 June 2018 in Ardglass Golf Club 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
• Tuesday 26 June 2018 in Kilkeel Leisure Centre 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
• Wednesday 27 June 2018 in Portavogie Community Centre 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm

To confirm your attendance at any of these events or for further information please contact Mrs Ciara Toman on the address below, telephone 0300 013 2233 ext 2500 or email Ciara.Toman@nmandd.org.

Please confirm your attendance on or before 12 noon on the day of the event.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is delighted to announce the appointment of the South East Area (SEA) Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to prepare and deliver a £2.3 million local development strategy for local fishing communities.

The £2.3million funding will be made available through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to aid communities in Northern Ireland where commercial fishing remains a major source of income and provides employment opportunities.

Under Union Priority 4 the funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Marine economy.

The Director of Marine and Fisheries Division, John Speers said: “The £2.3million sustainable development strategy provides an excellent opportunity for continued investment in our fishing communities through a bottom-up approach and will help secure employment. I look forward to seeing the SEAFLAG’s local development strategy come to fruition and the benefits it will bring to the local fishing communities.”

SEAFLAG comprises of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors within the two participating Councils of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council. Both chairpersons welcomed the news. The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, welcomed the outcome of the joint bid with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to deliver this new round of the EMFF through the SEAFLAG Board. He commented “I look forward to seeing this vital funding reaching projects on the ground, as this programme recognises and responds to the significant changes that are taking place in our fishing communities. The development of a strategy is an important next phase as it will ensure that the projects that receive funding are the best fit for their particular area.”

Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, expressed delight at the announcement that the SEAFLAG Board has been appointed to deliver the new round of funding. Cllr Mulgrew said “ SEAFLAG, through the previous funding programme, successfully delivered £2 million to a range of projects across the fishing dependent communities in Ardgass, Kilkeel and Portavogie and I am delighted that this success has been recognised and that we have been selected to deliver the new programme of the EMFF. The FLAG Board will now work to develop the local strategy and will undertake full community consultation across the fishing dependent communities.”

Over the over the next few weeks, SEA FLAG will engage with community and stakeholder groups within coastal and inland communities dependant on fishing and aquaculture to develop a comprehensive strategy. Following approval by DAERA local fishing communities will then have the opportunity to benefit from funding through the SEAFLAG call for applications.

Further information can be obtained from Margaret Quinn of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; via email at Margaret.Quinn@nmandd.org; or by telephone 028 446 0800.