Town celebrates receiving EU grant to support local fishery

This week saw the launch of the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)2 project at Jerwood Gallery.
Paul Joy - Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, Cllr Peter Chowney - leader Hastings Borough Council, Paul Webbe - Chef Owner Webbes Restaurants, Andrew Wells - Non-executive Board Member MMO, Steve Manwaring - FLAG chair. SUS-170102-092408001Paul Joy - Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, Cllr Peter Chowney - leader Hastings Borough Council, Paul Webbe - Chef Owner Webbes Restaurants, Andrew Wells - Non-executive Board Member MMO, Steve Manwaring - FLAG chair. SUS-170102-092408001
Paul Joy - Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, Cllr Peter Chowney - leader Hastings Borough Council, Paul Webbe - Chef Owner Webbes Restaurants, Andrew Wells - Non-executive Board Member MMO, Steve Manwaring - FLAG chair. SUS-170102-092408001

More than 40 representatives from the fishing fleet, Hastings Borough Council, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and local business and voluntary organisations gathered to celebrate successfully securing £800,000 of European Maritime Fisheries Funding to help sustain and develop the ongoing future of the fleet and fishery businesses.

FLAG2 is the second round of funding to help benefit local fisheries, coastal communities and the wider supply chain infrastructure.

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In round one, Hastings FLAG used the funding to support more than 20 projects, including Classroom on the Coast, improvements to Winch Road, net folding machines for fishing boats, improvements to the fish market, a new fish smokery and the coastal fishing trail.

“This is excellent news for our local fishing industry,” said Cllr Peter Chowney, the council’s leader.

“As lead authority, we will work with FLAG partners to target funding in three areas; a sustainable fleet and supply chain, protection of the environment and identity of the place and we will focus on fewer, bigger projects.

“Our local fishing heritage goes way beyond the direct economics of fishing and has a huge impact on other areas including tourism.”

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FLAG board chair Steve Manwaring saod: “The FLAG programme in Hastings is recognised as a strong local partnership which is achieving real results. We are delighted that we have received further investment and together we can support our local industry, develop a Hastings brand and contribute to the promotion of the Hastings catch positively to new markets and consumers. Our launch was a great success in demonstrating what has been achieved, consulting on the programme and ensuring that our partners are engaged in the new FLAG2 initiative.”

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