1. European Fisheries Fund: Axis 4 An overview Derek McDonald Rural and Maritime Industries Development Officer Economic Development

2. Purpose and delivery of Axis 4 ‘to promote economic diversification and an improved quality of life for fisheries communities’ Delivery by bottom up Leader-style approach Enabling role of Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) partnership Aberdeenshire Council - Lead Partner

3. Measures eligible for Axis 4 funding : Maintaining economic and social prosperity Adding value to fisheries products Maintaining and developing jobs in fisheries areas through diversification promoting the quality of the coastal environment (and access to it) promoting national and transnational co- operation between fisheries areas

4. Budget UK: £13.5M Scotland: £4.5M Aberdeenshire £1.3M No Scottish Gov match funding Lead authority required to commit to finding public sector match funding

5. Axis 4 Timescale Expression of Interest lodged 26 May FLAGs to submit strategy (LFDP) to Marine Scotland by 9 Sept 2011 FLAGs notified by end Oct 2011 FLAGs open for business Nov 2011 All funds committed by Dec 2013 Drawdown allowed until mid 2015

6. FLAG partnership Public sector (Aberdeenshire Council, SNH, SE, VisitScotland, Banff and Buchan College) Private sector - Fisheries industry (SWFPA, SFO, SSPF, FSB) Civic sector - Community groups and organisations (Aberdeenshire Community Councils, East Grampian Coastal Partnership, Banff Coast Tourism Partnership

7. Role of FLAG partnership Prepare and implement LFDS Promote Axis 4, inform, encourage bids Assess project applications, determine approvals and funding intensity Devise robust, transparent assessment methodology and procedures

8. Council role as Lead Authority Bear initial costs and administrative burden (EoI, setting up FLAG, anchoring work on LFDS) Provide working capital Strategic commitment to find public sector match-funding (£1.3M)

9. Aberdeenshire Axis 4 objectives (from Expression of Interest) Improve social and community cohesion Improve infrastructure to facilitate diversification from fisheries-only activities Improve the local environment and access to it

10. Objectives (contd) Improve the conditions for economic development and regeneration Add value to fish products Promote the cultural heritage of Aberdeenshire’s fishing communities