European Fisheries Area Network (FARNET)

FARNET

World Oceans Day Programme 2014

The European Fisheries Areas Network (FARNET) brings together all fisheries areas supported by priority Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Through information exchange and a dedicated support unit, this network aims to assist the different stakeholders involved in the sustainable development of fisheries areas at local, regional, national and European level.

The core of the network is made up of over 300 Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs). These public-private partnerships, set up at local level, work towards the sustainable development of their areas. Based in 21 Member States, these FLAGs each manage a budget to support a range of projects proposed and carried out by a wide variety of local stakeholders.

Objectives

The aim of the FARNET Support Unit is to support and facilitate this process. The FARNET Support Unit is the technical assistance team established by the European Commission to assist in the implementation of Axis 4. It consists of a permanent team of 10 people, based in Brussels, assisted by 21 regional experts. In carrying out its activities, the FARNET Support Unit works closely with the European Commission, the Member State administrations, the national fisheries networks and with the FLAGs, which together constitute the European Fisheries Areas Network (FARNET).

What we do:
•    Provide direct support for FLAGs and administrations
•    Identify and disseminate good practices
•    Support transnational cooperation
•    Monitor and analyse the key developments in the programme

How we do it:
•    Expert advice and assistance
•    Events: transnational seminars, conferences
•    Publications: bi-monthly electronic newsletter, a twice yearly FARNET Magazine, thematic and methodologicalguidebooks and other technical reports
•    The FARNET website