Coastal Communities

With 1680 miles of coastline representing 15% of the overall coastline of Great Britain, the coastal communities of Wales stretch from the cities of Newport, Cardiff and Swansea in the south to the towns of Holyhead, Bangor and Mostyn in the North.

Our coastal communities have a rich maritime and industrial history, with activities ranging from historical fisheries through to steel making and aircraft manufacturing by Airbus at Mostyn.

Coastal Communities in Wales can benefit from a range of support and advice that can be accessed through the following links:

Fisheries Local Action Groups - FLAGs

Community-Led Local Development enables fisheries communities to develop the economy and resilience of their coastal community at a grass-roots level, using the knowledge of local stakeholders to tackle local issues through Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).

There are currently four FLAGs in Wales:

Each FLAG draws its membership from a range of local stakeholders, including fishermen, aquaculture farmers, local businesses, public authorities and other representatives from local organisations and civil society. Through a process of stakeholder engagement, building the capacity of target groups and co-operation, the problems faced and opportunities available to an area are recognised and potential solutions are piloted.

Each FLAG designs and implements a Local Development Strategy for their area. This LDS sets out the situation for their area and how the FLAG aims to address relevant objectives including at least one chosen from the following:

  • Adding value, creating jobs, attracting young people and promoting innovation at all stages of the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products
  • Supporting diversification inside or outside commercial fisheries, lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries and aquaculture areas
  • Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets of the fisheries and aquaculture areas, including operations to mitigate climate change
  • Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries and aquaculture areas, including fisheries, aquaculture and maritime cultural heritage
  • Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development and the governance of local fisheries resources and maritime activities

Networks

Coastal Communities Alliance

FARNET

Wales Rural Network

Funding

For funding opportunities please refer to the Funding and Business Development pages