Robin Smith (North Norfolk Fisheries Liaison Group (FLAG)) - "Making Things Happen"

The Shellfish Association of Great Britain’s

43rd Annual Conference

Fishmongers’ Hall, London

22 – 23 May 2012

www.northnorfolkflag.org.uk

North Norfolk FLAG

Making things happen

Robin Smith

North Norfolk Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)

• Setting the scene

• Snapshot of North Norfolk

• Rural context

• Coastal context

• Fishing industry context

• FLAG Programme

Presentation



• Local authorities are among the most powerful economic agents in their areas, shaping economic health as employers and purchasers and through local leadership and economic development activities.

• Experience strongly demonstrates that without action at the local level, coastal areas will continue to lag behind other parts of the country.

• Local authorities can make a difference strategically through combining and sharing local resources in a targeted way with other strategic partners.

• Over the last ten years this Council has championed the cause for collaboration and partnership and has sought to develop a cohesive approach to economic development.

Why get involved! A Local Government Perspective



The Bigger Picture

• Low rates of economic activity

• Low rates of pay

• Narrow economic base

• Seasonality of employment

• Limited local spending capacity

• Migration of young people

• Unaffordable housing



Proximity



Place



• North Norfolk is the most rural district in the East of England. • North Norfolk is a large rural area of some 87,040 hectares (340 square

miles). • The District has 73 km (45 miles) of North Sea coastline between Holkham

in the west and Horsey in the south-east. • The District has an estimated resident population of 101,000. • There are approximately 5,900 businesses in the District of which 90%

employ less than 10 people.

Snapshot



• Peripheral Location – The District is located a long way from other significant economic centres in the South East.

• Narrow Economic Base – Much of the district has high dependence on sectors which are forecasted to perform poorly.

• Low Wage Economy & Seasonal Trends – This is particularly apparent in the coastal resort towns and related to low value added businesses.

• Low Skills Base – Education and skills levels are below that of many other areas of the country.

• Lack of Affordable Housing and high property values act as a disincentive to those wishing to relocate to the area for jobs.

• Older People – By 2033 North Norfolk is projected to have the largest population of over 65s.

Rural Context



Resilience


Resilience is a concept used to describe the ability to respond to shocks in the external environment


Opportunity or Threat


North Norfolk maritime area is becoming one of the most important investor development areas in the East of England. • Raising the aspirations of our

young people • Encouraging Jobs & prospects


Coastal Context - Human

• Offshore oil and gas production • Offshore renewable energy (wind) • Extraction of sand and gravel • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) • Marine conservation zones • Recreation and tourism • Infrastructure (lack of) • EU & national legislation (eg quota levels) • UK Government budget deficit solution package • Aquaculture (mussel beds etc) • Coastal defence infrastructures etc – reduced funding www.northnorfolkflag.org.uk


Coastal Context - Nature

• Climate change

• Fish stock levels

• Coastal erosion

• Flooding

• Impacts on sensitive environments

– AONB

– SSSI/SAC/EU designated areas



• Gradual reduction in long standing fishing families. • General impact of policy and legislation. • Lack of industry cohesion and communication. • High fuel prices and other overheads. • Lack of youngsters entering the industry. • Offshore wind farms – developing cable and pipe line

routes. • No structured apprenticeship scheme. • Increased recreational activities. • Coastal erosion and associated blight.

Fishing Industry Context



Programme Management



Activity

Fisheries & Communities Engagement Programme

Fisheries

Sector Group

North Norfolk

FLAG

Competitiveness

Axis 4

Markets &

Investment

Axis 4

Infrastructure

Axis 4

Environment

Axis 4

Sustainability

Axis 4

Skills Development

Axis 3

Broadband: Communications & Connectivity Programme



Fisheries & Communities Engagement Programme



Competitiveness Summary Programme



Markets & Investment Summary Programme



Skills Development Summary Programme



Infrastructure Summary Programme



Environment Summary Programme



Sustainability Summary Programme



Broadband: Communications & Connectivity Programme



It with grateful thanks to the following supporting Organisations:- • Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk • Coastal community representatives • Crown Estate • District Council representatives • Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority • Great Yarmouth Borough Council • Independent fishermen • Marine Management Organisation • Norfolk Coastal Partnership • North Norfolk Business Forum (Project Manager) • North Norfolk District Council ( Accountable Body) • Representatives of fishing industry associations • Representatives of small processors • Scira • Seafish


Robin Smith (North Norfolk Fisheries Liaison Group (FLAG)) - "Making Things Happen"

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Transcript of Robin Smith (North Norfolk Fisheries Liaison Group (FLAG)) - "Making Things Happen"