FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group) Kainuu and Koillismaa is doing work to improve fish-related economy.

Commercial fishermen, fish farmers and fish processors are allowed to apply funding from European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

FLAG manager: Tero Nieminen, mobile +358 50 4340 150, e-mail tero.nieminen@oulujarvileader.fi

The Finnish Operational Program for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) aims at a successful and sustainable blue bio-economy. The maritime and fisheries fund promotes sustainable fisheries and sustainable aquaculture, Union’s Common Fisheries Policy and the increase of regional employment and cohesion. It also promotes the marketing and processing of fishery products and the implementation of Integrated Maritime Policy.

Area

FLAG Kainuu-Koillismaa operates in north-eastern Finland and in 13 municipalities (Posio, Kuusamo, Taivalkoski, Suomussalmi, Puolanka, Hyrynsalmi, Ristijärvi, Kuhmo, Sotkamo, Kajaani, Paltamo, Vaala and Pyhäjärvi).

Most important lakes are Oulujärvi, Yli-Kitka, Ala-Kitka, Kiantajärvi, Lentua and Pyhäjärvi. Waterbeds are in good ecological condition.

Species

The catch of commercial fishermen consists mostly of Vendace (Coregonus albula), whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis). Almost all of the farmed fish are rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Some whitefish are also farmed.