Ceredigion Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) have recently unveiled a new resource library in a bid to boost Cardigan Bay’s fishing industry and its communities.

Featuring a suite of free resources – including images and videos – that businesses within the industry can utilise to market themselves,.

The microsite also aims to showcase the rich heritage of the area’s fishing industry and how it continues to make a very real and positive impact on local communities through to this day.

The site hosts a detailed historical section dating back to the medieval era, and research for the project uncovered many interesting facts, including the night that Aberaeron and New Quay fishermen caught nine million herrings in one night.

Other features including a library of videos and images – both past and present – that show the development of the industry from the days of coracle fishing on the River Teifi through to its present day operations, including the work of inshore fishermen from Aberystwyth to Aberdyfi.

While the resources have been created for FLAG members to market the area’s fishing industry, the site is accessible for all to visit and learn more about the area’s rich and varied fishing heritage.

Ceredigion FLAG was established in 2012 with the aim of supporting the fisheries sector and fishing communities within the Cardigan Bay area.

It is administered by Ceredigion County Council, with a Board made up of industry members, public, voluntary and academic representation.

By helping the industry and the communities in which it is based, the group aims to design and implement a bottom-up strategy that can increase economic, social and environmental welfare.

The project is funded through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) 2007 – 13 and Welsh Government.

Rhys Flowers, project co-ordinator said: “We’re delighted with the FLAG microsite and hope it will prove to be an invaluable and accessible online resource that promotes the region’s fisheries sector, and help show the positive impact the industry has on local communities across Cardigan Bay.

“As can be seen from the website, the fishing industry of Cardigan Bay has played a pivotal role in the region’s social fabric since the middle ages, and we very much hope that the site – and the work undertaken by the FLAG – can help the fishing industry continue to flourish and play a key role in the future economic and social wellbeing of the area for decades to come.”

More information can be found at www.pysgod.cymru.