A new winch system, funded under the EMFF 2014 to 2020, will guarantee the future of coastal fishing at Thorupstrand, Denmark. Photo: Visit Nordjylland
The fishermen of Thorupstrand have recently received an EU-funded winch system, known locally as an “udhalerspil,” which has been vital for the survival of this small coastal fishing community.
For those who appreciate the delicate art of coastal fishing from open beaches, this new winch system is a significant development. Bo Olsen, Chairman of the Thorupstrand Winch and Fishermen’s Association, emphasizes the importance of this new equipment:
“It was crucial to build a new winch so that the larger boats can be launched. Without it, we could no longer develop fishing from Thorupstrand. Besides jobs directly connected to fishing, we have both a fish shop and a food venue. Thorupstrand is one of the most visited places in Jammerbugt Municipality,” Olsen explained.
The fishermen in Thorupstrand received financial support for the new electric winch system from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 under the “Investments in Fishing Ports and Landing Sites” scheme. The Fisheries Agency distributes these funds to support the survival and development of smaller coastal fishing communities.
Boats on the sand at Thorupstrand. Photo @Islady48 X (Twitter)
“The support from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) acknowledges that the development of coastal fishing is important – and this recognition helps keep the morale high. This was evident when we inaugurated the winch, with about 500 people coming down to celebrate. It was a true community festival,” Olsen noted.
The new winch replaces the old one, which had been on the beach since 1970. Beyond being worn out, the old winch also posed a potential safety hazard for the fishermen, as they could no longer rely on its stability, especially in bad weather. The new winch has, therefore, also provided a fundamental sense of security for everyone on board the ships launched from Thorupstrand. Thomas Højrup, Chairman of the Thorupstrand Coastal Fishermen’s Guild, elaborated:
“For the sake of the fishermen, we must ensure that there are no gears in the winch that can break. When the boats go out to sea, it’s crucial that they are ‘heaved’ with a constant and stable force and that the winch does not stop before the boat has reached beyond the surf.”
The winch was installed in 2023 with support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 under the “Investments in Fishing Ports and Landing Sites” scheme.
What is a Winch System?
A winch system is a piece of equipment on land that pulls fishing boats into the water when they are set to sail. The winch is housed in a winch house, where the winch operator controls it.
Facts About Coastal Fishing Support:
The fishermen in Thorupstrand applied to the Fisheries Agency for funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 under the “Investments in Fishing Ports and Landing Sites” scheme. A similar scheme has recently reopened for applications under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
The scheme, called “Investments in Coastal Fishing,” aims to provide funding for investments that strengthen coastal fishing. Support is given to projects that:
– Contribute to the development of logistics, catch handling, or infrastructure to support the quality and marketing of coastal fishermen’s catches.
– Develop the sustainability profile of vessels, including conversions to more gentle gear and energy efficiency, and investments that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Source: Press Release