EU funding: Vergi Fishermen’s Day 2026

Co-funded by the European Union

Vergi Fishermen’s Day 2026 was carried out with support from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) operational programme 2021-2027, measure "Community-led local development support for the period 2021-2027".

Beneficiary: MTÜ Vergi Kalandus- ja Jahtklubi (registry code 80332880), Sadama tee 51/2, Vergi village, Haljala municipality, Lääne-Viru county, Estonia.

PRIA decision no 17-31.3/26/1552 (05.08.2026), application file F3132400744. Local action group: Virumaa Rannakalurite Ühing MTÜ.

Amount of support: EUR 22,274.73.

Short description of the activity: On 10 July 2026, Vergi Harbour hosted the first ever Vergi Fishermen’s Day - a family event presenting coastal fishing and Vergi Harbour. The programme included a presentation of fishing gear and the setting of a trap net, rescue activities and workshops together with boat trips run by the Aasukalda land and sea rescue unit, and performances by Viivi Voorand ja Lahemaa Rahwamuusikud, Väikeste Lõõtspillide Ühing and Meie Mees, with hosts leading the day and a DJ closing the night.

Objective: To value and present the coastal fishing heritage of Vergi and Lahemaa, bring the community and visitors to the harbour, and start a new annual tradition that supports the vitality of the region, local enterprise and the development of the harbour.

Result: The event took place as planned on 10 July 2026 at Vergi Harbour. The coastal fishing and sea rescue presentations, local food and the concert programme brought visitors from Lahemaa and further afield, and started a tradition - people were already asking about next year’s line-up the day after the event.

Supported activities

Presentation of fishing gear; Aasukalda land and sea rescue presentation and boat trips; the Lahemaa Rahwamuusikud concert; DJ and daytime host; event hosts; the performance by Väikeste Lõõtspillide Ühing; and the remaining activities of organising and running the event.

Implementation period and deadline for submitting cost documents: 13.03.2026-30.09.2026.

Measure: European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund operational programme 2021-2027, "Community-led local development support for the period 2021-2027". Implementing agency: Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA).