Fisheries Local Action Groups, known as FLAGs are an initiative of the Marine Management Organisation and part of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Ards Borough Council, Down District Council and Newry and Mourne District Council came together in 2013 to form a partnership to deliver Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (2007-2014). From this the South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) was set up to initiate a community-led approach towards the sustainable development of fisheries areas.

The FLAG are now responsible to deliver Union Priority 4 of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020. The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group launched in June 2018 and was awarded £2.3m to deliver community-led Local Development in the Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavoige.