Inshore fisheries and conservation authorities
Inshore fisheries management in England is the primary responsibility of the inshore fisheries and conservation authorities (IFCAs).
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 provided for reform of inshore fisheries management and the protection of the marine environment. IFCAs were established in April 2011 replacing sea fisheries committees. They have an expanded remit to "lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry". The duties and powers of the IFCAs are set out in sections 153 to 158 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act.
There are ten IFCAs that are either committees or joint committees of the local authorities that fall within their district. They are made up of representatives from the constituent local authorities (that provide funding for the IFCA) along with people we have appointed from across the different sectors that use or are knowledgeable about the inshore marine area. This includes commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental groups and marine researchers, who offer their time voluntarily.
We have a statutory seat on each IFCA along with the Environment Agency and Natural England.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has developed a full set of best practice guidance to help IFCAs to understand and fulfil their new role. IFCAs are required to follow this guidance in accordance with Section 153 (5) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
Further information about the different IFCAs can be found on their websites:
Contact information
Stakeholder Relations Team
Marine Management Organisation
PO Box 1275
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 5BN
Tel: 0300 123 1032
Fax: 0191 376 2681
Email: ifcas@
marinemanagement.org.uk
Further information
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