Who We Are and What We Do
There are 10 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities in England. The 10 IFCAs are committees or joint committees of local government. The principal objective of the AIFCA is to carry on business of providing representation and support for the inshore fisheries and conservation authorities.
The Association of IFCAs is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital. The name of the Company is the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities Ltd. Company Number 07678190.
The Association is governed by a Board of Directors and a Members Forum. The Members Forum is composed on the Chairman and Chief Officer of the 10 IFCAs in England. The Members Forum appoint a chairman and vice chairman from the membership; the Chairman and Vice Chairman join the Chief Officers who act as the Directors of the AIFCA.
Associate Members of the IFCA are invited to be members of the AIFCA Members Forum. Association members include fisheries management Authorities from elsewhere in the UK and the Crown Dependencies.
IFCAs and Aquaculture
Aquaculture, in all its forms, is a developing component of England’s seafood industry, contributing to provision of high value, healthy seafood. To ensure this industry can grow its contribution to the blue economy, a combination of innovation, integration and proportionate regulation is needed.
Permits
For fishing and other permits, please refer to individual IFCAs from the links listed here.
Vacancies
There are exciting opportunities to participate in the management of inshore fisheries and marine conservation.
Latest News
New Vacancy: Senior Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Skipper) – Sussex IFCA
Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026 Interviews will be held in the week commencing 14 September in person, in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6RE Sussex IFCA is seeking an experienced maritime professional to join the Authority as a Senior Inshore Fisheries and...
How IFCAs are Preparing, Responding and Adapting to Changing Inshore Fisheries – SAGB Conference
How are IFCAs preparing and responding to changing inshore fisheries due to climate change? The Association of IFCAs answers this question in their presentation at the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB)'s 56th Annual Conference on the 14th and 15th July in...
New Vacancy: Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Intelligence) – North Western IFCA
North Western IFCA is recruiting another new post, this time as their Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (Intelligence), to be based at their Head Office in Carnforth, Lancashire. Role: IFCO (Intel). Location: Head Office (Carnforth) Contract: Permanent;...
IFCA Insights: July 2026 Newsletter
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR JULY NEWSLETTER The Association of IFCAs is excited to release our July edition of IFCA Insights. IFCA Insights is designed to better connect and communicate the work carried out across England’s ten IFCAs. The Association of IFCAs represents the...
New Vacancies: Eastern IFCA is Hiring for 4 New Posts
Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) is recruiting a number of exciting roles across science, enforcement and policy. Covering the coasts of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, EIFCA manage inshore fisheries and protect the marine...
Marking 15 Years of IFCAs and Celebrating Inshore and Small-Scale Fisheries at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
On the 1st of July 2026, the Association of IFCAs (AIFCA) and IFCAs across the country came together for a ‘national day’ to mark the 15-year anniversary since the inception of IFCAs in 2011. The event was also held to recognise the value and specific needs of...
The Ten Regional IFCAs
Cornwall
Devon & Severn
Eastern
Isles of Scilly
Kent & Essex
North Eastern
North Western
Northumberland
Southern
Sussex
Click above to go to any of the individual IFCA websites
IFCA Vision
The National IFCA Vision
“Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities will 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 Association Vision
“The aim of the A-IFCA is to assist and promote the regional IFCAs to ensure that the authorities develop a leading and effective national role in fisheries and conservation management in line with the IFCA vision”
Success Criteria
High Level Objective & Success Criterion
Achieving a sustainable marine economy
IFCAs are recognised and heard, whilst working in partnership and engaging with stakeholders
Ensuring a strong, health and just society
IFCAs implement a fair, effective and proportionate enforcement regime
Living within environmental limits
IFCAs use an evidence based and appropriate measure to manage sustainable exploration of Sea Fisheries Resources
Promoting good governance
IFCA’s have appropriate governance in place and staff are trained and professional
Using sound science responsibility
IFCAs make the best use of evidence to deliver their objectives
It is only by leading, championing and managing a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries that we can be successful as an Association.