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.
AIFCA Annual Plans & Reports
Read the Association of IFCAs Annual Delivery Plan & access our reports.
IFCA Insights
Access our quarterly newsletters showcasing the work of the AIFCA and IFCAs here.
Vacancies
See our exciting opportunities to participate in the management of inshore fisheries and marine conservation.
Latest News
IFCA Insights: October 2026 Newsletter
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR OCTOBER NEWSLETTER The Association of IFCAs is excited to release our October 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...
The AIFCA Annual Delivery Report 2025-26 is Released
The AIFCA Annual Report outlines the AIFCA's principal activities and achievements during the financial year 2025/26 and reports progress against the priorities set out in the Annual Delivery Plan. The year was characterised by a significant increase in national...
New Vacancy: Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) – NWIFCA
North Western IFCA is recruiting for a fixed-term Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO) to join their Whitehaven office. Role: IFCO (Crew) Location: Whitehaven Office Contract: Fixed-Term until March 2030; full-time (37 hours per week). Salary: £34,811 –...
New Vacancy: Fisheries Manager – NWIFCA
North Western IFCA has an exciting new job opportunity as a Fisheries Manager on a fixed-term contract until March 2030. Role: Fisheries Manager Location: Head Office (Carnforth) Contract: Fixed-term until March 2030, full-time (37 hours per week) Starting Salary:...
AIFCA welcomes Sam Dell as National Training Manager
The Association of IFCAs is pleased to welcome Sam Dell as its new National Training Manager, bringing extensive experience in marine and fisheries enforcement, with a career spanning maritime, compliance and enforcement. Sam joins AIFCA following more than 15 years...
New Vacancy: Science Officer – NWIFCA
North Western IFCA is recruiting for a Science Officer on a 1 year fixed term contract (maternity cover). More details below. Role: Science Officer – 1 Year Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) Location: Carnforth Office Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) Full-time...
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.