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
I-VMS Deadline 30 November
The deadline is 30 November for fishers to claim a fund to install an Inshore Vessel Monitoring System. The roll-out plan saw installation engineers available in fishers’ home ports for set periods, starting in ports with the highest numbers of registered vessels. It...
Video about Fisheries Management Plans
This is a useful video for the basics on Fisheries Management Plans (click here). Search Fisheries Management Plans on Gov.uk to find out more. Keep in touch for the latest consultation schedules and approved FMPs. Latest information on the schedule (click...
An Online Evening with FinVision introducing a new juvenile fish project
Have you ever wanted to take a peek below an estuary's surface? Join us for an evening with the FinVision Team to introduce an exciting new project that aims to identify important habitats for juvenile fish of recreationally important species like bass and mullet,...
Opportunity to manage Sussex’s inshore fisheries and conservation
The MMO has a general member vacancy in the Sussex IFCA and seeks to appoint to fill this vacancy and create a reserve list for any future vacancies. Members of an IFCA committee work in a team with others, helping to ensure that: • the use of sea fisheries resources...
First Inshore Highly Protected Marine Areas in Effect
The first inshore Highly Protected Marine Areas have been Designated in England. A Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) is defined as “an area of the sea that allows the protection and recovery of marine ecosystems by prohibiting extractive, destructive and...
AIFCA partners with Newcastle University on fisheries co-management
The ten regional IFCAs and researchers from Newcastle University are working on a national project which explores existing contributions and further potential of the IFCA model to deliver improved industry engagement and effective co-management of marine resources....
The Ten Regional IFCAs
Cornwall
Devon & Severn
Eastern
Isles of Scilly
Kent & Essex
North Eastern
North Western
Northumberland
Southern
Sussex
Southern
Click above to go to any of the Regional 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 & Sucess 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.