2026 marks 15 years of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs). To celebrate this milestone, we’ll be sharing stories that highlight the impact, progress and achievements of IFCAs over the past decade and a half, showcasing how they’ve helped to support sustainable fisheries and coastal communities, and protect England’s inshore marine environment.
Story 1: A New Vision for England’s Inshore Waters
In 2009, the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MACAA) set out a new vision for managing England’s inshore waters. By 2011, this led to a major step change: the 12 Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) in England and Wales were replaced by 10 IFCAs in England.
How are IFCAs different?
New powers
IFCAs were given new powers in inshore waters (0-6 nautical miles), including creating and enforcing site-specific byelaws to manage fisheries locally.
A broader focus
For the first time, authorities were required to balance three key priorities: Sustainable fisheries, a healthy marine environment and the economic needs of the local fishing industry.
Evidence-based decision making
IFCAs put science and local knowledge at the heart of management, ensuring any decision is backed by the best available data and evidence.
Local voices at the table
Each IFCA operates through committees made up of local authorities and stakeholders from the commercial, recreational, environmental and academic sectors, ensuring decisions balance different needs.
MACAA created a more integrated, locally driven system for IFCAs to lead, champion and manage England’s inshore fisheries and a sustainable marine environment.
Stay tuned as we share more stories celebrating 15 years of progress.
Find out more about IFCAs and the history of their creation on our About Us page here: About Us – AIFCA