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.
Story 4: Working with communities to deliver robust sustainable management
For the past 15 years, IFCAs have worked closely with commercial and recreational fishers, coastal communities, scientists and environmental groups to shape local fisheries management. By bringing different voices to the table, they ensure that decisions are not only evidence-based, but also practical, fair and based on local knowledge.
From in-depth consultations for byelaws to ensure decisions balance different needs, to fishery-science partnerships so data collection is collaborative, the IFCA approach helps to build trust, improve compliance and deliver better outcomes for both marine environments and the people who depend on them.
Northumberland IFCA works closely with the local fishing community to deliver effective and sustainable fisheries management. NIFCA’s Lobster V-Notching Scheme is a strong example of this partnership in action, set up to protect the reproductive population of European lobsters in Northumberland.
Developed with support and feedback from fishermen and resourced by NIFCA, the programme involves fishers supplying lobsters to be v-notched and released, sharing local knowledge, and even participating directly using distributed v-notching tools. By protecting key breeding individuals, including berried hens (lobsters with eggs) and mature individuals, the scheme helps to replenish stocks.
This collaborative approach ensures conservation measures are practical, widely supported and successful in maintaining a healthy, sustainable fishery.
You can find out more about NIFCA’s berried hens project on NIFCA’s website here.
Stay tuned for further stories showcasing the breadth of work across IFCA’s in England.