2026 marks 15 years of IFCAs and we continue to share stories that highlight the impact, progress and achievements of IFCAs over the past decade and a half.
Story 7: Adaptive Management for Changing Seas
IFCAs have been leading the way through their approach to fisheries management. IFCAs have developed flexible and adaptive governance structures allowing faster responses to changing environmental conditions and evolving fisheries which is occurring more and more frequently with climate change.
One of the key tools supporting this approach has been the introduction of flexible permit byelaws. Unlike more traditional fixed management measures, permit schemes allow IFCAs to adapt management quicker using permit conditions, responding to new local evidence or data, emerging fisheries or changing environmental conditions. This could include seasonal management measures, gear controls, catch restrictions and reporting requirements, and spatial measures that can be set and varied according to harvest control rules.
Devon & Severn IFCA introduced one of the first activity-based IFCA permit byelaws (Mobile Fishing Permit Byelaw) in 2014, marking an important step forward in adaptive fisheries management within England’s inshore waters. The Byelaw created a more flexible and inclusive management framework, enabling permit conditions to be reviewed and updated where necessary (through consultation with stakeholders) in response to new evidence, to support sustainable fishing activity, improved data collection and respond to environmental pressures.
Since 2015, Devon and Severn IFCA has introduced further permit based byelaws to manage commercial and recreational potting, diving (for defined species), and netting activity. In 2026, the Mobile Fishing Permit Byelaw 2022 was introduced continuing with this management approach.
Many IFCAs have adopted similar flexible permit byelaws across different fisheries, helping to create management systems that are both locally responsive, capable of adapting to future needs and responding to national policy priorities such as Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs).
This flexibility will become increasingly important as IFCAs manage the challenges facing England’s inshore waters. By combining local knowledge, evidence-based decision making and adaptive management, IFCAs continue to ensure England’s inshore waters support sustainable fisheries, marine conservation and thriving coastal communities.
Find out more about Devon & Severn IFCA on their website here.