How are IFCAs preparing and responding to changing inshore fisheries due to climate change? The Association of IFCAs answers this question in their presentation at the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB)’s 56th Annual Conference on the 14th and 15th July in London, titled ‘Fisheries in a Changing Climate’.
The presentation delivered by Robert Clark and co-produced with Emily Bulled from the Association, spoke about the practical role of IFCAs in responding to changing inshore fisheries through adaptive and flexible management tools at the local level.
Firstly, the presentation highlighted that it is often inshore fishermen who notice changes to our seas first. Referencing Kent & Essex IFCA’s study, ‘Changing Seas’, which looked at local fisher’s perceived changes in species abundance and distributions, the presentation highlighted how anecdotal evidence from local fishing communities can provide an early warning system for change, and provided a trigger for further enquiry into affected fisheries. The information can help to validate scientific findings and help fisheries managers to focus limited resources for monitoring and response.
The presentation went on to talk about how IFCAs are using adaptive management tools to respond to fishery changes, such as the implementation of flexible permit byelaws. Devon & Severn IFCA’s Potting Permit Byelaw is one example, put in place to manage potting in the IFCA’s district. Flexible permit conditions within flexible permit byelaws allow quick changes in management in response to new evidence or data without having to go through the timely process of a completely new byelaw. Permit conditions can be constantly reviewed and varied, they can cover catch, gear type, spatial or time restrictions.
This flexible approach undertaken by IFCAs is a good example of flexible management that is procedural, not adhoc. The IFCA approach to adaptive management runs through an adaptive cycle. IFCAs bring in fisher knowledge and observations through local engagement, which can inform detailed monitoring to collect high-resolution data through surveys, catch returns and environmental data. Following consultation, IFCAs are able to put measures in place through byelaws and permit conditions to ensure the sustainability of a fishery, while also supporting coastal fishing communities. This is important, as flexibility is established within a legal framework with clear duties, so is accountable and can be enforced. This is especially important in MPAs where fisheries opportunities and conservation objectives must be considered together.
Another key point made was the importance for adaptive management to be capable of managing opportunities as well as loss. Non-native Manila clams were the example given. Introduced for aquaculture, yet over time they have naturalised and become a wild capture fishery. This has created valuable local opportunities for inshore fishermen, especially for small-scale u10m vessels, but the continuation and sustainability of the fishery requires careful regulation.
Finally, the presentation concluded that adaptive and flexible management must be embedded in stable institutions. Stable institutions, such as IFCAs, have trusted relationships with fishers, regulators and scientists, meaning that local knowledge and evidence can be shared in the early stages of changes. Having a local consistent presence also builds understanding of local fleets, habitats and places and provides continuity for implementing measures such as byelaws and enforcement capability. Continuity also means that lessons can be learnt from one event to the next so that management for the future of our seas can be effective.
The AIFCA and IFCAs are also working with Cefas as part of the Coastal and Marine Health Programme to support IFCAs with how to respond quickly to adverse events such as mass mortalities of species, wash-ups, harmful algal blooms, pollution events and unknown causes that impact fisheries and coastal livelihoods. This is helping to improve cross-agency working and ensure IFCAs and others are responding in a co-ordinated way, if and when events occur.
A big thank you to SAGB for providing the AIFCA with an opportunity to present the work of the IFCAs. You can find the presentation slides here and the full script of the presentation here.
