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
AIFCA to present on external pressures for the catching sector
Thursday, October 5, 2023 10:30 AM 15:30 PM AIFCA is to present to the Seafish Fisheries Management and Innovation Group on the industry response to external pressures on the catching sector at a meeting of the Fisheries Management and Innovation Group (FMIG) at...
Crab and Lobster Symposium Proceedings Available
Blue Marine Foundation has released the conference proceedings of the event held on the 16th November 2022 in which the IFCAs were well represented. The aims of the conference were to share current information on crab and lobster research, factors affecting stocks,...
Fisheries Management Plans Consultation
Fisheries Management Plans consultation Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) set out the plans and policies to secure the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks. All 43 existing FMPs will go through a public consultation, giving interested parties the opportunity to...
Support The Catchwise Sea Angling Survey
Catchwise is a new survey of sea angling taking place across England and Wales in 2023 and 2024 commencing in July for twelve months. The project has been co-developed with sea anglers and aims to significantly improve the recognition of the sport’s value to coastal...
Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Advisor – North West
Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Advisor – Two-Year Fixed-Term based in Carnforth Salary Scale: Local Government SCP 14-28 £25,409-£34,723. Pension: Local Government Scheme Hours of Work: 37 hours per week with an expectation to work some unsociable hours Medical:...
UK Parliament thanks AIFCA
AIFA has been thanked for its work on a research briefing for the Government recently. Robert Clark, Chief Officer was one of 34 contributors and reviewers for a POSTnote, a Parliamentary Office Science and Technology research briefing on Marine Protected Areas and...
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.