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
Scientific Officer vacancy with Cornwall IFCA, Hayle
Come to work with Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and have this view on your doorstep. We are seeking a full-time, desk based Scientific Officer for 18 months to assist Cornwall IFCA with the management of inshore fisheries around the coast of...
IFCO Vacancy for Dorset, Hampshire and IoW
Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officer (IFCO) – Compliance & Enforcement Team Location Southern IFCA, Poole, Dorset, with District wide travel Reports to Deputy Chief Officer Pay £26,459 to £35,222 (SCP 11 -25 inclusive of a 10% irregular hours allowance)...
Vacancy for Conservation Officers in the North West
The North Western IFCA is looking for three salaried officers based at Whitehaven, Cumbria with an enthusiasm for the marine environment and a knowledge of marine issues and the fishing industry together with a strong drive to enforce rules protecting fish stocks,...
APPG event on the Future of Fisheries Management
The Future of UK Fisheries Management Wednesday, May 24, 2023 10:00 AM 11:45 AM The Fisheries Act 2020 provided the framework to manage UK fisheries as an independent coastal state. As part of this, the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) was developed, which sets out...
Tickets for Shellfish Conference & Dinner June 6/7
The 53rd Annual Conference of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain & Gala Dinner are being held on Tues/Wed. 6th & 7th of June. All daytime sessions will take place in The Crown Estate Offices at 1 St James' Market, London, SW1Y 4AH, with tremendous...
IFCAs Role in the Growing Aquaculture Sector
IFCAs and Aquaculture The UK shellfish industry is a multi-million pound sector that produces thousands of tonnes of shellfish each year, with considerable potential for further growth. Aquaculture, in all its forms, is a developing component of England’s seafood...
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.