At The 2025 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) UK Awards this week, Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) was presented with the MSC Ocean Leadership Award for its innovative use of drones in their Poole Harbour Clam and Cockle Fishery.
The cutting-edge technology was introduced into the IFCA’s Monitoring, Control and Surveillance activities in 2022 to support enforcement of illegal fishing to protect shellfish stocks, local fishermen livelihoods and the marine environment.
By integrating drones into fisheries management, Southern IFCA can ensure that Poole Harbour’s Clam and Cockle Fishery continues to meet the highest sustainability standards set by the MSC.
The modern and effective approach allow officers to gain real-time imaging of areas of the coastline that would normally be challenging to access. The method is also used to amplify ongoing research work undertaken by the IFCA.
The prestigious national award recognises Southern IFCA’s commitment to sustainable fishing and leadership in advancing conservation and the future of our seas. It provides a blueprint for well-managed fisheries worldwide.
For more detail on the awards, see Marine Stewardship Council’s website here.
