New Opportunities to Influence Management of Inshore Fisheries

The IFCAs, of which there are 10 around the English coastline, are responsible for the sustainable management of sea fisheries within six nautical miles from shore. They have the power to make byelaws to protect resources and the environment in their area as well as also enforcing national and European fisheries legislation.

Northumberland IFCA and Southern IFCA are both looking to recruit an individual with expertise in commercial fisheries.

David Abbott, Head of Marine Compliance for the Marine Management Organisation which is carrying out the recruitment said "This is an excellent opportunity for experienced people in the inshore marine area to use their skills to influence decisions on how their local area is managed."

The deadline for applications is 4 March 2013.

IFCAs are either committees or joint committees of the local authorities that fall within an IFC district. They are tasked with the sustainable management of inshore sea fisheries resources in their local area. They are made up of representatives from the constituent local authorities along with people from across the different sectors that use or are knowledgeable about the inshore marine area, such as commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental groups and marine researchers, who offer their time voluntarily.

The Marine Management Organisation, Environment Agency and Natural England also each have a statutory seat on the IFCA. Through their local management and funding structures, IFCAs help put local authorities, local communities, local businesses and individual citizens in the driving seat, allowing them to play a bigger part in the protection and enhancement of their inshore marine environment.