News story

Influence management of inshore fisheries in Northumberland

An opportunity to help manage inshore fisheries in Northumberland is available for someone with marine expertise.

The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) is looking to appoint a new member.

Each IFCA needs members who will take a balanced approach to caring for our seas, assessing the priority and importance of all users and stakeholders. This vacancy is an opportunity for someone with marine expertise to influence the management of inshore seas around Northumberland.

David Abbott, Head of Marine Compliance for the Marine Management Organisation, which is carrying out the recruitment, said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced person in the inshore marine area to use their skills to influence decisions on how their local area is managed.”

The deadline for applications has now passed.

The role is on a voluntary basis although relevant expenses may be reimbursed. More information on the vacancy and how to apply for it.

You can also email ifcarecruitment@marinemanagement.org.uk or telephone 0300 123 1032 for more information.

Background

There are 10 IFCAs around the English coastline and they are responsible for sustainably managing sea fisheries within 6 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.

IFCAs are either committees or joint committees of the local authorities that fall within an IFC district. They are tasked with sustainably managing inshore sea fisheries resources in their local area. They are made up of representatives from local councils 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 has a statutory seat on the IFCA. Through their local management and funding structures, IFCAs help put local councils, communities and businesses, and individual citizens in the driving seat, allowing them to play a bigger part in the protection and enhancement of their inshore marine area.

Published 11 November 2014