Shaping Our Seas: Public Appointments to Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities
Become an IFCA Member and help protect England’s inshore waters, support coastal communities and influence the future of marine conservation
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) appoints General Members to England’s Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs).
These appointments are made under section 151 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. MMO has a statutory responsibility to ensure IFCAs include members with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to manage local fisheries and marine environments effectively.
IFCA Members play an important role in supporting sustainable fisheries, thriving marine habitats and resilient coastal communities.
Whether your background is in fishing, marine conservation, science, local business, recreation or you have a strong connection to your local marine environment, becoming an IFCA Member is a unique opportunity to make a real impact.
What is an IFCA Member?
IFCAs have a duty to manage sea fisheries resources and the marine environment in England out to six nautical miles, with powers to write and enforce byelaws to manage fishing, including within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
IFCA Members sit on local IFCA committees and play a vital role in helping to manage and protect these environments. Authority members work alongside experts, stakeholders and local communities to help shape local decisions that balance commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and environmental interests to ensure sustainable fisheries and healthy seas for the future.
These are voluntary roles that can make a real difference, giving you an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your local marine environment and network with experts and decision-makers in your area.
What are IFCAs?
Please refer to the for further information.
Why Become an IFCA Member?
As an IFCA Member, you can:
- Help protect your local marine environment
- Support sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods
- Influence important local decisions
- Bring local knowledge and experience to the table
- Work with scientists, industry representatives, conservationists and communities
- Develop your understanding of local marine policies and governance
- Make a long-lasting impact in your local area
If you’re new to IFCAs or new to what is involved in becoming an IFCA Member, watch the Association of IFCAs Animation Series at this webpage. You can also find out more about the role of IFCA Members by reading the Association of IFCAs FAQs here.
Members are appointed from a wide range of backgrounds including from the commercial and recreational sector, marine conservation and environmental organisations, coastal communities, local authorities and academia.
What do IFCA Members do?
About the Role
These are voluntary, public appointments that put local people in the driving seat of fisheries management, offering a unique and rewarding opportunity to shape the future of inshore fisheries in your region.
Full details of the role, including the role description, commitments and appointment terms are available in the .
Who are we looking for?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, including (but not limited to):
- Commercial or recreational fishing
- Marine conservation or environmental management
- Science and academia
- Coastal business and community interests
- Local knowledge of marine and coastal environments
We are particularly keen to hear from people who:
- Care about coastal communities and the marine environment
- Can consider different viewpoints, think objectively, and contribute to balanced decision-making
- Have strong local knowledge of their IFCA district
- Want to support sustainable fisheries and healthy seas
- Are interested in shaping local decision-making
You do not need to be a technical expert to apply.
How to Apply
Applications are open throughout the year and reviewed on a quarterly basis.
MMO welcome applications from:
- New candidates
- Current members approaching the end of their service
- Former members
How can I get involved?
If you are successful, you may be placed on a reserve (merit) list for up to two years if there are no immediate vacancies. You can choose to opt out of this during the process.
Complete your application online or call 0300 123 1032 to request a postal application pack.
Completed applications should be submitted by:
- Email: ifcarecruitment@marinemanagement.org.uk; or
- Post:
IFCA Recruitment
Marine Management Organisation
Tyneside House
Skinnerburn Rd
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7AR
How are Appointments Decided?
MMO appoints General Members to IFCAs to ensure committees include a balanced range of perspectives and expertise.
Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and open competition process which is completed in accordance with Defra Guidance to MMO. The Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments is used as a best practice.
Each appointment is conditional upon the member following the Terms and Conditions (PDF, 210 KB, 3 pages) of appointment. Appointees must also abide by the relevant IFCA Code of Conduct and are bound by the Nolan Principles.
Further information on the appointment process is available in the .
Commitment and support
These appointments are unpaid, but some local authorities provide allowances or expenses. More importantly, the role offers the opportunity to make a direct and lasting contribution to the health of our seas, the sustainability of fisheries, and the prosperity of coastal communities.