2025-26 Annual Report

SUCCESS CRITERIA

SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS In fulfilling duties in relation to MPAs in the district, NIFCA have implemented management to: prohibit the use of mobile gear and protecting seagrass within the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC (there are three small areas open, under authorisation to light otter trawl gear only within this site), restrict the use of mobile gear in Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ to light otter trawl gear only, prohibiting the use of all other forms of mobile gear including scallop dredging. In the Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ, an adaptive management plan is in place to manage trawling in the site. This plan was implemented in 2025 and updated in 2026 based on information and evidence collected in the first year. The plan is reliant on REM (Remote Electronic Monitoring) using a GPS tracking system with gear sensors to record the total hours trawling within the site. Further information on the assessment, management plan, and supporting documents is available on the NIFCA website. Working with the fishing industry, NIFCA also carried out a trial with semi-pelagic otter boards to reduce the benthic impact of this fishery. NIFCA also regulates fishing activity in MPAs through existing byelaws and continues to monitor activity across all sites via MPA Monitoring and Control Plans (M&C Plans). They ensure that the objectives and aims of management plans for all MPAs within the district are achieved and strengthened. This year, NIFCA also developed M&C Plans for intertidal fisheries with advice and support from Natural England. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS NIFCA has actively supported the development and implementation of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). This has included contributing to the implementation of the Crab and Lobster FMP by supplying measuring gauges to active commercial fishers and providing the Defra FMP team with local fisheries data and communicating feedback from industry and stakeholders. NIFCA has also consulted on the draft Nephrops FMP, acting as the single point of contact for all IFCAs. In addition, NIFCA has provided input into, or reviewed, other plans relevant to local fisheries such as including cod, haddock, and other demersal fish species. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT NIFCA has an established process for responding to Marine Licence Applications (MLAs) as a statutory consultee to the MMO. This year, five applications were reviewed by a dedicated officer, with high-risk applications screened and circulated to NIFCA members for comment and approval. Alongside this, NIFCA has engaged with the Marine Planning process where possible throughout the year.