SUCCESS CRITERIA
ENFORCEMENT
In 2025–26, Northumberland IFCA continued to apply an adaptive co- management approach to enforcement, prioritising compliance through engagement, education, and the provision of clear advice. Where this approach proved unsuccessful, or in cases of serious breaches of legislation, the Authority applied formal enforcement measures to ensure accountability and reinforce the importance of compliance among stakeholders. NIFCA’s enforcement activities were primarily intelligence and risk-led, supported by routine compliance inspections. Risks were systematically recorded, assessed, and shared through the new Clue© intelligence database. Enforcement priorities were shaped both internally and through joint Tasking and Coordination Group (TCG) meetings with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and other partner agencies. NIFCA’s enforcement team continued its focus on upholding Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS) and effort control through NIFCA’s Pot Limitation byelaw. Fishing activity within Marine Protected Areas was closely monitored to ensure restrictions were observed. Targeted outreach with the recreational fishing community also continued, helping to raise awareness of fisheries legislation and encourage compliance. During 2025–26, the enforcement team, often working jointly with the MMO, again devoted significant time and resources to addressing illegal landings in the Blyth and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea areas which culminated in successful prosecutions of those involved and significant and far-reaching sanctions being issued by the courts. Additionally, NIFCA successfully investigated, inspected and seized gear before prosecuting fishers who were exploiting effort controls, using innovative Ivms analysis to identify and locate the illegal gear and proving the fishers use of it in court. The financial penalty issued by the court for this offence has proved to be an effective deterrent to other fishers and changes in behaviour have been apparent with much positive feedback from the wider industry
NIFCA Enforcement Officer on NIFCA Cabin RIB Robert Arckless MBE
Officers on early morning shore patrol
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Enforcement Officers pull up alongside commercial fishing boat for inspection
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