INTRODUCTION
On behalf of myself and the Chair of Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA), Amelia Henderson, I am pleased to welcome you to our Annual Report for 2025-26. Published in accordance with Section 178 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, this report provides an account of the Authority's activities over the past year and contributes to Defra's assessment of IFCA performance, accountability, and value for money. April 2026 marked the fifteenth anniversary of Northumberland IFCA's establishment under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the Authority's achievements and progress over the past 15 years. I would like to thank our staff, members, partners, and stakeholders for their continued dedication and support in helping us deliver our statutory responsibilities. At the Annual General Meeting in April 2025, Amelia Henderson was unanimously re-elected as Chair, beginning her second term in the role. As only the third Chair since NIFCA's inception, Amelia continues to provide strong leadership and commitment, supported by members and staff alike. Membership remained stable throughout the year, with new members joining a well-balanced Authority whose collective skills, knowledge, and experience continue to add significant value to our work. We remain grateful for the commitment and expertise contributed by all members. At the national level, progress continued on the development and implementation of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). NIFCA contributed to consultation on 11 Scottish-led demersal species plans, the final four Defra-led FMPs, and the Scottish- led Nephrops FMP. Locally, we worked closely with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on quality assurance processes for the Netting Permit Byelaw and De Minimis Assessment, and implemented an adaptive trawling management plan within the Coquet to St Mary's Marine Conservation Zone following a successful Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) pilot. Following strong stakeholder support, NIFCA continued the Lobster V-Notching Scheme, resulting in 1,217 lobsters being notched and released across the district. We also maintained engagement with the recreational sea angling community through initiatives such as the bass scale project, helping to improve our understanding of local bass populations. Throughout the year, NIFCA remained actively involved in the development of national fisheries and marine policy through participation in the Chief Officers Group, the Association of IFCAs, the Technical Advisory Group, and the National Inshore Marine Enforcement Group (NIMEG). We hope you find this report informative and valuable. A glossary of terms is available via the link provided: please feel free to contact us with any queries. Thank you to everyone who has worked with and supported NIFCA during the year. We look forward to building on these partnerships and continuing our work together in the years ahead.
CLICK HERE FOR GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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