how an ifca works
The way an IFCA works, in essence, is as follows. IFCA officers collect data and monitor the condition of fish stocks, wider environmental conditions, and the protected features in marine protected areas, within their specific regions. The staff then use that data, which includes inputs from stakeholders, to assess the status and condition of the fisheries and protected areas, and requirements for management interventions. These recommendations then go through multiple rounds of stakeholder consultation, prior to being openly debated in quarterly public meetings with the IFCA committee’s membership. This committee is made up of a diverse range of stakeholders who collectively represent coastal society in that region. IFCA committees vary in size, but must include representation of elected councillors who sit on local authorities within the region, three statutory organisations (the Environment Agency, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Natural England) who contribute perspectives from their individual organisations but also secure the important connection between regional decision-making and national policy and strategic vision, and general members, volunteers who are selected by the MMO following an application and interview process, based on the knowledge they bring to the authority. General members always include local commercial and recreational fishers, conservation and environmental groups, and usually academics. These members do not formally represent their sector of origin but are charged with bringing their specific knowledge and experience to the decision-making table. It is then down to the authority members to discuss the evidence presented to them by the IFCA staff, weighing up the pros and cons according to the different knowledges they bring, and stakeholder positions they are most familiar with.
07
06
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online