SUCCESS CRITERIA
SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
In line with its statutory role, NIFCA contributes significantly to delivering key national priorities around marine conservation, fisheries management, and sustainable development. As a competent and relevant Authority, NIFCA must perform duties with regard for national legislation and policy. The Authority aligns its ongoing and future work with these priorities to ensure effective support and implementation of government policy. For further details on all workstream related to government policy please see the Annual Research Plan 2026/27. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The UK Government has committed to creating and maintaining a well ‑ managed network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). IFCAs play a central role within this network, with statutory duties under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 to monitor, manage, and where necessary regulate fishing activity to further the conservation objectives of MPAs. Within the NIFCA district, there are 10 MPAs, including Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). These sites are designated to protect a variety of habitats and species. NIFCA’s must manage fishing activity in line with the conservation objectives of each MPA. In 2026/27 NIFCA’s work in this area will focus on the completion of assessments for intertidal fishing activity and assessments of fishing activity in Berwick to St Mary’s MCZ. NIFCA will continue with established Monitoring and Control plans (MCPs) to ensure fishing activity in the site remains compatible with the conservation objectives and develop MCPs for intertidal activity. NIFCA will collect impacts evidence in Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ to inform decisions on the Trawl Management Plan in place in the site. In addition to these statutory responsibilities, IFCAs are delivery partners under the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). Through targeted fisheries management, evidence ‑ led regulation, and monitoring, NIFCA supports EIP targets aimed at improving the condition of designated features within MPAs and protecting sensitive habitats and species across the inshore area.
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