FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS (FMPS) FMPs are a central feature of the Fisheries Act 2020, which sets out how the UK manages its fisheries post-Brexit. The act mandates the creation of evidence-based, species- and region-specific management plans to restore and maintain fish stocks at sustainable levels. FMPs aim to describe clear fisheries objectives and the steps to achieve them, implement flexible, locally tailored measures, facilitate co-management by involving local fishers and stakeholders and identify and address data and evidence gaps. NIFCA has played an active role in supporting FMP development and implementation, in 2026/27 NIFCA will continue to support the implementation of measures in the crab and lobster FMP through working with partners including the fishing industry, Defra and MMO. NIFCA will also review the draft Nephrops FMP this year and share this with relevant partners. NIFCA will also work to understand how evidence gathering can feed into the evidence gaps identified through the FMP process and continue to work to communicate fishing industry views with others. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The growing demand on marine space for activities such as offshore wind, aquaculture, and infrastructure highlights the need for integrated and sustainable management of marine resources. IFCAs contribute to this process through engagement in marine planning and licencing as statutory consultees. Key work areas include Marine Licencing, Marine Planning and permitting and consents. In 2026/27 NIFCA will continue to respond to relevant marine licence applications, engage in the Marine Plan process and have regards for relevant marine plan policies in key work.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS (FMPS)
MAP OF MPAS IN THE NIFCA DISTRICT
NIFCA ANNUAL RESEARCH PLAN 2026-27
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