SUCCESS CRITERIA
RESEARCH
The Environmental Team conducts research and monitoring to improve understanding of the sea fisheries resources managed by NIFCA and the marine environment. This work directly informs the decisions made by the Authority. The team has developed a programme of surveys and assessments that are carried out either continuously throughout the year, at fixed times annually, or on an ad hoc basis in response to specific evidence needs. Please see below for a list of key research programmes for 2026/27, for further information and the full research plan please see the Annual Research Plan 2026/27. CRUSTACEAN MONITORING (LOBSTER & CRAB) NIFCA will continue its biometric sampling of lobster and brown crab populations and analysis of NIFCA commercial shellfish permit returns to continue to monitor key fisheries metrics. NIFCA will continue the v-notching programme to support the sustainability of lobster stocks within the district. This work contributes to long-term stock monitoring and aligns with national Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). NEPHROPS MONITORING AND TRAWL GEAR TRIALS NIFCA will continue the annual burrow count survey of the inshore Farne Deeps Functional Unit (FU6). This work follows ICES and Cefas data collection and analysis methodologies to contribute to the wider stock assessment in the Farne Deeps FU6. NIFCA ran a semi pelagic otter board gear trial in 2025/26 to test the usability of lower impact gear in this fishery. The initial trial was successful in raising the otter door off the bottom and a second phase of the trial is planned for 2026/27 to confirm changes to catch rates. FISHING ACTIVITY MONITORING To understand the distribution and intensity of fishing activity, NIFCA collects sighting data and aims to use vessel tracking information where available. NIFCA will explore and support integration of iVMS data (pending national implementation) to enhance monitoring. INTERTIDAL SURVEYS NIFCA will continue to monitor intertidal species and habitats, specifically periwinkles and mussels, to assess the local populations and impact of collection activities. This work includes the use of drone surveys to quantify effort in estuaries. This work supports MPA management and the collection of long- term data series. RECREATIONAL SEA ANGLING (RSA) ENGAGEMENT AND STRATEGY The Authority will maintain and develop engagement with the RSA sector through outreach, monitoring, and participation in research projects. This work helps gather data and build community involvement.
RSA ENGAGEMENT STRATGY
ENVIRO SURVEY REPORTS
26-27 ANNUAL RESEARCH PLAN
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