local work
Championing Recreational Sea Angling in Northumberland with NIFCA
How NIFCA Supports Anglers NIFCA has been proactive in ensuring recreational voices are not just heard but embedded in local management. Its Recreational Sea Angling Strategy, first published in 2021 and updated annually, focuses on three clear aims: Building strong relationships with anglers and clubs across the district Improving understanding of recreational catches and inshore fish stocks Making evidence-based decisions to secure sustainable fishing opportunities In practice, this means NIFCA officers are a familiar sight at competitions, in tackle shops, and on patrols. Their work includes distributing minimum size guides, installing fish measuring boards and promoting the Anglers’ National Line Recycling Scheme. Data for the Future One of the standout initiatives has been the NIFCA Species Challenge, a friendly, shore-based competition designed not just for bragging rights but for science. Launched in 2023, the Species Challenge has already engaged over 120 anglers, with nearly 1,200 fish submissions covering 38 species. Popular catches include flounder, whiting, dab, cod, and mackerel, while rarer finds like shad, bonito, and tompot blenny have added to the excitement.
Recreational sea angling has long been a cornerstone of coastal life in Northumberland. From pier fishing in Blyth to charter trips off Amble, the sport supports livelihoods, sustains communities, and connects thousands of anglers with the marine environment. Now, thanks to the work of the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA), recreational sea angling has never been more firmly recognised as a vital part of inshore fisheries management. Recognition under the Fisheries Act The Fisheries Act 2020, and later amendments in the Fisheries Act 2022, changed the landscape for UK anglers. For the first time, recreational angling was acknowledged in national fisheries management. This recognition ensures that Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) must take recreational sea angling into account, covering access to key species like bass, pollack and wrasse, as well as possible catch restrictions such as bag limits and seasonal closures. Importantly, the Act requires fisheries authorities to consider the socio-economic value of angling. With recreational sea angling contributing nearly £2 billion annually to the English economy and supporting over 16,000 jobs, its role in coastal economies is undeniable.
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