nifca news summer 2025
Join the nifca Bass Scale Project
Northumberland IFCA is inviting anglers to take part in an exciting citizen science project to support the future of sea bass in our local waters. The Bass Scale Project aims to gather vital information about bass populations within the NIFCA district by collecting size and age data. This is essential for understanding how these fish grow, move, and interact with wider UK populations, which will help to fill evidence gaps in the national Bass Fisheries Management Plan (FMP). As bass grow, their scales form annual rings similar to tree rings, providing a record of their age and growth history. By simply measuring your catch and collecting a few scales (which will naturally regrow), you can help us build a
valuable dataset to inform sustainable management and conservation efforts. Every fish matters, no matter its size - even fish below minimum landing size provide important insights. Taking part is easy: measure the length and girth, carefully remove a few scales from the area near the pectoral fin, record the details, and return the fish to the water safely. Scales should then be sent to NIFCA in the provided envelope or dropped off directly. With your help, we can better protect bass stocks and ensure healthy fisheries for future generations. To learn more or request sampling materials, visit www.nifca.gov.uk or contact the team at nifca@nifca.gov.uk.
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