IFCA SUCCESS CRITERIA 3 IFCAs use evidence based & appropriate measures to manage the sustainable exploitation of sea fisheries resources & deliver marine environmental protection within their districts. Definition The IFCAs were created as statutory inshore regulators by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. They are relevant authorities for implementing international environmental commitments including the Birds, Habitats, Water & Marine Strategy Framework Directives & make an important contribution to securing a network of well managed marine protected areas. Fisheries Management Plans identify local management measures which should be based on evidence; be timely; subject to appropriate consultation & in step with national initiatives & priorities. An IFCA should balance the social & economic benefits of exploiting sea fisheries resources with the need to protect the environment. Make a contribution to sustainable development. Outcomes Identify issues likely to affect sustainable management of the marine environment in the IFC District; undertake risk assessment & gap analysis; review appropriateness of existing measures; evaluate management options & develop & implement proportionate marine management solutions. Support implementation of a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas by: developing a range of criteria-based management options; implementing management measures to ensure that inshore fisheries activities comply with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 & the revised approach to managing commercial fisheries in Marine Protected Areas; local management contributes to delivery of targets for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Water Framework Directive & Marine Plans. The IFCA will develop Fisheries Management Plans for priority species where appropriate. Shared objectives will be developed with identified partners; actions identified & best practice reflected so that management makes a contribution to sustainable development. Indicators SC3A : Record site-specific management considerations for Marine Protected Areas & report progress to the Authority. SC3B : Publish data analysis & evidence supporting new management measures, on its website. SC3C : Provide management information (e.g. sampling &/or survey results) which will be collected periodically after new management measures have been implemented, to demonstrate the extent of effectiveness of the intervention. SC3D : Have developed a range of criteria-based management options that are explained to stakeholders through the IFCA website & reviewed by 31 March annually. SC3E : New IFCA management measures selected for development and implementation are delivered within agreed timescales. SC3F : The IFCA will include shared agreed objectives and actions from Fisheries Management Plans in its own Annual Plan, which will be published by 31 March each year. SC3G : Progress made in relevant Fisheries Management Plan areas, including Maximum Sustainable Yield commitments, will be noted in the IFCA’s Annual Report.
IFCA SUCCESS CRITERIA 4 IFCAs have appropriate governance in place & staff are trained & professional
Definition IFCAs are statutory regulators for their Inshore Fisheries and Conservation District. Decision-making should be based on evidence. All IFCAs are supported by officers who pool their expertise and share best practice as a Technical Advisory Group (TAG). A programme of research activity and monitoring is planned, developed and updated in consultation with partners. The programme informs management decisions and supports justification for additional research and evidence gathering. Outcomes A strategic research plan that contributes to greater understanding of the marine environment and delivery of cost-effective management of sea fisheries resources. Standard Operating Procedures describe how data is captured and shared with principal partners. A list of research databases held by the IFCA and the frequency of their review. Non-confidential meta-data collected through the IFCA research programme should be recorded in a database available to the marine research community Indicators SC5A : Demonstrate progress that has been made towards identifying its evidence needs by publishing a research plan each year. SC5B : Publish a research report annually that demonstrates how evidence has supported decision making. SC5C : The IFCA’s contribution to TAG and progress that has been made towards a national evidence needs programme will be recorded in the IFCA’s Annual Report. IFCA SUCCESS CRITERIA 5 IFCAs make the best use of evidence to deliver their objectives
Definition IFCAs are statutory authorities & sit within the local government family. Authority members may be either general members or local councillors. They comply with Codes of Conduct & the Standing Orders that apply to meetings of local government committees. General members are appointed on merit, through open competition & for a term. They are subject to an annual performance appraisal. An IFCA is funded by levy, charged to its member councils. Funding originates in local taxation. An IFCA is accountable for its use of public resources & should ensure that a proper auditing regime provides confidence in its commitment & spend of public money. It should make effective use of its resources, including staff & assets. An IFCA has a statutory obligation to prepare & publish Annual Plans & Annual Reports. Outcomes Demonstrate its long-term strategic approach to sustainable marine management by having appropriate plan-making, review, update & amendment procedures in place. The IFCA will record its performance against corporate outcomes & indicators as soon as practically possible following the end of the financial year. Have staff performance management system in place that link to the IFCA success criteria. There will be an induction procedure for new joiners. Staff training & development needs will be identified. Performance will be managed &, where necessary, improvement procedures will be followed. The IFCA Committee will be supported by an organised, efficient & effective secretariat. New members will receive an induction pack & briefing from the Authority. There will be a rolling twelve month schedule of quarterly Authority meetings. Notices of meetings & documentation will be made available in line with Standing Orders. IFCA Committee meetings will be held in public unless material is either confidential, or exempt within the meaning of the LG Act 1972. Indicators SC4A : Publish a Plan on its website by 31 March, setting out the main objectives & priorities for the next financial year. A copy will be sent to the Secretary of State. SC4B : After the end of each financial year, publish a Report on its website describing its activities, performance & a summary of audited financial information in that year, by 30 November. A copy will be sent to the Secretary of State. SC4C : IFCA staff will have annual performance management plans in place. Annual appraisals for all staff will have been completed by 31 March each year. SC4D : An efficient secretariat of IFCA staff support IFCA Authority meetings which are held quarterly & are quorate. Meeting documentation will meet Standing Orders. SC4E : Demonstrate in its Annual Report, how marine, land & water management mechanisms in the IFCA District have worked responsively & effectively together.
15
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator