SUCCESS CRITERIA
SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
In line with its statutory role, NIFCA contributes significantly to delivering key national priorities around marine conservation, fisheries management, and sustainable development. The Authority aligns its ongoing and future work with these priorities to ensure effective support and implementation of government policy. For further details on all workstream related to government policy please see the Annual Research Plan 2025/26. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAS) The UK Government has committed to creating and maintaining a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). IFCAs are integral to this network, with responsibilities to monitor, manage, and where necessary, regulate fishing activity in line with the conservation objectives of MPAs. IFCAs have a statutory duty through the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MaCAA) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Within the NIFCA district, there are 10 MPAs, including Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). These sites are designated to protect a variety of habitats and species. NIFCA’s must manage fishing activity to avoid adverse impacts from fishing activity on protected features. In 2025/26 NIFCA will complete Outstanding MPA Assessments, continue with Monitoring and Control Plans for each MPA and work under and review the Coquet to St Mary’s Trawl Management Plan. 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, particularly focusing on crab and lobster as they are economically and ecologically important in the district. Key work areas include evidence gathering and data sharing, stakeholder communication, collaboration with Defra and ALBs. 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.
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