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 on which they depend. 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 2025/26, for further information and the full research plan please see the Annual Research Plan 2025/26. CRUSTACEAN MONITORING (LOBSTER & CRAB) NIFCA will continue its biometric sampling of lobster and brown crab populations, as well as the v-notching programme to support the sustainability of crustacean 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 To enhance understanding of Nephrops abundance and gear impact, NIFCA will conduct inshore Surveys to estimate Nephrops abundance and trial lower-impact trawling gear. 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 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.
22
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator