SUCCESS CRITERIA
ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION STRATEGY NIFCA’s Engagement and Communication Strategy benefits from both external communications expertise and the strong local knowledge of its officers. Our approach will be continuously reviewed to strengthen relationships with stakeholders and the wider public. In 2025-26, we will continue hosting Fisher Forum events across the district’s main fishing ports. These face-to-face sessions will take a tailored format - from informal quayside drop-ins to events held aboard the patrol vessel St Aidan - to encourage open dialogue and improve accessibility. This will be especially important during the review of management measures for the Coquet to St Mary’s Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). We will maintain and build on our engagement with the recreational sector, including launching the new Bass Scale Project. Participation in community events will also continue, such as the North Shields 800 celebrations, harbour festivals, RNLI days, Trinity House educational programmes with local cadets, and ongoing liaison with Fishermen’s Associations and Sea Angling Clubs. To ensure broad and inclusive engagement, we will use a range of communication tools, including timely press releases and regular updates on our website. These channels support transparency, awareness, and understanding of NIFCA’s responsibilities and decisions. As part of our outreach, up to three stakeholder newsletters will be produced each year, offering updates on strategic priorities, regulatory developments, and operational work. Fisher Focus bulletins will continue to provide targeted updates to commercial fishers, covering both national and local regulatory issues. Substantial improvements will be made to the Authority’s website to enhance its role as a key information hub. These updates will focus on usability, accessibility, and relevant content, improving user experience and encouraging wider engagement. Social media will remain a core part of our communication strategy. Strategic use of multiple platforms will allow us to share real-time updates, increase visibility of our work, and support both stakeholder engagement and public education on marine conservation.
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