NIFCA NEWS spring 2026
of Northumberland IFCA years 15
local work
national news
community outreach
wildlife news
contents 03 04 06 07 08
Welcome National Symposuim Danish Flume Tank Gear Trial Successful Prosecutions 15 Years of NIFCA Defra Visit Blue Planet Event Amble Open Lobster MCRS Increase Coastal Health & Livelihood Mussel Bed Restoration NIFCA Annual Plan Sustainability Award Nomination
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Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth Northumberland NE24 4RT
01670 797676 nifca@nifca.gov.uk www.nifca.gov.uk
Northumberland IFCA
@N_IFCA
northumberland-ifca
nifca news spring 2026
welcome Welcome to our Spring 2026 newsletter, which also marks the 15-year anniversary of the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act. This milestone offers an important opportunity to consider the strides made in the sustainable management of our inshore fisheries. Over the past decade and a half, the IFCAs have played a crucial role in fostering a viable fishing industry, deeply embedded within the cultural and historical fabric of our coastal communities. The development of marine protected areas and the careful management of fishing activity across the district have played a vital role in protecting sensitive seabed habitats from the impacts of fishing gear. These efforts have not only preserved the unique character of local harbours and traditions but have also ensured a steady supply of locally caught fish and shellfish. This abundance contributes directly to the economic prosperity of coastal areas and bolsters local food security, reinforcing the importance of sustainable fisheries for both present and future generations. Today, more than 40% of the district’s 1,492 km ² is closed to trawling. Both scallop dredging and beam trawling are entirely prohibited across the district, ensuring that vulnerable seabed habitats remain safeguarded from potentially damaging activities. In addition, a further 13% of the district is governed by restrictions on the use of bottom towed gear. These areas are managed through a combination of agreed limited access and the implementation of remote electronic monitoring (REM) systems, which include vessel trackers and gear sensors to ensure compliance and support enforcement. Specific byelaws have also been introduced to protect vital seagrass beds, reinforcing our commitment to habitat conservation. Across the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, robust monitoring and control plans are in place, providing comprehensive oversight and helping to maintain the ecological integrity of these important environments. These measures, developed by IFCA members over the last 15 years, directly support the UK Government’s 30 by 30 ambition to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. We would like to thank all Authority members, staff, and our wider partners past and present for their contribution to these achievements.
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inshore small scale fisheries national symposium
national news
nifca news spring 2026
event photos captured by Oli Loveday
A Shared Commitment from Coastal Communities to Secure the Long-term Future of Small-scale Fisheries
The Authority attended the National Symposium for Inshore and Small-scale Fisheries in Newcastle this February, marking the first major event organised by the Inshore and Small-scale Fisheries (ISSF) Consortium. The two-day symposium brought together around 120 delegates from across the English coastline, including fishermen, fisheries representatives, scientists, NGOs and regulators such as IFCAs, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas). Notably, around 50 attendees were fishermen, ensuring that those working at the heart of the industry were well represented in discussions. Building on earlier workshops held in Poole and Whitby in 2024, the symposium focused on turning discussion into action. The aim was clear: to develop practical, workable solutions to the key challenges facing inshore and small-scale fisheries. Seven priority areas, which were identified during the 2024 workshops, formed the backbone of the event. These included strengthening the voice of inshore fishermen, improving the regulation of shared marine space, ensuring health and safety measures reflect the realities of fishing, and improving public understanding of the industry.
Other priorities focused on increasing access to funding, supporting diversification, and encouraging training and recruitment into fishing careers. A key strength of the symposium was its collaborative approach. Participants were placed into mixed groups, bringing together different perspectives and expertise. This created open, constructive discussions that moved beyond identifying problems and towards shaping realistic solutions. Ideas and recommendations from each group were carefully recorded and shared across the wider event. NIFCA Chief Officer Mark Southerton and Environmental IFCO, Vicky Rae attended the event. Vicky said: “The symposium marked another important step forward, helping to build a shared understanding of the challenges ahead and a collective drive to support the long-term future of inshore and small-scale fisheries. “A consistent message throughout the session was that meaningful progress will depend on continued collaboration. Delivering real change will require commitment from across the sector, from fishermen and regulators to policymakers and scientists.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORT FOR SMALL SCALE FISHERIES
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local & international work
increasing Insight of gear technology Danish Flume Tank visit with Seafish supports NIFCA’s decision to continue innovative gear trials
NIFCA Lead Environmental Officer, Alex Aitken, recently joined a UK delegation on a visit to the renowned Hirtshals Flume Tank, organised by Seafish. Located on the edge of Hirtshals Harbour in Denmark, the North Sea Flume Tank is the largest wave and current tank in Europe. The visit brought together fourteen representatives from across the seafood sector to explore how fishing gear design can improve sustainability and performance. The flume tank offers a unique, controlled setting where model trawl gear can be tested, allowing participants to see exactly how nets and components behave underwater.
Through demonstrations and discussion, the group looked at ways to reduce bycatch, protect seabed habitats, and improve fuel efficiency. Small adjustments to gear design and rigging were shown to make a significant difference to both environmental impact and fishing efficiency. The findings closely align with NIFCA’s own ongoing gear trials of semi-pelagic trawl doors which have shown promising results, including reduced seabed contact, lower flatfish bycatch, and estimated fuel savings of 10–20%. These early results have reinforced NIFCA’s decision to continue working with local fishers to trial innovative gear designs. We ask any trawl fishers interested in testing this fully funded gear to get in touch.
Lead Environmental Officer Alex Aitken says: “The flume tank provides a unique environment where you can clearly see how small changes in design or rigging affect performance, selectivity and environmental impact. That insight is invaluable for informing decision-making across policy, supply chains and sustainability initiatives.”
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local work
successful Prosecutions for fisheries offences Joint enforcement operations targeting illegal fishing results in prosecution of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea couple
the 2024 MMO and IFCA offences at North Tyneside Magistrates Court on 16 April 2026, after which they were sentenced on the same date for the following offences: Landing European lobster below Minimum Conservation Reference Size Landing mutilated lobsters Landing egg-bearing lobsters Retaining and carrying berried Lobsters aboard their vessel Fishing within the NIFCA district other than in accordance with a NIFCA permit
On 11 September 2024, officers from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), NIFCA and Northumbria Police conducted a joint compliance patrol at the Port of Blyth following reports that the Andigee WY372 was repeatedly landing undersized shellfish. Officers inspected and measured a total of 250 lobsters seized from the vessel. Of these, 248 were found to be undersized, 28 were egg-bearing , and 2 had mutilated tails. Only 2 lobsters were compliant with legislation. On the 17 January 2025, officers from NIFCA and the MMO conducted inspections on static
fishing gear in the NIFCA district set from the Andigee WY372, which was not permitted to fish at the time. Officers seized 70 illegally set lobster pots that were not marked appropriately, and which were discovered to be storing 174 undersize lobsters one of which was egg-bearing. The defendants Brenda Denton, owner of, and Charles Michael Denton, master of, the vessel Andigee WY372 from Newbiggin- by-the-Sea, were found guilty of the 2025 IFCA offences at a trial at Newcastle Magistrates Court in December 2025. They entered guilty pleas on the day of trial to
Failing to display relevant information on fishing gear
These offences were in breach of legislation laid out in Fisheries Act 1981, the Sea Fish Conservation Act 1967 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 through NIFCA byelaws. The defendants received proportionate fines and costs totalling £6,060. They have also been disqualified from holding any IFCA permit for 3 years and forfeited the 70 pots seized by the Northumberland IFCA.
NIFCA Lead Enforcement Officer Nick Weir says: “NIFCA welcomes the court’s decision to disqualify Mr and Mrs Denton from holding any IFCA permit along with the fines and forfeiture ordered. NIFCA would like to thank our partners at the Marine Management Organisation along with Park Square Barristers and Andrew Jackson Solicitors for their ongoing support.”
nifca news spring 2026
Fishermen sentenced following repeated fisheries offences involving illegal lobster pots around Holy Island
District Judge Meek found both defendants guilty in January 2026, describing them and their witnesses as “untruthful” in an “attempt to hide the defendants’ guilt.” At a further hearing on 28 April 2026, both men pleaded guilty to four additional offences uncovered during NIFCA’s 2025 investigation. The court heard that two further fleets of improperly marked lobster pots were seized in the Holy Island area in August and October 2025, with monitoring data again linking the defendants’ vessels to the gear. Judge Meek sentenced Shaun Brigham to pay fines and costs totalling £28,842.60 and Richard Ward £26,425.
On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward, both of Holy Island, were sentenced for breaches of local fisheries legislation. The prosecution, brought by NIFCA, followed offences involving the use of untagged lobster pots in contravention of Authority byelaws designed to protect local marine resources. During a trial in December 2025, the court heard that in August 2024 Mr Brigham and Mr Ward had fished with pots that were not fitted with the required commercial permit tags, resulting in their seizure. Inshore Vessel Monitoring System data showed the defendants’ vessels, Freedom B BK532 and Sophy Rose BK533, attending the gear shortly before seizure.
She said she had seriously considered disqualifying the pair from holding NIFCA permits, but took into account the impact on the Holy Island community. Nick Weir, Lead Enforcement Officer for NIFCA, said: “NIFCA welcomes the court’s sentencing in this case. Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward deliberately and repeatedly breached legislation designed to protect vital local shellfish stocks for their own financial gain. “What is particularly concerning is that these offences continued even while they were under investigation, showing a clear disregard for both the law and the sustainability of the marine environment.”
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marking 15 Years of NIFCA
As NIFCA celebrates its 15 anniversary, we reflect on a journey shaped by partnership, dedication and a shared commitment to protecting and managing our inshore fisheries and marine environment. th Since its inception, the Authority has continued to evolve, building strong relationships with local communities, industry, scientists and partner organisations, while strengthening its operational, scientific and enforcement capabilities across the district.
Over the past fifteen years, NIFCA has delivered significant projects, invested in modern patrol assets, supported collaborative research and helped shape a balanced approach to sustainable fisheries management. Behind every milestone are the people who have contributed to the Authority’s success - members, officers, partners and stakeholders whose experience, passion and commitment continue to guide our work today. While this anniversary offers an opportunity to look back
with pride, it is also a chance to look ahead. As challenges and opportunities continue to evolve, NIFCA remains committed to protecting our inshore waters and supporting sustainable fisheries for future generations. This year also marks the 15 anniversary of the Association of IFCAs (AIFCA), which continues to support and champion the work of all ten regional IFCAs across England. To celebrate this milestone and showcase the breadth of IFCA activities, the AIFCA has launched a th
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of Northumberland IFCA years 15
Here are some of the milestones that have marked our first 15 years...
Working in partnership, NIFCA, the Environment Agency and the River Tweed Commission carry out fish surveys on the River Tweed, reflecting an evolving collaborative approach to understanding, protecting and managing our shared coastal environment
The formation of the Northumberland IFCA represented an important milestone in the evolution of local fisheries management, following many years supporting the coast as the Sea Fisheries Committee
NIFCA proudly supported the Foghorn Requiem at Souter Lighthouse. A unique tribute to the UK’s disappearing coastal foghorns, bringing together vessels, brass bands and local communities in a memorable celebration of the North East’s maritime heritage
15 Years of Leadership: the Chairs of NIFCA. Robert Arckless MBE, 2012-2017 (center), Les Weller, 2017-22 (left) & Amelia Henderson,2022-present (right)
new series of community engagement films entitled “Lead, Champion, Protect.”
15 Years of Service and Stewardship For the past 15 years, NIFCA’s Members have been at the heart of the Authority, contributing their time and expertise to help shape the sustainable management of our inshore fisheries. Through their commitment, knowledge and stewardship, Members have played an invaluable role in guiding the work of the Authority and supporting balanced decision-making across the district. As we mark this milestone anniversary, we extend our sincere thanks to all Members who have served on the NIFCA Authority, whose dedication and support have shaped NIFCA into the organisation it is today.
These films not only raise awareness of the varied work undertaken by IFCAs nationwide but also improve transparency by sharing real-life stories and outcomes. They illustrate how local expertise and stakeholder involvement are essential in shaping regional policy and ensuring the sustainable management of marine resources.
CLICK TO WATCH IFCA COMMUNITY VIDEO S
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The arrival of patrol vessel St Aidan marked a major investment in NIFCA’s operational capability, funded entirely through reserves, through the careful stewardship and foresight of the Authority’s members
Sea Cadets joined officers from NIFCA, the MMO and the Environment Agency for a hands-on learning experience, providing a valuable
NIFCA patrol vessel St Aidan joined the celebrations at the Tall Ships event in Blyth in 2016, showcasing the Authority’s presence within the region’s proud maritime community
Supporting local conservation initiatives, NIFCA worked alongside the Amble Lobster Hatchery in the release of juvenile lobsters into the sea, helping to support the future sustainability of local lobster stocks
opportunity to explore fisheries management enforcement and coastal protection
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nifca’S sTORY
members &governance
science & research
Today, NIFCA’s membership brings together the knowledge of commercial fishers, anglers, Councillors and scientists, creating a balanced and collaborative approach to managing and protecting our inshore fisheries for future generations. Drawing on a wide range of experience, local knowledge and technical expertise, Members play an important role in shaping the Authority’s work, from decisions relating to fisheries and site management, to regulatory measures, compliance and sanctions. Through their dedication and commitment to balancing the needs of the marine environment, the fishing industry and coastal communities, Members help ensure that management decisions are informed, proportionate and reflective of both environmental responsibilities and the people whose livelihoods and heritage are connected to our inshore waters.
NIFCA’s science and research work has played an important role in supporting sustainable, evidence- led fisheries management across the district. Through surveys, monitoring programmes and collaborative projects with universities and partner organisations, the Authority continues to strengthen understanding of the local marine environment and inform effective management decisions.
ICES conference 2024
NIFCA’s commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing was reflected in 2024 through our involvement in the ICES Annual Science Conference, Newcastle, where Lead Environmental Officer Alex Aitken delivered a presentation highlighting aspects of the Authority’s scientific and research work.
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A visit from Defra colleagues to NIFCA’s Blyth office reflected the continued importance of collaboration between national policy and local regulation in supporting sustainable fisheries and healthy marine environments
Working in partnership with Newcastle University, NIFCA supported a marine crustacea tracking project collecting 60 grab samples and making 20 BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) deployments over two days
The launch of the FLAG- funded Brown Crab Stock Assessment Programme marked an important step in developing a stronger scientific understanding of local crab stocks
Building on NIFCA’s long- standing partnership with Newcastle University, the MSFD project was a collaborative research initiative, generating survey data that continues to inform scientific research and fisheries management today
SO FAR enforcement & ops
of Northumberland IFCA years 15
partnership working
Enforcement and operational work remain central to NIFCA’s role in protecting the district’s inshore fisheries and marine environment. Through patrol activity, inspections, partnership working and targeted operations, Officers work to support compliance, promote responsible fishing practices and ensure regulations are applied fairly and proportionately. Over the years, a number of significant prosecution outcomes have highlighted the importance of effective local enforcement in protecting fisheries and sensitive marine habitats. These have included a 2017 case involving illegal dredging within a prohibited Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a complex 2021 prosecution featuring multiple offences, and two landmark cases in 2025/26: one resulting in a three-year permit ban, and another secured entirely through the use of iVMS data, demonstrating the evolving role of technology in modern fisheries enforcement.
2026 and beyond As NIFCA looks towards 2026 and beyond, Chair Amelia Henderson and Chief Officer Mark Southerton continue to lead the Authority’s commitment to collaborative, locally informed fisheries management. With growing focus on strengthening fisher and community voice, alongside the launch of a new website, NIFCA continues to evolve while remaining connected to the coastal communities it serves. Partnership working has remained central to NIFCA’s approach over the past 15 years. From joint patrols and fish surveys with the MMO, Environment Agency and Tweed Commission, to collaborative research with Newcastle University and operational training exercises with the RNLI, NIFCA continues to work closely with partners to support safer seas and effective local fisheries management.
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Strengthening the voices of local fishers, NIFCA continued to develop its Fisher Forums, establishing a regular opportunity for the fishing industry to share feedback, concerns and priorities directly with the Authority’s Chief Officer
NIFCA’s V-Notch Programme makes a return, at the request
NIFCA Environmental Officers joined the Scottish Marine Directorate to support prawn burrow count surveys in Scotland, helping to share expertise and strengthen scientific understanding across organisations
After serving as CEO since NIFCA’s inception, Mike Hardy handed over the reins to long-serving Fisheries Officer Mark Southerton, whose 25 years with the Authority reflect a lifetime of dedication to the organisation and its work
of local fishers. NIFCA releases a short film
highlighting the importance of this collaborative conservation work in supporting the long- term sustainability of local lobster stocks
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community outreach
Defra FMP Policy Team Visit Northumberland
Northumberland IFCA was pleased to welcome representatives from Defra’s Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) Policy Team earlier this year. Working alongside colleagues from the Association of IFCAs (AIFCA), NIFCA hosted the visit at our Blyth office, where the team met with Chief Officer Mark Southerton and our Environmental and Science team. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase how IFCAs support the delivery and implementation of national Fisheries Management Plans. The Authority highlighted our extensive data collection programmes for the crab and lobster fisheries, as well as our stakeholder engagement work, including our Fisher Forum sessions, which keep industry informed on the progress of the FMP programme. We also shared examples of wider workstreams, including the development of our nephrops surveys and stock assessments further supporting national FMP policy, strengthened through partnership working with CEFAS,
the Marine Directorate, and our membership within the ICES Nephrops Survey Working Group. Additional national examples were presented by the AIFCA Policy Officer. Following the meeting, a harbour visit to Amble was arranged, providing the Defra team with an opportunity to speak directly with local fishers and hear first-hand about the challenges the industry is facing. Discussions covered a range of national policy changes, including EU Exit exporting impacts, FMP implementation on crab and lobster, Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (IVMS), and fish traceability requirements.
STAY IN THE LOOP WITH DEFRA’S FMP BLOG
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nifca news spring 2026
NIFCA at the Amble Open The 48 Amble Open, hosted by Amble Sea Angling th Club on Sunday 5 January, took place in difficult winter conditions, with snow, sub-zero temperatures and a strong onshore swell making many marks hard to fish. Despite this, hundreds of anglers competed for a share of the £7,500 prize fund. NIFCA IFCOs Nick Weir and Sarah Richardson visited anglers at Sugar Sands and Druridge Bay, where catches were generally slow, with only small numbers of cod, flatfish and whiting reported. Many anglers commented that catches have been poor throughout the winter, although whiting numbers appear to have improved recently. At the weigh-in at The Radcliffe Club, Colin Holmes secured the heaviest fish prize with a 10 lb 2.8 oz cod caught at Cambois, winning £1,000. Steven Dickson won the heaviest bag category with seven cod weighing 12 lb 13 oz, while Zac Ainsley took third place with 13 flatfish weighing 10 lb 14 oz. Despite the challenging conditions, the event once again highlighted the enthusiasm and resilience of the Northumberland angling community. NIFCA thanks all anglers who took the time to speak with officers during the competition. Blue Planet Connect NIFCA attended the Blue Planet Connect Recruitment and Skills Fair, hosted by Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences on Tuesday 3 February 2026. The event focuses on careers in the marine, offshore and environmental sectors, bringing together organisations with students and graduates from disciplines such as Marine Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science and Geography. Held in a trade show format, it provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with students, share insights into NIFCA’s work, and promote career pathways within inshore fisheries and conservation. This year’s event saw a significant increase in attendance, with over 250 students taking part throughout the day, representing a 300% rise compared to 2025. The strong turnout created a busy and positive atmosphere, with high levels of interest and engagement from attendees. Andrew Boon, Senior Environmental Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer, explains: “Blue Planet Connect provided a worthwhile opportunity to connect with the next generation of marine and environmental professionals, and to support skills development within the sector.”
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national news
Members Support for Fishers Ahead of Defra’s New Requirements Lobster MCRS Increases Defra has confirmed the timetable for the phased increase to the Lobster Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) as part of the short-term measures in the Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan. The MCRS will rise incrementally to 90 mm over the next three years, with changes taking effect on 1st March 2026 then again in January 2027 and January 2028. To help commercial fishers prepare for the first increase, NIFCA has supplied new shellfish measuring gauges to all commercial permit holders. Following strong demand, both from commercial fishers requesting additional gauges and from recreational fishers wishing to adopt the new size, NIFCA has arranged for further gauges to be manufactured and made available. A new order of gauges will be placed later in 2026, ensuring fishers are fully equipped ahead of the next increase to 89 mm in January 2027. The Authority will continue to support the industry through the transition and provide updates as further measures from the Fisheries Management Plan are implemented. To ensure fairness for fishers throughout the district, NIFCA Members voted in April to introduce an additional commercial permit condition to the Crustacea and Molluscs Permitting and Pot Limitation byelaw to prohibit retaining and carry lobsters below 88mm MCRS. This decision was made following consultation with stakeholders, and will enable IFCOs to enforce the current national measures which has been introduced using a vessel licence condition. It also aims to address potential cross border impacts with the lobster MCRS in Scottish waters remaining at 87mm.
READY TO READ MORE: view all fmps which defra have published follow defra’s fmp blog to keep updated
nifca news summer 2025 nifca news spring 2026
nifca news autumn 2024
Association of IFCAs Coastal Health and Livelihood Event
The Coastal Health, Livelihoods and Environment programme has developed the Coastal Health Operational Model (CHOM) to strengthen how organisations
By improving how intelligence and data are gathered, shared and analysed, CHOM supports faster, more joined up responses and clearer communication during coastal health incidents, helping to protect marine ecosystems and support resilient coastal livelihoods. The project includes nationwide workshops. In February, NIFCA hosted a session organised by Cefas and the Association of IFCAs for North Eastern and North Western IFCA’s, sharing updates on handling unexplained adverse events. These sessions help boost preparedness and share information among regional stakeholders.
prepare for and respond to unexplained adverse events affecting coastal wildlife.
These incidents can include sudden die offs or longer-term declines in marine plants and animals that are not linked to pollution and can be challenging to assess. CHOM sets out a clear, coordinated approach that brings together expertise across agencies once an incident cannot easily be identified, helping to improve understanding of what is happening beneath the surface. The model recognises that climate change and ongoing human pressures are increasingly affecting coastal and intertidal environments, with growing impacts on commercial fish and shellfish stocks and the communities that depend on them.
VISIT THE AIFCA WEBSITE HERE
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wildlife news
Mussel Bed Restoration Network
Over the past 12 months, NIFCA IFCO Sarah Richardson has continued her involvement in the Mussel Bed Restoration Network, led by the Tees Rivers Trust. The network brings together specialists from across the UK and internationally to share research and knowledge on the decline of mussel beds. Recent meetings explored restoration projects in Denmark and New Zealand, including the use of tree reefs made from waste timber to support mussels and other marine life, alongside updates on changing mussel bed conditions in The Wash. These discussions have provided useful comparisons for the challenges being observed along the Northumberland coast. NIFCA surveys at Blyth and Lindisfarne show mussel beds have continued to decline and are now in a critical condition, with very few live mussels recorded and limited evidence of successful recruitment.
The causes remain unclear, but the network is examining a range of possible pressures, including water quality, disease, habitat loss and wider environmental change. There is also growing interest in developing collaborative funding bids to explore future restoration approaches. The network is proving valuable in placing Northumberland’s mussel declines within a wider national and international context, helping to guide future research and potential restoration efforts.
READY TO READ MORE:
view NIFCA’s latest lindisfarne mussel bed report view NIFCA’s latest Blyth mussel bed report
nifca news Spring 2026
local work
Annual Planning and National Review As statutory regulators of England’s inshore waters, IFCAs are required to publish an Annual Plan outlining priorities and objectives for the year ahead. Alongside annual reporting, these plans also contribute to Defra’s four-yearly Conduct and Operations Review, which assesses how each IFCA is delivering against its statutory duties and responsibilities. NIFCA’s Annual Plan for 2026/27 sets out our key areas of focus for the coming year, including the continued development of sustainable fisheries management, strengthening engagement with stakeholders and coastal communities, and supporting compliance with environmental legislation and marine conservation measures across the district. The work of the Authority is shaped not only by regulation and policy, but also by the strong relationships we maintain with industry, partners, local communities and other organisations working within the marine environment. We are pleased to publish our Annual Plan for 2026/27, setting out our priorities for the coming year. We invite all stakeholders to collaborate with us as we work towards achieving these goals, ensuring the continued health and productivity of our inshore waters.
CLICK HERE VIEW THE 2026 2027 ANNUAL PLAN
NIFCA Nominated for Fishing News Sustainability Award
The Authority has been shortlisted for the distinguished 'Sustainability Award' at the 2026 Fishing News Awards, which honour individuals and organisations contributing to the advancement of the UK and Irish commercial fishing sectors. NIFCA’s nomination acknowledges the Authority’s commitment to balancing conservation with livelihoods in the management of trawling within Coquet to St Mary’s Marine Conservation Zone MCZ and to introduce an annual cap on hours fished within the site. A vessel tracker and gear sensor is also required to monitor the footprint and compliance of fishing vessels. This is the second of such nominations with an earlier nomination for “service provider” in relation to the role NIFCA took on in assisting the local community to respond to the Defra pilot HPMA Lindisfarne consultation and the data provided to Defra to show the site as already well managed in relation to fisheries.
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Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth Northumberland NE24 4RT
of Northumberland IFCA years 15
01670 797676 nifca@nifca.gov.uk www.nifca.gov.uk
Northumberland IFCA
@N_IFCA
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