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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