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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