Marine Protected Area Assessments

Southern IFCA has undertaken assessments of existing and potential commercial fishing activities within Marine Protected Areas throughout the District. The purpose of the assessments is to determine, whether or not in the view of Southern IFCA, the activities will hinder the achievement of the conservation objectives of the relevant Marine Protected Areas. Due to the very small scale and low impact of both rod and line and diving activities no Appropriate Assessments have had to be completed to date.  

Under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, Southern IFCA has a duty to further the conservation objectives of Marine Conservation Zones within in the District. For each MPA, Southern IFCA must carry out an assessment of fishing activities within the site, to determine if the activities could hinder the conservation objectives. If this document finds that the activity could hinder the site, Southern IFCA must create appropriate management measures to mitigate the risks. As of 2020, Southern IFCA has not been required to introduce management as a result of these assessments. However, Southern IFCA is currently undergoing the process of completing assessments for the tranche three MCZs. If detailed assessments of the activities are required, once complete they will be uploaded below.