News

26 October 2020

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is looking to recruit several members to the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). 

Each IFCA needs members who will take a balanced approach to caring for our seas, assessing the priority and importance of all users and stakeholders. The Southern IFCA is seeking proactive individuals with good communication skills and a demonstrable ability to disseminate IFCA regulations, policies and guidance through their network of contacts to serve as a member.

Andrew Wareing, Director of Digital and Analysis at MMO, reponsible for IFCA selection, said:

"These are exciting opportunities for people with experience and a passion for their inshore marine area to play a major part in shaping how their local area is managed. If you want to make a positive difference and help balance economic, social and environmental needs, we would be pleased to hear from you."

MMO invite applications from all industry sectors, however we would particularly welcome applicants from the recreational fishing and scientific sector.

The deadline for applications is 23:55 on Sunday 15th November 2020. Interviews will take place remotely on 25th November 2020. 

The role is on a voluntary basis although relevant expenses may be reimbursed. 

You can email ifcarecruitment@marinemanagement.org.uk or enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk for more information.

Background

There are 10 IFCAs around the English coastline and they are responsible for sustainably managing sea fisheries and conservation within 6 nautical miles from shore. They have the power to make byelaws to protect resources and the environment in their area as well as also enforcing national and European fisheries legislation.

IFCAs are either committees or joint committees of the local authorities that fall within an IFC district. They are tasked with sustainably managing inshore sea fisheries and conserving their local marine environment. They are made up of representatives from local councils along with people from across the different sectors that use or are knowledgeable about the inshore marine area, such as commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental groups and marine researchers, who offer their time voluntarily.

The Marine Management Organisation, Environment Agency and Natural England also each has a statutory seat on the IFCA. Through their local management and funding structures, IFCAs help put local councils, communities and businesses, and individual citizens in the driving seat, allowing them to play a bigger part in the protection and enhancement of their inshore marine environment. 

The MMO is responsible for appointing local people with relevant expertise to IFCA committees. Appointees make up roughly half of IFCA committees and are appointed on a voluntary basis. 

The members of the IFCA contribute their knowledge and expertise to provide sustainable management of the inshore marine area of their IFCA district. They guide the iFCA to deliver its mandate under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and in line with Defra guidance. 

We seek to achieve a balanced membership across various interest groups, including those with commercial, recreational and environmental interests. We are also keen to appoint people who represent the economic, social and environmental needs of their IFCA district and who, collectively, bring a variety of relevant interests such as fishing groups (commercial and non-commercial), conservation groups and other parties interested in the work of IFCAs.

Each appointment is made for a period of 3 to 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment up to a maximum of 10 years. It is conditional upon the member following terms and conditions (PDF, 210KB, 3 pages) for the appointment. Appointments are made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and guidance issued by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (PDF, 232KB, 9 pages). Appointees must follow relevant IFCA codes of conduct as well as abiding by the terms and conditions of appointment.

1. Application Form (PDF)
2. Information for Candidates (January 2020)

More information on the work of the IFCAs is available from the Association of IFCAs website and from here on the Southern IFCA website. 



21 October 2020

Hefty fines and forfeiture of fishing gear for visiting illegal net fishers in Southampton Water’s Bass Nursery Area

On 19^th October 2020, in the Southampton Magistrates Court, two men pleaded guilty to seven separate fisheries charges, including; taking a quantity of bass below the minimum size, removing bass from a Bass Nursery Area, deliberately fishing for bass using fixed gillnets and using a vessel not registered with the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) to take sea fish for sale from within the IFCA District.

The court heard how, in the early hours of the 17^th October 2019, fisheries officers intercepted the Plymouth-based fishing vessel Top Dog, numbered PH5580 at the mouth of the River Itchen in Southampton Water. IFCA officers boarded the visiting fishing vessel, owned by Mr Dean Rollason, and located a number of undersized bass.   The master of the vessel at the time, Mr Shane Barton – a repeating offender, was interviewed under caution and then escorted to a slipway where he left the scene with the vessel in tow.

Following further searches of the area, IFCA officers located a substantial net, marked by a small surface float. The net was in excess of 750metres long, in 13 sections and ran along Weston shoreline, into the River Itchen. Officers immediately hauled the net and were able to return a total of 50 grey mullet, 30 bass, 10 flounder, 5 plaice, 20 dogfish and 5 smooth hounds to the water alive. Further fish were removed from the net, totaling a combined estimated value of £1340. Evidence was later gathered that linked the fishing vessel Top Dog with the unattended illegally-set net. 

Commenting on the case, Ian Jones, Chief Officer of Southern IFCA said, “Bass are a highly prized sea fish, valuable to the local recreational and commercial fishery. The Southampton Water Bass Nursery Area is an important refuge for juvenile fish and legislation is in place to protect stocks. Southern IFCA is committed to the protection of our fish stocks and coastal fisheries. Bass nursery areas legislation allow bass to grow and in turn replenish the seriously depleted stocks. It is very pleasing that this intervention resulted in a substantial quantity of bass, mullet and other species from the net returned to the water alive. The Authority takes the illegal use of nets very seriously. There is a legal net fishery in Southampton Water, however this case highlights the impact that an illegally set net can have on that legitimate fishery. The Authority is grateful for witnesses from the local fishing community and to Associated British Ports, Southampton, and to Dorset Police, who assisted with this prosecution.”

The District Judge ordered Mr Barton and Mr Rollason both of Plymouth, Devon, to pay fines and costs of £4,800 and ordered forfeiture of their fishing net, worth an estimated £1,900.

Further protection for bass has been introduced in recent years. Anyone fishing for bass is advised to check the bass fishing guidance and the local regulations for bass nursery areas.

12 October 2020
National Lead Trainng Officer

Kent and Essex IFCA are administering the recruitment of this post for the Assoiciation of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (AIFCA) role which is home based with travel around England. Please see the details on their website https://www.kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk/about-us/vacancies/


 October 2020
Temporary Closure of Shellfish Beds Byelaw

Southern IFCA Members decided at the September Authority meeting to apply the Temporary Closure Byelaw to all native oyster beds in the Solent, Southampton Water and Portsmouth and Langstone Harbour for the forthcoming 2020/2021 season. Further details can be found here.   

1 September 2020
New Chief Executive

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) welcomes a new Chief Executive at the helm of the organisation from September.

Southern IFCA, the organisation responsible for management of inshore fisheries along the coast of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight will be led by Ian Jones who joins the Authority with a wealth of fisheries management experience from both the UK and Australia.

Having previously served as Deputy Chief Officer and latterly as the National Lead Training Officer for the Association of IFCAs, Ian is very familiar with the task ahead and the complexities of managing fisheries and conservation issues.

Commenting on his appointment, "I am very excited about serving the coastal communities of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. The inshore waters of this coastline are some of the most diverse and important in the country and coastal fishing is a significant part of what makes this area special. I really look forward to working in partnership with the local fishing communities and balancing the needs of the different interests and delivering world class fisheries management in our seas."

Prof John Humphreys Chairman of the Authority said "Ian's appointment will build upon the significant progress we have made in improving coastal fisheries and delivering the conservation in our unique coastal areas. Ian has a strong background in community involvement and I, as well as the members of the Authority, look forward to working with him in his new role."


15 June 2020
Minimum Conservation Reference Size Byelaw - Formal Consultation

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to sections 155 and 156 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority intends to apply to the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the confirmation of the following byelaw:
 
Minimum Conservation Reference Size Byelaw
 
The byelaw prevents the removal of fish and shellfish species below a certain size by all fishers to manage the sustainable exploitation of sea fisheries resources in the Southern IFC District.
 
Upon confirmation of this byelaw the Minimum Fish Sizes legacy byelaw, the Skates and Rays - Minimum Size legacy byelaw, the American Hard-shelled Clams - Minimum Size legacy byelaw and the Grey Mullet - Minimum Size legacy byelaw will be revoked.
 
A full text of the above-named Byelaw and Impact Assessment can be inspected at the links provided or obtained from Southern IFCA.

Any person wishing to object to the confirmation of the above-named byelaw must send a statement of objection in writing to:
 
Marine Conservation and Enforcement Team, Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 7YH (or IFCAbyelaws@marinemanagement.org.uk) and must send a copy of this statement to the CEO at Southern IFCA, Unit 3, Holes Bay Park, Sterte Avenue West, Poole, Dorset BH15 2AA (or enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk).
 
Objections must be received no later than the 24th July 2020.

Please click here to view the Minimum Conservation Reference Size Byelaw Frequently Asked Questions Document

07 May 2020
Consultation on the Poole Harbour Several Order 2015 Management Plan (2020 Revision)

The consultation on the Poole Harbour Several Order 2015 Management Plan (2020 Revision) (‘Management Plan’) is now open. During the period 8^th May 2020 to the 29^th May 2020 you are invited to submit any specific objections to the proposals contained within the Management Plan in writing to either:

• enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk, or

• Southern IFCA, Unit 3 Holes Bay Park, Sterte Avenue West, Poole, BH15 2AA

The cover letter provides a concise summary of the proposed changes to the Management Plan.

The outcomes of the formal consultation will be presented to The Authority on the 11^th June 2020 in order to take account of any representations received in writing from any interested party on the Management Plan and any proposed changes to it.

Under the current Government restrictions (COVID-19), the consultation is being carried out remotely via advertisement on the Southern IFCA website, social media platforms and in addition via email distribution in order to capture any interested parties. Given the current Government restrictions, may I ask that you circulate the Management Plan and accompanying cover letter to any person(s) that you consider may be affected by the Management Plan or the changes contained within.

I thank you in advance for helping Southern IFCA to engage with all interested parties, as far and wide as possible during these unprecedented times.

03 March 2020,
Southern IFCA Volunteer Internship Placements 2020

Southern IFCA is offering an exciting opportunity for two volunteer internship placements during Summer 2020. The successful applicants will lead the delivery of individual projects directly informing inshore fisheries management as part of the Authority's ongoing duties.

The two projects identified are:

• The Solent Oyster Stock Assessment
• The Solent Bivalve Stock Assessment

Each internship placement will last for a period of six weeks between April and September, depending on the project, with an approximate commitment of 20 hours per working week. Working hours and location will be flexible; however, volunteers will be required to work from the Southern IFCA office in Poole for a minimum of one day per week. Volunteers will be supported by a project mentor and, as part of the placement, Southern IFCA will provide training opportunities in key areas that enable volunteers to develop their experience and understanding of inshore fisheries management.

Information about the individual project opportunities, together with the experience, knowledge and skills required can be found in the individual project role profiles. The Southern IFCA Policy and Guidance for Engaging Volunteers describes what volunteers should expect from Southern IFCA and how volunteers should conduct themselves whilst involved with the Authority.To view a copy of this Policy please click here.

Please click here to view the 2020 Volunteer Internship Placement Role Profiles

Applying for a Placement
To apply for a placement, applicants are required to submit the following:

• a copy of their CV; and
• a letter outlining which project(s) they would be interested in applying for and explaining, in no more than 1000 words, why they would be suitable for the role.

Applications should be sent to the Southern IFCA office titled ‘2020 Internships’ by email (enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk) or post (Unit 3, Holes Bay Park, Sterte Avenue West, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2AA) by 17:00 on Sunday 22nd March. Full information on the interview arrangements will be sent to those candidates who have been short listed.
 

October 2019
Solent Oyster Temporary Closure Notice 2019-20

Following consideration of the best available evidence, which indicates severe depletion of the native oyster beds in the Solent, a decision was made at the September meeting of the Authority to apply the Temporary Closure of Shellfish Beds Byelaw (‘Temporary Closure Byelaw’) to all native oyster beds in the Solent, Southampton Water and Portsmouth and Langstone Harbour for the forthcoming 2019/2020 season. Further details can be found here. 

July 2019
Southern IFCA Moving

Southern IFCA wil be moving premises the week of 15 July 2019. There may be some disruption to emails and telephones at times that week so please do try again later if you cannot get through to the person you need.  The new postal addess is Southern IFCA, Unit 3 Holes Bay Park, Sterte Avenue West, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2AA. Telephone and email details will not be changing. Hoping to be back up to normal duties by 19 July 2019. 

May 2019
Quarterly Newletter 1/2019
Please view the quarterly newsletter here

14 March 2019 ,
Scallop Dredger Caught in Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area

In a case heard in Weymouth Magistrates Court the Plymouth based scallop fishing dredger Cristal Waters FY34 was found to have used scallop dredges within the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area, contrary to the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2016.
Weymouth Magistrates heard that on the 5th July 2018 the Fishing Vessel Cristal Waters was intercepted by a Southern IFCA Fisheries Protection Vessel approximately 3 miles offshore from Burton Bradstock and consequently some 200m inside the protected area. Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officers (IFCOs) observed the vessel to have scallop dredges over the side of the vessel which were full of scallops.
Southern IFCA is responsible for the management of fisheries off the coast of Hampshire Dorset and the Isle of Wight. The IFCA has a range of byelaws to protect fisheries and the marine environment and operates four patrols vessels in coastal waters.
Commenting on the case, Robert Clark, Chief Officer of Southern IFCA said “The Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area is designated for the protection of mud stone reefs for which it is considered to be one of the best areas in the United Kingdom. The protected mud stone reefs provide a habitat for species including sea fans, sponges and corals. These habitats in turn attract many fish and crustacea. Fishing is allowed in the marine protected area, as long as the activities are not damaging to the seabed or to nature conservation. Coastal fishing communities from Lyme Regis, West Bay and elsewhere rely upon this productive ecosystem for their livelihoods. Illegal fishing, which damages the reefs, threatens both the marine environment and these coastal fishing communities. Southern IFCA byelaws protect this important and fragile habitat.”
The master of the vessel Cristal Waters Matthew David Bull, 40 of Exmouth, in Devon failed to appear in Weymouth Magistrates Court on the 21st January 2019 to answer the charges and in his absence, he was sentenced with a fine of £3000, costs of £2192 and a victim surcharge of £170, making a total of £5362.

15 January 2019 ,
Public Consultation on the Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw 

Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 Section 155 and 156

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the above-named Regulation, Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority intends to apply to the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the confirmation of the following byelaw:
 
Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw
This byelaw prohibits the use of a dredge by means of a vessel within the Solent unless authorised by a Category A or Category B permit. The permits are subject to specific conditions. The byelaw seeks to support the development of sustainable bivalve fisheries in the Solent.

Upon  implementation of this byelaw the Solent Dredge Byelaw will be revoked and the Scallop Dredge Byelaw will be amended.
 
A full text of the above-named Byelaw, supporting papers (Access Policy, Management Intentions Document and a Summary of Provisions guide) and associated assessments (HRAs (SACs & SPAs) and Impact Assessments) can be inspected at the links provided or obtained from the Southern IFCA, 64 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 9BN.
______________________________________________
Any person wishing to object to the confirmation of the above-named byelaw must send a statement of objection in writing to:
Marine Conservation and Enforcement Team, Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 7YH (or IFCAbyelaws@marinemanagement.org.uk) and must send a copy of this statement to the CEO at Southern IFCA, 64 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 9BN (or enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk). Objections must be received no later than the 28^th February 2019.

5 Nov 2018 ,
Southern IFCA Net Fishing Review - Stakeholder Drop-in Sessions

Southern iFCA is undertaking a review of net fishing management arrangements for estuary, harbour and pier areas in the District. As part of this review the Authority is undertaking an eight-week public consultation to seek your views on a series of proposed measures. The closing date for this consultation is Friday 7th December 2018.

Open access stakeholder drop-in sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about our proposed measures and the review process. Southern IFCA Officers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the review and recieve your feedback. Meetings will be held on the following dates:
 

12 Oct 2018 ,
Solent Oyster Fishery 2018/19- Important Information

So as to aid the recovery of oyster beds the Temporary Closure of Shellfish Beds byelaw has the effect to close the oyster beds in the Solent, Southampton Water and Langstone Harbour. The byelaw shall not be applied to Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Middle Bank. The decision to apply this byelaw, temporarily, to the Solent is because there is evidence of severe depletion of the shellfish beds in that area. The byelaw is temporary, it is the intention of the Authority to continue to work with industry and other partners to rebuild oyster stocks and develop the fishery for the future. Please click here for more information.

11 Oct 2018 ,
Southern IFCA Review of Net Fishing Management

Southern IFCA is undertaking a review of net fishing management arrangements for estuary, harbour and pier areas in the district.

At this stage we are undertaking an eight-week public consultation to seek your views on a series of proposed measures. The closing date for this consultation is Friday 7th December 2018 .

Please contact enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk or call 01202 721373 if you wish to arrange a meeting with an officer. A series of stakeholder drop-in sessions will be held during November 2018 at locations throughout the district. Details of these events will be advertised here shortly.

This consultation process will inform the development of any future management, it is therefore important that you provide evidence-based feedback in your response. Upon the conclusion of this consultation a summary of the responses received will be published on the Authority’s website, together with any further developments as part of this review, including information about any further public consultation. Following a review of this and any further evidence the Authority will consider whether regulation by way of byelaw is necessary and justified. If a byelaw is made, prior to confirmation, it will subject to a formal consultation and stakeholders will have an opportunity at this stage to make representations. The byelaw will only come into force following confirmation by the Secretary of State. Details of this process may be found http://www.association-ifca.org.uk/Upload/About/ifca-byelaw-guidance.pdf

Southern IFCA Consultation Document
Southern IFCA Supporting Evidence
DEFRA – Protection of Freshwater and Migratory Species
Environment Agency – Review of Protection Measures for Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout in Inshore Waters
Natural England – Advice on the Conservation Status of Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout

4 Oct 2018,
DEFRA Consultation - Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems

Defra are holding a consultation seeking views on introducing I-VMS for all UK licenced fishing boats under 12 metres that are fishing in English waters. This consultation is being held at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/marine-management/introduction-of-inshore-vessel-monitoring-systems/   This consultation closes at 5pm on 14 November 2018.

Oct 2018,
Solent Oyster Season

On the 27th September Members of the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority approved the application of the ‘Temporary Closure of Shellfish Beds Byelaw’ to all oyster beds in the Solent from the 1st November 2018 until the 28th February 2019, based on best available evidence, with the exception of the following beds:
·         Ryde Middle
·         Beds contained within Portsmouth Harbour.
The map shows the area of Ryde Middle which will be open to fish for oysters from the 1st November 2018. Ryde Middle shall be defined as the area enclosed by a series of straight lines drawn:
From 50° 45.696’N 001° 11.52W;
To 50° 46.188’N 001° 16.146W;
To 50° 46.998’N 001° 16.146W;
To 50° 46.506’N 001° 11.52W.
All other applicable Southern IFCA byelaws will still apply
Further details regarding this decision can be found by contacting the Southern IFCA office via email ( enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk ) or on 01202721373.
For information concerning Shellfish Classifications please contact your Local Environmental Health Officer.
For more information on the management of these fisheries please see Fisheries Management Plans

9 July 2018 ,
Local Fisheries Managers given 'Best Innovator' Award by Marine Stewardship Council

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, has been given the "best innovator" award at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)'s 2018 awards night.
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) was awarded "best innovator" for its efforts in "leading and championing a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries".
 MSC has worked with Southern IFCA for a long time and has witnessed great commitment towards sustainability, it said. At the awards, MSC commended the IFCA’s partnership with Poole & District Fisherman’s Association to ensure good management of their fisheries, and the certification of Poole Harbour cockles and clams this year. 
The IFCA was also commended for following through on "Project Inshore" using the MSC standard for sustainable fishing, by assessing what was needed to manage the inshore fishery and impact on sensitive inshore habitats.
The recommendations were put in place by Southern IFCA and the fishing industry "through hard work and innovation over the last few years, and the improvements were commended at the MSC awards". 
Southern IFCA took a novel approach to eradicate illegal fishing from their fishery, mainly to do with innovative policy, but even extending to low profile patrol boats to get under bridges. The decision to grant an MSC certificate to the Poole Harbour clam and cockle fishery is a vote of confidence in the fishery, the certification group said.
Rob Clark, chief officer for Southern IFCA, said: "It’s an absolute honour to accept this award on behalf of the Southern IFCA. The development of management which has led to the turnaround and transformation of the fishery is as a consequence of the hard work of many people and organisations who worked together to achieve a sustainable fishery. This award reflects the brilliant work of all those involved, in particular, the fishermen and their leaders, who recognized the benefits of working together to deliver improvements."   
Other winners included:

J Sainsbury, supermarket of the year
Waitrose, fish counter of the year
Lidl, mid-size store retailer of the year
John West, canned brand of the year
Birds Eye, frozen brand of the year
Sainsbury's, for UK marketing campaign of the year
New England Seafood International?, retail supplier of the year
Café Rouge, MSC?UK menu of the year
Mitch Tonks, chef of the year
Brakes, foodservice wholesaler of the year
M&J Seafood, fresh foodservice wholesaler of the year
University of Nottingham, MSC university of the?year
The Reel Fish Co, newcomer of the year