11 June 24 Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officer (IFCO) Vacancy - Closed
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) are currently looking for an individual who will contribute to the operational delivery of Control and Enforcement in the inshore coastal waters of Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.
In this exciting and dynamic role, the successful candidate will work across the Authority’s three Fisheries Protection Vessels, operating in either the role of Skipper or crew (subject to previous experience). Accordingly the individual will either facilitate and/or undertake boardings of fishing vessels at sea, in addition to conducting shore-based inspections of vessels and premises.
In this varied operational role, the successful applicant will also support Southern IFCA in its delivery of drone flight operations in accordance with business needs. Collectively, both onshore and at sea work will help support Southern IFCA’s delivery of its statutory duties relating to fisheries and conservation management.
Whilst delivering operational marine functions, the successful candidate will undertake training to become a warranted IFCO. Once qualified as an IFCO, the successful applicant will champion the delivery of proportionate and effective regulatory enforcement of Southern IFCA byelaws, as well as national fisheries legislation, working as a member of the Compliance and Enforcement Team.
Closing date: 11:59am on 12th July 2024
02 Jan 24 Your Opportunity to Manage Inshore Fisheries and Conservation
The MMO are looking to fill IFCA vacancies for General Members to IFCA Committees and create a reserve list.
The MMO operates a rolling campaign for the recruitment of IFCA General Members, this means that the IFCA General Member advert will be open to receiving applications for all regional IFCAs from interested candidates throughout the year without the restriction of a cutoff date. The sifting and interviewing of successful applicants will be held on a quarterly basis.
For more information please visit the MMO website - Opportunity to manage inshore fisheries and conservation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
or contact
ifcarecruitment@marinemanagement.org.uk or
leanne.tan@marinemanagement.org.uk
29 Nov 23 Court Outcome - Poole Fishermen Plead Guilty
On Wednesday 29 th November 2023 at Poole Magistrates Court, Poole fishermen Andrew Skinner & Reginald Skinner, pleaded guilty to taking a quantity of undersized cockles from Poole Harbour, contrary to prohibition (4) of the Fishing for Cockles Byelaw of the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Southern IFCA) and section 163 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Charges were laid by the Southern IFCA and both fishermen were ordered to pay costs and fines totalling £6,456.00.
The court heard how during the morning of Tuesday 13 th June 2023, Andrew Skinner was inspected by officers at Fisherman’s Dock, Poole Quay. Mr. Skinner was in possession of 7 bags of cockles and 7 bags of manila clams, which he confirmed had been caught using the fishing vessel Lula Bon PE892 in Poole Harbour. Lula Bon is jointly owned by Andrew Skinner and his father Reginald Skinner.
An inspection of the catch followed. Officers found that the manila clams landed by Mr. Skinner were mainly compliant with the minimum conservation reference size of 35mm. However, based on samples removed for measuring, 33.86% of the cockles were undersized; passing through a gauge having a square opening measuring 23.8mm along each side. The total weight of all shellfish landed by Mr. Skinner was approximately 390kg.
As joint owners of the vessel both Andrew Skinner and Reginald Skinner were liable for the breach of regulations. Each were fined £1200.00 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,548.00 and a surcharge of £480.00.
When asked to comment, Deputy Chief Officer Sam Dell said, “This case sends a clear message that failing to comply with the Authority’s regulations will not be tolerated. The Southern IFCA is committed to the protection of our fish stocks and coastal fisheries, ensuring healthy seas and a viable industry. By taking offenders to court we aim to support a sustainable local fishery.
06 Nov 23 Southern North Sea and Channel Skates and Rays FMP Engagement Information
The MMO are holding a drop-in engagement event for the Southern North Sea and Channel Skates and Rays FMP. This gives stakeholders the opportunity to express their views surrounding the FMP and provide insight into the management of stocks listed under the FMP.
The engagement information is as follows:
Date: 15/11/2023
Time: 10am-12pm (2hrs)
Location: Lyme Regis
Head over to the Southern IFCA FMP webpage for more information on the Skates and Rays FMP.
23 Oct 23 Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officer (IFCO) - Compliance & Enforcement Team Vacancy - Closed
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) are currently looking for an individual who will contribute to the delivery of sustainable fisheries and conservation management in the inshore coastal waters of Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.
T he diverse commercial and recreational fisheries within the district play a vital role in supporting the coastal communities along our coast. The district also hosts a network of nationally and internationally important Marine Protected Areas.
This exciting role will involve engagement with existing aquaculture leaseholders, Natural England and wider stakeholders across Poole Harbour. The Project Officer will be tasked with developing a Lease Application Process, updating the existing Habitats Regulations Assessment as well as undertaking a review of existing Lease Conditions. There will also be the opportunity to work with Defra to support the Government's development of an Aquaculture and Mariculture Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in innovative work which is shaping the future of fisheries management.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Friday 10th November 2023
16 Oct 23 Project Officer Vacancy: Aquaculture - Closed
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) are currently looking for an individual to undertake a review of the existing Poole Harbour Several Order Management Plan ahead of publication on 1st July 2025.
Southern IFCA manage aquaculture activity within a defined area of Poole Harbour under The Poole Harbour Fishery Order 2015, the largest Several Order in the UK. In managing this fishery Southern IFCA promotes well-structured governance which ensures compatibility between aquaculture development and the achievement of conservation designations.
This exciting role will involve engagement with existing aquaculture leaseholders, Natural England and wider stakeholders across Poole Harbour. The Project Officer will be tasked with developing a Lease Application Process, updating the existing Habitats Regulations Assessment as well as undertaking a review of existing Lease Conditions. There will also be the opportunity to work with Defra to support the Government's development of an Aquaculture and Mariculture Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in innovative work which is shaping the future of fisheries management.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Friday 10th November 2023
16 Oct 23 Project Officer Vacancy: Fisheries Management Plans - Closed
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) are currently looking for an individual to participate in the IFCA's work to support Defra in the planning, preparation and publication phases of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). FMPs are a new policy tool which Defra and it's Arms Length Bodies will use to implement the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in innovative work which is shaping the future of fisheries management.
Working in the Research and Policy Team, tasks will include representing Southern IFCA at FMP meetings and working groups. The Project Officer will coordinate the provision of information, evidence and data to support the development of FMPs and will work with local and national colleagues and help to coordinate communications and engagement with the inshore fishing communities.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Friday 10th November 2023
04 Sept 23 Southern IFCA Net Fishing Byelaw
The Net Fishing Byelaw as been ratified by the Secretary of State, introducing various measures to regulate fishing with nets within the Southern IFCA District.
The Net Fishing Byelaw has been developed following the Authority’s decision to review and develop regulations for the District’s harbours and estuarine waters in order to support the use of these areas as essential fish habitats, to provide protection to migratory salmonids as they transit through these areas, to balance the social and economic benefits of net fishers and to further the Conservation Objectives of Designated sites.
The Byelaw introduced three types of management area:
- Net Prohibition Areas
- Net Restriction Areas
- Net Permit Areas
In addition, the Byelaw introduces requirements for the marking of nets by all fishers within the District, a definition for a ring net and a method for how a ring net must be used and provisions relating to the use of a net within a Bass Nursery Area.
For more information on the Net Fishing Byelaw please visit the Net Fishing page and if you are wanting to find out more about the Net Permits please visit the Net Fishing Permit page .
20 Jul 23 Defra Consultation: A Recreational 'Catch and Release' Fishery for Bluefin Tuna (BFT)
Defra is consulting on plans to permit catch and release recreational fisheries for bluefin tuna in the UK, with the aim of having fishing taking place in UK waters from next summer - allowing recreational fishers, coastal communities and the wider economy to benefit from the presence of this iconic species in our waters while ensuring it reamins sustainable in the long term.
Since 2021, the UK has negotiated its own BFT quota through the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
For more details visit the consultation webpage - Establishing permitting regimes for the recreational fishing of Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 4th September 2023.
20 Jul 23 Defra Consultation: A Recreational 'Catch and Release' Fishery for Bluefin Tuna (BFT)
Defra is consulting on plans to permit catch and release recreational fisheries for bluefin tuna in the UK, with the aim of having fishing taking place in UK waters from next summer - allowing recreational fishers, coastal communities and the wider economy to benefit from the presence of this iconic species in our waters while ensuring it reamins sustainable in the long term.
Since 2021, the UK has negotiated its own BFT quota through the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
For more details visit the consultation webpage - Establishing permitting regimes for the recreational fishing of Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 4th September 2023.
20 Jul 23 Defra Consultation: Discards Reform
Defra is consulting on a different approach to manage discards. A ban on discarding (the practice of throwing unwanted catches of fish back into the sea) was introduced by the EU in 2015, but evidence has shown it has not been as effective as hoped in changing fishing practices.
The proposals include the key principle of counting all fish catches against quota to keep fishing within agreed UK limits through better catch accounting. Defra will work with industry groups and stakeholders to develop measures to avoid and reduce unwanted catch, for example through more selective fishing gear.
For more details visit the consultation webpage - Discards reform - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 9th October 2023.
20 Jul 23 Defra Consultation: Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
Defra is consulting on expanding the use of REM in English Waters. REM will allow for effective monitoring and better data on fishing activities through the use of integrated on-board systems that may include cameras, gear sensors and GPS, helping to make data-led fisheries management decisions.
Defra are proposing a targeted approach and prioritising the following fisheries which would come online in stages over the next five years:
Pelagic Trawls over 24m in length fishing in all English watersDemersal seines (flyseines) fishing in English waters off the Southern North Sea and English ChannelDemersal trawls using mesh sizes of up to 120mm (targeting nephrops) fishing in English waters off the North SeaFixed and drift nets (gill and trammel nets) fishing in English waters of the Celtic Sea and English ChannelDemersal trawls, including beam trawls, fishing in English waters of the Celtic Sea and English Channel
For more details visit the consultation webpage - Remote electronic monitoring - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 9th October 2023.
17 Jul 23 Fisheries Management Plans: Formal Consultation
The 6 Frontrunner FMPs were made live on Monday 17/07/2023 and public consultation is now running until 23:59 01/10/23.
The public consultation gives stakeholders the opportunity to offer their views and feedback on the proposed measures and polices included in each FMP, alongside the likely environmental impacts of the FMPs, which is set out in the environmental reports. Feedback can be provided for each FMP using the relevant consultation Online Surveys and any additional feedback through emailing FMPconsultations@defra.gov.uk
FMPs, associated documents, and consultation surveys can be found through the links provided under the relevant Frontrunner FMP sections.
26 Jun 23 Free Dental Checks & Health Information Event for Fishers - Portsmouth
An event providing free dental checks and health information for fishers is being held on 5th July 2023 between 10am - 4pm at the Portsmouth Fish Quay, Camber.
23 May 23 Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw 23/24 Permit - Application Period Open
The Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw came into force on the 1st November 2021. The byelaw introduces a single coherent management tool for the purposes of managing the sustainable harvesting of bivalve populations in the Solent prohibiting the use of a dredge by means of a vessel within the Solent unless authorised by a permit. The byelaw its permit conditions set out various mechanisms for managing the fishery including closed seasons, curfews, gear restrictions and catch returns.
The application period for the 2023/24 season will be open from the 23rd May 2023 to 30th September 2023
16th May 23 - CLOSED - Accounts Administrator – Part Time
Working in the Business Service Team you will provide an effective accounts processing service, managing delivery in accordance with appropriate financial policies and procedures, which will contribute to the teams' delivery of sustainable fisheries management within the coastal waters of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
You will develop and maintain good working relationships with individuals and organisations connected to the Authority’s financial management needs, to include the Authoritys appointed Accountant, external auditor providers, external payroll providers, Local Authority pension services and other partner organisations.
You will be an excellent team player working in a small team, with excellent organisational and communication skills ensuring delivery of function in a professional manner.
Closing date : 23:59 on 13th June 2023
16th May 23 - CLOSED - Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officer (IFCO) – Compliance & Enforcement Team
Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) are currently looking for an individual who will contribute to the delivery of sustainable fisheries and conservation management in the inshore coastal waters of Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.
The diverse commercial and recreational fisheries within the district play a vital role in supporting the coastal communities along our coast. The district also hosts a network of nationally and internationally important Marine Protected Areas.In this exciting and dynamic role, the successful candidate will undertake training to become a warranted Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer (IFCO). They will support the delivery of proportionate and effective enforcement of Southern IFCA byelaws, as well as national fisheries and conservation legislations with an emphasis on the promotion of compliance via stakeholder engagement, both onshore and at sea, to ensure healthy seas and a viable fishing industry.
Closing date : 16th June 2023 at Midnight
16th May 23 - CLOSED - Administration Officer
We are currently looking for a reliable individual who will undertake administrative tasks which will contribute to the teams’ delivery of sustainable fisheries management within the coastal waters of Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.In this exciting and dynamic role, the successful candidate will undertake a range of administrative duties ranging from minute taking to the upkeep of the Authority’s website. The ideal candidate will be a good team player who has excellent organisational and communication skills ensuring delivery of function in a professional manner.
Closing date : 23:59 on 13th June 2023
The CCRI (Countryside and Community Research Institute) at the University of Gloucestershire are working with partners from Fishing Into the Future, who have been commissioned by Defra and working with the devolved governments, to develop an annual nationwide survey that would aim to collect data on the social issues faced by the commercial fishing industry to aim to support fisheries management. The survey could collect data on health & wellbeing, cultural identity, community, traditions and values.
The project would like to hear from people in the catching sector on their priorities and issues to include in the survey. An online workshop is being held on Monday 22nd May between 2:30pm - 5:00pm to discuss the co-design and development of the survey.
If you are interested in attending the workshop please contact Nick Lewis by email at nlewis@glos.ac.uk
09 May 23 MMO Call for evidence: ICES area 7d and Lyme Bay king scallop dredge fishery closure - Outcome
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), acting on behalf of all four UK Fisheries Administrations (UKFAs), sought views on a proposal to close UK waters in ICES area 7d and Lyme Bay area of 7e to the king scallop (Pectens maximus) dredge fishery. The proposed closures were partly in response to the EU closure of EU 7d waters to all UK and EU vessels in the king scallop dredge fishery from 15 May to 30 September, to offer protection to spawning stock in 7d and limit depletion of the stock in the Lyme Bay area of 7e due to displacement of fishing effort.
UKFAs are committed to ensuring fisheries are managed to a level where stocks are healthy and fished sustainably, environmental damage is minimised, and economic return is maximized whilst ensuring sustainable exploitation.
Three closure lengths were considered: 15 May – 30 September, 1 July – 30 September and 1 August – 30 September for ICES area 7d and Lyme Bay area of 7e (see map in annex for further information). The consultation also sought to determine if vessels 12 meter (m) and under sector should be excluded from any closure decision.
Having considered the call for evidence responses and scientific advice on the stock biomass, UKFAs have agreed to introduce a closure in UK 7d & Lyme Bay area of 7e (ICES rectangles 29E6, 29E7, 30E6 and 30E7), for the king scallop dredge fishery from 1 July to 30 September 2023. The 7d closure will apply to all UK and EU vessels in UK waters over 10m in length, the Lyme Bay area of 7e closure will apply to all UK and EU vessels over 12m in length.
More details can be found in the Decision Document for the Consultation here: Decision_Document_Response_to_the_call_for_evidence_on_ICES_area_7d_king_scallop_closure.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
09 May 23 MMO Formal Consultation: Lyme Bay Sole Fishery - Port Visit Dates
As part of the current MMO Formal Consultation on potential new management measures for the sole fishery in Lyme Bay (see News Item on 29th March 2023 for details), MMO staff will be visiting the following ports week commencing 8th May 2023 to make fishers aware of the consultation, answer questions and help individuals to complete the consultation.
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Poole - opposite the Thistle Hotel on the quayside (09:30 - 11:00)
Weymouth - Ship Inn Pub (13:30 - 15:30)
Mevagissey - She Sells Cafe (10:00 - 12:00)
Plymouth - quayside (15:00 - 17:00)
Thursday 11th May 2023
Brixham - MMO office (10:00 - 12:00)
Axmouth - Chris's Cafe (14:00 - 16:00)
West Bay - Cherries Cafe (09:00 - 11:00)
Lyme Regis - Beach House Cafe (12:30 - 14:30)
19th April 23 - Catchwise Project
Catchwise is a ground-truthing survey of recreational sea angling taking place across England and Wales in 2023 and 2024. Substance, the Angling Trust and Cefas have partnered to deliver this exciting new project.
The project has been co-developed with the recreational sea angling community and aims to significantly improve recognition of sea angling's value to coastal communities and inform relevant sea fisheries management decisions accurately. Catchwise will be the biggest single study of sea angling undertaken for over a decade and will involve a major shore and private boat survey of sea anglers as well as a survey of charter boats.
The project is funded by Defra's Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships Scheme (FISP) and is being supported by a large number of angling and marine organisations. The project has an Advisory Group representing the recreational sea angling community, individual anglers, charter skippers, scientists, fisheries managers and agencies including Angling Trades Association, Association of IFCAs, Welsh Government, Institute of Fisheries Management, Defra, Marine Management Organisation and more.
Catchwise will involve face-to-face surveying of thousands of sea anglers all around the English and Welsh coast and an online survey of charter boats. For more details on the project please visit the Catchwise website - Catchwise
The project is looking for Volunteer Angling Citizen Scientists across England and Wales to help the professional surveyors to survey anglers and increase the reach of the project. For more information on volunteering see the link above and to sign up click here https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/catchwisevols/ .
5 Apr 23 Defra Commissioned Independent Evaluation on the Development of Fisheries Management Plans
Defra have commissioned an independent evaluation to assess the development of the Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). The evaluation is conducting research to explore the views of fishers, anglers and others and will draw out lessons aimed at providing evidence and advice to Defra, the MMO and others on how to improve the development of the plans.
The first round of this evaluation involves a survey open to all individuals and organisations with a stake in English and Welsh sea fisheries, providing an opportunity to have a say on how the development of FMPs is going.
29 Mar 23 MMO Formal Consultation: Lyme Bay Potential Management Measures for Sole Fishery
The MMO is consulting on potential new management measures for the sole fishery in Lyme Bay. This is in response to feedback from some fishers in Lyme Bay who have experienced competition for space and gear conflict. Some fishers also report a reduction in the amount and size of sole caught.
Following an analysis of data gathered, the MMO concludes that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that, in line with the precautionary principal, potential management measures in Lyme Bay must be considered.
A consultation is running until 28th May 2023. The consultation is in three parts. The first part focuses on gaining views on the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of the fishery, the second part asks for information from commercial fishers and the third part asks for opinion on potential management measures, their area of implementation and any other suggestions for management. This consultation has been developed in partnership with a steering group of fishers, scientists, government policy makers and managers.
For information on the consultation including relevant documents, how to participate, contact details for the MMO and details of in person port visits related to the consultation please visit:
Formal Consultation, Lyme Bay Potential Management Measures for Sole Fishery - Defra - Citizen Space
23 Feb 23 Defra Online Sessions for Stakeholders Interested in Crab & Lobster, King Scallop and Whelk Fisheries Management Plans
Initial drafts of Defra’s first three Fisheries Management Plans (FMP) have been received.
These are the Crab and Lobster, and Whelk draft plans prepared by Seafish in collaboration with the Whelk Management Group and the Crab Management Group respectively, and the English and Welsh King Scallop draft plan by the Scallop Industry Consultation Group Working Group with support from Seafish. The next stage of the process is for Defra to review and finalise the content of the draft plans and prepare other documents required before the formal public consultation takes place in the next few months.
Ahead of this, Defra is inviting stakeholders interested in these draft FMPs to join an online session for an overview of key points in the draft plans including initial proposals for management approaches and an explanation of the next steps. There will also be an opportunity to raise points and ask questions through a Q&A.
The session will be held twice on Wednesday 1st March and Thursday 2nd March.
Please visit the King Scallop FMP section on our Fisheries Management Plans page for more details including how to register for an event.
