In February 2017, the MMO will launch the next step in the development of the marine plans for the north east. This is an important stage and is the first chance to see how the issues and evidence gathered last summer are being taken forward. The MMO are looking for feedback, will be publishing a questionnaire and holding a workshop for the North East marine plan in Newcastle on Thursday 16 February 2017 at the Centre for Life, 9.30am to 4pm. There will also be an evening drop-in session in Amble on Monday 13 February 2017 at the Amble Development Trust, 5 to 7pm.

For more information about these events, please see the MMO Marine Planning Newsletter HERE

Northumberland IFCA is delighted at the news that our Chair, Councillor Robert Arckless has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list, recognising Robert’s service and commitment to the community of Northumberland and which of course includes his service as a member of the Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee from 1989 and then as NIFCA Chair from inception in 2011. Chief Executive Mike Hardy said, “I am very grateful to Robert on behalf of myself and the rest of the IFCA team for everything he has done in supporting the work of this Authority and the Sea Fisheries Committee before us, benefiting local fisheries and the marine environment and contributing so much to the development of NIFCA in the last 5 years”.

Congratulations to Robert for receiving this richly deserved honour.

The MMO have released the 2017 Statutory guidance to Bass fishing including catch limits, closures and minimum sizes. Information can be found on their website following the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bass-fishing-catch-limits-closures-and-minimum-size/bass-fishing-catch-limits-closures-and-minimum-size#what-rules-apply-to-commercial-fisherman