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Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) has welcomed the Association of IFCAS (AIFCA) Annual Delivery Plan, supporting its ambitions to promote sustainable fisheries management, strengthen coastal communities and secure the future of England’s inshore fisheries.
The priorities set out in the AIFCA Annual Delivery Plan has helped to shape discussions at the inaugural ‘National Day of Recognition and Celebration of Inshore and Small-Scale Fisheries’, which took place on 1 July at Alnwick Castle, hosted by His Grace the Duke of Northumberland.
Delivered in partnership with the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University, the event brought together fishing industry representatives, scientists, policymakers and coastal stakeholders to celebrate the contribution of the small-scale fishing sector, showcasing innovation and exploring the challenges facing inshore fisheries across the UK.
The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the collaborative work needed to address the growing decline in small-scale fisheries and support thriving coastal communities for future generations.
As part of the programme, NIFCA hosted a pre-event Coastal Tour, giving delegates the opportunity to experience Northumberland’s coastline, learn more about local fisheries and discover the role of sustainable marine management in protecting this unique environment.
Commenting on the event, Mark Southerton, Chief Officer of NIFCA, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people who make Northumberland’s fishing communities so special. Our inshore fishermen and women have a deep connection with the sea and have played a vital role in the identity, economy and heritage of our coastal communities for generations.
“The AIFCA Annual Delivery Plan provides an important foundation for the work we are doing to support sustainable fisheries and respond to the challenges facing small-scale fishing communities across the country. Bringing this work together at Alnwick Castle allowed us to celebrate 15 years of IFCAs, while looking ahead to what is needed to secure the future of this important sector.
“We were delighted to welcome delegates to Northumberland and showcase our coastline, our fisheries and the dedication of the people who depend on them.”
The national celebration marks the 15th anniversary of England’s 10 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), recognising their contribution to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation over the past decade and a half.
NIFCA encourages fishers, stakeholders, researchers and members of the public to read the AIFCA Annual Delivery Plan 2026/27, which sets out shared priorities for supporting sustainable fisheries, healthy marine environments and resilient coastal communities.
Click to read the AIFCA Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27 here.
