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Building a resilient future for our coastline depends on the strength of our local relationships and the shared stewardship of our marine environment.
Inspiring future stewards
NIFCA is dedicated to fostering a deep connection between young people and the marine environment that defines our coast. For example, during the North Shields 800 Celebrations, we engaged with pupils at New York Primary School to showcase the science behind marine protection.
Students participated in hands-on workshops using model lobsters and official gauges to learn about our V-notching conservation programme. By teaching the next generation, we are demonstrating that sustainable fishing is a vital part of protecting our local heritage.
We prioritise education as a primary tool for conservation and regularly offer placement opportunities for students, ensuring our legacy is carried forward by informed and passionate local advocates.
A voice for local fishers
In the 2024–25 period, NIFCA hosted six Fisher Forums across the district, providing a transparent platform for commercial and recreational fishers to discuss management decisions directly with our team. These meetings keep sustainable fishing at the forefront of our regional dialogue and ensure decisions are informed by the lived experience of those on the water.
By maintaining this open-door policy, we balance our regulatory duties with a genuine understanding of the social and economic needs of Northumberland and North Tyneside fishers. Whether discussing new byelaws or local trends, these forums foster a positive culture of mutual respect and cooperation.
Rewarding environmental responsibility
Environmental stewardship in Northumberland and North Tyneside is a collaborative effort, and we believe in rewarding those who go above and beyond for the marine environment. Our innovative Recycled Tags Prize Draw is a prime example of this community-led initiative.
By incentivising the responsible disposal of fishing tags, we have seen a significant year-on-year increase in fishers adopting environmentally friendly habits. Recently, five local fishers were awarded £100 prizes in recognition of their commitment to keeping our marine habitats free from plastic waste, building a sense of shared pride within the industry.
By celebrating positive actions rather than focusing solely on enforcement, NIFCA strengthens its partnership with the fishing community and proves that small, local actions lead to substantial regional environmental gains.
Beyond regulation
Our outreach is driven by a simple belief: that a healthy marine environment and a thriving coastal community are inseparable. We are passionate about engagement because we know that true conservation is not achieved through regulation alone, but through the shared values, local knowledge, and active participation of everyone who calls the Northumberland and North Tyneside coastline their home.
Celebrating coastal biodiversity
NIFCA is a proud participant in the vibrant calendar of events that celebrate our coastline, from the Amble Puffin Festival to the St Mary’s Wildlife Festival. These events allow our Environmental Officers to meet residents and tourists in the heart of our most sensitive habitats and help visitors appreciate the delicate ecological balance required to protect the NIFCA district’s rich marine biodiversity.
Our presence at these festivals is an opportunity to inspire a collective appreciation for the region’s unique marine life and ensure NIFCA remains an approachable and integral part of the region’s coastal identity.
Connecting through citizen science
The recreational fishing sector is a vital stakeholder in the health of our waters, providing a wealth of data that informs our conservation work. Our popular annual Species Challenge saw over 90 recreational anglers contribute valuable catch data in 2024–25, helping us map the diversity of our inshore fish populations.
By engaging with hobbyists at events like the Amble Open, we foster a community of anglers who are as passionate about conservation as they are about the sport. This collaborative approach helps us define what sustainable fishing looks like for recreational users while providing the guidance they need to fish responsibly. These partnerships prove that everyone who uses our waters, from the weekend forager to the dedicated angler, has an important role to play.
Global collaboration and academic excellence
Through our partnership with Newcastle University, we support the next generation of marine scientists, providing data and vessel access for vital undergraduate and postgraduate research. This commitment to science was showcased internationally during the ICES Annual Science Conference, where we welcomed over 600 delegates to visit the FPV St Aidan at Newcastle Quayside. These sessions allowed international experts to engage directly with our team and explore our local survey methods and governance first-hand.
NIFCA works alongside partners like Natural England to collect the scientific data essential for balanced decision-making. By pooling expertise, we investigate critical issues such as the health of rocky reefs under potting pressure and the impact of dredging on scallop habitats.
Our research portfolio includes tracking the movement of European lobsters, mapping inshore fishing distributions, and conducting crab and lobster stock assessments with industry support.
