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NIFCA is guided by a diverse group of representatives who ensure that our work is rooted in the needs of the North Tyneside and Northumberland communities, combining local democratic values with national expertise to care for our district’s waters.
NIFCA is governed by a committee of 21 members, a structure designed to ensure that no single interest dominates the management of our coastline. Our membership is divided into three distinct groups: locally elected councillors who provide democratic oversight, statutory representatives from national agencies (the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Environment Agency, and Natural England), and General Members. General Members are volunteers appointed for their specific expertise in sectors such as commercial and recreational fishing, marine conservation, and local environmental science.
Under the current leadership of our Chair, Amelia Henderson, this committee meets quarterly to debate policy and review scientific evidence. This collaborative approach means that the strategic direction of our inshore fisheries is informed by those who live and work within the district. Because we are a public body, our governance is rooted in transparency; all quarterly meetings are open to the press and public and general committee meeting minutes are available in our Resource Hub.
Decisions and expenditures are strictly guided by our Constitution and Members’ Code of Conduct. By blending professional management with the lived experience of our community, we ensure that the stewardship of North Tyneside and Northumberland’s waters remains fair, effective, and future-focused.
Appointed by our two local Councils, North Tyneside Council and Northumberland County Council, these members ensure democratic accountability and alignment with local priorities.
As representatives of our statutory partner agencies, MMO, Natural England and Environment Agency, these Members provide a national perspective and regulatory expertise.
Appointed by the MMO to represent commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and environmental interests within the district.
Our members
| Name | Appointment Type | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Amelia Henderson Chair |
MMO Appointed Member | Recreational Fisher |
| Guy Renner-Thomson Vice Chair |
Northumberland County Council | Councillor |
| Frank Armstrong | MMO Appointed Member | Recreational Fisher Commercial Fisher Marine Environment |
| Paul Dent | MMO Appointed Member | Commercial Fisher |
| Martin Kitching | MMO Appointed Member | Marine Environment |
| Steve Lowe | MMO Appointed Member | Marine Environment |
| Pip Moore | MMO Appointed Member | Marine Environment |
| Stuart Harding | MMO Appointed Member | Recreational Fisher |
| James Wood | MMO Appointed Member | Recreational Fisher Commercial Fisher Marine Environment |
| Michael Nugent | MMO Appointed Member | Commercial Fisher |
| Brian Douglas | MMO Appointed Member | Commercial Fisher |
| Geoff Cowan | MMO Appointed Member | Commercial Fisher |
| Liz Dunn | Northumberland County Council | Councillor |
| Les Bowman | Northumberland County Council | Councillor |
| Stephen Flower | Northumberland County Council | Councillor |
| Martin Swinbank | Northumberland County Council | Councillor |
| Karl Green | Northumberland County Council | Councillor |
| Brian Burdis | North Tyneside Council | Councillor |
| Patrick Gray | Environment Agency Representative | Statutory Body |
| Christian Proud | MMO Representative | Statutory Body |
| Catherine Scott | Natural England Representative | Statutory Body |
