Mariners are advised that Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm (BBOWF) will be continuing geophysical survey works within export cable route areas.

The survey is being undertaken by X-Ocean and will be conducted by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV). It is due to start on 26 May 2025 (+/- 2 days, pending vessel availability) lasting approximately seven days in total. To allow for weather delays and any other eventualities, we would like to extend the validity of this notice to 31 July 2025.

To undertake the survey, the USV will be deploying towed equipment, however it should be noted that BBOWF do not require relocation of fishing gear; on this occasion the vessel will be able to work around any present within the survey areas.

Notice to Mariners – Berwick Bank Geophysical Survey – 1st Issue

This spring, NIFCA was proud to host two enthusiastic placement students: Kasim Mahedi Shariff and Oliver Clarke, each bringing a passion for the marine environment and a desire to learn more about fisheries governance and conservation.

Their time with us not only enriched their understanding of marine management but also gave them a front-row seat to the important work we conduct along the Northumberland coast.

From Brighton to the North East: Kasim Mahedi Shariff

A Stage 2 Marine Biology student at Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Kasim joined NIFCA to explore his keen interest in marine governance and the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

During his placement, Kasim took part in a wide range of activities, from conducting mussel bed surveys at Holy Island and Fenham Flats, to analysing regression data using RStudio and ArcGIS. He also joined the Enforcement Team on coastal patrols, helped measure lobster sizes in North Shields, and even had the opportunity to helm the Robert Arckless MBE Patrol RIB. A particular highlight for him was patrolling down the Tyne and taking in the stunning wildlife, which included grey seals, puffins, and porpoises!

Kasim reflected on the importance of inter-agency communication in managing marine ecosystems and acknowledged how the experience reshaped his views to include the socio-economic dimensions of environmental protection. He now hopes to continue his studies with a summer exchange in Hong Kong and ultimately pursue a governmental role focused on the creation and management of highly protected marine areas.

“I would definitely recommend the NIFCA placement,” he said. “The team were incredibly welcoming, and I’ve gained invaluable insights into how MPAs function in the real world. Special thanks to Andrew and, of course, Penny the office dog.”

A Budding Marine Biologist: Oliver Clarke

For Year 12 student Oliver Clarke from Whitley Bay High School, the NIFCA placement was a dream come true. A lifelong fish enthusiast, Oliver wanted to spend his work experience immersed in the world of marine life, and NIFCA delivered!

Over the course of his placement, Oliver supported a variety of core activities, including reviewing Nephrops burrow footage, participating in land and sea patrols, in-putting lobster survey data, and assisting in the creation of trawling permits. One of his standout moments was measuring lobsters and helming the NIFCA Patrol Boat—an experience he won’t soon forget.

Oliver plans to return to school and continue his path toward becoming a marine biologist, with his time at NIFCA helping to solidify his aspirations. “I’d definitely recommend the placement to others,” he shared. “It was an amazing experience.”

Welcoming the next generation

Mark Southerton, NIFCA Chief Officer, said: “We’re always delighted to support and mentor the next generation of marine scientists and managers. Placements like these not only offer students a valuable learning experience but also bring fresh energy and curiosity to our daily work. A big thank you to everyone across the NIFCA team who helped make these placements so engaging and informative.”

Geoff Cowan, a qualified Marine Engineer, brings a lifelong passion for both commercial and recreational fishing. Geoff has also been an active volunteer with the RNLI for over 50 years, serving at Cullercoats and Tynemouth. His outstanding commitment to community service was recognised in 2020 when he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his contributions to the RNLI.
We look forward to having Geoff onboard as a member!

Full story can be read here: Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority take onboard a new volunteer member

On the 29th of October 2024 Inshore Fisheries Officers seized a fleet of 34 double eyed parlour lobster pots including one small pink pellet and two larger yellow pellets as surfer markers under section 264 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

These pots were set in contravention of NIFCA Byelaw 4 ‘Crustacea and Molluscs Permitting and Pot Limitation’ and Byelaw 5 ‘Marking of Fishing Gear and Keep Boxes’.

If you wish to claim ownership of these pots or have any information about them, please contact the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority on 01670 797 676 or email nifca@nifca.gov.uk

For more information click here

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference, held from the 9th of September at the Glass House conference centre in Gateshead, brought together over 600 scientists from 22 countries across Europe and beyond.

For four days, attendees explored vital topics in marine science, fisheries management, and the future of our oceans. Among the attendees, the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA), alongside the Association of IFCAs, highlighted its work to promote sustainable fisheries and marine conservation efforts in the Northumberland district.

NIFCA’s Contribution to the Global Conversation

Representing NIFCA, Lead Environmental IFCO Alex Aitken delivered a presentation on the value of collaborative working. She emphasised how partnerships between conservation authorities, including Natural England in partnership with strong links to Newcastle University, and scientists are critical to achieving effective marine conservation while maintaining sustainable fishing practices.

NIFCA’s Senior Environmental Officer Andrew Boon also contributed by showcasing the work done in Berwickshire and Northumberland in comparing the size of onset sexual maturity of edible crab. Additional information was also provided on the impacts and recovery of historic dredging within marine protected areas (MPA’s).

Delegates were also given the opportunity to tour NIFCA’s patrol vessel, St Aidan, which was moored on the Tyne opposite the conference hall. Mark Southerton, Chief Officer of NIFCA led the tours which were fully subscribed from day one. Aboard the vessel, visitors gained insight into the vital research and enforcement work carried out by NIFCA, which helps to balance marine conservation with the interests of local fishermen.

A Platform for Global Marine Science

The ICES Annual Science Conference spanned a broad range of marine-related topics, covering themes such as the ecosystem impacts of offshore energy expansion, climate change, and welfare-conscious, sustainable fishing for the 21st century.

These discussions were distinct from the ICES working groups, which regularly bring together scientists and fishing experts to compile data and create stock assessments. These assessments form the basis of the advice given to governments for fisheries management and quota decisions.

Mark Southerton, Chief Officer of NIFCA, commented on the significance of the event: “The ICES conference provided an excellent opportunity for Alex and her team to share the work of Northumberland IFCA and our counterparts up and down the country on an international stage.

“It allowed us to demonstrate how our efforts in Northumberland, from stock assessments to collaborative conservation, contribute to the broader, global conversation on sustainable fisheries management. It’s crucial that our local challenges and successes are recognised and considered within the context of global marine issues.

“We need to integrate local expertise and experience with international scientific endeavours. By engaging with the global scientific community, NIFCA not only showcases its initiatives but also learns from the latest developments in marine science, ensuring that Northumberland’s fisheries remain resilient and well-managed for future generations.”

‘Pride in the Seas’ Exhibition Highlights Challenges and Contributions

One of the features of the conference was the English incarnation of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) ‘Pride in the Seas’ exhibition, which made its way to Gateshead after its initial unveiling in Holyrood earlier in the year.

The exhibition tells the stories of individuals from the inshore fishing sector, including several fishers from the NIFCA district, and highlights the dramatic changes the industry has faced over the past decade.

With a focus on more than just fishers, the exhibition also shines a light on the contributions of fisheries managers, scientists, and representatives from various fisher organisations, all working towards sustainable fisheries. The exhibition was made possible through new funding from Newcastle University and showcases the many challenges faced by the industry as it navigates uncertain waters.

Sarah Coulthard, the Newcastle University researcher who spearheaded the project, explained the importance of the exhibition: “Pride in the Seas invites the public to reflect on our commercial fishing industry, the many contributions our fishing families make to society, and the accumulation of challenges they must navigate in a sector experiencing unprecedented change and uncertainty.

“The exhibition also seeks to send a message that whilst the scientific community may not always be able to support what fishers want, we are listening and take pride in the work of fishing and the many partnerships we forge in our collective pursuit of sustainable fisheries.”

Sarah also emphasised that the exhibition aims to foster dialogue and inspire positive change within the fishing industry, ensuring that the sector can continue to thrive despite its challenges.

Looking Ahead

For NIFCA, the ICES conference was not just an opportunity to present its achievements but a chance to engage with the global scientific community, learn from international best practices, and continue its mission of balancing marine conservation with the needs of local fisheries. Through initiatives like the brown crab project and platforms such as the Pride in the Seas exhibition, NIFCA remains committed to ensuring that Northumberland’s fishing industry is sustainable, resilient, and well-prepared for the future.

ICES Annual Science Conference 2024 – Take a look back! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IySUzru2x8

 Conference delegates had the opportunity to tour NIFCA’s patrol vessel, St Aidan, which was moored on the River Tyne.