To mark World Oceans Day, the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities has launched its latest film, Conserve, showcasing how IFCAs work to protect sensitive species and habitats in England’s inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), while ensuring sustainable fisheries can thrive.

The film explores the role of IFCAs in managing fishing activity within inshore MPAs, ensuring that the conservation objectives of these important sites are achieved while enabling sustainable use of these areas.

Conserve highlights the principles that underpin the IFCAs’ approach to MPA management:

• Using high-resolution scientific data alongside local knowledge and lived experience
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop effective management measures
• Ensuring management decisions are focused on meeting the conservation needs of each MPA
• Adapting approaches in response to changing environmental conditions and emerging evidence

The film demonstrates how effective management of MPAs can support both thriving marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries.

Produced by Mindfully Wired, Conserve follows the successful release of the Association’s previous films, Lead, Champion and Protect. Together, the four films provide an insight into the work of IFCA officers and members who are dedicated to protecting our coastline and fisheries.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day, Conserve highlights the important role Marine Protected Areas play in safeguarding healthy seas for future generations.

Watch the full film here: Association of IFCAs Launches New Film ‘Conserve’ on World Oceans Day – AIFCA

For many marine biology students, work placements are a chance to gain practical experience. For Hajar Azoui, a student at Newcastle University studying Marine Biology, her placement with Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) became something more: a first hand look at how science, conservation, and policy come together in the real world.

Originally from Peterborough, Hajar applied for the placement partly because it was required for her degree, but also because the organisation’s work genuinely matched her interests.

“I’ve always liked the policy side of conservation,” she explains. “Especially how it links to real-world management. Things like byelaws and the legal side of conservation are really interesting to me, so being able to see how that works in practice was a big reason I chose NIFCA.”

Over the course of the placement, Hajar experienced both the scientific and operational sides of marine conservation. Her week combined office-based research with hands-on fieldwork along the North East coast.

A major part of her placement focused on analysing underwater camera footage collected during surveys of the nephrops fishery. Reviewing more than five hours of video footage, Hajar identified sea pens, logged timestamps, identified species, and organised the data into spreadsheets. She then used special computing software to create a histogram showing sea pen abundance per square metre, helping to strengthen her data analysis and coding skills along the way.

“It showed me how much work actually goes into collecting and analysing data before it can be used to inform decisions,” she says.

The placement also gave her opportunities to get out into the field. During a visit to North Shields, she helped record biometric information from lobsters, recording details such as size, sex, , while also examining edible brown crabs landed by local fishermen.

One of the standout moments came during a trip in the ‘Robert Arckless MBE’ patrol boat to the Farne Islands, where she accompanied officers conducting vessel inspections as part of NIFCA’s fisheries management work.

“We also saw seals and puffins, which was amazing,” she says.

Another day took her to the harbours around Amble, where she observed inspections of catches and spoke directly with fishermen about their work, the species they catch, and the realities of working within fishing regulations.

For Hajar, these conversations were one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

“It was really interesting to hear their perspectives and understand how regulations affect them in real life.”

By the end of the placement, she had produced a short report analysing the sea pen survey data and discussing the results, tying together the scientific and policy aspects of the work she had experienced throughout the week.

Looking ahead, Hajar will return to university to complete her final year and hopes to focus her dissertation on policy-related topics. Long-term, she sees herself building a career where science and management intersect.

“I’m interested in going into conservation, particularly where it links with policy and management,” she says. “I’d like to work in an organisation similar to NIFCA, where I can be involved in both research and policy, because I really enjoy that combination.”

When asked whether she would recommend the placement to other students, her answer is immediate.

“Yes, one hundred percent! You get a really good mix of office work and field experience, and you learn a lot in a short amount of time.”

But beyond the technical skills and field experiences, one thing stood out most.

“One of the best parts of the placement was the team. Everyone was really welcoming and friendly, and the office had a super positive atmosphere. It didn’t feel like a typical work environment. Everyone got along well and made it an enjoyable place to be. That honestly made a big difference to the overall experience.”

On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward, both residents of Holy Island, appeared before the court to face sentencing for breaches of local fisheries legislation.

The court found both individuals guilty of violating regional regulations designed to protect marine resources. As a result, both Brigham and Ward were issued fines for their actions, which contravened the laws established to ensure the sustainability of local fisheries.

The prosecution was brought against Mr Brigham and Mr Ward by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) who manage the fishery along the North Tyneside and Northumberland Coast.

During a trial in December 2025, Howard Shaw KC of Park Square Barristers representing NIFCA told the court that in August 2024, Mr Brigham and Ward had fished with pots that were not affixed with the required tags stipulated in Authority byelaws resulting in their seizure.

Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems data showed the defendant’s vessels the Freedom B BK532 and Sophy Rose BK533 attending the gear in the days immediately prior to the seizure. Evidence was also given of a 2021 conversation between Fisheries Officers and Mr Brigham in which he explained his illegal fishing activity, the financial risks versus rewards of doing so and his planned defence if caught.

District Judge Meek found both defendants guilty in January 2026, describing them and their witnesses in her judgement as “untruthful” in an “attempt to hide the defendants’ guilt.”

At the hearing on the 28^th of April, Mr Brigham and Mr Ward pleaded guilty to four further offences discovered by NIFCA whilst the pair were under investigation in 2025.

District Judge Meek heard that on the 19^th of August 2025 and 15^th of October 2025 two fleets of lobster pots were seized by NIFCA in the Holy Island area that were not correctly identified and did not have the required commercial permit tags attached. Again, Inshore Vessel Monitoring System data showed the defendants vessel attending the gear immediately prior to its seizure.

Judge Meek sentenced Shaun Brigham to pay fines and costs of £28,842.60 and Richard Ward £26,425. She stated that she had given serious consideration to disqualifying the defendants from holding NIFCA permits however had taken into consideration the impact such a disqualification would have on the Holy Island community.

Nick Weir, Lead Enforcement Officer for Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said: “NIFCA welcomes the court’s sentencing in this case. Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward deliberately and repeatedly breached legislation designed to protect vital local shellfish stocks for their own financial gain.

“What is particularly concerning is that these offences continued even while they were under investigation, showing a clear disregard for both the law and the sustainability of the marine environment.

“Our byelaws are in place to balance economic opportunity with the urgent need to safeguard our fisheries for the long term. We will continue to take robust action against anyone who undermines that balance through illegal activity.”

On 11 September 2024, officers from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) and Northumbria Police conducted a joint compliance patrol at the Port of Blyth following reports that the Andigee WY372 was repeatedly landing undersized shellfish.

MMO and NIFCA joint enforcement operation results in successful prosecution – GOV.UK

Please note that our next Quarterly Meeting will be held at East Bedlington Community Centre, 16 & 17 Station Street, Bedlington, NE22 7JN on Monday 27th April 2026 at 11:30am

The meeting is open to all.  If you have any queries or would like to attend, please email nifca@nifca.gov.uk.

2026 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of England’s Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), recognising 15 years of dedicated work to manage inshore fisheries sustainably and protect the marine environment.

Established in April 2011 under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, IFCAs replaced the former Sea Fisheries Committees. Their creation marked a major step forward in marine management, introducing a novel, accountable and locally led approach to balancing the protection of marine ecosystems with the social and economic needs of coastal communities.

Over the past 15 years, IFCAs across England’s 10 districts have played a vital role in improving fisheries management, safeguarding marine habitats and supporting the long-term sustainability of inshore waters. Working closely with the fishing industry, government and other regulators, scientists, conservation organisations and local stakeholders, IFCAs have developed practical, evidence-led responses to complex challenges. These have included protecting sensitive habitats, introducing byelaws to support responsible fishing, and improving understanding of emerging fisheries.

The establishment of IFCAs also came at a pivotal time for England’s seas, alongside the designation of England’s Marine Protected Area network. For these protected areas to be effective, appropriate fisheries management measures were needed. IFCAs have worked tirelessly with local communities and stakeholders to develop and implement management that is both internationally important and locally tailored.

To mark the anniversary, the Association of IFCAs will share a dedicated series of 15 stories, each highlighting a key achievement from the past 15 years. Together, these stories will showcase the breadth of IFCA work, from Marine Protected Area management and fisheries science to enforcement, innovation, and meaningful engagement with coastal communities and the fishing industry.

The celebrations will culminate in a National Celebration of Inshore Fisheries at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, on 1 July 2026. The event will bring together partners, government bodies, MPs and fishing industry stakeholders to reflect on progress, share knowledge and look ahead to the future of England’s inshore fisheries.

Tony Tomlinson MBE, Chair of the Association of IFCAs, said: “Over the past 15 years, IFCAs have demonstrated the value of local management in delivering sustainable fisheries and protecting our marine environment. This anniversary is a chance not only to celebrate those achievements, but also to recognise the people who make this work possible every day.”

As IFCAs look beyond 2026, they remain committed to delivering their duties successfully, balancing environmental protection with the needs of inshore fisheries and coastal communities, while adapting to emerging challenges such as climate change.

To follow the 15 Stories of IFCAs, visit the Association of IFCAs on Instagram (@association_ifca), LinkedIn (Association of IFCAs) and X (@AssociationIFCA).

You can also watch AIFCA’s new films about IFCAs on their ‘About Us’ page here.

For more information, please contact Emily Bulled, Communication and Engagement Manager at the Association of IFCAs, at emily.bulled@association-ifca.org.uk.