Stuart Harding became a full member following the retirement of Ian Thomas on May 12. A lifelong Northumberland resident, Stuart brings with him a deep-rooted connection to the county’s coastline and a strong commitment to sea angling.

His appointment reflects NIFCA’s continued focus on representing all stakeholders involved in the sustainable use and management of inshore marine resources within its district.

Stuart is a well-known figure in the local angling community. For the past four years, he has served on the committee of the New Ship Sea Angling (NSSA) club in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, actively participating in matches and promoting responsible angling practices.

Stuart said: “I’m proud to be joining NIFCA as a representative of recreational sea anglers. I’ve lived in Northumberland all my life and the coast has always been close to my heart.

“Sea angling is more than a hobby for me, it’s a way of life. I look forward to working with the Authority to ensure the voice of local anglers is heard and to protect the future of our marine environment.”

Mark Southerton, Chief Officer at NIFCA, welcomed Stuart’s appointment: “We are delighted to have Stuart on board. His local knowledge, enthusiasm and clear dedication to sea angling will be a real asset.

“His appointment ensures that recreational anglers continue to be well represented in our decision-making, which is vital to the balanced and inclusive approach we take to inshore fisheries management.”

Please note that our next Quarterly Meeting will be held at Newbiggin Maritime Centre, Church Point, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6DB on Monday 28th July 2025 at 1pm.

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

The Angling Trust has recently launched an online training system. https://anglingtrust.net/fishnet-learning-hub/

Thanks to Environment Agency funding through rod licence sales, the Angling Trust has produced FishNET – a completely free to use online Learning Management System (LMS) dedicated to educating our volunteers, club bailiffs, and those involved in law enforcement. It is aimed at supporting all users with an interest in fisheries enforcement and invasive non-native species (INNS) management in fisheries including:

• Anglers who may or may not be members of the Angling Trust.
• Angling Club Bailiffs and Club Committee members.
• Fishery owners and employees.
• Voluntary Bailiff Service members and those interested in applying to join.
• Police Wildlife Crime Officers and any other Police staff from Police service across England.
• Angling Trust staff and volunteers.
• Members of Governmental Organisations (GO’s) with an interest in freshwater fisheries enforcement issues, e.g. Environment Agency, Natural England, IFCAs, Marine Management Organisation etc.
• Members of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) with a fisheries enforcement interest or working with anglers to manage invasive species, e.g. RSPCA, Rivers Trust, Canal & River Trust (CRT) etc.
• Water asset owners or managers who manage assets with angling activity, e.g. water companies, CRT, etc.
• Anyone intending upon applying via the Angling Trust for funding under the Fisheries Improvement Programme or Angling Improvement Fund.

The latest round of the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) in now open, supporting projects that strengthen England’s seafood sector and support economic growth while enhancing nature recovery, see link below for further information:

FASS Link

After more than a decade of committed service, Ian Thomas will retire from the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) on 12 May 2025.

First appointed in May 2013, Ian joined the Authority with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience as a recreational angler.

A lifelong angler, both from the shore and at sea, he brought invaluable insight to Authority discussions, particularly in relation to vessels, fishing practices and mechanical operations.

Ian’s background as a time-served engineer and the former owner of a specialist fuel injection business in Blyth gave him a rare combination of technical skill and seafaring know-how.

That expertise came into its own during a passage onboard St Aidan from the Tyne to Southampton. When engine problems emerged mid-voyage, specifically relating to fuel pressure, Ian was quick to assess the situation.

His reassurance about the vessel’s operation, the crew were able to continue their journey and arrive at the event on time. It was one of many occasions where Ian’s calm, practical experience made a real difference.

During his 12 years with the Authority, Ian sat on every subcommittee, giving generously of his time and knowledge. He played a supporting role in coastal survey work, recruitment processes, and contributed to the development of a Code of Conduct to improve the marking of static fishing gear—an initiative that has had lasting benefits for all users in our coastal waters.

Ian is a well-known and respected figure in the fisher community, particularly in Amble, where he operates his sailing boat and continues to engage with fellow anglers and boaters.

As he retires from the Authority, Ian says he is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and enjoying the freedom of the sea with his sailboat.

Commenting on Ian’s retirement, NIFCA Chief Officer Mark Southerton, said: “Ian’s contribution to the Authority has been outstanding. His combination of technical engineering experience, deep understanding of recreational fishing, and genuine passion for our coast has brought great value to our work. He has always been generous with his time and knowledge, and his presence will be greatly missed.

“From all of us at NIFCA we thank you, Ian, for your dedication, wisdom, and good humour over the years. We wish you the very best in your retirement.”