A reminder to all recreational fishers – The Catch and Release period is now in affect and will run from 1st Feb to 31st March 2026.
Limits of NIFCA District
Limits of NIFCA District
On Thursday the 22nd of January 2026 at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward, both of Holy Island were convicted of breaching local fisheries legislation.
The prosecution was brought against Mr Brigham and Mr Ward by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (NIFCA) which manages 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 Mr Brigham and Mr 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 defendants’ vessels the Freedom B BK532 and Sophy Rose BK533 at the location of 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 referred to illegal fishing activity, the financial risks versus rewards of doing so and his defence if caught.
Mr Brigham and Ward represented by Richard Arnot of Keystone Law both pleaded not guilty to the offences, claiming a third party must have set the pots up to look like theirs and then placed them along their vessels’ tracks.
District Judge Meek found both defendants guilty, describing them and their witnesses in her judgement as “untruthful” in an “attempt to hide the defendants’ guilt.” Judge Meek adjourned sentencing until late February.
Nick Weir, NIFCA’s lead enforcement officer, said: “The Authority welcomes the conviction of Mr Brigham and Mr Ward, they deliberately chose to exceed effort control legislation designed to protect the species relied upon by the local industry for their financial gain, to the detriment of legitimate fishermen.
“NIFCA is committed to taking appropriate action against any individuals who compromise the health of the fishery. Our byelaws, together with national legislation, are designed to balance the social, environmental, and economic interests of our stakeholders, supporting healthy marine environments, sustainable fishing practices, and a viable industry for future generations. The Authority would like to thank both Howard Shaw KC of Park Square Barristers and Andrew Oliver of Andrew Jackson Solicitors for the support they have provided during the matter.”
Limits of NIFCA District
Please note that our next Quarterly Meeting will be held at Newbiggin Maritime Centre, Church Point, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6DB on Monday 26th January 2026 at 1pm.
The meeting is open to all. If you have any queries or would like to attend, please email nifca@nifca.gov.uk.
Limits of NIFCA District
Please note that our Christmas 2025 opening times are as follows:
Normal working days: Monday 22nd December and Tuesday 23rd December
Wednesday 24th December: Closed
Thursday 25th December: Closed
Friday 26th December: Closed
Monday 29th December: Open Half Day (AM)
Tuesday 30th December: Open Half Day (AM)
Wednesday 31st December: Open Half Day (AM)
Thursday 1st January: Closed
Normal office hours resume Friday 2nd January 2026
Limits of NIFCA District
The Association of IFCAs is excited to release the beginning of a new series of newsletters: IFCA Insights.
The Association of IFCAs represents the ten IFCAs in England and we aim to showcase the work undertaken by the IFCAs to manage inshore fisheries in England.
IFCA Insights is designed to better connect and communicate the work carried out across England’s ten IFCAs. Through our newsletter we aim to showcase and highlight the innovation, dedication and impact of IFCAs and share widely their important work.
In our December 2025 edition, you’ll find highlights from the 2025 Technical Advisory Group Conference, where collaboration and science showcased the strength of the IFCA model; an overview of the newly adopted National Remote Electronic (REM) & Artificial Intelligence Strategy; regional updates on fisheries management, enforcement and partnership work; and a spotlight on the people who deliver this work every day.
Access the latest edition here.
These newsletters will be released Quarterly, with the next edition in March 2026. Sign up to receive future newsletters through the sign up form here.
We are always looking for new content, ideas and feedback. Feel free to get in touch with Emily Bulled, Communication and Engagement Manager, at emily.bulled@association-ifca.org.uk.