MP Ian Lavery Visits NIFCA to Learn About Local Fisheries and Marine Conservation Efforts

Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington, has praised the work of the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) following a visit to learn more about its role in protecting marine habitats and supporting the local fishing community.

Mr Lavery met NIFCA Chair Amelia Henderson and Chief Officer Mark Southerton aboard the patrol vessel St Aidan to see how the Authority manages the region’s valuable lobster fishery and other inshore resources.

During the visit, the MP was shown how data collection and monitoring help safeguard fish stocks, and he learned about NIFCA’s V-notching scheme, which protects female breeding lobsters to ensure a sustainable fishery for the future. He also heard about the Authority’s enforcement work, investment in new equipment, and ongoing research projects aimed at improving the understanding of local marine ecosystems.

The discussions also covered national challenges, including offshore development pressures, fishing gear regulation consultations, and the work of the Inshore Small-Scale Fisheries consortium, which NIFCA supports to help secure the future of coastal fishing.

Mr Lavery said: “NIFCA plays a vital role in managing our sea fisheries resources, ensuring that fishing is carried out sustainably while balancing the social and economic benefits with the need to protect our marine environment. I was hugely impressed by the dedication of the team and the vital work they do along our coast.”

NIFCA Chair Amelia Henderson added: “We were delighted to welcome Ian Lavery MP and share the wide range of work we do. It was a great opportunity to discuss local and national challenges and our commitment to working with the fishing community to protect Northumberland’s marine habitats.”