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Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) is proud to be supporting the North Shields 800th Anniversary Celebrations taking place throughout 2025.
The year-long programme marks a major milestone in the town’s history, celebrating its past, present and future through a packed calendar of community events and activities.
In May, NIFCA joined a local ‘Information Sharing Day’ as part of the anniversary events. The team visited Year 5 pupils at New York Primary School in North Shields, engaging with forty-three children as one of five educational stations.
Alongside NIFCA, representatives included historians discussing the fish quay during the 1800s, documentary photographer Pete Robinson with a collection of images of the North Shields fishing industry and Terry McDermott presenting on the area’s rich fishing heritage.
NIFCA’s session introduced pupils to the Authority’s work, explaining how it helps protect marine life and support sustainable fisheries in the region.
Staff explained the evolution of the organisation, from its origins as a Sea Fisheries Committee focused primarily on enforcement, to the modern IFCA model, which now places significant emphasis on research, surveys, and environmental monitoring.
The children also took part in a hands-on activity exploring the Authority’s Lobster V-Notching programme. Using model lobsters and official measuring gauges, pupils learned how to identify which lobsters meet the legal minimum size for landing and which must be returned to the sea, a vital part of sustaining local stocks.
The session gave young learners a deeper understanding of marine conservation, the science behind NIFCA’s decisions, and how local action supports wider environmental goals.
On Friday 20th of June, the NIFCA team also took part in the North Shields 800 Parade of Sail, which involved a flotilla of local boats participating in a Blessing of the Fleet to celebrate the town’s fishing heritage.
The team also attended the Pride of the Seas II Exhibition at the North Shields 800 Community Day on Saturday 28th June, hosted by the Linskill Centre. The popular event celebrated the rich history, heritage, and culture of North Shields through inspirational talks, music, exhibits and a community marketplace.
NIFCA CEO, Mark Southerton, said: “NIFCA is proud to support the North Shields 800, celebrating the heritage, resilience, and vibrant future of our coastal community.
“Together, we honour the past and help shape a sustainable tomorrow for generations to come. We look forward to continuing our involvement in the North Shields 800 celebrations and building greater awareness of the work we do to protect our inshore marine environment.”
