Successful NIFCA Stakeholder meetings

Sea anglers and commercial fishermen from around Northumberland have given their views on proposed changes to the conservation of the local marine environment.

A series of events have been held in the county by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) to discuss the changes, culminating in a forum at County Hall, Morpeth with presentations by scientists from Newcastle University as well as NIFCA’s own environmental officers.

NIFCA Chief Executive Mike Hardy said “We wanted to give interested parties from all sectors the opportunity to discuss the high number of current and often complex DEFRA consultations which are of particular concern to both commercial and recreational fishermen and other interested groups.

As well as receiving a lot of comments and feedback, which is extremely useful with our ongoing work in the district, we were able to answer a number of queries on the proposed Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and other matters”

MCZs are being proposed from Coquet to St. Marys within the NIFCA district and at Farnes East, which adjoins the Authority district and which is fished by fishermen from ports in Northumberland.

Further information is available from NIFCA at its office at:

8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 4RT
Telephone 01670 797676
Email nifca@nifca.gov.uk