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Supporting sustainable fishing and conserving the marine environment for current and future generations.
Northumberland Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (NIFCA) is responsible for stewarding Northumberland’s vibrant coastal waters. We work with fishers, communities, scientists, and regulators to balance environmental protection with sustainable economic activity.
From the River Tyne to the Scottish Border, NIFCA manages over 450 square miles of marine area. Discover our heritage, our team, and the statutory duties we perform.
Compliance & Enforcement
From at-sea boardings on our patrol vessels to shore-based inspections across the district’s 15 ports, NIFCA ensures a level playing field for all fishers. We lead with education and clear guidance, but, where necessary, we use proportionate enforcement to protect Northumberland’s stocks from illegal activity and gear conflict.
Conservation & Research
Through robust scientific surveys and academic partnerships, NIFCA builds the evidence base needed to manage our inshore waters effectively. We work alongside key partners to monitor species health and fisher behaviour to ensure that Northumberland’s waters remain resilient and biodiverse.
Marine Protected Areas
Species & Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs)
Research Projects
Partnerships & Collaboration
Marine Protected Areas
From the iconic Farne Islands to the essential kelp forests of the Coquet to St Mary’s Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), NIFCA manages a diverse network of ten Marine Protected Areas.
We use evidence-led byelaws and active monitoring to safeguard these vital habitats and species.
Species & Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs)
Northumberland’s waters support a tapestry of life, from the agile velvet crab to the internationally significant roseate tern.
Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) bridge the gap between conservation and commerce. We lead innovative initiatives like V-notching for lobsters and seabed protection for king scallops to ensure our district remains a productive sanctuary.
Research Projects
Whether we are conducting nephrops burrow counts in the Farne Deeps or determining the age of seabass through community scale-sampling, our research is vital to the health of our seas.
We provide the transparency and scientific rigour needed to sustainably manage Northumberland’s inshore fisheries and secure the long-term viability of local stocks.
Partnerships & Collaboration
NIFCA operates through a powerful network of local, national, and international partners.
Through the likes of joint patrols with the Marine Management Organisation and Northumbria Police to collaborative surveys with the Environment Agency, Natural England, and Newcastle University, we ensure the Northumberland coast benefits from a national perspective delivered with local precision.
Our District & Waters
NIFCA’s district extends from the centre of the River Tyne to the Scottish border, covering Northumberland’s inshore waters out to six nautical miles.
Our work within the district includes:
Stay informed about regulatory updates, consultations, research activity and other important announcements. Get accurate, up-to-date information directly from NIFCA.
