Search our site
Looking for a specific file or document? Browse our Resource hub.
Looking for a specific file or document? Browse our Resource hub.
The vitality of Northumberland’s coastal heritage depends on a shared respect for the rules that govern it. NIFCA maintains a sustainable and fair marine environment by combining proactive community engagement with a robust fisheries enforcement strategy.
Our work serves as a shield for law-abiding fishers, safeguarding their livelihoods and the long-term health of our natural resources from the impact of illegal activity. By maintaining a visible and consistent presence at sea and on the shore, we promote a culture of responsibility that benefits every member of the local fishing community.
Our enforcement work is carried out by trained, experienced fisheries officers operating at sea and on shore. We use a proportionate, evidence-led approach, prioritising education and compliance over prosecution wherever possible.
Monitoring
Our Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officers (IFCOs) conduct routine monitoring across the district, including sea sightings and boardings, fishing gear inspections, shore patrols, and shoreside vessel inspections, to verify that all activity aligns with current legislation.
Intervention
To protect the integrity of our fisheries, officers have the authority to remove and secure illegal or untagged fishing gear found at sea. In a recent initiative, unclaimed gear seized for byelaw breaches was sold at auction, raising over £4,000 for charities that support the fishing community.
Deterrence
While we prioritise education, serious or repeat breaches result in formal legal action to uphold the deterrent effect of our regulations. Our responses range from written warnings to Financial Administrative Payments and court prosecutions, with potential fines for byelaw offences reaching up to £50,000.
Adaptive vigilance
NIFCA operates under the powers granted by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, applying an adaptive co-management approach to the Northumberland coast. We believe that effective fisheries enforcement is best achieved when stakeholders have a real opportunity to engage with the management process, helping everyone understand the necessity of regional rules.
Our team focuses on:
By maintaining a high risk of detection and serious consequences for illegal activity, we facilitate a level playing field where law-abiding fishers are not disadvantaged by those seeking an unfair market advantage. This integrated approach, combining community outreach with targeted action in areas like Blyth and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, is essential to the long-term health of our district.
Filter by policy:
Compliance & enforcement strategy
Financial administrative penalties
Inspection & seizure of gear