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Map of Northumberland IFCA District
Finding the NIFCA Office, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth
Directions:
• Exit the A189 into Blyth,
• Go straight across the roundabout next to ASDA,
• Continue on Cowpen Road and turn left at the main set of traffic lights onto Coniston road,
• Take the next left onto Ennerdale Road,
• Continue on Ennerdale Road, past Volvo on your left and follow the road round to the right,
• NIFCA is the white building on the left through the green metal gates.
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GLOSSARY OF RELEVANT TERMS USED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT, OF INTEREST AND/OR OF RELEVANCE TO NIFCA REMIT
ABBREVIATIONS AED Automated External Defibrillators AIFCA Association of IFCAs AIS Automatic Identification System AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty B&NNC SAC Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast Special Area of Conservation CEFAS The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science CEO Chief Executive Officer CFP Common Fisheries Policy CIFCO Chief IFCO COG Chief Officers Group CPUE Catch per Unit Effort DEFRA Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs EA Environment Agency EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMFF European Maritime and Fisheries Fund EMS European Marine Site EUNIS European Nature Information System FLAG Fisheries Local Action Group GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management IFCA Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority IFCO Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer iVMS Inshore Vessel Monitoring System JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee JWA Joint Working Arrangement (in the district with the MMO, EA and NE) KPI Key Performance Indicators LPUE Landing per Unit Effort LSE Likely Significant Effect MCA Maritime Coastguard Agency MaCAA Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009 MCRS Minimum Conservation Reference Size MCSS Monitor and Control Surveillance System MCZ Marine Conservation Zone MEO Marine Enforcement Officer MOU Memorandum of Understanding MLS Minimum Landing Size MMO Marine Management Organisation MPA Marine Protected Areas MSC Marine Stewardship Council MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Directive MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield NAREC National Renewable Energy Centre NCC Northumberland County Council NE Natural England NeBBS North East Beached Bird Survey NEBOSH National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health NGO Non-Government Organisation NIMEG National Marine Enforcement Group NIFCA Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority nm Nautical Miles NNR National Nature Reserve NSFC Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee NTL Normal Tidal Limit iii
NTMBC North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council PACE Police and Criminal Evidence Act PPR Professional Practices and Responsibilities RIB Rigid Inflatable Boat RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution RSA Recreational Sea Angling SAGB Shellfish Association of Great Britain SAC Special Areas of Conservation SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SOLAS The International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea SPA Special Protection Areas SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest STCW Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping RYA Royal Yacht Association TAC Total Allowable Catch TAG Technical Advisory Group TCG Tactical and Co-ordination Group UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea VMS Vessel Monitoring System
GLOSSARY: POLICY AND LEGISLATION Birds Directive Aims to protect all European wild birds and the habitats of the species listed in the directive. The Birds Directive is the abbreviated term for Council Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds. Byelaw A regulation made by a local authority. Common Fisheries Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Policy (CFP) Union (EU). It sets quotas which indicate how much of each fish species each member state is allowed to catch, as well as encouraging the fishing industry by various market interventions. Habitats Directive Aims to protect the habitats and species listed in the directive’s Annexes. The Habitats Directive is the abbreviated term for Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. Habitats Regulations Transposes the Birds Directive and Habitats Directive into UK law. Marine and Coastal Seeks to improve management and increase protection for the marine Access Act environment within English inshore areas. The Act includes provisions for the establishment of the MMO, IFCAs and the creation of a network of MCZs. NIFCA Byelaws A set of regulations enforced by NIFCA within the NIFCA district. Statutory Instruments This legislation is made in accordance with provisions contained within one or more of the UK primary fisheries Acts.
GLOSSARY: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Annex I Habitats A natural habitat(s) listed in Annex 1 of the Habitats Directive for which Special Areas of Conservation can be designated.
Annex II Species A species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive for which Special Areas of Conservation can be designated.
Annex I Species A particularly threatened species for which EU member states must (Birds Directive) designate Special Areas of Protection for their survival, and all migratory bird species.
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Appropriate The process and documentation associated with the statutory Assessment requirement under the EC Habitats Directive to assess the impact of a plan or project on a European site
Area of Outstanding Area of high landscape value protected by law to conserve and enhance Natural Beauty its natural beauty. (AONB)
Assemblage A collection of plants and/or animals characteristically associated with a particular environment.
Coastal Change Areas at the coast which have specific temporal and spatial planning Management Areas policies attached to mitigate the long-term impact of coastal change.
Competent Authority Any minister, government department, public or statutory undertaker, public body or person holding a public office that exercises legal powers (see also relevant authority).
Conservation The goal of maintaining or restoring natural habitats and populations of objective species of wild fauna and flora at a favourable conservation status.
European Site A Special Protection Area (SPA) designated under the EC Birds Directive, or a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EC Habitats Directive.
European Marine Site A European site (SAC or SPA) which consists of marine areas.
Favourable Condition A range of conditions for a natural habitat or species at which the sum of the influences acting upon that habitat or species are not adversely affecting its distribution, abundance, structure or function within an individual Natura 2000 site in the long term. The condition in which the habitat or species is capable of sustaining itself on a long-term basis.
Feature A natural or semi-natural feature for which a European site has been selected.
Habitat The place in which an animal or plant lives.
Habitat Regulations An assessment required under the EC Habitats Directive of the impacts Assessment of plans or projects on European sites.
Implementation Putting policies and proposals into effect.
Implementation The officer employed by the Management Group to develop the Officer management scheme and support implementation of the scheme
Integrated Coastal Co-ordinated management of the coastal and inshore marine area Zone Management across multiple sectors, taking a long-term approach to planning. (ICZM)
Likely Significant The first step of a Habitat Regulations Assessment to determine whether Effect (LSE) a plan or project might impact a European site.
Littoral The margins of a body of water, an area which is occasionally washed by the tide
Maintain The action required for an interest feature when it is considered to be in favourable condition. Management may still be required to keep this status.
Management Group A group of statutory and non-governmental organisations working in partnership to manage a European Marine Site.
Management Scheme The framework established by the relevant authorities at a European
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marine site under which their functions are exercised to secure, in relation to that site, compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive.
Marine Conservation Marine areas in English waters designated under the Marine and Zone (MCZ) Coastal Access Act 2009 to protect marine habitats and species typical of UK waters.
Marine Protected Area A marine area that is protected by statutory or voluntary measures to control human activity. The term is also used to describe Scotland’s national network of marine nature conservation sites.
Natura 2000 Network The European network of protected sites established under the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, made up of SPAs and SACs.
National Nature Important areas for wildlife which are protected, managed and Reserve (NNR) accessible.
Plan or Project Any proposed development that is within a relevant authority’s function to control, or over which a competent authority has a statutory function to decide on applications for consents, authorisations, licences or permissions.
Ramsar Site A site held on the list of wetlands of international importance, especially as habitats for wildfowl, under the Ramsar convention.
Relevant Authority The specific competent authority which has powers or functions which have, or could have, an impact on the marine environment within or adjacent to a European marine site.
Restore The action required for bringing a qualifying feature back to favourable condition.
Site of Special Areas designated in the UK for their internationally important flora, fauna Scientific Interest and geological features. (SSI)
Shoreline A document setting out strategic guidance for the management of Management Plan coastal defence over the next 20, 50 and 100 years.
Special Area of An area designated under the European Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Conservation (SAC)
Special Protection An area designated under the European Birds Directive 79/409/EEC Area (SPA)
Statutory Nature Government’s main advisors for the natural environment – Natural Conservation Body England and Scottish Natural Heritage in England and Scotland respectively.
Steering Group A group of statutory and non-governmental organisations with delegated powers from the Management Group. The Steering Group oversees the work of the Implementation Officer.
Strategic The assessment of environmental effects of major strategic plans. SEA Environmental is a European requirement. Assessment (SEA)
Sub-Feature An important component part of a qualifying feature – e.g. kelp forests are a sub-feature of the rocky reef.
Voluntary Marine A marine area that is protected through voluntary agreements with site Reserve users.
GLOSSARY: vi OTHER/FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL
Berried crab/lobster A crab or lobster with eggs or spawn attached to the tail or other exterior part.
By-catch A fish or other marine species that is caught unintentionally while catching target species.
Carapace Length The carapace length of a lobster is measured from the rear of the eye socket to the rear of the carapace on a line parallel to the centre line of the body.
Carapace Width The carapace width of a crab is measured from the widest part of a crab’s carapace.
Crustacea A group of arthropods, which includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish and shrimp.
Discards Those components of a fish stock thrown back after capture e.g. because they are below the minimum landing size or because quota have been exhausted for that species.
Environmental Impact The assessment of environmental effects of major projects and Assessment (EIA) development proposals to inform decision making. EIA is a European requirement.
Escape gaps An opening in the pot of a size that allows undersized target- and non- target species to escape, whilst retaining legal sized target species.
Geographic A system which captures, stores, analyses, manages and presents data Information System that is linked to a location. The software ArcGIS is used by NIFCA to (GIS) produce maps.
Ground-truthing The collection of ground-truth data enables the accuracy of remote- sensing data (such as underwater video footage) to be determined, aiding the interpretation and analysis of the remotely-sensed data.
Landing Obligation Under the landing obligation all catches have to be kept on board, landed and counted against quotas. Undersized fish cannot be marketed for human consumption. This measure will be introduced fishery by fishery over the next few years.
Management Regime The current NIFCA management regime consists of byelaws and regulations.
Maximum Landing Lobsters greater than the MaxLS in Scotland should be returned to the Size (MaxLS) sea.
Maximum Sustainable MSY is the largest average yield (catch) that can theoretically be taken Yield (MSY) from a species’ stock over an indefinite period under constant environmental conditions.
Minimum The size for a given species below which the sale of catches shall be Conservation restricted to reduction to fish-meal, pet food or other non-human Reference Size consumption products only. (MCRS)
Minimum Landing The EU Common Fisheries Policy implemented EU minimum landing Size (MLS) sizes (MLS) now known as Conservation Reference Sizes (CRS) for quota species which define the smallest fish measurement at which it is vii
legal to keep or sell a fish.
Mitigation The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.
Stock Assessment Provide fisheries managers with the information that is used in the regulation of a fish stock. Biological and fisheries data are collected in a stock assessment.
Strategic Assesses the impact on the environment from public plans, programmes Environmental and strategies Assessment (SEA)
Sustainability The collection of policies and strategies employed by companies to minimize their environmental impact on future generations.
Soft shelled A crab or lobster which has recently cast its shell Crab/Lobster
Stakeholder Any organisation or individual that has a direct interest in actions or decisions. Their interest may be because they will have a role in implementing the decisions, or because they will be affected by the decision.
Total Allowable Catch Catch limits (expressed in tonnes or numbers) that are set for most (TAC) commercial fish stocks.
V-notching V-notching puts a notch in the tail flap of a lobster, predominantly sized and berried female lobsters (87mm or larger). This gives the female one or two more chances of spawning before being eligible for recapture. It is an offence to land a V-notched lobster, male or female.
GLOSSARY: ENFORCEMENT
Automatic An automatic tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic Identification System services (VTS) for identifying and locating vessels by electronically (AIS) exchanging data with other nearby ships, AIS base stations, and satellites. Code of Conduct A set of rules outlining the social norms and rules and responsibilities of, or proper practices for, an individual, party or organization. Global Positioning A satellite-based navigation system. System (GPS) Landings The catches of marine fish landed at a port. Memorandum of A formal agreement between two or more parties. MOUs are not legally Understanding (MOU) binding.
Nautical Mile (nm) A nautical mile is a unit of distance, set by international agreement as being 1.852 km; 1,852 m; 1.151 mi or 6,076 ft. Patrols Monitoring of a specific geographic area. Permit An official document giving someone authorization to fish. Pot Limitation Limits the number of pots a permit holder can fish within the district (the NIFCA limit is 800 pots). TCG Tactical Co-ordination Group Vessel Monitoring Systems that are used in commercial fishing to allow environmental and System (VMS) fisheries regulatory organisations to track and monitor the activities of fishing vessels.
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GLOSSARY: FISHING METHODS AND GEAR
Bait Collection The collection of intertidal animals to use as bait.
Bait Digging Method of collecting angling bait which uses a fork, pump or spade to target lugworm and ragworm living in intertidal sediment.
Cleek Pole with a hook on the end used for catching lobsters.
Cleeking A method of catching lobsters in the intertidal zone using a long pole with a hook on the end.
Cod-end The end of a towed net where the catch collects.
Crab Tiling Collecting soft shelled shore crabs referred to as peeler crabs for use as angling bait. Shelters made from tyres or pipes or set on intertidal sediment.
Dahn A pole with a float, weight and flag attached.
Dredge A rigid structure towed on the seabed in order to collect target species
Drift net Nets which hang vertically in the water column without being anchored to the bottom. The nets are kept vertical in the water by floats attached to a rope along the top of the net and weights attached to another rope along the bottom of the net.
Fixed Engine A fixed (stationary) net used for the taking of fish.
Gill Net A single wall of netting that can either be fixed or allowed to drift.
Hand Gathering The process of gathering sea fisheries resources by hand for food or bait.
J-Net A net in the shape of the letter ‘J’.
Marker Buoy Any surface marker float which can be used to identify the location of fishing gear.
Mobile Gear Any dredge, trawl or similar device that is designed to be towed or pushed to take sea fisheries resources on the seabed.
Net Any trammel, gill, tangle or other enmeshing net used for the capturing of sea fish.
Passive Gear Longlines or nets which are rigged with top, bottom and connecting ropes and may be equipped with anchoring, floating and navigational gear.
Pot Any pot, creel, trap or cage used for the catching of sea fish.
Purse Seine Net A large circular net which surrounds fish to capture them.
Static Gear Static gear is set to allow fish to swim into it, or to attract fish by bait, and consequently become caught in the gear (e.g. pots).
Tangle Net A net with large meshes set on the seabed.
T-net A net in the shape of the letter ‘T’.
Trammel Net A net which consists of 3 parallel panels with different mesh sizes.
Trawling The operation of towing a net to catch fish.
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GLOSSARY - SPECIES: A list of the minimum conservation reference sizes for the following species will be found on the FAQ page of the authority website.
Brown/Edible Cancer pagarus Crab
Lobster Homarus gammarus
Velvet Crab Nectora puber
Green Crab Carcinus maenas
Spider Crab Maja squinado
Stone Crab Lithodes maja (often referred to as a spider crab)
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Prawn/ Nephrops Nephrops norvegicus
Whelk Buccinum undatum
Mussel Mytilus edulis
Native Ostrea edulis Oyster
Pacific Crassostrea Oyster gigas
Scallop Pecten maximus
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Cod Gadus morhua
Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Plaice Pleuronectes platessa
Flounder Platichthys flesus
Dab Limanda limanda
Bass Dicentrarchus labrax
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Herring Clupea harengus
Sprat Sprattus sprattus
Mackerel Scomber spp.
Megrim Lepidorhombus spp
Hake Merluccius merluccius
Pollock Pollachius pollachius
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Whiting Merlangius merlangus
Ling Molva molva
Saithe Pollachius virens
Turbot Scophthalmus maxima
Local Protected Sites Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC Tweed Estuary SAC
Special Protection Areas (SPA) Northumbria Coast SPA Coquet Island SPA Farne Islands SPA Lindisfarne SPA Northumberland Marine SPA
Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) Aln Estuary MCZ Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ Farnes East MCZ Berwick to St Mary’s proposed MCZ
Sites of Special Scientific Interest Northumberland Shore SSSI
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NIFCA Annual Report Covering the Period From 1st April 2018 – 31st March 2019 (the IFCA year)
Contents:
1. Foreword from the Chief Executive Page 1
2. Introduction from the NIFCA Chair Page 2
3. IFCA Vision and Success Criteria Page 3 - 7
4. Local Targets and Priorities Page 8 - 11
5. Work Plan Summary Page 12
6. Resources Report Page 13
7. NIFCA Budget Summary Page 14 - 15
8. Governance Report Page 15 - 16
9. Staffing and Service Standards Page 17
10. Training Summary Page 17
11. Strategic Review Page 17
Annex 1. NIFCA meetings and events attended by representatives of the Authority Page 18 - 26
Annex 2. List of Press Reports referring to NIFCA - 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 Page 27 - 28
Annex 3. Training Summary Page 29
Annex 4. Consultation Summary Page 30
Annex 5. Enforcement and Operations Summary Page 31 - 36
Notes Page 37
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PAGE1 .
1. Foreword from the Chief Executive
It is my privilege to welcome you to the latest edition of the NIFCA Annual Report, our eighth since inception in 2011. 2018-19 has been a significant year for NIFCA in a number of ways.
Around the end of 2018-19 – the Authority bid a fond farewell to our Operations and Enforcement IFCO Eric Balsdon, who retired after some ten years of service to the Authority, following a lengthy career in the Police service. We wish Eric well in his retirement and we are very pleased to have recruited as his replacement, Mark Lynn, who also joins us after many years of distinguished service to Northumbria Police. Mark will in particular be working closely with Ricky who also had a background in the Police Mike Hardy, service before joining us. Ricky, together with Eric Balsdon has overseen the NIFCA CEO considerable enhancement of the Authority’s intelligence system which is vital in our effective dealing with enforcement of byelaws and other fisheries regulations, ensuring that we can deal proactively and effectively with any transgressions which take place. Compliance by fishers and other stakeholders is vital in ensuring that our marine environment is conserved and wherever possible enhanced, for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Around the end of 2018-19, our long-serving IFCO Engineer Justin Cooke left the service of NIFCA with our thanks for his excellent service, particularly maintaining the Authority vessels and Justin has our very best wishes in his future career.
During the course of 2018-19, NIFCA also completed the procurement of our new cabin RIB “Robert Arckless MBE” named in honour of our former Chair. We were grateful to receive the bulk of the cost of “Robert Arckless MBE” from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund which is managed by our colleagues at the Marine Management Organisation and was dealt with by them very efficiently. Our thanks also go to Northumberland County Council for providing the support to us in connection with the procurement process for the vessel.
In March 2019 the Authority was also able to make permanent the necessary byelaw prohibition in respect of berried lobsters in the district, the legal provision incorporated in our Crustacea Conservation 2019 byelaw. My thanks as always to our Officers and particularly Chief IFCO Browne in connection with preparation of our byelaw provision, to our members for making the byelaw and to colleagues at Defra for all of their assistance and input to enable the byelaw to be implemented.
Our best wishes and support also went to our long-serving Deputy Chief Environmental IFCO Jon Green during a long period of illness this year. Environmental IFCOs Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken both worked particularly hard to minimise the impact of Jon’s absence and I am pleased that we remained able to continue to deliver upon all aspects of our remit throughout the year.
In the last year, NIFCA has also continued to work closely with partner agencies in a number of different ways, including on our vessels and ashore, not least with the local Officers of the MMO and where I remain delighted that we continue to have an excellent and productive working relationship. Our ties also remain particularly strong with Newcastle University, the Environment Agency and Natural England (from whom Catherine Scott has continued to give invaluable help to our Environmental team on their regular “evidence days”).
In summary, in what continue to be challenging and uncertain times (not least with the outcome of the 2016 Brexit Referendum still to be decided and finalised), I am very pleased that this Authority has continued to make progress. Our excellent team of IFCOs ensure delivery of the Authority remit ashore and at sea and that would not be possible without the backing of our first-class Admin Team, led by Emma Cosimini.
Much more information can be read in the following pages about the work of the Authority and also the essential role of our membership, regarding whom we have included a new section in this Annual Report to give a greater idea of the value of the work they undertake and which of course if done on a volunteer basis. I confirm that ultimately, NIFCA serves the rate payers of Northumberland and North Tyneside in carrying out the important work which is entrusted to us and I would ask anybody who has any interest or concern it the work which we undertake to not hesitate to contact us as referred to below.
Mike Hardy, NIFCA CEO
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE2 .
2. Introduction from the NIFCA Chair
It has been a busy and interesting year for Northumberland IFCA and there have been many calls upon the services of our members. These include attendance at meetings of the Authority, as well as other meetings in relation to the work of NIFCA, providing information and expertise when required and generally supporting the work of our Officers. Work can be undertaken by our members quite often at short notice, for example attendance at Extraordinary General meetings of the Authority regarding urgent matters including the making of Emergency Byelaws. Regarding such efforts by our MMO appointed members, who are all volunteers and our Councillor Members from Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside Council (as well as our Statutory appointees from the MMO, Natural England and the Environment Agency) I would like to express my sincere and profound thanks. A proactive and supportive membership is integral to the work of IFCAs and we are indeed fortunate in Northumberland in that regard. NIFCA Chair, Les Weller Brexit is obviously an extremely important factor to IFCAs. As an Authority, we have given every possible assistance to the local industry and stakeholders in communicating information and developments because of the significance of whatever is finally decided regarding the trade in fish products from our district to the continent, as well as access to UK waters.
The paramount role of IFCAs is to deal with matters in our district as referred to in the IFCA Vision and Success Criteria, which you can read about in the following pages of this report. Localism is key therefore and the understanding of our district, its activities and stakeholders is vital and to an extremely high level amongst our Officer corps and membership. However, we are also part of a national picture and both our Chief Executive Officer and I on behalf of the Authority see the role of the Association of IFCAs, particularly in representing our Authorities to central government and other national organisations, as a vital one. Over the last year, Mike Hardy and I have attended all of the Association of IFCA meetings which have been held (as well as Mike or our Chief IFCO Al Browne attending the national Chief Officer Group meetings) to ensure our voice is heard, particularly when these meetings are attended by senior officials from Defra and on occasion the Fisheries Minister. In view of the importance of the role and work of the Association, I was therefore very pleased and honoured to be elected during 2018-19 as Vice Chair of the Association and I have been very pleased to work particularly with the AIFCA Chair Tony Thomlinson and Chief Executive Stephen Bolt to further the aims and objectives of the Association on behalf of the IFCAs.
For all its challenges, 2018-19 has been a successful year for NIFCA, as outlined in Mike Hardy’s foreword to this report and the remainder of the report which you can read hereafter. I am also extremely pleased that we have been able to communicate our message regarding the work of NIFCA so successfully both through local and other media as detailed in Annex 2 of this report and also on the Authority’s website as well as through social media and the Authority Newsletter.
Thank you for reading this report and I hope to meet as many of you as possible in the future at Authority Quarterly Meetings and other events. Please do not hesitate to contact the Authority office if we can be of any further assistance.
Les Weller, NIFCA Chair
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE3 .
3. IFCA Vision and Success Criteria
The National IFCA Vision:- “Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries, by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.”
The following National IFCA Success Criteria came into operation in 2015-16.
Success Criterion 1: IFCAs are recognised and heard, balancing the economic needs of the fishery whilst working in partnership and engaging with stakeholders
Definition: IFCAs will be a visible, respected and trusted regulator within coastal communities and will maintain and deliver a strategy to communicate their vision and duties effectively. IFCAs will engage with policy makers, industry, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), recreational and commercial users; and other regulators. They will work jointly and collaboratively with partner organisations across boundaries; will participate and contribute to the development and implementation of regional and national marine policy, including the marine planning regime; will take long-term strategic decisions and manage risks effectively. IFCAs may maintain a national body to co-ordinate the activities of authorities that are party to arrangements.
Outcomes Indicators • The IFCA will maintain and implement an • SC1A: The IFCA will maintain a database of effective communication strategy. stakeholder contacts that will have been reviewed and updated by 31 March each year • The IFCA will maintain its website, ensuring • SC1B: The IFCA will have completed a review of public access to current fisheries and its communication strategy and implementation conservation information for the District, plan by 31 March each year. including management requirements and • SC1C: The IFCA will have reviewed its website byelaws. Non-reserved IFCA Committee by the last working day of each month. papers will be published. • SC1D: The IFCA will have reviewed its website and ensured it meets the objectives of its • The IFCA will contribute to coordinated activity communication strategy, by 31 March each year. at a national level • SC1E: The IFCA will have reviewed all of its Memoranda of Understanding by 31 March each • The IFCA and its principal partners will have a year. There will be a clear plan in place to update clear understanding of roles and MoUs where necessary, to an agreed timescale. responsibilities. Memoranda of Understanding • SC1F: By 31 March each year, the IFCA will have with MMO, Natural England, Environment participated appropriately, proportionately and at Agency and Cefas will be maintained. the right level of delegation, in regional and Opportunities for greater efficiencies, effective national fisheries and conservation activity joint working and collaboration will be explored identified in the annual plan. and implemented when feasible.
NIFCA Delivery of SC1: NIFCA has continued during 2018-19 to communicate regularly and as fully as possible with stakeholders, partners and the wider community. To date we have 862 followers on Twitter. Further reference to communication by the Authority can be found in the introduction by the Chair to this report and in Annex 2.
Promotion of and communication regarding the work of the Authority has been reviewed at periodic meetings during the year with the Authority’s communications advisor and developed therefrom. The Authority stakeholder database has been maintained and reviewed during the year and our website undergoes monthly reviews. The website meets the objectives of our communication strategy. MOUs are also reviewed and the Authority also takes part extremely intensively in regional and national fisheries and conservation activity at the right level of delegation and as evidenced in the list of meetings in Annex 1 to this report.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE4 .
Success Criterion 2: IFCAs implement a fair, effective and proportionate enforcement regime
Definition: The IFCA enforcement regime is risk-based, makes appropriate use of intelligence, meets legislative standards and complies with the Regulators Code. It should make effective use of the resources available to regulators; complement and align, if possible, with the regimes in adjacent IFC Districts and management by other organisations including the MMO and Environment Agency. Consistency and fairness is important. Regulatory compliance is promoted. Enforcement action is carried out by trained, professional officers working to clear standards of conduct.
Outcomes Indicators
• The IFCA will publish its enforcement risk • SC2A: The IFCA will ensure its enforcement register and strategy, clearly setting out its risk register and strategy are published and approach to achieving regulatory compliance available on its website from 1 April each year and potential sanctions that may be applied for • SC2B: The IFCA will demonstrate in its Annual infringements and/or offences. Report how it has worked with other regulators to achieve consistent quality, application and • The IFCA will have developed consistency in enforcement of management measures regulations (byelaws) with other organisations • SC2C: The IFCA will compile records of enforcement activity in a standard format; • The IFCA will manage operational activity (e.g. provide them to the National Inshore Marine through a Tactical & Coordination Group) and Enforcement Group (NIMEG) and publish them capture, record, evaluate and disseminate on its website. intelligence that is compatible with partner • SC2D: The IFCA will adopt the national Code of organisations. It is engaged in joint working Conduct for IFCOs, which will be reviewed with partner organisations. annually and published on its website by 1 April. • SC2E: The Code of Conduct for IFCOs is • Warranted Inshore Fisheries and Conservation reflected in work objectives and annual Officers (IFCOs) will be trained and accredited appraisals for all Warranted Officers. to nationally agreed standards. They will • SC2F: Warranted Officers attain accreditation. maintain professionalism and make All undertake Continuing Professional appropriate interventions to deliver efficient, Development effective enforcement activity
NIFCA Delivery of SC2:
NIFCA has complied with all of the above indicators SC2A to SC2F during 2018-19. Accreditation for warranted Officers is still pending but Officers have undertaken continuing professional development including working closely within the national IFCAs/MMO intelligence programme, leading to positive and enhanced outputs from what was achieved in previous years and seeing benefits in the level and quantity of intelligence gathered and resultant enforcement, as well as from the structured use of the NIFCA Tactical Coordination Group (TCG). Great benefits flow from the Authority having two former police officers as IFCO Intel Leads. The overall experience and knowledge of the Authority IFCO team and Chief Executive (a former solicitor with extensive experience as a practitioner in criminal law) has also contributed to the success of this IFCA Success Criterion, with benefits also flowing from the use by NIFCA of one of the leading marine solicitors in the country for the Authority’s prosecution work and related legal advice. Training has also been delivered to Authority IFCOs to maintain the standard of work in this important area of our remit.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE5 .
Success Criterion 3:
IFCAs use evidence based and appropriate measures to manage the sustainable exploitation of sea fisheries resources and deliver marine environmental protection within their districts Definition:
The IFCAs were created as statutory inshore regulators by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. They are relevant authorities for implementing international environmental commitments including the Birds, Habitats, Water and Marine Strategy Framework Directives and make an important contribution to securing a network of well managed marine protected areas, including European Marine Sites and Marine Conservation Zones. Fisheries Management Plans identify local management measures which should be based on evidence; be timely; subject to appropriate consultation and in step with national initiatives and priorities. An IFCA should balance the social and economic benefits of exploiting sea fisheries resources with the need to protect the environment. It should make a contribution to sustainable development.
Outcomes Indicators
• The IFCA will identify issues likely to affect • SC3A: The IFCA will record site-specific management sustainable management of the marine considerations for Marine Protected Areas and report environment in the IFC District; undertake progress to the Authority risk assessment and gap analysis; review appropriateness of existing measures; • SC3B: The IFCA will publish data analysis and evidence evaluate management options and develop supporting new management measures, on its website and implement proportionate marine • SC3C: Management information (e.g. sampling and/or management solutions survey results) will be collected periodically after new • The IFCA will support implementation of a management measures have been implemented, to well-managed network of marine protected demonstrate the extent of effectiveness of the intervention areas by: developing a range of criteria- based management options; implementing • SC3D: The IFCA will have developed a range of criteria- management measures to ensure that based management options that are explained to inshore fisheries activities comply with the stakeholders through the IFCA website, and reviewed by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and 31 March each year
the revised approach to managing • SC3E: New IFCA management measures selected for commercial fisheries in European Marine development and implementation are delivered within Sites; and that local management agreed timescales contributes to delivery of targets for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, • SC3F: The IFCA will include shared agreed objectives and Water Framework Directive and Marine actions from Fisheries Management Plans in its own Plans. Annual Plan, which will be published by 31 March each • The IFCA will develop Fisheries year.
Management Plans for priority species • SC3G: Progress made in relevant Fisheries Management where appropriate. Shared objectives will Plan areas, including Maximum Sustainable Yield be developed with identified partners; commitments, will be noted in the IFCA’s Annual Report. actions identified and best practice reflected so that management makes a contribution to sustainable development.
NIFCA Delivery of SC3:
During 2018-19 NIFCA continued with the implementation and development of measures to manage sustainable exploitation of sea fisheries resources and deliver marine environmental protection. This was based upon the Authority having an experienced and knowledgeable team of environmental Officers who undertook research and data analysis in support of management, reporting to Quarterly Meetings of the Authority and its quarterly Technical and Scientific sub-committee meetings. Close working with partner agencies, in particular Natural England, support this workstream. Continued attendance at national IFCA Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meetings, reference to the Authority’s Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), membership of the Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership (MNP) and a particularly close working relationship governed by a Memorandum of Understanding with Newcastle University School of Natural and Environmental Sciences have all contributed to fulfilment of this Success Criterion and the fulfilment in 2018-19 of the above indicators
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SC3A to SC3G. The Authority’s byelaws and permits have also been kept under review, bearing in mind the balance which is fundamental to the IFCA Vision (see page 3 above). Survey work has also been undertaken throughout the year by Officers, often supported by members and representatives of partner agencies, with Impact Assessments recording outcomes in specific areas, as well as case studies. Particular mention should go to the development of the Authority Crab Survey in the district, funded by a grant from the North of Tyne Fisheries Local Action Group to facilitate the employment for three days per week of a Research Officer, working with the local fishing industry to gather data for a report to assist with development of the Authority management measures and policies.
All of the above was achieved despite the NIFCA Deputy Chief IFCO (Environmental) being absent through illness from October for the rest of the IFCA year. Great credit should go to the rest of the Authority Environmental team for their work in maintaining the necessary standard and outputs to fulfil the Authority remit in relation to this Success Criterion.
Success Criterion 4: IFCAs have appropriate governance in place and staff are trained and professional Definition: IFCAs are statutory authorities and sit within the local government family. Authority members may be either general members or local councillors. They comply with Codes of Conduct and the Standing Orders that apply to meetings of local government committees. General members are appointed on merit, through open competition and for a term. They are subject to an annual performance appraisal. An IFCA is funded by levy, charged to its member councils. Funding originates in local taxation. An IFCA is accountable for its use of public resources and should ensure that a proper auditing regime provides confidence in its commitment and spend of public money. It should make effective use of its resources, including staff and assets. An IFCA has a statutory obligation to prepare and publish Annual Plans and Annual Reports. Outcomes Indicators • The IFCA will demonstrate its long-term strategic • SC4A: The IFCA will publish a Plan on its approach to sustainable marine management by website by 31 March, setting out the main having appropriate plan-making, review, update and objectives and priorities for the next financial amendment procedures in place. The IFCA will year. A copy will be sent to the Secretary of record its performance against corporate outcomes State. and indicators as soon as practically possible • SC4B: After the end of each financial year, the following the end of the financial year. IFCA will publish a Report on its website • Staff performance management systems will be in describing its activities, performance and a place that link to the IFCA success criteria. There will summary of audited financial information in that be an induction procedure for new joiners. Staff year, by 30 November. A copy will be sent to training and development needs will be identified. the Secretary of State.
Performance will be managed and, where necessary, • SC4C: IFCA staff will have annual performance improvement procedures will be followed. management plans in place. Annual appraisals • The IFCA Committee will be supported by an for all staff will have been completed by 31 May organised, efficient and effective secretariat. New each year.
members will receive an induction pack and briefing • SC4D: An efficient secretariat of IFCA staff from the Authority. There will be a rolling twelve support IFCA Authority meetings which are held month schedule of quarterly Authority meetings. quarterly and are quorate. Meeting Notices of meetings and documentation will be made documentation will meet Standing Orders. available in line with Standing Orders. • SC4E: The IFCA will have demonstrated, in its • IFCA Committee meetings will be held in public Annual Report, how marine, land and water unless material is either confidential, or exempt within management mechanisms in the Inshore the meaning of the Local Government Act 1972 Fisheries & Conservation District have worked responsively and effectively together.
NIFCA Delivery of SC4:
The Authority completed a comprehensive Governance Review led by the CEO and Chair, reporting to Members, during 2018-19.
NIFCA therefore continued operating to clear and updated/established policies which are overseen on a day to day basis by the Authority Administrative Officer reporting to the CEO. Those policies continued to prove effective
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in 2018-19 to support and strengthen governance and management of the business of the Authority. This was also aided by the Authority continuing to have an experienced, highly trained and professional workforce together with a well-informed, responsive and supportive membership. All of the above indicators SC4A to SC4E were met during the year, with the Authority subject to the Annual Audit conducted by Northumberland County Council which is reported to and signed off by the membership. The Quadrennial Report to Parliament by Defra on IFCAs also reflected favourably upon NIFCA Governance. All of the requisite quarterly (public) and sub-committee member meetings of the Authority also took place satisfactorily during the year.
Success Criterion 5:
IFCAs make the best use of evidence to deliver their objectives
Definition:
IFCAs are statutory regulators for their Inshore Fisheries and Conservation District. Decision-making should be based on evidence. All IFCAs are supported by officers who pool their expertise and share best practice as a Technical Advisory Group (TAG). A programme of research activity and monitoring is planned, developed and updated in consultation with partners. The programme informs management decisions and supports justification for additional research and evidence gathering.
Outcomes Indicators
• A strategic research plan that contributes to greater SC5A: The IFCA will demonstrate progress that has understanding of the marine environment and delivery made towards identifying its evidence needs by of cost-effective management of sea fisheries publishing a research plan each year resources SC5B: The IFCA will publish a research report • Standard Operating Procedures describe how data is annually that demonstrates how evidence has captured and shared with principal partners supported decision making • A list of research databases held by the IFCA and the frequency of their review SC5C: The IFCA’s contribution to TAG and • Non-confidential meta-data collected through the progress that has made towards a national IFCA research programme should be recorded in a evidence needs programme will be recorded in the database available to the marine research community IFCA’s Annual Report
NIFCA Delivery of SC5:
During 2018-19 NIFCA demonstrated a clear track record of meeting this Criterion and fulfilling the above indicators, particularly by publishing its Strategic Research Plan for the following year and Strategic Research Report for the last completed year. NIFCA also contributed to TAG by attending in the person of a member of our Environmental IFCO team and contributing to all TAG meetings. The gathering and use of evidence, amongst the other work of the Authority Environmental Officers was also reported at regular meetings to the Authority CEO and Chief IFCO and on to the Authority and members meetings of the Authority. Regular meetings also took place with the Authority’s Natural England Member for detailed analysis of the Authority’s MPA work and related HRAs. Close working relationships with partner organisations has led to joint working and data sharing where appropriate. The Authority has a number of MoU’s which cover this. Further close working relationships with and support for local organisations, including the North East Cetation Project (NECP), the Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership, Coastcare and the AONB Partnership in Northumberland has enhanced the working capacity of all organisations involved.
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4. Local Targets and Priorities – NIFCA
attainments
1. To ensure the continued successful performance 1. Achieved in 2018-19 as referred to in this report and of NIFCA, delivering all of its duties and fulfilling with particular reference to the Authority Joint Working the IFCA vision and success criteria. Arrangement (JWA) locally with the Marine Management (Success Criteria 1-5) Organisation, Natural England and the Environment Agency, enshrining principles of joint working and partner agencies achieving joint objectives. 2. To maintain an effective management and 2. Achieved with regard to effective use of intelligence and enforcement regime in the district to ensure a assessment of risk, a proactive and beneficial enforcement sustainable fishery and marine environment on policy, development of measured policies to achieve the an ongoing basis. (Success Criteria 2 & 3). balance in the IFCA Vision (and particular reference to incorporation of the NIFCA Emergency Berried Lobsters Byelaw into Crustacea Conservation 2019 byelaw). 3. To refer inter alia to the Authority Strategic 3. The Authority SEA is evaluated on an annual basis and Environmental Assessment (SEA) and 2018-19 a copy of the evaluation is on the Authority website. This in Annual Research Plan of the district when particular confirms actions taken under the various considering and making management measures. recommendations in the SEA and also actions which are (Success Criterion 3) needed in the future. The Annual Research Plan has also been followed and referred to in the Annual Research Report of the Authority. 4. Marine Protected Areas - there are a total of 9 of 4. Work to ensure conservation objectives for all MPAs these in the NIFCA district. Firstly, regarding within NIFCA’s district has continued in 2018-19. Officers Marine Conservation Zones, we will aim to have built on the wealth of work completed since Defra properly monitor and carry out assessments of announced the Revised Approach for fisheries fishing activity within the Aln Estuary MCZ and management in Marine Protected Areas in 2013. the Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ and bring in any Assessments for fishing activities in MPAs (Article 6 of the necessary management measures, consulting Habitats Regulations) have continued to be worked on and with stakeholders and partner agencies. significant progress has been made on the Aln Estuary (Success Criteria 1 & 3) and Coquet to St Marys MCZ assessments. NIFCA also progressed with bait digging and hand gathering Regarding European Marine Sites (EMS), the assessments. A close working relationship in this regard NIFCA district has seven of these;- with the Natural England member of NIFCA is noteworthy.
The Tweed Estuary SAC, the Berwickshire and Discussion upon management options for Coquet to St North Northumberland Coast SAC (which Marys MCZ also made progress, with the implementation encompasses the Lindisfarne SPA and the Farne of a NIFCA Coquet to St Marys Working Group. NIFCA Islands SPA), Coquet Island SPA, Northumbria has also continued to develop monitoring and control Coast SPA and Northumberland Marine SPA. plans for fishing activity within the district to be kept under NIFCA is a competent and relevant Authority in continuous review. relation to EMS under the Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) and has a duty to fulfil NIFCA Officers continue to operate effectively in terms of conservation objectives to ensure that qualifying MPA work generally and have an active role in the features are maintained in a favourable condition. Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature In accordance with Defra’s revised approach to Partnership. the management of fisheries in EMS, NIFCA has largely completed the review of ‘Amber risk’ fishing/feature interactions with only one still being worked upon in 2018 and the later designated Northumberland Marine MCZ still being worked upon. NIFCA will continue to play an active role in ensuring that the objectives and aims of the management plans for all MPAs within the Authority’s district are met and enhanced. This will be achieved by Authority activity including NIFCA officers sitting on the
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management and steering groups of the Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership and attending relevant meetings. During regular work at sea IFCOs will continue to undertake extensive monitoring of commercial fishing activity occurring within the sites and multibeam sonar technology (WASSP) on board the patrol vessel St. Aidan enabling us to develop comprehensive maps of the seabed. (Success Criterion 3) 5. To keep the Authority byelaws under continuous1. 5. Byelaws have been kept under continuous review and review and consider any representations made as referred to in 2 above. That review also includes the regarding the same and any other management Authority Mussel Code of Conduct for the River Blyth and measures brought in by the Authority such as work also began on the Authority Gear Marking Code of codes of conduct. (Success Criteria 2) Conduct which was implemented in April 2018. 6. To continue with and enhance as much as 2. 6. The Authority lobster v-notching programme ceased in possible the annual lobster v-notching 2017-18 because of the commencement of the prohibition programme. (Success Criterion 3) on berried lobsters. 3. V-notching Reports can be found on the Authority Website.
In March 2019, NIFCA were approached about a potential funding opportunity to carry out a project which will aid conservation and benefit the fishing industry and/or fishing communities within the Authority’s district. A V-notching scheme for male lobsters was proposed, NIFCA continues to investigate this proposal.
The Authority continued with its lobster survey work aboard local vessels and data analysis.
7. To carry out a further mussel survey at Holy Island 7. NIFCA conducted mussel surveys at Holy Island Sands and continue with mussel surveying activity in the and Fenham Flats in March 2019 (Blyth Mussel survey river Blyth Estuary. (Success Criterion 3) was carried out in April 2019). Details can be found in the reports on the Authority website. 8. To continue working in accordance with the 8. There has been joint working and a collaborative national IFCA MoUs with each of the MMO, NE, approach with all of the bodies mentioned and as detailed EA (and particularly the local Joint Working elsewhere in this report. Arrangement with the MMO, NE and EA – copy on the Authority website), and Cefas; also with commercial and hobby fishermen including recreational sea anglers, the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University, the Tweed Commission, Amble Development Trust/ The Northumberland Seafood Centre, the police when necessary and other stakeholders including NECP to facilitate compliance with the IFCAs objectives and duties as resources permit. Also to continue Joint Working with other IFCAs particularly through the Association of IFCAs, Chief Officers Group and Technical Advisory Group. (Success Criterion 1) 9. To keep under review all evidence and data 9. This has continued and as detailed elsewhere in this systems to ensure the best use of available report. evidence and that data is securely held and used appropriately in NIFCA decision making including in respect of the Intelligence Project with the MMO. (Success Criteria 1 & 5)
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10. To continue an active programme of meeting 10. This has continued in 2018-19 as detailed elsewhere stakeholders both informally in the district eg. in this report, particularly Annex 1 meetings and events Officers meeting commercial and recreational attended. fishermen when on patrol in the district; and arranging and attending meetings with commercial fishermen, attending Recreational Sea Angling clubs and other stakeholders at events organised by the Authority with the aim of educating interested parties about the remit and work of the Authority. (Success Criterion 1) 11. To continue to support the development of the 11. There continues to be liaison with the local lobster lobster hatchery in the Authority district at Amble, hatchery which has the support of NIFCA for its objectives with a wide range of benefits for stocks, the and attainments. NIFCA also provided the hatchery with a environment, the fishing industry, marine science dispensation to the Emergency Berried Lobster Byelaw and education. (Success Criterion 1) allowing the hatchery to receive berried lobsters for the facility. NIFCA officers regularly engage with the hatchery including attending lobster releases.
12. To continue the Authority’s work in connection 12. Following on from the work of Authority Officers in the with the North of the Tyne Fisheries Local Action planning for and achievement of a FLAG in the Authority Group (FLAG), which NIFCA has been district, the Authority has continued to fully participate in instrumental in the development of. the FLAG by being a board member, attending board meetings and advising upon Expressions of Interest for FLAG funding, including Voting on Expressions of Interest and Full applications. 13. NIFCA projects – NIFCA will continue with 13. NIFCA research projects have continued and come research projects – these include regarding into effect, as detailed in the Authority’s Annual Research escape gaps and regarding the Authority lobster Plan and Annual Research Report. survey but also in 2018-19 beginning the Authority’s FLAG supported Brown Crab Project led by Research Officer Andrew Boon and also a Marine Strategy Framework Directive project with Hull University, as well as continuing ongoing and new work streams with Newcastle University. In addition, NIFCA will continue to support the North East Cetacean Project and the North East Beached Bird Survey, which is determining the distribution and abundance of seabirds and cetaceans in the district. NIFCA will also continue to have regard to the need for preservation of any features of archaeological or historic interest whenever or wherever that is possible in the district, although due to resource limitations, development of this area of work is limited. (Success Criterion 5) 14. To continue with an adequately resourced and 14. Training IFCA Officers and staff to the highest possible proactive training programme for staff and with standard in respect of their area of work is a key NIFCA training for new Members and also to facilitate priority and has obvious benefits in the quality of work continual training development of existing undertaken and outputs from the Authority. Details of Members to the maximum possible extent. training undertaken can be seen in Annex 3 of this report. Training of staff will be reviewed through the Authority system of Review/ Appraisals which began in a revised and enhanced form in 2015. Staff and Members will be asked to contribute with ideas and suggestions for training and development and the Authority will seek to meet all reasonable and affordable needs in that respect. (Success Criterion 4)
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15. To continue with the programme of fish surveys in 15. Surveys have continued to a carefully programmed the district which have been carried out schedule in the Aln Estuary (May and September 2018). successfully to date in the Aln Estuary, Druridge Details can be found in the fish survey reports on the Bay, Beadnell Bay and Long Nanny (Success Authority website. Criterion 3). A Pilot study was also carried out at Cambois Bay in July 2018 using a multi-method approach. The pilot was not successful and the survey was not progressed.
16. To continue with adherence to the principles laid 16. There is continued adherence to guidance from Defra down in the Defra Guidance to IFCAs and as and also the suite of policies which have continued to be resources permit in: developed particularly by the Authority Admin Officer and a) The common enforcement framework kept up to date, including completion of review of the b) Evidence based Marine Management Authority’s Member handbook and Governance and with c) Monitoring and Evaluation and Measuring all necessary matters reported upon to quarterly and Performance subcommittee meetings of the Authority, further d) Contributing to the Achievement of enhancing, planning and member involvement. Sustainable Development e) Annual Planning and Report f) Byelaw Making Powers under the Marine and Coastal Access Act
Officers conduct camera survey of seabed in Blyth, August 2018
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5. Work Plan Summary 2018-19
In the eighth complete IFCA year we have continued to adhere closely to our Work Plan with overall leadership provided by the Chief Executive and with the team of IFCOs led by their Chief Officer in terms of fulfilling operations and performance requirements. In particular, NIFCA follows the national Success Criteria for IFCAs as well as local targets and priorities, as referred to respectively in Sections 3 and 4 above. The monthly IFCOs rota meeting also continues to serve the Authority well as a planning and exchange of information and intelligence tool between the officers, with the Intelligence Programme as referred to elsewhere in this Annual Report now firmly embedded, including TCG meetings. See also the Enforcement and Operations Summary in Annex 5 to this report.
The Authority and its officers are always looking to enhance and improve upon the performance and delivery of objectives for stakeholders and to the benefit of sustainable fisheries and the marine environment. The continuation of the Authority’s MPA work is a particular example of this, including excellent partnership working with the Authority’s Natural England Member and the ongoing development of the Authority’s Strategy and outputs in relation to the Revised Approach to Fisheries Management in European Marine Sites.
Budget management is also a key area for which the Authority has a consistent plan, including the Finance Officer reporting weekly and more frequently as required to the Chief Executive and consistent following of the Authority financial regulations, as well as close liaison with the Authority Chief IFCO and Admin Officer. Financial matters are also reported upon quarterly to meetings of the Authority and annual budget planning centres upon an Authority Members meeting in December.
A work plan has also been followed based particularly upon the Authority policy in respect of Health and Safety, led by our Deputy Chief IFCO (Ops)/Health and Safety Officer. Apart from any incidents requiring immediate attention, the Health and Safety Officer also reports quarterly to the Chief Executive and to the Authority Quarterly meeting.
Strong and long-term external relationships with other bodies were also further developed during 2018- 19 particularly with the MMO, Natural England, EA, Tweed Commission, Cefas and Newcastle University. Communication and relations with stakeholders was also emphasised and developed, guided by the Authority’s Promotion and Communications Policy including the Action Plan thereunder and as referred to in the list of meetings and events in Annex 1 to this report.
The Authority also kept its Risk Management Strategy under review and updated where necessary every six months following a meeting of the Risk Strategy Working Group led by the Chief Executive.
NIFCA attends the “Amble Open”, recreational sea angling competition in January 2019 to meet local stakeholders
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6. Resources Report 2018-19
Premises The Authority moved to its current premises at 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth in September 2013 and signed a 5 year renewable lease which was reviewed in 2017 and duly confirmed until August 2023. The rent was £25,000 per annum for the first 2 years rising to £27,500 thereafter. The premises provide an excellent work base and storage facilities.
Vessels and Vehicles The Authority's current patrol vessel is a 16m GRP catamaran named St Aidan which it acquired in April 2015. The vessel cost £679,836 and was financed entirely from the Authority's own reserves. St Aidan is also equipped with an onboard 5.4m RIB named TT St Aidan.
The Authority also owned a 7.0m RIB named Bravo 1 which it purchased in 2009 at a cost of £46,369. It was stored at the Authority's premises and was used principally for shore patrols and survey work. A new trailer was purchased in 2016/17 at a cost of £3,474 and was also stored at the Authority's premises along with a 4m Zodiac craft which is also used for survey work.
The Authority was in the process of acquiring a new 10m Cabin RIB with 70% of the cost being financed by a grant from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The final build cost was expected to be around £145,000 and it was anticipated that the new RIB, to be named Robert Arckless, would enter service in July 2019 whereupon the current Bravo 1 RIB and trailer was to be sold. The new RIB will be based at Amble Marina and will provide the Authority with enhanced capabilities for marine enforcement and survey work.
In October 2016 the Authority took delivery of a new Ford Ranger to replace the old land rover which was written off following an accident. The vehicle is leased from Northumberland County Council under a 4-year service level agreement for hire and maintenance at an annual cost of £6,091.
Estimated Reserves Total Reserves, including the Patrol Vessel Renewal Fund and the General Reserve, were £503,803 at the end of 2018/19.
Officers joined onboard St Aidan by Newcastle University Students to conduct surveys for MSFD Project. Vessel chartered by Newcastle University during 2018
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7. Northumberland IFCA Budget Summary 2018-19
Northumberland IFCA Budget Summary 2018-19
Estimate £ Actual £ Variance £
2018-19 2018-19 Expenditure Employee expenses 615,000 614,912 88 Patrol vessel, RIB & Ford Ranger expenses 62,100 58,456 3,644 Renewals & Capital Expenditure 140,000 70,604 69,396 Other Enforcement & Environmental expenses 32,000 66,662 (34,662) 8 Ennerdale running costs 48,600 47,321 1,279 Other management & administrative expenses 73,100 64,107 8,993 Operating expenditure 970,800 922,062 48,738
Income Grants & donations 98,000 60,006 (37,994) Fishing permit & tag charges 21,700 22,777 1,077 Other income 28,205 54,623 26,418 Total income 147,905 137,406 (10,499) Net cost of service 822,895 784,656 38,239
Annual contribution to Renewals Fund 42,000 42,000 0 Drawings from Renewals Fund (140,000) (70,604) (69,396) Other contributions to Renewals Fund 124,200 83,485 40,715 Contribution to/from (-) General Reserves (28,480) (18,922) (9,558) Total expenditure 820,615 820,615 (0)
Precepted Income Northumberland County Council 684,148 684,148 0 North Tyneside Council 136,467 136,467 0 Total Local Authority precept 820,615 820,615 0
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Budget Summary Narrative
The variance from budget and overall reduction in vessel, RIB and vehicle costs was largely due to the St Aidan requiring extensive repairs and being out of action for nearly 5 months in 2018. The reduction in fuel costs was partly offset by an increase in vessel repair and maintenance costs and by increased use of the Bravo 1 RIB to cover for the inactivity of the St Aidan.
Capital Expenditure of £140,000 was approved by the Committee for the purchase of a new Cabin RIB with 70% of the cost (£98,000) funded by a grant from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the remainder coming from the Renewals Fund. The purchase of the Cabin RIB and sale of Bravo 1 were originally forecast to be completed within the period 2018-19. The completion dates for both the purchase and sale were deferred to the 2019-20 period, with around half of the estimated Cabin RIB purchase cost having been incurred during 2018-19.
The Authority once again and for the last time undertook the financial administration of the Enforcement Training week in Torquay this year on behalf of all the IFCAs. This was not anticipated in the original budget estimate and has contributed to a large adverse variance from budget for Other Enforcement expenditure but has not adversely affected the budget overall because all participating IFCAs have reimbursed the Authority for their share of the overall cost. The event will be managed in future by the IFCAs National Lead Training Officer (LTO), a new post coming into operation at the beginning of 2019 and administered from Kent and Essex IFCA, who have received from this Authority the sum of the accumulated funds held and considered as belonging to all the participating IFCAs.
Additional grant-funded projects were managed by the Authority in 2018-19 (Brown Crab Survey, Marine Nature Partnership website). These were also not allowed for in the original budget estimates but were budget-neutral overall as the costs were met by the grants received from the EMFF and Heritage Lottery Fund.
Overall management costs include the Contingency Fund (£10,000) and show a substantial decrease against budget because the Fund was not used. Costs excluding the Fund were only slightly higher than budgeted as increases in legal costs, advertising and IT were offset by decreases in business travel, office stationery and printing costs.
Other income was considerably higher than anticipated as the deferment of the Bravo 1 RIB sale was offset by income from chartering the vessel and RIB, enforcement training cost remittances (which are budget-neutral), increases in investment interest and in remitted court costs from prosecutions.
The Authority considers it essential to set aside funds every year to pay for eventual vessel replacement. This year the budgeted transfer of £42,000 to the Renewals Fund was augmented by a further £34,600 from chartering the vessel and investment account interest. This was partly offset by the net cost of 2 staged payments towards the cost of the new Cabin Rib and by associated expenses. Overall, the Renewals Fund increased by £54,881 over the period.
The above variances have resulted in a net deficit of £18,922 for the year after allowing for movements in the Renewal Fund, a decrease of £9,558 from the original forecast deficit of £28,480. The deficit has been drawn from the Authority's General Reserves.
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8. Governance Report
NIFCA is a public body with governance provided ultimately by its committee of Members who are advised by the CEO and who meet quarterly and on other occasions as referred to below.
The Authority has held four general meetings (quarterly meetings) during the year - to facilitate the maximum possible attendance by Council Members of the committee, meetings have continued to be held on a Monday when there tend to be less meetings for Councillors to attend at Northumberland County Council. In 2018-19 the quarterly meetings were held at four venues in the district - in April the Authority’s annual meeting was held at County Hall in Morpeth; the July meeting was held at the Berwick Rangers Football Club; the October meeting was held at the North Tyneside Council offices at the Quadrant, Silverlink, and the January meeting was held at the Authority office in Blyth. There was attendance by a number of stakeholders at Authority meetings during the year.
Papers are prepared by the Chief Executive with the assistance of Authority officers for each of these meetings. The general meetings are open to the public and the press and publicised on the Authority website. Procedures at these meetings continue to be governed by the Authority constitution and standing orders, with the Authority completing a review of Governance led by the Chair and the Chief Executive during the year. Reference is also made where necessary to the Authority Code of Conduct for Members. Minutes of each meeting are produced as soon as possible and approved at the next Authority quarterly meeting and then posted on to the Authority website. Draft minutes of general meetings are also put on the website pending approval at the following quarterly meeting and thus given the earliest possible notification to stakeholders.
Before each annual and quarterly meeting and on the same day, the Authority Watch and Finance Committees meet. These meetings are held in private and are reported upon by the Authority Chief Executive (and Chairman when appropriate) to the general meeting which follows. Minutes of those meetings are also produced for approval at the following quarterly Watch and Finance meeting.
In addition to the above meetings, the Authority has a number of subcommittees and Working Group which have met throughout the year. These meetings are for guidance and make recommendations upon Authority policy to the main meeting of the Authority.
Details of the subcommittee meetings can be seen on the next page of this report.
Technical & Scientific meeting held at the Authority office on 30th Jan. 2019 attended by NIFCA members & stakeholders
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA Governance Report (Continued): Members Meetings attended 2018-2019 PAGE17 .
In this section of the report, recognition is given to the work of members of NIFCA in attending Authority meetings, with the attribution of a notional value of £45 an hour. There is thus a more tangible representation of the importance of the work of members who volunteer to assist in a number of ways, but particularly at the meetings of NIFCA. Other significant work which some members may undertake from time to time within their membership remit, eg. assisting with survey work and attending external meetings on behalf of the authority is not included. Similarly, the table below does not include members travelling time to meetings because this varies from member to member but can in some instances exceed 2 hours return per meeting.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE18 .
9. Staffing and Service Standards 2018 – 2019
The Authority prides itself upon having an effective and committed workforce who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the task in hand of achieving the IFCA Vision, fulfilling Success Criteria and attaining local targets and priorities. The workforce is generally a stable one and their efforts are regularly commended by the Members, as well as by stakeholders and partner organisations.
During the year a number of staff changes took place as referred to in the Chief Executive’s Foreword to this report. The new staff members received the benefit of a full training and induction programme to familiarise themselves with their role and the methods of working of the Authority and were successfully integrated into the NIFCA team.
10. Training Summary
The great significance of a well-trained workforce who are up-to-date in the performance of all aspects of their individual remits continues to be recognised by the Authority and appropriate training is given when required, as well as planned for in the Authority budget. Planning and a strategic approach is always applied to the training programme to maximise the benefits for the cost involved. Full details of training in 2018-19 are contained in Annex 3 to this report.
11. Strategic Review
18.8% of the funding from both Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside Council for Northumberland IFCA is provided to the Councils by Defra under the “New Burdens” scheme which began on inception of IFCAs in 2011 and has continued to date. It is understood that this will be reviewed at sometime between the publication of this report in the autumn of 2019 and 2020. In a continuing climate of uncertainty, NIFCA began consideration and planning for all possible foreseeable financial models which may apply in the future. Due to the success in respect of the work we carry out and delivery of outputs to date, including in respect of Marine Protected Areas, it is felt that there is continued justification for a continuation of funding which has been contributed to date from Defra to IFCAs via their constituent Councils.
NIFCA also continues to adopt a flexible and proactive approach to developments in the marine environment, planning ahead as far as possible and as well as following core principles for fulfilment of our Vision and as particularly enshrined in the Success Criteria in section 3 of this report. That has continued throughout 2018-19 and will do so beyond. We have given particular focus to delivery of local targets and priorities, whilst also taking account of the wider/national situation especially by working closely with and supporting the Association of IFCAs and also through the national Chief Officers Group. The role of members in development of NIFCA policies and also where applicable supporting the implementation thereof, thus aiding the work of the Authority workforce, is also crucial to our success and the continued enhancement of our reputation as managers in the inshore fisheries and marine zone. The Authority has also focussed closely on risk in all areas of our remit in a proportionate manner and as manifest in the Authority’s risk assessment matrix which is kept up to date and reviewed on a bi-annual basis.
In summary, strategic planning has been a key part of the work of NIFCA in 2018-19 and will continue to be a fundamental aspect of what we do.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE19 .
Annex 1
Northumberland IFCA meetings and events attended by representatives of the Authority in 2018 – 2019
4 April 2018 “Marine Pathways” meeting attended by CIFCO and Elaine Young from Natural England.
5 April 2018 Chief IFCO and Eric Balsdon attending the monthly TCG with the MMO (other Northern IFCAs not present) followed by the two Officers meeting with Northumbria Marine Police in North Shields.
5 April 2018 Dial in re. Bass for IFCAs attended by IFCO Graham.
13 April 2018 First court appearance in the matter of alleged breaches of Byelaws 4 and 5 (see paper for Watch Committee members 2.6 below)
16 April 2018 iVMS dial in with MMO and other IFCAs attended by Chief IFCO.
17 April 2018 Meetings in London attended by CEO re. a) IFCO Enforcement course debrief and forward planning with fellow tutors and b) meeting re. accreditation training for IFCOs attended by CEO.
18 & 19 April 2018 Chief Officers Group Meeting in London attended by CEO and including a session on iVMS also attended by Chief IFCO and other members of the iVMS project group.
17 April 2018 Marine Nature Partnership Steering Group meeting attended by Jon Green.
19 April 2018 BBC “Countryfile” was filming in the district and JG attended when they were at Amble Seafood Centre.
30 April 2018 to 1 May 2018 Northumberland County Council Auditors were at NIFCA for Annual Audit preparation.
1 and 2 May 2018 The CEO attended the SAGB Conference at Fishmongers Hall in London which included an address by the Fisheries Minister George Eustice.
4 May 2018 Admin Assistant interviews conducted by CEO and ES.
4 May 2018 AB attended one of a series of meetings in London of the National iVMS Project Board of which he is a member.
11 May 2018 Second Admin Assistant interviews by CEO and ES.
17 May 2018 Telephone conference by CEO, AB, MS and JC with Richard Blackhurst of Seafish regarding St. Aidan engines.
18 May 2018 Authority Chair and CEO met Alan Campbell MP at his office in North Shields.
21 May 2018 AB and MS travelled to the Tweed Commission for the annual meeting of the two organisations.
23 May 2018 Staff team meeting at the Authority office.
25 May 2018 The Authority Chair, CEO and AB met Paul Brannen MEP and his team at the Authority office.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE20 .
Bank Holiday Monday 28 May 2018 Authority officers set up our stall at the Puffin Festival in Amble.
29 May 2018 Joint Local Enforcement Group meeting attended by various agencies introduced by CEO and the meeting chaired by AB.
30 May 2018 MMO officials and North East IFCA Chair attended at the Authority officer to interview prospective new NIFCA MMO appointed members.
5 June 2018 Association of IFCAs meeting in London attended by the NIFCA Chair and CEO.
6 June 2018 Visit to Embleton Primary School by IFCOs Nat Wallace and Nick Weir.
7 June 2018 Westminster Conference on Next Steps for UK Fisheries – Trade Sustainability and Policy, at which the CEO was one of the speakers.
8 June 2018 “World Ocean Day” at which JG and Nat Wallace worked with “Coast Care” on a beach clean.
8 June 2018 iVMS Project Board emergency dial-in attended by AB.
12 June 2018 iVMS MMO Co-ordinators visit to NIFCA looking at project delivery with AB.
20 June 2018 CEO attending with Head of Operations from the MMO at their office in Whitehaven to interview prospective new North West IFCA members.
21 June 2018 Annual Audit meeting and Technical and Scientific Subcommittee meetings at County Hall attended by officers and members.
22 June 2018 CEO telephone discussion with the Sales and Marketing Manager at Cummins regarding St. Aidan engines.
27 June 2018 Joint Working Arrangement meeting (NIFCA/EA/Natural England/MMO) postponed/to be rearranged.
29 June 2018 Permit Review Subcommittee attended by members and officers at 8 Ennerdale Road.
2 July 2018 Meeting between Trinity House representative, MMO and NIFCA Re: future joint Sea Cadets Project.
2-3 July 2018 Visit to the Authority by Jean-Luc Solandt from the Marine Conservation Society when apart from discussions he also went on a mussel survey and Authority RIB patrol.
3 July 2018 Nat Wallace and AA meeting Natural England representative regarding draft conservation advice package for Coquet to St. Mary’s MCZ.
3 July 2018 NIFCA Chair and CEO attending MMO evening reception for stakeholders in Newcastle.
4 July 2018 National Cetaceans meeting in Edinburgh attended by JG.
4 July 2018 Meeting at Newcastle University re: NanoPAM Cetaceans Project attended by MS and AA.
4 July 2018 CEO dial-in with solicitor at Ward Hadaway regarding National iVMS Project legal advice.
5 July 2018 New Authority MMO member Frank Armstrong receiving training by CEO and AB and induction by MMO representative Neil Robinson at the Authority office.
6 July 2018 AB attending latest iVMS Project Board meeting in London.
7 July 2018 “Bob White” Boat Competition attended by IFCOs.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE21 .
9 July 2018 Telephone conference regarding IFCA training attended by CEO with Chief Executive of the Association of IFCAs and Deputy Chief IFCO from Kent and Essex IFCA.
10 July 2018 National Inshore Marine Enforcement Group (NIMEG) meeting in London attended by AB.
13 July 2018 CEO and AB attending at County Hall to meet County Council finance representatives regarding funding of i-VMS Project.
17 July 2018 AB and MS to Ribcraft in Yeovil regarding new Authority cabin RIB.
19 July 2018 Alex Aitken attended an evening event regarding the North sea interconnector cable into Blyth (Cambois beach).
20 July 2018 CEO attended legal conference re iVMS at Ward Hadaway solicitors with the Association of IFCAs Chief Executive and the Eastern IFCA CEO dialling in.
20 July 2018 Chief IFCO attended a meeting in respect of the MMO project regarding a new shellfish catch recording data return system.
23 July 2018 Nat Wallace attended latest FLAG Board Meeting at Seahouses.
24 July 2018 Chief IFCO attended Chief Officer Group meeting in London in the absence of the CEO.
25 July 2018 Chief IFCO attended the launch of North West IFCAs patrol vessel at Whitehaven.
25 July 2018 Environmental IFCO attended MPA Working Group dial in. w/c 30 July 2018 Two sea cadets undertook work experience with the IFCA, also hosted by MMO officers.
31 July 2018 iVMS dial in attended by Mark Southerton.
1 and 2 August 2018 Emma Cosimini attended a Training Course provided by St John’s Ambulance.
3 August 2018 Chief IFCO held Quarterly Meeting with Richard Simpson (Associates) regarding NIFCA promotion and communication planning.
3 August 2018 ONE IT attended at the Authority office to meet Emma Cosimini and Julian Sutton.
7 August 2018 Chief IFCO and engineer Cooke attended a dial in with Goodchild regarding St Aidan.
7,9,14 and 16 August 2018 – Stakeholder Events in the district attended by various officers and members.
10 August 2018 Joint Working Arrangement (JWA) meeting attended by Catherine Scott, Neil Robinson and Authority officers with apologies from Phil Rippon.
13 August 2018 CEO in London for meetings of COG re a) iVMS and b) with Defra regarding the Fisheries White Paper.
16 August 2018 Dove Summer School attended by Natalie Wallace and Alex Aitken.
16 August 2018 Member Training provided by CEO and Chief IFCO to Councillor Catherine Seymour.
16 August 2018 Authority EGM re Fisheries White Paper.
Saturday 18 August 2018 Sea scouts on St Aidan.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE22 .
22 August 2018 CEO and Chief IFCO attending a meeting at the MMO with Defra officials visiting the area with regard to the Fisheries White Paper. CEO ANNUAL LEAVE FRIDAY 24TH AUGUST TO FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER INCLUSIVE
w/c 28 August 2018 Marked the beginning of the MSFD project using St Aidan with Newcastle University and North East IFCA.
29 August 2018 Bait collection and hand gathering dial in attended by Jon Green.
29 August 2018 Dove Summer School attended by Environmental IFCO.
7 September 2018 Environment Agency Medium Term Planning meeting attended by Jon Green.
11 September 2018 Ports Infrastructure meeting attended by Nat Wallace.
11 September 2018 Amble and Warkworth Rotary Club event attended by Chief IFCO and Jon Green to give a presentation regarding NIFCA.
12 September 2018 Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken doing a NIFCA presentation at Dales Primary School assembly.
13 September 2018 Chief Executive Officer attending Ward Hadaway “employers legal advice” session.
13 September 2018 CEO attending Ocean Film Festival at Whitley Bay Playhouse (Phil Rippon and Mark Southerton also there).
14 September 2018 First time up for court case of prosecution of Michael Denton Senior – matter adjourned.
16 September 2018 National Heritage weekend – Saturday 15th September at Holy Island, Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken set out the IFCA stall and on Sunday 16th September CEO and Jon Green were at Dove Marine Laboratory – over the weekend, there was engagement with hundreds of interested members of the public.
18 September 2018 Risk Matrix Review meeting attended by CEO, Chief IFCO, Emma Cosimini, Mark Southerton and Julian Sutton.
19 September 2018 Sub Committee meeting at County Hall.
20 September 2018 Technical and Scientific meeting at the Authority office.
24 September 2018 Latest FLAG meeting in Blyth attended by Nat Wallace.
25 September 2018 Association of IFCAs meeting attended by the Vice Chair and CEO.
25 September 2018 First of a series of RIB and PV surveys (vessel charter) for Hull University regarding the Tyne estuary and riverbank.
28 September 2018 CEO and Mark Southerton having Quarterly Health and Safety Review meeting.
1 October 2018 Mark Southerton and Nat Wallace attended at the MMO regarding their shellfish data project (further to 3.3.3 above).
3 October 2018 NIFCA and the Chief IFCO hosted the latest iVMS project board meeting at 8 Ennerdale Road.
5 October 2018 Second hearing in the case of Michael Denton at North Tyneside Magistrates Court
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE23 .
attended by IFCOs with our solicitor.
5 October 2018 First of two mornings of Annual IFCO occupational health checks held at the Authority office.
11 October 2018 River Lyne Sub Group meeting attended by Alex Aitken.
11 October 2018 AONB Annual Partnership meeting attended by Alex Aitken.
17 October 2018 Chief Officer Group meeting in London to be attended by the CEO.
18 October 2018 Natural England Coastal Partnership Scoping meeting to be attended by Jon Green.
19 October 2018 SAGB Molluscs Conference with possible NIFCA attendance at Fishmongers Hall in London.
24 October 2018: Cefas Data Collection Workshop in Norwich attended by Natalie Wallace
31 October 2018: Quarterly staff meeting attended by all available IFCOs and staff.
1 November 2018: Potential new offshore wind leasing webinar attended by Alex Aitken.
2 November 2018: Oceans of Opportunity annual event at Newcastle University for prospective marine scientists where a NIFCA stall was hosted by Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken.
5 November 2018: Interviews for the National IFCAs Lead Training Officer in London attended by the CEO together with the Association of IFCAs CEO and Kent and Essex Deputy Chief IFCO.
7 November 2018: Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken meeting with Catherine Scott regarding various areas of the Authority environmental remit.
8 November 2018: CEO and Julian Sutton meeting with the Authority Barclays Bank Manager.
8 November 2018: Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken presenting to an evening meeting of “Coast Care” in Seahouses.
9 November 2018: The Chair and CEO together with Councillor members Eileen Cartie and Liz Dunn attending the office of Ronnie Campbell MP to update him on the work of NIFCA.
13 November 2018: Recreational Activity Workshop at Dove Marine attended by Alex Aitken.
13 November 2018: National Marine Enforcement Group (NIMEG) meeting attended by the Chief IFCO.
14 November 2018: Chair and CEO meeting with Sandy Ritchie in Seahouses.
14 November 2018: Legal advice teleconference with Andrew Oliver.
16 November 2018: CEO meeting with Richard Simpson Associates for promotion and communication review.
20 November 2018: Marine Nature Partnership Steering Group meeting attended by Environmental IFCO.
20 and 23 November 2018: Crab Assessment Project interviews (Chief IFCO, Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken).
22 November 2018: Evening presentation by CEO and Chief IFCO to the Marine Volunteer Service on North Tyneside.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE24 .
23 November 2018: Chair, Councillor Brian Burdis and CEO meeting Mary Glindon MP at her office for a NIFCA update.
26 November 2018: Chief IFCO and Mark Southerton attending a meeting at Marine Scotland with their new officer in Eyemouth.
28 November 2018: CEO attending Association of IFCAs Future Funding Workshop with other IFCA representatives.
30 November 2018: Environmental IFCOs meeting with Catherine Scott re: Monitoring and Control Plans, mapping and related environmental issues.
30 November 2018: Chair and CEO having catch-up meeting with Claire Hedley at the Authority office.
4 December 2018: Chair and CEO attending Association of IFCAs quarterly meeting.
7 December 2018: Chair and Vice Chair (with apologies from CEO) meeting Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP.
13 December 2018: Nat Wallace and Alex Aitken conducting Student Placement 2019 interviews at Newcastle University.
17 December 2018: JMOCC Development Pier Working Group dial in attended by Chief IFCO.
18 December 2018: CEO and Chief IFCO together with Finance Officer meeting the Northumberland County Council Vehicles Fleet Manager.
7 January 2019: CEO, Chief IFCO and Chairs meeting Scottish North and East Coast Region Inshore Fisheries Group Chairs at the Authority office.
8 January 2019: CEO and Finance Officer meeting Northumberland County Council Audit officers.
10 and 11 January 2019: Eastern IFCA CEO and two IFCOs visiting the district to look at St. Aidan.
13 January 2019: Amble Open Sea Angling Event attended by IFCOs.
14 January 2019: Chair and CEO dial-in with 3KQ Management Consultants reviewing the Association of IFCAs.
14 January 2019: FLAG meeting to be attended by Nat Wallace.
15-16 January 2019: Chief Officers Group meeting in London attended by the Chief IFCO.
16 January 2019: National Financial Administrative Penalties (FAPs) Review meeting attended for Northumberland IFCA by the Chief IFCO.
22 January 2019: IMEC (International Marine Environmental Consultancy) event at Newcastle University attended by Environmental IFCO.
23 and 24 January 2019: Coastal Futures Conference in London attended by the CEO.
23 January 2019: Coastal Partnership Scoping meeting attended by Environmental IFCO.
24 January 2019: Environment Agency MTP (Medium Term Plan) update attended by Environmental IFCO.
29 January 2019 MMO Marine Planning Workshop meeting attended by Alex Aitken.
Sunday 3 February 2019 Mark Southerton and Alex Aitken to Torquay until 8th February for the IFCO
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE25 .
enforcement training course (CEO in attendance from 3rd until 5th February as a course tutor and supervisor).
5 February 2019 (evening) Blyth Offshore meeting attended by Darren Graham.
7 February 2019 Chair attending Association of IFCAs Task Group meeting in London.
5 February 2019 Blyth Offshore Windfarm Decommissioning meeting attended by Darren Graham.
11 February 2019 Interview in Eyemouth regarding an alleged offence conducted by Mark Southerton and Ricky Willis.
12 February 2019 IFCAs MPA launch event in Parliament attended by the Chair and CEO.
14 February 2019 Ricky Willis dialling into a TCG with the MMO and North East IFCA.
15 February 2019 “Evidence Day” at the office for environmental IFCOs with Catherine Scott.
21 February 2019 Chair and CEO attending and giving a presentation on NIFCA at Broomhill WI.
22 February 2019 Chair and other members plus environmental IFCOs attending Lynemouth beach clean.
26 February 2019 Coquet to St Mary’s Working Group meeting for members and officers at the Authority office
28 February 2019 CEO (and Steve Lowe) attending films at the Linkskill Centre in North Shields on the Port of Tyne and the Local Herring fishery in the 1960’s.
1 March 2019 Appraisal of CEO by Vice Chair at County Hall.
1 March 2019 CEO and Environmental IFCOs meeting EDF representatives regarding possible support from them for V notching.
4 April 2019 Chair and CEO attending the Association of IFCAs meeting with consultants 3KQ in London.
5 April 2019 Association of IFCAs Forum and Directors meeting attended by Chair and CEO.
4 & 5 March 2019 Visit to Ribcraft regarding new Authority Cabin RIB by Chief IFCO, David Herriot, Mark Southerton and Justin Cooke.
8 March 2019 Julian Sutton meeting Everards insurance brokers to review Authority insurance requirements.
11 & 12 March 2019 Training course provided to enforcement IFCOs at the Authority office by the National IFCA Lead Training Officer.
12 March 2019 Chief IFCO attending NIMEG meeting in London.
14 March 2019 First of regular “day one readiness” dial ins with MMO and other IFCAs attended by Chief IFCO (subsequent dial ins also covered by Mark Southerton and Darren Graham).
15 March 2019 Risk Matrix review attended by CEO, Al Browne, Julian Sutton and Emma Cosimini.
15 March 2019 Dial in by CEO to ABP Mer regarding Defra IFCAs evaluation project.
18 March 2019 Interviews for new part time IFCO by Chair, CEO and Mark Southerton.
18 March 2019 FLAG meeting in the evening attended by Nat Wallace.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE26 .
18 March 2019 Chair and Alex Aitken attending and giving a presentation at the River Aln Boat Club (evening).
19 March 2019 CEO and Mark Southerton meeting Authority solicitor Andrew Oliver here to review current legal matters.
19 March 2019 Marine Nature Partnership Steering Group meeting attended by Nat Wallace.
20 & 21 March 2019 Nick Weir attending power boat training.
20 & 21 March 2019 Lindisfarne Mussel Survey.
21 March 2019 Extraordinary Meeting at the Authority office.
21 March 2019 MS attending Port User Group meeting in Blyth (evening).
25 March 2019 CEO and Alex Aitken meeting Cassie Bakshani from Newcastle University at the Authority office regarding prepareation for the Marine Biological Association event in May.
25 & 27 March 2019 Second interviews for part-time enforcement IFCO position.
29 March 2019 St Aidan lift out commencing (Justin Cooke)
Chair Les Weller & CEO Mike Hardy attend AIFCA Marine Protected Areas Launch Event at the Houses of Parliament in London
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE27 .
Annex 2
List of Press Reports referring to NIFCA - 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019
Date Paper Title
April 2018 issue Scuba Magazine Fined for bagging undersize lobsters
12 April 2018 Northumberland Gazette Fishing activity being monitored
3 May 2018 Morpeth Herald (online) Trackers to be fitted to all Northumberland fishing boats
3 May 2018 News Post Leader (online) Trackers to be fitted to all Northumberland fishing boats
3 May 2018 Berwick Advertiser (online) Trackers to be fitted to all Northumberland’s fishing boats
10 May 2018 Northumberland Gazette All fishing boats to get trackers
31 May 2018 Fishing News Owner and Skipper of Northern Pride fined for fisheries offences
21 June 2018 Northumberland Gazette Owner and skipper fined for breaches
27 June 2018 Berwick Advertiser (online) Beach clean for World Oceans Day
28 June 2018 Northumberland Gazette Volunteers turn out to keep beach clean
26 July 2018 Northumberland Gazette NIFCA publishes marine-life advice
26 July 2018 Northumberland Gazette £3million project to restore Seahouses pier is delayed
30 July 2018 Berwick Advertiser (online) Protection zone for Cuddy ducks sparks concern
July/Aug 2018 issue The Ambler Owner and skipper fined for fisheries offences
2 August 2018 Northumberland Gazette Bid to protect Cuddy ducks sparks concern
2 August 2018 Northumberland Gazette Lobster legislation extended
2 August 2018 Northumberland Gazette Fishing future depends on Brexit
9 August 2018 Fishing News Northumberland IFCA stakeholder meetings
20 September 2018 Northumberland Gazette Early results from lobster study reveals positive news
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE28 .
October/November 2018 The Ambler Lobster assessments aid sustainability issue
29 October 2018 Morpeth Herald (online) Changes to fishing permits in Northumberland and North Tyneside
29 October 2018 Morpeth Herald (online) Progress on scheme for trackers on all fishing boats
29 October 2018 Morpeth Herald (online) Continuing concern over mine-water discharge into sea
29 October 2018 News Post Leader (online) Continuing concern over mine-water discharge into sea
29 October 2018 News Post Leader (online) Changes to fishing permits in Northumberland and North Tyneside
29 October 2018 News Post Leader (online) Progress on scheme for trackers on all fishing boats
29 October 2018 Berwick Advertiser (online) Progress on scheme for trackers on all fishing boats
29 October 2018 News Guardian (online) Changes to fishing permits in Northumberland and North Tyneside
29 October 2018 News Guardian (online) Progress on scheme for trackers on all fishing boats
1 November 2018 Northumberland Gazette Continuing concern over mine-water discharge
8 November 2018 Northumberland Gazette Team pleased with productive beach litter pick
15 November 2018 Fishing News Blyth Fisherman fined
15 November 2018 Northumberland Gazette Make a firm commitment to go plastic- free
19 November 2018 Evening Chronicle (online) Fisherman rapped for catching lobsters off Northumberland coast without a permit
22 November 2018 Northumberland Gazette Fisherman fined for breach of by-law
22 November 2018 News Post Leader FISHERMAN’S HEFTY FINE FOR NO PERMIT
29 November 2018 Northumberland Gazette (online) Turning the tide on beach litter in Northumberland
1 December 2018 Evening Chronicle (online) Counting the cost of plastic pollution on Northumberland’s beautiful coastline
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE29 .
Dec 2018/Jan 2019 The Ambler Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee in the First World War
31 January 2019 Evening Chronicle (online) NIFCA wants more time to decide if further management is required in a Marine Conservation Zone
1 February 2019 Northumberland Gazette (online) Imminent introduction of trackers on boats sparks concerns from fishermen
1 February 2019 Northumberland Gazette (online) Fishing authority still waiting for clarity on what happens after Brexit
1 February 2019 Northumberland Gazette (online) No decision on changes to protect conservation zone on Northumberland coast
4 February 2019 News Post Leader (online) Research aims to ensure sustainability of brown crabs on Northumberland coast
4 February 2019 Morpeth Herald (online) Research aims to ensure sustainability of brown crabs on Northumberland coast
7 February 2019 Northumberland Gazette New research project looking at the stocks of brown crabs
Feb/March 2019 The Ambler Don’t be “Shellfish” this Valentine’s Day!
Research Assistant Andrew Boon joins NIFCA for FLAG funded Brown Crab Stock Assessment Project in February 2019
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE30 .
Annex 3
Training Summary 2018
10th May 2018, IFCO N. Weir, Environmental IFCO’s N. Wallace and A. Aitken attended a 1-day Conflict Resolution Course down in Whitby with NEIFCA.
25th – 27th June 2018 Environmental IFCOs N. Wallace and A. Aitken attended a 3-day Fire Fighting Course, South Tyneside Marine College, both officers successfully passed.
3rd October 2018 IFCOs D. Graham and J. Cooke attended a 1-day Life-jacket maintenance course in partnership with the Environment Agency, ran by Survitec.
24th November 2018 IFCO N. Weir, attended and passed a 1-day VHF course, ran by RYA at Royal Quays Marina, North Shields.
6th December 2018, IFCO N. Weir attended a 1 day 1st Aid Course at South Tyneside Marine College.
6th December 2018 Environmental IFCO’s N. Wallace and A. Aitken attended Medin Data Management course held in Edinburgh.
2019
3rd – 8th February 2018, Deputy Chief IFCO M. Southerton and Environmental IFCO A. Aitken attended the annual IFCA Enforcement Course, Torquay,
3rd – 5th February 2018, Chief Executive Officer M. Hardy attended as a Training Officer the annual IFCA Enforcement Course, Torquay,
11th – 12th March 2019, All Enforcement IFCO’s attended a 2-day Lines of Questioning course run by the IFCA Association, Training Officer (Ian Jones) the course was held at the NIFCA Office, Blyth.
19th – 20th March 2019, IFCO N. Weir attended a 2-day RYA Advance Powerboat Training Course held at Royal Quays Marina, North Shields, resulting in a final exam on the night of day 2, IFCO N. Weir successfully passed the course.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE31 .
Annex 4 Consultation Summary 2018-19
May 2018 Environment EPR-TB3434AE The Coal Authority/Ellington Mine, May 2018 Agency Lynemouth May 2018 MMO MLA/2018/00175 River wall repair and maintenance May 2018 26-37 Clive Street, North Shields – FIR Response
May 2018 MMO MLA/2017/00124 Bates Terminal Quay – FIR May 2018 Response June 2018 MMO MLA/2018/00230 RD30 Waren Mill STW: Full Review June 2018 Delivery June 2018 Environment River Basin Management Plans – Working Together July 2018 Agency Consultation June 2018 DEFRA Consultation on the Third Tranche of Marine July 2018 Conservation Zones June 2018 Natural England Formal consultation on Natural England's approach to August 2018 considering SSSI byelaws July 2018 MMO MLA/2018/00240 RD30 Waren Mill Sea Wall: Full July 2018 Delivery Review July 2018 MMO EIA/2018/00034 Berwick Harbour Alignment Structure August 2018 Replacement: Full Review Delivery July 2018 DEFRA Report to Parliament about the Conduct and Operation August 2018 of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) July 2018 DEFRA Fisheries White Paper “Sustainable Fisheries for September 2018 Future Generations” August 2018 MMO MLA/2018/00329 Sheet Pile Removal/Cropping at Sept. 2018 Blyth Power Station Outfall: Full Review Delivery
August 2018 MMO MLA/2018/00321 Berth 4 Rock Dredge, Battleship Sept. 2018 Wharf, Port of Blyth November 2018 DEFRA Marine Licence Changes Consultation December 2018 November 2018 MMO MLA/2013/00436/4 Norway – UK Interconnector December 2018
December 2018 MMO MLA/2018/00454 Subsea Drill – Test Program February 2019
February 2019 MMO MLA/2018/00243 Blyth Offshore Wind Farm February 2019 Decommissioning Project
March 2019 MMO MLA/2019/00010 North Sunderland Harbour Steps March 2019
March 2019 MMO MLA/2019/00042 Berwick Harbour Alignment Structure April 2019 Replacement
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE32 .
Annex 5
Enforcement and Operations Summary 2018 – 2019
During 2018-19 the Authority employed the following IFCOs -
Chief IFCO (Operations) A B Browne Deputy Chief IFCO/Skipper (Operations) M Southerton Deputy Chief IFCO (Environmental) J Green IFCO/Relief Skipper (Operations/Enforcement) D Graham IFCO/Engineer (Operations/Enforcement) J P Cooke IFCO (Operations/Enforcement) N. Weir IFCO (Environmental) N Wallace IFCO (Environmental) A. Aitken (started April 2018) Part-time IFCO (Operations/Enforcement) E Balsdon Part-time IFCO (Operations/Enforcement) R Willis
2018 – 2019 has seen the Authority’s Officer’s getting out on all of the Authority’s vessels, St Aidan 16m Catamaran, the on-board 5.3m Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), TT-St Aidan and the Authority’s RIB, Bravo1, which is trailered and generally stored at the Authority’s Office. Both St. Aidan and Bravo 1 have been used on numerous occasions alongside other Agencies & Organisations to carry out joint enforcement operations. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) have chartered St Aidan and Bravo 1 a number of times to carryout training of their new Marine Enforcement Officers (MEO’s) at sea, which includes boarding and inspecting larger trawlers who mainly operate outside the NIFCA District between 6 – 20 miles offshore.
Every year (around April) St Aidan gets lifted out of the water at the Royal Quays Marina, North Shields for her annual MCA Inspection and maintenance week, including the vessels hull being jet-washed, prepared and re-antifouled, shafts, propellers and rope cutters inspected and anodes replaced, all work and maintenance is carried out inhouse overseen by Deputy Chief IFCO Mark Southerton and the Authority’s Engineer.
Early in 2018 the Committee agreed to look at replacing the current 7m open RIB, Bravo 1 (built in 2009) with a larger 9.5m cabin RIB. The NIFCA managed to secure a 70% European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) grant and with the help of Northumberland County Council’s Procurement Team the Authority finally awarded the contract to Ribcraft, Yeovil, Somerset. NIFCA Officers visited Ribcraft and the building started early 2019, with delivery mid-June 2019.
All Officers rotate taking their turns crewing all the Authority’s vessels, St Aidan, RIBs - TT St Aidan and Bravo 1, with most officers now qualified to RYA Level ‘Advanced Power Boat’, Commercially Endorsed.
The Authority leases a double cab, Ford Ranger 3.2 TDi 4x4 from Northumberland County Council, the reason for the size of the vehicle is so it can within its capability tow, launch and recover the Authority’s RIB Bravo 1 (RIB) with ease. Having the large extended rear storage compartment means survey equipment as well as Officers personal safety equipment can be stored securely. The Vehicle is used for most Survey’s carried out within the NIFCA district, it’s an excellent vehicle for rough terrain and working on the beaches. Most IFCOs have also carried out and passed a 4x4 familiarisation course.
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE33 .
Operations Report
Category Metric Detail Total
Count any patrol by any of the NIFCAs vessels Vessel (mother/daughter boat combination counts as 118 patrols one patrol) Count fishing vessels (including Fishing unregistered/unlicensed) inspected at sea, Inspections vessel 295 where boarding was in pursuit of any relevant at sea boardings duty Count store-pots, tiers/strings etc of fishing gear Fishing gear found deployed in the sea, where inspection was 230 inspections in pursuit of any relevant duty. Do not count gear inspected on board a vessel Excursion/visit of any length to any part of the Shore coast for an inspection or observation of fishing 310 patrols related activity Individual port/harbour/beach visits within a Port visits 658 shore patrol Premises Markets, merchants, refrigerated units, retailers, 54 Inspections inspections food producers/outlets etc ashore or in port First-hand observations of fish/shellfish as it was Fish/shellfish landed ashore from a vessel. Do not count landing inspections of fish laid out on a market or in a 138 inspections storage facility unless the landing of that fish was observed Count vessel gear/fish checks in port/ashore, Other diver and shore angler catches, vehicle contents 412 inspections and shellfish catch from shore gatherers Verbal Verbal Warnings, for minor breaches of 25 warnings legislation (no further action taken). For a serious breach of legislation which was Case files thought would, or did, lead to a formal warning 9 generated letter or the application of a legal sanction For a serious breach of legislation, where Formal evidence gathered was sufficient to take legal Investigation written 5 proceedings, but where a letter was instead outcomes warnings deemed the most appropriate action
FAPs offered Count all the FAPs relevant to any one case 9
Individuals / companies Count all the persons and companies relevant to 1 prosecuted any one case in court
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE34 .
Financial Administrative Penalties
Date of offence FAP
Local Café Owner, Newbiggin by the Sea, Offered for sale 8 undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council 29/05/2018 Regulation (EC) No 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Owner of local fishing vessel, Blyth Landed 13 Undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) No 14/09/2018 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Skipper of local fishing vessel, Blyth Landed 13 Undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) No 14/09/2018 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Full-time Commercial Fisher, Seahouses, Landed 14 Undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) 25/10/2018 No 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Local Fish Merchant, North Shields, Offered for sale 5 undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) 26/11/2018 No 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Local Café Owner, Blyth & Amble, Offered for sale 7 undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) 02/01/2019 No 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Full-time Commercial Fisher, Amble, supplied for sale 8 undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) 02/01/2019 No 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500 Recreational Fisher, Cresswell, Landed 4 Undersized Lobsters (Homarus gammarus), Contrary to Council Regulation (EC) No 22/03/2019 850/98, Minimum Size of Marine Organisms. Offered and accepted Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP), Category 9, Penalty Level 2, Amount £500
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE35 .
Prosecution
Date of offence Prosecution Full-time Commercial Owner/Skipper, Blyth, failed to have a valid 2018 Commercial Shellfish Permit, Contrary to NIFCA Byelaw 4, “Crustacea & Molluscs Permitting & Pot Limitation”
Pleaded Guilty at North Tyneside Magistrate Courts, Failing to re-new annual Commercial Shellfish Permit for 2018,
2018 Pleaded Guilty at North Tyneside Magistrate Courts, Court Findings, Fine - Total £500, NIFCA Costs - £720, Legal Costs £1,000, Victim Surcharge £50, Total £2,270
Patrols
75 11
50
299
St Aidan TT St Aidan Bravo 1 Shore Patrols
Inspections
350 300 300
250 205 200 170 145 150 116 100 71 76 46 51 50
0 Boardings Fishing Gear Bait Recreational Wholesalers Divers Landings Collectors Anglers
Shore Patrol Bravo 1 TT St Aidan
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Investigation Outcomes
Case Files Generated 7
Individuals Prosecuted in Court 3
FAPs 4
Written Warnings 2
Verbal Warnings 14
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Unsocial Hours/ Outside of Office Hours (8am - 5pm) Officers work 14-18 weekend days or Bank Holidays per year. Days worked below worked by 2-4 Officers. 140
120 120
100 84 80
60 45
40 32
20 6
0 Saturdays Sundays Bank Holidays Earlies Lates
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA PAGE37 .
NOTES
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA
NIFCA, 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, NE24 4RT | [email protected] | www.nifca.gov.uk | 01670 797 676 | @N_IFCA