Come along and see our exciting research and conservation work in action, learn more about the inshore fisheries of Northumberland, and enjoy a tour of our research and patrol vessel.
Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) is one of ten IFCAs in England, established in 2011. IFCA duties include the management of sea fisheries resources to ensure fishing is carried out in a sustainable way, and to balance the social and economic benefits with the need to protect the marine environment.
NIFCA have a Research and Patrol vessel to carry out important research into local fisheries, and enforcement patrols to ensure compliance with fisheries legislation. Research includes benthic habitat survey work using drop down video, remotely operated vehicle (ROV), baited remote underwater video (BRUV), grab sampling, and multibeam surveys. NIFCA also carry out biometric surveys of lobster and brown crab to monitor the local stocks through potting surveys and surveys with the fishing industry. In addition to research, NIFCA run a conservation project to v-notch lobsters to protect them from the fishery while they have a v-notch marking in their tail (2-3 years). This protects breeding females for multiple reproductive cycles and has been proven to be a successful conservation measure in Crustacea fisheries around the world.
Max number of participants: The visit is limited to a number of 12 participants and seats will be given on a first come, first served basis.
Fee: free
Registration: Sign up for the excursion at the same time as you register for the ASC. If you have already registered for the conference, send us an email and we will send you a excursion registration link.
Your registration is binding once you have received a confirmation from ICES. Please make sure to cancel your slot if you are unable to attend. There will be a waiting list if the interest exceeds the limited number.
