Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation AuthorityUnit 60B, South Nelson Road, South Nelson Industrial EstateCramlington, Northumberland NE23 1WFTel: (01670) 731399Fax: (01670 731 628www.nifca.gov.uknifca@nifca.gov.uk

Please note from 1 October 2013 we will be based at 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 4RT

INSIGHT INTO FISHERIES AND ENFORCEMENT

2012 YEARLY SUMMARYCHIEF IFCO A.B. BROWNE

FOREWORDThe Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) (along with the other 9 IFCAs in England) changed from being Sea Fisheries Committee on 1st

April 2011 pursuant to the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009 (“the Marine Act”). The NIFCA boundaries are in broad terms from the middle of the River Tyne in the south to the English/Scottish border in the North close to the historic port of Berwick upon Tweed and six miles out to sea from baselines1. NIFCA also now has responsibility for all rivers and estuaries within the district up to the National Tidal Limit (NTL).

The national IFCA vision reads:

“IFCAs will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and in-shore fisheries, by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry”

NORTHUMBERLAND IFCA MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE2012

NIFCA membership consists of 6 Councillors from Northumberland County Council; 1 Councillor from North Tyneside Metropolitan borough Council and 11 MMO appointed members plus 1 statutory member appointee from each of the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Marine Organisations. Please see table below:

Name AffiliationCouncillor GR Arckless (Chairman NCCL Weller (Vice Chairman) MMO appointeeMs J McCormick EA representativeM Bould MMO appointeeCouncillor T Brechany NCCCouncillor B Douglas NCCS Douglas MMO representativeCouncillor Mrs J Fearon NCCCouncillor D Lilly NTMBC appointeeMrs C Hedley MMO appointeeD Herriott MMO appointeeN Jolliffe MMO appointeeD Ledger NCCW Miller MMO appointeeGW O’Connell MMO appointeeN Polunin MMO appointeeAB Ritchie MMO appointeeDr C Scott NE representativeJ Stephenson MMO appointeeJ Walton MMO appointeeCouncillor RJD Watkin NCC

Since becoming NIFCA, we have been given greater powers under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, including being able to make Emergency Byelaws and issue Financial Administrative Penalties (FAPs). There has also been an increase in the maximum fine for IFCA Byelaw offences from £5,000 to £50,000. IFCA officers work closely with other

1 For the exact definition of boundaries see the NIFCA website www.nifca.gov.uk

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organisations and agencies including being cross-warranted with the Environment Agency and Tweed Commission. Also through the Marine Act, the Authority has the power to enforce Byelaws, EU Regulations and Statutory Instruments not just in the Authority district but also in the adjoining IFCA south of the River Tyne (North Eastern IFCA). We also work closely with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) both at sea and on shore-based patrols and also we liaise and work with Natural England (NE) especially up at the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. On occasions some organisations will charter the Authority patrol vessel St Oswald or the shore-based Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Bravo 1. The St Oswald has been chartered by Newcastle University to carry out survey work on a number of occasions, mainly to try and assess the shellfish stocks within the NIFCA district.

Dr Martin Kitching from the North East Cetacean Project has also come out on a number of occasions with fellow surveyors spotting and recording sightings of Dolphins, Porpoise and Whales. In August 2012 they chartered the patrol vessel visit the Farne Deeps looking to sight White Beaked Dolphins. Also on board was the film crew from the BBC ‘Inside Out’ television programme and 32 White Beaked Dolphins, numerous Harbour Porpoises and 2 Minke

Whales were seen.

Throughout 2012 as well as NIFCA all the other IFCAs were involved with CEFAS in a project ‘Sea Angling 2012’. This involved one of the Authority IFCOs going out with an independent surveyor and interviewing shore and recreational boat anglers. The Northumberland IFCA has decided to continue with its own recreational sea angling survey in 2013-2014 which will mean working closely with our local Recreational Sea Angling (RSA) fraternity which are very proactive and helpful when speaking with officers. Surveys will be undertaken at various locations throughout the Authority’s district each month, on both shore and boat anglers. Hopefully soon there will also be an opportunity to carry out the survey on-line, www.nifca.gov.uk.

Structure of the Authority 2012At the Authority Office:

Chief Executive Michael HardyAdministrative Officer Pearl RichardsSecretary (part-time) Deborah CarrSecretary (part-time) Carole BlairFinance Officer (part-time) Julian SuttonAssistant Finance Officer (part-time) Patricia Temperley

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White Beaked Dolphins

In 2012-13 the Authority employed 7 full-time Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Officers (IFCOs) and 1 part-time IFCO as follows:

Chief IFCO (Operations) Al BrowneDeputy Chief IFCO (Operations) Mark SouthertonDeputy Chief IFCO (Environmental) Jonathan GreenIFCO/Engineer Justin CookeIFCO Michael DochertyIFCO (Environmental) Jodie RoyleIFCO Darren GrahamIFCO (part-time) Eric Balsdon

The main duties of the Authority IFCOs in respect of enforcement is the day to day practical application of fisheries legislation This includes educating commercial fishermen, part-time recreational fishers and the general public about the Authority’s byelaws, EU legislation and Statutory Instruments.

Whilst carrying out shore patrols IFCO’s will normally work in pairs but can work as a larger team if necessary. They will visit the main ports, secondary ports and any other site in the district where fishing activities take place and will advise and speak to the public and fishermen, inspect

landings from fishermen, hobby/recreational fishers and the general public to ensure they comply with regulations. They also inspect shore-gatherers divers, anglers, wholesalers, shops, public houses, restaurants, vehicles and boats. The Authority’s district is divided into two: a Northern Sector from the English/Scottish border to Amble with IFCO D Graham being the main point of contact and in the south from Amble to the Tyne where Deputy Chief IFCO (Operations) M Southerton is the main point of contact. The most prosecuted type of fishery in the NIFCA district is potting for Lobster (Homarus gammarus), Brown Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus), Velvet Crab (Liocarcinus (= Necora) puber) and in the winter months prawns (Nephrops norvegicus). Approximately 120 fishermen have Shellfish Permits issued by the Authority (they can only apply for a shellfish permit if they have a National Shellfish Entitlement issued by MMO) which entitles them to up to 800 Yellow tags to put onto their lobster pots. There are also approximately 450 recreational/hobby fishermen who have applied for a permitted maximum of 5 White tags. It is necessary for all pots, creels, traps or cages placed in the sea within the NIFCA district have to have a tag attached and it is in breach of byelaw 152 not to have tags attached to such gear.

2 For the exact definition of byelaw see the NIFCA website www.nifca.gov.uk

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The Authority IFCOs Team 2012-13

As mentioned previously the Authority’s officers are cross warranted with the Environment Agency and Tweed Commission. This allows officers to take action if when on patrol they uncover any offences relating to Fresh Water Fish and or Migratory Fish. Since becoming cross-warranted with the other agencies a number of joint enforcement operations have been carried out involving officers from both agencies with some very good results. Also regular joint operations are carried out with the Marine Management Organisation who

on occasions charter the Authority’s Patrol vessel St Oswald, Delta 1 and Bravo 1, so they can enforce their regulations within the 6 miles as well as out to our operational limit of 20 miles. Twice a year Northumberland IFCA, North Eastern IFCA, Marine Management Organisation (MMO) (both Northern and Yorkshire), Environment Agency (EA) (both Northumbria and North Yorkshire), Tweed Commission, and the Northumbria Marine Police, arrange a Joint Enforcement Meeting for their senior staff to discuss previous multi agency joint working, share intelligence and organise future joint operations. NIFCA produces a monthly Rota which is sent to all relevant organisations and agencies to inform them of the Authority’s proposed vessel movements and officer movements for the following month. Also, each month all NIFCA officers (and the Chief Executive when possible) meet to discuss enforcement issues during the previous month and what likely issues may occur in the following month. They also discuss any intelligence received, what action needs to be taken and where dedicated resources should be deployed. All intelligence is shared between officers and other relevant organisations.

As well as carrying out shore patrols and various other tasks, all the officers are trained to crew the Authority’s vessels, St Oswald (Patrol Vessel), Delta 1 (RIB) and Bravo 1 (shore-based RIB). Most officers are qualified to RYA Advance Power-boat (Commercial Endorsed), and are able to skipper/coxswain all the vessels. The St Oswald is a 21 metre steel single hulled, twin engine, fully displaced vessel capable of patrolling from its berth at Royal Quays Marina, North Shields (on the River Tyne) to the English/Scottish Border and out to 20 miles (the Authority’s district is only out to 6 miles). The vessel has a 6 metre RIB Delta 1 stored in the stern of the vessel and can be easily launched and deployed to inspect and board boats as well as hauling and inspecting fishing gear.

Whilst patrolling at sea the St Oswald needs a minimum of 3 officers on-board to man the vessel safely and if they want to deploy Delta 1 a minimum of 4 is necessary. Whilst at sea IFCOs record all sightings of fishing vessels, recreational boats, angling boats and dive boats within the district, and all the data gathered is sent to the MMO through the Monitoring and Control Surveillance System (MCSS). Officers also ensure that only vessels, which are permitted to fish in certain parts of the Authority’s district, have the relevant permits and licences are

prosecuting the fisheries. If weather permits the officers regularly launch the Authority’s 6

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Joint Working, Charter by MMO

The Authority’s 21 metre Patrol vessel St Oswald

metre RIB Delta 1 which is housed in the stern of the St Oswald and will board all types of fishing vessels and recreational boats and check their catches and documentation, they also inspect static gear close inshore with Delta 1 and further offshore with St Oswald to ensure gear is correctly marked and tagged. If gear is not correctly marked or if pots, creels, traps or cages are not tagged then they will be seized.

The Authority also has a 7 metre RIB Bravo 1 which is kept at the Authority’s office at Cramlington; and can be deployed from numerous sites up and down the Authority’s district. This RIB works independently and is a very good tool for targeting specific vessels or areas throughout the district and has the capability to work close inshore; it is also very manoeuvrable, quick and effective. Both Delta 1 and Bravo 1 are also used to patrol up estuaries and rivers to the National Tidal Limit (NTL) looking for any breaches in Legislation or Byelaw offences.

THE NIFCA DISTRICT

The district is made up of 5 main fishing ports North Shields, Blyth, Amble, Seahouses and Berwick. The remaining secondary fishing stations in the district are Cullercoats, Seaton Sluice, Newbiggin by the Sea, Boulmer, Craster, Newton, Beadnell and Holy Island. There are a number of other boat launching sites within the district, these are mainly used by recreational/hobby and boat anglers; access is either tidal (in harbours), moorings or tractor launched from the shore.

North ShieldsIn 2012 there were nine potting boats fishing from this port at some point during the year, from either the Fish Quay at North Shields or the Royal Quays Marina (approximately 2 miles upriver from the River entrance) all of which are under 10 metres in length. The number of vessels fishing all year round is probably only half this number as some will only fish in the summer months when the lobsters are plentiful. Three of these vessels fish south of the Tyne outside the NIFCA district.

Thirteen trawlers fish from this port, this is made up of around six under 10 metres with the remainder over 10 metres. This number decreases during the summer months when some of these boats move up to Scotland and fish from either Eyemouth or further north off the Firth of Forth. However by September all of the boats return, eagerly waiting for the winter prawn fishery to start. This of course means that as well as the local fleet, up to 25 (and possibly more in some years) visiting boats from Northern Ireland, Scotland, the West Coast and North Yorkshire will work from the port - all targeting prawns. Most of the visiting boats are larger trawlers who work more than 1 net (multi-rigging) and are not allowed to fish within the NIFCA district.

CullercoatsOnly one boat works throughout the year from this small harbour, potting and gill-netting in the winter and then in the summer months between 26 th March and 31st August he works his beach net targeting Salmon and Sea Trout. The other two small inshore boats only work in the summer months targeting mainly lobsters. This is a beach-launched site so is very

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Launching Bravo 1 at Cullercoats Harbour

weather-dependent for launching and recovery. Throughout the summer months it is also a very popular site for recreational sea anglers and divers to come and launch their boats and RIBs; and can also be very busy with jet-skis.

Seaton SluiceOnly one vessel fishes commercially from this tidal harbour, targeting lobsters and crabs in the summer and on occasions he sets his gill-nets targeting Cod. Recreational boat fishing is very popular from here especially in the summer months and during the finer weather. Some boats are moored in the harbour and others launch from the slip on the north side of the harbour daily.

BlythTwelve potting boats fished from this port during 2012, the majority being under 10 metres in length, all of which target both crabs and lobsters in the winter months and some also put their prawn pots in to target the larger prawns. In the summer they all target lobsters, normally placing their pots as close inshore as possible to maximise catches. A couple of these boats also have Drift and Beach Licences to fish for Salmon and Sea Trout in the summer.

Ten local trawlers fish from here during the year, three of which are over 10 metres in length. As with North Shields a number of these boats will move up to Scotland for the summer targeting the summer prawn fishery and then move back down to their home port by September, to hopefully target the winter prawn fishery close to home. There has been the odd visiting larger trawler using this port but not as many as previous years.

Newbiggin by the Sea

Three traditional beach cobles work from this small harbour/bay during the year. All have to be launched and recovered daily which can cause problems due to the soft sand. They all target lobsters and crabs throughout the year, but two also target prawns in the winter months. There is also a public slip at the north end of the beach which is very popular with recreational sea anglers, divers and small pleasure craft in the summer months. Shore gathering, recreational potting from the rocks and angling are also very popular throughout the year. Coal gathering from

the beach also takes place to the north of the harbour adjacent to Newbiggin Golf Course.

CresswellOnly recreational fishing takes place from this station and this is all beach launched, although due to the unsettled weather over the year, activity was very limited. Most activity observed is by families rock pooling, with a little shore gathering for periwinkles and bait digging over spring tides. Coal hand gathering is also seen during certain conditions on the beach.

HadstonA tractor-launched site, mostly used for recreational sea angling, although there is one potting boats that works from this station in the summer only, targeting both lobsters and crabs.

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Sean Henry Sculpture Newbiggin by the sea

AmbleDubbed “the friendliest port” Amble is one of the biggest in the way of commercial fishing in the NIFCA district, access being limited as this is a tidal harbour. There were approximately nine local trawlers working from here two of which are over 10 metres the remainder under. These vessels tend to work daily around the tides for getting in and out of the port, targeting fish in the summer and prawns in the winter months. The port also has around eighteen potting boats, the majority of which work all year round targeting lobsters, brown crab and velvet crabs. There are also a number of fishermen from here who have either Drift-net or Beach-net licences (2 drift and 5 beach) which they work in the summer months. The port also has a fairly busy marina and there is a small slipway to allow public launching for recreational users.

BoulmerThere are three potting boats that work from this station throughout the year, targeting both lobsters and crabs. However they all hold beach-net licences as well, one having 2 licences (father & son). They work their nets from north of Amble pier up to Alnmouth with their pots usually being landed for a short period in the summer while they prosecute the Salmon and Sea Trout fishery. However poor catches this year resulted in pots being worked consistently throughout the year.

CrasterThere were two commercial boats working from here both owned by the same family. In the summer months and the finer weather usually one boat will be used as a charter boat taking boat anglers out for the day, whilst the other boat is used to for potting. Both boats are registered for fishing and they alternate between the two activities. This year they purchased another purpose-built boat for taking out anglers only. There are a few recreational fishers, mostly anglers, who launch from here in the summer but due to the size of the harbour and it being tidal, this activity is generally low.

Newton by the SeaThis pleasant beach/cove is offered protection from the Emblestone Reefs which surround this area to some extent. There are around 15 moorings used in the summer but only one commercial potting boat, working from June until September. The remainder is made up of recreational angling and sailing craft. Moored vessels are reached by trolley-launched tenders.

BeadnellBeadnell is unusually known as the only west facing harbour on the east coast of England. This station has only three potting boats working from here and, as with many other small harbours, this one is no different as it dries out at low water restricting fishing time. Throughout the year all three boats target both lobsters and crabs. The three beach-net licensees take turns to place their nets at the different stations in the summer months, targeting mainly Sea Trout and the odd Salmon. In the summer months, especially weekends and Bank Holidays, this small peaceful harbour and adjacent beach can become very busy with divers and their boats, RIBs, jet-skis, recreational boat anglers and pleasure craft all being launched from the main car park in the village. Shore diving is also popular; with diving schools and enthusiasts alike and occurs on the foreshore adjacent to the main road. Clear water during settled conditions and a number of reefs running out offer protection from the currents making it an ideal location for this activity.

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Seahouses

A change in fishing opportunities has seen the trawling fleet reduced to its current number of three, with the main fisheries now being potting for lobsters and crabs. Of the remaining trawlers one vessel fishes from either Eyemouth in the summer months or North Shields during the winter months. The remaining two vessels predominantly pot, but have the capability to either scallop dredge or trawl.

There were eleven boats potting from this very popular fishing harbour during the year for both

lobsters and crabs, a number of these boats will also charter out their boats for angling, diving and tourist trips during the summer months.

There is also one beach licence worked from the netting station just outside the harbour. The harbour is also popular with divers and party boats run from April to October due to its location in close proximity to the Farne Islands renowned for their rich bird life, grey seal colony and numerous wrecks.

Holy IslandThe Island is home to six potting boats which work throughout the year - the main target species being lobsters, brown and velvet crabs. There are also two beach licences worked from this station during the summer months.

Berwick upon TweedThere are five full-time commercial potting boats fishing from this port throughout the year targeting lobsters and crabs. One of these vessels, as well as using pots to catch lobsters also works tangle nets mainly offshore targeting larger sized lobsters. There is also one angling charter boat working from here mainly in the summer months.

Burnmouth/EyemouthThere are a number of boats from these ports in South East Scotland which work in the NIFCA district as well as in Scotland. All have shellfish permits and tags issued by the Authority and all target both lobsters and crabs. Under the Marine Act 2009, NIFCA officers have powers to continue patrolling when at sea over the border into Scotland whilst in ‘hot pursuit’ if they believe an offence has been committed, to inspect a boat that has been working inside the Authority’s district.

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Farne Islands

TYPES OF SEASONAL FISHING

MOBILE FISHING

The main mobile fishing method inside the NIFCA district is trawling, this is mainly to target the Nephrop fishery, but there is also a by-catch of whitefish landed, mainly Cod, Haddock and Whiting with a mix of Flatfish Plaice, Dab, Witch and Lemon Sole. Most trawling activity occurs in the southern sector of the district from Boulmer and to the South. There is a very small scallop dredge fishery which takes place sporadically, and is utilised by a couple of local boats with the main area fished being between Boulmer and Craster, NIFCA also has a Byelaw No. 12 ‘Dredges’ which limits the amount of dredges to a maximum of 10 per vessel. There are trawling

restrictions within the NIFCA district for inside the 3 mile zone- which is by permit only and restricted to vessels below 11.59 metres. The 3 to 6 mile zone is restricted to vessels below 24 metre in length. Fishing methods are also controlled with NIFCA Byelaw ‘14 Multi-rigging, Pair Trawling and Pair Seining’ prohibiting any type of fishing within the Authority’s district using any of these methods.

January to March 2012

As ever there are never two years the same in the fishing industry and 2012 was no different which was apparent at the very start of the year with quite reasonable weather conditions and a lack of sea winds which meant fewer fishing days were lost. Nephrop catches from the trawl fleet were actually greater than for the last quarter of 2011, which is unusual in itself but combined with good prices this fishery proved very lucrative. Visiting boats which had returned to their home ports for the Christmas holiday period came back to take advantage of this extended nephrop fishery. Most fishing took place outside the NIFCA district east of the Tyne and away up north to the Farne Deeps; however there were a few trawlers working inside the district, mostly local under 10 metre boats fishing when conditions were unsuitable for offshore fishing. Trawling activity within the district is mainly conducted from Boulmer -south to the river Tyne. Although nephrop fishing extends to the Farne Deeps to the north this is outside of the NIFCA district extending to around 25 mile offshore. The main ports for where trawlers work from are North Shields, Blyth and Amble.

April to June

By April the local prawn fishery had ended and some of the local boats began their move up to grounds off Eyemouth or further north to the Firth of Forth. The remaining local trawlers put in a few days a week for whitefish, most of which were Haddock and Whiting; however the problem for the under 10 metre fleet is the lack of quota for these species. The result of this was that boats were tied up in harbour on numerous occasions throughout the summer months. However, there was a short period when the nephrop fishery returned to the Northumberland coast in June when a few of the remaining boats started fishing between dusk and dawn, which was the only time they were catching any prawns.

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Modern Under 10m Local Trawler

July to September

The majority of the local fleet were fishing to the north of the NIFCA district and enjoying a summer prawn fishery from the Eyemouth grounds. Catches were reported as moderate and comments were being made about an increase of multi rig trawlers from Fraserburgh and Peterhead working alongside the small single rigged boats. By early September all the local trawlers were back at their home ports and there was a gradual increase in the number of visiting vessels up to around 30, most of which were working from the port of North Shields

October to December

With the annual nephrops fishery in full swing, catches were reasonable when tides were favourable. Poor weather was a dominant feature during the last quarter of the year with the first winter storms battering the Northumberland coast and the local boats and the larger visiting vessels spent numerous days tied up waiting for a break in the weather. When conditions abated and the boats put to sea, landings were fairly good with averages of 8 to 10 boxes of prawns landed. There were some bigger landings made when conditions were ideal, landings of 40 plus boxes were put ashore from the better fishers. Prices of prawns had been lower than the last few seasons and this has again been put down to European markets being depressed.

SCALLOP DREDGING

Small scale scallop dredging has taken place this year involving 3 local under 10 metre boats, the main reason being to plug the gap in the nephrop fishery when catches were poor. Most scallop fishing took place off the Dunstanburgh grounds, but poor catches together with low meat content seen this fishery only perused for a couple of days sporadically throughout the year. No visiting scallop dredgers were sighted fishing in the district during 2012.

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Local Under 10m Scallop Dredger Dredger

STATIC FISHING

Static fishing is the main method of fishing within the district and lobster and brown crab are the main target species year round, this is mainly done utilising double eyed parlour pots

mesh size will be dependent if velvet crabs are a targeted species or not, there is also a small creel caught nephrop fishery within the district, this occurs from Amble and south down to the Tyne, two vessels from Seahouses occasionally work prawn creels but this is further offshore outside the NIFCA district. There are approximately 120 shellfish permits were issued to commercial fishermen in 2012 to vessels ranging from 2.45 to 12 metres in length. NIFCA have Byelaw 15 ‘Pot Limitation’ in place limiting the number of pots to be fished to a maximum of 800 pots per vessel.

Potting vessels range from traditional beach-launched cobles to modern fibre glass fast planning vessels or even multi hull catamarans as the larger deck space provides greater safe working areas. Virtually all these are mostly open vessels are crewed by either 1 to 2 fishermen. Most potting activity occurs within the NIFCA district, however a number of vessels now fish further offshore outside the NIFCA district mainly targeting the brown crab fishery. There had been a big increase in the number of wolf fish being landed during the summer time, these were mostly caught in large lobster pots, with up to 5 boxes being landed from one or two boats, again in the southern part of the district, fishermen have commented that they haven’t seen them in these numbers before.

January to March

The potting calendar generally starts with gear being fished offshore in deeper water where hopefully it will be protected from the rough sea conditions normally associated with the North Sea at this time of the year. Main catches would be brown crab, especially after unsettled sea conditions, although lobster catches are generally low but of a better quality in size.

Conditions in the first quarter were unusually fine with fewer sea winds as predominately winds were from the south west, south east winds at the latter end of March combined with unusually warm land temperatures resulted in coastal fog forming in the district, hampering fishing activity. Potting during the first quarter was restricted with boats working around 3 days per week to maximise catches while the minimising fuel used. Catches of brown crab were lower as a result of the lack of heavy seas. Lobster catches dropped as expected, but not to the usual lows and in fact landings still remained mostly in double figures. Spells of fine weather had fishermen moving their pots back into the shallower inshore areas looking for lobsters, where there were some very good landings for the time of year with averages of 25. Quite a few landings were far higher with up to 100 lobsters being landed after a couple of days stand.

A few fishermen worked prawn creels and had good catches ranging from 6 to 14 trays with high prices paid for the quality of nephrops landed. This fishery is targeted for a few months of the year, generally at either the beginning or latter end of the year, when lobster landings are low.

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Modern Local Potting Boat

April to June

Unsettled and wet were the two words used to describe the weather during the second quarter. April had been fairly dry with unusually high temperatures; winds as expected had been off the sea. Usually conditions would improve as the quarter progressed, but not this year as during May winds were still blowing off the sea with heavy rain showers being the dominant feature along with coastal fog. Conditions worsened in June with average wind speeds greater and very heavy rainfall causing local flooding. All rivers were in spate causing vast swathes of fresh water and river debris coming from the main rivers in the district. Royal Quays Marina recorded over 50 mm of rain in one rainstorm alone.

Fishing activity during this period was quiet as traditionally fishermen haul would be hauling out their boats to be painted and carry out maintenance in preparation for the summer lobster fishery.

The sea winds had helped the brown crab fishery with some reasonable catches being landed. Catches did fall away and the fresh water could have been a factor behind that. Lobster catches were still in double figures fishermen occasionally worked gear inshore when conditions allowed and landings improved as a result, with average landings often over 50 lobsters. Very few velvet crabs were landed due to most fishermen having their pots further offshore.

July to September

Again this was another unsettled quarter for the district with below average air temperatures and heavy rainfall causing local flooding within the district. Despite the unsettled weather Fishing activity during this quarter was particularly busy especially for the potting fleet which had been reaping the benefits of another successful lobster season with catches generally increasing from early July onwards, landings were still very good just prior to the end of September.

In July all boats were working close inshore, where the bulk of the lobsters were being caught and all of the rocks and reefs were fished hard with fishermen only moving gear off in to deeper water when any unsettled weather was forecast. Landings were between 30 and 100 lobsters, although landings in the northern sector were greater with larger averages and high catches of 600 lobsters per day being landed from a few boats. Landings increased as the month progressed and already there was talk of weekend closures on lobster fishing to try and alleviate supply as wholesalers struggled with the volumes of lobsters landed, a little unsettled weather reduced landings enough for boats to remain fishing at will, taking advantage of the season underway. Catches peaked late August and in to September with reports of 400 lobsters landed by one or two boats, but generally most were in to the high 100s.

Brown crab catches during the quarter were low as most gear had been set inshore; landings were limited to the odd few stone. This continued, with the exception of one or two landings when gear was worked further offshore over spells of sea winds when landings of up to 4 boxes were landed.

Velvet crab landings had virtually all been stopped, one wholesaler had up to 5 ton of crab frozen unable to move shellfish over to Spain with the economic difficulties experienced and unfortunately not buying any more until the situation changes. Few velvet crabs were still being landed in to wholesalers in the Northern part of the district.

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October to December

Weather conditions during the last quarter were unsettled for the time of year. October conditions were reasonable with winds mostly from the west and heavy rain was experienced on numerous occasions during the quarter. The first autumn/winter storms produced heavy easterly swells in late October/early November into December, severely hampering the potting fleet as a significant amount of gear was still being fished inshore due to favourable lobster catches. However, gear left inshore was battered by the huge seas and nearly all fishermen reported gear damage and some losses, with large numbers of pots bunched up and scrubbed. Plenty of evidence of damaged fishing gear has been seen washed up on the beaches along the coastline.

In general this quarter was a gradual wind-down from the summer lobster fishery. Potting during this final quarter had been quite productive with lobsters being landed in good numbers throughout the district. Catches dropped a little by mid quarter as gear was being moved further offshore, where brown crab was being targeted. Average lobster catches were around 60 with odd landings from a few boats still to be greater than 100 and, even by mid-December, catches were still between 30 and 40 with occasional landings above that. Prices of lobster were down on the same period last year, due to the European markets where virtually all the locally-caught lobsters are sold. As the quarter progressed the prices for lobster increased peaking just prior to the Christmas holidays, when they reached a respectable £19 per kg.

Brown crab catches increased as the quarter progressed, especially as more fishermen were moving gear into deeper water, with quite a few of these boats now working outside the NIFCA district fishing out to 12 miles from port. Catches were around 4 boxes after a couple of days’ stand; however there have been landings of up to 38 boxes’ in November. Fishermen commented on the good numbers of white crab being caught (these are crabs that have recently moulted and are returned to the sea). A number of boats throughout the Authority’s district were working prawn pots/creels, but catches were low with only a tray or two landed, although the quality of these prawns was very good.

GILL NETTING

Gill netting was pursued over the most suitable of conditions, generally outside the main lobster season and in the southern part of the district from Newbiggin by the Sea, southwards. This method of fishing had been generally poor early in the year with only a box or two of mixed fish being landed; the best catches were seen late November early December with 3 to 4 boxes of good quality Cod being landed normally after rough seas. A number of boats once again down in the southern end of the Authority’s district set bottom nets mainly targeting flatfish which they were keeping for themselves to use as pot bait.

SALMONIDS

The season for taking Sea Trout using beach nets began on the 26th March. The last two seasons had been very productive, therefore fishermen with licences were eager to start the 2012 season. Weather conditions made fishing from the beach almost impossible as there

had been a lot of surf running on to the beaches, together with very heavy rainfall. It

Drift netting is permitted for Salmon and Sea Trout from the 1st of June each year and those with licences to work this fishery were again eager to start. Wind conditions were

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favourable, as fishers prefer winds from the north and a slight north-north-easterly swell to help improve catches. However the amount of rainfall over May and June resulted in an awful start with very little fish taken and boats were working further offshore to get clear of the fresh water from the rivers but even this had little effect with catches of between 1 and 8 fish per day. A small number of Benito `2Tuna Fish was caught as a by-catch, with reports of up to 25 for the season. There were also two unusual catches of shark both Porbeagles one taken in a drift net and returned alive, the other caught in a gill-net and unfortunately had died.

The season ended on the last day of August with salmon fishermen saying the end couldn’t come quick enough! It was a very poor season mostly due to unsuitable weather conditions with heavy rain during most of the time resulting in the rivers being in spate conditions. Beach fishing in the southern sector did have some reasonable days but this mode of fishing was seriously hampered with high surf running on the beaches. Catches had been so poor only a few licence holders fished until the end of the season, with most pursuing lobster potting or prawn fishing which had been more financially rewarding.

RECREATIONAL FISHING

Recreational fishing includes angling from boats or from the shore and shore gathering (cleekers) for marine species such as periwinkles, lobsters, brown crab, green shore crabs and lugworms and ragworms. Other forms of recreational fishing are from diving, which again can be done from the shore or from a boat.

Recreational fishing is an important popular activity within the NIFCA district, the main forms of which, with the exception of angling and worm collecting, generally takes place from March to October with very little activity seen outside of this time period. Spring tides are the most common times for these activities which are generally over rocky intertidal reefs.

Worm digging or pumping for angling bait occurs in a few sites within the district and again generally activity occurs over spring tides with most activity seen from September to April. Main locations are Berwick beach, Boulmer, Hauxley, Cresswell, Blyth Estuary and Whitley Bay. Shore gathering for green crabs generally occurs in the estuaries of the Tyne and Blyth from set car tyres accessed at low tides from around April to July when the water temperature rises slightly.

Shore fishing is popular all year round with different tactics/species/locations for the time of year. At the start of the year (and the colder weather) shore anglers like rough ground for fishing or from the piers at Blyth, Tynemouth and Amble. Most rocky outcrops and reefs are popular at this time of year, where the main species targeted are Cod, Saithe and Whiting, and fishing also takes place also in the bigger estuaries the Tyne and Blyth for the same species. The most favourable conditions are after a heavy sea when best catches are taken when some up to double figure weight fish are landed.

Fishing over the finer months is generally from the beaches and estuaries and target species will be Flounder, Plaice and Whiting. Rock marks are fished for Saithe and occasionally Pollock and Wrasse which can be caught from reefs around St Marys Island, Newbiggin and Craster or anywhere with access to deep water from rocky outcrops.

The summer months attract large numbers of recreational fishers especially from the piers or rocky outcrops, where Mackerel are taken in good numbers especially early morning and late evening when these are targeted with lighter fishing gear on either lures or coloured feathers.

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The first of the autumn storms again see the rock marks fished as anglers start the new winter cod season.

Boat angling was weather-dependent through the year with some reasonable catches from May onwards when most fishing took place off the main harbours in the district with most activity seen from Boulmer south to the Tyne. Some reasonably good catches of Codling and Ling were seen from St Marys to Blyth, then a little further from Newbiggin by the Sea to Amble, with less fishing effort seen north of Amble with only odd sightings beyond this. Most boat anglers commented on the lack of opportunity during the year down to the weather conditions.

Kayak fishing has become a regular sight from Cambois to Tynemouth with numbers increasing from the previous year

Shore gathering (cleeking) for shellfish predominantly occurs over the spring tides in a number of locations throughout the district. Regular inspections are carried out at all the known hot spots, with virtually all persons aware of restrictions for removing shellfish within the NIFCA district.

Numbers of people seen diving were lower than usual and again this was due to the unsuitable conditions and of the divers seen none had collected shellfish. Main locations are from boat are Cullercoats, River Tyne, Amble, Beadnell and Seahouses. Shore diving is most popular from Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, St Marys Island, Craster and Beadnell. Once again most divers are aware of the restrictions and most Dive Clubs have their own rules forbidding any of their members from removing any shellfish from the sea.

ENVIRONMENTALLOBSTER V-NOTCHING SCHEME 2012

Brief Summary

The 2012 V-notching project started on Friday 27th July and was completed by Monday 10th September. In total 1,334 female lobsters were released back into the sea. A total of 12 separate releases were made throughout the Authority’s 5 sectors on six separate patrol days using either the Authority’s patrol vessel St Oswald or Bravo 1 the shore based Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).

The total costs for lobsters this year came to £8,406.75 and were purchased by Authority officers from Berwick Shellfish

Company, Blyth Fish Ltd, and Moir Seafoods of North Shields. The officers were able to buy the lobsters from the wholesalers when they were most plentiful and prices were at their lowest. Once again we have to give a big thank you to the 3 wholesalers as without their help, it would be very difficult for the programme to continue. The quality of the lobsters purchased has been excellent and there were no reported fatalities in transportation or when released back into the sea. We are also often in receipt of donations from fishermen throughout the Authority’s district, all of which are voluntary which is a great help towards the continuation of the scheme as donations from other sources are becoming very difficult to obtain.

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IFCA Officer V-Notching a Lobster

ANNUAL MUSSEL SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

The edible mussel (Mytilus edulis) is one of the most common shore animals and can be found on most rocky shores in Europe. They form vast beds on sand and mudflats and in estuaries and attach themselves to rocks, pebbles and other mussels by secreting silky threads known as byssus threads. They filter-feed on plankton and organic matter in the water column.

The surveys are of the natural population of mussels (Mytilus edulis) on the large bed located on Fenham Flats, adjacent to Holy

Island, and are undertaken in order to estimate the size of the mussel stock. The objective of this stock assessment was to inform fishery managers of the size of the stock in order to allow any potential fishery to be managed in a sustainable way.

METHOD

The outer edges of the bed were mapped using the tracking facility of a hand-held GPS. The percentage cover of mussels on the bed (i.e. the proportion of the bed covered by patches of mussels) was estimated using the method developed by DEFRA (Walker and Nicholson, 1986). During the survey random samples of mussels where analysed from 10 locations from which it is then possible to estimate the total numbers and weight of mussels on the site. It also provides an opportunity to assess the population dynamics.

DISCUSSION

In 2011 stocks of mussels were at the lowest at 3863 tonnes since 2006 when the first survey was undertaken. The best year to date was 2008 when there was an estimated 6022 tonnes of mussels on the site. While the 2011 results were disappointing the reduction in quantities of mussels had been predicted through the on-going monitoring of the age of mussels at the site. Recruitment of juveniles during the last few years has been promising and it is predicted that in 2012 there should be a large percentage of mature mussels on the site.

For more information visit the NIFCA web site where full details of all the mussel surveys undertaken can be found.

FISH SURVEYS 2012FISH SURVEYS OF THE COQUET ESTUARY ON 14TH & 15TH MAY AND

2 ND AND 3 RD OCTOBER 2012

Deputy Chief Fishery Officer (Environmental) J Green and other officers assisted in two estuarine fish surveys on the Coquet during 2012.

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Volunteers assisting Mussel Survey

These surveys were conducted by Colclough & Coates - SC2 Limited, who is a client of Northumberland Water as part of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Hydrology and Ecology Investigation. Over each two-day period the surveys were carried out and were based on a number of sample stations from the estuary mouth towards the Coquet tidal limit. The first station was in the lower reaches of the estuary opposite the slipway, the second station was above the first weir between Amble and Warkworth, and the third was in Warkworth towards the end of the tidal limit.

The October survey ran into some difficulties on day 2 when some surveying could not be undertaken due to high amounts of fresh water in the river.

Depending on the station, up to 3 surveying techniques were employed: Beam Trawling, Seine Netting and Fyke Netting - the most successful in terms of capture rates proved to be the seine net. A good range of species were caught including; Salmon Smolt, Sandeel, Sand Smelt, Common Gobies, Sticklebacks, and Flounder.

In addition to the fish sampling, a survey of the benthos was also conducted at the 3 stations by a PhD student from Durham University during the May survey. This survey utilised grab sampling, from which the sediment was rinsed and passed through a fine sieve, the remaining benthic material was then taken away for further analysis.

SURVEY OF THE TWEED 23 RD- AND 24 TH MAY 2012

This survey was conducted by the Environment Agency along the same lines as that on the Coquet and involved Seine Netting in 3 locations (the lower site was near the mouth of the Tweed and the upper sites were opposite the harbour and downstream from the A1) and Fyke Netting and Beam Trawling into the 2 lower locations. Catches included Flounder, Sticklebacks, Gobies and Pollock.

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IFCOs Assisting, EA with Fish Survey

PILOT JUVENILE/SMALL FISH SURVEY ALN ESTUARY JULY 2012

It was felt for a number of reasons that a juvenile/small fish survey should be carried out on the estuary of the Aln, not least as it has been proposed as a Marine Conservation Zone due to the localised habitat. It is believed that no similar survey has been carried out at the location and therefore there is a lack of knowledge about what fish species inhabit the estuary and of what importance it plays as a nursery area. While this survey wasonly be a trial, future surveys will provide a baseline to improve this knowledge and understanding. NIFCA is the appropriate authority to carry out this survey due to the new responsibilities that have come about from the Marine Act.

This was a pilot survey to familiarise the Inshore Fishery and Conservation Officers (IFCOs) with surveying techniques and to identify a suitable location for future surveys. It is hoped that two surveys will be conducted on the Aln Estuary every year, one in late spring and one in early autumn (the next one is scheduled for September 2013). Two differing nets were used in the survey the first being a beach seine net and the second two fyke nets.

The seine net is loaded onto a boat with one end of the net held on the shore. During deployment the boat sets the net out in a semi-circle, returning the other end of the net back to the shore. The two ends of the net are then hauled in towards the shore. The target organisms for this method are pelagic and demersal fish species locations to obtain information on the fish community present at the site

Fyke nets are a series of interconnecting nets with a one-way entry act to trap fish. They are conical in shape with a D-shaped or circular opening held open by metal rings. A series of In-scales move the fish from the opening of the net into the ‘cod-end’ of the fyke. They are fixed with weights or anchors parallel to the shore (usually at low water) and allowed to fish over an entire tide. The opening of the fyke net (mouth) is attached to a leader, which is a length of net which is set in such a fashion to corral fish into the fyke mouth. Often fykes are ‘paired’, which means that 2 fykes are attached to 1 leader. This allows the fyke to fish on both the flood and ebb tide when placed parallel to the shore.

A total of 108 lesser Sandeels were caught with sizes ranging from 87 mm to 195 mm with average size of approximately 120 mm.

A total of 83 juvenile flounder were caught with sizes ranging from 25 mm to 50 mm with average size of approximately 36.5 mm

A total of 13 common gobies were caught with sizes ranging from 44 mm to 50 mm with average size of approximately 46.5 mm

MISCELLANEOUS

Seabed mapping for Natural England has been carried out throughout 2012 by St Oswald utilising the Olex System.

In March 2012 Ph.D student Alex Caveen accompanied by an IFCA Officer visited a number of ports within the NIFCA district and was introduced to local fishermen thus enabling him to carry out surveys into the viewpoints and understanding of the MCZ procedure from the fishermen’s perspective.

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IFCOs carrying out Aln Fish Survey

Throughout 2012 IFCO’ have been monitoring levels of bait digging especially within the North Northumberland European Marine Site (EMS) and also in and around the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve where digging can only take place in designated areas.

Dan Skerritt from Newcastle University asked the Authority for assistance regarding his project. The aim of the project is to establish density, proportionate distribution, size ranges and recruitment of lobster providing valuable information to inform future studies and further the sustainable management of the fishery by NIFCA, this project also aims to build on the work Rachel Turner carried out in 2009.

The NIFCA Environmental Team along with the Authority’s Members have been closely involved in Project Inshore an ambitious new initiative led by Seafish which was officially launched on 8th June 2012, coinciding with World Oceans Day. The Fisheries Minster, Richard Benyon noted at the time that Project Inshore “…should help to ensure that our inshore fleet can continue to flourish, that fish stocks are managed sustainably and our marine environment is given the protection it needs”. This 18 month project will carry out Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) pre-assessments for an extensive range of fisheries around the English coast. The result of these assessments will form the basis for Strategic Sustainability Reviews for English Inshore Fisheries to provide a road map to guide future management decisions. The funding for the project comes from a diverse range of sources notably the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), the Sustainable Fisheries Fund and industry (Seafish, UK retailers and processors). Other partners in the project include the Marine Stewardship Council, Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB) and Seaweb’s Seafood Choices. The Authority is continually assisting and giving advice on this ongoing project supplying data and local knowledge.

CAREERS FAIR AT NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITYON 9 NOVEMBER 2012

This was attended by the Authority’s Environmental team: Deputy Chief IFCO (Environmental) Jon Green and Environmental IFCO Jodie Royle and was the first such event undertaken by NIFCA officers and proved to be a success in promoting NIFCA and IFCAs in general. The morning was taken up with a series of school visits while the afternoon was dedicated to graduates. A lot of interest was shown in the work of the IFCAs and many requests for work were expressed, which included not only those looking for permanent work but also for work experience placements and possibilities to carry out research.

NIFCA continue to work very closely with Newcastle University, helping and assisting with a number of projects. The University has on numerous occasions throughout the year chartered the Authority’s Patrol Vessel St Oswald as well as Bravo 1 to carry out survey work which led to a close working relationship forming between the Authority’s officers and the students.

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SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONSFIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT

2008 2009201

0 2011 2012Sea Patrols - PV 75 74 72 81 83

Sighting at Sea - PV 889 1,193 1023 1188 1187

Port Visits N/A N/A 752 776 830

Sea Patrols Cancelled 27 27 20 21 34

Sea Patrols RIBs 30 36 44 57 58

Boardings at Sea 124 126 147 141 166

Static Gear Checked 278 307 296 287 219

Inspections of Landings 592 531 326 317 315Inspection of Wholesalers/

Premises/Vehicles Inspected 215 127 77 68 60

Anglers 271 165 108 111 117

Divers 100 96 93 93 53

Cleekers 226 207 150 145 108

Seized Gear Pots/Nets 84/3 57/2 55 31

Verbal Warning 29 21 36 33 33

Written Warning 14 11 8 5 5

Prosecutions 6 5 9 7 3

PROSECUTIONS 2012

There were numerous ‘Verbal Warnings’ given to both commercial and recreational fishermen throughout the Authority’s district this year mainly for minor offences or ignorance OF the laws.

5 ‘Written Warnings’ were handed out for slightly more serious offences but were still not too severe to warrant a prosecution.

1 Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP) was issued this year, this is an opportunity to offer the Skipper and Owner a FAP, if this is accepted and the set amount paid within 28 days then there is no prosecution.

3 offences were reported to the Authority and taken to court see summaries below:

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CASE 1: MARDELL

On Wednesday 9th May 2012, Chief IFCO Browne and IFCOs Cooke, Graham and Docherty were carrying out a sea patrol with the St Oswald and Delta 1. Chief IFCO Browne instructed the officers to launch Delta 1 approximately 2 miles offshore (in the vicinity of Hadston), their orders were to check static gear and vessels close inshore from Amble south. Whilst hauling gear the officers came across markers with a fishing vessel’s name written on and when the pots were hauled a number were found to be baited with undersized Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) contrary to NIFCA Byelaw 9 ‘Prohibition on Use of Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) for Bait’. The officers were instructed to seize the pots with the undersized bait in and to leave a notice informing the fisherman that NIFCA officers had taken his gear and to contact the office. This operation was carried out on 2 more sets of pots and, out of 30 pots in total, 21 were found to be baited with undersized brown crab. Once again a letter was sent out to the fisherman concerned and it was arranged for him to come to the Authority’s storage container at Royal Quays Marina on Friday 18th May 2012 to identify his pots. Deputy Chief IFCO Southerton took a statement from him and he was then given back his pots after signing a receipt.

Court FindingsPlea: Guilty.Offence: Failure to comply with Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority ‘Byelaw 9’ by using Edible Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) for Bait.

FINE: £300 Total costs £960

CASES 2 &3 ENA DOLAN

On Monday 23rd April 2012 Deputy Chief IFCO Southerton, IFCOs Graham, Royle and Docherty were carrying out a routine sea patrol on-board the Authority’s Patrol Vessel St Oswald. Mr Southerton instructed the officers to prepare the on-board Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Delta 1 for launching. The officers were then given their orders to check fishing activities and static gear close inshore whilst St Oswald shadowed further offshore. IFCO Graham was Coxswain with IFCO Royle as Boarding Officer. Approximately 15 minutes after they had launched Mr Southerton received a phone call from IFCO Graham informing him that they had hauled and seized 10 pots from inside the River Tyne on the North side within the NIFCA district. The reason being that there was no identification marks on the surface floats, Contrary to Byelaw 11 “Marking of Fishing Gear and Keep Boxes” also after hauling all 10 pots on-board Delta 1 officers carried out a closer inspection revealing that no NIFCA Tags were attached. The 10 pots were transferred onto St Oswald and the officers resumed their sea patrol. Once back in Royal Quays Marina the pots were tagged and placed in the Authority’s secure steel container.

It was established that these pots belonged to a Mr Brian Fada the owner of the small fishing vessel ‘Ena Dolan’ SSS 680 this vessel which works out of the River Tyne. However, it was the skipper of the vessel Mr Kenneth Gray who contacted the office. Once Mr Gray had confirmed the pots were the ‘Ena Dolan’s’, Mr Southerton cautioned and interviewed him.

Court FindingsBoth Skipper and Owner, Pleaded Guilty to:(1) Failure to comply with Northumberland IFCA ‘Byelaw 11’ by failing to display identification marks

upon surface floats, and(2) Failure to comply with Northumberland IFCA ‘Byelaw 15’ by fishing a fleet of 10 pots without

fixing to each pot a tag with serial number issued by the Chief Executive to the Authority.

FINE: Absolute Discharge Total costs £450.00 (each)

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