Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation AuthorityDeveloping Fisheries Management in Marine Protected Areas

Eastern-IFCA District and Vision

IFCA Vision

“To 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 Wash

Most important area in EIFCA district for commercial fisheries and nature conservation

•Key fisheries: cockle, mussel, shrimp, crab & lobster + mussel aquaculture

•Designated SAC, SPA, Ramsar site; SSSI, NNR

Fisheries Legislation and Management Policies

Legislation

Policies

Local Byelaws Wash Fishery Order 1992

Total Allowable Catch(1998)

Shellfish Management Policies(2007)

Shellfish Management Policy - 2007

Management Measures 23 - Cockle fishery23 - Inter-tidal mussel fishery17 - Sub-littoral mussel fishery

•Sustainable exploitation•Fishery protection•Fisheries development•Environmental protection

Achievements

Environment•Supports important bird, mammal and invertebrate communities•Conservation status changed from Declining to Recovering•Fisheries targets compatible with Conservation Objectives

Fishery•Greater certainty in future of The Wash Fisheries•Sustainable fisheries•Prompt advice from Natural England on fishery appropriate assessments

Community•Stable employment for fishermen and infrastructure•Income from taxes•Heritage maintained

Lessons Learned

Pragmatic and flexible to natural change

Initial mistrust No compromise

Dialogue Education

Prepared to mend fences and compromise

Development of suitable management policies

Lessons Learned

• Acceptance that solution will not be 100% perfect• Lengthy time frames • Changing personnel can influence process• External pressures for change