The North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (the North Western IFCA) was established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the North Western Eastern Fisheries and Conservation Order 2010.

NWIFCA is one of 10 IFCA managing and regulating English coastal waters. The statutory duties of the IFCA are set out in the Act and the vision defined by Defra when IFCA were established is as follows:

“North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries in its District by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.”

As part of the make-up of the Authority’s Committee membership, each of its nine constituent North West Councils is afforded a seat to be taken by a representative Councillor. The intention for this provision is to allow each Council to have a voice and a vote in all Authority proceedings, and to represent the views of their Council and its constituents in matters concerning inshore fisheries management, and marine and coastal conservation, having regard for the potential environmental, social, economic or even political impacts of any decisions taken. Taking a seat on the Authority’s Committee also enables each Council to ensure its share of the Authority’s annual levy is being spent prudently and for the intended purposes.

The Committee membership is represented by a broad range of views, interests, backgrounds and knowledge, and so we would welcome any Councillors who are willing to take an active role and interest in the Authority and its work, and who can attend meetings regularly. A pre-existing understanding of the marine environment or inshore fisheries is not a prerequisite, and staff and fellow members can support any new members with getting up-to-speed in any subject areas they would like to know more about. Full Committee meetings are held quarterly in Carnforth, Lancashire, with Sub-Committee meetings (for which membership is optional) usually being held virtually over Teams as and when required.