Following discussion at the multi-sectoral Bivalve Mollusc Working Group (BMWG) and approval by NWIFCA Technical Science and Byelaws Sub-committee (TSB) officers are working to open a seed mussel fishery on the following beds at Fleetwood – Perch Scar (8.9ha) and Black Scar (6.1ha). Seed mussel on these areas has a history of settling densely, growing rapidly, becoming unstable and washing away through natural processes in a matter of weeks. Officers continue to monitor the stock, and providing the mussel puts down sufficient mud to ensure protection of the cobble substrate from dredge gear and is in imminent risk of being washed away, will issue permits to dredge in accordance with NWIFCA Restrictions on the Use of a Dredge Byelaw 2017. The fishery is also subject to a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Due to the speed at which events can occur, applications for permits are invited now and can be downloaded below or obtained from the office by emailing [email protected]. Dredge Permit Application Form Seed Mussel Supplementary Form  

In June 2019, the Secretary of State announced a review to examine whether and how the strongest protections for areas of sea, known as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), could be introduced. The review concludes that HPMAs are an essential component of the Marine Protected Areas network, and government should introduce them into Secretary of State waters. It provides 25 recommendations covering what HPMAs are and how they should be identified and managed. The review was led by former Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon. The review ran from June 2019 to June 2020. The review considered the waters for which the Secretary of State has responsibility: the English inshore and offshore and Northern Ireland offshore zones. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/highly-protected-marine-areas-hpmas-review-2019 If you have any queries regarding Highly Protected Marine Areas please contact Defra. Email: [email protected]

North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009 (c.23) NORTH WIRRAL FORESHORE BIVALVE MOLLUSC EMERGENCY BYELAW 2020 The Authority for the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation District, in exercise of the power conferred by section 157 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 makes the following byelaw for that District. Interpretation 1) In this byelaw a) “the Authority” means the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority as defined in articles 3 and 4 of the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Order 2010 (S.l. 2010 No. 2200 ); b) “District” means the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation District as defined in articles 2 and 3 of the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Order 2010, and in the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation (Amendment) Order 2019 which came into force on 27th September 2019; c)”fishery” means any area of sea, seabed, exposed estuary, seashore, or other marine environment in any part of the District; d) “bivalve molluscan shellfish” means any species of bivalve mollusc; e) “fish” or “fishing” includes all activities related to fishing by hand of bivalve molluscan shellfish or from a fishery in the District including harvesting, taking,…

From the sea to the door: New grant scheme to support seafood businesses in England to sell catches New £1 million grant scheme opened today to increase supply of local seafood Seafood businesses can bid for funds for assets and infrastructure to sell seafood Part of a £10 million fund for England’s fishing and aquaculture sectors The government has today opened for applications a new Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme, which will fund projects that will help seafood businesses in England increase the supply of local seafood to domestic markets. The £1 million scheme, first announced by Defra and HM Treasury on 17 April, is part of a £10 million fund for England’s fishing and aquaculture sectors that have been adversely impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as this financial support, qualifying seafood businesses may also qualify for other Government support. MMO has produced a guide to what is available. This scheme will help seafood businesses adapt to changes in their markets caused by COVID-19 by helping fund changes to businesses and/or infrastructure that will help them to sell their products domestically, and support projects that increase domestic consumption of seafood landed or processed in England. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will accept…

Please note this fund is administered by the Marine Management Organisation. All enquiries should be sent to the contact details at the bottom of this page. Details £10 million financial assistance for England’s fishing and aquaculture businesses in response to Covid-19 was announced by Defra and HM Treasury on 17 April 2020. There will be two funds, both administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) that will target those most in need. The first fund of £9 million is called the Fisheries Response Fund (FRF) and will directly contribute towards the fixed business costs of over 1000 catching and aquaculture businesses that have been adversely impacted by the downturn of export and domestic markets for fish and shellfish. Qualifying fishing vessel owners will be contacted directly in stages by MMO from Monday 20 April 2020. Further information for aquaculture businesses will be provided from next week. The second fund has a value of £1 million and will be a grant scheme to support the sale of fish locally. MMO will administer applications for this scheme and will provide further details from next week. For frequently asked questions on the fund please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-response-fund-support-for-fishing-and-aquaculture-businesses/fisheries-response-fund-frequently-asked-questions-faqs Payments to the catching sector from the…

Update: 21st April 2020 An up to date list of support available to the fishing industry is available here: MMO One Stop Shop V12 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) updates for the Inshore Fishing Community The Covid-19 situation is ever changing here in the UK and it is very important that everyone is aware of the latest advice from the UK Government and the health information from the NHS. We recognise the unprecedented impact that the pandemic is having on fishing business and coastal communities. IFCAs are working hard to maintain essential services, support local fishing communities, whilst protecting our own workforce during this very difficult uncertain time. IFCO’s, where it is safe and appropriate to do so will continue to patrol the coast and engage with fishermen and stakeholders.  Officers will be following the latest government advice in relation to minimising the spread of the Coronavirus, which may mean officers need to carry out their work in alternative ways. We are working, where it is safe to do so, to ensure that permits and sampling regimes are maintained as far as is practically possible and our aim is to continue to support coastal communities, the industry and help…

20th April Update All permit applications received to date have been processed and dispatched by Royal Mail 1st Class post. If you have not received your permit letter by Friday 26th April please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you to all who have already applied in advance for their 2020 Byelaw 26 & 27 Netting Permits. All permits that have been received are currently being processed and will be dispatched no later than the Monday 20th April. If you have not received your permit letter by Friday 26th April please contact us at [email protected]. If you have lost your renewal form you can download one from the link below and submit a scanned copy, photograph or digitally completed form to [email protected]. Application Form

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) our offices in Carnforth and Whitehaven are closed to all visitors until further notice. Normal service will otherwise be maintained as much as possible. If you wish to contact us you can e-mail us at [email protected] or call us on 01524 727970. To reduce the load on staff answering calls we encourage the use of e-mail instead of telephone where possible. All permits will be processed as normal. As we are all social distancing, we encourage applications to be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] where possible and will accept digital, scanned copies or photographs as long as all the details are legible. You can find our permit application forms online here: https://www.nw-ifca.gov.uk/fishing-permit-application/     

The Quarterly Meeting of the Authority on March 19th 2019 has been cancelled due to the current outbreak of Covid 19 and the requirement to avoid any unnecessary social contact.

Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities CHIEF OFFICER Salary:    £50,339 to £55,567 Hours:    37 hours per week The Association of IFCAs (AIFCA), which represents the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities in England, is seeking an experienced individual to fill the above position and lead and manage the organisation to deliver strategic priorities and strengthen relationships with partner organisations. Applicants must have a minimum of degree qualification (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and experience in a similar role. Strong IT skills are essential. About the role: This is a varied and challenging role, but for the right individual an exciting one, during what is a transformational period in the management of fisheries resources in the UK and a key task will be to advocate effectively on behalf of the IFCAs to promote our nationally important work to a wide audience and maximise our impact on emerging policy. You will act as the IFCA’s national representative across a range of different groups and fora including Defra and other statutory bodies and NGOs and continue to build effective relationships with a wide variety of interests in fisheries and marine environmental management. Coordination and communication of collective IFCA responses to national…