What are the IFCAs and what is their role?

Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) replaced the Sea Fisheries Committees and 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. Dorset and East Devon waters are managed by Southern IFCA and Devon and Severn IFCA.

Southern IFCA Southern IFCA covers the inshore waters of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight out to 6 nautical miles; working both on land and at sea to balance sustainable fisheries with a sustainable environment.  The District contains a diverse range of habitats and species within European Marine Sites and Marine Conservation Zones and IFCA evidence collection ranges from impact surveys to habitat mapping and underwater video footage.

Devon and Severn IFCA The D&S IFCA is the largest of the ten separate IFCA districts and has two separate coastlines. The area of the District is 4522km² and is defined in the Statutory Instrument (2010 No. 2212). The D&S IFCA District includes the areas of Devon, Torbay, Somerset, Gloucestershire County Councils; Bristol City and Plymouth City Councils; North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils and all adjacent waters out to six nautical miles offshore or the median line with Wales.