Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) are encouraging people interested in the management of inshore fisheries around the North East and North West coasts of England and the Isles of Scilly to volunteer to help.
The IFCAs are responsible for the sustainable management of sea fisheries within 12 nautical miles from shore and three of the 10 IFCAs around the English coastlines are looking for individuals to undertake roles.
Liz Humphreys, director of operations and compliance, Marine Management Organisation (MMO), said to World Fishing: "Allowing local people to decide how use of their local resources is regulated will mean more responsive and appropriate management, allowing the fishing industry to operate in a way which is relevant to local needs, opportunities and challenges."
She added: "Committee members of their IFCA will take part in discussions on inshore management measures and vote on key issues affecting fisheries and conservation in their local area. Appointees will also have the opportunity to take part in working groups on other specific issues affecting their area."
The North Western IFCA is looking for an individual with marine environment expertise or experience working within the maritime industry. The North Eastern IFCA is looking to recruit an individual with commercial fisheries or recreational experience. The Isle of Scilly IFCA is also looking to recruit someone with expertise in commercial fisheries.
The volunteers will join representatives from local authorities and people from the commercial and recreational marine sectors, including fishermen and marine researchers. They will help to protect local resources and improve inshore environment.
The recruitment process and management and funding structure is being managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) who also has a statutory seat on the IFCA, along with the Environment Agency and Natural England.
