Julian Gregory

Eastern IFCA is one of 10 Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), which protect the marine inshore environment around the coasts of England. The Eastern IFCA District boundaries stretch from Haile Sand Fort in the north to Felixstowe in the south, encompassing the counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk and extending a further six nautical miles from their coastlines. IFCAs were created under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) as a means of modernising the function and powers of the Sea Fisheries Committees, reflecting a greater responsibility for the conservation of the marine environment in conjunction with fisheries management and enforcement duties. Our vision: 'Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities will 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.' Since their inception in 2011, the IFCAs have demonstrated a “can do” attitude and sought to deliver value for money by managing stakeholder led decisions to support local communities. At the same time the IFCAs are working towards the UK Governments commitments to deliver a well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas to help achieve the “Blue Belt” around the coast of Great Britain.