In response to our April 14^th mailing A Defra spokesperson said:

“We are aware of concerns about a short term reduction in enforcement powers available to Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) officers. The Marine Management Organisation is warranting a number of IFCA officers with relevant powers so that they can continue to operate as normal, enforcing regulations relating to fisheries and marine conservation.  “The Marine Management Organisation and local IFCAs will continue to enforce the Common Fisheries Policy around our coastline, and are maintaining the usual level of enforcement and spot checks.”  We’ve also put a statement up on Gov.uk to help explain the situation to fishermen: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/reforming-and-managing-marine-fisheries-for-a-prosperous-fishing-industry-and-a-healthy-marine-environment#vessel-licensing-and-enforcement. 

Coles, Jennifer (DEFRA) Jennifer.Coles@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Oops – IFCA Powers removed by mistake

Independent & Private Eye  ‘It seems that someone at Defra pressed the delete button removing IFCA powers by mistake. Defra has confirmed reports in the latest edition of Private Eye that civil servants have accidentally removed some vital laws. In news that is almost impossible to parody, the Sea Fishing (Enforcement and Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2015 from 8 February removed secondary legislation which gave the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) the power to investigate offences.

To read more go to:

http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/some-very-important-laws-were-accidentally-deleted-by-civil-servants–ly7KvVmm1Z