Opportunity to become an IFCA Member
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-30)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is inviting applications for dedicated and passionate members of the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs).

These influential voluntary roles provide a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of our seas by ensuring the sustainable management of our inshore marine environment.

We are looking for individuals who can take a balanced and impartial approach to decision-making, listen carefully and weigh the different priorities of commercial, recreational, and environmental interests. Strong local knowledge of the IFCA district you are applying to is essential, as committee members are expected to contribute their insight and experience to help guide the Authority’s work.

The role of an IFCA Member

As a member of the Authority, you will play a vital role in ensuring our inshore waters are managed responsibly. Members hold a seat on the IFCA committee and are legally required to consider the full range of fishing and marine conservation interests within their district. Members are not appointed to represent a single interest group but to contribute their expertise to work collectively as part of the Authority.

As a committee member, you will:
- Contribute your knowledge and experience to discussions and decisions that directly affect the inshore marine environment
- Help ensure the use of fisheries resources is sustainable and balanced with the need to protect or restore marine habitats
- Consider the needs of all those who depend on inshore fisheries and marine resources
- Support the achievement of conservation objectives within Marine Protected Areas
This membership puts local people in the driving seat of fisheries management and is a unique, exciting opportunity to shape the development of inshore fisheries in your region.

Recruitment process

The MMO runs a rolling recruitment campaign, meaning applications can be submitted throughout the year with no fixed deadline.

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis, and interviews for shortlisted candidates follow soon after.

Applications are welcomed from:
- New candidates with relevant experience and local insight
- Current General Members approaching the end of their ten-year term
- Former members who have already served a ten-year term
All applications are assessed through fair and open competition, with appointments made on merit to ensure that IFCA committees reflect a balance of perspectives across commercial, recreational, and environmental interests.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68dceac9ef1c2f72bc1e4c93/IFCA_Application_Form_-_Dec_2023_V2_Accessible_.pdf)

IFCA Application Form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68dceac9ef1c2f72bc1e4c93/IFCA_Application_Form_-_Dec_2023_V2_Accessible_.pdf)

PDF, 199 KB, 7 pages

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68dcead8750fcf90fa6ffc6f/IFCA_General_Member_Candidate_Pack_-_DRAFT_updated_December_2023.pdf)

IFCA General Member Candidate Pack (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68dcead8750fcf90fa6ffc6f/IFCA_General_Member_Candidate_Pack_-_DRAFT_updated_December_2023.pdf)

PDF, 426 KB, 11 pages

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68dceaebef1c2f72bc1e4c94/Terms_and_Conditions_for_Appointment__template_.pdf)

Terms and Conditions for Appointment (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68dceaebef1c2f72bc1e4c94/Terms_and_Conditions_for_Appointment__template_.pdf)

PDF, 143 KB, 3 pages

You can find additional information about the role and responsibilities of an IFCA Member, along with answers to common questions, in the IFCA Member FAQs here: The Role of IFCA Members: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - AIFCA (https://association-ifca.org.uk/the-role-of-ifca-members-frequently-asked-questions-faqs/).

These FAQs include important details for candidates who may have personal or professional interests related to the IFCA remit, outlining the procedures that apply in such cases.

Commitment and support

These appointments are unpaid, but some local authorities provide allowances or expenses. More importantly, the role offers the opportunity to make a direct and lasting contribution to the health of our seas, the sustainability of fisheries, and the prosperity of coastal communities.