North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

29/10/2026

2026/2027 NEIFCA Permitted Scallop Dredge Fishery Notice to Fishermen

Commencement of the 2026/2027 Permitted Scallop Dredge Fishery

Please note that, in line with previous years, the 2026/2027 permitted scallop dredging fishery will commence on Sunday 1 November 2026.

Permit holders are only permitted to fish within two designated zones which are highlighted within the attached notice (follow link below).
Please ensure that all static gear is removed from the two designated zones between 1 November 2026 and 30 April 2027. This will significantly reduce the health and safety risk to those permitted scallop dredgers and associated personnel who will be operating within the designated areas and prevent avoidable damage and loss to such gear. Static gear can be relocated anywhere outside the boundaries of the two areas defined within this notice.
The designated areas are both longstanding and well known to all local fishing operators. We would ask that everyone who actively fishes within the designated zones do so with mutual respect and courtesy to each other.
Any fishing vessel operator who chooses to ignore the content of this notice does so at his or her own risk and NEIFCA will not accept any liability for any loss or damage caused to any associated fishing gear as a result of avoidable contact.

https://www.ne-ifca.gov.uk/Press-Releases/20262027-neifca-permitted-scallop-dredge-fishery

20/10/2026

19/10/2026

On 15 October, 54 North Maritime Training North Eastern Guardian IV with their current students for an informative and valuable learning experience.

The visit provided students with an insight into the work undertaken by North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NEIFCA), highlighting the systems and operational capabilities of the patrol vessel, alongside the work carried out on a workboat.

Students also had the opportunity to explore the vessel’s structure and build quality, gaining a greater appreciation of the engineering and craftsmanship involved in its construction by Parkol Marine Engineering Ltd.

It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with the students and staff at 54 North Maritime Training, share knowledge and help develop a greater understanding of the work that supports and protects our fishing industry.

A big thank you to the team at 54 North Maritime Training for visiting. We look forward to working together in the future and continuing to support and inspire the next generation of the fishing industry. ⚓

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

On the 25th September, three classes from West Cliff Primary School enjoyed an educational tour aboard North Eastern Guardian IV, learning about the important work undertaken by the North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NEIFCA).

With nearly 100 pupils taking part, the visit provided a fantastic opportunity to discover more about marine conservation and the sustainable management of our fisheries. Pupils learned about minimum conservation sizes by measuring crabs and lobsters and ageing scallops, while also gaining an insight into the vessel’s operations.

The children were introduced to the studies and surveys carried out by NEIFCA to help manage and protect sustainable fisheries. They also put their knowledge to the test with an onboard quiz, with prizes awarded to the winners.

The pupils demonstrated a fantastic understanding of the marine environment and the importance of developing sustainable fisheries for the future. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement throughout the visit were wonderful to see.

All the pupils were a credit to West Cliff Primary School and its staff. A big thank you to everyone involved in making the visit such a positive and memorable learning experience!

25/09/2026

Bluefin tuna have been spotted along the Yorkshire coastline for the last couple of years and have recently been caught recreationally and commercially using rod and line.

There is still much to learn about these huge tuna and their movements along our coastline. We have therefore been working in partnership with Cefas to tag 10 tuna with satellite tags.

The tags will provide valuable data on their location and behaviour, and allow us to better understand their movements and behaviour in our waters.

24/09/2026

☀️ Summer 2026 – A busy few months at North Eastern IFCA.

It’s been a busy summer for our officers with a wide range of important work taking place across our district.

🚢 Our offshore patrol vessel commenced its offshore survey programme, while scallop surveys began at the end of May and continued throughout June.

🦀 Our stock survey programme continued through July and August, with more than 93 hours invested in potting and sampling work to help us better understand and monitor our marine resources.

🐟 Our officers also supported a collaborative Bluefin Tuna (BFT) tagging programme in partnership with CEFAS, contributing to ongoing research and monitoring of the species.

🌊 Following reports of a collision in the Tyne, our officers supported Northumberland IFCA with the recovery of HDPE pellets, helping to reduce the potential impact of marine pollution.

🦞 During August, our officers returned 50 kilograms of V-notched lobsters to the sea. V-notching female lobsters is a voluntary conservation measure designed to protect egg-bearing lobsters. By marking the tail with a small ‘V’ notch, these lobsters can be identified and returned to the sea, allowing them to produce at least one or two further clutches of eggs before the notch naturally grows out.

🔬 Meanwhile, our Environmental & Scientific Team continued its focus on data collection at sea, alongside collecting lugworm samples from sites across the district coastline as part of the Coastal & Marine Health Programme, led by the Environment Agency and CEFAS.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the work this summer. From surveys and sampling to conservation and environmental monitoring, these activities provide valuable information to support the sustainable management and protection of our marine environment. 🌊

24/08/2026

🌊 Education & Outreach 🐟

2026 has been a fantastic year so far for North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority's Education and Outreach Programme, giving us the opportunity to engage with local communities, schools, and maritime events across our district.

🎣 Whitby Fish & Ships Festival – May 2026.

We kicked off our festival season at the Whitby Fish & Ships Festival, meeting visitors, answering questions and helping people discover more about our local fisheries, marine environment and the work of NEIFCA.

⛵ Bridlington Seafest & Sailing Coble Festival

During July and August, we attended the Bridlington Seafest and the Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival, celebrating the fishing and maritime heritage of our coast while highlighting the work we do to protect and manage our inshore waters.

🏫 West Cliff Primary School – Whitby – July 2026

We were also delighted to welcome pupils from West Cliff Primary School onboard one of our patrol vessels, North Eastern Guardian IV. The visit gave students a unique opportunity to learn about marine conservation, fisheries management, and the role our officers play in protecting the marine environment.

🏊 Whitby Regatta 2-Mile Swim – August 2026

Most recently, our team provided a safety boat for the Whitby Regatta 2-mile swim, helping to support swimmers and ensure the event could take place safely on the water.

Our Education & Outreach programme allows us to promote a better understanding of sustainable fisheries and showcases the important work we do across the North East coastline. Thank you to everyone who has visited us, spoken with our officers, and taken part in our events this year.

21/08/2026

🦞’V’ Notch Lobster Release🦞

The North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NEIFCA), working alongside the Whitby Lobster Hatchery, released juvenile lobsters at multiple sites along the North Yorkshire coastline on Thursday, 13 August 2026.

In addition, NEIFCA officers returned approximately 50 kilograms of v-notched lobsters to the sea. These lobsters were generously donated by Scarborough shellfish merchants Danny and Edwin Jenkinson, whose support is greatly appreciated.

https://www.ne-ifca.gov.uk/Press-Releases/v-notch-lobster-release