SECTION 155 & 156

MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the above legislation, Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) intends to apply to the Minister for the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for confirmation of the “Crustacea Conservation 2018” byelaw which was made by NIFCA on 23^rd July 2018. The byelaw confirms prohibitions relating to Lobster, Edible Crab and Velvet Crab and also the requirements relating to the Redepositing of Shellfish, by incorporating the provisions of the current NIFCA “Crustacea Conservation” byelaw, and also incorporates the prohibitions relating to Berried Lobsters contained in the Emergency Byelaw of that name made by NIFCA on 29^th September 2017.

Upon the Crustacea Conservation 2018 byelaw being confirmed by the Minister and coming into legal effect, both the current Crustacea Conservation Byelaw and the Berried Lobsters Emergency Byelaw will be revoked.

A full text of the byelaw and associated Impact Assessment can be inspected at or obtained from Northumberland IFCA offices: 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RT or telephone No. 01670 797 676 and viewed on the Authority website at www.nifca.gov.uk.

Any person wishing to object to or comment on the confirmation of the above byelaw must make representations in writing before 14^th September 2018 to the Marine Conservation & Enforcement Team, Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 7EH or: IFCAbyelaws@marinemanagement.org.uk and must send a copy of such written representation to the Chief Executive at Northumberland Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority at 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RT or nifca@nifca.gov.uk.

Defra are asking for evidence on how well IFCAs have worked to meet their duties in the last 4 years (September 2014 to September 2018). They are seeking evidence on how effectively and fairly Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) have operated between 2014 and 2018. The evidence gathered will be used to prepare a statutory report to Parliament into the conduct and operation of IFCAs.

Defra are inviting stakeholders to contribute to a public consultation, which is part of this process and if you wish to contribute your thoughts on this matter, Defra have published an IFCA questionnaire on their consultation website which can be accessed HERE.