The Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss its annual report, the results of a shellfish byelaw questionnaire, and receive updates on various fisheries and conservation matters. Key decisions included the approval of the 2024-2025 annual report and the agreement to proceed with a wider informal consultation on a potential shellfish byelaw.

Annual Report 2024-2025

The Authority approved its Annual Report for 2024-2025. Interim Chief Fishery Officer Colin Trundle presented the report, highlighting that the year had been challenging due to a vacant Chief Officer position for the first quarter and significant issues with the Authority's patrol vessel, the Vigilant, which rendered it out of action for most of the year. Despite these operational difficulties, the report noted the confirmation of the Fishing Gear Permit Byelaw 2021 as a significant achievement, representing years of work. The report also detailed research activities, including the Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) research, the Zero Plastic Zero Carbon fishing project, and pre-trawl surveys. Enforcement and compliance activities were impacted by the vessel's unavailability, with patrols focusing on recreational gear compliance and maintaining a visible presence where possible. The report was approved for submission to the Secretary of State, as required by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Shellfish Byelaw Questionnaire Response Analysis

The Authority agreed to move forward with a wider informal consultation on a potential shellfish byelaw, following the positive results of a questionnaire distributed to local commercial fishermen. Colin Trundle reported that 75% of commercial vessel owners responded to the questionnaire, indicating a strong interest in developing management measures for the shellfish fishery. Key findings showed overwhelming support for a permit system, with 93.75% of respondents believing it would be beneficial. There was also strong agreement on the need for management of fishing effort (87.5%) and for the IFCA to control the number of permits issued (87.5%). Notably, 93.75% of respondents supported a mechanism to ensure local new entrants could obtain permits without hindrance. While some concerns were raised about potential negative impacts on businesses (25% of respondents), the overall sentiment indicated a keenness to see effort restrictions implemented. The recommendation to proceed to a wider informal consultation was proposed by Councillor Harry Legg and seconded by Nick Jenkins, passing unanimously.

Chief Officer's Report

Colin Trundle presented his Chief Officer's report, covering activities during the past quarter. He noted the favourable weather conditions had provided good fishing opportunities. No new applications had been received for permits under the Fishing Gear Permit Byelaw 2021, but a dispensation was granted to CEFAS for their annual Pelagic Survey. Updates were provided on the iVMS (Inshore Vessel Monitoring System) rollout, with letters being sent to those who had not yet acquired a unit. The uptake of recreational potting tags remained steady, with 186 issued. At-sea patrols had incorporated monitoring of compliance with the Recreational Fixed Gear Permit Byelaw, and 32 inspections at sea had been conducted with good compliance observed.

Significant progress was reported on bringing the Authority's patrol vessel, Vigilant, into compliance with Work Boat Code 3, with a wireless headset communication system installed to mitigate ambient noise. The budget for the period ending July 2026 showed an unfavourable variance, but this was expected to be balanced once the annual New Burdens grant from Defra was received. Concerns were raised about potential changes to Defra funding for Fishery Management Plans (FMPs).

Good progress was also reported on the crawfish tagging study, with 201 crawfish tagged and released as part of the 2026 programme. Two recaptures of crawfish tagged in 2015 were reported, with one female having grown significantly. The report noted that octopus catches had diminished by mid-August, likely due to natural life cycle behaviours, and that fears of a significant impact on crawfish stocks from octopus had not materialised.

The report also mentioned plans by South West Water for wastewater treatment on St Mary's, which had generated public concern and led to a reconsideration of the proposals. The proposed outfall site is within the Peninnis to Dry Ledge MCZ and the Isles of Scilly Complex SAC. The IFCA will have an opportunity to comment on the plans once a Marine Licence Application is submitted. Finally, the report indicated that due to the busy summer season, progress on the potential crawfish hatchery had been limited, but more time would be allocated to this project in the coming quarters. The recommendation to note the report was proposed by Councillor Harry Legg and seconded by Nick Jenkins, passing unanimously.

Verbal Updates from Statutory Members

Emma Stevens, Senior Marine Officer, provided a verbal update. She confirmed the dates for the crawfish closure for the upcoming season (22 November to 31 May) and noted the ongoing bluefin tuna commercial fishery, which runs until the end of December. She was unable to provide an update on when the recreational pollock bag limit might come into force. Stevens also mentioned that improvements to the catch recording app were planned. Nick Jenkins commented on the catch recording app, suggesting that access to historical records would be beneficial.

Jules Webber from Natural England provided an update on seagrass monitoring, noting 31 years of unbroken annual monitoring, which is believed to be a world record. While slight increases in wasting disease were observed, they were not considered a cause for concern. Webber also mentioned the presence of Japanese wire weed, which is not expected to negatively impact seagrass beds. He reported that there had been no seagrass in the Old Grimsby survey area for three consecutive years, and discussions were underway to amend survey techniques. Webber also shared that the IFCA had secured external funding for a collaborative project on climate change impacts and adaptation, which would involve kelp surveys during the summer of the following year.