The Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority met on Friday 19 December 2025 to discuss the budget, review the authority's constitution, and receive an update on officer activities. Key decisions included the adoption of a new constitution and the approval of the procurement of a replacement daughter RIB.

Budget Monitoring and Revenue Budget

The Authority reviewed the Budget Monitoring Report for April to October 2025, noting a favourable variance of £417,519 against the profiled budget. The total forecast reserve position was £908,234. Members were advised that significant Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) grant income had been received late in the financial year, and unspent allocations would be carried forward. Concerns were raised regarding the implications of rising fuel prices, and it was acknowledged that fuel costs might need to be reviewed in the next financial year. The price of the new Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was confirmed as fixed, with staged payments due at agreed build milestones. The Authority resolved to note the budget and reserves position for the 2025-26 financial year.

The Authority also considered the Revenue Budget for 2026-27, recommending a total levy on Cornwall Council of £1,599,770, an increase of £47,000 on the previous year. Savings and efficiencies had been identified to minimise this increase, which was deemed necessary to cover unavoidable additional expenditure, including national pay awards and increased superannuation costs. The budget would support continued involvement in fisheries management plans, particularly for effort management in inshore crustacean shellfisheries. The proposed budget would be funded by the levy on Cornwall Council.

Cornwall IFCA Officers' Report

The Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) received a comprehensive report detailing various ongoing activities and issues.

Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs): The report highlighted the ongoing implementation of national FMPs, with IFCAs participating in working groups. A SW Crab Trial Group discussed potential management options, and a decision on harmonising the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) for edible crab regionally was anticipated from DEFRA. The Fisheries Minister, Dame Angela Eagle, met with industry representatives to discuss crustacean shellfish management. A workshop with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and DEFRA focused on FMP implementation and the actions IFCAs are taking.

Voluntary Marine Nature Recovery Framework: The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework (CIOS MNRF), a voluntary initiative led by Cornwall Council, was discussed. The framework aims to highlight the importance of the marine environment, identify pressures, and suggest best practices. While not a statutory requirement, it complements existing marine and fisheries management strategies. Cornwall IFCA has participated in its development and continues to collaborate with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Nature Partnership.

Enforcement and Investigations: The report noted that no serious fisheries offences were detected over the summer and autumn, potentially due to the outcomes of previous investigations and ongoing court proceedings related to lobster catches. The Authority's berried lobster inspections and testing regime were credited with encouraging compliance. Three court prosecutions related to serious offences had been adjourned. The enforcement team had adjusted its complement, prioritising an additional Enforcement Officer over a second engineer to enhance patrol vessel capacity and inspection work.

General Fishing Matters: Fishing activity saw a drop in autumn due to poor weather, impacting at-sea patrols but leading to more port and cove inspections. Compliance with legislation was generally good, with minor infringements addressed through advice. Evening and night-time patrols focused on estuarine netting. Increased inspections of shellfish catches for berried lobsters were conducted. Handline mackerel and squid fishing showed good prices. Bass fishing was steady, but bycatch of pollack, a species under severe national restriction, remained a concern.

Octopus Predation: Unusually high levels of octopus were observed, impacting crustacean and molluscan fisheries. While providing profits for some fishermen, concerns were raised about octopus predation on shellfish stocks. This impact is expected to become more apparent as concentrated shellfish fishing resumes. Edible crab and spider crab catches were significantly down, with octopus blamed for driving crabs away from pots. Lobster catches were reduced on the south coast, though north coast catches remained strong. Increased numbers of starfish and octopus were speculated to be linked to a marine heatwave in 2025.

Crawfish Fishery: Good catches of crawfish were reported, but bad weather limited fishing during key neap tides. The 2025 ICES area 7 crawfish fishery closed early due to an MMO licence condition, with concerns raised by fishermen about the proposed re-opening date being too early in the year. The sustainability of current crawfish fishing effort was questioned.

Bluefin Tuna (BFT): The BFT fishery saw increased UK quota for 2026. Commercial fishermen were exploring Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the hook and line fishery. Concerns were raised about dangerous disregard for navigational regulations during BFT fishing operations.

Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (IVMS) and Catch-App: The dispute between Succorfish and the MMO continued, preventing fisheries authorities from monitoring many under 12m English fishing vessels. The MMO was expected to announce its decision on the situation. Technical issues with the CatchApp had led to data gaps, and fishermen experiencing problems were advised to contact the MMO.

Saint Piran Patrol Vessel: Preparations were underway for the Saint Piran's survey and maintenance, including reconfiguration of the wheelhouse to comply with the new Workboat 3 code. New, more durable lagging pads for the engine exhausts were ordered. Progress was being made on the replacement RIB project, with the manufacturer visiting the Saint Piran. The estuary patrol boat, Morvena, was also being brought up to the standards required for the new workboat code.

Research and Environment Team: The team reported on ongoing survey work, including scallop and crawfish sampling. The impact of octopus predation on shellfish was evident in sampling data, with a significant increase in octopus catches and a corresponding drop in lobster landing per unit effort (LPUE) in some areas. Work continued on Natural England's seabed mapping project in Falmouth Bay to St Austell Bay SPA. Several reports were in draft or awaiting final quality assurance.

Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRA): The team continued to process HRAs for various protected sites, with all Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) assessments finalised. Monitoring and Control Plans were reviewed and updated. Five byelaw dispensation requests were assessed and granted, some under specific conditions. The team also reviewed five marine licence applications, with responses submitted to the MMO.

Annual Plan: Work on the Crustacean and Molluscan Fisheries (Vessel Specifications) Byelaw continued through the MMO's quality assurance process. Procurement of a new patrol vessel and the replacement daughter RIB remained priorities. The planned Recreational Sea Angling Strategy focus group had been delayed but would be convened in the next quarter.

Constitution and Byelaws

The Authority adopted Version 24 of its Constitution, along with the Terms of Reference for the Byelaw Working Group and the Employment Sub-Committee. Members were re-appointed to these groups.

Procurement of Replacement Daughter RIB

The Authority directed officers to begin the procurement of a new replacement RIB using a framework agreement and a single supplier. This decision followed a report outlining the need for a replacement vessel and identifying Delta Power Group as the preferred supplier. The new RIB would work with the St Piran until its replacement vessel was procured, and it was likely that both the Lyonesse and St Piran vessels would be sold together.

Questions from the Public

A question was received from Mr Curtis regarding reports of high demand and prices for wild line bass, as published on the website Through the Gaps . The Chief Officer stated that the MMO was investigating these reports.

Any Other Business

No urgent items were raised for consideration.