The Association represents the national interests of the Sea Fisheries Committees and promotes those interests to Government and to stakeholders connected with inshore fisheries management and inshore marine environmental management. The Association came into being in 1919. The members of the Association are the 12 Sea Fisheries Committees of England and Wales. The Fisheries Departments of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man are associate members.
The 12 Sea Fisheries Committees date from 1888 when Parliament passed the Sea Fisheries Regulation Act and so began the first organised system of fisheries regulation and management.
The 12 Sea Fisheries Committees in England and Wales are:
They manage the inshore waters from mean high water mark out to 6 miles from the points where the baselines as they existed at 25th January 1983 defined the extent of the Territorial Sea. Their responsibilities cover all marine fish and shellfish including the fisheries for cockles, mussels and other shellfish found between high and low water marks.
Salmon and sea trout are managed by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency also exercises the powers of a Sea Fisheries Committee in many of the estuaries of England and Wales.
Information about the Agency's work can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
The Association has played the leading role in persuading the Government that the Sea Fisheries Committees' legislation should be brought up to date. On 20 June 2006 Defra issued this key press notice about the future of the Sea Fisheries Committees in England :
"Modernised Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) will deliver improved management of fish stocks and the marine environment in England", Minister Ben Bradshaw announced today.
SFCs will be given new powers through the Marine Bill in line with the Government's ongoing commitment to improve the way the country's fisheries and marine environment are managed.
They will be given a more clearly defined purpose and duties, and will be tasked with achieving sustainable development of fisheries within their jurisdiction. They will also work to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment, while having regard for the economic development of the fisheries sector.
SFCs will continue to be responsible for management up to six nautical miles offshore, but their jurisdiction will be extended inland to assist in the enforcement of landed stocks.
They will be given powers to introduce quicker, more effective management measures, and will work more closely with the Government's Marine Fisheries Agency.
Mr Bradshaw said: "It's vital we improve the way the marine environment is managed, and modernised Sea Fisheries Committees will play a vital role in this."
"My decision follows an extensive review of inshore fisheries management. I believe the approach I've adopted is the best, most effective way to achieve healthy fish stocks and sustainable seas, while retaining necessary local input in the day-to-day running of these waters. It is important that we now work closely with SFCs and others in drawing up the detailed provisions needed through the Marine Bill to deliver these changes."
The Association is already working with Defra to ensure that the forthcoming Marine Bill delivers the Government's stated intentions.
You can contact the Association at info@asfc.org.uk