The Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to discuss its constitution, annual plan, and a proposal for a crawfish hatchery. The meeting also included a report on current fishing activities and enforcement.

Review of the Isles of Scilly IFCA Constitution (Version 3)

The meeting was scheduled to consider and adopt the Isles of Scilly IFCA Constitution, Version 3, for the year 2026-2027. The constitution, which was last reviewed in June 2025, outlines how the Authority operates, makes decisions, and follows procedures to ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable decision-making. The report indicated that there were no suggested amendments to the constitution at the time of writing. The constitution is a legal requirement for the IFCA, as established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Order 2010. It details the structure of the IFCA, including the composition of its committee, the rights of the public, and the rules of debate and voting procedures.

Isles of Scilly IFCA Annual Plan 2026-2027

The Authority was scheduled to consider and approve its Annual Plan for the financial year 2026-2027. This plan sets out the aims and objectives for the coming year, highlighting workstreams, how the Authority will achieve compliance with high-level objectives, and areas where additional budget requirements may arise. The total revenue budget for the year was set at £219,780, with a significant portion of the increase attributed to the utilisation of DEFRA RDEL funding, which carries specific policy obligations. The plan details objectives for research priorities, including the continuation and expansion of existing projects and the investigation of a new fishery. It also outlines plans to maintain and strengthen partnerships, address asset and facility needs, and continue work on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The plan anticipates an increase in compliance monitoring and enforcement tasks, particularly following the confirmation of the Fishing Gear Permit Byelaw 2021 and the introduction of the inshore vessel monitoring system (iVMS).

Crawfish Hatchery

A report was presented for noting regarding the feasibility of developing a pilot hatchery facility for crawfish (Palinurus elephas) on the Isles of Scilly. The report highlighted the historical collapse and recent resurgence of the UK crawfish fishery, noting that global environmental influences, such as the Multidecadal North Atlantic Oscillation (MNAO), may play a role in population fluctuations. The report suggested that traditional management mechanisms might be insufficient for crawfish due to their unique reproductive biology, which includes a long larval phase. The proposal for a hatchery aims to enhance wild populations by producing bio-marked juveniles for release, thereby supporting the high-value crawfish fishery and potentially creating a centre of excellence for crawfish culture research. The benefits also include the possibility of a new visitor attraction. Members were asked to note the report and continue to support the development of this facility.

Chief Officer's Report

The Chief Officer's Report provided an update on various operational matters. It noted a slow start to the 2026 fishing season due to unsettled weather. There had been no applications for permits under the Fishing Gear Permit Byelaw 2021, though two dispensations were issued to CEFAS for survey works. The report mentioned a potential resolution to issues regarding iVMS data from Succorfish, which would allow the iVMS rollout to progress. There had been a steady uptake of recreational potting tags, and at-sea patrols were incorporating compliance monitoring for the Recreational Fixed Gear Permit Byelaw. The report also touched upon the Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna fishery, noting that no commercial fishers from Scilly were successful in the ballot for 2026 licences. A significant increase in octopus catches was observed during fisheries sampling, with informal discussions indicating a potential shift in fishing effort from crawfish to octopus due to the latter's current abundance and value. Preparations for a 2026 crawfish tagging study were complete, with fishermen expressing willingness to assist. The report also detailed ongoing patrols by the IFCA vessel, Vigilant, and highlighted work being carried out to ensure compliance with the Work Boat Code 3, including addressing noise issues and trialling a solar-powered trickle charger for the vessel's batteries.