About Us

Cornwall IFCA is one of the 10 IFCAs which manages the marine inshore environment around the coast of England.

The Cornwall IFCA District extends from Marsland Mouth on the north coast of Cornwall, around to the western end of the Plymouth Breakwater in Plymouth Sound on the south coast, for all the waters out to the six mile limit and includes the rivers and estuaries up to tidal limits. The District is measured from the 1983 baselines as they existed on 25th January 1983, which may be from exposed rocks, including the Eddystone Rock, and other low tide elevations. The baselines are in accordance with the Territorial Waters Order in Council 1964 (1965 III p.6452A) as amended by the Territorial Waters (Amendment) Order in Council 1979 (1979 II p.2866).

The link below will provide a detailed description of the District boundary and an outline map.

Click here to see a chart of the Cornwall IFCA District.

Research and Environment

Click here to find out more about the Research undertaken by Cornwall IFCA.

In order to sustainably manage sea fisheries resources, we will need to make effective decisions based upon the best available evidence. Our annual Research Plan will set out our priorities for the year, either working on our own or with other partners.

Cornwall IFCA undertake a range of surveys to monitor the health of biotopes and species. The scheduled surveys include:

Biannual cockle surveys in the Camel estuary;
Annual oyster survey conducted in the Fal estuary; and
Ongoing crustacean landings monitoring.

Cornwall IFCA also undertake specific research work as part of the byelaw making process as well as identifying and monitoring habitats and features associated with Marine Protected Areas.

Legislation and Enforcement

Click here to find out more about Cornwall IFCA's enforcement activities.

Cornwall IFCA create and enforce local byelaws, as well as enforcing relevant national and European fisheries legislation.

Cornwall IFCA has inherited 64 Byelaws from the preceding sea fisheries committee, the Environment Agency and some from the Devon Sea Fisheries Committee (covering the river and sea areas bordering the two Districts). These are currently under review. Please check regularly for changes.

Click here to view the current Byelaws.

Cornwall IFCA officers conduct patrols and inspections at sea, from our vessels as well as regular patrols around the coast, visiting ports, harbours and other places where fish are landed and places where shore gathering or angling take place.

Cornwall IFCA officers have the power to board vessels, inspect places of work, vessels and vehicles to determine if a fisheries offence has been committed. Individuals are obliged to provide reasonable assistance to facilitate these inspections. If officers believe an offence has been committed they have the power to seize and detain catch, gear and equipment and to order vessels to return to port where they can be detained.

Cornwall IFCA has set out a Code of Conduct for officers carrying out inspections, the Code also explains the obligations of people being inspected.

Click here to see the Code of Conduct.

Financial Information

We are supported by a combination of local government funding, through Cornwall Council and central government funding from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Our accounts and associated financial information are published every year in the Annual Plan and Annual Report, these can be found on our publications page.

Click here to view our publications page.

Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

Chi Gallos
Hayle Marine Renewables Park
North Quay
Hayle
Cornwall
TR27 4DD

Tel: +44(0)1872 324284

Email: enquiries@cornwall-ifca.gov.uk