Bass Anglers’ Sportfishing Society

Fighting for Bass and Bass Anglers’ since 1973

IFCA Makeup biased . . . ?

One major criticism of the old Sea Fisheries Committees was the lack of balance in the membership.

The angling sector particularly was asking for increased involvement of anglers.

When the IFCAs were first established, both environmental and angling representation was increased to the detriment of the commercial fishing sector giving the new bodies a wider stakeholder base reflecting the changed priorities.

As people have left, the MMO has been inclined to advertise for replacements from the commercial fishing sector, restoring the balanceof the old SFCs.

In Cornwall a special meeting has been called to review the appropriateness of such a recent replacement and the procedures for providing replacement members.

Full documents at: Cornwall Council

Including a full background to reason for the meeting: Cornwall IFCA

The outcome of the meeting is likely to affect how the balance of stakeholder interests are resolved in the future.