North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority 28 Success Criterion 3: IFCAs use evidence based and appropriate measures to manage the sustainable exploitation of sea fisheries resources and deliver marine environmental protection within their districts. The IFCAs were created as statutory inshore regulators by MaCAA. They are relevant authorities for implementing international environmental commitments including the Birds, Habitats, Water and Marine Strategy Framework Directives and make an important contribution to securing a network of well-managed MPAs. FMPs identify local management measures which should be based on evidence, timely, subject to appropriate consultation and in step with national initiatives and priorities. IFCAs should balance the socio-economic benefits of exploiting sea fisheries resources with the need to protect the environment. They should make a contribution to sustainable development. Success Criterion 4: IFCAs have appropriate governance in place and staff are trained and professional. IFCAs are statutory authorities and sit within the local government family. Authority members may be either general members or local councillors. They comply with Codes of Conduct and the Standing Orders that apply to meetings of local government committees. General members are appointed on merit, through open competition and for a fixed term. They are subject to annual performance appraisals. IFCAs are funded by levy, charged to their member councils. Funding originates in local taxation. IFCAs are accountable for their use of public resources and should ensure that a proper auditing regime provides confidence in their commitments and spend of public money. They should make effective use of their resources, including staff and assets. IFCAs have a statutory obligation to prepare and publish Annual Plans and Annual Reports. Success Criterion 5: IFCAs make the best use of evidence to deliver their objectives. IFCAs are statutory regulators for their districts. Decision-making should be based on evidence. All IFCAs are supported by officers who pool their expertise and share best practice through a Technical Advisory Group (TAG). Programmes of research activity and monitoring are planned, developed, and updated in consultation with partners. These programmes inform management decisions and support justification for additional research and evidence gathering. 3 4 5
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