Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority - 11 September 2026

The meeting of the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) began with the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting on 12 June 2026, with no declarations of interest or public questions. The Budget Monitoring Report for April to August 2026 was presented. Officers explained that an enforcement variance related to payments for the refit of Saint Piran, funded from reserves, while a variance in research supplies and services reflected equipment and vessel costs partially offset by lower staffing costs due to vacancies being filled. The Authority resolved to note the budget and reserves position for the 2026/27 financial year.

The Replacement Vessel Working Group provided an update on progress toward a new patrol vessel to replace Saint Piran. Members were informed that the proposed vessel would be smaller, lighter, and more fuel efficient, designed to reduce operating costs, maintenance, downtime, and environmental impacts. Following procurement, a build slot could take up to a year, with construction taking a further year, meaning a potential two-year lead time. Discussions with Cornwall Council regarding capital funding were ongoing, and proceeds from the sale of Saint Piran would replenish reserves. Alternative propulsion technologies, including hybrid and fully electric systems, were investigated but deemed unsuitable; a modern vessel operating on hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel was recommended. The design would include a copper-enriched epoxy hull coating and an acoustic antifouling system, which officers considered to have negligible impacts on marine life.

The Authority agreed in principle to develop a policy to withdraw, suspend, or refuse permits under the Lobster, Crawfish and Crab Fishing Permit Byelaw 2016. The Principal Enforcement Officer explained that the policy targeted a small number of repeat offenders to improve compliance in the crustacean fishery. Legal advice would be sought during development, and procedural fairness, including representations and appeals, remained under consideration. Officers noted that monitoring could be conducted via existing vessel tracking systems, potentially reducing enforcement costs. Some members suggested involving the Byelaw Working Group in reviewing draft proposals before full Authority consideration.

The Officers’ Report covered several updates. The Crustacean and Molluscan Fisheries (Vessel Specification) Byelaw was awaiting ministerial consideration, with concerns about increased vivier potting effort communicated to Defra. The Octopus Potting Emergency Byelaw had achieved its intended purpose. An update on recreational pollack management proposals noted that Defra had sought Cornwall IFCA's views. Officers confirmed that Vessel Monitoring System data was accessible to enforcement teams, and instances of foreign vessels switching off monitoring equipment were reported to the MMO. The Saint Piran had achieved compliance with Workboat Code 3 after its refit, and a new rigid inflatable boat had been delivered for training. Crawfish sampling results showed a predominance of males, attributed to the fishing method. The Authority had submitted consultation responses on the proposed Falmouth Docks expansion, focusing on potential impacts to fisheries resources.