The first groups of IFGs held their inaugural meetings in January 2009. These groups were the Outer Hebrides, the South East and the Clyde. The North West, the Moray Firth and the Small Isles and Mull IFGs were established shortly after and held their first meetings in March 2009.
IFGs effectiveness depends on the support and active participation of commercial fishermen themselves and we urge you to get involved.
IFG structure, membership and role
Membership of the IFG shall be open to owners, skippers and crew of Scottish or UK registered vessels. Each IFG will have an Executive Committee to drive its work, supported by an Advisory Group (including, for example, Marine Scotland Science, Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland Compliance).
The Executive Committee is made up of commercial fishing interests drawn from:
(i) the Fishermen's Associations that operate in the IFG area; and
(ii) a spokesperson to represent those fishermen who operate in the area but who are not members of an Association ('non-affiliated fishermen'). Those non-affiliated fishermen who are registered with an IFG will elect this spokesperson.
An independent chairperson will chair Executive Committee meetings and the IFG as a whole and a Local Coordinator will look after the day to day running of the IFG.
How to Register
Fishermen's Associations should register their interest in the IFG, on behalf of their members, advising which of its vessels fish in the areas of the 6 IFGs.
Non-affiliated fishermen should register their wish to join an IFG, indicating which area they currently operate in.
Registration should be carried out by contacting the Local Coordinator in that area.
'Inshore Fisheries Groups - how to get involved' leaflets have been sent to all license holders on our Scottish 10m and under non-sector vessel database and SFPA offices around the country. If you did not receive a leaflet and would like one please telephone the Inshore Fisheries Team on 0131 244 6443.
Image © Claire Pescod