Evaluation of the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities

This invitation to tender is for an evaluation of the activities, operations, and actions of IFCAs. The evaluation will help inform the future governance and management of UK fisheries and marine environments. In particular, the evaluation shall explore whether IFCAs: - Have the necessary structures and capacities to deliver on the vision for them. - Provided adequate opportunity for all stakeholders to participate in marine and fisheries management. - Have been successful in drawing up bylaws that effectively support environmental, economic, and social sustainability. - Have set and maintained high standards for fisheries research, management, and enforcement. - Have proactively engaged in collaborative and knowledge sharing partnerships. The overarching aims of this research are to: (1) enhance understanding of how effective the design and implementation of the IFCAs has been; and (2) assess and understand the benefits and impacts the IFCAs have provided through their activities; and (3) to identify lessons learnt and best practices to inform the future governance and management of UK fisheries and marine environments (including management of offshore waters). This research will support the development of thinking on England's long-term regulatory support for coastal communities, the marine environment, and the blue economy, post EU-Exit.