Industry Terminology:

With definitions, reading level is set to be aimed at those 12 and above.

• IFCA: Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
• MMO: Marine Management Organisation
• DEFRA: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

UK Fishing Industry Terminology:

1. Catch: The total amount of fish and other marine life captured during a fishing expedition.
2. Quota: A limit on the amount of a specific type of fish that can be caught within a certain period.
3. Bycatch: Fish or other marine species that are unintentionally caught while targeting specific species.
4. Trawl: A method of fishing that involves dragging a large net through the water to catch fish.
5. Longline: A fishing technique that uses a long line with baited hooks spaced at intervals to catch fish.
6. Gillnet: A type of fishing net that is hung vertically in the water, allowing fish to get caught by their gills.
7. Sustainable Fishing: Fishing practices that ensure fish populations remain healthy and ecosystems are not harmed.
8. Marine Protected Area (MPA): A designated area of the ocean where human activity is restricted to protect marine life and habitats.
9. Stock Assessment: The process of collecting and analysing data to determine the status of fish populations.
10. Landing: The process of bringing caught fish to shore.
11. Fishery: An area with a specific population of fish that is harvested for commercial purposes.
12. Pelagic: Fish that live in the open sea, away from the coast and the sea floor.
13. Demersal: Fish that live and feed on or near the bottom of the sea.
14. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS): A satellite-based system used to monitor the location and movement of fishing vessels.
15. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): An organization that certifies sustainable fishing practices.
16. Total Allowable Catch (TAC): The maximum quantity of a particular fish species that can be caught within a specific period.
17. Fishing Effort: The amount of fishing gear used and the amount of time spent fishing.
18. Fish Aggregating Device (FAD): A man-made object used to attract fish.
19. Discards: Fish that are caught but not retained on board and are returned to the sea, often dead or dying.
20. Fisheries Management: The process of regulating and managing fishery resources to ensure sustainability.

List of National Regulators:

• Marine Management Organisation (MMO):

Responsible for managing marine resources, including issuing fishing licenses and enforcing fishing regulations

• Environment Agency:

Oversees freshwater fishing regulations in England, including rod fishing byelaws and fishery management

• Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs):

Manage inshore fisheries within 6 nautical miles of the coast in England. They ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the marine environment.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA):

• Sets policies and regulations for fisheries and the marine environment in the UK.

Series of Webinars/Videos – Coming Soon:

• To support the guide with visual and interactive content, especially for those with impairments.
• Step-by-step video tutorials, accessible formats (e.g., subtitles, sign language), and Q&A sessions.