Inshore fisheries management in the UK: Sea fisheries committees and the challenge of marine environmental management

Under the existing terms of the Common Fisheries Policy, responsibility for fisheries management within the 12 mile territorial limits rests with the individual member state. In England and Wales that responsibility has been devolved to 12, regionally based Sea Fisheries Committees, involving a unique combination of local authority and industry representation. The role of SFCs is changing, as they face up to the challenge of marine environmental management. Their recent designation as possible lead agencies in the management of Special Areas of Conservation, working alongside conservation organisations, will provide a stern test of their resilience and adaptability.