About us

Federation elected officials are centrally involved with the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and its structures. Via UK and European partnership programmes, the NFFO is at the forefront of disseminating industry knowledge by participating with major scientific advisory bodies and through direct engagement with the European Commission. These responsibilities encompass both fisheries management and marine environmental issues.  The NFFO is an influential member of the newly created Regional Advisory Councils for the development of fisheries advice and policy.

The Federation utilises a number of platforms to advance the objectives and aspirations of the UK fishing industry, including Europeche – the association of European fishermen’s organisations, and the EU Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The NFFO are also members of a number of ICES study groups and bodies developing practical and effective structures for managing national and EU fisheries.

The Executive Committee

The NFFO Executive Committee is the decision-making body for the Federation.  Constituent organisations nominate representatives to the Executive where all major policies are discussed and decided, generally by consensus but occasionally by vote.  Executive Committee meetings are held approximately every six weeks and are chaired by the Federation’s Chairman.  In the interests of transparency, these meetings are open to all members, subject to prior notification.  The Executive approves recommendations from specialist committees and has absolute authority over all aspects of the Federation’s activities.

Brief History

The NFFO was established in 1977 during the negotiations for the 1983 Common Fisheries Policy agreement. The paramount importance of being able to speak with a single industry voice has remained the defining feature of the NFFO’s existence.

Initially, the NFFO was formed and centred on the North East of England with a few outposts on the West coast and South coast. Gradually the NFFO’s membership was extended to cover the whole of the English coast, Welsh coast, Northern Ireland and the Channel Isles.

In 1984 the NFFO established a commercial division – NFFO Services Limited – and this provides valuable income to the industry by securing guardship and liaison work with offshore developers.  A dual role is served – co-existence with other offshore industries and a useful income stream to the industry and the Federation.

An important change to the Federation’s structure was agreed in 1996 when the producer organisations in addition to fishermen’s associations were taken into the heart of the NFFO.

The NFFO is active in the following fora:

Europeche (European Association of Fishermen’s Organisations)
Advisory Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture
North Sea Regional Advisory Council
North Western Waters Regional Advisory Council
Long Distance Regional Advisory Council
Pelagic Regional Advisory Council
Marine Stakeholders Advisory Group
Fishing Industry Safety Group