About MFA
The Marine and Fisheries Agency has a wide range of responsibilities and undertakes delivery functions for Defra in a number of areas.
In England, the Agency has overall responsibility for the enforcement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and its associated regulations.
English waters within British Fishery Limits cover approximately 60,000 square miles and extend up to 200 miles from the coast, or to the meridian line with other Member States' waters, where the distance between the countries is less than 200 miles.
Our vision
A trusted manager of sea fisheries and the marine environment, recognised for our fairness and valued for our professionalism, expertise and high standards.
Our objectives
Fisheries Management
To be a key partner in the management of marine fisheries
Enforcement
To enforce regulations professionally, consistently and fairly
Marine Environment
To contribute to the sustainable use of the marine environment
Information and Advice
To provide specialist information to inform the development
of policy and its effective implementation
Our Organisation
To promote an open, diverse and fair culture in which staff are encouraged
to reach their full potential
Guidance
The Marine and Fisheries Agency regularly issues guidance to help business comply with regulations and is committed to following the revised Code of Practice on Guidance on Regulation (PDF 2.1 MB) for all new and revised guidance.
As part of the transfer of responsibilities to the new Marine Management Organisation, on 1 April 2010, we shall be looking to compile a list of the most frequently used guidance and the date by which it will be reviewed to ensure it is in line with the code of practice.
MFA Sustainable Development Action Plan
The MFA is committed to have in place a Sustainable Development Action Plan.
See MFA's role in delivery of Sustainable Development (SD) (PDF 62 KB)