Assets

The North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) has an annual budget of approximately  £1.3 million. Two thirds of the budget is raised from a levy on local councils and one third is paid by Defra. The Authority has two offices, one in Carnforth and another in Whitehaven and employs 21 staff who work in a variety of roles such as science, administration and enforcement.

Patrol Vessels

North Western Protector

The FPV North Western Protector is a 20.47m aluminium catamaran. She was commissioned in early July 2018 and is a former wind farm supply vessel that has been completely stripped out and rebuilt to the specifications of the enforcement and science officers in conjunction with marine surveyors. She has 2 Man 1100hp 12 cylinder 1200 rpm engines that power the Ultra-Dynamics UJ575 waterjets giving a cruising speed of 23 knots.

Protector Bravo

The FPV Protector Bravo is a 7 metre “Osprey Viper” RIB. It was commissioned in 1999 to patrol close inshore, especially in the shallow waters of the upper Solway Firth. It has two 100hp 4-stroke “Yamaha” outboard engines, giving it a top speed of 35 knots. The RIB has its own trailer so it can assist in other areas when needed. The vessel comprehensive navigational aids and a net and line hauler for recovering static gear such as nets and pots. It is coded under the Small Commercial Vessel Certification of Category 3R. It is operated by 2 officers and can carry up to 6 people in total.

Protector Gamma

The FPV Protector Gamma is a 6.3 metre “Humber Ocean Pro” RIB. It was commissioned in 2011 to patrol close inshore around Barrow and North Morecambe Bay. The vessel has twin 60hp 4-stroke “Suzuki” engines, giving it a top speed of 30 knots. The RIB has its own trailer so it can assist elsewhere when needed. It is coded with the Small Commercial Vessel Certification of Category 3R. It is operated by two officers and can carry up to 6 people in total.

Zodiac Bravo

The FPV Zodiac Bravo is a Grand Raid Mk III with a single 40hp Yamaha outboard motor. It was commissioned in 2009 and patrols the inshore waters within Morecambe Bay. The RIB has its own trailer so it can assist elsewhere in the district. The vessel is coded with the Small Commercial Vessel Certification of Category 6. It is crewed by two officers and can carry up 4 people in total.

Bay Protector

The FPV Bay Protector is a 7.5 metre “Humber Ocean Pro” RIB. It is powered by twin 150hp Yamaha engines, giving it a top speed of 50 knots. It was commissioned in 2014 and patrols the inshore waters of the River Ribble, River Mersey and further north if needed. The vessel is coded with the Small Commercial Vessel Certification of Category 3R. It is crewed by 2 officers and can carry up to 6 people in total.

Patrol Vehicles and All Terrain Vehicles

The Authority operates with a fleet of vehicles and ATV (quad bikes) which are located throughout the district.