The Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) is an international organisation of people sharing a common interest in the modern management of recreational and commercial fisheries.

Created in 1969 in the UK, the IFM is dedicated to the advancement of sustainable fisheries management in all its forms. It is a non-profit making organisation controlled by the membership and governed by an elected council. Members are drawn from professional fisheries managers, regulatory and research bodies, fishing and angling organisations, water companies, fish farms and private individuals whose interests in fisheries are represented at many levels within government and conservation bodies.

The Institute, in partnership with a number of other UK institutes and societies concerned with the environment, is one of the Constituent Bodies of the Society for the Environment. The Society now has a Royal Charter and is empowered to award the qualification of Chartered Environmentalist.

The IFM is licensed to grant this qualification and all Registered and Licentiate Members can apply following procedures laid down by Council. The qualification recognises responsibility for sustainable environmental management and is important for employment. Click here for more details and application form.

Click to download IFM application form

Aims and Objectives of the Institute

Aims

1. To promote effective fisheries management and improving standards of fisheries management.
2. To provide the technical and general knowledge necessary for competent fisheries management.
3. To advance the standing of fisheries management as a profession.

Objectives

1. To exchange and circulate information, ideas and practical experience on all matters relating to fisheries and their management.
2. To admit students to the Institute and to increase the number of professionally qualified fisheries managers through the provision of training courses.
3. To designate the categories of membership appropriate to the experience, qualifications and contribution of members to the profession and determine the letters that may be placed after the names of members indicating these designations.
4. To establish and maintain an appropriate Branch and Specialist section structure to meet the local, specialist and overall needs of fisheries interests.
5. To promote the interests of members.
6. To co-operate with other institutions and associations in order to achieve common goals.

Services to Members

Representation of the Profession
IFM represents its members' interests to government, statutory and voluntary bodies and the general public on all matters related to fisheries and environmental issues.

Professional Status
IFM is the sole body in the UK for professional fisheries management and is recognised by many employers. The Institute's Code of Professional Conduct is mandatory on all members

Click to download Codes of Professional Conduct
Click to download IFM Membership Rules
Click for more details on Chartered Environmentalist

Training
Two distance learning courses, leading to the Certificate and Diploma, are organised by the Training Committee. Duration is two years for each and both are theoretical courses.

The Diploma also includes practical training. These qualifications are recognised by many employers and allow for entry into professional status within IFM.

Click to download Training Prospectus

Continuing Professional Development
IFM offers a voluntary system of CPD which is :- the maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout a practitioner's working life.

Adherence to the CPD programme is compulsory for Chartered Environmentalists.

Annual Conference
A Conference is organised each year aimed at all members to discuss environment and fisheries issues, particularly new developments, and acts as a forum for all members to meet and share experiences.

Branches
IFM regional branches organise meetings and seminars on many aspects of fisheries management. Branches cover Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, London and South East, South Region, South West, North West, North East, Wales, East Anglia and Midlands.

FISH Magazine
IFM publishes FISH four times a year and is free to members, It carries articles and news on current developments on all aspects of fisheries management and Institute matters. A diary of forthcoming events is a regular feature of FISH.

Advisory Booklets
A range of booklets are available for purchase covering many aspects of fisheries management.

Register of Members Interests
A register of member’s interests is maintained by the Institute and will be available to members on its website to facilitate contacts amongst those of similar interests.

Other publications
Proceedings of Annual Conferences and the Training Course material are available for purchase.

Other Services
New members receive a car sticker and from time to time various stock items are available e.g. IFM ties.