A teenager gained first-hand experience of marine conservation during a work experience placement with the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) in Blyth.

Maria Sutton approached it for a work placement because she hopes to study environmental science at university and wanted to explore the specialisms and career paths available to her.

NIFCA manages the inshore fishery along the North Tyneside and Northumberland coastline. It works to ensure that local fishing practices are environmentally responsible and economically viable.

During her placement, the 17-year-old Gosforth Academy sixth form student joined the authority’s enforcement and environmental teams, seeing first-hand how officers protect the marine environment by working closely with the local fishing industry.

placeholder image — Maria Sutton measuring lobsters.

A highlight was measuring lobsters with NIFCA environmental officer Vicky Rae.

Maria said: “I really enjoyed learning how to measure lobsters with Vicky. It showed me how closely NIFCA works with the local fishing community to ensure that lobsters caught commercially in its district meet essential legal standards before entering the market.

“The placement has really helped me to understand how environmental science is applied in practice and how fisheries management contributes to protecting our marine resources.”

Mark Southerton, NIFCA chief officer, said: “Providing young people with direct experience of marine conservation and fisheries management is vital to developing the skilled professionals who will protect our marine environment in the future.

“Maria demonstrated initiative and a strong willingness to learn. Her contribution underlines the value of practical experience and we are confident it will provide a firm foundation for her future studies and career goals in environmental science.”