Next start date: October 6th
Event details
Start
6 October 2026
Venue
Alive Lincoln Central,
Newland,
Lincoln,
UK
Course fees
£290
Connected Waters - Advancing Freshwater Fish Conservation, Recovery and Management
6-7 October
Alive, Lincoln
This year’s IFM Annual Conference will be hosted by the Anglian Branch and will be held in the historic city of Lincoln.
The conference will feature speakers from the UK, Ireland and beyond for two days of presentations, and networking, including the Annual Dinner & Awards.
Britain’s freshwater fish are a vital part of our natural heritage and an important measure of the health of our rivers, lakes and wetlands. From upland streams and chalk rivers to lowland watercourses and still waters, native fish populations reflect the condition and connectivity of the environments they depend on. Many species face significant pressures, including habitat degradation, barriers to migration, declining water quality, invasive non-native species and climate change. At the same time, advances in conservation science, restoration practice and policy present real opportunities for progress.
The 57th IFM Annual Conference will place freshwater fish firmly at the centre of discussion. It will consider the status of native species, showcase practical approaches to conservation and recovery and examine the ecological, regulatory and financial frameworks needed to support long-term improvement.
Conference sessions will cover
-
- River and Wetland Restoration
- Status, Recovery and Emerging Threats to Freshwater Fish
- Reconnecting Rivers
- Barriers to Fish Movement
- Monitoring and Evidence: New Tools and Data Sources
- Practical Fisheries Management: Technology, Welfare and Community
The conference programme can be downloaded here IFM 57th Conference Programme
The John Gregory Lecture
We are delighted to welcome Simon Johnson to the conference to present this year's John Gregory Lecture.
Simon will be well known to many of you as he is the Executive Director of the Freshwater Biological Association. He is also one of the founders of the Wensum Riverkin Group that are working to restore the River Wensum, a director of the community interest company, the Norfolk Ponds Partnership and Chair (Elect) of the European Federation of Freshwater Sciences. He is also a lifelong angler.
Simons talk is simply titled 'Solutions'
Early Careers Group Workshop - 5th October 12:30 - 17:00
Following the success of the inaugural event last year we will be holding a second Early Careers Group Workshop this year. This will take place at the conference venue on the Monday afternoon before the conference.
The programme for the workshop is under construction and further details will be available here shortly
Lunch and refreshments will be provided
To register interest in attending please email Phoebe Worley on [email protected]
The workshop is very kindly supported by
Annual Dinner and Awards
This year's annual dinner will be held in the Charlotte House Hotel in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral.
Charlotte House was originally built in 1938 as a residential home for the nurses of the nearby Lawn Hospital, the striking Art Deco building was designed by architects Watkins and Coombes and named in tribute to a prominent local benefactor
The dinner is a great opportunity to relax in wonderful surroundings whilst enjoying great food and an opportunity to connect, talk fish and share ideas with fellow delegates.
Following the dinner we will also have the IFM Training Awards for 2026
Please note the dinner must be booked separately to the delegate fee
Delegate information
For even more information on Lincoln, where to stay and how to get there check out the Visit Lincoln website here
Conference Supporters
We are very grateful for the support of the following companies
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