The Fisheries and Water Environment Bill

Overview

Our seas, rivers and lakes are precious natural assets that are integral to our livelihoods, culture and the economy. 

The Department relies heavily on the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 (the 1966 Act) as a key piece of primary legislation which guides the work in relation to fishing and fisheries. However, the issues relating to fisheries and the water environment have changed significantly since the 1966 Act was introduced and some of the terminology and assumptions within it no longer reflect the policy and legislative landscape. The 1966 Act focuses on the protection of fisheries, without fully considering the wider ecosystem, species interactions, environmental changes or other stressors that are necessary to be fully aligned with the ecosystem-based approach and the principles of sustainable development.

A new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill is needed to modernise and give effect to Northern Ireland’s fisheries policies so that these are consistent with the fisheries management framework provided by the UK Fisheries Act 2020.  

The consultation for the new Bill outlines a range of policy proposals to be incorporated into the new legislation. These are designed to support a vibrant, profitable, and sustainable sector, underpinned by healthy ecosystems, resilient fish populations, and well-managed aquatic habitats.

Why your views matter

We would encourage you to respond to the consultation as this will provide us with a better understanding of your views on the proposed policies for the Fisheries and Water Environment Bill.