Consultation opens on Fisheries and Water Environment Bill
DAERA is seeking views on proposed reforms to modernise fisheries and water management in Northern Ireland.
DAERA is seeking views on proposed reforms to modernise fisheries and water management in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on the development of a new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill for Northern Ireland. This new legislation will modernise the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, bringing it into alignment with the UK Fisheries Act 2020.
The new Bill proposes to introduce objectives for inland fisheries and aquaculture to support ecosystem-based management, conservation of fish stocks, and improvement of aquatic habitats.
The consultation invites industry stakeholders, organisations, and individuals to share their views on proposed reforms to how fisheries and aquaculture in the marine and aquatic environments are managed and protected.
How to participate
You can respond to the consultation by completing the online questionnaire.
The consultation is open until Thursday 11 September 2025.
First published 22 July 2025