Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill

Overview

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill is intended to modernise and consolidate the legislative framework by replacing the outdated and fragmented Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. The Bill aims to support sustainable and profitable fisheries, underpinned by a resilient marine ecosystem, and will also establish statutory duties for the Department; strengthen regulatory and enforcement powers; update licensing systems; and ensure alignment with current environmental standards and wider UK fisheries policy.

Why your views matter

As part of the Assembly’s normal legislative processes, the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) for scrutiny and evaluation.  

The Committee is seeking views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill.

Your views will help to inform the AERA Committee’s consideration of the Bill and any recommendations it may suggest as it moves to the next stage of the legislative process.