Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill
Introduction
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and Water Environment Bill is intended to modernise and consolidate the legislative framework by replacing the outdated and fragmented Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966.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.