The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Daera) Has Published Responses to Two Separate Policy
Consultations Which Will Inform the Drafting of the Fisheries and
Water Environment Bill.
The Policies Were Opened for Public Consultation in Two Stages:
- Stage One Looked at Proposals for Managing Fisheries and
Aquaculture in a Sustainable Way, Improving Enforcement, and
Protecting the Environment by Considering How All Parts of Nature
Work Together.
- Stage Two Focused on the Rules and Policies Needed to Protect
Water Quality, Ecosystems, and the Wider Environment.
The Bill Aims to Create a Legal Framework for Managing Fisheries
and Aquaculture That Takes Account of the Whole Environment, Not
Just Individual Species, so That All the Habitats' Fish Depend on
Throughout Their Life Cycle Are Managed in a Joined‑up and
Responsible Way. It Also Provides the Framework for Increased
Fines for Pollution Offences in Order to Better Protect Our Water
Environment.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, , Said: I Would like to Thank
All Who Took the Time to Respond to These Consultations. It Is
Clear That People Broadly Support Updating Our Fisheries and
Aquaculture Policies, so They Fully Reflect a Whole‑environment”
Approach and the Principles of Sustainable Development.
I Also Acknowledge the Strong Public Support for Improving Water
Quality. I Agree with the Calls for a Balanced Approach - One
That Focuses on Preventing Problems in the First Place, Enforcing
the Rules When Needed, and Restoring the Environment Where It Has
Been Damaged.
This Will Enable the Department to Deliver Sustainable River
Basin Management Planning and Help Rebuild Public Trust in the
System. As Part of This, the Maximum Fine for Water Pollution
Offences Tried at Magistrates' Court Would Be Increased to
£50,000 for Each Offending Incident and the Ability to Issue
Fixed Penalty Notices Would Be Introduced.”
Daera Has Reviewed All Responses to the Consultations and
Alongside Feedback Received During Stakeholder Engagement
Sessions, It Has Collated an Analysis and Summary Document Which
Captures a Comprehensive Overview of All Replies, Permitting the
Legislative Process to Progress and the Department's Vision to
Come to Life.
The Office of Legislative Counsel Is Progressing Drafting of the
Bill. The Bill Is Expected to Be Introduced in the Assembly
Before the Summer Recess.
The Summary of the Responses to Both Consultations Is Available
on the Daera Website At: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/summary-responses-consultations-fisheries-and-water-environment-bill-and-protection-water-environment.
