DAERA Minister launches consultation on new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill
At last… some movement on water quality and the environment. Following the disaster of Lough Neagh with blue-green algae, many people across Northern Ireland are looking towards the Assembly for leadership on these complex environmental issues.
DAERA spans across portfolios of the Environment, Fisheries, Agriculture, and has a key role to play in grappling with water-related environmental issues inland and at sea.
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir has today launched a public consultation on policy proposals for the forthcoming Fisheries and Water Environment Bill.
With Northern Ireland’s sea, river and lake ecosystems experiencing pressures from environmental change, fishing activity and habitat disturbance, the Bill refreshes regulations under The Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 to ensure they keep pace with changes in other parts of the UK.
During the consultation, members of the public are being asked for their views on a range of policy proposals designed to support a vibrant, profitable and sustainable sector, underpinned by healthy ecosystems, resilient fish populations and well-managed aquatic habitats.
The Bill also aims to establish a consistent regime across marine and inland fisheries, ensuring that ecosystem health is prioritised and that fish stocks are maintained or restored to sustainable levels.
Minister Muir said:xa0“The new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill will introduce policies aimed at protecting fisheries, the aquatic environment, and public health.
“Modernising the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 is an opportunity to provide a legislative framework that sets fisheries and aquaculture management within an ecosystem-based context and supports integrated management.
“I would encourage all interested parties to share their views on the proposals before the deadline on 11thxa0September.”
The public consultation is available at:xa0
https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/daera/the-fisheries-and-water-environment-bill
