Summary of the responses to the Consultations on The Fisheries and Water Environment Bill and The Protection of the Water Environment
Date published:
Summary of the responses to the Consultations on The Fisheries and Water Environment Bill and The Protection of the Water Environment.
Consultation
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) conducted two separate consultations which sought stakeholder and public views on policy proposals central to the development of a new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill.
The first was a 10-week public consultation (3 July – 11 September 2025) on policy proposals for the fisheries and aquaculture elements to inform the Fisheries and Water Environment Bill, aimed at modernising legislation governing inland and sea fisheries, and aquaculture in Northern Ireland. This consultation sought feedback from stakeholders and the public on policy to inform the development of primary legislation.
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 that 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.
A total of 53 formal responses were received, with additional commentary from 9 emails. Two late submissions were excluded from analysis.
The second was an 8-week public consultation (11 September – 6 November 2025) around regulatory and policy frameworks to protect water quality, ecosystems and our wider environment.
A total of 63 formal responses were received, with additional commentary from 2 emails.
DAERA engaged with both internal and external stakeholders and partners during the consultation period and continues to do so as this support will remain essential in delivering the policy outcomes outlined in the consultations.
The Department wishes to thank all those who have participated to date in any engagement events during the development of The Fisheries and Water Environment Bill, and also thanks those who took the time to consider the policy proposals, contributing highly valued responses to the consultations. The input of all involved has been of great help to the Department in developing this primary legislation, and the time and effort taken to engage is greatly appreciated.
The consultation documents are still available for reference using the following links:
The Fisheries and Water Environment Bill | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Summary of responses
This report summarises the responses and presents the high-level key findings and outcomes from both consultations.