Summary
Action taken on receipt of information identifying concerns with Inland Fisheries approach to monitoring compliance with conditions of Fish Culture Licenses in accordance with their statutory duties.
Outcome and additional information
During the course of our assessment of an unrelated complaint against the NIEA, the OEP were made aware of information that highlighted concerns about the approach taken by Inland Fisheries to monitoring compliance with certain sections of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966.
We requested additional information to assess their compliance with these duties as part of a wider action plan request to the NIEA .
We have now received a response confirming that Inland Fisheries have commenced a review of all Fish Culture Licenses granted under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966.
Aquaculture Licensing Reform – Policy Update Summary August 2025
DAERA Marine & Fisheries Division have developed a new aquaculture policy, to be introduced as part of a wider Fisheries & Water Environment Bill aimed at modernising the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. The central objective is to streamline and modernise the aquaculture licensing process, ensuring it is fit for purpose and capable of supporting current and future aquaculture operations.
A key proposal under the new policy would remove the requirement for a Fish Culture Licence (FCL) for inland fish farms. Instead, such developments would be managed through the Planning System, with the Department acting as a statutory consultee. Following a comprehensive review of FCL conditions, the Department has concluded that regulatory coverage will remain robust under existing consent regimes.
A public consultation on the proposed policy changes is scheduled to be launched between July and September 2025, alongside a review of existing licences.