AQW 43703/22-27

Mr Daniel McCrossan
Social Democratic and Labour Party
West Tyrone

Tabled Date: 13/04/2026
Answered On Date: 15/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any changes to the Fisheries and Water Environment Bill he plans to make following the consultation on the Bill.

Answer:

The Department has taken into the consideration the issues raised during the public consultation in respect of the Aquaculture policy proposals. The Bill will now include amendments to Fish Culture Licences (FCL) to achieve the policy intent but the requirement to hold a FCL will not be removed. This licence will be renamed as an Aquaculture licence.

The Department intends to define Aquaculture clearly within the Bill, to allow all non-fish/shellfish aquaculture operations, e.g. seaweed, to be licensed, thereby supporting future development of these industry sub-sectors. Clear provisions for transfer of licences will also be included.

These amendments continue to align with the policy intent, ensuring a transparent licensing system for aquaculture, which supports the sustainable development of all aquaculture sub-sectors in NI, and will allay concerns that have been raised through the consultation by some regarding the removal of the FCL.