Fisheries and marine protection reforms under review in Northern Ireland and Scotland

Legislative and regulatory changes regarding fisheries and marine protection are undergoing review in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

In Northern Ireland, the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) has responded to a consultation on the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. The IFM is urging the Northern Ireland Assembly to expand the Bill’s scope beyond “inland fisheries” to include migratory species like salmon and eel throughout their entire life cycles. The Institute also advocates for penalties that reflect the true cost of environmental damage to habitats and river beds, rather than focusing solely on direct harm to fish.

In Scotland, the government has launched a consultation on proposed fisheries management measures for inshore marine protected areas (MPAs) and priority marine feature (PMF) areas. The proposal covers 166 sites, including 26 in Shetland. Agricultural, marine and islands minister Jim Fairlie stated that no decisions have been made and emphasized the goal of balancing habitat conservation with the needs of sustainable fisheries and coastal communities. The consultation period is scheduled to remain open until January 18, 2027.