Debate contribution: Fishing Strategy
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 20 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Fishing Strategy
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5798602
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I recognise that concerns extend beyond the quota availability to include access to fishing grounds, displacement and operating costs. I remain committed to working with the industry to balance environmental objectives with the long-term viability of our fishing communities. Fisheries management is devolved under the Fisheries Act 2020, and my Department has a legal obligation to implement measures that support the conservation objectives of each protected area in the Northern Ireland marine environment. The three marine protected areas are South Rigg marine conservation zone, Queenie Corner and Pisces Reef. Complex special areas of conservation represent about 20% of Northern Ireland's offshore region. Seven out of the nine protected features are currently assessed as being in an unfavourable condition. The proposed measures are not expected to have a significant impact on quota. Only 1·35% of the Irish Sea quota by weight and 1·71% by value is currently taken from those areas. Any quota taken from within those sites would remain available elsewhere in the wider International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) VIIa area. Those measures are intended to support the recovery of marine habitats and species, helping those sites meet their conservation objectives while delivering wider benefits for marine ecosystems and sustainable fish stocks.
206 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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