Exemption Permits issued under sections 54, 58 & 59 of the Fishieries Act (NI)

The Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, as amended and Sections 54, 58 and 59, in particular, set out clearly the responsibility on water abstractors to protect fish.

Abstractors must comply with the provisions of the Act unless the Department has issued an exemption permit containing specific alternative measures for fish protection, relating to that site.

The law recognises that operators may encounter serious problems in complying strictly with the regulations outlined in these sections. In addition, strict compliance with the law, in certain circumstances, may potentially be damaging to fish. It is also impossible to frame legislation for the protection of migratory fish, which would suit every location. Accordingly, the Fisheries Act provides for the Department to grant exemption certificates where it is satisfied that acceptable and in many cases, superior alternative measures can be provided. In such cases the law permits the Department to issue an exemption permit containing such conditions as the Department considers will provide equal or better fish protection at the site.

These permits will only be issued after consultation with the abstractor and directly adjacent fishery owners.

Persons applying for an exemption permit should do so on the application form below:

• Application for an exemption permit issued under section 54, 58 and 59 of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966

or contact the Department on (028) 90515119 or email dcalangling@dcalni.gov.uk

The Department has produced a guidebook for water abstractor, to view this guide click below or if you would like a copy, please contact the number above.

• Protecting fish - Guidelines for water abstractors