Minister Andrew Muir has introduced the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill to the Assembly. The proposed legislation aims to update Northern Ireland's fisheries framework and introduce tougher penalties for polluting waterways.

The bill includes an increased maximum penalty for water pollution offences, applying regardless of the pollution source. It also establishes a system for managing commercial and recreational fishing at sustainable levels, with the goal of preserving stocks for future generations.

A whole-system approach to water environment management underpins the measures, recognising that healthy fish populations depend on clean, functioning ecosystems. The legislation will enable more flexible enforcement options through future regulations, designed to maintain accountability while avoiding unnecessary criminalisation.

New powers for inland waterways are included to ensure a consistent source-to-sea management approach. Minister Muir said the bill would help safeguard natural resources and support the industries and communities connected to them.