Fish Health

DARD is responsible for the control of fish disease in Northern Ireland under the Aquatic Animal Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. Under these regulations all aquaculture production businesses (APBs) or processing establishments processing aquaculture animals for disease control purposes must be authorised by DARD. All put and take and non-commercial installations must be registered. Application forms for this purpose can be downloaded by following the appropriate link at the bottom of the page.

In carrying out these responsibilities we undertake a routine inspection and sampling programme covering all APBs in Northern Ireland and carry out routine sampling of wild fish stocks. We also inspect all live fish and shellfish destined for export from Northern Ireland and issue movement documentation in line with EU rules. We also inspect imports of fish into Northern Ireland to ensure compliance with these rules.

We aim to maintain Northern Ireland's high fish health status. Where we have reason to believe that any waters are infected with a notifiable disease, we have powers to take certain measures to prevent, control and eradicate the disease. These powers extend to both the wild fishery and marine and inland fish farms in Northern Ireland.