Internal Fish Movements

All fish farms within Northern Ireland operate under the authority of a fish culture licence issued under section 11 of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966. From 27 July 2009 all fish farms and aquaculture production businesses will also be required to be authorised  by the Department for fish health purposes. Under the terms of the authorisations all movements of fish to and from fin-fish farms within Northern Ireland require the written authorisation of the Department prior to the movement. Such movements are authorised by the Fisheries Inspectorate. We require at least two working days prior notice of the proposed movement.

Movements of fish to or from the wild fishery in Northern Ireland (except the Londonderry and Newry Areas) also require a permit issued by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) under Section 14 of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966. Movements to or from the wild fishery in the Londonderry or Newry Areas require a permit issued by the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission under Section 69 of the Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952.

Records of all fish movements are retained by us to enable movements within Northern Ireland to be traced in the event of a disease outbreak.