New Fishing Rules to Protect Scallop Sites in Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has announced an important update to its scallop fishing regulations. This comes as part of an effort to enhance marine conservation and protect scallop populations in designated zones.

What’s the Update?

A new rule, formally known as The Scallop Enhancement Sites (Prohibited Methods of Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, has been introduced. This amendment builds on the regulations established in 2022, which originally identified four key sites for scallop enhancement: Ballyquintin, Drumfad Bay, Roaring Rock, and Whitehead. These areas were previously protected from traditional scallop fishing methods like using demersal mobile gear and diving.

However, with the emergence of a novel fishing technique that employs pots with lights to lure scallops, DAERA felt the need to further tighten regulations. The new rule now prohibits any method of fishing for scallops in these enhancement sites, ensuring the preservation of these vital marine environments.

Consultation and Industry Support

The amendment follows extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, who have expressed strong support for the regulation. This follows a comprehensive public consultation conducted between November 2020 and March 2021, which informed the initial 2022 regulations.

Impact and Compliance

The amendment has no financial implications for the department and does not require a new Regulatory Impact Assessment, as it aligns with previous assessments. It also complies with all relevant legal frameworks, including the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Why It Matters

This move underscores Northern Ireland’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation. By prohibiting all scallop fishing methods in these sites, DAERA aims to foster healthier scallop populations and marine ecosystems.

For further details, you can reach out to Patrick Smith or Fiona Taylor at DAERA via the provided contact information.