Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

On 25 June 2026, the Committee met in Portaferry to hear directly from representatives of Northern Ireland’s fishing industry and to learn more about DAERA’s role in supporting marine conservation through Exploris Aquarium’s Seal Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre.

 

Engaging with Northern Ireland's Fishing Industry:

The Committee welcomed representatives from the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) and the Northern Ireland Fisherman’s Federation (NIFF), representing the Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation (ANIFPO), for an update on the challenges facing the local fishing sector.

Members heard that the industry is currently facing a “perfect storm” of pressures, including:

• Increasing competition for limited fishing grounds due to spatial planning and marine development;
• Labour shortages and a heavy reliance on overseas crew;
• Rising costs associated with Skilled Worker visas and concerns around future visa availability from 2027;
• Falling prices for seafood products;
• A 20% reduction in nephrops quota, resulting in an estimated £3.5 million loss to the sector; and
• Rising fuel costs and price volatility linked to global events.

Representatives outlined their vision for a resilient and sustainable future for the industry through an industry-led roadmap that aims to balance economic growth, environmental responsibility and social sustainability.

During a wide-ranging discussion, the Committee explored issues including access to fishing grounds, the Isle of Man’s exclusion of Northern Ireland vessels employing overseas crew, potential fuel support measures, the impact of proposed Marine Protected Areas, resilience payments, and calls for a UK-wide Fishing Industry Task Force.

 

Learning about Marine Conservation at Exploris Aquarium Seal Sancutary

The Committee then received a briefing from DAERA officials on the Department’s partnership with Exploris Aquarium and the role it plays in supporting Northern Ireland’s marine conservation objectives.

Members heard how DAERA supports the operation of the Exploris Seal Sanctuary through the Environment Fund, which is jointly financed through 80% DAERA funding and 20% match funding. The funding supports the rescue, care and rehabilitation of sick, injured and abandoned harbour seal pups before they can be returned to the wild.

The Committee also learned about the EU-funded INTERREG VA SeaMonitor project, which examined the effectiveness of rescue and rehabilitation as a conservation intervention for marine mammals.

Discussion focused on:

• The adequacy of current environmental grant support;
• The decline in harbour seal populations;
• The impact of Marine Wildlife Disturbance Guidance introduced in 2025;
• The importance of public education and awareness campaigns in protecting marine wildlife.

Following the meeting, Members visited the Exploris Seal Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre to see first-hand the work being carried out to protect and care for vulnerable seals, providing valuable insight into Northern Ireland’s marine conservation efforts and the practical challenges involved in safeguarding local wildlife.

Supporting Sustainable Seas and Coastal Communities

The Committee’s visit highlighted the importance of maintaining a thriving fishing industry alongside the protection of Northern Ireland’s marine environment. Through engagement with industry representatives, DAERA officials and conservation experts, Members gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing coastal communities and the measures needed to support both economic sustainability and marine conservation.

Learn more about Exploris Seal Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre

Listen to the audio recording of the Committee meeting held in Portaferry on 25 June 2026