Water
DOE has responsibility for the protection of the aquatic environment through the regulation of water quality, and the conservation of freshwater, marine flora, fauna, and hydrological processes. In performing this duty DOE is required to have regard to the needs of industry and agriculture, the protection of fisheries and the protection of public health.
We work closely with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, particularly Water Management Unit and Natural Heritage who have responsibility for the implementation of legislation and for environmental monitoring. We also liaise closely with the Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in GB, and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.
In addition to the above you will find further specific information on the NIEA Water homepage 
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Marine Licensing Legislation ***now in operation***
The new marine licensing legislation applies from the 6th April 2011 to the Northern Ireland inshore region and will allow sensible and necessary development to go ahead but in a manner that minimises its adverse impacts on the environment, human health and users of the sea. The legislation team worked closely with their colleagues in the Marine Assessment and Licensing Team in NIEA to develop legislation which is practical and relevant.
For more information, please go to the Marine Licensing Page.
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Marine Policy Statement ***published 18th March 2011***
The UK Marine Policy Statement is a joint venture with England, Scotland and Wales and provides the framework for preparing marine plans and taking decisions affecting the marine environment. It applies to all UK waters and sets out the general environmental, social and economic considerations that need to be taken into account in marine planning. This will contribute to the sustainable development in the UK marine area.
Further information can be found on the Marine Planning page.
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Marine Licensing Consultation ***Now Closed***
25 August 2010
We are currently consulting on our proposals for legislation to introduce the new marine licensing system. To read the consultation document and view workshop information, please go to the Marine Licensing Page.
This consultation closes on the 3rd November 2010
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Read the Marine Planning and Licensing Newletter August 2010
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UK Marine Policy Statement – Consultation **Now closed**
The Marine Policy Statement (MPS) is the first step in a new system of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the high level policy context within which Marine Plans will be developed, and set the direction for marine licensing and other authorisation systems.
The MPS is being developed by UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Executive.
The consultation “UK Marine Policy Statement: A draft for consultation” is now available. The consultation documents include:
- draft Marine Policy Statement
- draft Impact Assessment
- draft Appraisal of Sustainability including a Strategic Environmental Assessment
- draft Habitats Regulation Assessment
You can access the consultation document here.
The consultation will close on 13th October 2010. The Department would welcome your comments on this consultation paper, please send your responses to mps@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Further information on the Northern Ireland Marine Bill and the UK Government Marine bill can be found on the UK Government Marine Bill page
Northern Ireland Marine Bill Policy Proposals - Consultation *NOW CLOSED*
A consultation document A Northern Ireland Marine Bill Policy Proposals – Consultation Document proposes a framework for Northern Ireland’s seas based on; a new system of marine planning that will balance conservation, energy and other resource needs; a further streamlining of marine licensing above that already provided for in the UK Act and improved processes for marine nature conservation.
The full consultation paper can be found below
Northern Ireland Marine Bill Policy Proposals Consultation document (440 KB)  
Following the consultation on A Northern Ireland Marine Bill Policy Proposals – Consultation Document the Department has prepared a synopsis of responses received. This doucment can be view here:
Amended synopsis of responses to NI Marine Bill Policy Proposals consultation(216KB)
Further information on the Northern Ireland Marine Bill and the UK Government's Marine bill can be found on the UK Government Marine Bill page
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