No increase in fishing licence fees

Fishing permits for the Public Angling Estate will be subject to an inflationary rise of 3.1%.

In making the announcement, the Minister said: “I have decided to keep the salmon and inland fishing licence fees at 2013 levels. This is the fifth year in a row that there has been no annual increase. I hope this will continue to support those involved in the commercial fishing sectors and encourage others to enjoy recreational fishing.

“Angling has proven health benefits and I would like to see more people get involved. I hope that by freezing the licence fees, people will be more encouraged to take up the sport and become more active and healthy.”

The Department is encouraging all fishermen and women to ensure that they have a rod licence and the correct permit to fish. The Minister added: “While the majority of anglers operate within the law, DCAL officers will track down and prosecute those without the correct paperwork.”

Fishing licences and permits can be purchased online from www.nidirect.gov.uk/fishing. NIDirect contains information from all departments and agencies. It also contains a range of transactions, including fishing licences and permits, which allow the citizen to do business with Government at a time that suits them.

Log onto www.nidirect.gov.uk/fishing to buy your fishing permit/licence. Government information is all in one place on NIDirect and it is easy to understand.