You need a magistrate to endorse the appointment of a private water bailiff to police a body of water in Northern Ireland.
You can appoint a private water bailiff if you own or are a licensee of a fishery or have fishing rights in a lake or river. An authorised bailiff has the power to:
- search boats, nets or containers
- seize any fish or fishing gear from unlicensed anglers or poachers
- arrest people committing offences
How to apply
Contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for a form of appointment.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
0300 200 7860
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You will need to provide details including:
- your name and address
- the name and address of the person you wish to appoint
- the name of the lake, river or fishery
Send the form to the magistrates’ court for the relevant district.
A hearing date will be arranged. You must give written notice of your application to DAERA at least 14 days before this date. An official from DAERA may then attend the hearing and give evidence.
The appointment will be confirmed when the resident magistrate endorses your form of appointment.
Conditions
A private water bailiff only has authority in the waters named in their warrant.
Their authority will usually last for 5 years from the date of confirmation unless you choose to revoke it sooner. You can renew an appointment by serving notice on the magistrates’ court and DAERA no less than 6 weeks before it is due to expire.
Fines and penalties
A private water bailiff may be fined up to £200 if they act without authorisation.