Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has responsibility for food, farming, environmental, fisheries, forestry and sustainability policy and the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland. The Department assists the sustainable development of the agri-food, environmental, fishing and forestry sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, having regard for the needs of the consumers, the protection of human, animal and plant health, the welfare of animals and the conservation and enhancement of the environment.
DAERA has two Executive Agencies:
Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
Forest Service
The Department also sponsors a number of NDPBs including the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
The research vessel Corystes is owned by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and operates out of the Port of Belfast. The vessel has a year round capability and enables AFBI to pursue an integrated marine science programme in Northern Ireland’s coastal waters, the Irish Sea and adjacent sea areas.The R.V. Corystes provides a versatile platform from which a wide range of fisheries and marine environmental research is undertaken.