Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) Order 2002

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Adjacency Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) Order 2002

What it is
A UK government order that sets the boundaries of Northern Ireland’s nearby waters, including internal waters, the territorial sea, and British fishing limits.

Key facts
- Type: Statutory Instrument
- Citation: SI 2002/791
- Territorial extent: Northern Ireland
- Made: 26 March 2002
- Commencement: 30 March 2002
- Made under: Northern Ireland Act 1998
- Amended by: Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020
- Status: Current legislation

What it does
- Defines the maritime boundaries next to Northern Ireland to determine where Northern Ireland law applies and where other jurisdictions (Scotland or England) apply.
- Specifies the area of operation for Northern Ireland Executive bodies and agencies.
- Sets the border between Northern Ireland’s waters and the waters of the Republic of Ireland.

What it covers
- Internal waters
- Territorial sea
- British fishing limits adjacent to Northern Ireland
- Establishes the maritime border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Why it matters
- It is part of UK constitutional law, clarifying which laws and authorities apply at sea near Northern Ireland.
- It helps govern fishing, navigation, and other sea-related activities around Northern Ireland.