Daera Minister Has Launched a New Strategy to
Protect Northern Ireland's Marine Environment over the Next Five
Years.
The Marine Protected Areas Mpa) Strategy for the Northern Ireland
Inshore Region 2025–2030 Sets out How Northern Ireland Will
Further Develop and Manage Its Network of Mpas to Safeguard Key
Habitats and Species, Close Remaining Ecological Gaps and Support
Nature‑based Solutions to Mitigate the Impacts of Climate Change.
Marine Protected Areas Mpa) Are Specially Designated Zones Within
the Marine Environment That Have Been Identified As Ecologically
Significant and Deserving of Enhanced Protection.
The Original Mpa Strategy Published in 2014 Established a Network
of Marine Protected Areas Through a Programme of Such
Designations, Enabling Targeted Conservation Efforts.
Developed Through Extensive Engagement with Stakeholders Across
the Marine, Fisheries and Environmental Sectors, the Mpa Strategy
Reflects a Shared Ambition to Enhance Biodiversity, Improve
Resilience and Secure Long‑term Benefits for Coastal Communities.
Launching the Strategy at Castle Espie, Minister muir Said:
Northern Ireland's Outstanding Marine Environment Is Home to
Unique and Internationally Important Species and Habitats. Here
in Strangford Lough, We Have Seagrass Beds That Support
Overwintering Brent Geese, Rocky Reefs with Kelp Forests and a
Range of Species from Starfish, Anemones and Crabs to Seals and
Dolphins.
The North Channel Is Home to the Harbour Porpoise, and Our North
Coast, the Maerl Seaweed Beds at Red Bay and Rare Sponges at
Rathlin Island Are All Fantastic Examples of the Rich
Biodiversity That Our Marine Protected Areas Are Helping to
Safeguard.
Seagrass, Kelp and Native Oysters Are All Also Examples of Blue
Carbon Habitats, That Demonstrate the Role That the Marine Can
Play in Meeting Our Climate Targets.
We Must Build on the Good Work Done to Recognise the Importance
of Our Marine Areas in Providing Vital Habitats and in Helping to
Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change.”
Minister Muir Continued: If We Are to Achieve a Truly
Well-managed Marine Environment, It Is Essential That We Maintain
the Positive Momentum Which Has Led to the Recovery of Key Marine
Habitats.
My Marine Protected Areas Strategy Sets a Clear, Long‑term
Approach to Support the Recovery of Our Most Important Marine
Habitats and Species and Aligns Closely with the Ambition of the
Draft Northern Ireland Nature Recovery Strategy, by Ensuring That
Marine Habitats and Species Are Protected, Sustainably Managed
and Restored Alongside Our Efforts on Land.
This Is an Important Milestone for Nature in Northern Ireland -
One That Reflects Robust Scientific Evidence, Embraces
Partnership Working, and Commits Us to Safeguarding Our Marine
Environment for Future Generations.”
The Strategy Is Now Available on the Daera Website: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/marine-protected-areas-strategy-northern-ireland-inshore-region-2025-2030.
Notes to Editors:
- Northern Ireland Has Six Types of Mpas: Special Areas of
Conservation Sacs) Designated Under the Habitats Directive;
Special Protection Areas Spas) Classified Under the Wild Birds
Directive; Areas of Special Scientific Interest Assis); Marine
Conservation Zones Mcz); Ramsar Sites Wetlands) and Strangford
Lough, Formerly Northern Ireland's Only Marine Nature Reserve.
- Following a Review of Northern Ireland's 2014 Marine
Protected Areas Strategy in Collaboration with Stakeholders, the
Department Opened a Week Public Consultation on 22 April 2024.
This Was Extended Following Stakeholder Request and Closed on 09
August 2024. A Synopsis of the Consultation Responses Is
Available on the Consultation Page: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/consultations/consultation-northern-ireland-marine-protected-areas-mpas-strategy-review.
