Muir sets out path to help protect sharks, skates and rays in Northern Ireland waters

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has published a strategy designed to protect populations of sharks, rays and skates in Northern Ireland waters.

The Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2026-2035 outlines eight key strategic actions to support the protection, monitoring and management of elasmobranch species in Northern Ireland waters.

Populations of sharks, skates and rays, collectively known as elasmobranchs, have been experiencing global decline since the 1950s, driven by overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, illegal fin trade and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Elasmobranchs help to regulate healthy marine ecosystems and the loss of such species has a knock-on effect throughout the entire marine environment.

The absence of species such as Angel shark, unrecorded in Northern Ireland waters for decades, highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation. Northern Ireland's marine area forms part of a key Irish Sea migratory corridor linking Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, supporting critically endangered species such as the Common (Flapper) Skate and providing important habitats for elasmobranchs throughout their lifecycle.

The development of the final strategy has been informed by a collaborative co-design process involving representatives from across government, academia, industry, environmental organisations and the wider marine community and by a public consultation process.

Launching the final strategy, Minister Muir said: Our sharks, skates and rays are truly awe-inspiring species that generate a sense of wonderment in our coasts and seas. They play a vital part in creating healthier and more sustainable marine ecosystems and we must do more to protect them.

This strategy sets out a clear programme of action over the next decade and demonstrates my Department's commitment to reversing declining trends in our marine environment. Through ongoing partnership, we will work to implement these actions, build our evidence base and ensure that Northern Ireland plays its part in protecting and recovering these important species.

"The collaboration that has shaped this strategy gives me confidence that we can achieve lasting benefits for sharks, skates and rays, while strengthening the health and resilience of our seas for generations to come.

The Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2026 2035 is available here - Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2026 - 2035.