Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) are protected areas designated under The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 for their species, habitat and/or geological features. Many of these are in coastal areas, with the designated area extending to the Mean Low Water Mark (MLWM). Coastal ASSIs that have marine features contribute towards the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network. Some ASSIs are also subject to other designations - for example they can be designated as a Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area.
How are coastal ASSIs identified?
Following an extensive survey of the Northern Ireland coast in the 1980s, the best examples of nationally important marine features were selected for more detailed survey and mapping. These sites were then put forward as ASSIs following consultation with landowners and various statutory bodies such as the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC). The designation package includes a list of all the features and a list of all the activities which may impact the condition of these features.
For further information on ASSIs, including duties and responsibilities, see:
List of coastal ASSIs
There are currently 20 coastal ASSIs that contribute to the MPA network:
- Ballymacormick Point ASSI (part of Outer Ards SPA)
- Carlingford Lough ASSI (within Carlingford Lough SPA)
- Castle Point ASSI
- Fair Head and Murlough Bay ASSI
- Galboly ASSI
- Killough Bay and Strand Lough ASSI (within Killough Bay SPA)
- Larne Lough ASSI (also Larne Lough SPA)
- Lough Foyle ASSI (also Lough Foyle SPA)
- Mourne Coast ASSI
- Murlough ASSI (also Murlough SAC)
- Outer Ards ASSI (part of Outer Ards SPA - boundary not entirely coincident)
- Rathlin Island Coast ASSI (part of Rathlin SPA/SAC)
- Samuel's Port ASSI
- St John's Point
- Strangford Lough ASSI Part 1 (part of Strangford Lough SAC/SPA)
- Strangford Lough ASSI Part 2 (part of Strangford Lough SAC/SPA)
- Strangford Lough ASSI Part 3 (part of Strangford Lough SAC/SPA)
- The Gobbins ASSI
- The Maidens ASSI (The Maidens are also designated as an SAC)
- Tyrella and Minerstown ASSI
Useful links
- The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
- Protected areas
- Searching protected areas
- Introduction to ASSIs
- ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
- Duties of Public Bodies concerning ASSIs
- Online consent service to carry out a notifiable operation on an ASSI
- Consent application form to carry out a notifiable operation on an ASSI
Further information
For further information on Northern Ireland coastal ASSIs with marine features, contact: