Marine Guidance Documents
This page provides guidance and supporting documents for anyone planning activities that may affect marine habitats, protected areas or protected species in Northern Ireland.
Who is this guidance for?
- Members of the public
- Recreational water users
- Coastal visitors
- Developers
- Public authorities
- Marine licence applicants
Guidance on Marine Wildlife Disturbance
These guidance documents provide practical advice to help water users and coastal visitors avoid disturbing marine wildlife. They are relevant to a wide range of users, including boat operators, paddleboarders, kayakers, dog walkers and hikers.
The documents also contain useful contact information for a range of marine and coastal issues. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Marine Wildlife team at: Marine.Wildlife@daera-ni.gov.uk.
Guidance for Marine Protected Area Assessments in the Northern Ireland inshore area
These documents explain the assessments that public authorities may need to complete to meet statutory obligations relating to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
This covers the Habitats Regulations Assessment for SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites, ASSI assessment and the MCZ assessment. A link is also provided for the MCZ assessment template.
Guidance on Noise Management in Harbour porpoise SACs
This guidance supports Habitats Regulation Assessments for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). It includes advice from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) on activities that may cause significant disturbance to harbour porpoises in SACs within Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
In addition, guidance is provided on a noise management approach to keep underwater noise within levels that do not affect a site’s integrity.