Protecting marine biodiversity

Northern Ireland's marine and coastal environment supports an exceptional diversity of wildlife and habitats - this rich marine biodiversity is due to our position at a junction between cold northern waters and warm southern waters. Some species are at the edge of their northern or southern ranges on our shores. Natural and human influences have shaped the coastal landscape in an area that has complex underlying geology - resulting in distinctive coastal regions with biologically diverse communities of plants and animals adapted to local conditions.

Northern Ireland has a duty to protect our biodiversity under international agreements and national legislation. DAERA Marine and Fisheries Division has a legal obligation to survey, monitor and report on the condition of our protected species and habitats, and marine ecosystems, both within and outside of Marine Protected Areas.

Further information

• Marine conservation and protection
• Marine conservation advice and guidance
• Monitoring marine biodiversity
• Marine Protected Areas
• Marine Wildlife licensing

Useful links​​​​

• Marine Areas of Special Scientific Interest
• Marine Conservation Zones
• Marine historic environment
• Marine National Site Network - Marine SACs and SPAs
• Marine Protected Areas
• Marine Ramsar sites
• Monitoring marine habitats and species
• Portrush Coastal Zone
• Shipwrecks
• Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
• Protected areas
• Searching protected areas