The documents below outline to public authorities the various assessments that must be undertaken to meet the various legislative obligations for 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.
The guidance was updated on 7 June 2023 to reflect the reduction in screening distance for Grey seal (reduced from 135km to 100km) while a screening distance of 100km has been added for Harbour porpoise. This can be found on pages 13 and 14.
Guidance for Marine Protected Area Assessments in the NI inshore region