Marine Conservation Zones in the Northern Ireland inshore region
Date published:
The designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) safeguards vulnerable or unique marine species and habitats of national importance in the Northern Ireland inshore region based on an ecosystem approach. These MCZs fulfil the obligations on The Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (the "Act") to contribute to an ecologically coherent UK network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as well as wider biodiversity commitments at international and global level.
The designation of MCZs through the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 adds to our MPA network in the Northern Ireland inshore region.
DAERA Marine and Fisheries Division has designated four new MCZs in the Northern Ireland inshore region. These MCZs are listed below together with the features of interest. You can download the details of each MCZ at the provided links:
- Rathlin MCZ - Deep-sea bed, Black guillemot and Geological/geomorphological features indicating past change in relative sea level
- Waterfoot MCZ - Seagrass (Zostera marina) bed on Subtidal (sublittoral) sand
- Outer Belfast Lough MCZ - Ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) and associated habitat Subtidal (sublittoral) sand
- Carlingford Lough MCZ - Philine quadripartita and Virgularia mirabilis in Subtidal (sublittoral) mud
For detailed information on the MCZ consultation and supporting documents refer to the following links:
Documents
- Regulatory Impact Assessment - Marine Conservation Zones in the Northern Ireland inshore region
- Guidance on selection and designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Northern Ireland inshore region
- Justification report for selection of proposed Marine Conservation Zone (pMCZ) features
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- MCZ Guidance on the Development of Conservation Objectives and Potential Management Options