NI MPA Strategy: Action Needed for Seabirds

Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has launched an updated Marine Protected Area (MPA) strategy, designed to significantly enhance marine conservation efforts by 2030. Conservation groups stress that while designating areas like Strangford Lough is a vital first step, sustained action, including rigorous monitoring and enforcement, is essential for success.

The strategy aims to safeguard important marine habitats and species, address ecological gaps, and leverage nature-based solutions to combat climate change impacts. Recent widespread seabird mortality events highlight the urgent need to build marine ecosystem resilience. Experts call for critical assessment of threats impacting seabird populations and the implementation of recovery measures.

The updated strategy builds upon the foundation laid by the 2014 initiative, which established an "ecologically coherent network" of MPAs. The current plan aligns with broader nature recovery goals, aiming to protect diverse marine environments, from seagrass beds and kelp forests to rocky reefs, which support a rich array of species and contribute to climate targets through blue carbon habitats.