Environment Minister Mark H Durkan announces four new Marine Conservation Zones for consultation
Everyone with an interest in our seas is invited to give their views on whether four sites in Northern Irish waters should become Marine Conservation Zones. The four proposed sites (pMCZs) are Rathlin, Waterfoot, Outer Belfast and Carlingford Lough.
Our position
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland (RYANI) support the UK and Devolved Governments’ shared vision for clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas and we believe that, in most cases, this vision can be achieved without any adverse impact on either the public right or the safety of navigation for recreational boating.
Nevertheless, the RYA and RYANI will be considering the Northern Irish Government’s proposals in detail to ensure that they are based on objective and robust evidence and that any potential impacts on recreational boating interests are minimised.
To date, we’ve been working closely with the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (DOENI) to ensure that the views of recreational boaters are considered in the development of the plans. The consultation contains potential management options and the RYA and RYANI will now consider these in-depth to ensure that the proposed measures are proportionate, enforceable and effective.
Where are the proposed sites?
In Northern Ireland, MCZs can be designated to protect nationally important habitats, species and geological features, while fully taking into account any economic, cultural or social consequences of doing so. Strangford Lough was automatically designated as Northern Ireland’s first marine conservation zone under the introduction of the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.
DOENI has developed lists of habitats, species and geological/geomorphological features important in Northern Irish seas. Based on the identification of features from these lists, the DOENI has proposed the following new pMCZs:
- Rathlin – a site supporting deep seabed, black guillemots and submerged lagoons and sea arches, surrounding Rathlin Island, off the north coast of Antrim. Management options being consulted on include imposing a speed restriction zone within the area particularly during spring, limits on current and future anchoring and mooring. There are also proposals to limit expansion of the existing marina facilities and limits on expansion, relocation or new dredge disposal.
- Waterfoot – a small area of subtidal seagrass beds within Red Bay on the East Coast of Antrim near Glenariff and Cushendall. Potential management options may include limits on anchoring and mooring within and adjacent to the site. It is proposed that dredging and disposal of dredged material will not be allowed within the pMCZ.
- Outer Belfast – an area of subtidal sand with a population of ocean quahog, a large slow growing bivalve mollusc, close to the southern shore at the mouth of Belfast Lough (north of Groomsport). Management options include limits on anchoring and mooring, however this is likely to affect large commercial vessels rather than recreational boats.
- Carlingford Lough – an area within the sea-lough supporting subtidal muds with sea-pens and white sea slug communities on the east coast of Ireland at the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Management options could include limiting new development, expansion or changes to any existing dredge disposal sites, along with limits on current and future anchoring and mooring within the site.
The Maidens, Lough Foyle, Outer Ards and Dundrum Bay remain Areas of Search and will not be designated at this time. The Ardglass Gullies is likely to be added to the existing MCZ designation at Strangford Lough.
The RYA, RYA Scotland and RYA Cymru Wales are also engaging with the ongoing Marine Protected Area (MPA) process in England, Scotland and Wales.
Navigational rights and safety first
In calling on the public to voice their views the Minister of the Environment, Mark H Durkan, said: “Marine Conservation Zones conserve the diversity of rare and threatened habitats and species in our waters. Designating Marine Conservation Zones will be an important step towards protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of our seas, helping protect important marine habitats and species.
“As well as protecting nationally important marine wildlife, the Zones will also protect geological features in these waters. We all have a stake in preserving and protecting our marine environment for future generations so I urge people to let us know their views on these proposed sites and species.”
In January and February the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force Officer will be visiting communities across Northern Ireland to engage with schools, community groups, businesses and political audiences on the proposed pMCZs.
Emma Barton, RYA Planning and Environmental Manager, added: “We welcome that DOENI have been very open about their intentions in the run up to the consultation and that consultation gives an indication of management measures to enable us to work with officials from the outset to assess their potential impact.
“These sites are not only valuable to our local clubs and training centres, but also to visiting recreational boaters from other locations. We will continue to support the designation process whilst striving to minimise the potential impact of the proposals on the navigational rights and safety of recreational boaters. We also encourage all interested parties to respond to the Government’s consultation.”
How can I take part?
The RYA and RYANI are working together to consider the Government’s proposals and preparing their response to this public consultation. During the consultation period, the RYA and RYA NI will be working closely with their volunteers to ensure that the interests of our affiliated clubs and members are reflected in the response.
The public consultation is open to everyone who wishes to respond and the full consultation document together with instructions on how individuals can submit comments is available online.
The consultation will close on 11 March 2016. You can make a response to this consultation by the following methods:
Online: https://www.doeni.gov.uk/consultations/marine-conservation-zones-consultation
By e-mail: [email protected]
By post:
Marine Conservation Zones Consultation
Department of the Environment
Marine Environment Division
Klondyke Building
Cromac Avenue
Belfast
BT7 2JA
For further information, email [email protected]