NORTHERN IRELAND CONSULTATION ON FAST CRAFT AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT IN MPAS

Northern Ireland consultation on fast craft and personal watercraft in MPAS. Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has asked the public to respond to a new consultation on management measures on the use of fast craft and personal watercraft in marine protected areas.

The consultation is aimed at organisations, groups, and people who undertake activities, or have a general interest in the marine area.

Minister Poots said:

“Well managed Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks are recognised internationally and are one way of protecting our marine environment. My Department has established a network of 48 MPAs providing protection for 38% of Northern Ireland’s inshore region.

“The proposals outlined in the consultation will enable both commercial marine tour operators and users of fast craft to carry out their activities in a sustainable manner that helps to protect our marine species.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in marine to respond to the consultations and the closing date for responses to the consultation is 1 September 2022.”

Link to the consultation document.

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Marine Protected Areas are places at sea where environmentally-damaging activities, like certain types of fishing, are restricted. They are a tried and tested means of protecting habitats and wildlife at sea and there are many around the world.

In the UK, there are a few types of Marine Protected Areas. Together these form a chain of protected areas around the coast which, once complete, will protect a wide range of marine wildlife and the special places they call home.

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