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Views sought on the Review of the Marine Protected Areas Strategy for the Northern Ireland Inshore Area 2024–2030.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and its stakeholders have reviewed Northern Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Strategy, which was first published in 2014. DAERA is now consulting on the Marine Protected Areas Strategy for the Northern Ireland Inshore Area 2024-2030 and would like to hear your views.

Since 2014 environmental policy in relation to biodiversity loss and climate change has changed across the globe. The understanding of the positive role that marine ecosystems can play in contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation has also evolved.

It is acknowledged the important role that MPAs play in addressing biodiversity loss and their potential application as a nature-based solution to 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ adaptation and resilience to climate change. The review seeks to maximise co-benefits that a well managed MPA network can provide, such as improved wider biodiversity and protected nursery grounds for commercial fish species, and societal benefits, including improved water quality and opportunities for recreation, eco-tourism, improved health and increased ocean literacy.

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The Review of the MPA Strategy has taken place alongside the development of the first Blue Carbon Action Plan for Northern Ireland, offering timely opportunity to consider the protection and restoration of blue carbon habitats, as many of these are located within the existing MPA network.

First published 1 May 2024