Marine Protected Areas
The boundaries of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark are on both land and sea
The Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 requires DAERA to establish a network of MPAs in the Northern Ireland inshore region that, together with MPAs designated by the other UK administrations, contributes to the conservation and improvement of the marine environment in the UK marine area.
What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA)?
An Marine Protected Area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.
Marine Protected Areas in the Geopark
In the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark we currently have the following MPAs:
Marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
Marine Special Protected Areas (SPAs)
Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs)
Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)
Ramsar sites
You can search for MPAs within Northern Ireland by following the links below:
For further information on Northern Ireland’s approach to development and management of the MPA networks view:
For more information on Marine Protected Areas across Northern Ireland follow the link below.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: Marine Protected Areas
Strangford Lough Marine Protected Area
Strangford Lough’s nature conservation importance has been recognised by a host of both national and international designations, which aim to protect the range of important habitats and species. Strangford Lough’s…
Murlough Bay Marine Protected Area
Murloughs nature conservation importance has been recognised by a host of both national and international designations, which aim to protect the range of important habitats and species. “These designations place…
Carlingford Lough Marine Protected Area
Carlingfords nature conservation importance has been recognised by a host of both national and international designations, which aim to protect the range of important habitats and species. “These designations place…