AQO 3256/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 26/02/2026
Answered On Date: 10/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how his Marine Protected Areas Strategy for the Northern Ireland Inshore Region 2025-2030 will support the conservation of vital habitats and improve biodiversity.

Answer:

My recently published Marine Protected Areas Strategy outlines the approach which will be taken for the next five years as the focus shifts from designation of marine protected areas to their management.

It prioritises key habitats and species, improving monitoring and evidence-led decision-making, and promotes nature-based solutions such as blue carbon habitats to enhance climate resilience and support biodiversity recovery. The strategy also recognises the valuable ecosystem services provided by MPAs and the long-term benefits they deliver for coastal communities, while enabling the sustainable use of the wider marine environment.

There will be a small number of new designations required to fill gaps in the existing network and improve ecological coherence. This will be supported by management measures, where necessary, to ensure features are able to achieve favourable condition and contribute to Good Environmental Status under UK Marine Strategy.

My Department is also developing a proposal to prohibit anchoring in Outer Belfast Lough Marine Conservation Zone to protect the designated features. This will be subject to public consultation in due course.

Building on these strong foundations and using actions set out in both the new MPA Strategy and the Northern Ireland Blue Carbon Action Plan, we will continue working in partnership with stakeholders to restore damaged habitats, enhance biodiversity and support a healthier, more resilient marine environment for the future.