Menu
01/05/2013
New Marine Bill Put Before Assembly
This week has been described as 'the most important in a generation for our marines', following new laws designed to protect and manage Northern Ireland's marine life and biodiversity.
Yesterday saw the 4th stage of the Marine Bill in the Assembly while today sees the launch of a consultation strategy for Marine Protection Areas (MPAs).
The Marine Bill will give new powers to select and manage Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).
Today's consultation strategy launch is the beginning of the development of a network of (MPAs) to ensure that biodiversity is safeguarded.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Northern Ireland’s seas are home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and habitats, and have the potential to power our nation through wind and wave and create thousands of new jobs.
"We have reached a turning point and must modernise in order to meet increasing and competing demands on our seas. Strangford Lough is the birthplace of tidal energy and the knowledge and expertise gained will further enhance our capability to expand the technology within Northern Ireland and throughout the world."
The main contents of the Marine Bill include the creation of a National Marine Plan, to enable decision making in the marine environment and encourage investment.
New powers will be granted to select and manage Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to enhance marine biodiversity.
"The recent investment by Dong Energy in Belfast Harbour and award of seabed leases for extensive off shore renewable energy developments in North Antrim and East Down are positive outworkings of the Executive’s commitment to place Northern Ireland centre stage in exploiting our marine energy resource," Minister Attwood said.
"A single marine plan will make us an attractive option for international investment.
"Marine Conservation Zones will help us protect important marine habitats and species and we will work closely with others to ensure that the site selection process is underpinned by sound scientific and socio economic advice. These new powers will also allow us to be more joined up with the fisheries industry.
"The development of renewable energy is vital in our fight against climate change, and our seas will become increasingly important in meeting this challenge. This new framework will ensure that our seas continue to oil our economy and put food on our tables.
"We owe it to future generations to ensure our seas are managed and harvested sustainably. Economic growth is vital, but it should be balanced with protection for our stunning marine environment. That is why I have set up a specific Marine Division in DOE to lead in this"
(IT/CD)
Yesterday saw the 4th stage of the Marine Bill in the Assembly while today sees the launch of a consultation strategy for Marine Protection Areas (MPAs).
The Marine Bill will give new powers to select and manage Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).
Today's consultation strategy launch is the beginning of the development of a network of (MPAs) to ensure that biodiversity is safeguarded.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "Northern Ireland’s seas are home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and habitats, and have the potential to power our nation through wind and wave and create thousands of new jobs.
"We have reached a turning point and must modernise in order to meet increasing and competing demands on our seas. Strangford Lough is the birthplace of tidal energy and the knowledge and expertise gained will further enhance our capability to expand the technology within Northern Ireland and throughout the world."
The main contents of the Marine Bill include the creation of a National Marine Plan, to enable decision making in the marine environment and encourage investment.
New powers will be granted to select and manage Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to enhance marine biodiversity.
"The recent investment by Dong Energy in Belfast Harbour and award of seabed leases for extensive off shore renewable energy developments in North Antrim and East Down are positive outworkings of the Executive’s commitment to place Northern Ireland centre stage in exploiting our marine energy resource," Minister Attwood said.
"A single marine plan will make us an attractive option for international investment.
"Marine Conservation Zones will help us protect important marine habitats and species and we will work closely with others to ensure that the site selection process is underpinned by sound scientific and socio economic advice. These new powers will also allow us to be more joined up with the fisheries industry.
"The development of renewable energy is vital in our fight against climate change, and our seas will become increasingly important in meeting this challenge. This new framework will ensure that our seas continue to oil our economy and put food on our tables.
"We owe it to future generations to ensure our seas are managed and harvested sustainably. Economic growth is vital, but it should be balanced with protection for our stunning marine environment. That is why I have set up a specific Marine Division in DOE to lead in this"
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
01 March 2006
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
16 March 2007
WWF welcomes Marine White Paper
WWF Northern Ireland welcomes the publication of the Marine White Paper as a major step towards better management of our seas and better protection for marine wildlife.
WWF welcomes Marine White Paper
WWF Northern Ireland welcomes the publication of the Marine White Paper as a major step towards better management of our seas and better protection for marine wildlife.
30 March 2006
Local conservation groups welcome Marine Bill plans
An alliance of conservation groups, the Marine Task Force Northern Ireland (MTF NI), has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s consultation on its Marine Bill. However, the group said that Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife would be "left behind" unless local government is committed to being part of the UK framework.
Local conservation groups welcome Marine Bill plans
An alliance of conservation groups, the Marine Task Force Northern Ireland (MTF NI), has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s consultation on its Marine Bill. However, the group said that Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife would be "left behind" unless local government is committed to being part of the UK framework.
28 January 2020
Plans Submitted For Bangor Seafront
Plans for the £50 million redevelopment of Queen's Parade in Bangor have been submitted. The significant milestone sees Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, submit a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.
Plans Submitted For Bangor Seafront
Plans for the £50 million redevelopment of Queen's Parade in Bangor have been submitted. The significant milestone sees Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, submit a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
