DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) is encouraging the public to be mindful of causing disturbance to coastal and marine wildlife in Northern Ireland.

The department has released a new guide aimed at educating coastal and marine users on how to make their wildlife encounters sustainable and minimise unintentional disturbance to susceptible animals. With a growing array of recreational activities available along the coast, both on land and water, the guide offers an overview of local species and practical advice on avoiding disruption to their habitats. Minister Muir emphasised the importance of valuing coastal time while being aware of potential disturbances. "We are very lucky to have such a special coastline and marine area in Northern Ireland," he said. "While we want everyone to be able to enjoy their time at the coast, we must avoid causing disturbance to our precious coastal and marine wildlife." He urged everyone to familiarise themselves with basic guidelines before visiting the coast, particularly as much of the marine wildlife is protected by law.

General principles for avoiding disturbance include maintaining distance, being cautious and quiet, and ensuring steady and predictable movements for watercraft. DAERA has also produced a quick-guide with visual illustrations and contact numbers for reporting sick, injured, dead, or stranded marine animals. While insensitive behaviour is rare, any incidents leading to disturbance or injury of protected species should be reported to the PSNI on 101. The guides will be circulated in marinas, harbours, and popular coastal locations throughout the season and are also available on the DAERA website.