Menu
08/11/2005
Strangford mussels issue nets Brussels warning
The failure of measures supposed to offer protection of delicate mussel beds in Strangford Lough, which is a Special Area of Conservation, have resulted in a formal warning letter from the European Commission being sent to the Department of the Environment.
Environmental groups concerned at the plight of the horse mussel beds in Strangford Lough lodged a complaint that many of the beds appeared to have been damaged by seabed trawling.
This led to a formal written warning from the European Commission, and the NI administration must now prove its commitment to protecting the Lough’s unique marine habitats or face the prospect of legal action.
Environmental groups the World Wildlife Fund and the Ulster Wildlife Trust, operating as the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) in a campaign for better protection of the Lough's flora and fauna say that taking the Strangford case to judicial process was a "last resort".
The ‘formal letter of notice’ issued to the Department of the Environment could end with the case appearing before the European Court and Northern Ireland government departments facing major fines.
In a statement the JMP said it hoped that the "initial investigations from the EC would be enough to galvanise strong managerial action from the departments involved, but this has proven not to be the case".
The group warn that since investigations started over five years ago, "poor decisions made on aquaculture developments, and other activities which are likely to have severe impacts on the Lough’s protected wildlife".
Kate Hutchinson, JMP Irish Sea Policy Officer, said: “The Joint Marine Partnership has been frustrated by the slow response from the NI Administration in reacting to the management crisis in Strangford Lough.
“We provided further evidence this year of the continued degradation of the horse mussel reefs and other habitats, and of shags and other sea birds being caught in static fishing nets. We are pleased that the European Commission has acted upon this evidence but it’s disappointing that it has been necessary to initiate these legal steps in the first place.”
The JMP is calling for a marine bill for Northern Ireland to help achieve sustainable marine management in local waters.
(SP/MB)
Environmental groups concerned at the plight of the horse mussel beds in Strangford Lough lodged a complaint that many of the beds appeared to have been damaged by seabed trawling.
This led to a formal written warning from the European Commission, and the NI administration must now prove its commitment to protecting the Lough’s unique marine habitats or face the prospect of legal action.
Environmental groups the World Wildlife Fund and the Ulster Wildlife Trust, operating as the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) in a campaign for better protection of the Lough's flora and fauna say that taking the Strangford case to judicial process was a "last resort".
The ‘formal letter of notice’ issued to the Department of the Environment could end with the case appearing before the European Court and Northern Ireland government departments facing major fines.
In a statement the JMP said it hoped that the "initial investigations from the EC would be enough to galvanise strong managerial action from the departments involved, but this has proven not to be the case".
The group warn that since investigations started over five years ago, "poor decisions made on aquaculture developments, and other activities which are likely to have severe impacts on the Lough’s protected wildlife".
Kate Hutchinson, JMP Irish Sea Policy Officer, said: “The Joint Marine Partnership has been frustrated by the slow response from the NI Administration in reacting to the management crisis in Strangford Lough.
“We provided further evidence this year of the continued degradation of the horse mussel reefs and other habitats, and of shags and other sea birds being caught in static fishing nets. We are pleased that the European Commission has acted upon this evidence but it’s disappointing that it has been necessary to initiate these legal steps in the first place.”
The JMP is calling for a marine bill for Northern Ireland to help achieve sustainable marine management in local waters.
(SP/MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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.
01 October 2012
Invasive Species Found In Lough
Concern has been raised over the discovery of an invasive species of sea squirt in Strangford Lough. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed a colonial sea squirt found in a recent survey of marinas and harbours is the invasive non-native species Didemnum vexillum.
Invasive Species Found In Lough
Concern has been raised over the discovery of an invasive species of sea squirt in Strangford Lough. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed a colonial sea squirt found in a recent survey of marinas and harbours is the invasive non-native species Didemnum vexillum.
03 August 2007
NI Tidal Energy Project Delayed
Plans to install the world’s biggest tidal energy turbine in Northern Ireland have been delayed. The turbine, which would be the first of kinds in the world, was due to be installed close to the mouth of Strangford Lough at the end of the month.
NI Tidal Energy Project Delayed
Plans to install the world’s biggest tidal energy turbine in Northern Ireland have been delayed. The turbine, which would be the first of kinds in the world, was due to be installed close to the mouth of Strangford Lough at the end of the month.
-
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.
