Speaking at the launch of the Northern Ireland Coastal and Marine Forum Conference, Environment Minister, Arlene Foster welcomed the preliminary findings of the sea bed mapping project, which used multi-beam sonar to identify all the features of the seabed on this part of the coast.
Commenting on the theme of the conference which is marine planning, the Minister said:
“There is growing pressure on our coast and marine environment and it is vital that we take a strategic approach to this.
“That is why I recently announced my intention to develop proposals which will ensure that our coastal and marine waters receive greater protection. These proposals are similar to those being put forward in the UK Marine Bill announced on 3 April.”
The Minister also paid tribute to the work of the Coastal and Marine Forum, an independent body set up to advise the Department on strategic and coastal marine issues. Arlene Foster said: “I appreciate the dedication and commitment of the Forum members in giving freely of their time to devote to issues emanating from the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy. It is reassuring to know that such a stakeholder group with expertise on the diverse activities that go on around our coasts exists.”
Notes to Editors:
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is an EC concept to bring together at a strategic level all the relevant organisations which have a responsibility or interest in the coastal and marine environment. The conference is being organised on behalf of the Forum following a joint ROI/NI seabed mapping exercise from the North coast of Donegal to Ballycastle in North Antrim.
- The conference is being held to present the findings of that exercise and to demonstrate the link with marine planning – a key element of the UK Marine Bill. The opportunity is being used to make an announcement on Northern Ireland's stance on marine legislation.
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