The Minister approved a submission which will be sent to the European Commission, urging the designation of the River Faughan and certain of its tributaries as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for Atlantic Salmon.
Mr Wilson said: “The decline in the number of Atlantic Salmon returning to their native rivers in Northern Ireland - and indeed in many other rivers throughout Europe - is a matter of concern here and elsewhere within the European Union.
“The reasons for this decline have yet to be clearly established but what is evident is the need for us to take action to protect rivers in Northern Ireland which support populations that are of international importance.
“The protection of approximately 37 miles of the River Faughan and its tributaries is an important addition to the 128 miles of river within the River Foyle and River Roe systems that are already protected in accordance with the Habitats Directive.”
Like other parts of the United Kingdom and the European Union, Northern Ireland is required under the Directive to protect rivers holding important stocks of Atlantic Salmon and other threatened species and important habitats at risk.
Northern Ireland has already designated 52 SACs, covering approximately 66,000 hectares.These host many species and habitat types such as woodlands, peatlands or mountain areas such as the Mournes. This has made a significant contribution to the protection of the Natura 2000 network of sites which extends throughout the European Union.
Notes to Editors
- The UK and other Member States are required to designate SACs in accordance with Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
- In addition to having 52 designated SACs in Northern Ireland, the EC has accepted the River Roe and tributaries as a Site of Community Interest which precedes its designation as a SAC.
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