The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has launched an updated strategy for Northern Ireland's Marine Protected Areas. The plan covers 48 sites identified as an ecologically significant network deserving enhanced protection. It outlines management approaches until 2030 to safeguard key habitats and species, address ecological gaps, and promote nature-based solutions against climate change.

Areas such as Strangford Lough in County Down stand to gain improved safeguards within five years. The lough features seagrass beds that support overwintering Brent Geese, along with rocky reefs, kelp forests, and species including starfish, anemones, crabs, seals, and dolphins. The North Channel hosts harbour porpoises, while the north coast includes maerl seaweed beds at Red Bay and rare sponges at Rathlin Island. Seagrass, kelp, and native oysters serve as blue carbon habitats aiding climate goals.

Daera Minister Andrew Muir described the strategy as an important milestone for the region's marine environment, which spans diverse habitats. This update follows the initial 2014 strategy that established the network of sites. A 2018 assessment by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee found Northern Ireland close to achieving an ecologically coherent network.

Dr Sharon Thompson of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds NI called for proper management, monitoring, and enforcement of the areas to secure sealife and seabirds. She highlighted the need to evaluate pressures on declining seabird populations and apply measures for recovery. The strategy aligns with the draft Nature Recovery Strategy released in January.

Northern Ireland designates six types of MPAs: Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, Areas of Special Scientific Interest, Marine Conservation Zones, Ramsar sites, and former marine nature reserves like Strangford Lough.