Environment Minister Andrew Muir met with National Trust representatives, Cockle Island Boat Club members, and Discover Groomsport group in Groomsport. North Down Assemblyman Peter Martin organised the meeting to protect the Arctic tern colony on Cockle Island.

The colony has experienced breeding failures since 2022. Predators including rats and environmental pressures contribute to the problems. The Arctic terns migrate 44,000 miles yearly to Antarctica and back to Cockle Island.

Cockle Island supports over 300 pairs of seabirds, including Arctic terns. The birds return within weeks for the breeding season. Meeting participants discussed practical steps to safeguard the colony.

Peter Martin stated he met with the DAERA Minister and National Trust members to establish a plan against threats from rats that eat the eggs.

Local bird expert Anthony McGeehan noted the colony's seabirds have not bred successfully since 2022. He called for urgent identification of issues to ensure success in the 2026 breeding season.

Councillor James Cochrane welcomed the commitment to solutions for the island. He highlighted the terns' long migrations and thanked Anthony McGeehan, Discover Groomsport, and Cockle Island Boat Club for their involvement.