DAERA has opened a 12-week consultation on fisheries management measures for three offshore marine protected areas in the Irish Sea.

The sites are the Pisces Reef Complex SAC, South Rigg MCZ and Queenie Corner MCZ. Together they cover 298 square kilometres between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

The main activity affected is bottom trawling for Norway lobster. These areas contain protected habitats currently assessed as in unfavourable condition.

Minister Muir stated that the proposals aim to support sustainable fishing while allowing damaged habitats to recover and fish stocks to replenish.

The measures were developed with the Co-Fish stakeholder group, formed in 2023.

The consultation is open to organisations and individuals with an interest in marine activities beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast. Responses close on 24 August 2026.