Coast & Sea

Coastal zones are the ever changing frontiers between land and sea - constantly shaped by wind, weather and tide, these are the most dynamic of the earth's ocean habitats.

At 650 km in length, the coast of Northern Ireland is relatively short - yet it supports an exceptional diversity of marine wildlife and their habitats.
A range of potentially conflicting uses affects the coast and coastal waters.

This dynamic fringe supports tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, inshore fisheries, industry, military and civil firing ranges, commercial harbours and quays as well as being used for waste disposal, aggregate mining and power generation. All these activities and more, occur in a zone well known for its natural propensity to change.

More than 75% of Northern Ireland's coastline is protected with some form of conservation designation, reflecting the quality of this delicate asset.
The Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast have received international recognition through UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Murlough, Strangford Lough, the North Antrim coast, Rathlin Island, the Bann Estuary and Magilligan have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation in recognition of their nature conservation importance within Europe.
A number of Special Protection Areas are also present, designated for their internationally important bird populations. These include Rathlin Island, Lough Foyle, Larne Lough, Belfast Lough, Strangford Lough, Outer Ards coast, Killough Bay and Carlingford Lough.

The coastline also includes many areas representing the highest degree of national nature conservation value. These are protected as  Areas of Special Scientific Interest, for features such as a nationally significant habitat, the wide range of species present or a significant geological feature.