MCZs Northern Ireland 

In Northern Ireland, the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (DOENI) is responsible for the protection, conservation and promotion of the natural environment amongst its other duties.

The Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 includes provisions for Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), similar to those in England, within Northern Ireland's territorial waters (within the 12 nautical mile limit). It is DOENI’s aim to have a network of effectively managed marine protected areas in place comprising European marine sites and MCZs by 2020.

DOENI is progressing work on MCZ designations with four proposed sites which it is currently consulting on: Rathlin, Waterfoot (previously called Redbay), Outer Belfast and Carlingford Lough.

Detailed information has been published on the proposed boundaries, features, conservation objectives and potential management options which include potential restrictions to boating activity in Rathlin, Carlingford and Waterfoot.

The DOENI public consultation for these four proposed MCZs is open until 11 March 2016, with designation planned by the end of the year.

Further work is still underway in the four “Areas of Search”: Outer Ards, The Maidens, Lough Foyle and Dundrum Bay. 

How are the RYA and RYA Northern Ireland involved?

The RYA and RYANI are considering the Government’s proposals and will be working to ensure that the interests of our affiliated clubs and members are reflected in our response to the consultation. We would like to hear from clubs, training centres and members that use these sites, particularly if you carry out any of the activities that are proposed to be managed.

All interested parties should also respond directly to the MCZ public consultation.

Where can you find out more?

You can read more about MCZs in Northern Ireland and background information about other types of marine protected areas on the DOENI website.