A motion, put forward by the Committee for the Environment, was debated in the Assembly Chamber today, calling on the Executive to urgently put in place measures to restore and protect delicate habitat in Strangford Lough.

The call comes after the Ulster Wildlife Trust warned that Northern Ireland is at risk of being fined by the European Commission (EC) for not meeting the EC Habitats Directive.

Committee Chair Anna Lo MLA said: “The Committee brought forward this motion as we want to ensure both the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture are considering all possible measures to protect this important habitat, while at the same time remaining sensitive to the fisherman who earn their living on the Lough.  Protection of Strangford Lough is ultimately the responsibility of the Department of the Environment.  However, the main issue of concern here is protecting an important habitat in the Lough – living reefs created by the horse mussel, also known as Modiolus – which have been damaged.  The problem came to light back in 2003 and the Department of Agriculture put a temporary ban on trawl fishing, which was believed to be one of the causes of the damage. Fishing is the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture.  The Environment and Agriculture departments put together a joint five year restoration plan but it was late starting so only ran for three years, ending last year. Although a new plan is to go to the EC this month, the Committee is being warned by interest groups that because delays and lack of action to date have resulted in further damage to the reefs this latest plan will not go far enough and could result in EC fines.  By bringing this issue to the attention of the Assembly today we hope that the Executive will take immediate steps to address the issues and avoid unnecessary fines.”

The Ulster Wildlife Trust had said that Stormont has failed to protect Strangford Lough properly for two decades.  The trust raised the damage, which includes destruction of horse mussel reefs, with the European Commission.

UWT chief executive Heather Thompson, said: “Despite promises to Europe in 2005 that NI would finally take serious action to restore the reefs to their former glory, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment have failed to deliver, resulting in continued breach of the EC Habitats Directive, and continued decline of this vital natural resource.  Whilst we were encouraged today to hear that the Assembly recognises the need to secure a sustainable future for Strangford Lough, unfortunately marine life continues to suffer as a result of mismanagement.”We are urging the Executive to take prompt and decisive action, and to send a clear message to Europe that we take seriously our most basic of responsibilities to look after the environment, before the taxpayer is left with a bill of millions of euros.”

The trust’s main concern is the destruction and deterioration of horse mussel reefs in the lough, which provide vital homes, spawning grounds and nurseries for hundreds of creatures, including commercially fished species.

The UWT believes options for restoring this underwater habitat are limited and that the Stormont Executive needs to bring in an extensive non–disturbance zone, limiting the area available for diving, fishing and anchoring to give the reefs a chance to recover.

Representatives from the European Commission are to meet the Department of Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday to discuss the trust’s complaint.

Ms Thompson said: “We have not taken the decision to seek help from Europe lightly. Despite years of campaigning on this issue, unfortunately we have been left with no other option than to ask Europe to ensure that our government departments get their act together.”

Read the UWT press release here, and read the NI Assembly press release here.