The Northern Ireland Marine Taskforce (NIMTF), a coalition of environmental NGOs, is pressing for effective legislation for our seas, including a more co-ordinated approach to marine management. A Northern Ireland Marine Bill is due to be introduced to the Assembly in 2012, to complete the suite of legislation and complement the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act and the Marine (Scotland) Act.

Dr James Robinson, NIMTF spokesperson says:

'In the last decade alone, the number of seabirds breeding in the UK has declined by more than 600,000, and only one third of the UK's commercial fish stocks are fished sustainably. In Northern Ireland, many of our seabird populations are declining and in recent years their chicks have been starving to death. Responsibility for management of Northern Ireland’s marine environment is spread over several Assembly departments. The result is a system that doesn’t deliver effective marine protection, is not cost effective and is confusing for marine users. In addition, there is currently no co-ordinated approach to the protection of our marine environment, and there are many good examples of where bad decisions have been made that have damaged our unique and rich sea life. This has to change.

"The introduction of a Marine Bill for Northern Ireland is essential if we are to adequately maintain our seas for future generations. The seas around our coast are rich in wildlife, and they require protection from strong laws. Our seas provide amazing habitats for puffins, dolphins, whales and basking sharks as well as weird and wonderful creatures like the tadpole fish and the squat lobster. We believe that a Marine Bill for Northern Ireland needs to deliver a sustainable future for our seas for the benefit of wildlife and local communities

“The NIMTF will be stepping up the pressure on the Department of the Environment (DoE) and other Executive Departments to ensure that we have legislation which is robust and provides for full and effective protection of our local marine wildlife, the creation of marine protected areas, a marine management organisation and sustainable fisheries into the future." 

Notes

• The Northern Ireland Marine Task Force (NIMTF) is a coalition of eight environmental non-government organisations campaigning for new, integrated and comprehensive marine legislation for Northern Ireland through a Northern Ireland Marine Bill. The coalition includes Northern Ireland Environment Link, Ulster Wildlife Trust, WWF Northern Ireland, The National Trust, RSPB, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group and Friends of the Earth, and has a combined membership in Northern Ireland of over 100,000 people.
• For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Colum Delaney, RSPB NI Policy Advocacy Officer on 07711019809 or 02890690853