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DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched a new strategy to protect Northern Ireland’s marine environment over the next five years.

The Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Strategy for the Northern Ireland Inshore Region 2025–2030 sets out how Northern Ireland will further develop and manage its network of MPAs to safeguard key habitats and species, close remaining ecological gaps and support nature‑based solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Marine Protected Areas (MPA) are specially designated zones within the marine environment that have been identified as ecologically significant and deserving of enhanced protection.

The original MPA Strategy published in 2014 established a network of marine protected areas through a programme of such designations, enabling targeted conservation efforts.

Developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders across the marine, fisheries and environmental sectors, the MPA Strategy reflects a shared ambition to enhance biodiversity, improve resilience and secure long‑term benefits for coastal communities.

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