§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the implications of the proposals in respect of the designation of special areas of conservation in the fishing grounds of the Irish sea. [25925]
§ Mr. AncramTwo sites on the Irish sea have been proposed as qualifying for designation as special areas of conservation under the EU habitats directive, at Murlough and Strangford lough.
There will be no practical implications for fishing interests arising from the designation of Murlough.
Strangford lough has been selected because of its internationally important marine life. The Department is content that the proposed designation of Strangford lough 22W will not have any implications for the fishing industry apart from those imposed through the regulation of fishing and fish farming by the Department of Agriculture, and those arising from the proposed designation of the lough as a marine nature reserve.