Menu
24/05/2012
Students Lobby Stormont To Protect Sea Life
Students from across Northern Ireland stood up for Northern Ireland's "spectacular" sea life at Stormont today.
They gave evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee as part of a public consultation on the proposed Marine Bill.
The sixth-formers are part of the Northern Ireland Marine Bill Advocacy Group and are supported by a Queen's University zoology student, by the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force and by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
They asked for an independent Marine Management Organisation to be set up to oversee marine activity around Northern Ireland, bringing the region in line with England, and they want new marine reserves to protect sea life.
Matthew Ferguson from Down High School said: "To continue with business as usual would devastate our seas, crippling an invaluable resource and stopping me from seeing spectacular species that my dad knew as common to these waters."
Zoology student Carol Moorehead said: "We have put considerable effort into gathering and representing the opinions of local people in our coastal communities including divers, fishermen, sea anglers and marine biologists. There emerged a consensus that the present system of managing our seas is just not working. We believe an independent organisation will be vital."
Anna Lo chairs the Environment Committee. She said: "We are very impressed to see young people getting involved in politics at this level."
For more information about supporting the Marine Bill, go to www.nimtf.org
(NE)
They gave evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee as part of a public consultation on the proposed Marine Bill.
The sixth-formers are part of the Northern Ireland Marine Bill Advocacy Group and are supported by a Queen's University zoology student, by the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force and by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
They asked for an independent Marine Management Organisation to be set up to oversee marine activity around Northern Ireland, bringing the region in line with England, and they want new marine reserves to protect sea life.
Matthew Ferguson from Down High School said: "To continue with business as usual would devastate our seas, crippling an invaluable resource and stopping me from seeing spectacular species that my dad knew as common to these waters."
Zoology student Carol Moorehead said: "We have put considerable effort into gathering and representing the opinions of local people in our coastal communities including divers, fishermen, sea anglers and marine biologists. There emerged a consensus that the present system of managing our seas is just not working. We believe an independent organisation will be vital."
Anna Lo chairs the Environment Committee. She said: "We are very impressed to see young people getting involved in politics at this level."
For more information about supporting the Marine Bill, go to www.nimtf.org
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2006
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Call for NI Marine Act receives backing
The call for an NI Marine Act from the Joint Marine Partnership (JMP) has received the backing of the Ulster Unionist Party.
30 March 2006
Local conservation groups welcome Marine Bill plans
An alliance of conservation groups, the Marine Task Force Northern Ireland (MTF NI), has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s consultation on its Marine Bill. However, the group said that Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife would be "left behind" unless local government is committed to being part of the UK framework.
Local conservation groups welcome Marine Bill plans
An alliance of conservation groups, the Marine Task Force Northern Ireland (MTF NI), has welcomed the publication of the UK government’s consultation on its Marine Bill. However, the group said that Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife would be "left behind" unless local government is committed to being part of the UK framework.
28 January 2020
Plans Submitted For Bangor Seafront
Plans for the £50 million redevelopment of Queen's Parade in Bangor have been submitted. The significant milestone sees Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, submit a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.
Plans Submitted For Bangor Seafront
Plans for the £50 million redevelopment of Queen's Parade in Bangor have been submitted. The significant milestone sees Bangor Marine Ltd, a consortium made up of a number of leading companies including the Karl Group and Farrans, submit a detailed planning application for the Co Down development.
16 March 2007
WWF welcomes Marine White Paper
WWF Northern Ireland welcomes the publication of the Marine White Paper as a major step towards better management of our seas and better protection for marine wildlife.
WWF welcomes Marine White Paper
WWF Northern Ireland welcomes the publication of the Marine White Paper as a major step towards better management of our seas and better protection for marine wildlife.
01 May 2013
New Marine Bill Put Before Assembly
This week has been described as 'the most important in a generation for our marines', following new laws designed to protect and manage Northern Ireland's marine life and biodiversity. Yesterday saw the 4th stage of the Marine Bill in the Assembly while today sees the launch of a consultation strategy for Marine Protection Areas (MPAs).
New Marine Bill Put Before Assembly
This week has been described as 'the most important in a generation for our marines', following new laws designed to protect and manage Northern Ireland's marine life and biodiversity. Yesterday saw the 4th stage of the Marine Bill in the Assembly while today sees the launch of a consultation strategy for Marine Protection Areas (MPAs).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
