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13 November 2000

STRANGFORD LOUGH IN EUROPEAN SPOTLIGHT

Strangford Lough is the focus for a major European conference on Marine Special Areas of Conservation in Edinburgh this week.

The County Down Lough was in a four-year project supported by the European Commission, through the LIFE programme, which examined techniques of monitoring and managing marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Graham Seymour and Martin Bradley, from the DOE Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), have been heavily involved with the project, along with Caroline Nolan from the Strangford Lough Management Committee. Caroline will present the study to the Conference.

She said: "The Strangford Lough Management Committee is a well established network of interested bodies. Many of the Conference delegates will have common issues to Strangford Lough. I am interested in hearing how other people see the future and balance the sensitivity of scenic areas with its enjoyment and recreational use."

Caroline's presentation will include reference to the SLMC one-stop-shop information network, which has been set up and produced handbooks and out-and about guides to the Lough. This is being developed onto a website and a computer based Geographic Information System, sharing recreational information from Ards

and Down Councils. Scientific information from DOE, EHS and the Dept. of Agriculture and Regional Development is being developed also.

Graham Seymour from EHS said: "The techniques presented may be applied in the future to managing and monitoring other areas in Northern Ireland such as Rathlin and Lough Foyle."

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Northern Ireland, through the DOE Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), was a partner with the conservation agencies of England, Scotland and Wales in the Marine SACs LIFE project.
  2. The project will produce management schemes for 12 pilot sites in the UK.
  3. The Strangford Lough Management Committee is an advisory body established by DOE, and funded by DOE, Ards Borough Council and Down District Council. It has proven to be a very constructive liaison between conservationists and other bodies.
  4. The Edinburgh conference "Marine Special Areas of Conservation: Partnership In Action" will take place at Heriot-Watt University from Wednesday 15 - Thursday 16 November and marks the end of the four-year study.
  5. Further information telephone Paddy Murphy DOE Press Office 02890 540014