Too many of our freshwater and marine ecosystems are degraded, polluted and over-exploited. Here, I set out some of my national priorities for rivers and the marine under the Programme for Government, along with additional initiatives I'm progressing under this portfolio. Recent news updates are listed below.
Set out to achieve 30% Marine Protected Areas in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy
Set out a new plan period for the River Basin Management Plan
Seek resources to have in place a catchment liaison officer on all major river catchments
Develop a heritage fisheries project in Waterford Estuary
Work with colleagues across Government to establish ‘Citizen Science’ programmes to monitor water quality in our rivers and streams
Make progress on a Marine National Park
Conduct a feasibility study for a marine education centre in Duncannon Fort
Support a pilot nature based catchment flood management scheme on a selected river catchment
Establish the craft of wooden boat building within a National Centre for Traditional Building skills
Work with the farming community to establish a network of protected riparian zones through farms particularly in intensive farming regions
