Fines are likely over mismanagement of Strangford Lough

Fines are likely over mismanagement of Strangford Lough

25 January 2012

POLITICIANS have called on two leading Stormont departments to put in place urgent measures to protect Strangford Lough’s delicate habitat, or face the prospect of EU fines running into millions of pounds.

The call was issued during a special debate at the Assembly on Monday when the Department of Environment and Department of Agriculture were urged to act.

Appeals for action came after the Ulster Wildlife Trust warned horse mussel reefs have been destroyed and habitat for sea life ruined, raising its concerns with the European Commission.

Trust chief executive Heather Thompson said that despite promises to Europe in 2005 that the Province would finally take serious action to restore the reefs to their former glory, the two government departments have “failed to deliver, resulting in continued breach of the EC Habitats Directive and continued decline of this vital natural resource.”

During Monday’s debate at Stormont, MLAs from Strangford and South Down highlighted the need to act to protect Strangford Lough, but some warned this could impact on fishermen who make their living from the waterway.

Miss Margaret Ritchie backed calls for the Executive to introduce measures to protect the lough’s ecosystems, while ensuring those who derive their income from the waterway don’t suffer.

“Measures must be put in place to halt the destruction of the horse mussel reefs as hey are essential to the procreation of thousands of creatures including many commercially fished species,” she added.

Mr. Willie Clarke said while calls have been issued for those working on the waterway not to be economically disadvantaged as a consequence of habitat protection measures, he said it’s “inevitable” this will in fact be the case.

Mr. Mike Nesbitt urged both government departments to act urgently to prevent Europe fining the Executive “many millions of pounds” over its failure to protect Strangford Lough.

He continued: “I have no sympathy for those who say the value of the fish caught is only £140,000. That is very hard earned money, harder earned than any politician’s salary.

“No one wants anything but the best for the lough and that includes intervening, if we feel that fishing practices are not sustainable. That has happened before, and I know fishermen are happy for it to happen again, as long as there is a proper evidence base.”

Miss Michelle McIlveen urged the Assembly not to underestimate the value of the horse mussel beds, explaining while they are not commercially fished themselves, the so-called modiolus reefs provide nursery beds for other species.