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WaterDOE has responsibility for the protection of the aquatic environment through the regulation of water quality, and the conservation of freshwater, marine flora, fauna, and hydrological processes. In performing this duty DOE is required to have regard to the needs of industry and agriculture, the protection of fisheries and the protection of public health. We work closely with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, particularly Water Management Unit and Natural Heritage who have responsibility for the implementation of legislation and for environmental monitoring. We also liaise closely with the Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in GB, and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales. In addition to the above you will find further specific information on the NIEA Water homepage -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Draft Northern Ireland Marine Litter Strategy-Synopsis of Consultation Responses The consultation on the Draft Northern Ireland Marine Litter Strategy closed on 21 December 2012. The Department wishes to thank those who responded. A summary of the responses received is available from our Marine Litter Strategy page. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Draft Northern Ireland Marine Position Paper - Consultation Closed The consultation on the Draft Marine Position Paper has now closed and a summary of responses received by the Department is available via this link Marine Policy Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Ireland Marine Bill - Introduced to the Assembly Action to protect the seas around Northern Ireland took another step forward when Environment Minister Alex Attwood introduced the Northern Ireland Marine Bill in the Assembly. on 21 February 2012 Information on the Marine Bill can be found here:Northern Ireland Marine Bill --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marine Litter Strategy The Department is working with key stakeholders to develop a coordinated Northern Ireland Marine Litter Strategy. Information on work on this project is available on a dedicated page Marine Litter Strategy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marine Licensing Legislation ***now in operation*** The new marine licensing legislation applies from the 6th April 2011 to the Northern Ireland inshore region and will allow sensible and necessary development to go ahead but in a manner that minimises its adverse impacts on the environment, human health and users of the sea. The legislation team worked closely with their colleagues in the Marine Assessment and Licensing Team in NIEA to develop legislation which is practical and relevant. For more information, please go to the Marine Licensing Page. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marine Policy Statement ***published 18th March 2011*** The UK Marine Policy Statement is a joint venture with England, Scotland and Wales and provides the framework for preparing marine plans and taking decisions affecting the marine environment. It applies to all UK waters and sets out the general environmental, social and economic considerations that need to be taken into account in marine planning. This will contribute to the sustainable development in the UK marine area. Further information can be found on the Marine Planning page. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Read the Marine Planning and Licensing Newletter August 2010 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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