How do we protect our freshwater environment?
Freshwater bodies are one of our most vital natural resources. Not only are they essential to sustain life itself, but they also play a crucial role in our economic development and social well-being. Today in Northern Ireland freshwater habitats are important natural resources for agriculture, industry and fisheries, for amenity and recreational use, for their value to tourism and as sources of drinking water. They also support ecological species of national and international importance. It is important that our water bodies are protected from pollution and managed as a sustainable resource for all of the activities that depend on them.
Our aim concerning the water environment is to conserve, protect, and where possible, improve the aquatic environment, both marine and freshwater, in Northern Ireland.
Protecting water quality
We have a number of polices in place and take appropriate actions to regulate our water quality so that it is suitable to meet our needs, as well as those of plants and animals.
Protecting the biodiversity of habitats and species
Identifying and protecting sites and areas of natural and semi-natural scientific interest and the flora and fauna they support has been a cornerstone of nature conservation action in the UK during the last 50 years; many of these sites include freshwater and wetland habitats.
Designated Conservation Sites in Northern Ireland
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In "Biodiversity in Northern Ireland: Recommendations to Government for a Biodiversity Strategy" the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) set out a number of recommendations for the protection of our freshwater environments and their respective habitats and species in Northern Ireland. The Government response to the NIBG's publication - Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy August 2002 (.PDF 1.55Mb) |
As a key part of the NI Biodiversity Strategy, Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs) have been published for priority habitats and species that require conservation action. Each of these plans detail a range of targets and actions for government Departments and Agencies to act upon, so to preserve our biodiversity.
Freshwater and wetland Habitat Action Plans (HAPs)
Freshwater and wetland Species Action Plans (SAPs)
To deliver these plans there was a need to forge an ongoing partnership between NIEA and other groups. This process has been initiated by the setting up of biodiversity delivery groups.
Research, monitoring and restoration
We commission research projects on many different aspects of the environment including freshwater and wetland based projects.
Biodiversity research carried out by NIEA
What can you do to find out more?
Information on lakes, lochs and loughs in the UK
UK lakes HAP joint steering group
