Coastal and Marine Wildlife

The varied coastal and marine habitats of Northern Ireland support a wide range of flora and fauna. All species are specifically adapted to the conditions of their particular habitats. Different species face different threats and many are protected under national and international law. Within the UK a large number of Species Action Plans (SAPs) have been developed for marine and terrestrial species.
Specific SAPs have also been created for a range of species that require conservation action in Northern Ireland.

Information on many coastal species can be found at the Ulster Museum Habitas website

You can also find information on the marine and coastal wildlife on the following websites:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity and its implications in Northern Ireland
• Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland's Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles
• The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
• BBC Living World Sealwatch
• RSPB
• Marine Conservation Society FISHonline
• WiSe (WIldlife SafE)