Conservation at sea defences
The sea defences, maintained by the Agency, at Lough Foyle and Strangford Lough are situated in areas that are internationally important conservation sites, and protected by European designations. The loughs are important for many over-wintering birds, including pale bellied Brent geese, that feed in the adjacent mudflats.
Due to the importance of these sites, the Agency consults with conservation bodies when coastal defence works are planned. For larger projects, such as upgrading of the defences, consultation is included in the environmental impact assessment procedure.
The purpose of an assessment is to identify the likely environmental effects of the proposed scheme and to minimise these impacts, or mitigate against them. Recommendations might include:
- No work on the seaward side of the defences during the winter months, so that birds will not be disturbed
- Minimal access into sensitive areas such as salt marsh
- No encroachment onto the bird feeding areas of the mudflats
- Retention, if possible, of known archaeological features
- Careful design to ensure that the mud flats or sand flats are not altered significantly
