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7 September 2010  
   
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Action plan details - Northern Ireland Action Plans

  

Coastal Saltmarsh
Plan status: Implementation underway

Vision statement
Saltmarsh is a relatively rare habitat in the UK with an estimate of the total extent of saltmarsh (including transitional communities) being approximately 45,500 ha. Of this there are 32,500 ha in England, 6747 ha in Scotland, 6089 ha in Wales and 250 ha in Northern Ireland (Boorman, in press). The saltmarsh in Northern Ireland therefore equates to only around 0.5% of the total UK saltmarsh resource; however the coast of Northern Ireland forms 2.7% of the total UK coastline. Saltmarsh is, therefore, an even scarcer habitat in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK. This may be due to the fact that tidal ranges are smaller in Northern Ireland than in the UK and Ireland, therefore creating less potential area for saltmarshes to establish. Around 100 ha of saltmarsh are lost in the UK annually, due to a variety of factors. The extent of loss of saltmarsh in Northern Ireland alone is unknown.

Targets
Code Text Status Assessment date Latest progress report  
4.1 Maintain the current extent of all saltmarsh at 250ha. No report No report No report More >
4.2 Maintain the area of saltmarsh in favourable condition at 135ha. No report No report No report More >
4.3 By 2015, restore to favourable condition the area of saltmarsh in unfavourable condition (100ha.) No report No report No report More >

Actions
Code Text Start/End date Contacts
(lead shown bold)		 Status  
5.1.1 By 2005, initiate discussions with other government departments to ensure appropriate consultation mechanisms exist for proposed changes in land-use. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.10 By 2006, explore options for using statutory measures, aside from those specifically designed for nature conservation, to protect saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.11 By 2006, develop and promote agri-environment schemes which will encourage restoration and sustainable management of saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland) Not started More >
5.1.12 By 2006, consider the implications of enabling agricultural land to be made available for coastal habitat creation, for example through awareness of agri-environment schemes, the development of appropriate management mechanisms and the incorporation of the non-use value of saltmarsh into cost/benefit analysis for flood defence schemes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.13 By 2006, develop and promote incentives to encourage the management and restoration of landward transitional saltmarsh habitats. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.14 By 2007, ensure that agri-environment scheme prescriptions relevant/appropriate to coastal saltmarshes are contributing to maintaining and enhancing the habitat across Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.15 By 2006, develop and promote coastal zone management policies which allow the maximum possible free movement of coastal sediment and pay full regard to the conservation of saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.16 By 2006, prepare an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy for Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.17 By 2007, establish a Northern Ireland cross-sectoral steering group, to take forward the requirements of the coastal habitat action plans. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.18 By 2007, consider the use of Shoreline Management Plans in the delivery of this plan. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.19 Ensure that designated saltmarsh sites are properly recognised within River Basin Management Plans by 2009 as required by the Water Framework Directive. 01/03/2005 - ongoing Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.2 By 2006, review Planning Policy Statement 2 (PPS2) – Planning and Nature Conservation, to include policies relating to the conservation of priority habitat and species. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.20 By 2007, give consideration to how planning policy might discourage new built development within appropriate buffer zones in the vicinity of saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.21 By 2005, ensure that the importance of saltmarshes and offshore sediment resources is recognised in flood and coastal defence strategies and, where appropriate, encourage such strategies to contribute to the objectives and targets of this plan. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.22 By 2005, ensure conservation management requirements for saltmarsh are included in the development and implementation of coastal zone management plans and ensure that they are not managed in isolation from other habitats and communities in these areas. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.23 By 2010, look into the feasibility of developing provisions within the planning system to encourage the resiting of developments which are vulnerable to coastal erosion. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2010 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.3 By 2006, produce Planning Policy Statement (PPS15) on Planning and Flood Risk. This includes an objective to promote an integrated sustainable approach to the management of development and flood risk that, among other matters, will contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the biodiversity of Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.4 By 2005, produce Planning Policy Statement (PPS14) on Sustainable Development in the Countryside which includes objectives to minimise the impact of housing development on the environmental resources of habitat, water quality and biodiversity of the rural area, thereby contributing to the conservation of biodiversity in Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.5 By 2005, produce a Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on the coast to manage coastal development in a sustainable manner and protect the natural character and landscape of the coast. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.6 Identify further examples of saltmarsh as SLNCIs for consideration for adoption into appropriate Development Plans. 01/03/2005 - ongoing Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.1.7 Ensure that important coastal saltmarsh sites not already identified e.g. as SLNCIs, are recognised and, where appropriate, site protection policies are included in Development Plans and other strategic plans such as Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) and coastal zone management strategies. 01/03/2005 - ongoing Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.8 In the preparation of Planning Policy Statements, the promotion of biodiversity will be taken into account where appropriate. 01/03/2005 - ongoing Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.1.9 By 2006, develop and promote policies and procedures which will aim to prevent losses of saltmarsh habitat to development and exploitation through for example, development schemes, flood and coastal defence works, dredging operations. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.2.1 By 2006, determine the extent and quality of the saltmarsh resource which falls within protected areas and notify further sites, if required, to fill significant gaps. In particular, ensure that there is adequate representation of the full range of variation in saltmarsh communities found around Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.2.10 By 2008, encourage golf course management policies and practices which are sympathetic to the flora and fauna of coastal ecosystems. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2008 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.2.11 By 2008, encourage the increased use of soft e.g. foreshore recharge, rather than hard engineering techniques where some degree of coastal stabilisation is essential. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2008 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.2.2 By 2005, identify saltmarsh that has been damaged or degraded by, for example, coastal defences, drainage schemes, recreation, tourism development, agricultural management, land reclamation and invasive species. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.2.3 By 2006, prioritise areas, timescales and targets based on designation status and restoration potential, for the conservation and improvement of saltmarsh habitat. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.2.4 By 2007, where feasible, initiate remedial action to restore damaged or degraded saltmarshes to favourable condition. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.2.5 By 2006, produce conservation objectives for all statutory sites that incorporate saltmarsh habitats ensuring that the objectives do not conflict with the requirements of saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.2.6 By 2007, promote uptake of management agreements, including MOSS, with landowners and occupiers on statutory designated sites aimed at creating or maintaining the favourable condition of saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.2.7 By 2007, promote and encourage the restoration of saltmarsh vegetation on suitable land used for arable farming or agriculturally improved grassland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.2.8 By 2006, produce a management strategy for the control of Spartina anglica and other invasive species and their impacts on saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.2.9 By 2007, consider adopting a strategy for managed realignment with regard to saltmarsh instead of protecting or restoring areas where sea levels are rising. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.3.1 By 2006, provide information to landowners on the conservation and importance of saltmarsh habitat through production, promotion and dissemination of literature. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.3.2 By 2006, make use of the potential provided by coastal partnerships in taking forward the actions of this plan. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.3.3 By 2006, develop guidelines that identify those circumstances under which the restoration of degraded saltmarsh should be encouraged. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.3.4 By 2007, develop and promote awareness and training programmes on the conservation, management and restoration of saltmarsh through key organisations/individuals involved in the delivery of advice to farmers and land managers. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.3.5 By 2007, promote and develop demonstration sites for the management and creation of saltmarsh. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.3.6 By 2006, encourage applications from potential partners to obtain funding to bring saltmarsh habitat into favourable management. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.4.1 By 2006, develop further links with Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and European and international organisations and programmes such as the European Environment Agency and the European Centre for Nature Conservation, to promote the exchange of information and experience in research, management techniques, education, and conservation strategies. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.4.2 By 2008, liaise with research institutions in Europe and elsewhere to exchange data and information on the conservation of saltmarshes. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2008 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.1 Assess and report on the need for research on natural and anthropogenic impacts on coastal dynamics in relation to saltmarsh. 01/03/2005 - ongoing Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.10      By 2010, monitor saltmarsh restoration sites so that management resources can be focused on areas most likely to show a positive response. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2010 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.11 By 2007, assess the likely medium to long-term demand for offshore sediment in order to maintain the current saltmarsh structures and their associated habitats. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.12      By 2006, set in place a reporting and monitoring structure to encourage progress towards the delivery of the targets and the completion of actions identified in this plan. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.2 By 2006, initiate an assessment of land management practices on saltmarsh including grazing. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.3 By 2005, set standards for assessing favourable condition of saltmarsh throughout Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.4 By 2006, compile an inventory of all saltmarsh in Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.5 By 2007, prioritise those sites which are suitable for improving condition, for restoration and for enhancement. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.6 By 2006, carry out an assessment of how the conservation interest of saltmarshes may be affected by nitrogen deposition, climate change and sea level rise and promote research needs accordingly. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.7 By 2006, commission a study to identify possible coastal and sea defence strategies that may be more sympathetic to the nature conservation interests of saltmarsh and identify stretches of coastline where such sympathetic modifications are feasible. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.5.8          By 2006, ensure that all relevant information gathered in surveys is passed to the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) based at the Ulster Museum and to other relevant centres. Encourage access to, and exchange of these records, by contributing to the National Biodiversity Network web-based catalogue of environmental information. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.5.9          By 2007, initiate monitoring programmes to establish the effectiveness of government funded schemes and management methods in achieving the targets of this plan. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2007 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.6.1 By 2006, raise public awareness of saltmarsh and its value for a variety of interests including coastal processes, flood defence, fisheries, nature conservation, amenity and recreation. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.6.2 By 2005, devise a strategy for ensuring the effective distribution of existing advisory material to managers and farmers and if gaps are identified, produce and disseminate appropriate material to fill these. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2005 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.6.3 By 2006, encourage appropriate access, as well as interpretative and educational provisions on saltmarshes, to increase enjoyment and public awareness of this habitat. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2006 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >
5.6.4 By 2008, facilitate production of information such as a simple web-site, an attractive booklet and CD-ROM for the public and schools which explains the conservation importance of saltmarsh in Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2008 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland),
Northern Ireland Environment Agency		 Not started More >
5.6.5          By 2008, implement at appropriate venues such as the Ulster Museum, the Exploris Aquarium and coastal EHS Countryside Centres, ‘flagship’ programmes for achieving education, increased public awareness and appreciation of saltmarshes in Northern Ireland. 01/03/2005 - 31/12/2008 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Not started More >


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