A guidance map for the Dundalk Bay Natura area off the Louth coast where certain types of fishing are prohibited has been published by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
The map delineates a specific zone within Dundalk Bay where use of certain fishing gears is prohibited, including any types of dredges, beam trawls or bottom otter trawls.
The orders for two Natura declarations were signed by Minister for Marine Charlie McConalogue in June. They relate to a specific area in Dundalk Bay where bird and animal species are protected.
The declaration came into effect on July 1st of this year, prescribing measures for managing the risks posed by specific sea-fishing activities.
The map for the Dundalk Bay Natura area can be viewed here