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Map for Natura Protected Areas in Dundalk Bay Published by SFPA

3rd August 2023
Dundalk Bay Specified Zone
Dundalk Bay Specified Zone

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

 

Published in SFPA
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About the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority was established on the 1st of January 2007. The SFPA is independent in the exercise of its functions, which are below.

The principal functions of the Authority are:

  1. To secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
  2. To promote compliance with & deter contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
  3. To detect contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
  4. To provide information to the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors on sea-fisheries law and food safety law and relevant matters within the remit of the Authority, through the Consultative Committee established under section 48 of the above Act or by any other means it considers appropriate
  5. To advise the Minister in relation to policy on effective implementation of sea-fisheries law and food safety law
  6. To provide assistance and information to the Minister in relation to the remit of the Authority
  7. To collect and report data in relation to sea fisheries and food safety as required by the Minister and under Community law
  8. To represent or assist in the representation of the State at national, Community and international fora as requested by the Minister, and
  9. To engage in any other activities relating to the functions of the Authority as may be approved of by the Minister.