A record-breaking number of visitors came through the doors of the Portrush Coastal Zone in 2026 to learn about Northern Ireland’s marine environment, new figures have revealed.
A total of 61,315 visitors visited the centre, which features interactive exhibits about the region’s marine habitats and hosts educational and community outreach events.
A total of 1,310 people participated in educational activities during 37 school and community group visits.
The Portrush Coastal Zone, which is owned and operated by DAERA’s Marine and Fisheries Division, also hosted the launch of the Northern Ireland Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy 2026-2035, which sets out a shared vision for the conservation of sharks, skates and rays in local waters.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The continued success of Portrush Coastal Zone demonstrates the growing appetite for learning about our marine environment. Through its educational programmes, exhibits and outreach work, the centre is helping people of all ages better understand and appreciate Northern Ireland’s rich marine heritage.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir recently pictured at Portrush Coastal Zone with organisations including Queen’s University, Ulster Wildlife and the NI Marine Taskforce
“I was delighted to launch the Northern Ireland Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy at the centre earlier this year. Sharks, skates and rays are an important part of our natural heritage and play a vital role in maintaining healthy, resilient marine ecosystems. By working together, we can improve our understanding, strengthen protection for the habitats they rely on, and help secure a better future for these remarkable species in Northern Ireland waters.”
Visitors to the centre this year also enjoyed a range of new and enhanced attractions, including updated exhibits, improved interpretation panels, an immersive marine wildlife video produced by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and the display of the largest preserved thresher shark in Ireland and the UK.
One of the season’s most popular attractions has been the development of small-spotted catshark egg cases within the centre’s aquaria. The exhibit provided a rare opportunity for visitors to observe shark embryos developing up close and learn more about the life cycle of a species commonly found in NI waters.
Beyond the centre itself, DAERA’s Coastal Zone team continued to engage with communities across Northern Ireland through outreach events and partnership activities. Staff supported an Inclusive Biodiversity Day event, delivered marine awareness training for beach wardens and worked alongside partner organisations to promote marine conservation messages to a wider audience.
