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Using the Lough

Plans, Policy and Legislation

Strangford Loughs Environmental Designations

Strangford Lough has a host of designations associated with it;

Marine Nature Reserve,
Special Protection Area,
Special Area of Conservation,
Ramsar site,
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
Area of Special Scientific Interest,
There are also a number of National Nature Reserves around the Lough.

The importance of Strangford Lough is evident in the remarkable range of natural habitats, many of which are species-rich and contain local rarities and is reflected in a range of conservation measures designed to protect this unique area.

European Protection

Nature conservation in the European Union is mainly based on the following powerful pieces of binding legislation which are relevant to Strangford Lough:

Birds Directive
Habitats Directive and
Water Framework Directive