Special Area of Conservation

Are strictly protected sites designated under the European Conservation Habitats Directive. The listed habitat types and species are those considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level (excluding birds). Strangford Lough is an Special Area of Conservation and the features for which it has been selected are:

• Mudflats and Sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 
• Coastal lagoons  * Priority feature
• Large shallow inlets and bays
• Reefs