Northern Ireland has committed to a legally binding target to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, outlined in the Climate Change Act (2022). The marine environment has a pivotal role to play in this transition, with its unique ability to sequester and store carbon as well as providing wider climate adaption services including biodiversity. The term ‘blue carbon’ is defined as marine and coastal carbon which can be managed to contribute to GHG mitigation. Blue carbon habitats in Northern Ireland include saltmarsh, seagrass and shellfish beds.
Northern Ireland Blue Carbon Action Plan
DAERA have commissioned the co-development of NI’s first Blue Carbon Action Plan. As part of this progress, NIMTF will ask for:
- A Blue Carbon inventory for Northern Ireland that is complete, with distribution, health, carbon cycles, sequestration rates and stores understood.
- Conservation and restoration of blue carbon habitats incorporated into the management of Northern Ireland’s seas, notably in the Marine Plan, MPA designations and management processes.
The Blue Carbon Action Plan is set to be released for public consultation in early 2023.
Community Engagement at the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY)
NIMTF delivered a workshop at the “Hear Our Voices” event held by NICCY in March 2025, empowering children and young people’s voices through our Wish Fish Campaign. These were added to the other Wish Fish to be used as part of our advocacy campaign collecting community concerns through “Raising Voices” theme of our Marine Vision. See the interactive map below for other activities which took place on the day.
NI’s Interactive Climate Action Map | Genially
Northern Ireland Marine Task Force 