I'm curious as to what the main threats are to the wetland site of Belfast lough, regarding habitat and species? and is there any specific examples? news reports etc?
Hi CB90,
It's not my area (you might consider getting in touch directly with my Northern Ireland colleagues) but as a starter for ten, Belfast Lough is listed as a Special Protection Area designated under the Birds Directive, for wintering populations of European importance of bar-tailed godwits, redshanks and turnstones. It also qualifies as an SPA as it supports more than 20,000 wintering waterbirds including waders, ducks, cormorants and others.
Again, I don't know the site but I'd hazard a guess that actual or potential threats to the inter-tidal habitats these birds need include port development (land take), rising sea levels leading to coastal squeeze, recreational disturbance (both shore- and water-based) and perhaps bait digging.
Cheers
Colin