DAERA Northern Ireland Intertidal Marine Protected Area Monitoring 2002 - Present dataset https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=010_a0d4acb13503d29634f6df5a426d96e2 Northern Ireland has statutory obligations to protect marine species and characteristics. This is achieved through a network of designated regions called Marine Protected Areas (MPA), where destructive activities are managed and restricted. To meet these obligations, species and their habitats are monitored so that the Department can inform on effectiveness of site management. The data here refers specifically to monitoring of the intertidal zone, and includes species lists with associated abundance data, and JNCC Habitat Classifications using biotopes. This monitoring programme adheres to the following national, EU and international legislation: the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, (amendment) 1995; the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended); Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002; Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (2011); The Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013; Marine Strategy and Framework Directive (MSFD); Water Framework Directive (WFD); UN Convention on Biodiversity and OSPAR. 20200218