Campaigners Set Out Case For Exploris

SAVING EXPLORISxa0

A TARGETTED INVESTMENT TO HELP DELIVER THE PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT

Exploris Aquarium Is A Regional Asset

Exploris campaigners ‘Save Exploris‘ have issued a clear statement directed out our local and Assembly politicians, and anyone in a position of authority to assist in preventing the closure of the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry.

A spokesperson said to Down News:

Exploris and the displays that have been developed over many years and the expertise of its aquarists are a regional asset that must be protected for current and future generations.

This asset has a high conservation, education, tourism and socio-economic value which to date has had no regional recognition.xa0 It is also an invaluable communication and public engagement tool which has yet to be tapped into by Central Government.

The Exploris Aquarium is a very rare type of aquarium. It draws its seawater from Strangford Lough with only filtering and no chemical treatment which, along with its construction, means it can create close to natural conditions and literally bring the wonders of our marine life and cameos of its many habitats to the surface.xa0 Seaweeds grow here which very few aquaria can achieve.xa0 This water supply is also why Exploris needs to be sited in Portaferry.

By displaying Northern Ireland’s marine life in all its diversity Exploris illustrates a wide range of wildlife found throughout the UK and Ireland. Its role is not just rExploris Aquarium elevant to Strangford Lough but to the whole of our marine environment. The shared seawater pumping facility also underpins much of the ground breaking research work conducted by the neighbouring Queen’s University Marine Laboratory.

The Marine Act NI 2013, Strangford Lough MCZ and Integrated Marine Management

xa0How Exploris Can Help

The Marine Act Northern Ireland 2013 sets out a framework for marine planning that balances conservation, energy and resource needs. Under the Act, Strangford Lough has just been designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and its management must have regard to relevant social, cultural and economic considerations.xa0 This means that more than ever the Northern Ireland government must inform and engage with the public in the Lough’s management –xa0Exploris achieves half that battle by capturing people’s interest in the marine environment and providing a platform for engagement.

EU legislation requires government to maintain the special conservation features of the Lough in good condition.xa0 Efforts to save one of those features iexa0M. Modiolusxa0beds, has resulted in restrictions for fishermen and water based recreation. We, the public should understand why such measures are needed and government needs our support to implement them. Exploris can make the value ofxa0Modiolusxa0reefs and other special features understood and meaningful to people.

County Down is the focus of our fishing industry with the ports of Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel. This industry and the work to integrate fisheries and conservation management and the quality of our seafood could and should be presented to the public through Exploris.

Strangford Lough is home to most of Northern Ireland’s sailing clubs and the development of sustainable water-based recreation isxa0 an important part of the area’s tourism and heritage plansxa0 but people need to understand the marine life they are affecting in order to buy in fully to management measures

With investment in new displays, innovative interpretation and activities, Government can use Exploris to present this marine life andxa0 the management challenges and embark on a programme to engage with stakeholders and the wider public. This would consolidate the investment already being made in this respect.

Special Area of Conservation Feature

Seal rehabilitation – Common Seal Conservation

Common seals are a designated conservation feature and the rehabilitation programme and expertise of Exploris staffxa0 could really help in the future if this species continued to decline. To close down the only rehabilitation centre in the country and lose the associated expertise would be folly under these circumstances and could, at a future stage, come under EU scrutiny.xa0 The seals themselves are an enormous draw for the public and for many people represent their most exciting encounter with marine life.

Marine Renewable Energy Targets and Inward investment:xa0

Showcase for Marine Tidal Energy R&D and a platform for related discussion

Strangford Lough is a hub for cutting edge international marine tidal energy research and development, literally just outside Exploris. The work has put Northern Ireland on the global map yet there is nothing on the site to give people any information or to engage them with this success story. In addition, other projects like offshore wind turbines will need a venue like Exploris to explain their importance. How all this work develops into the future and how we meet national targets will requirexa0 the people of Northern Ireland to make decisions which must be informed.

Invest in Exploris to promote Northern Ireland’s role in global renewable energy technology developmentxa0 and related work to attract inward investment

Investing in Exploris is vital and it does not set a precedent.

1. Government has invested in thexa0Departmentxa0 ofxa0the Environment’sxa0Coastalxa0Zone inxa0Portrushxa0and the Lough’sxa0Agencyxa0Riverwatchxa0Centre in Derry / Londonderryxa0.

2. As axa0ready madexa0high quality aquariumxa0Exploris in a unique position to deliver on the opportunities for investment described above.

Exploris Is Not An Ailing Visitor Attraction

It is a hugely successful one –xa0attracting almost 100,000 visitors per year despite a need for marketing and updating and estimated to contribute £3m to the local economy annually.xa0 Its loss would damage many other enterprises in the area.

It is alsoxa0 a marvellous marine-life showcase but with regional support it can really assist government to achieve many of its statutory obligations through informing and engaging the public in marine conservation, management and related industries.

Public Sector Innovation Opportunity

Exploris requires innovation and a new approach to its status and management to help it deliver even more under the programme for government, retain a regional asset andxa0 improve its public interface and financial performance . The Executive has a chance now to respond to the huge public support for Exploris.

The closure of Exploris will adversely affect other Government investment andxa0 programmesxa0

Most of the people visiting Exploris will have travelled to the area specifically for that purpose, using the Strangford Ferry Service. The ferry service will be impacted by the loss of income.

Exploris is part of the rural regeneration and tourism infrastructure upon which many other projects depend for their business case.

Invest in the Future of Exploris

* Invest in Exploris to foster an informed and engaged electorate on marine matters

* Invest in Exploris to conserve our internationally important marine life

* Invest in Exploris to support the integrated management of the marine environment with fisheries, water based recreation, renewable energy and other industries

* Invest in Exploris to manage Strangford Lough, meet EU obligations and reduce the risk of infractions.

* Invest in Exploris as a regionally important education centre attracting school children from all over the country which could deliver even more for the curriculum

* Invest in Exploris because of its performance for the area’s economy in line with Strangford Lough Tourism and Mourne Coastal Routes initiatives.

* Invest in Exploris to address rural social deprivation (Portaferry is the seventh most deprived rural area in the region).

* Invest in Exploris to innovate in the public sector

* Invest in Exploris because it is already a proven success and by supporting it you are listening to the will of the people of Northern Ireland who want to retain it for future generations.

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