Andrew Muir
North Down · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. As Minister, I am grateful to the Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and to Members from all sides of the Chamber for their consideration of the Bill and their contributions to the debate, which have been valuable and useful.”
“I will write to you with regard to your query. <BR /> <BR />The other issue, as I said, is reporting pollution incidents so that they can be effectively investigated. There is a duty on everyone to do that promptly.”
“Aquaculture provides real economic opportunities, and the Bill will help ensure that those opportunities are realised responsibly without compromising the environment. Importantly, the Bill includes transitional provisions so that existing licences can continue seamlessly as aquaculture licences, with their conditions unchanged.”
“That is not about being punitive for its own sake; it is about ensuring that the legal framework reflects the true value of our natural resources and the importance of protecting them for future generations.”
“<BR /> <BR />On strengthening the regulation of inland waters, the Bill modernises long-standing powers under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, ensuring that they are fit for today's environmental and industry challenges. That matters because fisheries management today goes far beyond simply catching fish.”
“<BR /> <BR />A full regulatory impact assessment of the financial impact has been completed. It concluded that the Bill does not introduce significant new financial burdens and that any costs are outweighed by the long-term benefits.”
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“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members who contributed to the debate. I hope that the Assembly will consent to the Government's amendments that were made at the House of Lords Report Stage that apply to Northern Ireland. The changes are positive for Northern Ireland. They strengthen our ability to influence UK-wide implementation of the agreement, ensure that devolved interests are fully protected and provide DAERA with important concurrent powers and statutory consultation rights. <BR /> <BR />Were the Assembly not to grant its consent, the UK Government would be required to remove Northern Ireland-specific provisions from the Bill, which would reduce DAERA's role, weaken the devolution settlement and limit Northern Ireland's ability to shape and implement decisions taken under the high seas treaty.”
“<BR /> <BR />In summary, the amendments do not change the policy intent of the Bill that was agreed in the first legislative consent motion. Instead, they enhance the devolution arrangements for Northern Ireland and ensure that our interests are properly represented as the UK implements that significant international agreement. I therefore commend the motion to the House and invite Members' support for it.”
“<BR /> <BR />Taken together, the six clauses significantly strengthen Northern Ireland's role in implementing decisions under the new High Seas treaty to ensure that DAERA can act directly where appropriate, guarantee consultation before UK Ministers act and embed Northern Ireland-specific scrutiny procedures in the legislation. The UK Government have emphasised the need to maintain momentum, and, subject to consideration of the amendments, the Bill could receive Royal Assent in the very near future. Supporting the motion ensures that Northern Ireland has an equal voice alongside Scotland in shaping implementation, that DAERA has the powers it needs to act in devolved areas and that the Assembly retains full scrutiny over future regulations.”
“<BR /> <BR />Clause 17 mirrors clause 11 by establishing the Assembly procedures for regulations related to area-based management tools. That includes the affirmative procedure for any regulation that amends legislation or creates sanctions or offences that are made under the affirmative procedure for urgent measures adopted under article 24. Again, that enhances scrutiny while supporting timely responses to international obligations. <BR /> <BR />Clause 18 requires the Secretary of State to consult DAERA before making area-based management tools regulations under the UK-wide power in clause 14. The statutory consultation requirement ensures that decisions that affect devolved matters cannot proceed without considering the views of Northern Ireland.”
“That ensures strong Assembly scrutiny whilst allowing flexibility where urgent international measures must be implemented quickly. <BR /> <BR />Clause 12 creates a statutory consultation duty, requiring the Secretary of State to consult DAERA before exercising regulation-making powers in devolved areas under clause 9. That guarantees that Northern Ireland's views must be considered before UK-wide regulations are made. <BR /> <BR />Clause 16 provides DAERA with concurrent powers equivalent to those in clause 10 but for Part 3 of the Bill, which concerns the implementation of area-based management tools designated under the agreement. That will allow DAERA to legislate directly on devolved aspects of area-based management tools decisions taken at the Conference of the Parties (COP).”
“Clause 10 provides DAERA with concurrent powers to make regulations relating to the implementation of part 2 of the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction agreement covering marine and genetic resources and digital sequence information, insofar as those matters fall within the devolved competence. That brings Northern Ireland into line with Scotland and ensures that DAERA is empowered, where appropriate, to legislate directly, rather than relying solely on UK Ministers. <BR /> <BR />Clause 11 sets out the procedures for regulations made under clause 10. Where regulations amend Northern Ireland legislation, create or vary civil sanctions or create civil offences, they must follow the affirmative procedure. In urgent cases connected to article 24 of the agreement, the made-affirmative procedure may be used.”
“To ensure that the Bill fully reflects the devolution settlements across the UK, the same amendments will apply equally to Northern Ireland. The Bill is now in its final stages, and I am grateful to the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and my Executive colleagues for their urgent consideration of the legislative consent motion. I am also grateful to the AERA Committee for considering the amendments at its meeting on 22 January. <BR /> <BR />I will briefly outline the purpose and effect of each of the six new clauses that the Assembly is being asked to consent to today.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />This is the second legislative consent motion that I have brought forward on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Bill. The motion is required because the UK Government made six amendments at House of Lords Report Stage on 12 January that introduced new clauses 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18, which were not part of the Bill when the Assembly debated and approved the first legislative consent motion on 12 January. Under Standing Order 42A(9), any such amendments that deal with devolved matters or alter departmental functions require a subsequent legislative consent motion, and that is the purpose of today's debate. <BR /> <BR />The amendments were introduced following discussions between the UK Government and the Scottish Government.”
“The previous statement moved faster than expected, so do not feel bad. I rushed down here as well. The way in which we support rural communities is an integral part of the strategy, particularly in the ecosystem services that nature provides, which is why we want to consult on that and get views back. We are keen to hear about any other views on what we are going to do. Opportunities clearly exist, particularly in relation to good, green jobs and around people and restoration, and I want to be able to deliver that for our rural communities.”
“The strategy sets out what is referred to as largely point-source pollution. We also know that there are concerns in relation to diffuse pollution. There is a lot we need to do in order to improve water quality. I have been very clear about the actions that I will be seeking to take on the specific issue of sewage pollution. I will bring a paper to my Executive colleagues on what you have described as "a bye ball", which would otherwise be referred to as the statutory overflows regime for pollution incidents (SORPI). I have already presented other actions to the Executive, such as designating Belfast lough as a sensitive area. That will require additional actions as a result of sewage pollution. I am doing what I can about all that, but I need the support of my Executive colleagues. I look forward to receiving that in the time ahead.”
“I am happy to continue to engage with stakeholders so that we can find a better way forward, because, although it may be winter now, my mind is already focused on the potential for wildfires occurring again. That is why the nature recovery strategy also has a role to play in how we better manage protected areas. The best way in which to do that is through cooperation and consultation with landowners.”
“I engage on those issues and am happy to continue to do so. The Member raised a couple of issues. I will take the last one, which concerns TB. I understand its importance. We will undertake a consultation on wildlife interventions in the spring, and it is important that people respond to it. It is one of the three pillars, along with people and cattle, in our blueprint for the eradication of bovine TB, so I understand the issue's importance. <BR /> <BR />There is an action in the wildfires strategic framework to undertake a review of, and a consultation on, prescribed burning. We need to do that. Farmers have a massive role to play in the management of areas and, hopefully, in the prevention of wildfires. Regulation is one side of that, while the other is education.”
“I am very aware of Slieve Gullion. It is somewhere that I visit not just in the winter but in the summer, and it is a very valued part of Northern Ireland. Support is available through the environment fund for organisations that do great work. Let me be clear that the delivery of the strategy will involve a lot of working with environmental and non-governmental organisations on the ground that deliver such work. I set that out in my statement, but, in it, I provided just a summary of the fantastic work that is occurring across Northern Ireland. We are very keen to work with those groups and to support them.”
“I am conscious that Northern Ireland has low levels of afforestation. We therefore need to turn the curve. That is why we are developing a tree planting action plan. We are doing that in conjunction with stakeholders, and I thank them for their engagement with my Department.”
“I join you, Andy, in an appreciation of getting out and about. As citizens, we value nature. We need to do more tree planting, and that is why we commissioned the Strategic Investment Board to take forward a tree planting action plan. The target delivery for the plan is around March or April of this year.”
“Yes. That is an international commitment. It is stretching, but it is important that I set it out in the context of the strategy, because that is what guides our actions. We are not looking for compulsory purchase; it is about bringing people with us. For example, one of the key things about Farming with Nature is that it needs to happen in a way that is attractive to farmers, because they are running an enterprise — they are family farms — and we want to make sure that it is viable for them to do so. Our focus will be on that in the time ahead.”
“If there are ways in which we can strengthen our protections for nature, I am prepared to consider them.”
“Thank you, Kellie. It was great to be with you at Mount Stewart, and it is good that it is being profiled to a national audience tonight. Good work is being undertaken at Mount Stewart. The storm provided challenges but also opportunities for the nature restoration there. More practically, the risks to Mount Stewart caused by the impact of climate change were profiled this morning on Radio Ulster. <BR /> <BR />There is merit in setting targets in law. I am conscious that the European Union has progressed actions for nature restoration. The draft strategy sets out that we will consult on targets and then bring proposals to the Executive. I am conscious that Mark H Durkan is progressing a potential private Member's Bill in that area. I have told him that there is merit in that.”
“Most of us in the Chamber will know of places in our constituency that were affected by the storm. Tonight on BBC 2, ‘Winterwatch’ will profile its impact on Mount Stewart. We have to learn lessons from that about climate adaptation, and I have a plan for that with the Executive. We also have to learn lessons for our replanting. I am happy to engage with you about Gosford Forest Park; initially, that may be with officials. I know Gosford. I have been down there, and it is a great place to be. I did a 10k run down there. I value the forest and can see why the local community was affected by the storm damage. Alongside that, we need to do more on the tree planting action plan, and that work is under way. We need to set out a way to plant more trees and build resilience.”
“Ten out of 10. That is probably the longest question I have ever got. Even Matthew has never got away with that.”
“Thank you, Declan. There are two ways. One is the roll-out of the co-design process for the Farming with Nature scheme. It is important that we do that. The other one is the wider issue around land use. The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission did a lot of work on a land use framework, and we hope to publish that in the time ahead. I thank everyone who engaged with the commission on that. It will come back with a report, which will provide a template for moving forward. I want to do that in conjunction and partnership with people, so that we find better ways to manage our land and, most important, build that resilience. I am conscious that we need to build resilience in nature so that we can deliver a successful future for farming, and I am committed to doing that.”
“My officials have been working at pace with stakeholders to develop that pathway, which reduces emissions — we must do that — and addresses practical issues, such as replacement sheds. I will continue to engage with the Finance Minister on the draft Budget, because that is important, if I am to find a way forward, for funding the sustainable farming investment scheme, so that we can support farmers to take the appropriate actions. <BR /> <BR />Let there be no doubt that the levels of ammonia pollution in Northern Ireland are of serious concern to me. We can find a way forward that reduces ammonia emissions and deals with the practical issues that have been reported to me by the agriculture community. I am keen to progress that in the months ahead.”
“Thank you, John. The issue of ammonia is of serious importance, and anyone who is in any doubt about that should read the Office for Environmental Protection report published in 2024. It sets that out, along with the history of how the Department approached the matter. <BR /> <BR />I am aware that ammonia emissions in Northern Ireland remain stubbornly high, and I am determined to find a pathway to reduce them as well as supporting sustainable development in the agriculture sector. Following engagement with farming and environment sector representatives late last year, I believe that we can work together to develop a Northern Ireland-wide ammonia support programme to unlock the issue.”
“The strategy sits comfortably alongside those things. The Infrastructure Minister recently published a strategic planning policy statement on renewable energy, and that interrelates with those issues. Each application to do with renewable energy is considered on its merits, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will give its response. However, there are real benefits to us as a society from investing in renewables, such as lower bills and energy security. I view those things through a wider prism, and there are real benefits associated with us all working together to restore nature while delivering energy security.”
“One of the important measures in supporting our farming community is Farming with Nature. We started the roll-out of that last year with the transition scheme, and there are further actions to be taken this year. We are doing that through a co-design process. It is important that we do that. A lot of work needs to be done to support our farming community with the challenges regarding nature so that we can build that resilience. We are focused on doing that alongside delivering on our peatland strategy, which we launched last September. <BR /> <BR />There is lots to do on those issues. They are key issues for the general public; people raise them with me regularly. I am also committed to continuing to engage with my Irish Government colleagues, because biodiversity issues are transboundary and it is important that we cooperate on them.”
“A number of actions are under way already. Those are set out in the environmental improvement plan (EIP). Additional actions are reflected in the nature recovery strategy.”
“Thank you, Robbie. It is an important issue. There are already statutory duties on nature, and the public bodies that have responsibility for those areas need to uphold those duties. It is important that I say that. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the issues that you set out. It is important that we all work together. We see the benefits of nature, particularly for tourism. If we visit such areas, we can see that they are very busy, particularly at weekends. People appreciate nature. If there are particular issues on which you would like me to follow up with the Infrastructure Minister, I will be happy to do that. We all have a role to play in restoring nature so that it is there for future generations to enjoy.”
“We are going through that as a Department to see what we can do with it. These are challenging financial circumstances, but I am a person who has hope, and I am conscious that funding is available through, for example, PEACE PLUS and the Shared Island Fund. I am grateful to the Irish Government for the support that they have given to us on nature and particularly for peatland restoration. It is important that we work on an all-Ireland basis. There is lots to do, and I am committed to doing it.”
“Thank you, Daniel, for your questions. If I did not carry out consultations, I would, rightly, be criticised. That is an important statutory duty that gives people the opportunity to have their say, and that is what I am giving people over the next eight weeks. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious that lots of actions need to be taken to restore nature. I see not just the situation with Lough Neagh but that with our uplands, and I am taking action. For example, there are four pillars relating to water quality, which could be transposed to that issue: education, incentivisation, regulation and enforcement. I will not be found wanting when it comes to regulation and enforcement, and it is important that we have education and incentivisation. <BR /> <BR />We have received the draft Budget from the Finance Minister.”
“The consultation will be open for eight weeks, and there will be an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with my officials during that time. I have provided the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee with a written briefing on the launch of the strategy. After the consultation closes, all responses will be considered and the strategy will be finalised and prepared for publication. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate my thanks to you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for affording me the opportunity to make this statement. I appeal to everyone to engage with the consultation, so that we can all play our part in restoring nature and can, collectively, appreciate its beauty for generations to come.”
“Those examples show what can be achieved when we work together for the benefit of nature and people, working to simultaneously tackle the joint crises in biodiversity and climate, and reaping the benefits for public health and well-being. <BR /> <BR />Every one of us has a duty to give due regard to nature. Whether in the public or private sector or as individuals, every citizen has a part to play. I encourage everyone to read the draft nature recovery strategy when it is launched later today and to share their views on it and their ideas for putting nature on the road to recovery. The consultation documents will be available on the DAERA website, which will also contain information on how to respond.”
“<BR /> <BR />Peatland is one of our most precious habitats, and it is an essential carbon sink. It is supported by our new peatland strategy. With funding from my Department, the peatland collaborative network is undertaking essential management and rewetting projects at the Belfast hills. Furthermore, species such as curlew are being brought back from the brink in places such as the Antrim hills. That is a result of the good work that is being done by many, especially the RSPB. We cannot let our guard down, however. We must do much more to build on those successes. We know what the solutions are: there are inspiring examples of conservation successes. We need collective will to take the tough decisions that are necessary if we are to deliver recovery at scale.”
“Indeed, the much good that is already being done and the many great projects that are taking place across Northern Ireland are demonstrating nature recovery in action. <BR /> <BR />As Minister, I have had the privilege of seeing that work at first hand. The LIFE Raft project on Rathlin, for example, is truly inspiring and will be transformative for the seabird population on the island. It shows what can be achieved through cooperation with local communities, environmental organisations such as the RSPB and my Department. At Mourne Park, the Woodland Trust is restoring and conserving our ancient woodland as part of wider efforts to preserve one of our most stunning landscapes. Again, that illustrates what can be achieved by collaborative working.”
“It also highlights the actions that we are taking already at a local level and proposes new actions for Northern Ireland, which add to the existing framework of targets in relevant policies and strategies that are already in place and aim to deliver for biodiversity. <BR /> <BR />I want the nature recovery strategy to be about hope: hope that nature can thrive if we start recognising its value and taking necessary action; hope that, by our stopping the harm and being more responsible, nature can recover; and hope that we can all live side by side with nature and enjoy its riches and benefits. By putting in place plans and actions to restore and better manage areas for nature and adopt more nature-positive policies using the best available science and evidence, we can ensure that it is protected for future generations.”
“That is supported by the legislative requirement to set biodiversity targets in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. In reality, around 9·9% of Northern Ireland's terrestrial land area and approximately 38% of our terrestrial waters are designated as protected sites, although some of those may not be in a good enough ecological condition to contribute to the 30 by 30 target immediately. <BR /> <BR />The objectives and actions in the draft nature recovery strategy aim to fulfil our global commitments, legislative obligations and climate goals by providing bigger, better-managed and more connected nature. The draft nature recovery strategy demonstrates my commitment to fulfilling the actions in the global biodiversity framework.”
“The framework sets an ambitious target to move us towards the 2050 vision, which is known as the 30 by 30 target. That essentially commits us to having 30% of our terrestrial and inland water, and marine and coastal areas, effectively conserved and managed for nature and biodiversity by 2030. <BR /> <BR />An existing biodiversity duty, which applies to all Departments and public bodies, states:”
“There are huge social and economic benefits to returning to a world that is rich in nature. <BR /> <BR />In December 2022, Northern Ireland, alongside the rest of the UK, joined the global community in committing to the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework, which was agreed at the Conference of the Parties 15 (COP15) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The global biodiversity framework sets out, in 23 targets and four goals, the urgent actions required to "bend the curve" of biodiversity loss by 2030 and move towards the 2050 vision where biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits that are essential for all people.”
“They include pollan — a fish found in Lough Neagh and Lower Lough Erne — and subspecies such as the Irish hare. I am very excited to watch BBC's 'Winterwatch', which airs tonight from Mount Stewart, putting a positive spotlight on Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />A significant component of our biodiversity lies within the marine environment, including our sea loughs and estuaries. However, in Northern Ireland, around 40% of the flora and fauna in our most protected sites falls short of the defined standard for "favourable condition", while only one of 49 priority habitat types in Northern Ireland is considered to be at "favourable conservation status". <BR /> <BR />Protecting and restoring nature is not just a nice thing to do. We have a moral and legal obligation to do it.”
“Those include providing us with our most basic needs such as food, clean air and water, and shelter. Nature also plays an important role in helping to regulate our climate and offers us opportunities for recreation that enhance our health and well-being. We only have to look back to storm Éowyn this time last year as an example of the impact of more extreme weather on our communities and environment to realise that nature is our ally in taking climate action. <BR /> <BR />For its size, Northern Ireland is one of the most geologically diverse areas of the planet. That has resulted in a rich and internationally important biodiversity of some 20,000 species across our land, soils, air and waters. Northern Ireland is home to species that are found nowhere else in the UK.”
“<BR /> <BR />The nature recovery strategy meets the statutory requirement under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 for my Department to develop and regularly review a biodiversity strategy to further the conservation of biodiversity in Northern Ireland. Its name reflects my belief that we need to do more than just conserve biodiversity; we must also help nature to recover and regenerate, and the strategic objectives and actions that are set out aim to achieve just that. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, nature is in decline not just across Northern Ireland but throughout the world, and urgent action is needed to address the biodiversity crisis. We are witnessing further loss of habitats and species and the ecosystem services that they provide.”
“The strategy is one of my 10 key pledges for the mandate, as published in the Department’s corporate plan, and I am determined to see it not just in place but implemented, putting nature firmly on the road to recovery. I am pleased to inform the House, therefore, that a new nature recovery strategy has been drafted and is being launched for consultation later today. I thank the range of stakeholders who helped shape the draft strategy to get us to this milestone. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders during the consultation window and receiving feedback, which I am sure will be hugely valuable and help inform the final text.”
“Lough Neagh, regrettably, remains a stark example of the consequences of ignoring the needs of nature, with all its human and environmental costs. Other warning signs are also present across Northern Ireland, with habitats not being protected as they should be and native species being threatened by climate change, pollution, invasive species and land-use change. <BR /> <BR />The nature recovery strategy must be the start of a new chapter where we cherish nature, recognising that nature is the foundation upon which society is built. The strategy should serve as a call to action and must ignite a shared commitment to protect and recover our precious natural environment.”
“Yes, I did notice. <BR /> <BR />I thank the House for the opportunity to make this statement to the Assembly on the launch of the consultation on the Northern Ireland draft nature recovery strategy. The statement will explain why a nature recovery strategy for Northern Ireland is a timely and vital intervention that is needed to reverse the decline in nature. I will also outline to Members the arrangements for the launch of the consultation on the draft strategy and the proposed timeline for proceeding to publication of the finalised strategy. <BR /> <BR />Nature is for all of us, but we can no longer take it for granted. Interventions are required if we are to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and benefit from time spent in nature.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I commend you on your tie.”
“I thank all the Members who contributed to the debate. I hope that the Assembly consents to the Bill's extension to Northern Ireland, thereby providing a legislative framework that enables Northern Ireland researchers to participate in projects on the high seas. I acknowledge that there will be a further LCM on this. Hopefully, Members will be able to support it. I appreciate the interest that has been shown in this and the importance of it. I hope that Members will support me in the passage of the LCM.”
“I commend the motion to the House, and I look forward to receiving Members' support for it.”
“They do, however, fall outside the scope of the motion before us today, which refers to the Bill as introduced. If the amendments are made, I will bring a subsequent legislative consent motion to the Executive. Hopefully, they will agree that promptly, and it will also be brought to this place so that any amendments can be dealt with. The amendments would give DAERA concurrent powers to make regulations in devolved areas and the power to impose a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to consult DAERA before making regulations that deal with devolved matters. <BR /> <BR />In summary, the motion is about enabling Northern Ireland to contribute to global efforts to protect marine biodiversity. It is about ensuring that our marine environment is safeguarded for future generations while supporting sustainable economic opportunities.”
“It could also create practical difficulties for Northern Ireland universities and research organisations that have an interest in projects on the high seas. <BR /> <BR />Since I tabled the motion, the UK Government tabled amendments that are being considered today in Westminster. Those amendments do not change the policy intent of the Bill but, rather, strengthen Northern Ireland's role by requiring the Secretary of State to consult DAERA before making regulations under clauses 9 and 11, by giving DAERA powers to make regulations for devolved matters that are equivalent to the regulation-making powers that the Secretary of State has under clauses 9 and 11 and by setting Northern Ireland-specific procedures for those regulations, including emergency provisions. Those changes are positive.”
“<BR /> <BR />Supporting the legislative consent motion ensures that Northern Ireland plays its part in delivering global commitments to ocean protection. It strengthens our reputation as a responsible environmental steward and provides a framework that will enable Northern Ireland universities and research organisations to participate in projects on the high seas. The Bill will not impose immediate changes on Northern Ireland. Rather, it provides enabling powers that may be used in future to implement international obligations. Any secondary legislation made under those powers would be subject to full Assembly scrutiny. If consent is not granted, the UK cannot fully implement the agreement across all jurisdictions. That would undermine the UK's ability to meet its international obligations and could damage Northern Ireland's reputation.”
“They define collection and utilisation projects, establish a UK database and give the Secretary of State power to make regulations. Those provisions engage devolved matters, such as scientific research and education, and will apply to a small number of people who work in Northern Ireland universities or research organisations. <BR /> <BR />Clause 11 provides the Secretary of State with the power to make regulations to implement area-based management tools following decisions of the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction Conference of the Parties. A person from Northern Ireland participating in a project on the high seas will be required to comply with those regulations. Clause 13 relates to directions to UK craft, and Northern Ireland craft will be required to comply with those directions.”