(AGENPARL) - Roma, 20 Ottobre 2026 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS

20 October 2026

Portrush Coastal Zone celebrates major milestone in visitor engagement

A record-breaking number of visitors came through the doors of the DAERA Portrush Coastal Zone in 2026 to learn about Northern Ireland's marine environment, figures revealed today.

A total of 61,315 visitors visited the centre, which features interactive exhibits about Northern Ireland's marine habitats and hosts educational and community outreach events.

A total of 1,310 people participated in educational activities during 37 school and community group visits.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "The continued success of Portrush Coastal Zone demonstrates the growing appetite for learning about our marine environment. Through its educational programmes, exhibits and outreach work, the centre is helping people of all ages better understand and appreciate Northern Ireland's rich marine heritage.

"I was delighted to launch the Northern Ireland Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy at the centre earlier this year. Sharks, skates and rays are an important part of our natural heritage and play a vital role in maintaining healthy, resilient marine ecosystems. By working together, we can improve our understanding, strengthen protection for the habitats they rely on, and help secure a better future for these remarkable species in Northern Ireland waters."

Visitors to the centre this year also enjoyed a range of new and enhanced attractions, including updated exhibits, improved interpretation panels, an immersive marine wildlife video produced by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, and the display of the largest preserved thresher shark in the UK and Ireland.

One of the season's most popular attractions has been the development of small-spotted catshark egg cases within the centre's aquaria. The exhibit provided a rare opportunity for visitors to observe shark embryos developing up close and learn more about the life cycle of a species commonly found in Northern Ireland's waters.