By Julie Waters
THERE have been fresh calls for ‘urgent action’ to help protect the Artic terns that annually nest on Groomsport’s picturesque Cockle Island.
Environment Minister Andrew Muir recently met with National Trust representatives, as well Cockle Island Boat Club and the Discover Groomsport group to address local concerns.
North Down Assemblyman Peter Martin organised the meeting in a bid to help protect the Artic tern colony that has suffered repeated breeding failures since 2022.
Cockle Island is hailed as one of Northern Ireland’s most significant seabird breeding sites, historically supporting over 300 pairs of terns, including the internationally important Arctic tern.
It is understood that recent breeding problems are linked to predators such as rats and environmental pressures. With the birds due to return within weeks, the meeting was held to explore practical steps to protect the colony ahead of this year’s breeding season.
Anthon McGeehan, a local bird expert, described Cockle Island as ‘Northern Ireland’s Galapagos’.
“Sadly its nesting seabirds, that amount to over 300 pairs, especially its globe?trotting Arctic terns, have not bred successfully since 2022,” he said.
“Getting to the root of the birds’ problem is urgent and it is great to see minds focused on trying to ensure success in the 2026 breeding season.”
Mr Martin led the call for action saying: “I met with the DAERA Minister and members of the National Trust in Groomsport to establish a plan of action to save the Arctic terns which roost on Cockle Island every year.
“These amazing creatures have one of the longest migrations of any bird and travel all the way to the Antarctic for the winter and then back to Cockle Island, about 44,000 miles per year.
“The birds on Cockle Island are under threat from rats who swim across and eat the eggs which are laid. Anthony McGeeghan has been a brilliant advocate for the birds roosting there and has been battling with both DAERA and the National Trust for literally years on this protection issue.
“Hopefully the meeting we had will now motivate both of these organisations in some action for the coming breeding season which is just three months away.”
Councillor James Cochrane welcomed the commitment to work on solutions on the island, with the aim of safeguarding the Arctic tern colony.
“These birds are renowned for their extraordinary migratory journeys, travelling vast distances each year, and it is only right that every effort is made to ensure their
protection locally,” he said. “I also wish to place on record my sincere thanks to Anthony McGeehan for bringing this matter to my attention, and for his ongoing commitment to protecting the terns.
“I would also acknowledge the important contribution of Discover Groomsport and Cockle Island Boat Club for their engagement and support throughout,” the councillor added.
