Rathlin Island is the northernmost point of Northern Ireland. The MCZ surrounds Rathlin Island with a large extension between the north of the Island and the North Channel. The site includes other Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Rathlin Island Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Rathlin Island Special Protection Area (SPA).
Area: 90.57km2
Location (centroid): 55° 19.160' N 6° 12.684' W
Date Classified: 12/12/2016
Rathlin MCZ has been designated for deep-sea bed, black guillemot and geological/geomorphological features.
The MCZ contains the only known location of the broad scale habitat, deep-sea bed in Northern Irish waters. This habitat is particularly unique in Northern Ireland inshore waters due to the steep drop-off in depth (>200m), close proximity to land and a range of deep subtidal sands, mixed sediments and rock.
![Black guillemot Black guillemot](https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/images/daera/Black%20Guillemot%203.jpg)
![Rathlin arches Rathlin arches](https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/images/daera/archcropC11_0140.jpg)
A range of subtidal geological and geomorphological features have also been recorded along the north coast of the Island including a submerged coastline, underwater caves, sea arches and lagoons. These are important indicators of global sea-level change.
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