Marine habitats, species and ecosystems denied protection

An independent report on the implications of expanding Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas network notes that under current legislation, many threatened marine habitats, species and ecosystems are not covered by the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.

These marine habitats, species and ecosystems therefore ‘cannot be afforded the protection necessary to meeting Ireland’s international commitments and legal obligations.’

The report, presented to Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, says stakeholder engagement and participation in site selection and in the management process could be ‘greatly improved’. It will assist government to meet its target to create 10% of Ireland’s maritime area as MPAs ‘as soon as practicable, aiming for 30% by 2030’.

Chaired by Professor Tasman Crowe of the UCD Earth Institute, the advisory group comprised 20 experts in life and ocean sciences, marine socio-economics, marine culture, governance and legislation.

The group was tasked with providing technical advice and recommendations on the processes required and the challenges to be addressed in the expansion of Ireland’s network of MPAs, based on the group’s own work and on the views of a wide range of stakeholders.

Marine Protected Areas

MPAs are geographically defined maritime areas that provide levels of protection to achieve conservation objectives. They support economic activity associated with the sea by ensuring that activity is kept at a level that ensures the seas and oceans continue to support life and human health. They also help reduce the effects of climate change and ocean acidification.

“Never before have we, as a nation, faced the twin global crises of climate change and accelerating biodiversity loss on land and at sea,” remarked Minister O’Brien.

“This comprehensive report represents a ‘call for collective action’ on behalf of our people and our natural marine environment, to ensure that we can sustain clean, healthy, diverse and productive oceans and seas around Ireland…”

Future solutions

Expansion of the MPA network is “of great importance”, supporting livelihoods and communities and unlocking future solutions to “serious challenges that we face.”

MPAs provide answers to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss and also “hold a key to our future – as a maritime nation that’s home to a bountiful and sustainable source of food, green energy and tourism activity,” added Minister O’Brien.

Professor Crowe said that he along with the advisory group members, were “delighted and privileged” to be part of the process to develop “the best possible advice” to expand Ireland’s network of MPAs:

“Our aim was to provide a comprehensive and balanced synthesis of current thinking and relevant evidence. We were particularly encouraged and inspired by the myriad of views and opinions [from] the wide range of stakeholder groups and organisations…”

The report will be published as part of a public consultation in late 2020 and early 2021.