Type to search

Marine Science

FAIR SEAS CALLS FOR GREATER CLARITY ON GOVERNMENT’S PLEDGE ON MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

FAIR SEAS CALLS FOR GREATER CLARITY

Fair Seas calls for greater clarity on government’s pledge on Marine Protected Areas.  Mention of Marine Protected Areas welcome in Programme for Government, but reassurance required on passage of new law

Fair Seas, the coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental non-governmental organisations (eNGOs) and networks has called for greater clarity regarding a pledge in the new Programme for Government to ‘expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)’.

These are legally protected areas of seas and coastlines for the purposes of conserving and restoring habitats, wildlife and natural processes that occur there.

However, Fair Seas Coordinator Dr Donal Griffin says much more detail on the Government’s plans to expand the MPA network is required, before it is possible to say whether the government is serious about protecting Irish seas coherently and in a strategic manner. Central to ensuring that MPA development happens strategically is that it is underpinned by legislation.

“Plans to expand the MPA network are of course welcome, but we will be reminding the government that a strong and ambitious MPA law is needed so that Ireland can meet its EU and international obligations to designate and effectively manage 30% of Ireland’s seas as a MPA by 2030. Statutory underpinning is also needed so that coastal communities and stakeholders are equitably included in that process”

Despite repeated pledges from the last government, publication of the near completed MPA Bill has been delayed several times, having been first promised for publication in summer 2023.

Jack O’Donovan Trá, Fair Seas Communications Officer said:

“The pledge to expand MPAs is certainly a welcome inclusion in the Programme for Government and we look forward to working with the incoming Government to ensure that happens in a timely manner. However we will be seeking reassurance from the government and the relevant Minister – once appointed – that this commitment also includes the publication of the long anticipated Bill, and its enactment into law.”

Tags