FOUR OUT OF FIVE PEOPLE SURVEYED SAY GOVERNMENT IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT IRELAND’S SEAS

Four out of five people surveyed say Government is not doing enough to protect Ireland’s seas. Fair Seas says Government confusion is delaying crucial marine conservation laws

Fair Seas says a lack of leadership in government is delaying the introduction of key marine conservation legislation. A new survey, carried out on behalf of a coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental groups, has found that almost 60% of respondents want action on both Marine Protected Areas and Offshore Renewable Energy prioritised, while more than eight in ten agree sustainable fishing and conservation can work together to support healthy seas and strong communities.

The RED C survey has highlighted a clear mandate from the public for stronger governmental action and legislation. The poll, carried out ahead of World Oceans Day on Sunday, June 8th, shows that just 17% of people surveyed believe the government is doing enough to tackle the threats to Ireland’s marine environment.

Fair Seas Campaign Coordinator, Dr Donal Griffin said the survey findings are absolutely consistent with their experience to date:

“This legislation was first promised in 2023 under the previous government which, despite much work in drafting a new MPA bill, they failed to deliver. Now six months into the new government we have never felt further away from the introduction of this badly needed law. When it comes to the MPA bill and legislation, increasingly the impression is one of uncertainty and confusion. If the Government is serious about meeting their 30×30 target to designate 30% of Ireland’s waters as a MPA by 2030, then they can’t afford to delay any further.”

Emma Armshaw, Marine & Coastal Policy Officer of the Sustainable Water Network said:

“We have one of the smallest percentages of our seas designated as MPAs in Europe, yet we are seeing the rapid decline in much of marine wildlife, as well as a general degradation of our ocean. What MPA legislation will give us is the critical framework with which to designate, and manage MPAs that will be essential to the restoration of our ocean. The time for action is now and crucially we need to see meaningful stakeholder and community engagement and involvement throughout the MPA designation, management and monitoring process.”

The Red C poll also highlighted strong support for the prioritisation of both MPA legislation and Offshore Renewable Energy, with almost 60% of people surveyed wanting government action on both.

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

“The public is way ahead of the government on this. There are no contradictions in calling for strong MPA legislation, and in developing Ireland’s ORE capacity. They need to be developed in parallel and with full regard to the other. Any suggestion that they are at odds with each other is incorrect and a distraction that is wasting valuable time on both fronts.”

The research is based on a nationally representative sample of 1,004 adults aged 18+ living in the Republic of Ireland, with the survey fieldwork conducted between 1st and 6th May 2025. Some of the key findings include the following:

• More than three quarters (79%) agree it is important for Ireland to live up to its EU obligations to protect marine biodiversity

• 72% agree the government needs to do more to show leadership on marine environmental issues

• 17% agree the government is doing enough to tackle threats to Ireland’s marine environment

• 83% believe healthy Irish seas are an essential part of Ireland’s cultural and social identity

• More than 8 in 10 people (84%) agree sustainable fishing and conservation can work together

• 57% of all adults support both ORE and MPAs being prioritised

• 82% of people surveyed agree a healthy marine environment is essential for Ireland’s long-term food security

• 8 in 10 people  (80%) believe an unhealthy ocean is a threat to Ireland’s economy

• Three quarters (75%) agree some of Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) should be strictly protected with no damaging human activities allowed to occur

Fair Seas is continuing to make the case for MPA legislation at a national, European and global level. In recent weeks, the campaign attended separate meetings with the Minister of State with special responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley and EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. Fair Seas members are also attending the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in the coming days, gathering with world leaders, scientists and stakeholders to drive urgent action for ocean conservation.

The Fair Seas campaign is led by a coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental non-governmental organisations and networks including Irish Wildlife Trust, BirdWatch Ireland, Sustainable Water Network, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Streamscapes, Irish Environmental Network and Coastwatch. It is funded by Oceans 5, Blue Nature Alliance and the Becht Foundation.