OCEAN ADVOCATES AND EXPERTS TO CONVENE IN CORK FOR FAIR SEAS CONFERENCE

Ocean Advocates and Experts to Convene in Cork for Fair Seas Conference

A renowned bird expert says it’s not too late to secure the future of Ireland’s endangered species. Irish ornithologist, wildlife sound recordist, author and environmental activist Seán Ronayne is one of the keynote speakers at the Fair Seas World Ocean Week Conference taking place in Cork on Wednesday, June 3rd.

Cork-native Seán embarked on a journey in 2021 to record the unique sound of every Irish bird species. He has also created a mixed soundscape of coastal birds and wildlife that will be broadcast at the conference.

The event at Cork City Hall brings together ocean advocates, the fishing community, government, industry and key stakeholders to map out the next steps for designating and managing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

MPAs are areas of our seas and coasts designed to legally protect the habitats and species from activities that damage them. Ireland has committed to protecting 30% of its seas by 2030, however, less than 10% of Ireland’s seas are currently designated as protected and there are no adequate management plans or conservation measures in place for these areas.

The first draft of the long-awaited proposed legislation that will give a legal basis for Marine Protected Areas is expected to be published this summer.

Seán Ronayne says MPAs are absolutely vital, “We know everything is in stark decline. We’re seeing whales moving further north and the numbers of wading birds on our beaches falling because of increased and often unabated human disturbance, for one. However, it’s not too late to act, it’s not all bad news and there is so much to fight for. We need to designate more space for nature, step back and allow the natural environment to bounce back. I see how nature can thrive in my own local area in Cuskinny near Cobh. This coastal nature reserve is a beacon of hope, it’s a riot of life with breeding mute swans, reed warblers and woodpeckers, and so much more. We need to nurture and expand these areas so that they can be found in every part of Ireland.” 

A number of national and international experts and stakeholders will address the conference including:

• Minna Epps, Global Ocean Policy Director at the International Union for Conservation of Nature
• Belinda Bramley, Co-founder Director of the Protected Areas Foundation and Stakeholder Engagement Co-Lead for MPA Europe Project
• Adriano Quintela, PhD, Marine Spatial Planning Specialist, Blue Azores & Oceano Azul Foundation
• Oliver Ó Cadhla Senior Marine Adviser, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
• Robert Walsh Northern Ireland Marine Task Force Officer, Ulster Wildlife
• Grace Carr Marine Advocacy Officer, Irish Wildlife Trust
• Louise Overy Assistant lecturer in wildlife biology, Munster Technological University

MC for the conference is ‘The Positive Economist’ Susan Hayes Culleton, CFA.

Dr Dónal Griffin, Fair Seas Campaign Coordinator added, “This event builds on our first Fair Seas conference back in 2023, which brought together speakers from across the globe to discuss the importance of MPAs, the future of marine conservation in Ireland and to learn from international best practice. Now, three years on, we are still championing and pushing for new MPA legislation that will allow Ireland to meet its 30×30 commitments and effectively safeguard our vital marine environment.” 

Grace Carr, Marine Advocacy Officer, Irish Wildlife Trust said, “There has never been a more important moment for this conversation. The conference comes right on the cusp of the forthcoming legislation being published, just a few weeks ahead of Ireland taking on the role of the EU Presidency, and at a time when the Government’s stakeholder process to begin selecting and managing MPA sites is expected to get underway. Progress on MPAs can sometimes feel frustratingly slow however, we must continue to advocate and work with stakeholders to help ensure Ireland delivers an ecologically coherent and well-managed network of MPAs. One that genuinely protects and restores marine biodiversity and ecosystems, and one which is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder engagement, participation, and collaboration with coastal communities.”

The Fair Seas World Ocean Week Conference takes place at Cork City Hall from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Wednesday, June 3rd. Registration is now open with ticket prices starting from €75.00 for students, civil society and environmental non-governmental organisations. To register visit https://fairseas.ie/

Main Image: Dr Dónal Griffin, Fair Seas Campaign Coordinator; Grace Carr, Marine Advocacy Officer, Irish Wildlife Trust; and Seán Ronayne pictured in Ballycotton, Co. Cork. Seán is a wildlife sound recordist and is one of the keynote speakers at the Fair Seas World Ocean Week Conference taking place in Cork City Hall on Wednesday, June 3rd. Picture: © Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

Source