STRONGER LAWS NEEDED TO PROTECT SEAS AROUND IRELAND

Stronger laws needed to protect seas around Ireland.  Fair Seas to discuss Marine Protected Area bill at all-party Oireachtas committee.

Representatives from the Irish Environmental Network including Fair Seas, the Irish Wildlife Trust, Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group were due to appear before the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage yesterday to push for strengthened laws to protect our seas.

The Marine Protected Areas Bill 2023 is currently at the pre-legislative stage and is being scrutinised by the committee. Fair Seas has welcomed the publication of the General Scheme of the bill however, it is calling for shortfalls to be addressed as early as possible so that any new laws will be as strong and ambitious as possible.

Fair Seas says the legislation is a once in a generation opportunity to properly conserve and restore Irish waters. MPAs are parts of our seas and coasts legally protected from activities that damage the habitats, wildlife and natural processes that occur there.

Ireland has committed to protecting 30% of its seas by 2030 giving nature at sea the best opportunity to thrive as well as survive. The proposed new legislation will allow Ireland to designate new nationally based MPAs, helping it meet its national and international commitments.

Fair Seas wants the government to:

• Ensure that 10% of Irish waters are strictly protected and receive the highest possible environmental protections.
• Include timelines and time limits for the important stages including identifying, designating and managing MPAs.
• Engage with all stakeholders openly, transparently and consistently throughout the process.

Dr Donal Griffin, Marine Policy Officer with Fair Seas said:

“There are a number of important and positive provisions in the General Scheme which are welcome, and if implemented properly, will help change the way we protect our beautiful marine species, habitats and ecosystems. We have before us a once in a generation opportunity to protect and restore the waters that surround our country. We are on the cusp of a massive energy revolution and offshore renewables will play a huge role in that. We want to ensure that these developments are located in the most appropriate areas. We know from international experience that effectively managed and implemented MPAs benefit biodiversity, but they can also deliver social, economic benefits to coastal communities, and help Ireland adapt to and mitigate against climate change.”

This week Fair Seas successfully campaigned for a large part of the southwest coast of Ireland to be designated as a Hope Spot, joining a list of places like the Great Barrier Reef and the Galápagos Islands. Mission Blue, a global marine conservation movement, announced the Greater Skellig Coast as Ireland’s first Hope Spot highlighting the endangered and fascinating marine life which rely on this area for breeding and feeding.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee is chaired by Green Party TD, Deputy Steven Matthew and is made up of nine TDs and five Senators. Today’s session is the third meeting considering the General Scheme of the MPA bill. The Committee is expected to compile and publish a report later this month on how the bill must be improved and strengthened.

Today’s meeting will take place in Committee Room 1 from 9.30am and can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.