“It is not good enough to designate parts of the marine environment as conservation areas without talking to the people, groups and businesses which use and depend on an area for their livelihoods and recreation.”
That comment from the Campaign Manager of the environmental group Fair Seas - Dr Donal Griffin – highlights a need for better communication about creating protected maritime areas in Ireland’s coastal waters as pressure on the marine spatial area increases. What will be the effect of the Government’s declaration that Ireland will protect 30% of its marine area by 2030 on watersports and wider marine activities?
A year after the publication of that determination in the Government’s marine environment programme, a year ago this month, there remains uncertainty about the overall impacts on commercial and recreational use. Will there be effects on harbours, ports and shipping? What will be the effects on the fishing industry and aquaculture? What limitations will there be on the recreational use of the water – sailing, boating, angling, diving, kayaking, canoeing – amongst them?
There is concern about impacts on recreational boating as well as fishing and other marine industry in new marine protected areas. What will be the effect of the Government’s declaration that Ireland will protect 30% of its marine area by 2030?
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs); Special Protection Areas (SPAs); Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); Natura 2000 network designations, the Habitats Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive; the Birds Directive, the demands of offshore wind energy developers for OREs, Offshore Renewable Energy sites, mean that there is great pressure on the marine space.
After Minister for Heritage, Green Party TD Malcolm Noonan announced that an area of the seas off County Wexford,’ bigger than County Wexford itself,’ was being designated a new Special Protection Area for birds, Fair Seas - while welcoming the protection of seabirds - was critical of lack of consultation.
It was the second time this Minister had announced a big area designation, causing controversy. The last was in the North/West Irish Sea, about which fishing industry groups complained that promises of consultation were ignored.
In the same timeframe as his announcement, the senior Minister in the same Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien – announced a ‘consultation process’ about the seas off County Wexford, open until April 9.
Minister Noonan declined my request for an interview about this designation, but Dr Griffin, on my monthly Maritime Podcast, told me that the Government had “failed to consult with local stakeholders” and this issue must be improved.
Listen to the podcast below.
As the Government’s declaration to protect 30% of Ireland’s marine area by 2030 has raised questions about the impacts on commercial and recreational use of the waters, it is natural for people to have questions about marine protected areas (MPAs). Here are some commonly asked questions about MPAs:
What is a marine protected area?
A marine protected area is a designated region of the ocean, coast or Great Lakes that is protected by law to preserve and manage its natural and cultural resources. The goal of MPAs is to conserve and protect marine ecosystems, habitats, and species while allowing for sustainable use and enjoyment by people.
What activities are allowed in MPAs?
The activities allowed in MPAs depend on the type of protection level assigned to the area. Some MPAs allow for commercial and recreational fishing, while others prohibit all forms of extraction. In general, activities that harm or disturb the natural resources of an MPA are not allowed.
How are MPAs designated?
MPAs can be designated at the local, state, or national level. The process for designating an MPA involves scientific research, public consultation, and regulatory and legal measures. The government agencies responsible for managing MPAs also consult with local communities, stakeholders, and experts to ensure the area is managed effectively.
What are the benefits of MPAs?
MPAs provide a range of benefits, including protecting biodiversity, improving fisheries management, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and supporting local economies. MPAs can also provide recreational opportunities for activities such as snorkeling, diving, and wildlife watching.
How are MPAs enforced?
MPAs are enforced through a combination of monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement measures, such as patrols, fines, and prosecution of offenders. The penalties for violating MPA regulations can vary from small fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
These are just a few commonly asked questions about MPAs. As the government moves forward with its commitment to protect 30% of Ireland’s marine area, more information will become available about the specific impacts on commercial and recreational use of the waters.
