What is a marine protected area?

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are geographically defined maritime areas where human activities are managed to protect important natural or cultural resources. In addition to conserving marine species and habitats, MPAs can support maritime economic activity and reduce the effects of climate change and ocean acidification.

Where are MPAs located?

MPAs can be found across a range of marine habitats, from the open ocean to coastal areas, intertidal zones, bays and estuaries. Marine protected areas are defined areas where human activities are managed to protect important natural or cultural resources

Where was the world’s first MPA?

The world's first MPA is said to have been the Fort Jefferson National Monument in Florida, North America, which covered 18,850 hectares of sea and 35 hectares of coastal land. This location was designated in 1935, but the main drive for MPAs came much later. The current global movement can be traced to the first World Congress on National Parks in 1962,and initiation in 1976 of a process to deliver exclusive rights to sovereign states over waters up to 200 nautical miles out then began to provide new focus.

Is there a global target for MPAs?

The Rio ‘Earth Summit’ on climate change in 1992 saw a a global MPA area target of 10% by 2010 deadline. When this was not met, an “Aichi target 11” was set requiring 10% coverage by 2020. There has been repeated efforts since then to tighten up MPA requirements.

Where is the world’s largest MPA?

Marae Moana is a multiple-use marine protected area created on July 13th 2017 by the government of the Cook islands in the south Pacific, north- east of New Zealand. The area extends across over 1.9 million square kilometres. However, In September 2019, Jacqueline Evans, a prominent marine biologist and Goldman environmental award winner who was openly critical of the government's plans for seabed mining, was replaced as director of the park by the Cook Islands prime minister’s office. The move attracted local media criticism, as Evans was responsible for developing the Marae Moana policy and the Marae Moana Act, She had worked on raising funding for the park, expanding policy and regulations and developing a plan that designates permitted areas for industrial activities.

Criteria for identifying and selecting MPAs depends on the overall objective or direction of the programme identified by the coastal state. For example, if the objective is to safeguard ecological habitats, the criteria will emphasise habitat diversity and the unique nature of the particular area.

Permanence of MPAs can vary internationally. Some are established under legislative action or under a different regulatory mechanism to exist permanently into the future. Others are intended to last only a few months or years.

Does Ireland have any MPAs?

Yes, Ireland has MPA cover in about 2.13 per cent of our waters. Although much of Ireland’s marine environment is regarded as in “generally good condition”, according to an expert group report for Government published in January 2021, it says that biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are of “wide concern due to increasing pressures such as overexploitation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change”.

Are there plans to expand MPAs in Irish waters?

The Government has set a target of 30 per cent MPA coverage by 2030, and moves are already being made in that direction. However, environmentalists are dubious, pointing out that a previous target of ten per cent by 2020 was not met.

What are the international obligations on MPAs?

Conservation and sustainable management of the marine environment has been mandated by a number of international agreements and legal obligations, as an expert group report to government has pointed out. There are specific requirements for area-based protection in the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the OSPAR Convention, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Are there specific EU obligations?

Yes, the Marine Strategy Framework directive (2008/56/EC) required member states to put measures in place to achieve or maintain good environmental status in their waters by 2020. Under the directive a coherent and representative network of MPAs had to be created by 2016

How does Ireland compare to other coastal countries?

Ireland was about halfway up the EU table in designating protected areas under existing habitats and bird directives in a comparison published by the European Commission in 2009. However, the Fair Seas campaign, an environmental coalition formed in 2022, points out that Ireland is “lagging behind “ even our closest neighbours, such as Scotland which has 37 per cent. The Fair Seas campaign wants at least 10 per cent of Irish waters to be designated as “fully protected” by 2025, and “at least” 30 per cent by 2030.

How is our nearest neighbour, Britain, doing on MPAs?

Nearly a quarter of Britain’s territorial waters are covered by MPAs, set up to protect vital ecosystems and species. However, a conservation NGO, Oceana, said that analysis of fishing vessel tracking data published in The Guardian in October 2020 found that more than 97% of British MPAs created to safeguard ocean habitats, are being dredged and bottom trawled.

How are Irish MPAs protected?

There’s the rub. Currently, there is no definition of an MPA in Irish law, and environment protections under the Wildlife Acts only apply to the foreshore.

So is there any protection for sensitive habitats and species beyond the foreshore ?

Current protection in marine areas beyond 12 nautical miles is limited to measures taken under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives or the OSPAR Convention. This means that habitats and species that are not listed in the EU Directives, but which may be locally, nationally or internationally important, cannot currently be afforded the necessary protection

Is legislation planned for Ireland?

Yes. In late March 2022, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said that the Government had begun developing “stand-alone legislation” to enable identification, designation and management of MPAs to meet Ireland’s national and international commitments.

That sounds like good news for Irish MPAs ?

Environmental groups are not happy, as they have pointed out that legislation on marine planning took precedence over legislation on MPAs, due to the push to develop offshore renewable energy.

Is all activity banned in MPAs?

No, but some activities may be banned or restricted. Extraction is the main activity affected as in oil and gas activities; mining; dumping; and bottom trawling.

Is there a cost to MPAs?

The Government’s expert group report noted that MPA designations are likely to have the greatest influence on the “capture fisheries, marine tourism and aquaculture sectors”. It said research suggests that the net impacts on fisheries could ultimately be either positive or negative and will depend on the type of fishery involved and a wide array of other factors.

Is there an economic benefit to MPAs?

The same report noted that marine tourism and recreation sector can substantially benefit from MPA designation. However, it said that the “magnitude of the benefits” will depend to a large extent on the location of the MPA sites within the network and the management measures put in place.

Displaying items by tag: Coastal Rowing

31st March 2023

Dalkey Rowing Club to Bless New Boat ‘Bláth na Farraige’

Dalkey Rowing Club will host a blessing of its new boat, ‘Bláth na Farraige’, on Saturday, 1 April, at 3 pm at The Club Pub in Dalkey Village, Co. Dublin.

The new wooden clinker hull for the coastal rowing club on Dublin Bay was built by W.C. Hunkin and Sons boat builders with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media through the Capital Sports programme.

Published in Coastal Rowing

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4th January 2023

Coastal Rowers Raise Funds for Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery Service in Skipathon

Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club & SK Fitness hosted a 12 Hour Charity Skipathon and Bikeathon in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre in December to raise much-needed funds for the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service.

The skippers and bikers who participated presented a cheque for €1,900 to the Drogheda-based rescue organisation.

The Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service comprises 30 volunteers on call 24 hours, 365 days a year. Volunteers are alerted through a VHF-based paging system.

Published in Coastal Rowing

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Coastal Rowing

3rd October 2022

Inver Colpa Men's Team Win at the Islandmagee Challenge in Antrim

Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club attended this summer's Islandmagee Challenge.

The men’s senior team set off early morning to make the journey to Whitehead, Co. Antrim, located on the picturesque coastline between Belfast and Larne. The race course was originally set to start in Brownes Bay and follow the Islandmagee peninsula south to finish in the town of Whitehead. The wind was stronger than hoped for so the course was changed at the 11th hour on the grounds of health & safety, and the start and finish line were set for Whitehead itself. Despite the so called strong wind, conditions were excellent, with no rain and a relatively calm sea.

The men’s team was made up of Darragh Farrell, Andrew Cassidy, Andy Grennan and James McKevitt, with Glenda Murphy the Coxswain and the team's spiritual leader. There were thirteen boats in the race, split between two categories; traditional skiffs and all-Ireland one-design yawls. The Inver Colpa boat took off to a great start, with the four lads using their imposing strength to get out ahead of the other boats from the off. From that point on it was down to tactical coxing from Glenda and the fitness of the crew to hold the lead. Despite the surrounding beauty of the cliffs, birdlife and lighthouse, all focus was on winning the race. Having trained all summer, and following the disappointment of the Row around Rockabill Race the previous month, the four men put in a herculean effort to lead the race from start to finish. They left everything out there, Andy Grennan in particular. Inver Colpa clocked the fastest time in their category, but also the fastest time overall.

Whitehead is a beautiful town, a traditional holiday destination dating from Victorian times, with pretty seafront houses and a promenade. All involved in the event were invited back to the yacht club for food and drink. Although the team are all finely tuned athletes they relaxed and enjoyed all that the yacht club bar had to offer, well earned after the day’s endeavours. Following a minute’s silence to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth’s recent death, the winners medals were presented. Inver Colpa received the trophy, an engraved decanter. The trip home to Drogheda was long but the spirits were high.

The club look forward to returning to compete in the Islandmagee Challenge again next year and defend their title. All going to plan the club plans to enter two boats in 2023 with both men’s and women’s teams. Inver Colpa extend their sincere thanks to Whitehead Rowing Club for all their hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Published in Coastal Rowing

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25th August 2022

Skerries Rowing Club Presents the 2022 Round Rockabill Rowing Race

Organised by Skerries Coastal Rowing Club, ‘Round Rockabill Rowing Race’ is a gruelling, 15km race into open sea, open to various categories, including FISA, East Coast Skiffs, One Design and more.

At least 25 boats will arrive in Skerries on Saturday 27th August.

The race starts at 10:30 from the south strand in Skerries followed by a 7.5km row straight out towards Rockabill, round it and back again to the south strand for a beach sprint finish!

The event is supported by Fingal Co. Co. and sponsored by local businesses.

Rowers racing in last years round Rockabill race

‘Round Rockabill Rowing Race’ will bring rowing clubs from all over Ireland to our beautiful coastline.

Spectators will have a perfect, unobstructed view of this spectacle from the whole of the south beach and boats will take off in waves, depending on specific handicaps.

Each boat will set off from the south beach in Skerries at 10:30 and row straight out towards the Rockabill lighthouse. Once rounded, the crews will need to row back the same way for a beach sprint finish on the south beach.

Skerries Rowing Club
Skerries Rowing Club is a young and vibrant coastal rowing club, founded in 2012 and celebrating 10 years this year. Today the club consists of over 100 members, from age 11 to over 70, from all sorts of backgrounds with all sorts of abilities and aspirations, from recreational rowing to seriously competitive rowing. Skerries row in clinker-built traditional wooden east-coast skiffs with fixed seats and wooden oars. There are four oars people - each with a sweep oar, and a coxswain. SRC is a member of the East Coast Rowing Council and competes in ECRC regattas most summer weekends against our fellow east coast clubs.

Published in Coastal Rowing

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23rd August 2022

Inver Colpa Rowing Club Donate Skipathon Proceeds to Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge

On Saturday 23rd July 2022, Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club hosted a 12 Hour Charity Skipathon in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre to raise much-needed funds for both Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre and Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club.

The club were delighted to meet again last Saturday in Scotch Hall to present the Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre with a cheque for €2,655.

Club Secretary Glenda Murphy stated:
‘We are thrilled with the amount that we have raised both for the club and for such an important charity like the Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre. We really have to thank all the skippers for their dedication and determination on the day and in their training beforehand, along with Sean Kilroy Fitness & St. Nicholas G.F.C., especially chairman Dessie McDonald, for all their help! We would also like to thank Scotch Hall for hosting the Skipathon, along with everyone who donated, Gillian Marry and Lisa Devlin for the food and Brian Millan for the leg rubs during what was a real test of endurance for our skippers’.

It’s an exciting time for the club as they train for two upcoming races in Skerries and Islandmagee over the next few weeks. Ongoing thanks as always is due to the club’s sponsors - Flo Gas, KC Shipping, EBS Bank, Premium Pellets and helpmypension.ie

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3rd August 2022

New Kilrush Skiff Honours Ukraine And Clare

When it came to painting the new St Ayles skiff Ealu built by Seol Sionnas (the owners of the much-admired traditional cutter Sally O’Keeffe) under the direction of Steve Morris in Kilrush Boatyard, it was “No Contest” as regards décor choice. For County Clare the Banner County shares the same distinctive blue and bright yellow colours with beleaguered Ukraine.

And as it happens, there are three Ukrainian girls staying in Kilrush who were keen to help with the painting job. The result is one very smart-looking craft whose attractive handling characteristics and performance potential eloquently explain why the numbers of this special Iain Oughtred design have reached more than 400 boats worldwide.

The new St Ayles skiff Ealu makes the traditional Kilrush maiden voyage of a sunwise circuit of the Holy Island of Scattery in the Shannon Estuary, rowing at “a comfortable four knots”. Photo: Trea Heaps

Ealu recently had the traditional Kilrush maiden voyage of a sunwise circuit of Scattery Island, and demonstrated that she can comfortably maintain a cruising rowing speed of four knots, so now “some fairly serious expeditions” are being planned with the able Sally O’Keeffe as support vessel.

The ultimate multi-tasker – Kilrush master shipwright James Madigan worked on the restoration of the Ilen and sailed on her, he is currently involved in the restoration of the Dublin Bay 21 Class, and he took time out to work in building Ealu, and is seen here rowing on the bow oar. Photo: Trea Heaps

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19th July 2022

Over 100 Coastal Rowing Crews Attend 17 Races at Dun Laoghaire's St. Michael's Regatta (Results Here!)

Dun Laoghaire Harbour's St. Michael’s Rowing Club Regatta took place on Sunday, the 17th of July and brought together a large community of heritage skiff rowers from all along the east coast writes St. Michael’s Simone Sav

Coastal rowing at St Michael’s Rowing Club combines all the positive aspects of team sport, seamanship, fitness, competition and the great outdoors. The club caters for men, women and children with all levels of aspiration, from the recreational to the serious athlete.

Traditionally held every year at Seapoint on Dublin Bay, the event drew hundreds of spectators on Sunday

With more than 100 crews, 17 races on the cards and participation of all age categories (from youth rowers as young as 10 to ‘vets’ in their 50s and 60s), the event was the largest coastal rowing regatta in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown in 2022. Traditionally held every year at Seapoint, the event drew hundreds of spectators on Sunday. This helps keep alive the tradition of the hobblers of old. With fixed seats, wooden oars, and clinker-built boats, the sport of heritage skiff rowing differs significantly from our freshwater ‘Olympic-style’ cousins.

"Heritage rowing is a sport for all ages - from youth rowers as young as 10 to ‘vets’ in their 50s and 60s"

St. Michaels welcomed Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, who presented the medals to the youth rowers. In a thoughtful departure from the usual format, the club opted for eco-friendly wood medals. After all, heritage skiff rowing is truly a sport that leaves no trace, which draws on the savvy of wood craftsmanship, the power of the human body and the maritime knowledge to cross any waters.

St. Michael’s rowing medals were in hot dema at Seapoint

Club members were also delighted to see several elected councillors and TDs stop by or promote the event via their social media: TD Barry Ward; TD Cormac Devlin; Councilor Justin Moylan and Councillor Peter O’Brien.

St. Michaels welcomed Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, who presented the medals to the youth rowersd

The event was supported by local businesses: Access Hearing Centre, Dun Laoghaire; Acorn Landscaping; Ardcolts Supervalu Dun Laoghaire SC; Cafe du Journal & Bearhug Clothing, Monkstown; Cinnamon, Monkstown; Elephant & Castle, Monkstown; Georges Fish Shop, Monkstown; McKenna’s Bar; Specialist Orthodontic Practice, Glenageary; The Graduate Pub, Killiney.

The St. Michael’s Rowing Club committee, and in particular Captains Nicola Fitzgerald and Gareth Whittington, would like to thank all sponsors, supporters, club members and friends for their contribution to making the event a great success.

St. Michael’s Rowing Club was founded in Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the early 1920s. Today the club consists of over 100 members, from all walks of life, with all abilities catered for, from complete beginners to experienced rowers.

Crews train Monday to Friday from March to September, from 6 pm to sundown, in traditional wooden skiffs, as well as Celtic Longboat, with an offshore boat to be added to the fleet during the 2022 season.

St. Michael’s Home Regatta results - 17th July 2022

Intermediate Ladies
1st - Fingal
2nd - Stella Maris
3rd - Dalkey

Junior Ladies
1st - Dalkey
2nd - St Patrick’s
3rd - Stella Maris

Junior Men
1st - St Patrick’s
2nd - St Michaels
3rd - Stella Maris

Mixed crew
1st - Dalkey
2nd - St Michaels
3rd - Stella Maris

Senior Men
1st - St Patrick’s
2nd - Wicklow
3rd - St Michaels

U12 boys
1st - Wicklow
2nd - St Patrick’s
3rd - Wicklow

U12 girls
1st - St Patrick’s
2nd - St Patrick’s
3rd - St Michaels

U14 boys
1st - St Patrick’s
2nd - Wicklow
3rd - Stella Maris

U14 girls
1st - Stella Maris A
2nd - Stella Maris B
3rd - Greystones

Novice Men
1st - Fingal
2nd - Bray
3rd - Dalkey

U21s Mens race
1st - St Michaels

Senior Ladies
1st - St Michaels
2nd - Wicklow
3rd - Fingal

Intermediate Men
1st - Wicklow
2nd - Stella Maris
3rd - Greystones

U16 girls
1st - Stella Maris A
2nd - Stella Maris B
3rd - Wicklow

U16 boys
1st - Bray
2nd - St Patrick’s
3rd - Skerries

U18 girls
1st - Skerries
2nd - Greystones
3rd - Bray?

U18 boys
1st - Wicklow
2nd - St Michaels A
3rd - Skerries

Vets
1st - Dalkey & Bray
2nd - Dalkey
3rd - Fingal

Published in Coastal Rowing

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11th July 2022

Stella Maris Regatta Hosts Enjoy Dublin Coastal Rowing Success on the River Liffey

Stella Maris Rowing Clubs' first post-pandemic regatta on the River Liffey at Poolbeg Marina on Sunday will go down as one of the best in many years, not necessarily for the on-water success enjoyed by the host club throughout the day but more for all the other elements that simply made for a great day out on the capital's waters in Dublin Port.

This was the first coastal rowing regatta to actually take place on the East Coast circuit this year.

Stella Maris Regatta Coastal Rowing 2022 Stella Maris Regatta competitors underneath the North Wall Quay lighthouse on the River Liffey Photo: Afloat

Three others (Dalkey, Skerries and Balbriggan/Fingal) were cancelled in Late May and early June due to high winds and adverse conditions unsuited to offshore rowing.

There was lots of praise from among the east coast rowing community for Stella Maris Regatta organiser Pat Kane and his committee for the smooth running of the event Photo: Afloat

As Afloat reported previously, ten clubs from along the East Coast from Balbriggan to Arklow took part bringing over 120 crews onto the water throughout the day.

Conditions were perfect for the Stella Maris Regatta 2022 with a course on the river Liffey between Poolbeg Marina and The Eastlink Bridge Photo: Afloat

Brilliant weather, good spirits, healthy rivalries, and races running efficiently and on time all made for a wonderful East Coast Regatta enjoyed by a wide range of coastal rowing clubs.

Competition commenced at 10 am at Poolbeg Marina on the River Liffey on Sunday. This was the Stella Maris Club's first "Full" regatta since 2019 Photo: Afloat

While Stella Maris may have been the big winners over the day there were great performances from all the East Coast Clubs with every club in attendance represented on the overall Medal table. See results below.

Stella Maris Regatta Coastal Rowing 2022 A coastal rowing crew pictured just after finishing a Stella Maris Regatta race on the River Liffey Photo: Afloat

Stella Maris Coastal Rowing Regatta 2022 Results

U12 Boys
1st Wicklow
2nd Wicklow
3rd St Patricks

U12 Girls
1st St Patricks
2nd Stella Maris
3rd St Patricks

U14 Girls
1st Stella Maris
2nd Stella Maris
3rd Stella Maris

A Stella Maris Coastal Rowing Regatta crew alongside MV Celine, the world’s largest short sea Ro-Ro ship Photo: Afloat

U14 Boys
1st St Patricks
2nd Stella Maris
3rd Stella Maris

U16 Girls
1st Stella Maris
2nd Stella Maris
3rd Bray

U16 Boys
1st St Patricks
2nd Skerries

U18 Girls
1st Stella Maris
2nd Greystones

U18 Boys
1st Wicklow
2nd Dunlaoghaire
3rd Skerries

Inter Ladies
1st Fingal
2nd Stella Maris
3rd Skerries

Inter Men
1st Stella Maris
2nd St Patricks
3rd Greystones

Dalkey ladies coastal rowing team at the Stella Maris Regatta

Junior Ladies
1st Dalkey
2nd Stella Maris
3rd St Patricks

Junior Men
1st Stella Maris
2nd Dunlaoghaire
3rd Bray

Mixed
1st Dalkey
2nd Stella Maris
3rd Fingal

Novice Women
1st Bray
2nd Dalkey
3rd Fingal

Novice Men
1st Fingal
2nd Dalkey
3rd Greystones

Senior Ladies
1st Stella Maris
2nd Dun Laoghaire
3rd Wicklow

Senior Men
1st Wicklow
2nd St Patricks
3rd Stella Maris

Published in River Liffey

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29th May 2022

Disappointment for Dalkey Coastal Rowing Club's 90th Regatta as Weather Cancels Plans

There was disappointment for Irish coastal rowing fans at the weekend when Dalkey Rowing Club cancelled its 90th-anniversary Regatta on Dublin Bay due to an adverse weather forecast.

Unfortunately, the forecast for Sunday worsened and organisers deemed it unsafe to stage the event despite a strong entry, a full card and having laid the course in Scotsman's Bay in the south of the Bay for the two-day event.

"In a statement on social media, the club said: "The tides in Scotsman’s Bay don’t allow a full days card (when they’re low they’re low) which is why it [the regatta] was over two days. And we can’t then run only half a card, it had to be all races or none. It’s the winds that are the issue and we had to be safe for everyone’s sake".

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19th May 2022

Airport Police and Fire Service Rowers Thank St. Patrick’s Rowing Club for Support of 250 km Charity Row Attempt

The Airport Police & Fire Service Rowing Club has thanked River Liffey-based St. Patrick’s Rowing Club in Dublin city for the loan of its quad boat to train for this year’s ‘challenging’ club charity event.

‘Endeavoar 2022’ is a 250-kilometre coastal row along the West Coast of Ireland in aid of the three Dublin Airport Authority staff charities which are, St. Francis Hospice, Feed our Homeless and The Mater Foundation.

Part of the challenge will be to climb Sceilg Mhíchíl and then continue north passing The Blasket Islands, The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and finally into Galway Bay.

The club says this “three-day event will be one of the most challenging and spectacular we have ever attempted”.

Unfortunately, strong winds thwarted plans for the scheduled May 19th start but it is hoped to make the attempt again in September.

“Thanks to St. Patrick's Rowing Club for allowing us to train using their boat and to Portmagee Rowing Club for giving us their offshore quad during the event. Without their kindness we could not attempt this challenge”, the club ytold followers on social media.

Thanks to St. Patrick's Rowing Club for allowing us to train using their boat