high hopes for irish waters with new legislation

Irelan’ds Greater Skellig Coast joins the likes of The Great Barrier Reef on the global ‘Hope Spot’ list of valuable marine locations.

By Enya McIntyre

Ireland’s, ‘Greater Skellig Coast’ joins the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, in a list of special locations that have been identified as crucial players in the health of our oceans.

The ‘Hope Spot’ list, as this is being dubbed, was coined by none other than legendary Oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer, Sylvia Earle and has been established in conjunction with the global marine conservation movement, Mission Blue.

“This Hope Spot is being announced at a crucial time for Ireland because in 2023, new national Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation will be introduced for the first time”.

‘“This Hope Spot is being announced at a crucial time for Ireland because in 2023, new national Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation will be introduced for the first time”, explains Dr. Sylvia Earle.

The coasts of Kerry and Clare are home to an array of beautiful species including sea bird colonies and angel sharks, however Irish waters face the risk of losing these creatures due to dramatic declining numbers in recent years.

“We want to halt that decline and give species every chance to thrive”, says Campaign Manager for Fair Seas, Aoife O’ Mahony.

A key factor in this new project is honing public support and engagement. Founder of Sea Synergy, Lucy Hunt said;

“We have so much to be proud of when it comes to our coast and the Wild Atlantic way, from the wildlife to the views. It’s my wish that this designation will help inspire people to take a closer look at what the ocean offers and that we will see more Hope Spots and action to live in harmony with Ireland’s ocean.”

As a Wild Atlantic Way woman myself and a great lover of the ocean, this development means a great deal to me and I hope it will for you too.