An Assessment of Ireland’s Marine Conservation

Process

Patrick Cross: 114221921

Module: GG6514

Primary Supervisor: Cathal O’Mahony (CMRC)

Secondary Supervisor: Dr. Debbie Chapman (UCC)

04/09/2015

Abstract

The need to protect fragile marine ecosystems from negative anthropogenic

impacts was championed by scientists and acknowledged by Governments, in the latter half of the 20th century. While the theory and application of

marine conservation has progressed since then, our oceans exist in an increasingly precarious position, affected by the rapid expansion of human

populations, and the cumulative pressures we place on our surroundings. Adding to this it is often difficult to comprehensively state that marine

conservation (MC) initiatives are successful or not, due to the great complexity of marine environments; the difficulties of monitoring mobile

oceanic inhabitants; the extended time scale over which natural systems may react to management decisions and the possible knock on effects of these decisions. There are also multiple interpretations of conservation success,

some nations preserving marine ecosystems for tourism, others attempting to re-establish sustainable fisheries. This review poses the question, how well

does Ireland protect its marine environments? Considering the myriad uncertainties surrounding MC, a second question was how best to assess

and contextualise the Irish approach? To attempt to answer these questions, the Irish MC process is investigated; issues and obstacles to progress are

identified and discussed with sectoral experts and Ireland’s MC system is assessed in comparison to similar countries, considered more advanced in

conservation planning and administration: England and Scotland. A synopsis of the development of global MC and the historical progress of Marine

Protected Areas (MPAs) is provided; literature is critiqued to support the completion of aims and objectives and the methodological approach is

described, covering desktop research, interview sessions and the creation of supporting visual material. Having assessed the present state of Irish MC, a

list of recommendations is provided to support future administrative decision-making. The recommendations focus on factors central to Irelands

MC process but also more expansive influences, such as the reintroduction of an Irish Department of the Marine (DOM), dedicated ministerial position and supporting policy.