Dr Cormac Walsh, expert researcher in Spatial Planning on Land and Sea, explains the importance of Marine Spatial Planning and clarifies why Ireland’s National Marine Planning Framework does not comply with the EU Directive. It is not ecosystem-based, fails to map out a spatial plan and provides no clear vision of the public interest in the use and protection of Ireland’s Marine Space.
Regina Classen, marine biologist with a focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, presents the findings of the new report by Fair Seas, ‘Revitalising our Seas: Identifying Areas of Interest for Marine Protected Areas’. Until early 2023, just 2.1% of Ireland’s seas were afforded even nominal protection. The objective is to protect 30% by 2030.