Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.
Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to Dr Donal Griffin, a Marine Policy Officer with Fair Seas as they call for Galway Bay and Islands to receive Marine Protected Area status.
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3g8294/otp_ep_20_19th_october_20238zj4k.mp3
Did you know…
- A Marine Protected Area is a part of our ocean that is protected by law to conserve marine wildlife.
- 76% of people in Ireland believe “lack of political will to protect or manage the ocean effectively” is the greatest threat to Ireland’s seas.
- Currently, just 2% of Irish waters are protected.
- 67% of people believe that the health of Ireland’s waters has declined over the last ten years.
Why is it important for Galway Bay and Islands to receive Marine Protected Area status?
- They are a really important tool for conservation that countries around the world are using to help improve the health of our oceans.
- They can help reverse the declining fish population globally and locally.
- They can help boost an areas profile for marine tourism.
- They can provide sites for long-term research to be conducted.
What can I do to help support the implementation of Marine Protected Areas?
- Keep up to date with Fairseas and MPA news and developments.
- Keep a distance from sea birds, mammals etc. so as to not disturb their habitats.
- Eat sustainable seafood.
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!
https://fairseas.ie/ - the official Fair Seas website.
https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/irelands-marine-coastal-wildlife/ - to learn about marine and coastal wildlife.
https://www.msc.org/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsp6pBhCfARIsAD3GZuaeE3gAgWkJOZWdfEokmHqVfuqIIiqyiHvKyGZf5_YjcpeJH97NRi4aAlBEEALw_wcB – Marine Stewardship Council
For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.
‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.
