Protecting Ireland's coastal waters: Greater Skellig Coast named country's first 'Hope Spot'
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Loading... - Agnes Janos
- 01 Feb 2023
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There has been a decline in the number of species spotted in waters off Kerry and Clare in recent years
Ireland's Greater Skellig Coast has been named the country's first ocean conservation 'Hope Spot' by legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle.
Greater Skellig Coast
The 7,000 square kilometre Greater Skellig Coast that stretches from Kenmare Bay, Kerry to Loop Head, Clare has been chosen because of its conservation value.
The area is home to critically endangered sharks, globally important seabird colonies and animals threatened with extinction which rely on it for breeding and feeding.
Earle said: "This Hope Spot is being announced at a crucial time for Ireland because in 2023, new national Marine Protected Area legislation will be introduced for the first time.
"81 per cent of Irish people believe that we need to protect, conserve and restore the ocean. This legislation will help achieve this very desirable protection."
The area has long been championed by Fair Seas, a coalition of Ireland's leading environmental NGOs and networks, with the support of Kerry marine and activity centre, Sea Synergy. Read More…
