Climate change is expected to place a significant strain on all marine waters near Ireland’s coastline by century’s end, as per a report by Fair Seas, increasing the likelihood of marine heatwaves. The report, which was unveiled on Wednesday, reveals key Irish marine territories that exhibit resiliency and have the ability to foster biodiversity in the face of escalating climate challenges in the forthcoming years. These territories, most of which are located offshore, predominantly along the west coast, require designation as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Dr Donal Griffin, the coordinator at Fair Seas, highlighted that the marine heatwaves experienced in Ireland and globally in the previous summer are a potent indicator of climate change effects. He warned of the potential move of fish and other species indigenous to Irish waters to cooler northern latitudes as sea temperatures increase.
The report also states a significant portion of surplus heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions is sequestered by the ocean. An unprecedented amount of heat was absorbed in 2023, culminating in a consistent rise in sea temperatures over the last ten years. This trend can influence animal activities and migration, as well as undermine vital ecosystems that are the primary sources of food and provide coastal defence. Last summer, for instance, temperatures in the regions northwest of Ireland were recorded to be up to 5 degrees higher than the norm.
Fair Seas, an amalgamation of environment-centered NGOs, collaborated with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) to identify parts of Ireland’s marine environment that offer the greatest prospects for the conservation of oceanic species and habitats for the subsequent years. They expressed optimism that their findings would facilitate the procedure of selecting sites for MPAs in Ireland, likely to be included in forthcoming legislation planned for publication by the Government. The locations of future offshore wind farms will be influenced by the MPAs.
PML’s research found that over 50% of Irish waters are “climate change sanctuaries”, or areas that showcase more resilience to the impacts of climate change. Many of these said areas overlap with sites earlier highlighted as “areas of interest” for MPA designation by Fair Seas.
Dr Griffin emphasised the significance of MPAs in preserving biodiversity for future generations and underlined the importance of savvy site selection.
According to Professor Ana Queiros, the head researcher at PML, alterations to habitats, instigated by climate change, are already causing an unmatched displacement of marine organisms in our coastlines and oceans. She goes on to stress the invaluable role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as an efficient tactic to safeguard our oceanic lifeforms until a period arises when we have slowed the effects of climate change.
Moreover, Grace Carr, the Marine Advocacy Officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust, highlighted the dire threat that warming oceans pose to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of Ireland’s coastal populations due to climate change. Therefore, it is pivotal to establish strategic procedures for managing and monitoring the regions most resilient to these detrimental impacts.
Conservation groups assert that Ireland’s disappeared ‘dinosaur fish’ – the sturgeon, should be reestablished in Irish waters. There are also plans to set up the largest protectorate for avian species in the Irish Sea in Ireland.
Carr further states that MPAs provide a critical solution to guarantee a secure and sustainable future for our coastal dispositions and biodiversity in Irish waters. It’s essential that while global emissions are concurrently being curtailed, the MPAs are effectively managed to store away carbon, thereby assisting in the battle against climate change.