TY students of Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine in Kenmare have been campaigning for the last two years to highlight the damage caused to fish, seabirds and marine mammals like seals and dolphins by the practice of pair trawling. Their work has earned them two major national awards – last year they won the UNESCO Young Environmentalist National Award. This year’s TYs won the AIB Future Sparks School Impact National Title.
Students Liam and Oisín explain the problems caused by pair trawling.
The damage caused to marine life and the knock-on effects to other sectors is explained by David, Ethan, Dara, Dylan, Muireann, Fionán and former student and environmentalist Richard Cullen.
Science teacher John O’Sullivan has helped the students with their projects. He argues that we cannot let pair trawling happen again this September.
The students have campaigned vigorously to get the practice banned. Laura and Collen say they won’t give up until they are successful.
If you want to support the students, lobby your local politician and sign the petition at saveoursprat.ie.
Ours to Protect is brought to you by Radio Kerry, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee. For more information check out www.ourstoprotect.ie. Find your ecological footprint at footprintcalculator.org
