Did You Know:
- A Special Protection Area has been allocated to marine life off the Wexford coast to protect 20 species of seabirds.
- The protected area is issued under the EU birds Directive which aims to conserve all wild birds in the EU by setting out rules for their protection, management and control and covers birds, their eggs, nests and habitats.
- This sea protected area is one of the largest in Ireland, and bigger than the county of Wexford.
- These specific waters are home to some of our rarest birds such as the red throated diver, the razorbill which are threatened species.
- This new SPA brings Ireland’s marine protected areas up to 10% which is still quite small on the grand scale of things considering the country is surrounded by the sea.
- However, Ireland aims to increase Marine Protected Areas to 30% by 2023 with legislation due to be drafted last year which was deferred. It’s expected to be drafted by March.
What You Can Do:
- Follow Fair Seas and Gov.ie for further information on the legislation on marine protected areas.
- Join campaigns and advocate for greater care to our sea life and marine biodiversity.
Find Out More:
