Government extends funding to protect vital marine ecosystem

An Irish-led international consortium will this month begin extensive aerial surveys of almost 500,000km2 of Ireland’s maritime area. The ObSERVE 2 Aerial survey will help build a greater understanding of Ireland’s marine species and the habitats they need to survive and to thrive.

Our ocean area is home to an amazing array of marine life including whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds which we are committed to protect. Our natural marine environment and its renewable energy resources can also help us to meet our climate goals, and the Government is committed to understanding and protecting our marine life when developing plans for the offshore.

The ObSERVE programme helps us to plan marine activities and development, without threatening sensitive marine ecosystems. The Programme is jointly funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI).

Speaking at the launch of the ObSERVE Aerial 2 project, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD said:

“Developing our offshore wind resources gives Ireland a wonderful opportunity to break away from fossil fuels and meet our ambitious climate targets. In doing so we are determined to protect our marine environment and the wonderful biodiversity it contains. The scientific knowledge from the ObSERVE project will play a critical role in developing our resources in a sustainable way. The collaboration of my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in supporting the project emphasises the importance the State places on protecting our marine environment and our shared ambitions in combating climate change and biodiversity loss.”

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD said:

“The conservation of marine biodiversity is one of my key priorities as Minister for Heritage and this important research programme will support that endeavour. Ireland’s maritime area is one of the largest in Europe – we have a responsibility to look after it and the diverse array of wildlife that depends on it, especially as we develop our offshore renewable energy resource as part of Ireland’s ambitious climate action agenda. The Observe 2 project represents an important step forward as we continue to develop our scientific understanding of the marine ecosystem and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure its long-term protection.”

William Walsh CEO of the SEAI said:

“SEAI is delighted to be involved with the ObSERVE programme. We look forward to the results of the surveys that will help us to both understand more about the marine ecosystem and inform offshore renewable energy plans for the future.”

Welcoming the Government’s continued funding of the research, Greg Donovan, Former Head of Science at International Whaling Commission said: 

“Effective conservation and management can only come from robust science. It is wonderful to see Ireland lead the way in the marine environment with the original ObSERVE programme and now ObSERVE 2.”