Ireland has pledged “30 by 30” – to place 30% of its vast maritime territory under legal protection by 2030 – a commitment under the UN biodiversity framework to halt species decline and restore marine ecosystems.
Yet, with endangered basking sharks already turning up dead off Co Clare, and other EU states mapping their protected zones, the legislation to create and enforce Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is still absent.
And with Ireland set to hold the EU Presidency next year, the pressure to deliver is mounting.
Credit to : RTÉ News