Ireland’s first ‘Hope Spot’ has been officially announced off the country’s southwest coast by a global marine conservation movement.
The majestic and beautiful Greater Skellig Coast’s importance to the health of the ocean was recognised recently by Mission Blue.
Mission Blue is a global marine conservation movement that dubbed the area Ireland’s first ‘Hope Spot’.
They classify this as being a place which has been scientifically identified as being of critical importance to the overall health of the ocean.
Mission Blue – a global marine conservation movement
Legendary oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle leads Mission Blue. She now operates an expansive network of 148 ‘Hope Spots’ across the globe.
The organisation was created to inspire public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of Marine Protected Areas.
There are many other existing ‘Hope Spots’ identified by Mission Blue. These include areas such as the Galápagos Islands, the Northwest Passage, the Great Barrier Reef and parts of Antarctica.
Some locations are already formally protected, while others are still acquiring defined protection.
The Greater Skellig Coast – a critical area for conservation
The Greater Skellig Coast is a vastly large area. It stretches from Kenmare Bay in County Kerry to Loop Head in County Clare. As such, it covers an area of approximately 7,000 km2 of Irish coastal waters.
It is home to many critically endangered sharks, globally important seabird colonies, and other animals that currently face extinction. These creatures rely on the Greater Skellig Coast area for breeding and feeding.
Mission Blue have identified it as an important area. The Greater Skellig Coast is also being championed by Fair Seas.
This is a coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental non-governmental organisations and networks. It is also supported by Sea Synergy, a marine awareness and activity centre located in Kerry.
Aoife O’Mahony, Campaign Manager for Fair Seas, and Lucy Hunt have been named champions of the Greater Skellig Coast ‘Hope Spot’ by Mission Blue.
Lucy Hunt said, “The Hope Spot designation confirms what we already knew in Co Kerry and Co Clare, that the ocean is critically important.
“It’s my wish that this designation will help inspire people to take a closer look at what the ocean offers and that we will see more ‘Hope Spots’ and action to live in harmony with Ireland’s ocean”.
Protecting the Irish environment – something of utmost importance
Aoife O’Mahony said, “It is incredible to see a small part of Ireland’s seas being recognised as critically important to global ocean health by Mission Blue and joining the likes of the Galapágos Islands and other world-famous marine locations”.
When speaking about the importance of protecting the Irish environment, Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin commented on the matter.
She said, “Our small island of Ireland is not only draped in a wealth of natural beauty, but it is also surrounded by an ocean filled with an assortment of marine life and a coastline, which houses numerous colonies of birds and wildlife.
“This all contributes to the richness and attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for tourists and all of which needs to be preserved and protected”.
