A key aim of FutureMARES is to conduct science with a real-life impact on marine biodiversity and climate change action. The Mirror now featured our cooperation with the Irish NGO network Fair Seas that resulted in the identification of biologically important and climate resilient sites in Irish waters.
The news article in the Irish paper highlights that, in times of climate change, many ocean species might leave Irish waters and thus disrupt the marine ecosystems that are an important food source for the coastal nation. The basis for these findings were modelling results from our partner Plymouth Marine Lab (PML) conducted specifically to inform Fair Seas' work. This cooperation stood in the context of FutureMARES' Call for Knowledge Needs which provided a budget for extra, policy-related work to be carried out together with practice partners. Read more about this cooperation here.
The Mirror reports that, according to FutureMARES and Fair Seas, over half of Irish waters host so-called 'refugia' that can serve as sanctuaries for sensitive species when sea water is warming and oceans become more acidic. Many of these locations had already previously been designated as 'Areas of Interest' by Fair Seas. The new modelling results therefore support their previous work and plans for the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The Mirror interviewed Dr Donal Griffin who coordinates Fair Seas. Dr Griffin points out that marine heat waves and a general rise of sea temperatures press many species to move north to cooler waters and leave the Irish coast. The designation of MPAs in Irish waters is an important step towards conserving marine biodiversity for future generations. The modelling and mapping exercise conducted by FutureMARES partner Plymouth Marine Lab underpinned Fair Seas' suggestions for MPA areas off the Irish coast that would protect important marine wildlife.
Read the full article on the Irish Mirror website.
