Ocean Acidification Even if continuing levels of CO2 were not
an issue in generating climate change, its impact on ocean
acidification would require the same level of international action
to reduce and cap emissions to scientifically acceptable limits.
Excessive CO 2 in the atmosphere is leading to increased
acidification in the oceans. The entire marine ecosystem is at risk
from acidification from the tropics to the poles. The extra
carbonic acid depletes seawater of the dissolved carbonate minerals
that many marine organisms from corals, to plankton to sea urchins
use to build their shells or skeletons Bottom dwelling organisms
like mussel and clams which are the feeding sources for birds and
marine mammals are exposed to risk of rising levels of acidity. Low
oxygen dead zones already affecting coastal areas and coral reefs
because of excess nitrogen and other waterborne pollutants are
likely to increase with Co2 emissions. -Mark Lynas The God Species
Fourth Estate 2010 Chapter 9 The Ocean Acidification Boundary
Slide 5
Human impact on marine feeding chain accelerating globally In
warm Irish waters 75% of species being harvested beyond safe
biological limits (Marine Institute 2007)
Slide 6
Sea Bed Impact of Trawling
Slide 7
Salmon farm controversy Some of the attendance at the Spanish
Arch in Galway City in March 2013 during the protest against the
proposed salmon farm off Inis Orr in Galway Bay. Photograph: Joe
O'Shaughnessy.
Slide 8
Oil and Gas Exploration on Irish Coast
Slide 9
Strangford Lough Pilot Ocean Energy Research Project
Slide 10
Galway Harbour board changes tack to put port expansion on
track - August 14th, 2012 Seeking to bypass usual planning due to
overriding public interest GALWAY Harbour Board has changed tack on
the way in which it plans to to submit its application for the
redevelopment of Galway Port. The new way, it says, increases the
chances of the larger extended port being granted planning
permission and decreases the prospects of the project being delayed
by complex legal arguments in Europe.
Slide 11
Invasive Species: Chinese Mitten Crab This alien species
undermines the native ecological structure and disrupts fishing
operations by: -burrowing into, and eventually collapsing,
unprotected riverbanks -out-competing and preying on native species
-destroying nets with its sharp claws and damaging fish caught
within them
Slide 12
Slide 13
New and spectacular deep-water coral province discovered off
the west coast of Ireland Tuesday, 26 May 2009: Researchers from
NUI Galway, during a recent deep-water expedition, have confirmed
the existence of a major new coral reef province on the southern
end of the Porcupine Bank off the west coast of Ireland.
Slide 14
Marine plan aims to double the value of Irelands ocean wealth
The Government has unveiled plans to double the value of Irelands
ocean wealth and increase the turnover from our ocean economy to
exceed 6.4 billion by 2020.
Slide 15
Slide 16
Article II of the Treaty on the Function of the European Union
states: Environmental protection requirements must be integrated
into the definition and implementation of the Union policies and
activities, in particular with a view to promoting sustainable
development.
Slide 17
Cardiff Process This is the name given to the process launched
by European heads of state and government (The European Council) at
their meeting in Cardiff, in June 1998, requiring different Council
formations to integrate environmental considerations into their
respective activities, putting article 6 of the EC Treaty into
practice.
Slide 18
Venn Diagram of Sustainable Development
Slide 19
No subsystem can expand beyond the capacity of the total system
of which it is a part - Jonathon Porritt
Slide 20
Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008 Weaknesses As a
Framework Directive, difficulty in securing direct access in
National Courts Provisions for derogation Strengths Ecosystems
approach Public Participation
Slide 21
In September 2012 the Commission issued a communication on Blue
Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth.
Blue Growth was defined under five headings: -Offshore energy
-Aquaculture -Maritime coastal and cruise tourism -Marine mineral
resources -Bio technology These headings reflect conflicts between
an economically driven agenda and the integration of environmental
considerations.
Slide 22
Launch of proposed Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, 15 th
March 2013 European Commissioner for Maritime Affaires and
Fisheries Maria Damanaki said: Today we are proposing a new step of
the Integrated Maritime Policy of the European Union and offering a
new tool for our Blue Growth Strategy. By facilitating sustainable
development and investments at sea, the Directive will contribute
to make real the potential of Europe's Blue Economy for growth and
jobs. European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potonik said:
This initiative will contribute to a healthy environment and better
living conditions for the 200 million EU citizens who live in
coastal regions. It should also help preserve unique and diverse
coastlines and ecosystems that offer invaluable habitats for plants
and animals.
Slide 23
Irish EU Commission chief is market-oriented and not
environmentally friendly
Slide 24
Fragmentation of Irish Marine Consent Process LicenseGranting
Body Foreshore LicenseDept. of Environment, Community and Local
Government Oil and Gas Exploration and Extraction License Dept. of
Marine, Communications and Natural Resources Aquaculture
LicenseDept. of Agriculture, Food and Marine Dumping at Sea IPPC
Disharge LicensesEnvironmental Protection Agency Infrastructure
ApplicationsAn Bord Pleanala
Slide 25
Fianna Fil agriculture spokesman amon Cuv: says Minister for
the Marine Simon Coveney approached him a year ago on the issue of
the proposed 60 million fish farm for Galway Bay, and made it clear
that he supported the project in advance of the application being
made to his department. Mr Cuv believes the project application
should be withdrawn by BIM for this reason. -The Irish Times: 24 th
March 2013 Photograph: Dara Mac Dnaill Cuv claims Minister
compromised over fish farm plan Galway West TD alls for withdrawal
of application
Slide 26
The Department of Marine, Communications and Natural Resources
is both promoter of oil, gas and mineral exploration and consent
body for all offshore licenses.
Slide 27
The ultimate goal of the Government was to maximise the
benefits to Ireland of its indigenous oil and gas resources -Pat
Rabbitte, Minister for Energy, Communications and Natural Resources
-The Irish Times, April 18 th, 2013
Slide 28
Following withdrawal of Dalkey Island oil and gas foreshore
exploration licence by Providence Resources after An Taisce legal
challenge on lack of EIA, Minister of State Jan OSullivan said she
would review the EIA regulations in question with a view to
remedying any difficulties that may exist. -Irish Times, February
13 th, 2013
Slide 29
Taking International Leadership Take progressive lead in UN, EU
and OSPAR International Negotiations on Climate, Ocean
Acidification and Marine Biodiversity
Slide 30
Marine Management Agency Establish agency independent of
Government Departments to: Enforce all legislation affecting the
marine area. Designate Marine Protected Areas. Develop Maritime
Spatial Plans. Co-Ordinate marine scientific research.
Co-ordination with Water Framework Directive in achieving of GES
for coastal and estuarine waters including nitrate levels. Full
stakeholder consultation and access to information. Sea fisheries
regulation and enforcement. Energy Planning.
Slide 31
Marine Protected Areas Use Birds and Habitats Directive to
optimum extent in protecting marine biodiversity, including
cetaceans and reefs.
Slide 32
Independent Legal Regulatory Regime Unified consent authority
independent of Government Departments and sectoral interests for
all marine development (possible extension of An Bord Pleanala
function). Appeal structure on consent decisions Legal mandate of
consent/appelate body to provide for climate emission mitigation
and biodiversity.
Slide 33
Marine Environment Fund Dedicated Marine Environment Fund,
contributed to by all marine industry sectors to fund marine
protection and enforcement.
Slide 34
Application of Marine Strategy Framework Directive The Marine
Strategy Framework Directive in Ireland: Requirements, Implications
& Opportunities for Environmentally Sustainable Management of
Our Marine Waters Published by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
April 2013 http://www.swanireland.ie/wp-
content/uploads/2011/02/SWAN-MSFD-Report.pdf
Slide 35
Environment agencies must ensure that the environmental
protection does not share the fate of religion; good and vital in
theory, but largely ignored and set aside in day to day practice.
-Ludwig Kramer