Across Divides S2, Ep6: Save Our Seas

The shores of our island are thriving with life, from seagrass meadows and kelp forests to rock pools and salt marshes. In the face of global challenges for our oceans, how can a balance be found between conservation strategies and community needs in highly dynamic marine environments? In this episode we discuss some of the issues facing our coastal areas with experts in the field of marine conservation. Supporting the recovery of marine life will take a concerted effort all around our coasts and we look at innovative approaches through marine protected areas and nature restoration that can have benefits for climate change, biodiversity, and livelihoods.

Richard Nairn is a writer and ecologist who holds a Master’s Degree in Zoology. He has published seven previous books including a recent trilogy on nature in Ireland. In Wild Shores, he explores the coasts of our island under sail, and in Future Wild, he looks at possibilities for nature restoration.

Robert Walsh is the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force officer, representing a coalition of environmental NGOs working on ensuring healthy, resilient, and productive seas for Northern Ireland. They have an MSc in Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment from Heriot-Watt University and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from the University of Stirling. With over 10 year’s worth of experience in marine environmental management, Robert is passionate about ensuring marine environmental management that works holistically across regions.

Anna Murtagh is the Marine Protected Area Officer for Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council. Growing up sailing, she was captivated by the fascinating marine life that Ireland has to offer, which naturally inspired her to study marine biology. Through her studies, the importance of protecting our marine life became even clearer, and since then, she has been dedicated to conserving our marine ecosystems. Anna’s work focuses on ensuring the health and sustainability of coastal and marine environments, with a particular passion for safeguarding the unique waters surrounding the island of Ireland.

Cara Bradley is the Marine Conservation Officer at Ulster Wildlife, working to bring nature back through the restoration of European Native Oyster populations in Belfast Lough.

For more information on marine protected areas, take a look at Fair Seas, where you can also learn more about the 30 by 30 strategy, which aims to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. In the episode we discuss the need for better understanding of our seas that can be developed through ocean literacy, and the Irish Ocean Literacy Network is doing great work in this sphere. For an example of community led nature restoration, take a look at Seawilding, a seagrass and native oyster initiative in Lough Craignish, Scotland.