Irish governments integrated maritime plan, Harnessing Our Oceans Wealth, aims at ”Achieving health ecosystems that provide monetary and non-monetary goods and services – food, climate, health and well-being...Increase Irelands engagement with the sea to strengthen maritime identity and increase the awareness of the value, opportunities and social benefits of engaging with the sea.”

Mussel aquaculture industry is of huge economic value to the Irish economy. The industry experienced a rapid expansion in production in the beginning of the 21th century, generating 30,600 tonnes in 2005, valued at €23 million. Decreasing seed stock in the Irish Sea, premature harvesting of mussel seed and poor weather conditions has slowed productivity in this sector, with production in 2012 reaching a mere 6,000 tonnes.

This has led to the government granting licences for exploit the mussel seeds in five Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). This will entail dredging activities to be undertaken in Castlemarine Harbour in Dingle bay, Wicklow reef, Long bank, Blackwater Bank off Wicklow coast and off Dublin’s coast. Dredging for mussel seed is an environmentally destructive form of fishing which catches non-target species and destroys the flora and fauna which support the base of the food chain.

In addition to damaging the environment, exploitation of conservation areas makes a mockery of EU legislation put in place to provide an ecosystem based approach to conservation, helping to maintain biodiversity, protect vulnerable/rare species, provides spawning grounds and nurseries for juvenile fish to reach maturity, therefore securing fish stocks for future generations.

The Irish governments Food Harvest 2020 sets an ambitious target of a 78% increased production, generating revenue of €1 billion. The fisheries and aquaculture industry is of huge economic importance to the island of Ireland, however politician’s short sightedness could lead to a complete collapse of the industry, by exploiting sites which are crucial for healthy and productive seas. Mussel stocks are under increasing pressure, therefore a balance must be struck between economic development and environmental protection to ensure Ireland’s marine resources are harnessed sustainably. This can be achieved through the implementation of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA).

Inform Simon Coveney, Minister for Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, that you are opposed of exploiting resources in marine conservation sites by signing and sharing this petition.

A letter will be sent to the Minister expressing our concerns.

Thank you for your support!

Further Information:

Irelands SAC’s: http://www.npws.ie/protectedsites/specialareasofconservationsac/

Irish Wildlife Trust: http://iwt.ie/2013/10/scientists-call-on-simon-coveney-to-better-protect-the-marine-environment/

BIM – The Rising Tide: http://www.bim.ie/media/bim/content/publications/corporate-other-publications/thumbnails/bim_146THE%20RISING%20TIDE%20-%20A%20Review%20of%20the%20Bottom%20Grown%20%28BG%29%20Mussel%20Sector%20on%20the%20Island%20of%20Ireland.pdf

Edward Fahy, Overkill! The euphoric rush to industrialise Ireland's sea fisheries and its unravelling sequel: http://www.amazon.com/Overkill-euphoric-industrialise-fisheries-unravelling/dp/0957521804