Proposed marine protection bill a 'huge opportunity' to enhance biodiversity protection

EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive legally compels member states to establish marine protected areas (MPAs), stipulating spatial protection measures be put in place to conserve biodiversity. Picture: David Creedon

It is essential to cooperate with countries like Britain if Ireland is to protect biodiversity in Irish waters because "marine life does not respect international boundaries".

That is according to one of Ireland's leading experts on the proposed Marine Protected Areas Bill, which aims to cement the country's ambition to protect 30% of its maritime area by the end of the decade.