Protecting our maritime resources

John Daly’s article entitled ‘What Lies Beneath’ (Forum, Aug 3) is timely in light of the recent publication of the Green Paper on Defence.

We should be energised by the comment of the Director of UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Division that protecting our underwater heritage is extremely important and increasingly urgent as no historical site or shipwreck is now out of bounds for treasure hunters.

Ireland’s maritime domain has increased to encompass an area 12 times the land mass of Ireland or a sea area of about 1 million square kilometres. However, of greater significance is the fact that this maritime area contains natural resources with a potential value in excess of several trillion euro including mineral deposits, fossil fuels, marine life, fisheries, and wind and wave energy. It offers unexplored areas for innovation, sustainable growth and jobs. The State’s rights over these rich resources are the property rights of the citizens of Ireland.