Pádraig Hoare: It's impossible to overstate the biodiversity crisis in Ireland's habitats

A new report outlines stark deficiencies in our protection of both our coasts and vast areas of water beyond the shoreline.

Waterville, Co Kerry. Fair Seas say that up to 36% of coastal areas and tranches of offshore waters could be designated as marine protected areas, but that at the very least, Ireland should be matching EU biodiversity ambitions of 30%. Picture: Dan Linehan

If anyone thinks the biodiversity crisis engulfing Ireland's wildlife and natural habitats is overstated, a cursory look at the country's marine protected areas (MPA) will tell you that we're not taking it seriously enough.

With the EU average of around 10% of MPA, or 625,000 sq kms, Ireland manages a paltry 2.1%, a ghastly failing considering the rich and varied wildlife and species that inhabit our shores, whether permanently or just passing through.