Deep water trawling - Spectacular coral reefs at high risk

REVELATIONS that deep water trawling is causing widespread damage to coral reefs off Ireland and Britain have once again put the spotlight on the feckless attitude of commercial fishermen towards the natural environment.

Underlining the relevance of the Festival of Science in Dublin and dispelling any lingering doubts about the significance of Ireland’s zone, delegates saw spectacular images of curious organisms living among the corals a kilometre deep off the west coast.

From a scientific viewpoint, the seabed around Ireland is regarded as among the most interesting in the world. But according to one scientist, the rich corals zone is literally being bulldozed by deep water trawling.