Our Wild Seas: A Call to Action Guest Blog by Erin McKeown
(Erin McKeown, Senior Marine Policy Officer, RSPB NI)
The Hidden Gems of Our Coastal Waters
It's easy to imagine the vibrant, colourful seas of the tropics when we think of the ocean. However, our own UK and Irish waters are teeming with incredible biodiversity which is often overlooked.
I've had a deep connection to the sea since childhood, spending countless summer days exploring the rocky shores along the coast. Rock pooling is a treasure hunt for marine life, revealing a world of anemones, limpets, and swimming crabs. This early fascination sparked a lifelong appreciation for the ocean's diverse ecosystems and the services they provide.
Over half of Northern Ireland's biodiversity is found in the marine environment. The Mid-Atlantic Current warms our seas, creating ideal conditions for plankton and supporting a wide range of marine species, from Basking Sharks to seabirds like Gannets and Puffins.
Image: Puffin, Credit Hazel Watson, RSPB
A Troubled Sea
Despite their richness, our seas are facing significant challenges. Unsustainable fishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are threatening marine species and ecosystems. Recent studies show alarming declines in seabirds, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action. For example, the latest seabird census showed declines in vulnerable species, including a 75% decline in Roseate Tern and a 71% decline in Atlantic Puffin within Northern Ireland.
Why Protecting Our Seas Matters
Our seas play a vital role in our well-being. They provide clean water, regulate nutrient cycles, and help mitigate the climate. Healthy marine habitats also protect our coastlines from erosion.
The ocean absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, acting as a crucial buffer against climate change.
Beyond their ecological benefits, our seas hold immense personal value. They offer recreational opportunities, inspire creativity, and connect us to nature.
Taking Action
To safeguard our seas, we must restore species and habitats to their historic health. This requires a combination of on-the-ground conservation efforts and robust policy frameworks.
Examples of successful conservation projects include seabird restoration on Lundy Island (https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/lundy-island-seabirds), where invasive species removal has led to a significant increase in seabird populations. Initiatives like the RSPB's LIFE Raft project on Rathlin Island aim to replicate this success (https://rathlin360.com/life-raft/life-raft-objectives/).
Advocating for strong marine protection policies is also crucial. This includes establishing marine protected areas, implementing sustainable fishing practices, and addressing pollution and climate change.
Alongside action on the ground, we need a robust policy framework to direct and lead the way in recovering our oceans. That is why RSPB NI are advocating for a robust, ambitious and actionable Seabird Conservation Strategy, with species specific action plans. Alongside this we need an ambitious Marine Protected Area strategy and Blue Carbon Action Plan to ensure the marine environment has the attention and resources needed to thrive and be the healthy, thriving and full of life place we know it should be.
Join the Movement
Let's work together to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of these incredible ecosystems. #ProtectOurSeabirds #DefendOurSeas
https://www.rspb.org.uk/membership/join