Call for fishing ban to protect West coral reefs

http://www.galwayindependent.com/local- ... ral-reefs/

Call for fishing ban to protect West coral reefs
Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Fishing off certain areas of the west coast could be banned in a bid to protect some of the best examples of deep-sea coral reefs in Europe.

Environment Minister John Gormley has called for the implementation of an EU fishing ban on ecologically sensitive areas off the West coast.

The reefs, 500 metres under water, play host to one of the richest ecological marine systems in Europe, including a number of endangered species.

The European Commission has now accepted Ireland's proposal for a fishing ban on four areas covering a total of 2,500 square kilometres of water off the West coast.

The four areas have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation and will be the first deep-sea marine sites in Europe to be protected under the Habitats Directive.

The reefs harbour an immensely rich ecosystem that is home to more than 900 species.

"The closures would be the first in Ireland's history to protect marine biodiversity from fishing activities and the move would represent an important landmark in implementation of both the EU Habitats Directive and the Common Fisheries Policy," said Minister Gormley.

will it happen though???

thats a good thing...isnt it :? :?

it is a good thing..

but they could do with a bit more than 2500sq km

The European Commission has now accepted Ireland's proposal for a fishing ban on four areas covering a total of 2,500 square kilometres of water off the West coast.

this is what 2500sq km looks like compaired to the west coast

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how are they ever going to protect that - its a logistical nightmare

You boys I'll be catchin' all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff on the west coast soon !! :wink:

how are they ever going to protect that - its a logistical nightmare

yeah how, good idea though

three words

"THE NAVAL SERVICE"

you and mick can take those trawlers down rambo style 8)

you and mick can take those trawlers down rambo style 8)

hardly Paul spends more time with his head over the side :lol: :lol:


but it would be a good idea but it needs to be larger, it seems like its a gesture by the political powers to look green and conservative minded

hardly Paul spends more time with his head over the side :lol: :lol:

well at least the fish wont starve

Paul are you for real??????