Marine

More Information

In the Heritage Act, 1995, maritime heritage covers both terrestrial and water-based elements, including fisheries, wildlife habitats, flora and fauna, seascapes, wrecks, coastal monuments and other features of archaeological interest or importance.

Ireland’s maritime heritage is of inestimable value to the nation. It enriches the Irish identity, provides goods and services that are vital to our economy and the well-being of Irish people, and attracts countless visitors from home and abroad. The sea is a global resource shared not only by many nations, but also — perhaps more crucially — with countless marine species. Managing our maritime heritage for the benefit of future generations is a national obligation that requires vision and political commitment. It also needs dedicated polices, legislation, and planning and development guidelines.

Role

The Heritage Council plays a number of roles in  managing our marine heritage.

• Ensure that the heritage of the coastal zone and the marine is catered for by the Heritage Council.
• Ensure that heritage issues in coastal and marine affairs are dealt with in an integrated and sustainable way.
• Raise awareness of coastal and marine heritage.
• Propose policy to government on marine and coastal heritage.

Objectives

In performing these roles, the Heritage Council’s work is aimed at the following areas.

• Maritime Culture and Heritage
• Heritage in the Coastal Zone
• Islands
• Heritage and Traditional Boats 

Policy

Policy Paper — Conserving Ireland’s Maritime Heritage

In July 2006, following several years’ research and consultation, the Heritage Council launched a policy paper on conserving Ireland’s marine and coastal heritage. The results of a number of seminars organised by the Marine and Coastal Committee are part of this paper, along with the outcomes of projects undertaken during this period: Review of Best Practice in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), BiblioMara, and the Coastal and Marine Resource Directory. Valuable contributions were made by organisations such as the Martin Ryan Institute, the Marine Institute and the Geological Survey of Ireland.

The Heritage Council is now calling for an integrated and strategic approach to the management of our coastal areas which places heritage at its core. This strategy should include a comprehensive review of current policies and measures, a management framework for environmental protection and management, and a campaign to raise awareness of maritime heritage. 

With specific recommendations for many aspects of our maritime heritage — seascapes, biodiversity, water quality, climate changes, offshore activities, fisheries and cultured species, underwater archaeology, built heritage, traditional boats, islands and recreation — the Heritage Council calls for:

• Clear guidance and advice for new development in coastal areas.
• Protection for coastal landscapes and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
• Specific and identifiable budgets for managing water quality as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
• Off-shore and coastal biodiversity protection plans.
• A national plan for erosion and flood management which accounts for the likely effects of climate change.
• Clear guidelines for assessing and granting permission for off-shore energy production.
• Improved conservation plans, clear guidelines, and better recording of data of fish stocks to address serious over-exploitation.
• Improved management plans for aquaculture enterprises or fish farms that will reduce ecological damage and improve the visual impact on the landscape and seascape.
• Greater awareness of Ireland’s maritime heritage, including coastlines, the seas, plants, fish and animals, coastal villages, towns and cities, rich fishing traditions, customs and folklore, recreation and tourism.
• Conservation of traditional boats for commercial and recreational purposes.

Visit our publications section to download the policy document.

Committee Members

Billy Colfer
Chair

Ted Creedon
Cian de Buitléar
Richard Nairn
Susan Steele

Best Practice

Review of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Principles of Best Practice 

In November 2002, the Heritage Council commissioned the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC) in Cork to carry out a review of best practice in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) at a national and international scale. Its purpose was to inform the Marine and Coastal Committee on developments in this area, particularly in relation to:

• Providing a succinct review of best practice procedures for ICZM.
• Summarising the findings of those practices most commonly used at different levels of administration and those that seemed to be more site/area specific.

During the course of the project, it was modified to an overview of ICZM practice. Common principles were identified from international projects, particularly the EU Demonstration projects, including the Bantry Bay Charter. Examination of the Irish experience of ICZM formed a substantial section of the research. Techniques in the implementation of the ICZM and mechanisms to engage the public and other involved agencies are also reviewed. 

While conclusions in this report represent the views of the CMRC rather than those of the Heritage Council, the Heritage Council is circulating this report in order to stimulate debate on ICZM issues, as well informing policy makers and those working in the coastal zone of current practice. 

Visit our publications section to download the Review of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Principles of Best Practice.