On 3 June 2026, the Fair Seas World Ocean Week Conference returned to Cork City Hall, bringing together ocean advocates, policymakers, scientists, coastal communities, fishing industry representatives and environmental NGOs to discuss the future of marine protection in Ireland.
As a partner of the Fair Seas coalition, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group attended the conference and hosted an information stand using the day as an opportunity to speak with delegates about whales, dolphins, porpoises, Marine Protected Areas, citizen science and the role of public engagement in protecting Ireland’s seas.
The conference came at a critical time. Ireland has committed to protecting 30% of its seas by 2030, yet less than 10% of Irish waters are currently designated as protected, and long-awaited Marine Protected Area legislation remains central to whether Ireland can move from ambition to delivery. This was one of the strongest themes of the day: Ireland does not simply need more lines on a map. It needs legally robust, well-managed, monitored and enforced protected areas that can deliver real ecological recovery.
For IWDG, this message is central. Marine protection is not an abstract policy issue. It is about protecting the habitats, feeding areas and wider ecosystems that whales, dolphins and porpoises depend on. It is also about supporting healthier seas for coastal communities, fisheries, seabirds, seals and future generations.
Throughout the day, speakers and panel discussions highlighted the importance of science, governance, collaboration and long-term commitment. From an IWDG perspective, it was particularly valuable to see marine protection discussed across sectors, with government, researchers, eNGOs, community representatives and marine stakeholders all contributing to the conversation.
The conference showed the strength of the Fair Seas coalition as a shared platform for marine protection. Each partner brings different expertise, but the message is clear: Ireland has the science, public support and opportunity to act. What is needed now is delivery.
IWDG will continue to work with Fair Seas and partners across Ireland to push for effective protection for our seas, for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, coastal communities and the generations to come.