Ireland’s seas are home to whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, fish, coastal communities and livelihoods. They are also under increasing pressure.
For years, people across Ireland have called for stronger protection for our marine environment. Yet progress on Marine Protected Area legislation has been too slow. Ireland has committed to protecting 30% of its waters, but protection must be meaningful, well-managed and backed by strong science, proper community engagement and clear laws. Ireland has still designated less than 10% of its seas as Marine Protected Areas and many areas remain weakly managed or “protected only on paper.”
This May, there are three clear ways to turn concern into action.
1. Join the Rally 4 Ireland’s Seas
Thursday 21 May 2026
1pm
Leinster House, Dublin
On Thursday 21 May, people will gather outside Leinster House to call on the Government to act now on Marine Protected Areas. The rally is demanding the urgent publication of long-promised MPA legislation and real progress on the effective designation and management of protected areas at sea.
This is a moment to show public support, stand with the wider ocean community, and make it clear that Ireland’s seas cannot wait any longer.
Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring a sign.
Marine-themed outfits, placards and visible ocean energy are all welcome.
Sign up for the rally
2. Send a Letter to Decision-Makers
Not everyone can attend in person. But everyone can still make their voice heard.
Fair Seas has launched an online tool that allows people to write directly to Taoiseach Mícheál Martin and relevant Ministers, calling for strong and effective laws to protect Ireland’s seas without further delay.
The ask is simple: Ireland needs legislation that delivers real protections, supports coastal communities, is guided by independent science, and helps Ireland move from promises to properly managed protection for 30% of our waters.
It takes only a few minutes, but every message helps show that people across Ireland are still watching, still asking, and still expecting action.
Send your letter
3. Join the Fair Seas World Ocean Day Conference
Wednesday 3 June 2026
Cork City Hall
9:30am – 5:00pm
The Fair Seas Conference returns to Cork City Hall on Wednesday 3 June 2026, bringing together ocean advocates, the fishing community, government, industry, scientists and civil society to discuss how Ireland can deliver well-managed Marine Protected Areas.
This is a space to move beyond promises and into practical delivery: what strong protection looks like, how communities can be involved, and how Ireland can become a leader in ocean conservation. The 2026 conference follows the 2023 one, where more than 175 people gathered in Cork to discuss the future of Ireland’s seas.
Tickets are available, with student and civil society options, and online participation also available.
Book your conference ticket
This is a month for action
Ireland’s seas need more than ambition. They need laws, management, monitoring, public support and political will.
Whether you can stand outside Leinster House, send a letter from your desk, or join the ocean community in Cork, your voice matters.
This May, take one action. Take all three if you can. But do not stay silent.
Ireland’s seas cannot wait.