Protecting the Ocean: Endangered Marine Species in Irish and UK Waters

The waters surrounding Ireland and the UK are home to a stunning variety of marine life, from majestic whales to elusive sharks and ancient sea turtles. Yet, many of these species are teetering on the brink of extinction. Their survival depends not only on global efforts but also on how we care for our local marine habitats.

Photo by Max Gotts on Unsplash

The Ocean's Red List: 10 Endangered Marine Animals

Here are ten of the most endangered marine animals found in Irish and UK waters (excluding birds):

1. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – Vulnerable globally but critically endangered locally due to plastic pollution and bycatch.
2. Angelshark (Squatina squatina) – Once common, now nearly extinct from bottom trawling and habitat loss.
3. North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) – Critically endangered; ship strikes and entanglement pose ongoing threats.
4. Common Seal (Harbour Seal) (Phoca vitulina) – Still present but under local pressure from pollution and disturbance.
5. Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus) – Critically endangered in the Northeast Atlantic from overfishing.
6. Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) – A large flatfish that has been overexploited.
7. Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) – Heavily fished historically; now critically endangered.
8. Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) – Endangered due to historic whaling and modern threats like noise pollution. - Check Out Our "For The Fin Whale Eco Tote Bag"
9. Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) – Rare, critically endangered from finning and bycatch.
10. Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) – Common in some areas but increasingly vulnerable to bycatch and noise.

Photo by Zac Bowling on Unsplash

Why Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Matter

Marine Protected Areas are regions of the ocean designated to conserve biodiversity and manage resources sustainably. MPAs can:

1. Create safe havens for endangered species to feed, breed, and recover.
2. Restrict destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling.
3. Protect vital habitats like kelp forests, reefs, and seagrass beds.

In Irish and UK waters, MPAs form part of a growing conservation network. However, enforcement and coverage still fall short of what’s needed. For example:

The UK has designated over 350 MPAs, but many are still open to harmful fishing practices.

Ireland has lagged behind with fewer than 10% of its waters under MPA protection, though the government plans to increase this to 30% by 2030 under EU commitments.

Ongoing Conservation Efforts

Numerous organisations are working hard to protect marine life:

• Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) – www.iwdg.ie
• Seal Rescue Ireland – www.sealrescueireland.org
• Shark Trust UK – www.sharktrust.org
• Marine Conservation Society – www.mcsuk.org
• Fair Seas Ireland – www.fairseas.ie

These groups are involved in research, public awareness, beach clean-ups, rescue missions, and lobbying for stronger marine laws.

Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash

How You Can Help - For The Ocean

You don't have to live by the sea to make a difference. Here are some ways you can support marine conservation:

• Support marine charities through donations or volunteering.
• Reduce single-use plastics and properly dispose of waste.
• Participate in citizen science: report marine wildlife sightings to IWDG or join coastal surveys.
• Eat sustainably sourced seafood and avoid overfished species.
• Contact your representatives to support stronger marine protection laws.

The Ocean Needs Guardians - You Can Help!

We are at a tipping point. Protecting endangered marine animals requires bold political action and community engagement. Whether through direct conservation or everyday lifestyle choices, each of us has a role in restoring the health of our seas.

Our rich marine heritage is not just worth saving; it’s essential to the future of our planet.

To support conservation efforts why not grab one of our "For The Ocean" t-shirts as 10% of all profits got to support Marine Protected Areas. - BUY ONE NOW.