BioProtect and the Marine Institute have launched a participatory mapping survey for the Irish Demonstration Site (communities in Celtic Seas, Dunmore East and Tralee Bay) as part of a wider European effort to protect coastal and marine ecosystems in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
What’s the Purpose of the survey?
The survey aims to gather valuable insights from coastal communities, professionals, and ocean users on five key areas that influence marine spatial planning:
- Demographics
Information such as age, employment sector, and location (coastal or inland). These insights help guide the development of conservation solutions, taking into account how conservation measures can impact communities and sectors. - Human Activities
This includes any known or practiced coastal and marine activities like fishing, tourism, heritage use, or water sports. Mapping these activities helps identify pressure points and guide tailored solutions. - Ecological Components
Contributions about marine species, habitats, or geological features can help fill data gaps, especially in under-researched areas. - Threats to Biodiversity
Participants are encouraged to report any disturbances to the ecosystem. This supports research on the causes and effects of ecosystem stressors. - Climate Change
Observations of climate impacts on ecosystems and human activities, help understand the risk coastal communities and affected sectors face.
How Will The Data Be Used?
The information collected will support:
- Scientific knowledge of coastal and marine ecosystem dynamics
- Socio-economic and cultural studies related to conservation
- The development of the BioProtect Marine Planner, a digital tool being created by the University of Galway to support marine spatial planning and help designate conservation areas.
This initiative is your chance to contribute to BioProtect, a collaborative research project focused on co-developing sustainable, community-driven solutions for ocean conservation.
Join us in mapping your ocean and protecting our marine future! It takes only just 12 minutes to complete the survey which is also translated in French and Spanish.
Take the Survey Now by cicking here: https://app.maptionnaire.com/q/bioprotectmappingireland or scan the QR code below with your phone or tablet to open it.
Every response counts!
