Most Irish people fear human actions are damaging the oceans - and think their wellbeing is linked to health of seas, study suggests

Most Irish people believe that having healthy oceans surrounding our island contributes to a healthy economy, new research shows.

Findings from the Ocean Citizen Survey, developed by the Marine Institute and the European Commission, show that 67% of Irish people think that economic growth and job generation can be supported by the ocean, seas and inland waters.

Almost all, 92%, of Irish people feel that more action needs to be taken to improve the health of the ocean and the vast majority, 85%, think that human actions are damaging the ocean.

Around two thirds, 67%, of Irish people believe that the health of the ocean and their own health is connected and a further 61% are concerned by marine pollution.

Almost half, 42%, of Irish people support regulating the production, use and disposal of plastic to reduce marine plastic pollution and believe the use of single-use plastics should be prioritised by the European Union.

Dr Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation and Research Support at the Marine Institute, said Irish people are invested in having healthy oceans surround the island.

Dr Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation and Research Support at the Marine Institute, said Irish people are invested in having healthy oceans surround the island (Marine Institute)

He said: “The Irish public care strongly about the ocean and are important stakeholders in planning for its future.

"It is valuable to have a current understanding of the Irish public’s perceptions and concerns which can be used to inform future research activities associated with these initiatives and policy developments in Ireland, and in Europe.”

Most Irish people think the establishment of a European Ocean Agency is a good idea.

Outputs from the Ocean Citizen Survey will be used to inform the preparation of the next National Marine Research and Innovation Strategy, which will commence later this year. The information from this survey will feed into the further planning of the Mission on Healthy Oceans, Seas, Inland and Coastal Waters.

Dr McDonough added: “Citizens are crucial to the design and accomplishment of the EU Mission in helping to set objectives and targets and ensuring that missions like this one, make a real difference in everybody’s lives.”