We have a duty to protect our marine life for the benefit of all

SIR,

The reality of climate change and the resultant warming of the oceans has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of cetacteans, particularly dolphins and certain types of whales, residing in the waters off the south and west coast of Ireland.

These very beautiful and relatively rare creatures are beginning to not only increase in number but to also make our off-shore waters their long-term homes.

We are familiar with the presence of dolphins thanks to Fungi in Dingle harbour and to the pods in the Shannon estuary. But there has been a large increase in the number of humpback whales along the south and west coast of Ireland.

These creatures need our protection – protection firstly from foreign trawlers. Unscrupulous fishing has robbed our waters of millions of euro worth of fish. They are quite capable of plundering our dolphins and whales.

Since the 1960’s all Irish territorial waters are whale and dolphin sanctuaries. We must ensure that they are safeguarded.

Sprat is a staple diet of many of these creatures and over-fishing of sprat could have an adverse impact on the survival of the whales and dolphin. We must ensure that sprat resources are properly managed and safeguarded.

We must seek to ensure that micro plastics and poisonous chemicals do not get into the oceans. These materials have the potential to be lethal to all marine life.

Proper protection for the cetacean population in our territorial waters will hugely benefit coastal economies, as very many people will wish to travel by boat to see these majestic creatures of the deep in their new Irish coastal habitats. This is already taking place from certain coastal towns.

We should feel deeply privi- leged and duty bound to offer to the whales and dolphins every possible protection.

By so doing we will be giving protection to very beautiful creatures and also be giving vibrancy and economic hope to areas suffering deprivation, Sincerely,

Michael Gleeson [Cllr], Clasheen, Killarney

Humpback Whales are increasingly common in Irish waters