This Plain English fact sheet outlines the work done by the EPA in monitoring and assessing Ireland’s marine environment.
Summary: Ecologically healthy marine waters are a valuable natural resource. They support a rich and diverse range of ecosystems, habitats and species, and they are also a source of food – from wild fisheries and aquaculture. They are also important for recreational activities and tourism.
Transitional and coastal waters are assessed under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
Having coordinated frameworks for water quality for all the water bodies in Ireland, and across Europe, allows us to compare our results with other countries.
It allows us to see what works to help us make sure all our water bodies achieve at least ‘good’ status, and no deterioration occurs.
https://www.epa.ie/media/epa-2020/monitoring-amp-assessment/freshwater-amp-marine/Cover-from-Assessing-Marine-Water-Quality---EPA-Factsheet.jpg