Olive Heffernan: Ocean conservation figures suggest a big success story, but the truth tells a sorry tale

Basking sharks, like this one pictured off Baltimore, Co Cork, are under threat. Photo: Getty

Olive Heffernan

The recent announcement of Ireland’s first marine national park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, off Kerry, has been roundly applauded, but when it comes to conservation, it sorely misses the mark.

Covering 70,000 acres on land and at sea, the marine park incorporates waters recognised for their unique and abundant biodiversity.