Description
This two-part webinar presentation will explore the data and evidence requirements of marine spatial planning in Ireland, with a particular focus on data coordination, information services, and assessments that support evidence-based planning and decision-making. Part two will focus on the Operational Monitoring of Marine Spatial Planning in Ireland, and what an ecosystem based approach to monitoring looks like in the marine environment.
Michael Arrigan is the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Data and Reporting Coordinator at the Marine Institute, Ireland. He coordinates marine data and evidence that supports national marine planning, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.
With an MSc in Climate Change and more than a decade of experience in the marine sector, Michael works across national and international initiatives relating to marine spatial planning, marine data management, and ocean governance. He regularly contributes to conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects aimed at strengthening the evidence base for MSP and supporting international knowledge exchange.
Yvonne Leahy is the Marine Ecologist with the Marine Environment and Planning section of the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. She advises on the environmental elements to the National Designated Marine Area Plan for Offshore Renewal Energy, and oversees the implementation of the environmental elements of the South Coast DMAP including the Regional Level Surveys and development of an operational monitoring programme.
Previously Yvonne worked with the Foreshore Unit where she was involved in a number of Judicial Reviews of the Site Surveys for the Phase I projects. Prior to that she was a marine ecologist with NPWS where she developed the site-specific conservation objectives for the marine habitats. She is on the ICES working group on the Marine Benthal and Renewable Energy Developments.
