Cork Bird Expert: Ireland Can Still Save Endangered Species

Seán Ronayne has spent three years chasing down the sound of every bird in Ireland, and he's got good news: we haven't lost the fight yet.

The Cork native and wildlife sound recordist is bringing his coastal soundscapes to the Fair Seas World Ocean Week Conference on June 3rd at City Hall. His recordings capture what's at stake as Ireland races to meet its promise of protecting 30% of its seas by 2030.

Right now, less than 10% of Irish waters have any protection at all. Even those areas often lack proper safeguards to keep marine habitats and wildlife safe from harmful activity.

The conference will push forward long-awaited legislation on Marine Protected Areas, which are zones designed to let ocean ecosystems recover and thrive. The bill is expected this summer, making this gathering particularly timely.

Ronayne sees both the losses and the possibilities. Whales are moving north as waters warm, and wading birds are disappearing from beaches because of human disturbance. But he also sees hope in places like Cuskinny near Cobh, a coastal nature reserve near his home.

"It's not too late to act, it's not all bad news and there is so much to fight for," he says. The reserve hosts breeding mute swans, reed warblers, and woodpeckers. It's proof that when we give nature space, it bounces back.

Why This Inspires

Ronayne's work shows that awareness is the first step toward action. By recording every bird species in Ireland, he's creating an audio archive of what we stand to lose and what we can still save. His soundscapes give conference attendees something powerful: the chance to truly hear what's at stake.

The June conference will bring together ocean advocates, fishermen, government officials, and industry leaders. International experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Protected Areas Foundation will share strategies that have worked elsewhere.

Ronayne's vision is simple but ambitious: nature reserves like Cuskinny in every part of Ireland. More protected spaces mean more chances for wildlife to recover, from seabirds to marine mammals.

Registration is open now, with tickets starting at €75 for students and environmental groups. The message is clear: Ireland's wildlife future isn't written yet, and there's still everything to fight for.