Dublin Bay

Historical trajectories

• Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems worldwide. Rising sea levels and increasing frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events may increase the inundation period or lead to increased coastal erosion in intertidal ecosystems, for example. In Dublin Bay, the effects of extreme weather are evidenced by the recent erosion of North Bull Island’s northern tip.
• Increasing urbanisation and development can lead to destruction, fragmentation, and biodiversity loss in coastal ecosystems. In the case of Dublin Bay, the expansion of DART railway lines restricts the space for wetland restoration and, in the past, has led to coastal marshes being converted for urban land use.
• Unmanaged tourism and recreational activities have led to habitat disturbance, soil erosion, and other environmental impacts in coastal regions, as became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Pollution from sources such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban wastewater can have detrimental effects on water quality and the health of coastal ecosystems. In Dublin Bay, effluent from an urban wastewater treatment plant is causing concerns around eutrophication, algal growth, and the spread of Spartina at the expense of a more biodiverse salt marsh community.
• There are significant stakeholder conflicts surrounding the restoration and safeguarding of coastal habitats as rewilding projects in and around Dublin Bay. For example, private golf clubs situated atop the dunes on North Bull Island conflict with the naturally dynamic nature of the dunes and adjacent salt marsh and may impact the response of the barrier island to climate change.  
• Involving local communities in conservation efforts and ensuring they understand the importance of preserving biodiversity is crucial. Community engagement and education are often essential for the success of conservation initiatives.