An area off the South West coast has been included in a list of 'hope spots' for endangered species.
The 'Greater Skellig Coast' has humpback whales, sharks, and sea bird colonies along its waters.
The area of the Atlantic - which stretches from Kenmare Bay, to Loop Head in County Clare - has now secured a spot on the international 'Mission Blue' list.
Waterford MEP, Grace O'Sullivan, is a former Greenpeace activist.
She says the accolade is the result of years of hard work.
"This is really on the back of the work of so many civil society groups so it's really a big achievement on their part," she said.
MEP O'Sullivan says it's a win for marine biodiversity.
The types of marine creatures in the area range from fin whales to puffins.
"This is a place of real international importance in terms of marine biodiversity and it's very good for climate change because a healthy ocean means healthy possibility for a carbon sequestration," she said.
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