Inshore Ireland 1.3 August 2005 by Inshore Ireland Publishing

News from the 7,000km coastal rim

Bimonthly Newport Jubilee

Island living

Seaweed feature

Page 6

Pages 13 to 16

Pages 20 to 21

50 years of fisheries research

The challenges facing island communities

August 2005 Vol 1 Issue 3 Water quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 & 10 Inshore fisheries . . . . . . . . . . 11 & 12 Shipping Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Marine R & D . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 to 30

Potential for the seashore vegetable

Decommissioned vessels may act as artificial reefs Gillian Mills reports

Background to the scallop crisis

A 45m decommissioning package to cut Ireland's whitefish fleet by 25% and to reduce the scallop fleet has been broadly but cautiously welcomed by fishing industry organisations, and is now before the EU Commission for approval.

The terms of reference of the report compiled by Padraic White - a principal architect of Ireland's strategy ahead of the Common Fisheries Policy review in 2003 - was to achieve balance between fleet size and available fishing entitlements.

`Too many boats are chasing

too few fish in most species.

This basic imbalance is the root

cause of the ills besetting the

the report states. The review focuses on the polyvalent/beam trawl fleet of 1,238 vessels and the `specific fleet' (including scallop and mussel fishing boats) of 155 vessels. Eligibility is restricted to 15year-old and over whitefish vessels of 18m in length or more, and scallop boats of 15m in length or more. The report recommends that up to eight of the mussel boats currently tied up due to licensing restrictions should be allowed to operate in calm waters such as Lough Swilly and Cromane. According to EU regulations, vessels eligible for decommissioning must have carried out fishing activity for at least 75 days at sea in each of the two periods of 12 months preceding the date of application for permanent withdrawal. Clarification is being sought

industry,'

SHROUDED IN MORNING MIST: IRISH MARITIME HISTORY SAILS BY * LE Aoife (just visible far left) and ILV Granuaile escort Asgard II, Dunbrody and Jeanie Johnson to the start line of the 2005 Tall Ships Race off Hook Head, Co Waterford (see story page 23). on precisely how the dates are to be calculated.

New regulation

A difficult scenario has emerged, however: from July 1, 2005, any vessel over 24m is not eligible to be licensed as a fishing boat unless it complies with the EU Mandatory Certificate of Compliance. Conditions include:

* Vessels must be at the standard of original specification. * Detailed survey in `dry dock' or by specialised lifts. * Possession of a `stability book', provided by a naval architect. `As of now, the majority of the 136 vessels on the fleet register over 24m cannot set to sea from 1 July, as they are not in a position to apply to the licensing authority with the required certificate.'

Kilmore Quay scallop fishermen in particular are affected. Eleven of their 19 boats are more than 24m, i.e. they must comply with the new licensing requirements. They must also contend with increased fishing effort restrictions (see panel on right). The report also recommends that fleet capacity after decommissioning should be `ring fenced'; that genuine `hardship

has generated over E1billion in coastal communities since 1985

cases' should be considered; that additional capacity of 15% should be set aside and made available to attract `young blood' into the sector, and that a strategy for artificial reef development should be explored for Ireland. The package represents additional funding of 36m on top of the 8.8m announced in April.

* Continued on page 2

SPEAKING to Inshore Ireland, Tom Geoghegan of the IFPEA said with the scallop fleet's effort officially set at 640,000 kW days for 2005, processors had already experienced a drastic cutback in the level of supply compared to previous years, with serious implications for their processing and marketing operations. During communications with Marine Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Mr Geoghegan and scallop processors had argued for a substantial increase in the number of permitted days ``if scallop operations were to be maintained''. Mr Geoghegan added that the findings of the decommissioning report gave a new dimension to the association's efforts in trying to ensure adequate supplies from a reduced but more viable scallop fleet ``In discussions with Padraic White, we urged that any decommissioning scheme should not prejudice the critical necessity, for the future of the sector as a whole, and that adequate supplies of scallops are maintained to plants on a continuous round the year basis.''

Irish Aquaculture

Looking forward to the next successful 20 years!

Home of The Irish Salmon Growers' Association & The Irish Shellfish Association

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

NEWS

Decommissioned vessels may act as artificial reefs * From page 1 Priorities outlined to the end of 2006 include vessels catching monkfish, hake, megrim and scallops. Decommissioning in 2007 would include boats targeting whitefish species under less immediate fishing pressure.

Positive step forward

BIM chief executive Pat Keogh said the scheme was a ``positive and necessary step forward'' which, by 2008, would ``complete the restructuring programme for the whitefish fleet begun in 1998''. He added that none of the vessels brought in under the renewal scheme would be decommissioned. ``We are now removing the older, less safe vessels from the fleet. The net impact will give Ireland one of the most modern, efficient and safe whitefish fleets in Europe and will be sustainable both economically and biologically.'' John Perry TD, Fine Gael spokesperson for the marine, said that Padraic White was a man of ``enormous experience'', and called on Minister Gallagher to take his recommendations on board. Welcoming the report, Labour's marine spokesperson, Tommy Broughan said, however, that it was a ``striking fact'' that it had taken a blockade of Rosslare Port by the scallop fishermen ``to waken up this Government to the real suffering of fishing commu-

nities around the Irish coast. I have repeatedly raised the issue of the derisory sum of 1.5 million allocated in Budget 2005 to decommissioning''. Launching the report, Minister Gallagher said the scheme would act as a driver for delivering prosperous and thriving coastal communities based

Fishing effort allowances for scallop: How Ireland has fared

on a sound, sustainable foundation. ``This is not about the Government forcing people out of the fishing industry. It is completely voluntary and the aim is to create some room for those fishermen who want to stay and give those who want to leave a fair package of financial support.''

Regulation 2027/95 France:

1,376,000 kW days

UK:

3,700,000 kW days

Ireland:

427,000 kW days

Regulation 1415/2004

Industry reaction

ACKNOWLEDGING the extreme pressure that faced Padraic White in his task, Michael Walshe, chairman of the Irish South & East Fishermen's Organisation said the report highlighted the major issues across the industry. ``Reduced fishing effort should ensure a more sustainable future for remaining fishermen while at the same time giving those that want to leave a chance to do so with dignity.'' Mr Walshe added that vessels currently tied up due to the Certificate of Compliance issue should be allowed to decommission first. ``The report is very welcome; however, we will proceed with caution until we are sure that it will deliver all the objectives set out.'' Jason Whooley of the Irish South & West Fishermen's Organisation said the report should provide remaining fishermen with improved quotas and a more viable future. Welcoming that a `bidding system' is not proposed, he warned however that ``the devil was in the detail'' as the price of tonnage would have to be above market value in order to make the system attractive. Mr Whooley congratulated Minister Gallagher and his officials, Padraic White and BIM for ``addressing our concerns and coming up with a positive announcement within such a short time frame.'' Tom Geoghegan of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association said he was now consulting with scallop processing members. ``Critical will be the extent to which implementation can be effected as quickly as possible to ensure the future viability of the scallop industry, both at sea and ashore.''

France:

8,380,221kW days

UK:

5,291,267 kW days

* Scallop dredgers at Kilmore Quay.

# Jehan Ashmore, ShipSnaps

Ireland:

640,173 kW days

Sequence of events IN June 2004, fishing effort was applied to whitefish stocks and non quota species such as scallops in a biologically sensitive area off the south and west coast of Ireland. Ireland's allocation of 640,000 kW days for 2005 was based on logbook returns to the Department of the Marine for the reference 1998-2002 inclusive. By the end of May, however, 60% of the allocation had been used up. Industry sources claim that the number of licences issued in 1999 and subsequently were excessive in relation to agreed fishing effort. The Department on the other hand states it was the industry that was pressing and lobbying for the

licences. `The Department view is that the log

sheets it was given formed the only basis for making an official return to the Commission,'

the report states. The report further notes: `A strong body of

opinion in the fishing and processing sectors believe that the Marine Minister ``should make a case to Brussels'' for a substantial increase in the present fishing effort'. It adds, however, that `the declining state of the local south-east scallop stocks would not provide a sound biological basis for increased effort. Conservation measures recommended by the Marine Institute .... will be necessary for the foreseeable future'.

Inadequate funding for essential small pier maintenance By Gillian Mills

FUNDING of 2m for small pier remedial works has been made available under the 2005 Fishery Harbour Development Programme. The level of investment, however, has been described as falling way short to restore the slipways and quays that are crucial as points of access and landing marks for commercial and leisure operators. In 2004, Mayo Co Council prepared a report entitled `Assessment of Piers, Harbours & Landing Places in Co Mayo'

w w w. m a r i n e . i e

telephone 353 91 730 400

Foras na Mara

Marine Institute Galway Technology Park Parkmore Galway facsimile 353 91 730 470 email institute.mail@marine.ie

which outlined the plight of rural piers - many of which have had little or no refurbishment since they were built in the 19th century. The report identifies 78 structures; 78 navigational aids and 45 visitor moorings, and received 200,000 in local funding for maintenance. The report identifies 14 `category one' structures as being `high priority', based on value of landings and level of activity. Government funding sought amounted to 56,000 for safety; 1.1m for improvement works and 41m for major development works ( 12m has been allocated to Clare Island and Inisturk, funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands). ``A further three structures for inner island projects have also received funding, again from DAHGI, who seem to be the only Department that is funding capital projects. Mainland projects outside of Gaeltacht areas seem unable to get the same support,'' Niall O'Boyle, Clew Bay Marine Forum, told Inshore Ireland.

Essential maintenance

An example is Roigh Pier, Co

* Pauline D at Roigh Pier. Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Martin McManamon, owner of Pauline D, said despite the sinking of his boat, Roigh Pier was still in a ``terrible situation'' and has been neglected for years. ``I have spent the last two years with three other local men - Alan Stoney, Tony O'Donnell and Niall O'Boyle, who use the pier intensively lobbying Mayo Co Council. ``I have pointed out a hundred times that if there was ever an accident or emergency at sea there is no way a rescue craft could be launched. If there were alternative anchorage points for small boats nearby it would free the slip, which should always be kept free in case of emergencies.''

Mayo, which has had planning permission and foreshore licences for essential remedial works estimated at 750,000 since late 2002. Initially, 75k was allocated for a turning area. Mayo Co Council spent most of this money on designs, planning permissions and EIS studies. Planning permission has been granted to carry out remedial work but no central funding is yet available. ``Numerous appeals have been made to Government but, so far, funds have not been allocated. This pier typifies small piers right around the coast. It is used by fishermen; fish and shellfish farmers; charter operators; pleasure craft and as an access point for island owners and farmers to local islands. ``Lack of investment down the years has left many of these structures in neglected and sometimes dangerous conditions. Many are without safe moorings and tying points, have inadequate lighting and power,

and safety rails quite often don't even exist. Insufficient ladders are also the norm, not to mention lack of fresh water points and toilets,'' O'Boyle added. ``In Issue I of Inshore Ireland, Oliver Tully, BIM's inshore development coordinator, referred to the inshore fishing fleet as accounting for 80% of the national fleet and providing 70% employment in the catching sector. ``These figures highlight the value of rural piers to just one sector. The majority of the inshore fishing fleet operates from small and often overcrowded rural piers, yet the majority of the national budget for piers and harbours continues to be spent on piers for the offshore fleet. ``What better way is there to have a positive impact on the majority of the fishing fleet and its employees than to allocate adequate funds to these smaller rural piers used by the silent majority of the fleet,'' O'Boyle concluded.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

NEWS

Work suspended on Corrib onshore pipeline * A digger works on the Glengad side of the bay preparing the ramp where the gas pipe will come ashore.

* Work going on in the forest across from Brid McGarry's farm.

By Gillian Mills

SHELL E&P (Ireland), has suspended all work on the route of the onshore Corrib pipeline pending the outcome of a further safety review commissioned by Noel Dempsey, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. ``The purpose of this review

engineering adaptations to the

raised these concerns, following

management system and mon-

they

landfall control systems with a

a period of heavy rain in May.

itoring plan submitted to Mayo

efficiently

County

settlement ponds.''

view to ensuring that the on-

Shell

E&P

(Ireland)

ex-

Council.

These

were

shore pipeline pressure does not

plained that since January, the

approved by them prior to any

experience pressures in excess

company has been carrying out

works

of 120 to 150 bars,'' he said.

construction work on the site

site,''

In a separate development,

and

that

mitigation

measures

commencing a

statement

the

Inshore

Ireland confirmed.

the

Shell E&P (Ireland) has confirmed that additional mitigation

measures

have

been

occurred with regard to welding

fully implemented as soon as

in an area between the terminal

tered

we can recommence work.''

site and the upper river cross-

water quality discharged from the

letter

terminal

relation

the

suspended solids in the surface

``My officials have been in

Bellanaboy

``Heavy rain is a feature of

place in accordance with the Shell

have

been

water run-off''.

Meanwhile, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natur-

E&P

commitments made in the En-

investigated

(Ireland),

Western

vironmental Impact Statement,

al Resources Noel Dempsey has

the problem, which was found

view

Regional Fisheries Board had

as well as the environmental

set up an independent group to

to be connected to the quality of

monitor the 900m Corrib Gas

mineral soils

project.

the

ponds

New monitoring body

touch with the company with a

North

Smuggling in European waters In a third article underlying the need for an effective

EU Coastguard, John Cushnahan, Fine Gael MEP for Munster 1989-2004, makes his case

THE level of organised crime in the EU is increasing, and the production/trafficking of drugs and smuggling of cigarettes constitute the prime activities of their networks. Criminals continually examine their successes and failu re s a n d c h a n g e t h e i r operations accordingly by altering routes, devising new methods of concealment or recruiting new smugglers.

difference between legal cigarettes on which taxes and duties are paid and cigarettes on which no duty or tax is paid. Cigarettes have a very high value to their end-user compared to their weight and are easy to transport and conceal. The penalties for smuggling cigarettes are considerably less than those for smuggling other contraband, notably drugs. Statistics relating to volume are

These problems were recog-

difficult

nised in an initiative submitted

come by

but are

to the Council of the European

indicated below:

Union by the Spanish govern-

1997 - 264,250 master cases

ment to `strengthen co-opera-

1998 - 471,935 master cases

the

administrations illicit

trafficking

customs combating

on the

1999 - 569,010 master cases

* John Cushnahan.

2000 - 623,250 master cases

high

seas'. (Reference 5382/02)

(A master case contains 10,000 heart of the smuggler's strategy.

cigarettes)

Although member states al-

As with any other contraband,

ready co-operate, this was an

Cigarette smuggling is attrac-

smuggled cigarettes are brought

indication of a lack of success,

tive for criminal gangs because

into the Community both by

underlining the need for an EU-

it frequently involves the same

passing through customs, and

wide

channels as those employed for

body

strengthen

formalise

such

and

being

co-operation

country.

and whose mandate would in-

Take

smuggled

Italy

for

into

example,

clude the suppression of drug

where cigarettes are smuggled

trafficking.

in for the home market and for

In the last decade, cigarette

smuggling has become an at-

tractive alternative (or compli-

mentary activity) for criminals.

onward transmission. They arrive by sea and are transported by a variety of means:

In containers or in truck loads

drugs, unlawful trafficking in arms and illegal immigration. The same routes are used, and are planned by the same organisations or by interconnected criminal organisations. Of course routes vary, but the smugglers are intelligent, wellorganised, well-resourced, mo-

It has become one of the most

carried on ferries where the

extensive types of fraud in the

consignment is hidden by a

bile

EU.

`cover load'

quickly

In motorboats or fishing boats

down.

Due

profits

that

the can

enormous be

gained,

(typically 1m on a single 40

operating from `parent ships'

foot

stationed

container

cigarettes),

Northern Ireland paramilitaries

as well as organised crime have

Low maritime surveillance

outside

territorial

waters to the Italian coast In high-speed motorboats from the Adriatic coastlines of Alba-

become extensively involved in

the `trade'.

Shell E&P (Ireland) has admitted that a ``technical breach''

print, ``difficulties were encoun-

however,

tlement

betwe en

on weekly reports from Shell.

works.

review of the management of

May,

sures.

tion

ment, which had been relying

of ministerial consent may have

environmental, mitigation mea-

place

Affairs

whereas the remainder will be

detailed

dents,'' the minister confirmed.

Petrolium

been implemented on the site

fears expressed by [local] resi-

putting

the

during

out

ponds in reducing the level of

Division (PAD) of the Depart-

excavation of the terminal foot-

carry

drainage system with large set-

that

adverse effects arising from the

due to ``occasional insufficient''

concerns

had

and

the

removed

were in place to minimise any

effectiveness of the settlement

meet

settling

Shell E&P (Ireland) has also

the climate, and an extensive

not

identified. ``Some have already

site,

could

PICTURES: Peter Wilcock

nia and the former Yugoslavia

recent

years

international

and

find as

new

routes

routes are

closed

They also take advantage of countries

that

are

politically

unstable or in which the rule of law is weak. One

noticeable

trend

move away from trafficking in

tobacco smuggling, particularly

fast

within the context of commu-

Adriatic Sea from the former

speedboats

across

the

nity fraud, has increased sig-

Yugoslavia. Illegal cargos now

Exploitation of current maritime

nificantly. The reasons behind

tend

security shortcomings lies at the

the increase are obvious: Price

`legitimate' loads.

smuggled

inside

The

company

under

the

peat.

``When mixed with water they

The group has been given a

form such small particles that

monitoring role over and above

ing,

within

the

wayleave

through Coillte's lands. ``No

such

undertaken

work

has

anywhere

been

else

the onshore pipeline route'' and no further work on the onshore pipeline

route

``will

recom-

mence until the completion of the safety review''.

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

NEWS

Fisheries management at regional level `The North Western Waters RAC will advise on all aspects of Fisheries related to ICES areas VI, VII and EC Vb. This includes the Irish Sea, English Channel, Celtic Sea and Waters west of Ireland and North West of Scotland'

REGIONAL Advisory Councils (RACs) were conceived during the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in December 2002. In August 2004, the European Commission adopted Council Decision 2004/585/EC, which set out a common framework and invited all stakeholders affected by the CFP to advise them on matters of fisheries management in seven, clearly defined areas:

September 2005. BIM provides the secretariat to the Northwestern waters RAC and has been working closely with the fishing industry, other interest groups and the EU Commission on the establishment of this Council. The North-western waters RAC will include members from the UK, France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Ireland, amongst others, and is * Baltic Sea expected to be an extremely * Mediterranean Sea prominent and important plat* North Sea form for debate on fisheries * North-western waters issues. The first formal General * South-western waters Assembly of all stakeholders is * Pelagic stocks * High seas/long distant water scheduled to take place in September 2005. fleets To date only the North Sea * For further information on RAC is fully operational. It is the North-western waters expected, however, that the RAC, please contact Patricia proposed RACs for pelagic Comiskey; Email: comisstocks and North-western key@bim.ie or Tel. (01) waters will be operational by 2144100.

Opportunities unveiled for Ireland's marine sector By Gillian Mills

IRELAND'S marine activities at international level require a `maritime brand' backed by long-term Government support, to raise awareness and attract key foreign companies, a report commissioned and published by the Marine Institute states.

global marine sector. `Opportu- The report sees the key drivers the marine renewable sector, currently valued at approxinities exist for Ireland to unlock of change to include: future potential through prop- * Growth in the Chinese econo- mately 128m, is forecast to my resulting in an unprece- grow dramatically by almost erly targeted R&D' during the dented demand for shipping 1,000% to 5.6bn in the same period 2005-2009, the report * Supply shortages and large period. states. They include: price rises in marine aggregates * Services: Valued at 2.5bn, The report concludes that in dominated by the shipping in- * Globalisation and growth of 2004, Ireland's best perforlow-cost manufacturing centres mance was in R&D and marine dustry and tourism (China, India, Eastern Europe) commerce: * Resources: Valued at 1.3bn, * dominated by fisheries and en-

An ageing and declining workforce in developed economies

Compiled by marine consul- * ergy Manufacturing: Valued at * Rising cost of environmental tants, Douglas-Westwood Ltd, legislation 544bn, mainly production of `Marine industries global marequipment for the shipbuilding, * Risk of global terrorism and ket analysis' explores the opassociated costs oil/gas industries portunities that exist for Ireland * Education/Research: Valued * Increasing global energy demand. at 62bn. to develop its share of a 3.8bn

Trends

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fresh new way to access our national heritage

Of the marine sectors analysed, the largest in 2004 was shipping and transport ( 343bn). Despite maintaining its position, the sector is forecast to experience a decline in euro terms to 2009, averaging 1.8% per annum, as shipping rates moderate. At the other end of the scale,

`We believe that the future potential of a small country such as Ireland lies in sectors that are `internationally mobile' and, therefore, receptive to advantageous tax regimes, and/or would benefit from application of new technology; or are particularly suited to Ireland's natural environment.'

For example: aquaculture, maritime commerce, marine renewable energy, marine technology and biotechnology, marine education, ocean surveying and tourism. `Once a strategy is developed it is essential to market it, both nationally and internationally.'

If you care about protecting our national heritage, and want to keep up to date on current Heritage Council policy documents and publications, why not take a fresh look at our updated website today? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also full of news, views, and information on grants, with practical ideas on what you can do to help conserve the heritage of your area.

www.heritagecouncil.ie The Heritage Council, Kilkenny Tel: 056 777 0777 Fax: 056 777 0788 email: mail@heritagecouncil.com

* Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher with Peter Heffernan, CEO

Marine Institute; Yvonne Shields, Director of Strategic Planning & Development Services, and John Westwood, MD, Douglas-Westwood Ltd.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

COMMENT

Bonamia

volved in the promotion of fishing and aquaculture must work to encourage the farming of other shellfish species in Lough Foyle. Since it takes time and effort to make the changes from fishing to farming, this task cannot be started soon enough. Let the work begin!

It will be no easy task as oysters are marketed live and often reimmersed in seawater before they are marketed in areas far from where they originated. Because of the damage caused throughout Europe by this disease in particular, the development of a sustainable industry based on fishing native oysters in Lough Foyle must now be questioned. The various State agencies in-

must be carried out with all haste before the trail goes cold. Steps must also be taken to prevent it spreading from Lough Foyle to other adjacent bays in the north-west where native oysters are harvested. This will not be easy and will require vigilance by the regulatory authorities as well as the industry itself on movements of native oysters from Lough Foyle.

Ireland - on Bonamia in particular? If there is, I have not seen it. A serious information campaign would highlight the dire consequences of this disease in wild native oyster stocks and the importance of preventing its spread. Of course, too, the source of the infection in this case has to be tracked, and an investigation

CONFIRMATION that has been found in stocks of native oyster in Lough Foyle brings into sharp focus the disastrous results that disease can have on farmed and wild animals. The effects of disease always tend to be underestimated, and this disease, like so many others, had largely been forgotten. Is there even one information leaflet available on shellfish diseases in

tnemmoC

Urgent need to encourage the farming of other shellfish species in Lough Foyle

Water heritage day: Viable alternatives 10 September 2005 needed for Newport Bay Letter to the editor

Beatrice Kelly, Heritage Council, explains WATER

Dear Editor,

is not a commercial

product

any

other

but,

protected,

defended

Working

Statements

from Mayo Co Council's Derri-

the

have

numera

shellfish must be avoided.

landfill

new th e

and

sludge

the

hub

s he l lf i sh

pro-

September 10, the last Saturday

`Heritage

Week',

designated

`Water

has

water

been

them

The purpose of this day is to waters

and

provide

series of events through which people

can

partake

and

enjoy

their water heritage. All aspects of water will be

celebrated

from

its

impor-

tance in providing wildlife and

aquatic habitats Ð to folklore,

industrial heritage and archae-

ology. Last year marked the launch

of 'Water Heritage Day'. Over

45 events took place nationwide

and included river walks, boat

trips, water testing, and folk-life The

* Secchi disc testing for water transparency off the Bray prominade.

The Hydrographic Society in Ireland THE

International

allow the quantities of contami-

we have been unable to benefit

nants to accumulate, there is no

from the county council's pro-

success

this

day

represents

the

farmed

tion through affiliation with

ciety. The revamped Federa-

duals. If anyone is in a position

tion maintains links between

to host an event or activity, the

major

Heritage

nies

Council

would

The Council can offer support by providing publicity for through

its

website,

www.heritagecouncil.ie,

Hydrographic

international

and

So-

compa-

individuals

alike,

with The Hydrographic Jour-

delighted to hear from you.

and

nal

the

centre

the

learned community. The

bi-annual

conference

held

HYDRO

Galway

national press coverage. Posters

last year also served as the

and leaflets on water will also

launching pad for the society

be sent out.

in Ireland. This branch will

Events take place

any day during Heritage Week,

serve

September 4-11 inclusive.

nity

the of

growing

commu-

hydrographic

For further details about this i n i t i a t i ve p l e a se c o n t a c t

continued professional devel-

tage Council. Email: amanda@heritagecouncil.com or

Ireland

sur-

veyors

Amanda Ryan at the Heri-

through

opment on a regional basis. The

Royal

Institute

and

will

work

closely

with

the society to promote safety of navigation and to lobby on related issues. It

well

recognised

members that an Irish Hydrographic Office is conspicuous by its absence with only two maritime nations in the world (Ireland not

and

providing

the

Maldives)

this

essential

service.

Further details from sean-

Navigation has also recently

cullen@gsi.ie or www.hy-

opened

drographicsociety.org

branch

Ireland

Tel: 056 7770777 Inshore Ireland bimonthly

Printed by

is published the

Agricultural

Irish

Field, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12

Editor Gillian Mills

mills@inshoreireland.com

the Irish Times, 10

Ð 16 D'Olier St, Dublin 2

Trust, publishers of the Irish

Farmers Journal and the

the

sewage

flynn@inshoreireland.com 091-844822/085-7475797

Production & imaging Irish Farmers Journal

01-2354804/087-2902045

Advertising

Features editor

Ann Grogan

Gery Flynn

advertise@inshoreireland.com

reduce

oysters

The publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors and advertisers. While every care is taken to ensure a c c u r a c y o f i n fo r m a t i o n contained in Inshore Ireland, we do not accept responsibility for any errors, or matters arising from same.

has

passed

escaping the fact that there will be

pact.

measurable It

negative

impossible

supports

are

native

and

wild

and

THE `Marine Sportfish Tagg ing P rogr am me ' was initiated in 1970 by the Inland Fisheries Trust who had responsibility for developing and promoting recreational sea angling. By the late 1960s, results from sea angling competitions were showing a decline in the capture of some key species such as blue shark, tope, monkfish, skates and rays. Virtually all fish caught by anglers were being killed and taken ashore for weighing and photographic opportunities. As little was known about the biology and migration patterns of these species, the Inland Fisheries Trust decided to introduce a tagging programme with the explicit purpose of introducing conservation measures and to learn more about their migratory patterns.

imsay

when this will be, but such a scenario can be avoided only if the leachate treatment plant at Derrinumera is fitted with the technology adequate to remove

otherwise

Marine Sport Fish Tagging Programme

munity in over 60 countries,

the

ecosystem

populations

world

indivi-

events

that

hydrographic surveying com-

interested

and

date,

ment, among the many things

Federa-

dependent upon participation by groups

existing

time

effluents,

No-

effects of these discharges, but

not

leachate harmful

since

vember 2004, but have still not

not

to the ecosystem. At the mo-

tion of Hydrographic Societies

the

whether

awaited

Impact

proposals

overall the compounds present in

the

sufficient

Newport bay. does

been

for

the waters of Newport bay will

Newport's

Dilution

Environmental

next year, but eventually, when

water and discharge them into

with Ireland the latest addi-

exhibitions.

with

supports

The

been published. We suspect that

that

any

The effects of the discharge

leachates and to further dilute

Day' by the Heritage Council.

our

quality.

ecosystem

will not be seen this year, or

proposal is to primary treat the

Heritage

draw attention to the heritage of

impact

introduction

dis-

centre

that these proposals should not adversely

The

before

charge.

g r ow in g

um's (CBMF) major concern is

Directive,

contaminants

toxic or noxious substance into

contained in the preamble of the Framework

all

tors.

premise

Water

this

are

ing the discharge of leachates

The Clew Bay Marine For-

from

Shellfish

Ireland (issue 2, April) - regard-

waters of Newport Bay.

treated as such.

mussels.

filter feeders and bio-accumula-

i nt o

and

farmed

I refer to your article - Inshore

posed

rather, a heritage which must

Ð John Sandford

ship

able

withstand

the

mise of transparency. We

feel

time

for

the

council to scrap these proposals and start concentrating on more viable alternatives.

Ð Michael Mulloy, Chairman, Clew Bay Marine Forum

SNAPS

J E H A N AS H M O R E P H O T O G R A P H Y

Marine Prints To Order

JEANIE JOHNSTON

DOULOS & DEILGINIS

ULYSSES

GRAND PRINCESS

For Print Prices & Sizes Ships List (incl. Queen Mary 2)

www.shipsireland.com

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

NEWS

Marine Institute celebrates its Golden Jubilee

THE Marine Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research centre in Newport recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and marked the occasion by launching a series of public events starting in September. The Salmon Research Trust of Ireland was established in June 1955 as a result of an initiative taken by Sir Hugh Beaver, managing director of Arthur Guinness & Co Ltd, and Dr Arthur Went, scientific adviser to the Minister for Fisheries and first director of the facility. The centre is located on the Burrishoole system in Co Mayo and was originally owned by Major C W Roberts from whom Guinness purchased the fishery in 1965. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The main purpose of the Trust was to examine the basic biology of the salmon, and its principal task was to solve the eternal riddle: why do some salmon stay at sea one year and come back as modest 6lb fish, while many others stay at sea for two, or even three years and come back as fine 15lb to 30lb fish?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ken Whelan, director, told Inshore Ireland. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This might seem academic to the layman but to the angler

Programme of events *

29th September: Energy from Nature, Ridge Pool Hotel, Ballina, 9.30 am - 10.15 pm 13th October: Marine Birds & Mammals, Travellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friend, Castlebar, 7.45 pm - 10.15 pm 3rd November: Fish, Ships & Cages, Wyatt Hotel, Westport, 7.45 pm - 10.15 pm 17th November: Burrishoole - Past Present & Future, 7.30 pm 10.15 pm, Newport Hotel, Newport Sept - October: Schools (Mayo) Awareness Programme to highlight the importance of the Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and the work at Newport. Competitions for both primary and secondary school pupils are planned Sept - November: The Golden Jubilee Lecture Series - bringing the work of the Institute to the people of Mayo and encouraging open public debate on key aspects of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valuable aquatic resources.

More information on the programme of activities will be available on www.marine.ie over the coming months. and the commercial fisherman particularly to the anglers who made up the bulk of the Guinness Board in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50s - it was a matter of the utmost importance,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Whelan added.

Fish movement In 1959, and again in 1970, then director Dr David Piggins installed traps on two outflows

from Lough Feeagh - the largest freshwater lake on the system. Since the early 70s, every fish moving upstream and downstream in the Burrishoole system has been manually counted. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This has resulted in an information bank that is unique and is the envy of every other salmon and eel producing nation. Burrishoole is now ranked as one of the key index systems

in the north Atlantic,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Whelan explained. Work at Burrishoole is not limited to wild fish. From the early 1970s, the facility started to take an interest in the fledgling aquaculture industry. Indeed, the only pure Irish strain of farmed salmon yet produced - the famous Curraun grilse was developed on the site in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1980, the fishery, fishing rights, property and other tangible assets were handed over to the Trust. Guinness gradually phased out its involvement and the facility was donated to the State. On January 1 1990, the Salmon Research Agency took charge on behalf of the Minister for the Marine. In 1999, the SRA was transferred to the Marine Institute. In 2003, a â&#x201A;Ź2 million state-of-the-art facility opened and the SRA is now tackling marine issues facing migratory stocks such as salmon, eels and sea trout. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marine research capabilities, combined with Newportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original migratory fish expertise, has resulted in new programmes that could not have even been considered a decade ago,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Whelan explained.

Research programmes Research programmes include: *

* *

Stock dynamics of salmon, sea trout and eels Salmonid genetics Environmental and hydrological studies Catchment management studies/research into rearing of salmonids for stock enhancement, ranching and fish farming Tracking wild salmon at sea using sophisticated electronic transmitter tags Testing and research using Data

* In 1959, and again in 1970, then director Dr David Piggins installed traps on two outflows from Lough Feeagh - the largest freshwater lake on the system. Since the early 70s, every fish moving upstream and downstream in the Burrishoole system has been manually counted.

Storage Tags, which can collect a suite of sophisticated ambient environmental information while the host fish are at sea. The latest version of these tags can even tell on an hourly basis the location of the salmon while at sea

Co-operation with Mayo Co Council and all other interested groups in Clew Bay, in a Coastal Zone Management pilot project geared towards examining ways to optimise the benefit from the bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s under-utilised marine resources.

#ELEBRATING YEARS OF 3ALMON 2ESEARCH AT .EWPORT MARKS THE 'OLDEN *UBILEE OF THE -ARINE )NSTITUTE .EWPORT ESTABLISHED IN AS THE 3ALMON 2ESEARCH 4RUST OF )RELAND LATER BECOMING THE 3ALMON 2ESEARCH !GENCY IN AND JOINING THE -ARINE )NSTITUTE IN 4O MARK THIS SIGNIlCANT MILESTONE A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED FROM *ULY TO THE END OF THE YEAR

3EPT n /CTOBER

TH 3EPTEMBER

3CHOOLS !WARENESS 0ROGRAMME -AYO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

%NERGY FROM .ATURE n 2IDGE 0OOL (OTEL "ALLINA

3EPT n .OVEMBER

TH /CTOBER

4HE 'OLDEN *UBILEE ,ECTURE 3ERIES n BRINGING THE WORK OF THE )NSTITUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF -AYO AND ENCOURAGING OPEN PUBLIC DEBATE ON KEY ASPECTS OF )RELAND S VALUABLE AQUATIC RESOURCES

-ARINE "IRDS -AMMALS n 4RAVELLER S &RIEND #ASTLEBAR

&ISH 3HIPS #AGES n 7YATT (OTEL 7ESTPORT

RD .OVEMBER

TH .OVEMBER

"URRISHOOLE n 0AST 0RESENT &UTURE n .EWPORT (OTEL .EWPORT

WWW MARINE IE * The Marine Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research centre in Newport recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and marked the occasion by launching a series of public events starting in September.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

Residents say `no' to seafront high rise By Gillian Mills

A vote on controversial plans to redevelop the sea baths in DuÂn Laoghaire, Co Dublin has been postponed until October to allow officials time to reply to queries raised by councillors, and to report on public feedback - the majority of which is opposed to all or elements of the plan. At the latest meeting, DuÂn Laoghaire-Rathdown county manager Derek Brady had recommended that councillors accept one of the four modified options, each showing a reduction in height and scale. All four options remove the 36 social and affordable units, which the manager said could be relocated to another part of the town. The remark provoked anger amongst some councillors who said it presented an air of `exclusivity'. The councillors have directed the manager to examine other sources to fund the project other than through commercial residential units, the inclusion of which has been a major criticism of the redevelopment plan.

People power

Protests and a street rally in June secured more than 10,000 signatures opposed to plan. ``A scaled-down version or any development that includes privatisation of the seafront is not acceptable,'' Richard BoydBarrett, Save our Seafront chairperson said. The plan involves reclamation of almost six acres of foreshore to provide space for a swimming and leisure complex, maritime garden, 180 apartments and restaurants. The 140 million project also proposes a 10-storey circular glass tower with viewing platform, a plaza for open air events and a promenade to link the Forty Foot swimming area and the East Pier. Nicola Sarratt, SOS, also rejected the Council's suggestion that apartments were needed to fund the project. ``At a time when there is more money in this country than ever before, we can certainly afford to build a public swimming amenity without destroying a

NEWS

b e a u t i f u l p i e c e o f o ur coastline.'' The Sandycove and Glasthule Residents Association say the plan is out of proportion with existing buildings, would block the sea view and would damage the coastal environment. ``And what precedent would it set for the ten other development sites identified in the County Development Plan?'' it asks. A public display of the plans set out on panels was also criticised: ``It is crucial that the Council prepares a scale model. Only when we have this will we be able to see a true depiction of what it will look like in the context of other buildings,'' a spokesperson commented.

Political concerns

Speaking at the protest march Green Party TD, CiaraÂn Cuffe, said the party would favour a modest development `ìn keeping with the town'' and that it should be possible to reopen the baths without having to sell off the site to the private sector. Labour spokesman for the environment, Eamon Gilmore, said he had concerns about how the proposed infill would impact on the coastal environment. ``The Council should work on an appropriate, proportional development for the site in consultation with local people.'' `Ì am pleased that the Council is taking more time to consider the plans. Development of this key location should not be rushed. Time is needed to absorb and act on the many submissions made by the public. The Council needs to listen to the public on this issue.'' Deputy Gilmore told Inshore Ireland that the Aarhus Convention* was relevant to the DuÂ n Laoghaire Baths issue. `Ìreland has not yet signed up to the Convention in full. This is something I spoke about during a recent DaÂil Debate.'' `Ì also regret that Council management is using social and affordable housing as a `bargaining chip' in this debate. A major question over the proposed development is whether there should be any residential development on the site at all''.

* Protesters at a street rally in June opposing the plans to redevelop the sea baths in DuÂn Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Local Coastal Plan, 2002

* Labour spokesman for the environment, Eamon Gilmore, said he had concerns about how the proposed infill would impact on the coastal environment.

THE Aarhus Convention is the world's most far-reaching treaty on environmental rights. It seeks to promote greater transparency and accountability among governmental bodies by

guaranteeing public rights of access to environmental information and involvement in decision-making. The Convention came into force in October 2001. 39 European countries and the European

Community have signed up. Despite ratification by the Community, all member states are not automatically parties. Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Sweden and Ireland are yet to ratify.

The Baths at DuÂn Laoghaire

THE Kingstown District Council built DuÂn Laoghaire Baths between 1905 and 1911, replacing the Royal Victorian Baths constructed in 1843, on a rocky escarpment fronting on to Queen's Road and opposite the People's Park. The baths were closed in the 1980s and since 1997, 48 individual plans and two architectural competitions to develop the site have been rejected on various grounds including privatisation and height.

* DuÂn Laoghaire Baths, built between 1905 and 1911 and were closed in the 1980s. Development plans for the site have been rejected on various grounds.

Key elements to consider in context of the proposed plans: 2.1 Land use, derelict and underused sites Within the area of the Coastal Plan, pockets of dereliction exist. Sites identified include DuÂ n Laoghaire Baths and Glasthule Baths. It is an objective of this Coastal Plan to: Redevelop existing derelict sites in a manner that is compatible with the character of the area especially in the context of existing heights and materials. 2.7 Environmental Designations It is important that any development that takes place within the coastal zone does not adversely affect these areas The County Development

(1998) states, inter alia:

`When considering development plans in DuÂn Laoghaire, the Council will have regard to the visual impact such development will have on the surrounding area when viewed from the east and west piers of DuÂn Laoghaire Harbour' and it is the policy of the Council that any new structures within or adjoining Dun Laoghaire Harbour should be designed so as to respect the character of the 19th century buildings and structures of the harbour, the robust materials of the piers and the general marine environment. 7. Sandycove and Glasthule `To promote the development of a water leisure centre at DuÂ n Laoghaire Baths which is in keeping with the character of the seafront.' `Views from the coast road to be sea are protected.'

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

2005 BLUE FLAG AWARDS

* Barleycove, Crookhaven, Co Cork. 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

32 33 34 35 36

LOUTH CARLINGFORD Templetown CLOGHERHEAD Port FINGAL MALAHIDE Malahide DONABATE Donabate DUBLIN CITY DUBLIN CITY Dollymount DUN LAOGHAIRERATHDOWN SEAPOINT Seapoint KILLINEY Killiney WICKLOW GREYSTONES Greystones South ARKLOW Brittas Bay North Brittas Bay South WATERFORD DUNMORE EAST Counsellor's Strand BONMAHON Bonmahon CLONEA Clonea CORK YOUGHAL Claycastle Front Strand SHANAGARRY Garryvoe OLD HEAD OF KINSALE Garrylucas GARRETSTOWN Garretstown CLONAKILTY Inchydoney ROSSCARBERY The Warren Owenahincha SKIBBEREEN Tragumna CROOKHAVEN Barleycove KERRY CAHERDANIEL Derrynane BALLINSKELLIGS Ballinskelligs CAHERCIVEEN White Strand Kells GLENBEIGH Rossbeigh INCH Inch VENTRY Ventry CASTLEGREGORY Maherabeg FENIT Fenit ARDFERT Banna BALLYHEIGUE Ballyheigue BALLYBUNION Ballybunion North Ballybunion South CLARE KILRUSH Cappa Pier KILKEE Kilkee MILTOWN MALBAY White Strand LAHINCH Lahinch BALLYVAUGHAN

37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66

1 2 3 4

Fanore KILLALOE Ballycugeran MOUNTSHANNON Mountshannon GALWAY KINVARA Traught LOUGHREA Loughrea Lake INDREABHAN Â Mho Âr, Coill Rua Tra AN CEATHRU RUA Â an DoilõÂn Tra CILL RONAN, ARAN Cill Mhuirbhigh GALWAY CITY Silverstrand MAYO LOUISBURGH Carrowmore Old Head MURRISK Bertra MULRANNY Mulranny CLARE ISLAND The Harbour ACHILL Dooega Dugort Keel Keem Golden Strand BELMULLET Elly Bay Mullaghroe KILLALA Ross SLIGO ENNISCRONE Enniscrone ROSSES POINT Rosses Point MULLAGHMORE Mullaghmore DONEGAL BUNDORAN Bundoran ROSSNOWLAGH Rossnowlagh LAGHY Murvagh KILLYBEGS Fintra ANAGARY Carrickfinn DUNFANAGHY Marble Hill Killahoey FANAD Portsalon FAHAN Lisfannon CULDAFF Culdaff SHROOVE Shroove WESTMEATH COLLINSTOWN The Cut Ð Lough Lene KILBEGGAN Lilliput Ð Lough Ennell MARINAS WEXFORD Kilmore Quay CLARE Kilrush Creek WESTMEATH Athlone Killinure Point

* An Taisce, The Tailors' Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8, Ph: 017077068, blueflag@antaisce.org, www.blueflagireland.org.

* Golden Strand, Achill, Co Mayo.

Leave no trace when you visit the beach

* Kevin Neary, Galway City Council, accepts the Blue Flag Award from Mr Dick Roche, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with Oonagh Duggan, Blue Flag manager (left) and Eanna NõÂ Lamhna, president of An Taisce.

A beach can lose its Blue Flag status because of littering, illegal dumping, dog faeces left on the beach, destruction to dunes, and vandalism to facilities. Remember, when you go to your Blue Flag beach this summer you can help prevent the loss of this status. Please go to www.blueflagireland.org to view the Blue Flag Criteria for beaches and marinas, and to download or request a 2005 Blue Flag map. Let us know your experience at Ireland's Blue Flag beaches, blueflag@antaisce.org * The International Blue Flag Campaign is organised in Ireland

by An Taisce Ð The National Trust for Ireland Ð with support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

* Keel, Achill island, Co Mayo.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

WATER QUALITY

Be(a)ware of the Water Framework Directive! By Rick Boelens, Lough Derg Science Group

THE Water Framework Directive (WFD), introduced in December 2000, requires EU countries to maintain or restore good ecological and chemical quality in all surface and underground waterbodies Ă? from mountain streams, through lowland rivers and lakes Ă? to estuaries and lagoons (transitional waters) and coastal waters up to one nautical mile from shore.

This ambitious goal is to be achieved in stages, marked by a series of planning and reporting deadlines, with overall compliance by 2015. The environmental benefits of the WFD are potentially very great and generally will be welcomed by everyone. But the WFD comes at a price. At present, only a small circle of organisations and State agencies are sufficiently well informed to comprehend the full implications of the Directive. So far there has been surprisingly little public debate on the topic. As almost every Irish citizen will be affected by the Directive, this cannot continue indefinitely. Why, one wonders, is the government PR machine so silent on the matter? Could it be that some of the measures required by the WFD might prove unpopular? The socio-economic impacts fall into two categories: constraints on human activities that affect water and costs associated with the implementation of the Directive. Previously, water manage-

ment was designed to ensure that waterbodies remained suitable for the various human uses of water e.g. drinking, swimming, fishing, irrigation and so forth. The WFD heralds a far more rigorous and ecocentric regime. By focusing on ecological as well as chemical values, we will henceforth need to be much more careful in the way we use water and the waterbodies that contain it. Changing characteristics of

waterbodies without affecting their ecology is not easy. Some established practices do have ecological effects and might have to be modified or even prohibited. Overall, we will have less freedom in the use of water than before. Meeting the reference values the WFD presents an array of technical challenges. Each year countries must submit to the Commission evidence of how conditions in the hundreds of

AN aggressive alien plant species has been positively identified in Lough Corrib and is rapidly choking and taking over significant areas of the lake. The waterweed Lagarosiphon major is now well established in the lake and can grow to six metres (20 feet) deep. This weed originated in Southern Africa and it is believed to have escaped into Lough Corrib from ornamental garden ponds. The statutory bodies with an involvement in Lough Corrib: the Central Fisheries Board and Western Regional

Fisheries Board; Galway County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, have established a task force in response to this serious problem. Their aim is to determine and implement all the possible options for the control, and if possible, elimination of this invasive alien species. The plant forms very dense infestations, posing serious problems for angling, boating, environmental and tourism interests. It creates poorer living conditions for native plants, fish, birds and insects, and can ultimately displace

them from their natural habitats. An information leaflet has been produced to help the public and interested groups identify the weed. The task force advises anyone who comes across the weed to immediately contact Dr Joe Caffrey, senior research officer, CFB: joe.caffrey@cfb.ie, or the local regional fisheries board officer.

* WFD sampling equipment Ă? ready for use on the Shannon catchment.

African weed invades Lough Corrib

* Further information:

info@cfb.ie. The leaflet is also available on the CFB website: www.cfb.ie

waterbodies monitored differ from their assigned reference values. Only waterbodies at risk from man-made changes require regular monitoring. Nevertheless, an initial assessment suggests that almost 2,800 river waterbodies and 130 lakes

will need to be monitored annually. Add to this around 80 transitional and 25 coastal waterbodies, and Irish monitoring teams face the task of collecting, analysing and interpreting samples from at least 3,000 locations. The number of samples per waterbody will vary depending on the nature of the risk and the size of the area affected. Sampling frequency will be dictated by various factors including seasonal (climatic) variability. In short, the total number of measurements is unknown, but potentially enormous. Sampling is not just a matter of filling bottles with water. WFD environmental quality indicators span a range of chemical, physical and biological parameters, some of which entail complex and time-consuming surveys and sampling procedures. Procedures for ensuring the reliability (accuracy) of measurements are notoriously expensive. Assessments of fish, plankton and other invertebrate communities, for example, typically involve the use of boats and specialised equipment, and two or more trained operators that may restrict sampling to one or two locations per day.

Logistical nightmare

Clearly, this huge monitoring requirement presents a logistical nightmare for WFD programme managers in Ireland's seven River Basin Districts. In assessing requirements for manpower, field and laboratory

resources they will be conscious of the fact that for some indicators, the optimum sampling period is quite short, the same in all districts, and very few experienced personnel are available nationally to carry out the work. The interpretation of monitoring data will not be easy either. For one thing, the WFD does not recognise the existence of climate change. The effects of climate change are already evident in the water environment and are predicted to become increasingly influential over the next 20-30 years. This could mean that ecological reference values set in the next year or so might become less reliable as time goes by, and at some stage they would need to revised. Separating man-made changes from climate-induced changes is likely to involve some delicate research. Is it possible, as the government insists it should be, that all WFD monitoring and research requirements can be carried out with existing scientific resources? As the scope of WFD monitoring is far greater than before, this seems unlikely. So, does anyone know the full extent of our monitoring obligations, and associated research requirements, and how much they will cost? Will the figures be revealed to Irish taxpayers? Now, in the 5th year of WFD implementation, such questions are just too important to remain unanswered.

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

WATER QUALITY

Water protection and the Water Framework Directive: Irish Government yet to be tested Sinead O'Brien, SWAN, makes the case

THERE is a wind of change turning the tide for Ireland's waters. Political complacency and foot-dragging on water protection is no longer an option. The force behind this turning tide is the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).

environ-

pation of all 30 groups in the

River Basin Districts (RBDs),

on water management plans for

tested. To work, these measures

ever

implementation of the directive,

describes

the District.

will have to be tough.

emerge from the EU. If it is

and through public awareness

main

each

SWAN groups intend to sit

implemented properly, it has the

activities, SWAN is committed

District for the first time and

on every council to ensure that

way

potential to put an end to all

to making sure that the WFD

assesses the pressures they are

the

waterways

major water pollution in Ire-

really does deliver for Ireland's

under due to human activity. It

obligations under the Directive,

made.

land. It may sound incredible,

waters. To help de-mystify the

and that each council is a forum

tanks will have to be reduced;

but the Sustainable Water Net-

Directive and to raise public

But

for real democratic participation

sewage

work

awareness,

Government

and

have to be built or upgraded;

ambitious mental

with

pieces

legislation

(SWAN) political

believes will

and

that real

public involvement, it is possible. SWAN is a network of 30 of Ireland's leading environmental organisations. Its formation is

launched

SWAN its

new

have

just

website:

www.swanireland.ie.

Advisory Councils awaited

and

water

classifies

bodies

significant let's

not

the

achievement.

naõÈve.

have

yet

The

properly tested.

Government

not

just

sticks

another

its

bureau-

cratic talking shop.

SWAN groups are still await-

By 2007 the EPA must over-

ing an announcement on the

see

setting up of stakeholder `Ad-

programme of water monitoring

visory

for the entire country. This is a

These

huge undertaking, involving the

Councils'

Ireland's

seven

each

RBDs.

the

an important milestone on the

Ireland's record on implementa-

Councils will include represen-

ongoing

establishment

monitoring

thou-

It may sound like just another

path to real protection for our

tion so far is relatively good.

tatives from all sectors Ð from

piece of EU jargon but don't let

The `Characterisation Report',

sands of water bodies nation-

rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal

industry and farming to envir-

the name put you off. The WFD

and ground waters.

published in December 2004,

onmental and community inter-

wide by local authorities. For it

divides the country into seven

ests Ð inputting into decisions

is one of the most radical and

Through co-ordinated partici-

succeed,

local

authorities,

already stretched, will need a huge injection of finance and staff.

remains

seen

whether this will be forthcoming from central government. Another milestone is 2008, when must

the

relevant

establish

authorities

Fundamental changes in the

have and

use

our

have

Effluent

from

septic

treatment

from be

run-off

plants

industry

further from

will will

curtailed

agricultural

be drastically reduced. Many of these measures will entail high costs, may attract resistance from powerful business interests and will test local authorities to the limit. Will the Government rise to the challenge when the tough decisions have to be made and funding has to be found? SWAN's 30 partner groups will be there to ensure that it does.

* Further details from: Sus-

tainable Water Network (SWAN), 9 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2;Tel: 01 6425583; www.swanireland.ie ; Email: sineadob@swanireland.ie

meet the targets of the Directive. This is when government be

and

will

and forestry land will have to

`Programme

w ill

view

discharge

of Measures' to ensure that they

commitment

truly

* River Nenagh, part of the Shannon River Basin.

# Paddy Mackey, SWAN

CFB coarse fish review THE Central Fisheries Board has established a coarse fish

the

border

with

view

Fish species of angling importance (with the exception of salmon, all trout species, eel,

carp

and

pike),

their

habitat, and the angling product, will be studied. ``We are well aware that

of this resource. Interactions with other indigenous fish species, including

salmonids and pike. Threat imposed by the introduction of invasive coarse

fish species. The need for additional legislation.

Written

angling product, and our pri-

vited by 26 September, and a

mary objective is not only to

workshop

preserve

November.

enhance

it',

but

further

submissions is

are

scheduled

infor

This workshop will comprise

Joe Caffrey, chairman of the

stakeholders, guests and ex-

review group and senior re-

perts

(including

search officer with the CFB.

ally

recognised

commented

internationfishery

scientists, managers and an-

out

glers; fishery policy makers;

extensive research and protec-

angling tourism operators an-

Fisheries

Overall, Ireland's water quality remains of a high standard according to the EPA report Water Quality in Ireland 2001 - 2003. This comprehensive review deals with the conditions in some 13,000 km of river and stream channel, 500 lakes, 69 individual tidal water bodies located in 25 estuarine and coastal water areas and 300 groundwater sources. The report is available at www.epa.ie/Publications. It is also available for purchase from EPA Publication Sales, McCumiskey House, Richview, Dublin 16 priced E30 (inc. CD ROM with maps). Telephone 01 2680100.

Factors that constrain the de-

Ireland has a first rate coarse

The Central and Regional

THE EPA WATER QUALITY IN IRELAND 2001-2003 REPORT

resource. velopment and exploitation

developing a national policy on coarse fishing and angling.

Development needs to optimize the potential of this

policy review group comprising experts from both sides of

coarse fishery resource.

Boards

carry

tion work and are aware of the need for adequate legislation to

ensure

that

coarse

fish

stocks are maintained at sustainable levels. ``Once adequate legislation is adopted, Irish and international anglers will be able to enjoy coarse fishing nationwide

whilst

protecting

the

species, thus ensuring stocks are protected for many years to come,'' Dr Caffrey said.

Terms of reference

The

current

status

the

gling economists; fishery legislators). Once the final recommendations have been agreed by all parties involved, the group will

draft

review

policy

document for submission to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

* Submissions to: Sandra

Doyle, Coarse Fish Review, CFB, Swords Business Campus, Balheary Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, or sandra.doyle@cfb.ie

INSHORE IRELAND

TWO milestones have been achieved this year in the progression towards sustainable management of shellfisheries. On 11 February, the Marine Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher, launched the Policy Framework for Shellfisheries, which identified the committee structures and processes to be used to manage shellfisheries. On 14 June, the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) and the Inshore Fisheries Review Group (IFRG) had their inaugural meeting in Galway. This meeting brought together the Minister, civil servants from the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR), the Marine Institute, BIM, scientists from the 3rd level sector and industry representatives.

Re-affirming commitment

Following the very positive inaugural meeting it can safely be said that the Irish shellfisheries sector now has a management framework within which

to work. Integration of State services in shellfisheries and duly nominated representatives from industry under the umbrella of the policy initiative, gives real hope for future planning in the sector. At the meeting, Minister Gallagher reaffirmed his commitment to the Framework and its committees by placing fishermen at the centre of the decision-making process. ``I look forward to receiving recommendations from the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) that are based on good science,'' he said, adding that the scientific process must be ``wholly transparent''. Very importantly, the Minister promised to implement recommendations coming from the SAGs ``as effectively and efficiently as possible''. The DCMNR also spoke in a very positive way about the process, and affirmed their commitment (as required by the Minister) to deliver what is expected from this framework with the help of all interested parties. For many months the industry had been seeking assurance from the State that it would develop a co-operative management model for shellfisheries, and this was finally delivered at the meeting. Pauline Simpson of the Lobster Management Advisory Group and representative of the lobster industry in the south

east sought and received confirmation `from the floor'. ``Yes, the Minister has directed us and we must and will deliver,'' a department spokesperson said.

Issues of the day

The plenary session covered a range of issues, including: * Framework structures. * Details on how the industry

representatives were nominated. * National policy guidelines for shellfisheries. * The process of management planning and the role of industry in collecting scientific data.

Dr Adrian Linnane outlined the management structure for lobsters in south Australia where a similar co-operative management process operates. Delegates then met in the four separate SAGs (see below) to discuss issues of immediate relevance to their respective fisheries. Agreement on working procedures was seen as important, and will be developed and agreed prior to autumn meetings. The SAGs mandated scientists to report back in the autumn on the status of the main stocks, at which time they will begin drafting management plans for the main shellfisheries. These stock reports will assist the SAGs to make recommendations that are valid from a biological point of view.

* Members of the Species Advisory Groups.

Membership of the Species Advisory Groups THE SAGs are inclusive of all parties interested in and responsible for the sustainable development of shellfisheries. The industry members, chair, secretariat and scientists appointed to each group are listed below.

Lobster Advisory Group

Vera O Donovan (Secretary/Chair BIM) Declan Nee (Secretary/Chair BIM) Pauline Simpson (Industry south east) Joe O'Regan (Industry, Cork) Ger O Mahony (Industry, Kerry) Geoff Magee (Industry, Clare) Frank Flanagan (Industry, Galway) Michael Kelly (Industry, NW Lobster LAC) Manus Gallagher (Industry, NW Lobster LAC) Oliver Tully (BIM, Scientist)

Crab Advisory Group

Owen Doyle (BIM, Secretary) Ian lawler (BIM Chair) Aiden Scallon (Industry, South East) Ciaran O'Sullivan (Industry, Cork) Edward Moore (Industry, Kerry) Patrick O Donnell (Industry, NW Crab LAC) Danny Farren (Industry, NW Crab LAC) Sean O Donoghue (Industry, NW Crab LAC)

Promoting quality, traceability and responsible fishing practices Catherine Barrett, Fisheries Development Division, BIM, explains

BIM in partnership with cooperatives, fish producer organisations and Irish fishermen are developing a number of regional initiatives aimed to encourage the production of premium quality seafood products from traceable sources * Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher and Hugh Byrne, BIM u s i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y chairman, with BIM staff and various scheme participants, during ESE friendly and responsible fish- Brussels. ing practices.

The promotion of quality, traceability and responsible fishing practices is a priority in the development of Ireland's inshore and offshore resources. The new initiatives being developed by BIM will provide the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits to all stakeholders, with buyers and consumers alike assured of a consistent supply of guaranteed premium quality seafood products.

Premium quality product

BIM has been working on a number of these quality driven projects. For example, working in conjunction with BIM and the ISWFPO (Irish South and

West Fishermen's Producers Organisation), fishermen in the southwest have begun to target large prawns, or `langoustines', landed live for the lucrative Spanish market. The fishermen are adapting their fishing techniques to improve onboard handling practices and to land live prawns, which are then flown directly to the marketplace within 72 hours. The second part of this project is to encourage fishermen to use conservation orientated trawl nets fitted with separator panels, which sort the prawns from the rest of the fish catch. The use of these panels means that juvenile fish can be returned to the wild with only the high value prawn component of

INSHORE FISHERIES

Framework for shellfisheries Update by Oliver Tully, Inshore Fisheries Co-ordinator, BIM

August 2005

the catch being retained. Another example of improving catch quality through more selective gear is a project entitled `Seining the Ocean Blue'. Seine netting is a traditional fishing method, which works on the principle of encircling a school of fish with a single net. Seine caught fish, particularly haddock and whiting, are renowned as being of the highest quality. Seining also has low impact on the seabed and is recognised as an environmentally friendly fishing method. Ongoing gear technology research in which BIM is participating has shown that the amount of undersized haddock and whiting in the catch can be reduced to very low levels by

modifying net construction. Gear technologists in Denmark have developed a codend design that enhances the quality of the fish catch. The solution is remarkably simple and involves turning the netting 90o in the codend. This minimises the turbulence inside, which in turn reduces damage and improves the quality of the catch while also holding the meshes open allowing juvenile fish to escape. This simple solution has been tested in both demersal and pelagic trawl fisheries, and BIM is now testing it in seine net fisheries to reduce discarding of juvenile haddock and whiting. Through using the T90 codends, the marketable catch is of the highest quality. These are just two examples of some of the regional schemes BIM is working on. The recent emphasis on traceability of all foods, including fish, combined with the use of environmentally friendly fishing gears, can provide the mechanism to assist in marketing regional produce. Added value for fishing communities can also be further achieved through regional branding. As the saying goes: `Always read the label!'

Examples and details of regional schemes such as `South West Prawns', `West Kerry Lobster' and `Dunmore East Hand Line Mackerel', can be found on www.bim.ie

Hugh McBride (Industry, NW Crab LAC) Martin Robinson (GMIT, Scientist)

Shrimp Advisory Group

Seamus Breathnach (BIM, Secretary) Ian Lawler (BIM, Chair) John O'Brien (Industry, Kerry) John O Sullivan/John O Shea (Industry, Cork) Anthony O Dwyer (Industry, Cork) Barry O Donovan (Industry, Cork) Gearoid Codyre (Industry, Galway) John Connolly (Industry, Galway) Eoghan Kelly (NUIG, Scientist)

Mollusc Advisory Group

John Hickey (BIM, Secretary) Ian Lawler (BIM, Chair) Lawrence Doyle (Industry, Dundalk Cockle) Mark Bates (Industry, Wexford Scallop) Eugene Bates (Industry, Wexford Scallop) Kevin Phillips (Industry, Dublin Razor clams) James Doyle (Industry, Wicklow Whelk) Paul Goff (Industry, Wicklow Whelk) William Dwyer (Industry, Wexford Surf Clams) Antonio Hervas (NUIG, Scientist)

DUNMORE EAST FISHERMEN'S CO-OP

Hook, line and dinner ...

...with line caught mackerel

Dunmore East Fishermen's Co-Operative Society Ltd, West Wharf,The Harbour,Dunmore East, Co Waterford. Tel: 051 383307. Fax: 051 383446. Email: defcoop@eircom.net. Web page: defcoop.com.

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

INSHORE FISHERIES

An overview of Irish brown crab stocks By Gery Flynn

CONCERNS that the viability of brown crab (Cancer pagurus) - the third most important species of fish landed in Ireland, with a first-sale value of almost 12m - is under threat from over-fishing were firmly played down at Crab Conference 2005 held recently in Galway. Outlining the current picture for the brown crab fishery, BIM's Fisheries Development Manager, Michael Keatinge, was optimistic that despite significant gaps in the statistical information available to fisheries scientists, ``things are improving''. For this he praised fishermen and their willingness to cooperate with scientists by supplying crucial data on landings and for ``building a partnership with science which provided the essential information for accurate stock assessment''.

His remarks were echoed later by Oliver Tully, Inshore Fisheries Development co-ordinator at BIM who explained that `a stepped decline' in LPUE between 2001 and 2003 (Landings Per Unit Effort, expressed as kilos of crab landed per pot lifted) might simply, ``be a reflection of increased competition for the available stock''. Tully acknowledged, however, that there was a difficulty in interpreting the LPUE data, conceding that, ``it could be interpreted in a number of ways''. Critically, however, for the long-term viability of crab stocks, he stated that, ``we think the decline is not the result of a decline in recruitment into the stock, and there is no evidence of this.'' Backing up this belief he pointed to the significance of the size of crab when mature and ready to spawn, and the size at which they are landed from

* Unloading brown crab at Schull, Co Cork.

the fishery. ``The average size of brown crab at maturity is 123mm across the carapace. The size of crab being landed ranges between 165mm and 170mm, with hardly any crabs being landed at the minimum size of 130mm. It is important to realise that this 40mm or so gap protects the fishery because there is a whole proportion of the population that is not being exploited.'' He admitted, however, that * Dave Taylor, guest speaker from Canada; Hugh McBride, McBride Fishing Company; Ger Breslin, while this observation alone Burtonport Fishermans co-op; Marine Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher, TD; Gareth Gallagher, Atlanfish Ltd; ``probably does not protect Michael Keatinge, Fisheries Development Manager, BIM, and Tom Glynn, Errigal Fish Ltd. stocks enough, it is still true that there is no evidence of a decline in recruitment''. Nevertheless, he concluded that `à precautionary approach has to be adopted when we see a decline in the LPUE. And although we don't think it's a problem at this stage, we don't actually know for sure. So, on that basis, we should be cau- AN AquaReg-backed study that aims to improve the tious.'' survival and quality of live crab during holding and transportation to markets shows that today's technology is limited, and in some cases high mortality can occur. The tri-lateral project involving researchers in TrĂšdelag (Norway); BMW (Ireland) and Galicia (Spain) aims to reduce transportation costs and open new markets worldwide for crab. Project co-ordinator, Erik Kartevoll of INAQ Management AS, told Inshore Ireland that the traditional markets for live crab were àlmost saturated' due to strong competition from other seafood and more convenience foods. ``This is a driving force for developing of which goes to live markets in holding tanks. ``Research is new markets and new proces- Spain and France. In the UK the underway into `cascade' wetsing products,'' he said. is similar but landings ting the crab when storing or The challenge in holding and situation transporting dry for long periare almost double. transporting live crab, `ìs the ods,'' Kartevoll explained. In Norway, however, where distance between catching area annual landings are approxi``Today, crab is transported and processing plants,'' he mately 5,300 tonnes, more than live in containers in lorries with added. In some cases the crab 95% of the catch is boiled and 50:50 crab to seawater, but bad has to be kept alive in plastic processed before transportation water quality and fluctuations in boxes for 24 to 48 hours. temperature can result in markets in Norway and water `Ìf the crab is sorted and to high mortality.'' Kartevoll said. Europe. handled badly, high mortality AquaReg plans further recould be the result,'' Kartevoll Sprinkler system search to design new technolexplained. ogy to address these challenges The study also looked at transIreland lands approximately reduce transport costs that although accurate at correlating 11,500 tonnes of brown crab porting the crab to markets live and are currently on weight, blood protein and meat yield, it (Cancer pagurus) annually, 80% in air from vivier vessels or in which is up tobased 50% water. had its limitations - especially the fact that the system could not be used on board fishing vessels. ``We have been trying to to those used in the lobster will drive down catch rates develop an index of condition By Oliver Tully, fishery, are the only fishing and reduce profits. to be used at some stage along Inshore Fisheries The stock is of limited size gear used. the distribution chain so as to Co-ordinator, BIM The fishery has been ac- and each vessel requires a indicate what the economic monitored since 1990. `slice' of the resource to value might be. Ideally, this A large stock of brown crab tively The weight crab landed in remain economically viable. should occur on board fishing occurs off the northwest coast each creel orofpot provides an As the catch rate is closely vessels so that crab can be occupying an area of possibly index of the performance of related to overall effort, redudiscarded and given time to 45,000 square kilometres of the fishery. This index was cing the overall effort will recover even before it is seabed, i.e. the same size as stable during the period 1994- restore catch rates and profits. landed.'' Ulster and Connaught com- 2000 but declined by approxiThere are two ways to Tully concluded that transbined. stabilise or reduce overall mately 15% in 2001-2003. portation of crab to market not The stock is fished by Irish, Each year in which the effort: as more vessels enter only depended on condition and northern Irish, and Scottish fishing effort increased, the the fishery the effort of each handling but also on the quality boats who work both near landings for each unit of effort could be more and more of the transportation water itthe coast and offshore to declined. Whether or not this limited, reducing the `slice' self. depths of 200m. The inshore indicates that the stock is of the stock available for each Factors which mattered were fishery developed in the declining is open to debate; vessel or the number of vestemperature, exposure to air, 1970s while the larger vessels in fact the biology of crab in sels could be limited so that low oxygen levels in the sur(18-24m) were introduced in the area suggests that the the `slice' of the stock availrounding water, and the level of the early 1990s. Landings of spawning stock is reasonably able to each vessel ensured ammonia. crab into Ireland from this well protected. their economic viability. If these could be controlled fishery have increased anBoth measures protect the The fall in catch rate, howand maintained within certain nually since 1990 and cur- ever, does give a warning stock but only the second parameters, the chances of crab rently stand at about 8,000 signal to the fleet; more ves- protects the stock and the arriving to market in optimum tonnes. Pots or creels, similar sels and more fishing effort fishery. condition could be greatly improved.

Survival and quality of brown crab depends on maintaining high standards along the supply chain

Transporting crab to market

UP to 10% of crab consignments arrive dead to market due to a combination of poor handling along the distribution chain and natural seasonal variability in overall condition at certain times of the year, according to Oliver Tully, Inshore Fisheries Development co-ordinator with BIM. The economic impact of such high losses to producers is also not yet known, but it is likely to become increasingly critical with such ``a high quantity-low value commodity as crab'', he explained. Emphasising the need to solve the problems of getting crab to market not only alive but also in peak condition, Tully indicated that a key to the solution lay in the hands of the fisherman as soon as the crab landed on deck. ``It's important to realise that a high proportion of the crab coming on board a fishing vessel is of no economic value because internally its meat and muscle condition can be very low depending on the time of year it is caught,'' he explained.

And while conceding that many years handling crab had often taught fishermen to be quite adept at separating wellconditioned crab from poorly conditioned crab, Tully said nevertheless that this was only partly true. ``Fishermen are good at grading the extremes of good condition from poor condition, but there is a proportion of crab right in the middle which is very difficult to predict what the eventual economical yield might be,'' he said. He added that the search for an accurate condition index to assess crab condition was not unique to Ireland, nor was it associated only with the brown crab species. Tully said that while the Americans had developed a system using acoustic probes to predict the likely levels of meat recovery from lobster claws, the Norwegians used light beams to penetrate the carcase as a way of assessing its likely internal condition. In Ireland, blood testing was the system currently favoured to make the same judgments, and

Crab fisheries off the north-west coast

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

ISLAND LIVING

Living on an offshore island: the challenges By Gillian Mills

REGISTERED in 1994, ComhdhaÂil OileaÂin na hEÂireann (COE) is the representative body of the inhabited offshore islands of Ireland and currently has 33 members in counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Limerick, Kerry, Cork as well as Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland.

"The principle aim of the federation is to develop island communities, especially with regard to social, economic and cultural aspects of island living, and to foster full island identity," MaireÂad O'Reilly, manager of Comhdhail OileaÂin na Â ireann (COE) told Inshore hE Ireland. COE represents island communities at local, national and European levels and acts as coordinator between member islands and between other small European Island groups. It also coordinates funding programmes, such as the Leader Programme. COE also provides a forum for elected representatives. Islanders are represented on a proportional basis: one for each island with a population of over 50; one for any group of islands with a collective population of 50; one representative for small islands and one women's representative. "European programmes remain a crucial element in the development process. Geographic isolation means that islanders are disadvantaged economically, socially and educationally. Creating and sustaining contacts with other European islands, especially those of similar size and structure, is a key target for the future," MaÂire UõÂ MhaolaÂin, manager of the ESIN InterIsland Exchange Project explained.

Inter-island co-operation In 2001, the European Small Islands' Network (ESIN) was set up to raise awareness of the development challenges experienced by Europe's smallest inhabited offshore islands and to promote inter-island co-operation on sustainable island

* Stormy weather on Inis OõÂrr.

* Ireland's offshore inhabited islands. development. Approximately 100,000 people live permanently on small islands and are represented by ESIN. The ESIN Inter-island Exchange Project (IIEP) is funded by the Interreg 111c Programme. "Many of these small remote communities, with populations in their tens and hundreds, are

threatened with extinction and are struggling to build a future for the next generation of island children," UõÂ MhaolaÂin added. ESIN comprises island-based organisations in six member states: ComhdhaÂil OileaÂin na Â ireann (lead partner); the hE Scottish Islands Network; Pro Abolands Utskar (Finland); the

National Association for the Swedish Archipelagos; the Association of Danish Small Islands, and the Association of the Islands of Ponant (France). "We share a vision of integrated and sustainable economic, social, environmental and cultural development based on maintaining permanent, resident island communities," she added.

Share experiences

* Inishturk: ComhdhaÂil OileaÂin na hEÂireann (COE) represents island communities at local, national and European levels and acts as coordinator between member islands and between other small European Island groups.

The objectives of ESIN are to promote greater co-operation between small islands; to share the benefits of islands' experience in sustainable development and to influence national and EU regional development policies in favour of small island communities. A further concept is that ESIN should be recognised as the primary source of information regarding small islands, as well as creating a professional corporate identity. Each organisation is undertaking three different case studies as part of the Inter-island Exchange Project. These will be based on the following themes of major importance to the long-term viability of small islands:

* Continues next page

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INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

Clare Island: ISLAND LIVING

Surveys old and new

A re-survey of Clare Island currently underway (first conducted by the Royal Irish Academy, 1909-1911) has completed 26 fieldwork studies encompassing five disciplines: archaeology; history and culture; botany; geology and zoology). The survey is a major Academy venture, bringing together more than 100 experts from all over the island of Ireland and Europe to document changes in all aspects of the island's heritage, environment, and biology. The survey provides a fresh baseline study using up-to-date methodology, and gives a comprehensive description of the island from its bedrocks to its biotic communities. The survey also traces the history of human occupation and the impact of human activity on Clare Island. Robert Lloyd Praeger, former President of the RIA, organised

the original survey in 1909. The work resulted in a special threesection volume of proceeding. This was the first major multidisciplinary survey of a specific area anywhere in the world. It also represented the most ambitious natural history project ever undertaken in Ireland. ``The original survey was the most comprehensive inventory of nature in a single geographical location during the early part of this century, and made Clare Island a unique site for further study,'' SõÂona Breathnach of the RIA told Inshore Ireland. To date the project has produced four publications:

* Volume 1: History and Cultural

Landscape

* Volume 2: Geology * Volume 3: Marine Intertidal

Ecology.

* Volume 4: The Abbey

CLARE Island lies at the entrance to Clew Bay in Co Mayo, some 5km from the west coast of the Irish mainland. The dominating feature of the island is a ridge that runs east to west, attaining a height of 465m at Croaghmore and forming precipitous sea cliffs along the northern shore. The island's rock surfaces have been scoured by glaciers in the last Ice Age and a mass of glacial sediments has been dumped on its southern slopes. The cliffs of Clare Island are listed as an area

of international scientific importance, sheltering rare arctic-alpine plant communities and seabird breeding colonies. Clare Island has a long history of habitation from at least 3500 BC. There is an abundance of Bronze Age sites, a 13th century Cistercian Abbey adorned with painted frescoes (now a National Monument in urgent need of repair), and the island harbour is guarded by the fort of Grace O'Malley, the battling pirate queen of Elizabethan times. Courtesy of the Royal

Irish Academy

Living on an offshore island

development on Europe's small islands. * Better understanding at Eurguage; islanders' sense of place opean level of the development and community challenges facing small islands * Devising an ecologically suswith very low population dentainable model for island develsities and no administrative opment, and authority. * Provision of essential public services and facilities on small ComhdhaÂil OileaÂin na hEÂireann islands. is at the coalface of developing * From previous page * Island identity, culture and lan-

In 2006, ESIN will host a major conference on the sustainable development of small islands. It will involve senior policy makers from the EU institutions, national, regional and local governments as well as island organisations. The objectives are for: * Stronger contacts among deci-

sion-makers and island organizations in all six island regions. * Improved access to information on alternative approaches and solutions to the most pressing problems facing small islands. * Greater co-operation between the six island regions. * Identification at national and EU level of specific policy measures to support sustainable

policies and frameworks for strong sustainable communities on the small islands of Ireland. COE is also taking the lead role at European level by forming networks of small islanders that can inform policy from the grassroots up. This level of co-operation and networking is crucial as the small islands do not have the critical mass to have any influence on their own. Nevertheless, as the seanfhocal says, `NõÂl neart go cur le cheÂile', applies here, and the vision is for a strong united informed voice for small islands in the future.

Main inhabited offshore islands included in the 2002 census Contae Co DhuÂn na nGall

Co Shligigh Co Mhaigh Eo

* The old Clare survey team (pictured above) who conducted their first survey in 1909. The original survey was organised by Robert Lloyd Praeger, former president of the RIA and was the first major multi-disciplinary survey of a specific area in the world. Also pictured is the current survey team. Bringing together more than 100 experts from all over Ireland and Europe, the new Clare survey team have completed 26 fieldwork studies and are documenting changes in all aspects of the island's heritage, environment, and biology. PICTURES: RIA

Co na Gaillimhe

Co ChorcaõÂ

Co ChiarraõÂ

OileaÂn Daonra EÂrainn Mhúr* 543 Inis Bú Finne* 16 Inis Fraoigh* 7 Toraigh* 133 An tOileaÂn Rua* 7 Gabhla* 5 CoÂnaõÂ 3 Cliara 127 Inis Bigil* 39 Inis Coitil 4 Inis Laidhre 7 Inis TuÂirc 72 Claidhinis 5 Inse Ghoirt 1 Inis na Cille Eo 5 An tOileaÂn MoÂr 1 Inis BoÂ Finne 178 Inis MoÂr* 831 Inis OõÂrr* 262 Inis MeaÂin* 187 Inis Bearachain* 1 Inis Treabhair* 3 Inse Ghainimh* 3 IomaõÂ 4 An tOileaÂn MoÂr (BeÂara) 207 CleÂire* 129 OileaÂn Baoi 6 Inis UõÂ Dhrisceoil 27 OileaÂn Fada 12 Inis EarcaÂin 129 Faoide 29 Fianait 21 OileaÂin Gaeltachta MarcaÂilte*

INSHORE IRELAND

Conserving island heritage By Rita Kearney MA, Project co-ordinator

FOR almost two years, Bere Island's 212 residents have been implementing a conservation plan, drawn up with the support of the Heritage Council. A steering group guides a project coordinator who delivers on a range of priorities. To date we have achieved a considerable amount, despite limited resources and at times lack of support.

A strong foundation is now in place for an island council to represent our views and needs. Supported by Eamon O CuõÂv, Minister for Rural, Community and Gaeltacht affairs, the model is one he hopes will be replicated on other islands around the coast. A tourism and environmental group has restructured to develop its twin concerns more strategically. Progress has also been made on waste management but is slow on longterm environmental planning. Tourism interests have participated in various surveys, one being to create a project for all seven inhabited islands off the coast of west Cork. The initiative is supported by ComhdhaÂil OileaÂin na hEÂireann (COE). Aquaculture training courses funded by BIM and COE are

provided across a range of subjects such as business planning and management, species selection, licensing and marketing. Twelve islanders who farm scallop, oysters and mussels are in the process of establishing an aquaculture co-operative. The BIM Regional Fisheries Centre is based in Castletownbere, which is a short ferry ride from Bere Island. Islanders have taken part in many courses in the last few years such as shellfish ongrowing, seaweed farming, workboat handling, engineering and safety training. Many of the courses provided in the centre are ideal for those entering the aquaculture industry or when setting up a fish or shellfish farm. All of the courses are very practical with over 60% of the time spent working on sites or handling boats and are accredited by FETAC allowing for international recognition. Archaeological and architectural heritage have had mixed fortunes to date. Due to limited resources, little planning for archaeological preservation has occurred, despite recommendation of the original conservation plan. Architectural heritage comprising both civilian and military buildings and artefacts remains largely undocumented. Support by third level institutions has been sought but with-

out success to develop walking routes, conduct inventories and surveys of all buildings, and to create an archive for posterity. Funding of a folklore training project to up-skill local residents in collection, collation and archiving of folklore material, is underway. Co Cork VEC and COE have agreed to fund a traditional boat-building course that will start later this year. A major success has been our participation in an international island development project, ISLA, which brings together like-minded island communities from across northwest Europe to tackle common island issues and to propose future conservation and development strategies. Bere Island's Conservation Plan has had its successes, and islanders are committed to it as part of their overall development. Nevertheless, we are anxious at the low level of State and local authority support, which will ultimately dictate the level of our ability to conserve our heritage in a truly sustainable way. The project remains upbeat however. A programme of events for Heritage Week (Sept 4-11) on the theme: `Talks, Tributes & Tomfoolery - a celebration of island heritage' is bound to stimulate discussion and awaken interest in island heritage preservation.

The following policy recommendations were put forward, following the meeting: * That a special label or trade-

mark should be developed for island products. This island brand would clearly indicate * that the product is produced/ harvested by islanders and promotes and supports permanent, resident island communities. * That this brand would give island producers certain exceptions from the normal regulations that make it hard for a small-scale farmer to compete * with producers who can afford larger investments. It was felt that this island brand is something that islanders could achieve by themselves without the involvement of authorities. * That there would be opportunities created where the small- *

scale producer could work with one raw material to produce several different products and not be under an obligation to focus on one in order to fulfil requirements. Fishing tourism, which is the largest growing tourism sector in the Nordic countries, is largely unexploited in the western countries. Further studies should be made to avail of this opportunity. Small scale fishermen are constrained by EU regulations in all countries. The `one-rule-forall' does not suit the small-scale operator who is operating in a sustainable, ecologically friendly manner. A twopronged approach is needed here. A united voice for the small scale fishermen in the form of a network across all the different countries, combined with a strategic approach at EU policy level to raise issues that work against the small-scale operator. Better cooperation between

* Dr Susan Steele, BIM, showing Eugene O'Sullivan methods of water sampling in front of Ardnakinna Lighthouse, Bere Island.

By Beatrice Kelly, Heritage Council

ISLANDS are an important part of Ireland's heritage from a cultural, historical and archaeological and natural point of view. From earliest times, Ireland's islands have held a symbolic importance for Irish people and visitors. They play a strong role in our folklore, spiritual life, art and literature, as well as holding technological and strategic importance up to the present.

In 1999 the Heritage Council supported a project for signage at heritage sites on Bere Island. Keen to protect the unique aspects of their island, the concept of a conservation plan soon followed, which received the support of Cork Co Council's conservation officer, Louise Harrington. The Heritage Council felt that the initiative would provide a useful pilot study for similar

* Delegates sheltering under the lighthouse on UtoÈ.

decline?; will the school close?; can the locals use (rent or buy) the military buildings? The community is active in trying to sustain good services and conditions on UtoÈ and is struggling to keep its resident community.

Unique holiday experiences on Gaeltacht Islands GAOLSAOIRE - an initiative by UÂdaraÂs Na Gaeltachta to promote cultural tourism in Ireland's Gaeltacht regions - offers holiday experiences that reflect the heritage, culture, music, song and dance unique to each area.

GaelSaoire r ecently launched a marketing campaign aimed at promoting the Gaeltacht Islands as a holiday destination. The Gaeltacht Islands consist of Toraigh, Inis BoÂ Finne, Gabhla, AÂrainn MhoÂr, Inis Fraoigh, Inis GeÂ, Inis Bigil, The Aran Islands, The Blasket Islands, The Skellig Rocks and Cape Clear. These Islands offer a kind of holiday that ignites the senses one of peace and tranquillity, soul nourishing fresh air, a range of activities, and an insight into Ireland's heritage and culture. Large or small, each island has its own unique character and story. The prehistoric monuments, abandoned

Photo: Mark Von Zanden

Bere Island conservation plan

communities and the authoriWith the imminent withdraties regarding environmental wal of a military base, many issues and marine related de- questions arise for the commuvelopment. nity: will the ferry service

The group also visited the island of UtoÈ, which is the gateway to the Archipelago Sea. Since the 17th century, this bare rocky island has been a base for pilots, lighthouse keepers, custom officials and soldiers.

ISLAND LIVING

Common concerns facing island communities THE challenges facing small island fishermen and shellfish/ finfish farmers were discussed at a meeting last April, hosted by the Finnish inter-island exchange group.

August 2005

dwellings, and field patterns offer those with an interest in history an insight into each island's heritage. The range of activities on offer includes hiking, cycling, diving, bird watching, to name but a few. Courses in yoga, art, language and cookery offer the perfect excuse to learn a new skill. The Gaeltacht Island holiday variety is endless. All of the islands are accessed by ferryboat, some even by air. The range of hotel and guesthouse, bed and breakfast accommodation is excellent. Information regarding holidays on the Gaeltacht Islands is available from GaelSaoire or by logging onto www.irishislands.ie

To Â g sos, to Â g ar Oilea Â n Ghaeltachta e Â.

* For further information contact GaelSaoire: Freephone: 1800 621 600; email: info@gaelsaoire.ie or check out the shortbreak offers on www: irishislands.ie

plans on other islands and also for communities on the mainland. Under close supervision of a steering group comprising islanders, the Heritage Council and Cork Co Council, M.C. O'Sullivan carried out the research, which looked at the island in terms of agriculture, aquaculture, folklore and heritage, tourism and the environment. The plan was completed in 2002 and published in 2003. Central to the plan is the vision, which was drawn up on the basis of questionnaires delivered to every house on the island and part-time residents. The community of Bere Is-

land has embraced this opportunity to document and plan for the future development of their island's unique human, natural, and cultural resources, and to ensure their future role as a viable and vibrant island community. It is a chance for the community towards having

the a

work

together

common

Bere

Island

aim of

of the

future where:

People can live and work to their satisfaction, while being able to fulfil their social and

recreational needs. Traditional skills and ways of life are appreciated and built

on. Economic

developments

hand in hand with care for our

environment and heritage The community has influence over what developments take place'.

The plan shows clearly how heritage - built, natural and cultural - can provide inspiration for future development, especially in remote areas. It is available on the Heritage Council websites: www.heritagecouncil.ie Despite the support promised from other departments and agencies when the plan was completed, the islanders have found it difficult to maintain the momentum generated by the conservation plan. For two years, the Heritage Council provided funding towards a co-ordinator. However, progress is slow due to lack of financial and human resources. Greater support from other agencies is required to help realise the potential contained in the plan.

Islands IRISH

Holiday Breaks

Saoire ar Oileán www.irishislands.ie The Gaeltacht Islands offer a kind of holiday that ignites the senses - one of peace and tranquillity, soul nourishing fresh air, a range of activities and an insight into Ireland’s heritage and culture. For further information on holidays in Ireland’s Gaeltacht contact

Freephone :1800 621 600 E-mail: info@gaelsaoire.ie

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

Huge potential for seafood delicacy ISLAND LIVING

Gery Flynn reports

CAPE Clear Island off the south-west coast of County Cork has reinforced its reputation as a location for innovative aquaculture by launching a project to farm exotic shellfish for export to markets in Japan and China. Results from two years of growth trials with two species of abalone, Haliotis discus hanai (Ezo Awabi) and Haliotis tuberculata (Tuberculata) indicate that Cape Clear could be an ideal farming environment. Other potential production sites along the west coast between Belmullet and Cape Clear are also being assessed for their suitability. As a seafood delicacy, abalones are particularly popular in the countries of the Pacific Rim and among ethnic Asian communities worldwide. Depending on the species, abalones regularly fetch between US$60 and US$100 per kilo in Japan.

Growth stages

First-phase trials by Taighde Mara Teoranta, the aquaculture wing of UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta with the close involvement of Comharchumann ChleÂire Teoranta, the community-based development co-operative of the island - focussed on growth at

* Abalone growing in `hides' in re-circulated seawater.

various temperatures; feeding methods; feed combinations; grading regimes; photo-period manipulation and other husbandry methods. Mark Norman of Taighde Mara outlined to Inshore Ireland how the project evolved: ``With the pilot phase completed, Feirm EÂisc ChleÂire was actively looking for a partner to invest in a modest farm, when we met the people from Neptune Resources who happened to be looking for the right site to start an abalone farm.'' Neptune Resources is a joint

OileaÂn CleÂire

Cape Clear Island

Ar mhaith leat teacht go dtõÂaÂit inaÂr fhaÂg talamh agus farraige a rianta ar traidisiun agus ar stair an phobail ?

Would you like to come to a place where tradition and legend blend into the very landscape ? Dolphin & whale watching, diving, bird watching, colaÂ istõÂ samhraidh, traditional music, storytelling, kayaking, sailing, ag foghlaim

Gaeilge, ceol agus craic !

Â iseanna/Facilities A SeirbhõÂs FaireantoÂireachta Naomh CiaraÂn

11 oÂ DhuÂn na SeÂad/ Naomh CiaraÂn 11 Ferry from Baltimore - 028-39119, 086-3465110 Oifig FaÂilte - Tourist Office - 028-39100 BruÂanna, leaba agus bricfeasta, tithe ar cõÂos, bialainn, tithe tabhairne, siopaõÂceird, ionad campaÂla, laÂthairoidhreachta, SeirbhõÂs bus & camchuairt an OileaÂ in Hostels, B & B's, houses for rent, restaurants and pubs, craft shops, campsite and heritage centre, bus and island tour service.

www.oilean-chleire.ie

* MaÂirtõÂn OÂ MeÂaloÂid, farm manager (left) and Mark Miles, managing director with the land-based abalone farm in the background.

venture between London-based Meridian Equity Investments and Global Ocean Recirculation Technologies of South Africa. ``The new partners not only brought fund raising and financial expertise to the project but also brought Global Ocean's abalone farming expertise. The depth of this expertise is considerable. Global Ocean contract manage several abalone farms in South Africa, as well as develop and market their recirculation technology,'' Norman explains. According to Norman, Cape Clear's 15-year track record of innovative aquaculture develop- * ABOVE & BELOW: Feirm EÂisc ChleÂire under development. ment and local expertise was key to attracting the right partner. Previous growth and marketing trials on Cape Clear have included turbot and halibut. More recently, the native polycheate rag worm (Nereis virens) was grown commercially for Seabait of Newcastle, with the latest harvest completed just before Christmas. ``So the basic infrastructure for an on-shore farm was already in place here, as was a fully licensed site, a suitable business structure and experienced key personnel,'' says Norman.

Vision and stamina

In a tribute to the Comharchumann ChleÂire and its members for recognising the island's potential for aquaculture Norman says: ``Comharchumann ChleÂ ire has been awarded the main construction contract for this phase of the farm under the supervision of the co-op manager MicheaÂl-John Cadogan. He had the vision, determination and the stamina to see onshore aquaculture succeed on the island despite several setbacks since 1991 when he and ConchuÂir OÂ Drisceoil first envisaged aquaculture as a key industry for the island.'' This will enable the farm to further develop the abalone project in two phases: the first phase will involve the reconfiguration of part of the existing farm into an efficient, modern hatchery, and the second phase will develop a grow-out unit capable of producing up to 60 tonnes of abalone per annum. According to the managing

director, South African Mark Miles of Global Ocean, the potential for farming abalone may not be restricted to Cape Clear. He recognises that Ireland has the potential to be a major abalone producer. ``There is great potential here in Ireland. Cape Clear is just one footprint of a number, and we believe Ireland has the potential to produce up to a thousand tonnes of abalone per annum. That becomes even more significant if you count in the potential added-value,'' he says. According to farm manager MaÂirtõÂn OÂ MeÂaloÂid, the abalone project is already having a positive impact on island life: ``Realistically we are looking at having 15 to 20 full-time jobs * Abalones belong to the Phyhere associated with abalone lum Mollusca grouping, which production. That would be hugely significant for an island includes clams, scallops, sea slugs, octopuses and squid. like Cape Clear.''

Facts about abalone

ABALONES belong to the Phylum Mollusca grouping, which includes clams, scallops, sea slugs, octopuses and squid. And just like some of these, abalones have long been a food source much sought after by humans. All of the 90 or so abalone species live in most of the world's temperate oceans, usually inshore on rocky substrates, reefs and in crevices. Species can live in water temperatures ranging from 2ëC to 30ëC. Collectively, abalones are known as Haliotidae, which means 'sea ear' and refers to the flattened shape of their shell. They have a soft body surrounded by a mantle, an anterior head and a large muscular foot. The calcareous shell is often attractively shaped with beautiful colouring on the underside.

Commercial catch

In the last 20 years, the legal commercial catch worldwide of abalones has declined from 18,000 tonnes to just over 10,000 tonnes. The illegal catch is estimated to be 5,000 tonnes. From 1989 to 1999, wild abalone fisheries declined by approximately 30%, while the global production of farmed abalone has increased over 600% to about 10,000 tonnes today. Only about fifteen abalone species are harvested commercially. Abalone farming began in the late 1950s in Japan and China and is now a highly regulated and managed industry that has spread to the USA, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Taiwan, Ireland and Iceland. China is the world's largest producer with over 300 farms and a total production of about 4,500 tonnes, closely followed by Taiwan with 3,000 tonnes. In the wild, abalones are natural herbivores, feeding mainly on the kelp seaweeds. Adult abalones feed on loose seaweed drifting with the tides, while the juveniles graze algae from rocks. When they are being farmed, abalones are also fed seaweed and/or specially manufactured dry foods. The type of food will depend upon the species of abalone, the availability of a food type, and the design of the facilities. Many farms now use high quality manufactured food, which is healthy, efficient and produces very high quality meat. Recent prices for some abalone products have reached $40 per kilo for live abalone in the shell; $66 per kilo for fresh, processed abalone; $45 per kilo for frozen abalone and $80 per kilo for canned abalone.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

AQUACULTURE NEWS

Salmon prices dip Mussel fleet demands end to from all-time high ``open door'' north-south treaty By Anna Duff

IFA Aquaculture has reported that Irish salmon prices took a dip of between 50 to 80 cents a kilo on the arrival of the much heralded Minimum Import Price as the EU and Norway finally buried the hatchet over the salmon trade war.

Due to the anti-dumping duties and safeguard measures won by IFA Aquaculture for Irish farmers, prices improved dramatically in May and June, due to the tariffs imposed against Norwegian imports averaging 16%. A shortfall in supply however, also fuelled top prices to just below 5 per kilo in some markets. The shortfall was mainly due to the lack of fish in both Ireland and Scotland, due to a very slow start to the wild salmon season here but also to suspicions in the marketplace that the Norwegians were holding back production in advance of negotiations in Brussels. These talks had been ushered in by the confirmation of the tariff duties by the Commission in June - a move which was completely unexpected in Norway. The Scandinavians had been totally confident that the numbers would not stack up against them around the member state table. They also believed that the Commission would take pity on the 100 or so Norwegian farmers who had fallen foul of the EU's strict rules on form filling, and were subsequently charged at the top rate of 24.5% duty. Not so, as the Irish and their Scottish colleagues had the upper hand in Brussels with a solid relation-

ship with DG Trade. Once the news broke that a meeting of the EU anti-dumping committee had agreed to continuation of the tariffs, heads rolled in Oslo notably the President of the Norwegian Fish Farmers' Association (FHL Aquaculture) Lise-Berg Hansen. Panfish supremo, Atle Eide, in advance of receiving a 150 million investment from shipping magnate, John Fredrickson, moved swiftly to try and reach a compromise with the Commission in his new role as President of FHL Aquaculture.

`Historic agreement'

A deal was brokered which so excited Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelsson, that he broke ranks a week early to spin the story to the media as a historic agreement. While this annoyed many member states, who had yet to see never mind ratify the deal on a Minimum Price, the agreement was pushed through and the MIP became a reality in July for at least six months. During this time, the Commission will buy peace from all the member states, including the permanent opposition to any slight against Norway in Germany and Denmark. In the end, the industry in Ireland can at least look forward to stability in prices for up to five years enough time to find its feet again. Nevertheless, industry insiders are wondering how the Norwegians will react to this stability and if it will fail to clip the wings of the Norwegian industry whose only aim in life appears to be to produce more fish than Chile at any cost!

(b) the late, late implementation of the infamous `Torremolinos Protocol' by the Marine THE 2005 mussel season Survey Office, which has tied opened on an optimistic note. up every boat over 25 meters in Ministers, TDs and BIM perthe fleet and has possibly left sonnel attended various vessel only three vessels of the tradilaunches, heralding a 27 tional sector able to fish for million investment in a rejuseed in the Irish sea - and then venated and optimistic sector. The bottom mussel industry only after huge investment. had gone from a relatively modest (yet secure) position Unfair advantage straight into expansionist mode While mussel fishermen in Car- not fuelled by any greatly lingford, Wexford, Waterford increased demand for the pro- and Castlmaine watched on, duct but rather the twin absurd- the bizarre situation created by ities of: the `Voisinage Agreement' hit (a) a race to get grant aid to straight to the core this year. As build vessels before the dead- they see it, for the past five line by which a decision by the years boats from Holland, EU to classify mussel aquacul- Wales and Germany have been ture boats as `fishing vessels' granted free licence to fish the Irish Sea within the territorial kicked in.

By Anna Duff

Spain says `hola!' to EU fisheries agency John Sandford reports

DECENTRALISATION is in the air, not only in Ireland but also in the EU as key agencies are dispersed throughout the Community. The new Fisheries Control Agency will be in Spain.

The guidelines and scope of work are now agreed. Spain is particularly pleased because it had worked hard to achieve a significant widening of the functions of the agency, whose principal task will be to coordinate inspections of the EU member states' fishing industries and help achieve the final reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) begun in December 2002.

Functions

The agency will now have eight principle functions, four of which are new. The increased number of tasks will give it a greater relevance and a higher profile. The key extra tasks include coordination of inspector training; a role in the fight against illegal fishing and involvement in research and development.

proof of why mussel producers from Wexford and Waterford have been upset, then the allowance of at least 15 foreign vessels by way of ``simple registration'' in Belfast, giving them automatic access to the Irish Sea, clinches the deal. With mussel seed in the Irish Sea found to be too small to harvest in July, the Irish fishermen called for a one-month closure to allow the product to grow. Meanwhile, new areas for seed on the south and southwest coast are being searched by the new vessels in order to eventually take pressure off the east coast. They have put it to the Department of Marine that the UK registered vessels should search in UK areas at the same time.

Each of the 25 member states (including those without a coastline) will have one representative and one vote on the administrative board. The Commission will have six representatives and six votes, with four votes going to the fishery sector.

Compromise

The power of the Commission in the new agency represents a compromise between the demand of Brussels for 10 votes and that of the member states for only four votes. Nonetheless, the compromise is highly satisfactory for the Commission. Previously, maximum power given to the Commission on this type of board was four votes. But ministers ring-fenced this arrangement by making it clear that this level of representation would not serve as a precedent for EU agencies in the future. The Spanish fisheries minister, Elena Espinosa, said the agreement ``took in all the things Spain had asked for''. She expressed ``satisfaction'' that it had been agreed unanimously and that it broadened the competencies of the new body, which Spain had sought.

Diversification into cod on track LAST February, cod juveniles produced at the MRI Carna laboratory were transferred to sea for the first Irish cage farming trial. The site in Beirtraghboy Bay, Connemara, is proving to be well suited to cod culture. The fish have been growing well, and despite a set back from the widely reported red tide (Karenia mikimotoi) they are feeding well again. The trials are a collaborative partnership between local fish farmers, Taighde Mara, the Marine Institute and NUIG, with

limits, without having to meet Irish MSO safety standards; without an Irish sea fishing licence and, it is alleged, without meeting the fundamental premise of the Voisinage which is that they must be owned and operated in Northern Ireland before qualifying to fish in our waters under the agreement. The inter-governmental Seed Mussel Allocation Committee, dominated by the Northern Ireland authorities who hold both the chair and secretariat of this unofficial QUANGO, has decided since its inception in 2001 that two-thirds of the allocation of seed from the territorial waters of the Irish Republic should go north. If anyone needed further

Ă&#x201A; dara support from U Ă&#x201A; s na Gaeltachta and the Department of Marine and Natural Resources. The few thousand fish of this first trial batch will be joined later in the year by up to 45,000 fry produced in the Carna facility. These larger numbers will enable the project to run several comparative trials such as optimum size for transfer to sea. The first Irish farmed cod should be available for quality and taste testing early next year.

* The new Fisheries Control Agency will be in Spain. Spain is particularly pleased because it had worked hard to achieve a significant widening of the functions of the agency. Faro De Vigo

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

AQUACULTURE NEWS

D-Day: mussel larvae identification Dr Susan Steele, BIM, explains

AT the invitation of Seafish, the fisheries development agency in the UK, Susan Steele, BIM's aquaculture training officer, and Tara Chamberlain of the Phytoplankton Laboratory at the Marine Institute recently gave a one-day course on mussel culture to growers on England's southwest coast.

The course was designed as a practical guide to help mussel farmers decide on the correct time to place out spat collectors. This is achieved by identifying and quantifying when mussel larvae have reached the D-stage of development, i.e., normally 4 to 21 days after fertilization. The course was split into a mixture of presentations and practicals. The presentations covered the reproductive cycle

of mussels: how to identify and sample for larvae; quantification of numbers of larvae in the water column as well as types of spat collection material and the relative success experienced by Irish growers with each type. The practicals covered the use of microscopes; counting chambers; mussel larvae identification and general plankton identification for use in identifying competitor species such as sea squirts etc. As well as sparking a high level of debate about the variety of the various other monsters in the plankton, the course also allowed industry members to discuss experiences and share ideas about future possibilities and projects. The course highlighted the differences between Irish and English experiences. In Ireland, for instance, the main cause for concern is generally the appear-

ance of starfish larvae in the plankton whereas, for Dorset/ Devon growers, pea crab is more of an issue. For Cornish growers, sea squirts, or `pissers' as they are otherwise known, are the main threats. Martin Syvret reported that in his two year's working for Seafish, this project had been ``one of the most rewarding projects'' for him. This approach may therefore show an example of how collaborative approaches between organisations such as Seafish, BIM and the Marine Institute, can be used to benefit growers on both sides of the Irish Sea.

* Further information from

Seafish Inshore Group contact, Martin Syvret: 078760 35746/m_syvret@seafish.co.uk. Details of BIM training from Dr Susan Steele: 027 70 * Dr Susan Steele in the classroom. 450/ steele@bim.ie

Long life, rust free lobster pots By Gery Flynn

BONNAR Engineering Ltd of Letterkenny, the renowned offshore fish cage specialists, have launched a new lobster pot claiming that it is stronger, longer lasting, and less prone to rust than anything currently on the market. According to Bonnar, its Tempest Traps range includes

a wide variety of lobster and crab creels designed and constructed to be extra strong and expected to last twice as long as conventional pots. Crucially, it is also virtually maintenance free, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming repair work. Each pot's base frame is made of a 12mm steel bar embedded in 20mm medium

density polyethylene pipe (MDPE). This, says Bonnar, gives it great durability, and the 2.5mm thick MDPE wall means that water ingress is practically impossible. Aquamesh Galvanised-AfterWelding mesh is then used to make up whatever shape trap is required. The base frame can be constructed to any shape, size or weight according to use.

Brainchild

This new pot is the brainchild of two experienced inshore fishermen who were determined to create a lobster pot that would be less prone to rust and more hard wearing. Pat Quill, and his son - also called Pat, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, who have spent many years fishing off the south coast

- spent three years perfecting their ideas. According to Pat Quill (junior), who now works full-time with Bonnar Engineering marketing the Tempest Traps range worldwide, he and his father were determined to come up with an improvement on conventional pots. ``The basic problem with steel framed pots is that they are plastic coated. As soon as the plastic gets chipped the steel underneath starts to rust, and that process accelerates rapidly right through the entire structure until the whole pot is affected,'' he said. After three years testing their ideas the Quills were confident that their new design could be taken to a pot manufacturer. ``It took a long time to get the pot right. First of all, we had to

Taighde Mara Teoranta - Oifigeach Forbartha, Co. Mhaigh Eo. Is mian le Taighde Mara Teoranta oifigeach forbartha a fhostuÂ do Cho. Mhaigh Eo. Beidh caÂilõÂ ochtaõÂ 3uÂ leibheÂ al ag an iarrthoÂir rathuÂil in UisceshaothruÂ, EolaõÂ ocht Bia, Forbairt Tuatha noÂ aÂbhar gaolta agus nõÂ folaÂir ar a laghad taithõÂ trõÂ bliana i bhforbairt tionscnaimh noÂ sa Tionscail Biamara. TaÂ scileanna ginnearaÂlta rõÂ omhaireachta ag teastaÂil. TaÂ seÂ riachtanach a bheith saÂsta coÂnaõÂ I Maigh Eo chomh maith le bheith in ann obair trõÂ Ghaelige. TaÂ seÂ taÂbhachtach go mbeadh an teÂ a cheapfar in ann oibriuÂ ar a chonlaÂn feÂin agus beidh taisteal go forleathan i nGaeltacht Mhaigh Eo agus thar lear nuair is gaÂ. Beidh luach saothair tarraingteach, a leÂ ireoidh taÂbhacht an phoist, ar faÂil don t'iarrthoÂir rathuÂõÂ l. Is fostoÂir comhionannas deiseanna eÂ Taighde Mara Teoranta. NõÂ moÂr iarratais don phost a bheith faighte roimh an

16uÂ MeaÂ n FoÂ mhair, 2005 ag ; An Bainisteoir. Taighde Mara Teoranta, Carna. Co. na Gaillimhe.

Taighde Mara Teoranta - Development Officer, Co. Mayo

Taighde Mara Teoranta is a subsidiary of UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta that supports the UÂdaraÂs' economic and social development objectives by providing technical support and business advise to the Gaeltacht aquaculture and related marine industries. We are currently recruiting to fill a vacant position in Mayo. The "Mayo Development Officer" will report directly to the Manager and will liaise closely with UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachtas's regional staff in Mayo. The successful candidate will have a third level qualification in aquaculture, food science, rural development or related discipline and a minimum of three years experience working in development or in the marine food industry. General IT skills are required. An ability to work through Irish is essential as is a willingness to live in the Mayo Gaeltacht. The position requires the successful candidate to work on their own initiative and to be prepared to travel regularly within the region and occasionally overseas as required. Good communication and facilitation skills are key to the success of our mission. An attractive remuneration package reflecting the importance of this position is available to the successful candidate. Taighde Mara Teoranta is an equal opportunities employer. Applications should be made to,

The Manager, Taighde Mara Teoranta, Carna, Co. na Gaillimhe, on or before 16th September 2005.

* Pat Quill Jnr with the `maintenance free' lobster pots.

get the frame strong enough to last. Then, it took a long time getting the pot to fish. But now, all the results coming back from tests show that our pots are fishing better - particularly for lobsters - than anything else that's out there at the moment,'' he said.

Long lasting

According to Bonnar, the Tempest Traps are expected to last at least twice as long as a conventional pot. ``Another advantage of Tempest Traps is that where there is a strong tide, the water flows through them much better than in a traditional net pot. That means that the Tempest Trap tends to stay in place where a lot of traditional pots will be washed away.

``Ideally, we are looking at producing up to 500 Tempest Traps a week in the coming year. We reckon that the Irish market for lobster pots is somewhere in the region of 1,000 pots a week.'' Bonnar Engineering is also aware of the potential market for Tempest Traps abroad, and has protected the new design with a worldwide patent. ``As well as examining the potential markets for Tempest Traps in England, Scotland and Wales, we are looking at the American and Australian markets. I have been to Africa, France, Spain and Portugal, and there really is a lot of interest in this new pot worldwide. If all goes well, it will create a lot of employment here in Ireland.''

* For queries contact Pat Quill

Jnr any time on 087 2737330.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

Exposing the food bogey men

AQUACULTURE NEWS

By Donal Maguire, Aquaculture Development Manager, BIM

so-called `scientists' who churn

below the recommended safety

out biased results so as to dip

limits set by the EU and by the

into the funding opportunities

US Food and Drugs Adminis-

that this situation offers them.

tration.

Their aim is not to discover

Yet

the

mere

presence

Quality standards Perception

reality

when

comes to purchasing decisions. The Food Safety Authority of

the truth - far from it. They

these

are

Ireland (FSAI) is very effective

bring proposals for funding to

present in virtually everything

at ensuring that unsafe food is

is delicious, convenient, afford-

wealthy

we eat, was used to spark off a

not allowed for sale. It is a

able and very healthy. A food

ready have the answers before

major

much more difficult and elusive

proven

they even begin to investigative

frighten consumers away from

task, however, to get people to

* Stained blood smear from Bonamia-infected oyster. The pink

good for your heart and for the

the work! Answers they know

buying farmed salmon.

believe in what they eat once

development of your children,

their

Bonamia disease: no friend of the oyster

both before and after they are

want to hear. These people are

media

born. A food that is known to

really Science abusers, out to

ken. We are being made victims

money was spent on running

be helpful in dealing with a

frighten the consumer.

of a phoney food propaganda

the slick PR campaign than on

war.

IMAGINE

dots are parasites inside and outside blood cells. PICTURE: J Sandford

By John Sandford

THE discovery of Bonamia disease in flat oysters in Lough Foyle is a huge blow to the native oyster industry in the northwest as well as nationally. Of the 40 or thereabouts known diseases of oysters, Bonamiasis is probably the deadliest. It causes high mortalities, killing three and four-year old oysters, often close to marketing time. Pacific oysters, which are now farmed in Ireland along with other shellfish species are unaffected by the disease. Importantly, man is also unaffected. Bonamiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that invades the blood cells of oysters, destroying the cells (see photo) leading to weakness and death. The disease virtually wiped out the French flat oyster-growing industry in the 1980s and since then has gradually spread to virtually every other oyster-producing country in Europe, including Ireland. Lough Foyle was one of the last bays in Ireland to remain diseasefree. How and when the disease was introduced into Lough Foyle may never be known; however, it is virtually certain that it was introduced through infected native oysters being moved into the Lough. Since other shellfish species do not transmit this disease, the possibility that the disease was introduced via fishing boats or mussel boats can be ruled out with a high degree of certainty.

ease gradually spreads through currents and tidal movements. Restricting movements within Lough Foyle therefore will not prevent spread, although it might slow it down.

What can be done?

So what can be done? Probably not a lot given that once the disease is introduced to oysters not previously exposed to it, high mortalities can be expected for at least six years. As the disease gradually intensifies, mortalities rise and catches fall. To date there are no known eradication procedures; however, to prevent spread to adjacent unaffected bays, movements of flat oysters from Lough Foyle must be prohibited. Nevertheless, mortalities can be reduced by using suspension culture and by lower stocking densities, but such management measures cannot be easily applied to wild oysters.

Farming shellfish

Switching to farming shellfish species such as pacific oysters or mussels may be the best solution; however, it is not easy to switch from dredging shellfish to farming them. Dredging oysters is often a part-time seasonal occupation, whereas farming shellfish is a full-time occupation requiring different skills. Surely there is a role here for the various State agencies to lead the way towards making the necessary changes to turn a disaster Restricting into a new opportunity for movement those earning a living from Once introduced, the dis- Lough Foyle oysters?

a food product that

beyond

doubt

variety of human health issues

that

anti-aquaculture

was

that

lot

whole effort was sponsored by

prevention and mental health. A

Green Peace, recently said of

food

every

the Pew Charitable Trust - an

this phenomenon: ``These agen-

supermarket, every day of the

organisation in the US that has

da-driven researchers are only

week.

donated

looking

dollars to groups dedicated to

Irish

farmed

salmon

for

than

What did not emerge in the

Patrick Moore, co-founder of

person

campaign

ranging from arthritis to cancer buy

patrons

publicity

the study itself, and that the

can

less

al-

which

you

foundations

compounds,

interpretations

has

data that fit their predetermined

every one of these characteris-

conclusions. That is not how

tics and yet there are people,

sound science is done.''

expert in media manipulation,

Scare tactics

who are determined to give it bad press. Who are these people and why are they so keen on confusing

consumers

with

scare

tactics? They are a new generation of `bogey men' who peddle their messages dressed up as facts, su p p os e d l y

b a ck e d

science. In fact, they are people with a political and economic agenda who really don't care

tens

millions

opposing salmon farming. In this case, deliberate consumer fear and confusion was created to attack salmon farming.

The

researchers

did

not

A recent example of using a

care that they might drive con-

food scare was the Hites et al

sumers away from a product

study published in Science Ma-

that can save lives through its

gazine last year. In this, samples

Omega-3 properties - well pro-

of salmon were analysed for the

ven now in the role of prevent-

presence of the environmental

ing

contaminants, PCBs and diox-

attack.

sudden

death

from

heart

was

already known and were well

certified

Quality

under

Seafood

the

BIM

Programme

(QSP) to the highest standards of quality assurance, and Irish farmers have led the way internationally

producing

The Irish consumer can rest assured they are buying a safe product benefits

with

positive

when

they

health choose

QSP-branded or organic Irish farmed salmon. So

let's

not the

get

pushed

quality-assured

ers are preying on the public to

farmed

further their own interests.

way to a healthier lifestyle.

salmon

bogey and

men!

eat

about the consumer. All they want is to confuse and frighten you to achieve their own ends. Perhaps this sounds a bit like a conspiracy theory but unfortunately it is true. Food scares are now big business. And in the aftermath of the BSE issue, most consumers have become conditioned to doubt the safety of

the

food

they

are

being

offered.

Exploitation In

short,

the

conditions

are

perfect for exploiting genuine consumer fears. By using the worries that people have as a means

attacking

the

food

production sector, product confidence is undermined. This unfortunate trend is not confined salmon

attacks

farming

the

industry.

All

of the major affordable

food

production sectors are targeted from time to time; however, fish farming is hit more than most, and the assaults are particularly vicious.

Providing services to the aquaculture and inshore fisheries sectors through the facilities on main campus and the MRI Carna Laboratories in:

Why, particularly given that farmed salmon has such positive health enhancing properties because of its high Omega-3 content? The answer would seem to be because salmon farming is relatively new and because, as an industry, it and has run foul of one of the great leisure pastimes of today, angling. There are no militant protests or snowstorms of `letters to the editor '

the

deer

hunting

season is amended, or the quota changed.

`Unscrupulous scientists' The belief that salmon farming is contrary to the interests of the sport angling lobby has created a huge well of resources that is available to those who want to exploit this conviction. In turn, this has spawned a whole

cadre

unscrupulous

top

quality organic salmon.

Choose

were

what

their morally bankrupt research-

was found. The levels detected with

comes to our farmed salmon. It

Essentially, these people and

line

Thankfully here in Ireland we are very well placed when it

around

ins. Nothing new or startling in

their confidence has been sha-

Culture of new species, including seaweed, marine finfish and shellfish . Industry training, . Environmental monitoring, . Technology Transfer . Shellfish and finfish hatcheries

Contact Declan Clarke 091-750386 Declan.clarke@nuigalway.ie

Irish your

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

SEAWEED INDUSTRY

`Cinderella' industry needs co-ordinated approach to reach potential By Gery Flynn IRELAND'S seaweed sector will go on failing to realise its true potential in terms of revenue generation and employment opportunities unless those in it learn to unite and adopt well co-ordinated strategies when dealing with state regulatory and support agencies.

This is the blunt assessment of Ross Campbell, a director of CyberColloids Ltd, the Co Cork based global service provider to end users and producers of hydrocolloids, and the new

chairman of the Irish Seaweed Industry Organisation (ISIO). The ISIO was set up over a decade ago and represents the interests of those working with seaweeds in Ireland. Commenting to Inshore Ireland soon after taking the ISIO hot seat, Campbell views his proposed two-year term as ``a major but welcome challenge.'' High on his agenda is to improve the image of seaweed in the public mind, and to reveal some of the business opportunities it can present to entrepreneurs - particularly in overseas markets. ``Those of us who

work in what really is a tiny sector know that we are operating in a very crowded and fiercely competitive marketplace worldwide. The Irish sector is already facing growing competition from places like Brittany and Canada, so we need to learn where our place is and how to project our position as an Irish product base,'' he explains. Campbell's reign as ISIO chairman comes at a critical time for the sector - often regarded as ``the Cinderella'' of the marine and practically invisible to the general public.

Despite regular and sometimes overly optimistic predictions that a seaweed-based industry was on the brink of a major breakthrough, it has steadfastly failed to make any impact beyond some of the coastal communities where it has been gathered off the foreshore for generations. This paralysis has led ISIO members to question the organisation's role as a representative organisation, and it has come in for trenchant criticism of late for failing to promote their interests in the past decade. A commissioned report

circulated to ISIO members in December by Declan Clarke of the Marine Development Office at NUI-Galway's Martin-RyanMarine-Science-Institute, which examines the `structure and function' of the ISIO, reinforced the widely-held belief that a `root-and-branch' reform of the organisation was essential if the sector was to progress. The Clarke report set to discover what exactly ISIO members expected from their representative organisation. Financed by ISIO members, Taighde Mara Teo, BIM, the Marine Institute and the MRI,

the Clarke report signposts a new direction for the organisation - one that is most likely to involve the ISIO affiliating formally to a stronger lobby group such as the Irish Farmers' Association. It cautions however that `should an approach be made to affiliate with IFA, the ISIO must have in place a formalised and effective Committee structure that is mandated by members to negotiate and subsequently monitor delivery of exact terms and conditions of affiliation'.

Irish seaweed: a rich and diverse resource

By MaÂirtõÂn Walsh, BIM

list plant food; fertilizers and gourmet foods. This has had the effect of counteracting the reduction in IRELAND has a long tradivolume by generating increased tion of seaweed. Records datrevenue. The same challenges ing back centuries show that that face all producers and seaweed was used as a foodmanufacturers affect the seastuff. During the 19th and weed industry. Asian compa20th centuries seaweed was nies in particular are able to used as a cheap fertilizer, and produce vast quantities of cheap in hard times as a basic raw materials, and it is becomanimal fodder. ing increasingly difficult for During the 1940s, the GovIrish seaweed companies to ernment sought to bring badly compete, particularly in the area of low-value bulk products. * Cosmetics and skincare are probably the best-known application for Irish seaweed companies are therefore striving to develop seaweed, and several new products have been developed. more valuable products and to cut their costs. Irish companies are now developing specialist plant foods that can be used to boost growth and inhibit various pests. These range from products for golf courses and lawns, to fertilizers for fruit, vegetables and flowers. New production capability is needed employment to poor coastal communities, and Arramara Teoranta was established. Two plants were built: one at Meenmore in Donegal and the other, which is still operating today, at Cill ChiaraÂin in Connemara. The Irish seaweed industry is in transition; less seaweed is harvested now than in the past. Nevertheless, the seaweed industry is now focusing on producing high quality products such as skincare items; specia-

under development at Brandon Products Limited, Arramara Teoranta and OileaÂ n Glas Teoranta. The agriculture sector is also benefiting from the strong growth in organic and chemical free agriculture practices, and this growth seems set to continue as consumers become more aware of the environmental effects of some farming methods. Food products are also being researched, with superb new products now being developed. Many types of seaweed are high in nutrients, leading to the possibility of using seaweeds for nutritional supplements, food ingredients and gourmet foods. A recent successful example of this innovation is Aquamin. This product has been developed and manufactured by Marigot Limited/ Celtic Sea Minerals. Aquamin is a new flavourless calcium supplement that can be added to food with-

* Nora Doekin showing sea squirt fouling on a disused seaweed longline in Roaringwater Bay.

out affecting the flavour. It is made from seaweed harvested in west Cork. Consumers nowadays are interested in novel foods and the increasing popularity of Asianstyle health foods may allow Irish companies to develop new products from seaweed, based on what is being used in Japan, Korea or China. There is strong interest in researching seaweed and developing healthy food products from the resource. Cosmetics and skincare are probably the best-known application for seaweed, and several new products have been developed. This sector has the potential to grow significantly if Ireland can continue to develop high quality new products from seaweed. BIM is encouraged by the

way this sector is developing. Although modest in size, it is now a vibrant sector brimming with innovation, technical excellence and new and exciting projects. Its existing products cover a wide range of high value activities, spanning functional foods, cosmetics, horticulture, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals. New product development and technical innovation are the hallmarks of this modern business and we see a bright future for the sector and its dynamic entrepreneurs. BIM will continue to support them via a unique suite of integrated development programmes, which span every aspect of the business from the shore all the way to the final consumer.

* Norwgian kelp harvester.

* Seaweed fertilizers manufactured at Bandon.

* High-tech processing plant at Bandon, Tralee.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

Use of Seaweed at C-Mar seaweed in farming By Diarmaid Mulcahy

SEAWEED INDUSTRY

Dr Lynn Browne, CMAR, explains

Pest resistance

Research further suggests that a plant's need for trace elements can be satisfied at lower concentrations if those elements are offered to the leaves in the form of a spray, rather than through the soil to the roots. It is known that plants treated with seaweed products develop a resistance to pests and diseases - not only to sap-seeking insects such as red spider mite and aphids - but also to scab, mildew and fungi, though the reason why is unknown. Soil fungi and bacteria are known to produce natural antibiotics that hold down the population of plant pathogens. And when these antibiotics are produced in sufficient quantities, they enter the plant and help it to resist disease. The production of such antibiotics is increased in soil high in organic matter, and it may be that seaweed still further encourages this process.

CURRENT algal research at C-Mar - the Centre for Marine Resources and Mariculture, Queen's University Marine Laboratory (QUML), Portaferry, - is driven by commercial demand for, and interest in the many and varied applications of marine algae. Probably the simplest and most familiar application of seaweed is as food. Worldwide, a number of species such as

SEAWEEDS have been harvested for thousands of years as food, fertilizer, and medicine. As early as 3000 B.C., the Chinese were using seaweed for medicinal purposes, while in Iceland the oldest law book refers to the `rights and concessions involved before one might collect and/or eat fresh sol (Palmaria palmata) on a neighbour's land.' Seaweeds have many other important but low volume uses. Because they concentrate trace elements, they have long been a source of iodine, potash, and other minerals used in industry and medicine. Some have been used for drugs such as antibiotics, anti-coagulants, anti-helmenthes (worms), antihypertensive agents, reducers of blood cholesterol, dilatory agents, and insecticides. Seaweed has many properties, which can have huge benefits for plant growth; however, as with all organic matter it has to be broken down first before its benefits are available to soil or plant. It contains all major and minor plant nutrients, and all trace elements; alginic acid, vitamins, auxins (plant growth hormone), at least two gibberellins (hormones which simply encourage growth) have been identified in seaweed, and antibiotics. Of these, alginic acid is a soil conditioner, which helps to produce a crumb structure and retain moisture in soil. Auxins in seaweeds have been found to encourage cells growth whereas more familiar types of auxin simply enlarge cells without increasing their number. Seaweed also contains all known trace elements, but these must be present in a form acceptable to plants. Trace elements can be made available to plants by chelating, i.e. combining the mineral atom with organic molecules.

* Dr Charlie Yarish, who will give a plenary presentation at the C-Mar Aquaculture Workshop this year, pictured visiting a Porphyra Farm in China.

THANKS to a dermatologist's recommendation for sea, sand and sun to alleviate the common childhood skin condition, eczema, the therapeutic benefits of seaweed are now being felt throughout Ireland. Launched in 1993, the Seavite range is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. ``Only the purest ingredients are used in the production, to ensure maximum absorption,'' commented Seavite's managing director, Kaye Mulrooney. ``Seaweed contains all the

elements of life; vitamins, minerals and proteins. So whether you choose to eat it or soak in it, seaweed will have a beneficial effect on anybody who comes in contact with its regenerative powers,'' she added. Seaweed is also known to help hydrate and balance sensitive skin. Its marine and botanical extracts soothe surface irritations. It is also excellent after exposure to sun and wind. ``Specially selected seaweed plants of exceptional quality are harvested from suitable loca-

Porphyra, Gracilaria, Undaria,

, are harvested and cultured for the food market, and their collective value exceeds 2.5 billion. A local edible seaweed, Palmaria palmata or dulse is also in demand as a foodstuff, and novel cultivation techniques developed at C-Mar are currently being built upon to allow yearround, large-scale and commercially viable dulse farming. Laminaria and Caulerpa

Multi-purpose

Seaweeds can also be used as nutraceuticals and alternative medicinal products. C-Mar is also involved in the EU-funded `Hippocrates' project where Corallina officinalis is being cultured for use as a human

* Bioremediation of sewage effluent using Fucus serratus. bone implant. The problems of coastal eutrophication caused by nitrates and phosphates in sewage effluent is also being addressed by using the common

Seaweed - nature's miracle cure for skin tions along the unspoilt west coast of Ireland. This seaweed is entirely naturally occurring and no chemicals or additives of any kind are used in the production,'' Kaye added. Established in 1992 by Patrick and Kaye, Seavite is a family-run business. Kaye's late husband Patrick was a scientist who specialised in the uses of seaweed. Following three years research, he developed the formula for Seavite seaweed bath and shower gel. Their two daughters Jane and Katherine, whose childhood ec-

zema was the inspiration behind Seavite, are now dermatologists and are responsible for new product development and quality control. Son James is an actuary and is Seavite's financial director. Negotiations are now at an advanced stage with a large American distributor involved in the health food sector. ``This follows queries from several American visitors who discovered the Seavite range whilst visiting Ireland and are now looking for product on the high street,'' Kaye explained.

seaweed, Fucus serratus, to bioremediate secondarily treated sewage wastewater (removal of up to 90% of nutrients has been achieved). Seaweed research at C-Mar will again be addressed at a dedicated workshop during our annual aquaculture workshop that takes places in Portaferry on 15 and 16 September. The plenary lecture will be given by Dr Charlie Yarish, University of

Connecticut, on economically

`The

use

important

sea-

weeds to bioremediate finfish for integrated aquaculture systems'

* Further information from: Dr Lynn Browne (l.browne@qub.ac.uk) or Dr Niall McDonough (niall.mcdonough@qub.ac.uk) or website: (http://www.qub.ac.uk/ bb/cmar).

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

MARINE TOURISM

Estimated number and characteristics of overnight trips Section A Total Participants Maritime Activity

000s

ANGLING

Participants who report at least one overnight trip 000s As % of total participants

Section B Average No. of Est total No. overnight trips of overnight trips

Section C Average length of overnight trips

000s

No.

Est. total No. of overnights 000s

Freshwater angling for coarse fish

66.5

12.0

17.9

0.5

30.7

2.3

Sea angling from the shore

74.1

7.6

10.2

0.3

19.0

2.5

Boating at sea in row boats, canoes etc.

32.1

5.8

18.0

0.3

9.3

2.4

22.5

Cruising, boating on inland waterways

42.8

13.2

30.8

0.7

30.3

2.0

59.5

Freshwater angling for game fish Sea angling from boat COASTAL AND INLAND BOATING

80.5

53.0

Boating in power boats etc. at sea WATERSPORTS Water skiing, jet skiing

24.6

19.2

17.3 9.0 8.9

0.8

Surfing, sail boarding

17.8

1.7

Other sea sports

7.3

1.1

SEASIDE/RESORT TRIPS Swimming at sea

353.5

54.8

Bird watching in coastal areas

12.4

1.7

Scuba Diving, snorkelling

9.1

Whale/Dolphin watching

9.6

Visiting Nature Reserves etc in coastal areas

Other trips to the beach or seaside Other trips to the islands TOTAL

43.5

1,134.6 33.2 1,475.8

4.1

21.5 17.0

36.4 4.3

0.5

0.4

1.1 0.1

9.5

0.4

15.2

0.3

45.4

15.5

1.7

0.4 0.7

31.6

47.2

1.9

50.5

2.0

3.3

2.3

2.0

4.6

3.2

0.2

1.5

37.2

0.3

15.1

148.1

5.1

201.2

6.6

72.0

3.5

7.3

0.6

11.7 57.3

26.4

25.7

34.1

132.5 19.0

20.3

2.8

3.3

14.1

42.3

1.9 2.4

478.6

5.4

17.2

5.4

1.6

9.2

2.5

469.9 21.6 1,008.3

48.0

8.3

22.7

.6 2.4

Cruisers charmed by the `Connemara Lady' By Gery Flynn ``IF

the numbers beating a

path to our door is anything to go by, I am satisfied that despite

being

located

relatively remote part of the country,

Killary

Cruises

providing a reliable, comfortable and completely unique experience.''

This is the justifiably proud boast of MicheaÂl OÂ Cionna, managing director of the leading Co Galway-based company which every year draws thousands of visitors to its cruiser `Connemara Lady' to experience the stunning scenery of

Killary Fjord. ``Attracting people to this remote but beautiful area around Leenane is certainly a marketing challenge, but it's probably because our service is not only unique but also very dependable that they continue to want it,'' he told Inshore Ireland. OÂ Cionna - who spent 15 years in manufacturing as a mechanical engineer before being attracted in 1999 to the business opportunities on offer in the fledgling marine leisure sector - is confident that Killary Cruise's 2005 season is already shaping up to be another successful one.

``We do 800 scheduled sailings a season and, at the very most, we might have to cancel four of these due to sea conditions. That level of dependability is very important for anyone travelling a long distance to sail with us. You could say that we are more reliable than some commercial airlines,'' he jokes. ``And as for seasickness, forget it; we have yet to pay out on our guarantee that the 90-minute round trip from Nancy's Point near Leenane to the mouth of Killary Fjord will be very comfortable. It's just over half way through our season but we have already taken bookings for 2006, confident that we'll be able to sail on nearly every one of those days,'' he adds proudly. Hearing MicheÂal OÂ Cionna it is clear that even after six years

in the job he is still enchanted by Killary's magnificent land and seascapes, and his fondness for `Connemara Lady' - the majestic 23-metre vessel at the heart of the business - is as strong as ever. From the start he says that a lot of thought and attention was given not only to the vessel's appearance, but also her overall performance as a dedicated passenger carrier. Crucial to this was to ensure that getting passengers on and off should be as safe as possible. ``The catamaran design was deliberate so that she could be landed on a slipway, similar to the Tarbert-Kilimer car ferry. It would have been more expensive if we'd had to build a harbour wall because it would have had to be high enough to

THE Fisheries Inshore Diversification Scheme, which helps fishermen to change from mainstream catching to other areas such as sea angling and ecotourism, has enabled a Castletownbere man to switch careers without having to abandon his love of boats and the sea. Eamonn Orpen (29), a trawlerman for 12 years and a qualified skipper this year, took the helm of his own boat, `Silver Dawn', which he will charter to anglers, sightseers and divers around the Beara Peninsula. Orpen told Inshore Ireland that he is enjoying his first season in the marine leisure sector, adding that his boat is already in demand, with repeat bookings already confirmed. ``I intend using `Silver Dawn' for angling trips and tours, especially around Bere Island, and if the weather is good we might even go looking for dolphins and whales. My P5 licence allows me to take charters 30 miles offshore,'' he explained. Built in Vigo, Spain, and delivered in December 2004 by Whiterock Yachts of Northern Ireland, `Silver Dawn' is licensed for 12 passengers through the March to November season. With 12.5 metres in length, and a beam of 4.21 metres, she

is clearly designed for comfort and speed. Twin Volvo engines allow a steady cruising speed of 22 knots, but a top speed capability of 32 knots. Lay-out on board is good, with toilet, shower, a wellequipped galley, and two seating areas - inside the wheelhouse and up top on the flybridge. Full access around the wheelhouse allows plenty of fishing points. This means that there is no need to concentrate towards the rear, where a door and ladder facilitate easy access. There is also a special chair on board for fishing big game fish like shark, tuna and swordfish, ``but only in season, and on a strict catch-and-return-basis,'' Orpen says firmly. ``Silver Dawn is the ideal for charters, and she is very safe. She complies with all the latest regulations through the Marine Survey Office, and all on-board equipment is brand new,'' he adds proudly. Administered by BIM, the Fisheries Inshore Diversification programme is an ambitious integrated development initiative involving Government grants of 3.7 million to support total investment of up to 9.2 million in diversification from the inshore fisheries sector into sea angling and marine tourism.

Former fisherman casts a line for tourists

Ð Gery Flynn

accommodate a tidal range of more than five metres - plus a couple of metres more for her to float at the lowest spring tide, he explains. OÂ Cionna credits fellow director of Killary Cruises, James Ryan, with coming up with the idea of operating a cruising business in Killary Fjord. ``James knew the Killary's spectacular scenery well, having spent 20 years farming salmon here. He had also been involved in a small way in putting on sailing trips out of Westport a decade ago. At that time, however, the take-up wasn't enough, and it was also

1,235.1 51.0 2,487.1

somewhat unreliable because of the tidal conditions.'' As regards financing the project, OÂ Cionna says there were no financial incentives available at the time from Bord FaÂilte. But they did receive crucial backing from an unexpected quarter. Bord Iascaigh Mhara grant-aided construction of the vessel through a capital grant under the PESCA scheme, ``and for that we are really grateful,'' he concludes.

For further information call 1800 41 51 51 or 091 566 736 or visit www.killarycruises.com

SPECTACULAR SIGHT SEEING CRUISES ON IRELAND'S ONLY FJORD

±UP TO 5 SAILINGS DAILY±

All sailings depart from and return to

Leenane, Connemara. Co. Galway

FREEPHONE 1 800 41 51 51

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

COASTLINE NEWS

Irish maritime history sails by

EARLY on a misty morning on July 9, more than 80 of the world's most spectacular tall ships slipped anchor at Waterford and began their journey down the River Suir, making their way past Dunmore East to open water at Hook Head and to the start of the 2005 Tall Ships' race. The parade of sail was led by Ireland's three tall ships, Asgard II, and Jeanie Johnson, representing a ``magic moment in Irish maritime history,'' remarked Capt Michael Coleman, retired Cork harbour pilot and master of Jeanie Johnson. Nick Fewer, chairman of the Waterford Tall Ships' organising committee, said the evening was a ``fitting finale for the most exciting and inspiring night ever seen in Waterford''. Such was the success, the organisers have committed to returning to Waterford in seven years. Seventy young Irish sail trainees took part on the first leg to Cherbourg. The race continued on to Newcastle and finally across the North Sea to Fredikstad, Norway. Pictures Gillian Mills Dunbrody

* Early morning mist veils the fleet as it heads down river.

* Guests on board Dunbrody attending a buffet sponsored by BIM

enjoyed the best of seafood and sea shanties followed by a spectacular fireworks displace that lit up Waterford City to herald a close to the fourday festival and the start of Tall Ships' Race 2005.

* Asgard II, Dunbrody and Jeanie Johnson, together for the first time, off Duncannon Fort, Waterford estuary ShipSnaps

* Dewaruci (Indonesia).

* Tenacious (UK).

* Some of the smaller Tall Ships.

* Alexander von Humbolt (Germany).

Beach seining: an alternative method of assessing juvenile flatfish stocks By Brendan Allen & Paul Casburn*

FLATFISH such as plaice, turbot, brill and sole are an important component of Irish inshore whitefish fisheries. They are very popular in both restaurants and homes around Ireland and abroad. In some areas fishermen rely heavily on these species for their livelihood. Flatfish offer a unique insight into the early stage of their life cycle. As juveniles they use sandy beaches as nursery grounds, thus providing easy opportunities to estimate numbers and to predict future fishery trends. To date, methods used have generally required expensive sea time (beam trawling); however beach seining is a cost effective and accurate alternative. In September 2000, an annual beach seining survey commenced in Dingle, Co Kerry, at Brandon and Smerwick on the north of the peninsula and Ventry and Inch on the south. The purpose was to identify turbot nurseries and to determine the composition and abundance of other flatfish on sandy beaches. The surveys will also provide information that could underpin the merits of an initiative to release hatcheryreared juveniles so as to devel-

* Beach seine in operation. op inshore fisheries in the region. (Prior to this survey, no regular juvenile flatfish assessment had been carried out on sandy beaches around Ireland.)

The beginning

Flatfish begin their life swimming as normal fish larvae. Currents then transport them to sandy beaches in the springtime when they metamorphose and become what we know as flatfish. The beach seining net is 20m x 2m deep and has a bag in the centre. It is made of 13mm square mesh and has a tickler chain and two 150m ropes for hauling. The net is shot perpendicular to the shore using an inflatable boat and is hauled

ashore using quad bikes. Composition of juvenile flatfish in the trial included: plaice, flounder, turbot, brill, sandsole, common sole and dab. Of these plaice were the most abundant; turbot were second with flounder third. Non-flatfish species such as mullet, sea bass, gurnard, rays, dogfish and conger eel were also caught, with the venomous weaver fish always causing a problem or two. Juvenile plaice catches varied from 143 to 4 fish per haul depending on the beach and the year. Juvenile turbot ranged from 37 to 0 fish per haul, with low numbers on the less suitable turbot habitats (Smerwick and Ventry). Juveniles ranged from 2cm to

11cm, depending on species. The number of plaice has decreased from 2001 to 2004 (Fig 1). Some variation can be attributed to poor weather conditions and the subsequent adverse effects on gear efficiency. This trend, however, is not thought to be responsible for the general patterns noted. Nevertheless, it may be an indication of patterns present in adult phase. In contrast with this decrease in numbers however, an increase in the mean length (from

7 to 8.7cm in 2001 to 2004 respectively) was noted. This suggests that fish grow faster in lower densities. These estimates of juvenile flatfish densities have the potential to be a predictor of the state of the fishery in the future. By studying the results of beach seining surveys through to adult fishery estimates it opens the possibility of linking the juvenile phase to the potential state of a fishery, thus providing a powerful management and conservation tool that could aid stock sustainability.

These surveys are co financed by Taighde Mara Teoranta and BIM with data analysis carried out by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. Thanks also to Chorchamann Choirce Dhuibhne Co-op, The Marine Institute, Dingle Oceanworld and University College Cork who have all assisted in past surveys. * Brendan Allen, Commercial Fisheries Research Group, Galway-Mayo IT; Paul Casburn, Taighde Mara Teo, Carna, Co Galway.

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

COASTLINE NEWS

The glorious mayfly! Coastal waters

surveillance underway

By Dr Brendan Connolly

MAYFLY fishing is a revelation for the beginner and a longterm addiction for the experienced. When the mayfly hatch is abundant, trout lose their reticence and come up to the surface to feed with gusto. It is the main festival of the year's trout fishing calendar. Trout show off their full repertoire of rises during the short period of the mayfly hatch. A small inconspicuous rise can conceal a large trout, while an ostentatious explosion of white spray may only be a fish of a pound in weight. Three quarter pounders have been seen to jump clear of the water and pounce down on the hapless mayfly. Even adult salmon are known to forget that they are not supposed to feed in fresh water and take the odd mayfly. The sudden abundance of the mayfly or Ephemera danica presents a short but rich feast for fish. The mayfly larvae may live as long as three years in the bottom of the river or lake, all the while putting on weight to prepare for reproducing as an adult. Once it reaches the required size it starts to float to the surface where the adult fly pops out of the larval skin. This normally happens in May but can also take place in dribs and drabs during the later summer. The adult mayfly does not feed; in fact it does not even have functioning mouth parts. It is full of nutrients, in the form of eggs and sperms, accumu-

* Pete McGovern holds a 3lb, 11oz trout caught using a dapped mayfly on Upper Lough Corrib at the `Carrick shore'.

* These flies present a nutritious yearly windfall to trout.

lated as a larva during its years of feeding on the bottom. These relatively large flies therefore present a particularly nutritious yearly windfall to trout. The adult fly flies up from the water surface and heads for the shore where it rests on vegetation and undergoes another moult by shedding its skin again. It is only after this second moult that it is ready to reproduce. The

males dance in large clouds of individuals fluttering up and floating down a foot or so in the air. The females fly into these clouds to leave it again followed by one or more males. She mates and subsequently lays her fertilised eggs on the water surface in batches that sink down to the bottom. The whole process - from escaping from the larval skin to laying the eggs - may only take a couple of days. Life as an adult mayfly is therefore quite ephemeral, as indicated by its scientific name. Despite the mayfly season sometimes being called `duffers fortnight', it continues to attract young and old anglers to experience and enjoy the exuberance of trout feeding on the mayfly.

THE `patrolling season' of inland and coastal waterways out to the six mile limit carried out by the Central Fisheries Board continues until October with two of its large protection vessels, BradaÂ n Beatha and CosantoÂir BradaÂn in commission. The vessels will work alongside 30 rigid inflatable boats used by the Regional Boards. The CFB is responsible for the enforcement of Fisheries Acts, Bye Laws and Orders. These regulations ensure the protection and conservation of the fisheries resource, and enforcement of these regulations is an integral part of sustainable fisheries management. The Board's operations and strategies are both preventive

* Creating a deterrent by ensuring a visible presence.

and reactive in nature. They create a deterrent by ensuring the maximum visible presence in waters where the threat of

illegal activity is greatest, and they prosecute offenders and confiscate illegal nets, equipment, tackle and catch.

LPV Naval and Air Corps Operations during 2004 BradaÂn Beatha CosantoÂir BradaÂn Naval Service Total

Days on patrol 140 144 64 348

Number of Flights Number of Sightings

16 500

Air Corps Patrols

No. of sightings & licence checks 388 479 180 1047

Length of net seized (yards) 3000 7500 4750 15250

No of prosecutions & warnings 4 9 3 16

* These figures reflect an increase of 25% on the number of sightings and licence checks and a 28% increase in the length of net seized.

Outside Ireland

Australia's prize gamefish is a heavyweight predator Ciaran O'Donnell, fisheries acoustician with the Marine Institute, worked as a deckhand for a season in the Barra fishery in the Northern territory

BARRAMUNDI (Lactes calcaifer), or barra as they are locally known, are prized gamefish that attract a high price on lucrative Australasian markets. They are diadromous fish (i.e. fresh and seawater tolerant), are renowned as hard fighters, veracious predators with cannibalistic tendencies and can reach 180cm in length and weigh up to 60kg. These fish are 'protandrous hermaphrodites', that is, all offspring start out as male then undergo a sex change later in life to become female. Males spend their first couple of years living in freshwater lagoons and rivers. With the onset of maturity (2-3 years, 60cm), they migrate downstream at the start of the monsoon season to spawn with resident estuary females. Female fecundity is estimated at 2.3 million eggs per kilo of body weight, and most mature males will function as males for up to three years before undergoing sexual inversion to the female form to which they will stay.

* Adam holding a barramundi.

operates between the high tide mark and three miles offshore. Resource allocation issues exist between the recreational and commercial sectors and have resulted in ground closures to commercial operators. A government licence buy back scheme is also in operation. There are 25 licensed operators centred in the Darwin catchment who take around 800 tonnes of barra per year and 200 tonnes of threadfin salmon - a local chipper favourite. The fishery is worth just under AS$10 million per annum ( 5.8 million) and each entry into the fishery costs around AS$500,000 ( 280,000) for a boat, licence and gear package. This would be around the average gross income of a good boat and crew during a season. The season starts late Regulation in the wet season on February The commercial barra fishery 1 and finishes on the Septemis a limited entry whereby a ber 30. seasonal inshore gillnet fishery Each licensee is permitted to

fish up to 1,000m of monofilament, usually broken into 200m sets. Sets are usually 16 meshes deep (0.7mm in thickness) and have a float/lead line. Gear regulations include minimum mesh size of 150mm; minimum line thickness of 0.5mm and vessel ID on dhan ends. A typical boat is about 50ft (steel construction) and operates at 200hp, 25kva genset, and has a five tonne freezing capacity and RSW tanks. Sets are made using 56m flat-bottomed outboard powered dinghies (up to four per mother vessel); the mother vessel being used for storage and freezing. Operations

Fishing grounds include small bays, inlets and tidal gullies in fact anywhere with fresh water input. The area is also home to the largest population of saltwater crocodiles ('salties'), which can reach 4m and are commonly encoun-

* MV Waikea, a typical 50ft steel vessel.

tered during sets. Sets are made two hours before high tide and retrieved two hours after the turn. The degree of processing is dependent upon the operator. Smaller vessels (operating 7-day trips) gill and gut, and store the fish in ice for the small fresh fish market. Larger vessels typically fillet, pack and freeze onboard and may stay at sea for up to two months. Reef, bull, hammerhead and tiger sharks up to 2m feet are frequent visitors to the mothership when the catch is being gutted, so swimming is definitely out of the question, even

when air temperatures hit a scorching 40ëC plus! The future of commercial barra fishing is uncertain. Many of the traditional grounds are now closed to commercial fishermen in favour of recreational angling. The recreational sector attracts people from many areas and creates valuable tourism revenue. The slow but continual closure of grounds will eventually lead to the closure of the commercial fishery. This is already evident in the number of licences remaining: 135 in 1975 and only 25 existing today. Licences are reduced

by a government buy-back scheme; the State fisheries agency puts up the money and remaining licences are levied annually to repay the principle amount. With catches of wild barra on the decrease, it is inevitable that aquaculture production will replace commercially caught fish on the market place. Countries such as Australia, Indonesia and Thailand are now increasing their aquaculture production in order to meet the demand of lucrative markets that span the Pacific from Australia to Hawaii.

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

OYSTER AWARDS

Pat Keogh, BIM chief executive, with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Joyceansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tom Fitzgerald, Fitzgeraldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Sandycove, and Corina Grant launching the BIMGuinness oyster poetry competition.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If Oysters be the Food of Love? Write on . . . . . â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The BIM-Guinness Quality Oyster Poetry Competition TO mark the 10th Anniversary of the BIM-Guinness Quality Oyster Awards, the hunt is on for the best oyster-inspired poem! Billy Keane, son of the late John B. Keane, will lead the panel of judges in their search for the winner and also two runners-up. The competition is in association with Poetry Ireland - the national organisation dedicated to developing, supporting and promoting poetry throughout Ireland. Speaking at the launch, BIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief executive Pat Keogh, said that the Quality Awards have enjoyed tremendous success over the past ten years, and have been a key event in the oyster industry calendar. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They have been instrumental in highlighting Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to the finest qual-

ity seafood products.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The winners of the poetry competition will be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Guinnessed and oysteredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on Friday 16 September at the Ballylongford Oyster Festival - birthplace of the oyster awards. Organised by BIM, the poetry competition is co-sponsored by Guinness Ireland and Cork Kerry Tourism. The overall winner will receive â&#x201A;¬1,000, the first runner-up poem will receive â&#x201A;¬750 and the second runner-up â&#x201A;¬500. The winning poems will appear in Poetry Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e-zine and on their website, as well as going live on the BIM website. *

More information on the competition can be found at www.bim.ie/oysters.

Entries Entries before 5pm on 31 August 2005 to: BIM, Oyster Poetry Competition, P.O. Box 12, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Paul Whooley, Guinness Sales, Kerry; Billy Keane, author/publican and son of the late John B Keane, and Dee Moore, events co-ordinator (aquaculture) BIM, in Listowel.

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The hunt is on for the best oyster-inspired poem in the BIMGuinness Quality Oyster Poetry Competition.

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INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT

On the crest of a Celtic wave Ireland's booming port sector

In the first of a new series on Irish commercial ports and

shipping,

Jehan

Ashmore,

maritime

correspon-

dent, reports on the issues facing the port sector

THE unprecedented growth in the Irish economy over the last decade under the reign of the `Celtic Tiger' has emphasised the importance of the nations' ports and the critical role of ships to export our trade worldwide. Ireland as an island nation is particularly dependent upon seaborne trade, which accounts for 99% of the total volume.

Continued growth for containers

OVERALL, the total value of Irish merchandise exports for this year is estimated to be 84 billion, with imports valued at 50 billion, producing an overall surplus of 34 billion. This equates to goods valued in excess of 120 billion using the Irish maritime supply chain and its ports and shipping services.

Ireland is one of the most

highly traded economies in the world. trade

The is

value

estimated

The container industry has seen rapid growth, resulting in

seaport

the entry of some of the major international container shipping

130

operators.

billion for 2003, compared with

report

published

Natural

Marine

Resources

the

world's

second

largest container

Since then, other operators have joined the boom, including

earlier

French shipping giant CMA-CGM as well as APL, who

this year by the Department of

Communications,

2003,

direct liner services to Ireland.

ports. A

shipping company, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co) started

7 bn to 10 bn through air-

APL is opening a dedicated Irish office in Dublin to focus

Strategy Statement 20032005'- highlighted the needs

# Jehan Ashmore, ShipSnaps

* MTL Terminal, Dublin Port.

operate a fleet of 80 container vessels worldwide.

and

` Ports

on Irish liner shipping and the logistics market. This has been

port at Bremore in north Co

welcomed by the IMDO (Irish Maritime Development Office).

Dublin to handle five million

of Irish ports to further adapt

``This is further good news for Irish companies involved in

tonnes of freight annually in the

in order to meet new challenges

international trade with a major shipping group such as APL

initial stage, with further expan-

facing the industry.

committing

sion

themselves

assertively

building

and

expanding their share of the Irish market,'' commented Glenn

``Our ports have undergone a

Murphy, IMDO Director.

period of considerable change

capable

reaching

million tonnes. The 150 acre-site at Bremore

groups

would be within easy reach of

improved significantly in terms

including D'Amico, who have also established stand-alone

the M1 motorway, the Dublin

management

operations in Ireland. Before these international companies

and Belfast railway and Dublin

structures and overall efficien-

entered the Irish marine marketplace, many containers were

Airport. Its location is identified

cies. This review and resulting

being shipped by `feeder-carriers' to other ports in Continental

in the National Spatial Strategy,

policy statement are timely in

Europe for forward trans-shipment. Now the convenience of

which highlights the need to

order to ensure that our ports

direct services is available to Irish exports and imports alike.

divert development away from

They

over the last decade. They have competition,

join

other

major

international

shipping

Dublin and along the east and

continue to function efficiently

south coasts.

as our economic gateways to

On the west coast, the first

the rest of the world,'' Marine

capacity is reaching maximum

chequer funding may be pro-

Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher

utilisation.

vided.

dedicated

Full capacity by 2007

mainland

emphasised. The

As for 2014, the critical issue

Minister

outlined

the

port

capacity

predicts

importance of key policy issues

capacity deficit of 12.2 million

over the medium term to ensure

tonnes, which equates to almost

that, in line with the Programme

20% of projected traffic. It is

for

ports

the view of many ports that the

would remain an integral part

deficit predicted is grossly un-

that

the

derestimated.

the

port

Government,

Irish

of our economic prosperity.

Varying capacity levels

The has

of Irish Commercial Seaport Capacity' focuses on the importance of containerised trade accounts

for

almost

third of all traffic handled. The study indicates utilisa-

tion

capacity currently

proposed

potential

An updated report: `Assessment

which

Department,

set at

49% rising to 55% by 2007.

however,

avoid

capacity

such

bottlenecks

The

State's

Port

busiest

Dublin,

port,

the

accounts

for

almost 50% of the turnover of all

ports.

Economists

predict

capacity

shortfall

will

reached

2007. Despite the Dublin Port tunnel, which will remove significant

traffic

from

central

by providing a capital budget

Dublin, the port requires more

of 4 million for seaports and

space for unitised cargo (con-

shipping in 2005.

tainers) in order to meet rising

According to Minister Gallagher, Irish ports will need to

demands. Proposals to build a 21-hec-

linking

container

western

service

Ireland

Europe

with

started

last

November. The route to Rotterdam

was

developed

the

Shannon Foynes Port Company and is operated by Teamlines Gmbh. With over 500 square kilometres

waterway,

the

estuary could become a `maritime transport hub', providing much needed space from Europe's

congested

ports.

The

waterway would also act as a `gateway' between the Americas and Europe. The remains

future

for

positive

Irish as

ports

long

address the issue of self-funding

tare

infrastructural projects in con-

key infrastructural projects can

primarily to alleviate container

be met to meet the needs of a

junction with the private sector.

port congestion. Secondly, the

highly demanding and compe-

terminal would also provide a

titive environment that clearly

dedicated cruise-liner terminal.

requires a focused and forward

Regardless,

ports

cannot

investment

development

would

These figures take into account

achieve

capital

that capacity at some ports is

through

efficiencies

port

Apart from Dublin Port, the

thinking approach if Ireland is

unlikely to rise whereas at key

operations and partnership with

Co Louth port of Drogheda is

to continue enjoying the fruits

ports the opposite applies where

private enterprise, limited Ex-

considering

of its labour.

new

deepwater

Gourmet capital is also Ireland's smallest commercial harbour KINSALE is renowned as the culinary capital of Ireland and as a tourist town with a sailing haven as well as being home to a modest fishing fleet. What is probably less known about the Co Cork harbour is that Kinsale is also a commercial port. The port area is located at

Custom town's

Quay

inner

Trident

between

marina

Hotel.

the

and

the

Comprising

single quay, Kinsale is physically one of the smallest commercial ports in Ireland. The

town

virtually

has

splendid,

land-locked

natural

harbour on the estuary of the Bandon River about 8km northnorth east of the Old Head of Kinsale and 15 miles SW of Cork harbour. Although the harbour may be small, it has an annual cargo throughput of between 150,000 and 270,000 tonnes. ``Most of our

imports

are

animal

feed,

maize for Irish Distillers and, recently, fertilizer from Russia. This

has

closure

happened

the

since

IFI

the

plant

Cork,'' commented Capt Phil Devitt, Harbour Master of Kinsale Harbour Commissioners. On the May Bank Holiday weekend, the 993 gross-tonnes

Conformity town's

Offshore Surveys

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* MV Conformity berthed at Custom's Quay, Kinsale Harbour in May. # Jehan Ashmore, ShipSnaps

berthed

Custom's

Quay.

the This

was the vessel's first visit to the

harbour.

Loaded

with

typical cargo of animal feed, the ship had sailed from Boston, Lincolnshire, on the east coast of England. Although the quay is only 60m long (equipped with mobile grab cranes of 25 to 30 tonnes capacity), it can handle larger ships than the

mity.

Confor-

``Vessels of up to 96 metres and of 4,200 tonnes maximum can be accommodated in the harbour, tween

which

and

receives 80

ships

beper

annum. All cargo vessels berth on the `high water', as Kinsale is

tidal.

around

Most

Devitt added.

vessels hours,''

turn Capt

Apart

from

visiting

trans-

Atlantic yachts to the town's two

marinas

with

berths

for

300, Kinsale gains an economic boost from cruise-ships during the summer season. The picturesque approach is though an inner and outer harbour marked by Charles and James Forts. The Commissioners are attracting the cruise-tourism sector and have received calls by

Hebridean Princess

(2,112

gross tonnes) and her running mate,

Hebridean Spirit

(4,200

tonnes). Owned by the 5-star luxury cruise operator, Hebridean Cruises, both vessels carry fewer than 100 passengers each. But with such a prestigious high quality

operator,

the

high

spending passengers are valued visitors to the town. Larger cruise-ships can also be

accommodated

taking

anchorage in the outer harbour. The

variety

many

marine users is fascinating to see, making Kinsale a marine melting

pot

and,

for

those

particularly interested in coastal shipping in small ports, Kinsale is unique in Irish terms.

INSHORE IRELAND

August 2005

MARINE R&D

* Scott Hunter, JATCO Saudi Arabia; CiaraÂn Lawless, CEO IMAR Survey; Mick Geoghegan (then GSI now

deputy CEO IMAR Survey); Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD; Albert Howard, MENAS; Stephen Cribbs, MENAS, and Karen Lawless, IMAR Survey, during Enterprise Ireland's trade mission last October.

* MENAS research vessel MV Relume.

IMAR Survey: a new beginning IMAR Survey, the company founded by Capt Ciara Â n Lawless in 2002 to supply survey personnel (hydrographic surveyors, geophysicists, electronics engineers, IT processors, etc) to the offshore survey industry, is undergoing major change. The company owes its

origins to participation in the Irish National Seabed Survey, to which it still supplies senior personnel.

Building on the collective expertise of those who have gathered in Ireland under the IMAR banner, IMAR is now expanding to take advantage of

exciting openings in the global offshore survey market. ``The intention is to establish a new company - IMAR Holdings - under whose umbrella will sit the existing IMAR Survey as well as companies devoted to research and development, training and invest-

* IMAR survey in Rossaveal harbour using MõÂcheal OÂ Chonaighle's vessel, Conamara.

ment opportunities,'' Michael Geoghegan, IMAR's deputy CEO, told Inshore Ireland. IMAR Survey currently has some 30 experienced survey personnel on its books, most of whom it hopes to bring into full-time employment in the next six months at its new facilities in Galway. A recent visit by CiaraÂ n Lawless and Mick Geoghegan to the Middle East established new partnerships, particularly in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran. Central to developments was securing the survey vessel MV Relume for work in the Gulf. Built in September 2004, Relume is similar in design to the Commissioners of Irish Lights vessel, Granuaile. ``This is very complimentary to Capt Shay Hickey and his design team,'' Geoghegan remarked (Relume is owned and operated by MENAS, a UK trust that looks after navigation lights and aids in the Gulf region). IMAR is also negotiating contracts in Canada and Europe. Closer to home, however, two surveys were carried out in Rossaveal Harbour (Dredging International) and Bearhaven (Celtic Sea Minerals), both of which were done in conjunction with Aqua-Fact International Services Ltd. Other partnerships

Charting Irish waters By Martin Wakefield

WHEN was the last time you wondered how your Admiralty chart was made, or maybe wondered why your chart does not show something that has been around for a long time? In this column, I hope to give you some insight into what goes on behind the scenes. Let us start with who makes the charts and who else is involved in the process of keeping them updated. I head the team at the UK Hydrographic Office which looks after the charts of Scotland and Ireland. UKHO publishes around 3,500 charts of the whole world, and keeps them up-to-date through weekly Admiralty Notices to Mariners. For some areas we have direct responsibility for the charts; in others, we reproduce charts published by other offices; and elsewhere, such as Ireland, we have an historic responsibility, which we hold `in trust' until a local office is

* Martin Wakefield, Head of Chart Branch 1C (Scotland and Ireland), UK Hydrographic Office.

established. Ireland, through the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, has recently taken the first steps in establishing its own office by applying for membership of the International Hydrographic Organisation. UKHO also publishes a

range of books to accompany the charts: Admiralty Sailing Directions; Tide Tables; List of Lights and List of Radio Signals are the main ones. We also produce electronic versions of our charts - all charts of Ireland are available in raster form through the ARCS service, and the first vector ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts) are in production. But we are not responsible for surveying Irish waters - just for getting the results of surveys onto our charts. Surveys are carried out by a number of organisations. The port authorities and Co Councils arrange for surveys to be carried out for them by private contractors such as Hydrographic Surveys Ltd and Irish Hydrodata Ltd. The Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute are carrying out the worldleading Irish National Seabed Survey. In due course, UKHO will receive all significant surveys from these programmes, assesses each sheet for newly discovered dangers, and add

them to the charts via Notices to Mariners. In slower time, the surveys are fully included on the next edition of the charts. Outside these areas, the charts rely on older Admiralty surveys, ranging in date from 1840 to 1965. Other information comes from a wide range of sources far too many to list here: e.g. mapping from Ordnance Survey of Ireland; details of fish farms from DCMNR; and power cables from the Electricity Supply Board. We are also in daily contact with Irish Lights over details of lighthouses, beacons and buoys. Not everything finds its way to us, however, so if you spot something that is missing or incorrect on a chart, please tell us - we will follow up every such report. In Issue IV I will explore a topic in more detail - please contact me if you have a burning question that may be of general interest.

You can call me on 0044 1823 337900 or email Martin.Wakefield@ukho.gov.uk.

The IMAR management team

* CiaraÂn Lawless, CEO * Michael Geoghegan, dep-

uty CEO (former manager of the Irish National Seabed Survey/ principal geologist with the Geological Survey of Ireland) * Aidan Gleeson, an electronics engineer with some 17 years experience in the offshore survey industry * Denis Zhilin, an internationally renowned hydrographer. * Brian Geoghegan, IBEC director and chairman of FAÂS.

are being forged in the UK, Canada and Australia, as well as the Memorial University in Newfoundland and CMRC in

Cork. Discussions are also taking place with NUIG and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies in areas of common interest. ``IMAR is looking forward to an exciting future with an expanding market and workforce. Central to our mission is the provision of fruitful and worthwhile jobs based in the West of Ireland, but working globally. Recent developments and up-skilling in Irish third level institutions in the marine sciences are seen as key to this development,'' he added. ``We're keen to establish a customer friendly approach, tailoring development to customer needs. We would also like to acknowledge the good wishes extended to us from colleagues in the Irish marine world,'' Geoghegan concluded.

Recent chart publications in Ireland Cork area Aug 2004 Mar 2005 Mar 2005 Jun 2005

2053 1773 1777 1765

Kinsale Harbour and Oyster Haven Port of Cork - Upper Harbour Port of Cork - Lower Harbour Old Head of Kinsale to Power Head

These charts have been converted to WGS84 and include recent surveys.

Galway area Mar 2005 Mar 2005 Aug 2005 Aug 2005

1904 Galway Harbour (a new full-size chart) 2096 Cashla Bay to Kilkeiran Bay (includes a new plan of Rossaveel) 1984 Galway Bay 3339 Approaches to Galway Bay

These charts have been converted to WGS84 and include recent surveys.

Lough Foyle and adjacent parts of Northern Ireland Dec 2004

Jun 2005 Jun 2005

2494 Plans on the North coast of Ireland (Coleraine, Portrush, Rathlin Sound, Rathlin Harbour, Ballycastle) 2510 Approaches to Londonderry (with a plan of Lisahally Terminal) 2511 Approaches to Lough Foyle

These are all larger scale new charts on WGS84.

Lough Swilly Mar 2005

2697 Lough Swilly

This chart has been converted to WGS84 and now shows Fahan Marina.

Wexford Jul 2005

1772 Rosslare Europort and Wexford Harbours

This chart now shows the port developments and new buoyage in Wexford.

All these charts are also available as electronic ARCS charts. For your local distributor please see www.ukho.gov.uk

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

Worldwide users of Norwegian marine technology gather in Dublin MARINE R&D/TECHNOLOGY

THE 10th FEMME (Forum for EM Mutual Experience) conference organised by Kongsberg Maritime Ð leading providers of marine and offshore technology Ð attracted 165 participants from 23 countries to Dublin.

their experience with our equipment, thus in-

tioning;

creasing their knowledge and ultimately enhan-

habitat mapping; fisheries research; marine geol-

cing the performance of our multibeam systems,''

ogy; shallow/inland water surveys.

Mapping seabed habitats in north west Europe ``Our goal was to allow our customers to share

versity. They provide important food resources (fish, shellfish), contribute to essential ecosystem functioning, such as nutrient recycling and yield valuable natural resources (oil, gas, aggregates). The seabed, however, is also subject to increasing pressures from new developments such as renewable

energy

(e.g.

wind-

* The MESH study areas off the Irish coast. These areas will be surveyed and mapped by a consortium including DARD NI & Queen's College Belfast; the British Geological Survey and the Marine Institute with the Geological Survey of Ireland. The areas have been selected as they represent different geological environments. vey manager, Marine Institute,

led the way in Europe in under-

By David Blake, Head of Technology and Engineering, British Antarctic Survey

taking

THE

project says:

explained.

``The Irish National Seabed

The information gathered on seabed

and

intertidal

habitats

around Europe to date has been patchy and poorly collated. This

Survey reveals how Ireland has a

comprehensive

na-

British Antarctic Survey

bridge, it has, for almost 60

tential degradation of the mar-

Broad skills base

ine

The partner organisations bring

surements.

environment

essential

and

physical,

the

chemical

project seeks to unify seabed mapping

across

Europe,

and

provide a baseline for marine habitat mapping worldwide.

wide

variety

include

skills

that

different areas such as multi-

maintain the marine ecosystem.

beam acoustic seabed mapping,

and

biological

``MESH

processes

aims

answer

laser airborne sensors, and re-

questions about seabed habitats

mote

from a wide range of stake-

cameras

holders. The answers (we will

equipment.

provide) will allow managers

and

policy

makers

make

operated and

vehicles

video

with

recording

Ireland brings unique experience of seabed mapping and

can't

years, undertaken the majority

element

of Britain's scientific research

much needed ecological meaIreland's

aim

provide complete coverage of national waters using the latest mapping techniques has been an inspiration for many other ICES countries.'' The project met a significant milestone when its 12 partner organisations from the UK, Ire-

the

Antarctic

continent with scientists from around 30 countries. BAS employs over 400 staff and supports three stations in the Antarctic, at Rothera, Halley and Signy, and two stations on

South

Georgia,

King

Edward Point and Bird Island. The

Antarctic

operations

meeting they agreed a European

ranging staff.

three

day

Working Group on Marine Habitat Mapping (WGMHM), and

presenting data so that it can be

Fiona Fitzpatrick, seabed sur-

project manager for the MESH

easily collated and shared.

* Rare deep water coral on the sea floor off the Irish continental shelf.

programmes and

rely

team

are

exewide-

professional

Ice-strengthened

ships

sus-

tain the Antarctic science and operations.

The

Royal

Re-

search Ship, James Clark Ross, has advanced facilities for oceanographic

research

and

RRS

Ernest Shackleton is primarily a logistics ship used for the resupply of stations. Commissioned

1991,

James Clark Ross, has laboratories and instrumentation syst e m s

t o

u n d e r t a k e

oceanographic physical

surveys

and

# BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY

background.

geo-

marine

PAS sub-bottom profiler (SBP). The EM120 is extensively used in Antarctic waters and in the Arctic to map the ocean floor and

study

cesses

and

glaciation

volcanic

pro-

ridges.

Surveys have also been undertaken with the Marine Institute of Ireland to determine economic zone (EZ) areas. The EM120 multibeam and the TOPAS SBP have proved to be very effective systems

and

have

delivered

quality data for scientific research.

Antarctic survey

space or a build up of silt across the transducer face, could reduce the acoustic energy into the water. To modify the transducer installation would be very expensive and time consuming. A series of sea trials was then completed during summer 2003 with

the

ship

subjected

various sea states and heading to

the

study,

prevailing which

wind.

was

The

completed

near to the Faroe Islands, indicated that the primary cause of loss of data was related to the angle of leeway of the ship and resultant bubble entrapment un-

The ship and the systems are,

der the vessel. Aeration under

however,

with

the ship was causing a reduc-

During

tion in the acoustic coupling

areas

vessel,

full

the 2002/03 season, when the

ocean depth are possible using

vessel was operating in Antarc-

The results of the sea trials

on-board scientific winches.

tic waters, loss of data became

showed conclusively the cause

in-

apparent when the wind was

across the beam of the ship. An

that in very rough seas the ship

Kongsberg Simrad EA600 echo

initial

leeway

sounder;

cause of loss of data indicated

EM120 can be operated in all

EM120 multibeam and a TO-

that aeration in the transducer

normal sea conditions.

The

underway

EK60

acoustic includes fish

sea

very

deployments

high

used

life studies. As an ocean-going

strumentation

# ifremer 2001

research,

* Taken in Ryder Bay near to Rothera Station with a glacier in the

and

for the Exploration of the Seas)

the

resources

marine

around

bridge,

During

until we know what's there,''

our

and

continent, and now shares that

May.

standard for collecting and re-

protect

the ICES (International Council

future

greater

cuted and managed from Cam-

serve our natural resources (for generations).

science

group. David Connor, chair of

decisions

years

latter

and France met in Galway last

marine data management to the

informed

land, the Netherlands, Belgium

how best to protect and con-

Acoustic systems on RRS James Clark Ross

progressed

between users, and create po-

this 2

* David Shand, KM Ltd Aberdeen; Michael Geoghegan, GSI; Jan Haug Kristensen, KM AS Norway; Peadar McArdle, Director GSI, Rolf Arne Klepaker, KM AS Norway

search Council. Based in Cam-

and coasts can lead to conflict

Institute,

size to Germany and Austria combined.

particularly as the survey has

Growing pressure on our seas

Marine

ing data for the Irish National Seabed Survey.

UK's Natural Environment Re-

defences.

the

time technology has been instrumental in gather-

gramme has been outstanding,

for leisure activities and coastal

with

project will ultimately survey 450,000km

range of disciplines that included: vessel posi-

scope and quality of this pro-

developments

co-operation

The two-day conference heard papers across a

(BAS) is a component of the

coastal

Managed by the Geological Survey of Ireland in

Ireland's seabed territory, which is equivalent in

tional survey of its waters. The

farms),

calibration;

From an Irish perspective, Kongsberg Mari-

The seas around northwest

seabed habitats and rich biodi-

sounder

remarked Nina Hovland, the event coordinator.

EXPLORERS of Europe's underwater world are collaborating to create the first seabed habitat maps for northwest Europe. As seabed habitats come under mounting pressure from a multitude of users, 12 partners in an INTERREG IIIB funded programme Ð Mapping European Seabed Habitats (MESH) Ð aim to create new seabed habitat maps, collate existing data, and develop predictive modelling for unmapped areas. Europe support a wide range of

multibeam/echo

states.

investigation

into

the

into the water.

the

problem. is

ensuring

controlled,

the

INSHORE IRELAND

Marine mapping from the air?

August 2005

MARINE R&D/TECHNOLOGY

Enda Gallagher, GSI, explains the process PEOPLE may be aware of the State's major marine mapping programme, the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS). But perhaps what is not so well known is that part of this programme has been delivered by aeroplane! Technological developments over the last decade have made it possible to carry out acoustic marine surveys from aircraft. Australian company, Tenix LADS Corporation, has developed LIDAR technology into their Laser Airborne Depth Soundings (LADS) system. Twice in the last three years, Tenix has won international tenders to work in Irish waters, delivering high quality datasets to the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), managers of the INSS. The INSS is the largest marine survey ever undertaken anywhere in the world. Most of the work to date has been carried out by as many as 10 different ships. In the inshore zone, however, it is often easier and more efficient to avail of airborne mapping techniques. For example, in Clew Bay with its island-strewn characteristic, GSI decided on the innovative aerial approach.

3D imagery

The LADS technology is internationally recognised as the fastest, most cost-effective tool for accurate bathymetric (water depth) survey in coastal waters. LADS is capable of surveying shallow, complex areas up to 20 times faster than survey ships and at 20% of the cost. At its simplest, the LADS survey is a high quality hydrographic survey, which gives a perfect 3D picture of the channels and approaches to harbours and the shoreline. Data and charts resulting from the surveys have been used by various organisations including the Westport Harbour Authority, the Marine Institute, NUI Galway and Mayo County Council. The data can be used in a variety of ways: environmental monitoring, coastal zone management, to support marine engineering and when selecting aquaculture farm sites, for example. Arguably, however, the most important use for the data is in the update of navigation charts for these areas. The task continues to rest with the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The GSI has released the data collected over the two LADS

surveys to the UKHO, who immediately undertook to update the 100+ year-old navigation chart for Clew Bay. Their work plans had scheduled the update to take place in 2012; however once they received the data, which were of extremely high quality, they rescheduled the update with immediate effect and published the chart in 2004.

Changes to Clew Bay

The new chart shows that significant changes have occurred since the old lead line surveys were carried out by the UKHO over a century ago. The accompanying graphic compares the new chart with the old. Clear differences can be noted, from the width of the main approach channel, to the real depth of the sandbanks that have changed over the years. A previously uncharted rock at the entrance to the harbour has since been marked and lit by the County Council. This kind of improved, accurate information is vital to the update of Irish navigation charts. More accurate charts make for more accurate traffic and can literally save lives, particularly in inshore areas where the numbers of users are vast compared to deep waters.

* Old admiralty chart.

* New admiralty chart.

Pictures: courtesy of GSI

INSHORE IRELAND August 2005

MARINE R&D/TECHNOLOGY

Into the deep Xavier Monteys, Geological Survey of Ireland, describes drilling a coldwater coral carbonate mound in Irish waters THINKING about coral reefs one always tends to visualise them in a warm, bright and shallow area, such as in Australian waters or the Bahamas; however they have also been found in gloomy, cold and deep waters off the coasts of 41 countries including Ireland. They occur at depths of hundreds of metres to just a few tens of metres, in several settings across almost all the world's oceans.

Locating these coral banks is now possible because of the latest acoustic and optic marine technologies. These enable the high-resolution mapping of even the deepest oceans, and provide detailed video footage of the seafloor using remotely operated vehicles. The Irish National Seabed Survey (managed by the GSI in co-operation with the Marine Institute) has widely used these technologies to carry out a unique and comprehensive seabed-mapping project since 1999. To date, the survey has covered 470,000 sq km, i.e. more than six times the Irish land territory. Deep-water corals are wide-

spread along the European continental margin where they are often associated with carbonate mounds. Carbonate mud mounds are found in Irish Atlantic waters along the edges of the Rockall Trough and the Porcupine Bank and extending into the Porcupine Seabight. They are massive features Ð some reaching heights of hundreds of metres and stretching several kilometres across their bases. They are composed of carbonate mud, the skeletal remains of corals and material from associated fauna together with sediment. The idea of drilling into these giant mounds to unveil the secrets trapped in these cemeteries of coral and sediments originated a few years back. But it was only in May of this year that the idea finally materialised when an international research expedition took place entirely in Irish waters. The expedition concentrated on drilling the Challenger mound (170m high) in the Porcupine Seabight. From an environmental perspective this mound was chosen very carefully indeed as it is mostly covered by dead coral.

* Joides Resolution

leaving Ponta Delgada (Azores) after completing the Irish expedition.

Two typical different types of deep water coral species from Irish

coral mounds.

The expedition was part of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP), which is an international marine research programme that explores the Earth's history and structure as

GSI

recorded in seafloor sediments and rocks. IODP is managed by an American management agency, IODP-MI, and is funded by USA, Japan, ECORD (European interests)

The author onboard the

Resolution

during

the

Joides expedi-

tion

and China. The platform to carry out this ambitious drilling programme was the American rig vessel, Joides Resolution (124m). Leaving Dublin Port on April 28th, she successfully

B. DeMol

drilled 11 holes at three target sites Ð each averaging 200m in length Ð and recovered 1400m of sediment core. Scientists from the expedition are now compiling answers to some very important questions. They have already demonstrated that the mound was developed no more than 1.8 million years ago and that it consists of a 155m thick sequence of coral fragments and sediments from top to base. They are also studying coral fragments for information about the past climate in the region in order to perhaps predict future trends. Such research and results originating from an innovative and prestigious expedition in Irish waters will heighten awareness of the development of cold-water coral banks in the Atlantic, and will significantly enhance Irish marine science's reputation across the globe.

The Marine Irish Digital Atlas: An online portal to coastal Ireland By Ned Dwyer & Liz O'Dea, Coastal & Marine Resources Centre, UCC

FINDING information regarding Ireland's coastal and marine areas has just become easier with the unveiling of the Marine Irish Digital Atlas (MIDA) web portal. Before the website was launched, no single location existed where people could find, visualise and identify coastal and marine information. ``A lot of time is lost trying to find out what information is available and who has it,'' Dr Ned Dwyer, project co-ordinator at the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre, UCC, told Inshore Ireland. The atlas is centred on an easy-to-use interactive map of Ireland (using web GIS at its core) in which users can view and query a wide range of thematic information in the form of different data layers, such as marine mammals; protected areas; RNLI stations; marinas; management boundaries and bathymetry. The data layers gathered to date from nearly 30 different organisations cover over seventy topics, including pro-

tected areas; habitats; coastal infrastructure; natural features; bird and mammal distributions and recreation. The atlas is all-island in nature, detailing resources in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, as well as offshore. Users can also search the database for data layers specific to their needs, while an informational section provides back-

ground text, images and links on a range of coastal-related topics. ``The website should be of value to professionals in the coastal and marine sector and the general public.'' Liz O'Dea, the atlas designer and GIS specialist remarked. ``This is a work in progress. We would encourage any organisation with coastal-related in-

formation to contact us so that we can include them in the atlas.'' Users are urged to check back frequently, as new layers are being added regularly. In May and June, workshops were held in Cork, Maynooth and Coleraine, where over 90 participants tested the atlas and gave feedback to help tailor the

site to meet user needs better. Another workshop will be held in Galway at the end of the summer. Further feedback from the coastal and marine community is encouraged in order to make the atlas as useful a resource as possible. The project is funded by the

Higher Education Authority of Ireland under the PRTLI 3 programme and by the Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland. * Further information from

http://mida.ucc.ie; by email: mida@ucc.ie or by phone 021 4703100.

INSHORE IRELAND

Taking the mystery out of cooking fish number of people who relies on the microwave, well that's fine, you can have a fantastic seafood dish in minutes. Can you use a grill? Great, you can now cook fish!

nobody ever told us how to cook it. We know how to egg and bread crumb it; to batter it and deep fry it, but do we know how to simply cook it? So, let's address the problem: how to cook fish. It really is simple Ă? whatever your level of cooking skill. And indeed, may be you're one of a growing

First season your piece of fish with salt and pepper and perhaps a bit of lemon juice. Or, for a more contemporary twist, why not season it with lime juice or use spices like chilli, or herbs such as rosemary, thyme or basil? Irish people tend to overcook fish. When it comes to finfish

Simply put, in my opinion, The steps

PRODUCT safety and quality are two of the critical issues facing the modern food industry. To assure consumers that seafood meets the highest standards through every stage of catching and production, BIM has developed the Quality Seafood Programme (QSP).

Working with industry, BIM devised standards for wild and farmed seafood, which form the basis for the quality assurance schemes, all independently audited and certified by an EN45011 accredited body. The EN45011 standard is the ultimate pan-European and Commission-endorsed quality

MARKETING

THE first meeting of the new IASC Committee took place recently in the Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Airport. The meeting reviewed the Conference & Trade Show in Galway last April and discussed initial plans for a bigger event in 2006. The agenda included an update on new membership; the IASC Skillnet programme (business networks); salmon supply; retail developments and the next meeting with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Committee 2005/06 Chairperson . . . . Greg Davidson,

* John Dory with citrus dressing. (salmon, trout etc) and whatever method you choose: panfry, bake, steam poach etc, it takes roughly 10 minutes per inch (2.5cm) of thickness. Shellfish, however, require a little more care, which I'll talk about in the next issue. On the other hand, if you have a piece of flat fish (plaice, sole etc) that's thinner, perhaps half inch (1.25cm), reduce the

Tasting the quality By Geraldine Lane, Consumer Support Executive, BIM

carry the distinctive QS symbol at retail level. Consumers are assured that products carrying the symbol have met the highest standards through catching and production, and can be traced from ocean to retail store.

cooking time to five minutes. Now, remember, if you're baking, poaching, steaming, grilling or pan frying, the fish will take longer to cook if the water isn't simmering or the oven grill or pan isn't preheated, so factor this into your cooking time! So far we've covered the basics of how to prepare and cook fish. Now how do you serve it? My advice is to keep it simple. Just add a wedge of lime on the side of the plate, or mix some lemon juice mixed with softened butter to make lemon butter. Alternatively, serve with a balsamic dressing (more olive oil than balsamic vinegar) or a citrus dressing (lemon juice, lime juice and orange juice

Burren Smokehouse, Clare

Source: BIM

Vice-Chair . . . Arthur Morgan TD,

mixed with olive oil, again more oil than juice). Be sure to taste as you go along and then shake and drizzle the dressing over the fish. Accompany this with some new potatoes and a side salad and you have a simple, nutritious and tasty meal. There are many varieties of fish you could try. At least 78 species were landed into Irish ports last year, each with their own distinctive texture and taste. So my advice is to experiment and a whole new world of culinary delights awaits you. Check out the BIM website, which has a very informative consumer section as well as loads of really good recipes. www.bim.ie.

Secretary . . . Martin O'Shanhan,

Morgan Fish Processors, Louth Kinsale Gourmet Store, Cork

Skillnet Liaison . . . . . Richard Fitzgerald,

West Cork Smokehouse, Cork

Treasurer. . . . Martin McLaughlin,

Nicky's Plaice, Howth

Louth/Meath. . . . . . Joe Morgan,

Morgan Fish Processors, Louth

Dublin . . . . . . . . Tadgh O'Meara,

Kish Fish, Dublin

Cork/Kerry . . . . . . Artie Clifford,

Dingle Seafood Soup Co., Kerry

Clare/Limerick . . . Paul Cusack,

Cusacks, Limerick

Galway . . . . . . . . . Noel Holland,

Galway Bay Seafoods, Galway

Donegal/Mayo . . . . John Boyle,

Albatross Seafoods, Donegal

Symbol awareness campaign assurance standard and is described by The Food Safety Authority of Ireland as ``the most appropriate means of quality assurance for the whole food sector''. Irish farmed salmon was the first food product to achieve this prestigious standard, closely followed by Irish mussels and wild Irish salmon. Products approved under the Quality Seafood Programme

First meeting of the new IASC Committee

Agnes Bouchier-Hayes is one of the new breed of home economists who subscribes to the less is more theory I was thinking about Irish people and their eating habits and I began to wonder why in the world do the Irish love seafood abroad and not at home? Why do we associate eating seafood with the sun?

August 2005

In a bid to raise awareness of the QS symbol, BIM embarked on a two-week outdoor advertising campaign in late June. Outdoor sites, mainly bus shelters and shopperlites, carried images of salmon and mussels under the strapline: `Who says you can't taste a quality symbol?' The appetising image of succulent salmon and mussels also prompted the consumer to purchase QS approved product. As Superquinn is currently the only Irish retailer to stock QS product, the campaign focused mainly in the vicinity of all 21 Superquinn stores. The group supported the campaign with promotional offers on QS salmon, radio advertising and also distributed half a million `special' fliers featuring QS information on the front page. BIM is currently working with suppliers and retailers to extend the range and availability of QS products both on the domestic and international markets. The designated QS section of the BIM website: www.bim.ie/ qsp carries in-depth information on the scheme. The BIM website is an excellent source of information for industry, educators and consumers. Check out the `wellbeing' area for information on the health benefits of fish consumption. Students and teachers alike will find the `student zone' a very useful resource, and if you are looking for a great seafood dish then just go to the `consumer' area for a wealth of recipes suitable for both the absolute novice and the domestic goddess.

Next issue 29th September 2005 Aquaculture . . . . . . . . .

Inshore fisheries Seafood processing Marketing and retailing of seafood Marine engineering & technology Support industries and ancillary services Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development National and international legislative frameworks regulating seafood production . The issues pertaining to the commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Inshore Ireland keeps its readers updated on these and other such important matters. It's also the most cost-effective means of communicating with the industry and represents the perfect opportunity for you to get your message to this hugely influential audience.

Editor: Gillian Mills - 01-2354804 - mills@inshoreireland.com Features: Gery Flynn - 091 844822 - flynn@inshoreireland.com e-mail: advertise@inshoreireland.com

Deadlines:

Editorial: 19th September - Advertising: 19th September

Don't miss out

From coast to counter, we know where they've been. In these days of increasing consumer awareness, it's vital to give reassurance about product origin, quality and freshness. BIM's Quality Seafood Programme has been designed to do just that, introducing a system of traceability from farm all the way to the shop or supermarket shelf. This valuable programme already applies to salmon and mussels, and will soon be extended to other seafood products. For more information on our Quality Seafood Programme, visit www.bim.ie/qsp.

T H E

S O U R C E

O F

E X C E L L E N C E

In order to encourage more accessible and flexible training for the fishing industry, BIM is offering a comprehensive programme of modules aimed at crew members and delivered nationwide. These courses are funded under the Employment and Human Resources Development OP of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Courses Available: Elementary First Aid Aboard Ship Certificate Personal Survival Techniques Fire Prevention and Safety at Work 3-Day Basic Safety Training

1 Day 1 Day 1 Day 3 Days

GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate (ROC) GMDSS Long Range Radio Certificate (LRC) FETAC Navigation and Stability Module

2 Days 3 Days 5 Days

The first three courses fulfil the requirements of S.I.587 of 2001 and carry five years validation. All the above courses are available at the National Fisheries College, Greencastle, Co. Donegal and the Regional Fisheries Centre, Castletownbere, Co. Cork. Bim Mobile Coastal training Units venues from 18th July 2005 onwards: CTU1: 1. Carna, Co. Galway 2. North Co. Mayo

CTU2: 1. Carlingford, Co. Louth 2. South Co. Louth

Contact CTU1: Bernard McMullen: 087 237 9778 Robert Walsh: 087 683 7134 Email: ctu1@bim.ie

Contact CTU2: Declan Donoghue: 087 233 4620 Cormac McGinley: 087 415 8352 Email: ctu2@bim.ie

Bord Iascaigh Mhara, The Irish Sea Fisheries Board, PO Box 12, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Tel: +353 1 214 4100 Fax: +353 1 214 4254 Email: training@bim.ie Web: www.bim.ie