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October 2005 Vol 1 Issue 4 Water quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 t0 11 Inshore fisheries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Aquaculture News . . . . . . . . . 17 to 21 Seafood marketing . . . . . . . . . 30 to 31
Marine R & D
Sounding Lough Hyne
Marine Department presides over watered down fishing treaty Page 6
Page 28
Pages 13 to 16
By Gillian Mills & Gery Flynn
Exchange of letters
IRELAND'S premier single species fishery is in danger of collapse due to a 40-year-old agreement that has no basis in law but is abused by outside interests who continue to operate unchallenged by Irish authorities, according to five Irish seed mussel farmers. In
2005,
Danny
THE Agreement is memorialised by an exchange of letters between the authorities in NI and the Republic and by a note from the Commonwealth Relations Office to the Irish Government.
Gallagher
Atlanfish; Gerard Kelly Frescoe Seafoods; Paul Barlow Woodstown
Bay
McCarthy,
Sh e llf i s h ; A
Al e x
McCarthy
Sea-
foods and Mick Crowley Riverside
Mussels
invested
Letter dated 13 September 1965 from the Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries states that the Irish Government will:
over
20m in new boats for relaying
mussel seed in inshore licensed
sites around the coast. In 2004, bottom
mussel
p ro d u c t i o n
reached 30,000 tonnes, valued
`continue the present ar-
at 22.5m.
rangement whereby your
Drawn up in 1964, the Voi-
boats owned and operated
sinage Agreement confers reciprocal
fishery
rights
by fishermen permanently
on
resident in the Six Coun-
fishermen from Northern Ire-
land
(NI)
and
the
(outside of their exclusive fish-
ery limits) of the two jurisdic-
tions.
The
agreement
is
set
down in an exchange of letters.
(see panel on right). In theory, UK registered ves-
sels
seeking
to
ties will be permitted to
Republic
fish
in
Irish
fish within our new limits.'
SEAGOING CLASSROOM
The letter also states that such vessels should not exceed the 75ft limit applicable to all vessels in the relevant zone.
*
US Coastguard Cutter, Eagle, is a three-masted barque and serves as a seagoing classroom for approximately 175 cadets and instructors. Pictured during Tall Ships 2005 in Waterford. (Photo: Gillian Mills)
waters must prove an `econom-
ic link' to Northern Ireland; in
land from the Department of
practice,
Communications,
however,
reality
is
Marine
and
Natural Resources (DCMNR),
very different, the men say:
cally, the `owned and operated
`has sought, and received, assurances from DARD [Department of Agriculture & Rural Development] that all licences issued by them to vessels to operate in the mussel seed fishery, have been issued in compliance with the Voisinage Agreement'.
in NI' rule.''
The statement continues:
``NI authorities have regis-
tered dozens of vessels from
Wales, Holland and Germany to
give
them
access
to
tens
of
thousands of tonnes of valuable
mussel
seed
in
Irish
waters
without adhering to the letter
of the agreement and specifi-
A statement to Inshore Ire-
however,
says
that
it
`DARD has advised DCMNR
that DARD issues licences only in respect of vessels registered in NI and for operators who have licensed aquaculture sites in NI Waters. `It is considered that this policy reflects the requirement expressed in the Voisinage Agreement that the economic return from fishing activity carried out under the Agreement remains within NI, while respecting the rights that citizens of Ireland and NI now have to
Salmon, Trout & Shellfish Marine & Freshwater North, South, East & West
reside in any part of the European Union by virtue of the fact they are also citizens of the Union.' DCMNR also states that NI vessels can only operate in the
This statement appears to be at odds with the conditions set out in the letters of exchange that
`if licensed by DARD to do so. As only vessels licensed by DARD have been operating in Irish waters during this season, no UK vessels have been found to be ``non-compliant''.' Irish
or
Delivering results for Aqua-Business BradaÂn 2005 - December 2nd, Courtyard Hotel, Galway
Irish
waters)
set
out
the
rule.
mussel fishery (in either Northern
specifically
ownership and residency in NI At
a
conference
in
Vigo,
Letter dated 14 December 1965 from the NI Ministry of Agriculture states, inter alia: `I acknowledge your undertaking to the effect that NI
owned and operated
Dutch
fishing vessels will con-
mussel producer Hendrik Ver-
tinue to be allowed to fish
ploegh
within
Spain
in
September,
confirmed
that
seed
your
new
limits
mussel was being sourced in
and we assume that these
other areas:
limits include your terri-
*
torial waters.'
Continued on page 2
Home of The Irish Salmon Growers' Association & The Irish Shellfish Association
2
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
NEWS
Impasse continues water quality deterioration for southwest port the existing treatment facilities
various economies of scale,' the
This position was reiterated to
770,000 will be spent on the
matter for the Council to identi-
the Department of the Marine
for
statement adds.
the council on January 13 2004
works, which will be completed
fy an alternative location. We
and Cork County Council over
Dinish
and again on April 20, 2005.
in 2006.
would expect a balanced ap-
location
mend improvements to moder-
separate treatment plants would
`The stance taken was that in
be required, and suggested that
the absence of any new infor-
Alternative location
proach as that is the way the
nise the 1970s plant. Co
these could be located side by
mation, the position
will not
The statement adds that a coun-
particular
flowing into the country's lead-
Council requested that the brief
side. The Department took the
change. No new proposals were
cillor and member of the Har-
ment concludes.
ing
include
new
view that as Dinish Island was
received from the Council. The
bour
for
primarily a food/fish processing
Department is progressing its
undertook to pursue an alter-
Fine
area, serious concerns existed
own development to provide a
native location.
O'Keeffe asked how long the
DISAGREEMENT
of
sewage
between
waste
treatment
water
and
plants
con-
tinues to see untreated matter whitefish
port
in
Castle-
fish
In
processing Island
A statement to Inshore Ire-
and
August
to
2000,
elements
municipal
townbere.
waste
recom-
Cork of
treatment
on
a
plant
the town.
The
study
found
that
two
land from the Department states
`It was envisaged then that
over siting a municipal plant
treatment plant on the island for
that in December 1999 it com-
the two plants could be incor-
there and communicated this in
fish
missioned a report to examine
porated into one, resulting in
a letter dated 24 October 2003.
works are currently in progress.
processing
effluent,
and
Users
Department is approaching this
Committee
`In essence the Department
subject,'
Speaking to
stand
Gael off
the
state-
Inshore Ireland,
councillor
was
going
to
Jim last,
has clearly stated its position on
which he said was ``a recipe to
the
do nothing''.
location
[...]
and
it
is
a
New era for Irish fishing industry Gillian Mills reports
WHEN the lines of the 15m David Liam were thrown onto the pier at Union Hall last August, her arrival signified more than a new vessel for the port. David Liam was the last boat built under the fleet renewal programme that had seen 62 new deliveries to Ireland since 1988. The event also signalled the
beginning of a decommission-
ing scheme that will remove 70
older and bigger boats from the
fleet. When
the
Fishing
Vessels
Safety Review Group reported
in 1996, only 6.5% of Ireland's polyvalent fleet were less than
10 years old. Today however,
following BIM's Whitefish Re-
newal Scheme (1998-2001) and
its successor the Fleet Develop-
ment Measure (2001-2006), this
figure has grown to 31% whereby the average age of GT is 21
years.
investment
was built on the principles of
almost 650 boats were upgraded
biological, economic and social
for safety. In total, 800 white-
sustainability.''
fish boats, or 65% of the fleet, have
benefited
one
way
or
Government
New phase
45m directed at removing up from the whitefish and shellfish
heralds
a
the
sectors. The first boats are due
fishing
industry,
representing
to exit the fleet before the end
new
phase
in
the start of a `root and branch' partment
of
the
Marine
and
BIM establish a long-term strategy
for
sustainable
develop-
ment of the seafood industry. These
three
initiatives
designed to change the face of the
offshore
whitefish
fleet,
resulting in fewer modern and safe offshore boats fishing sustainability, which in turn will provide
economic
and
social
stability. Commenting on this new era, BIM's
chief
Keogh,
said
executive, that
Pat
despite
the
rising fuel costs, ``there can be no doubt that the investment of enhanced the competitiveness,
second-
safety
and
modernisation
ciency
of
and
safety
improvements
are
taken into account. Exchequer
and EU grant aid amounted to
over 30m. The
operational the
whitefish
effifleet
and the shore-based industries that depend on its activities.'' He cautioned, however, that restructuring must continue to
renewal
package
in-
ensure the fleet was not only
cludes 17 modern second-hand
modern, safe and efficient ``but
* From page 1
Geographical spread of grant aid (numbers indicate the number of boats from each county that received grant aid) County
Modernisation
New vessel
Safety
2nd hand vessel
Clare Cork Donegal Dublin Galway Kerry Limerick Louth Mayo Sligo Waterford Wexford Wicklow Total
0 23 8 4 5 3 0 5 2 1 3 5 0 59
0 15 21 1 7 6 0 3 4 0 1 2 0 60
12 155 106 40 57 67 1 29 16 5 32 66 5 591
are
additional
vessels,
* LEFT: David Liam, Union Hall. ABOVE: The fleet at Union Hall.
of the year.
review that will assist the De-
the past seven years has greatly
hand
of
to 70 older and bigger boats
90m, rising to 116m when in
investment
The decommissioning scheme
exceeded
outlay
Towards a sustainable future for our Fishing Fleet will see
another.
difficulties currently posed by
Total investment Total
boats; 77 upgraded vessels and
[....]
Measure
Grants awarded
Total Investment
Private Investment
EU grant
BIM grant
Total grant
New Vessels 2nd-hand Vessels Modernisation Safety Total
62 17 77 647 803
89.9 11.1 8.2 6.4 115.7
65.6 10.3 6.2 3.4 85.5
15.6 0.2 1.6 2.7 20.1
8.8 0.7 0.4 0.3 10.2
24.3 0.9 2.0 3.0 30.2
NI to provide for the administration of the joint management of the mussel seed fishery. `The role of the SMAC is to assess applications for mussel seed and to provide advice to the Marine Minister and his counterpart in NI on allocations of mussel seed and arrangements for its management. The decision to approve allocations, and grant licences, (in respect of operators using Irish registered vessels), rest solely with the Marine Minister.'
McCarthy added: ``They are
principle
are
companies
investing
countries
such
in
as
other
Germany
fish our mussel seed and take it across the border. They also tell you
that
they
are
going
to
Denmark, England and Ireland''
cultivate it in NI. But Belfast
to make up a shortfall due to the
is really only a transit point
closure
`natural
before it's transferred to Hol-
areas' under the Habitats and
land or Germany for on-grow-
Birds Directive, which are also
ing there. I'd say now that two-
the site of mussel seed beds.
thirds of the seed is leaving the
of
``The
17%
of
mussel-growing
itself
is not the very problem, but to get hold of sufficient quantities of mussel seed is the Achilles heel,'' Verploegh said.
in
the
Sea
is
increasing, according to Alex
the Morning.
Wings of
``In the last two to three years
- and this year in particular -
things came to a head for us.
When
we
mussel
go
seed
out we
now
find
for
more
foreign vessels than Irish ves-
sels
fishing
there.
They
out
number us two-to-one, and are
in excess of the size limit. A statement from DARD to
Inshore Ireland
confirmed the
average number of vessels per-
mitted to fish were 11, ranging between
74.2ft
Gerard
Kelly,
owner
of
Deirdre and Deirdre K, who told Inshore Ireland that the
The
(22.6m)
129.6ft (39.52m) in length.
and
grossly
misused
and
own
Department
of
``They do not check the bona
the
fides
is
Stormont
`taking advantage' of the agree-
in
both
Welsh waters.
NI
and
`The licence granted by this Department only authorises mussel seed to be fished and relayed on his licensed aquaculture site in Belfast Lough as is the same for all producers.'
Advisory body
of
that
UK
arrive
authorities
off
the
low and Wexford each year.''
but in the UK. His vessel is sites
dozens
vessels
coast of Louth, Dublin, Wick-
ment by residing outside of NI
culture
the
with the sole permission of the
currently
registered in NI but has aqua-
of
registered
DARD admits there is `one who
farmers
its industry:
Marine.'' exception'
seed
has neglected its duty to protect
abused,
and this is being ignored by our
mussel
insist that the Irish Government
tiated. We believe it has been
Irish
McCarthy, owner of
These sentiments are echoed
agreement ``must be re-nego-
Foreign activity Activity
country today.'' by
Vessel monitoring scheme 0 19 16 13 5 8 0 6 1 0 4 13 0 85
Total 13 255 159 84 85 109 1 51 24 6 46 100 8 941
Summary of expenditure
able to come down here and ``Some
0 6 1 0 1 4 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 17
Tonnage re-measurement scheme 1 37 7 26 10 21 0 5 1 0 5 13 3 129
Development policy
* Alex McCarthy's Wings of the Morning. Mr Kelly also questions the validity
of
SMAC,
Mussel
Advisory
the
Seed
Committee,
and suggests that the Minister for the Marine ``has not been given any authority to delegate responsibility to third parties.
DCMNR
contends
however
growing of seed licensed aquaculture sites around Ireland and NI. It is the Minister's policy to promote the ongrowing of mussel seed in such sites. Furthermore, in March of this year the Marine Minister extended the invitation to industry to participate in the management process for mussel seed (i.e. by participating in the SMAC) on the basis that all stakeholders have their part to play in ensuring best practice for the management of this resource is maintained. To date, industry representatives have not provided any nominations to the SMAC. The Minister considers such participation as priority for the future management of this resource, and urged industry to engage. Paul Barlow, owner of Creaden Lady does not recognise SMAC
and
suggests
that
a
management committee representing
members
from
both
jurisdictions should replace it: ``We won't apply to SMAC
that it continues to be the policy There is nothing saying that he
for licences because they are
of the Marine Minister to ensure
has
not a legal entity. They have no
that
mussel
legal responsibility, and do and
industry is developed so as to
say what they like. We have
maximise
pointed out that the Minister
the
power
to
refer
to
SMAC.'' According to DCMNR how-
`SMAC is the mechanism which has been put in place by the authorities in Ireland and ever
the
Irish the
bottom value
of
this
sector to coastal communities:
Seed mussel allocation is based on applications for on-
himself hasn't got the power to allow SMAC exist in the first place.''
INSHORE IRELAND
Fuel talks in Brussels
Much to learn from US Coastguard model
IN
In
the
run
up
month's Council
to of
last Fish-
eries meeting in Brussels, fishing industry representatives
impressed
marine
upon
the
Pat
The
minister,
Cope Gallagher, the urgent need for action to prevent an economic crisis developing in the fishing industry due to rocketing fuel prices. Jason
Whooley,
Irish
South and West Fishermen's
his
final
article
underlying
the
need
for
an
effective
EU
Coastguard, John Cushnahan, Fine Gael MEP for Munster 1989-
* India Rose recovering discarded gillnets.
2004, makes his case
`Ghost fishing' flies in the face of responsible fishing
IN a series of articles for this paper I have illustrated ongoing problems that the EU experiences with regard to marine pollution disasters, human and drug trafficking, maritime rescue capability and fisheries protection.
across
the
spectrum of US national security and military strategies. When
the
Coastguard
was
transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security, it
O'Donoghue,Killybegs Fishermen's
ity across the Union and their
eral
common
Agency).
Organisation that
the
dra-
matic price hike in fuel of more than 70% since January 2005, was putting the fishing industry in jeopardy. ``I am satisfied that the
pose
operations
porting agency to FEMA (Fed-
emphasised
threats
combat
challenges to safety and secur-
Sean
These
forcement, crisis response, and
assumed responsibility as sup-
and
thread
is
that
they
occur in EU waters. The policy approach must therefore be coordinated and effective. Just as neither maritime disasters nor international
criminals
respect
* John Cushnahan involving collisions or groundings on a daily basis.
must be
The US EEZ holds 20% of the
can be learnt from the way in
world's fishery resources and
fully committed to putting
which the US Coastguard com-
supports a commercial industry
in place both short-term and
bats similar problems as dis-
valued at more than $25 billion.
long-term measures to alle-
cussed below.
Over 100,000 commercial fish-
understands
the imminent crisis facing the industry and that he is
``Minister Gallagher gave a commitment to examining the feasibility of a temporary tie-up scheme, and I am the
response mechanism
our
Much can be learnt from the
viate the situation.
confident
boundaries,
study
will
prove to be positive and that such a scheme can be put in
US
Coastguard
who
rescued
some 9,500 people during the
ing vessels operate in waters under US jurisdiction. More than 8,000 foreign-flag
early days of hurricane Katrina
vessels
when it ravaged America's Gulf
nually, and 25% of domestic/
Coast. Everyday, 39,000 active
intricate trade moves by water.
service
personnel,
Maritime
and
double over the next 25 years.
8 , 10 0
coastguard re s e rv i s t s
over
call
at
US
trade
is
ports
an-
likely
to
30,000 auxiliaries provide ser-
The US Coastguard's preven-
vices in over 3.4 million square
tion, enforcement, and response
miles of Exclusive Economic
tasks in marine environmental
Zones (EEZ). Statistics for the
protection help to reduce pollu-
up scheme is critical, the
2005 fiscal year show that each
tion, saving nearly $6 billion
Minister has taken on board
day the US Coastguard con-
annually in oil losses, cleanup
our views for a range of
ducts
rescue
costs,
long-term measures. It was
operations, saves 15 lives, as-
mage.
heartening to hear his com-
sists
mitment
support
protects $2.8 million in prop-
enforcement fail, it maintains a
from other member states
erty, and its crews intercept and
rapid
rescue 30 illegal immigrants at
pollution incidents such as the
sea.
1989
place'' Jason Whooley commented. ``While a short-term tie
to
seek
and the Commission to sign up for a new marine research programme under the seventh
Framework
that
would have sufficient funding to enable a large multistate research programme be put
in
place
to
examine
90 117
search people
and in
distress,
and
And
environmental
when
Exxon
capability
Valdez
spill
There are three US Coastguard
cases of marine violation and
national strike teams located on
law enforcement teams board
the East, Gulf, and west coasts. eignty and global engagement
cocaine worth $21.1million.
continue to shape the US Coast-
more fuel efficient systems
Additionally, pollution inves-
and alternative fuels,'' Sean
tigators respond to 11 oil or
tasks. Today, its units play a
O'Donoghue commented.
hazardous chemical spills and
critical
investigate 20 vessel casualties
support, peace-keeping and en-
roles, role
in
world
leaders.
If
an
US Coastguard would be the line of first response to chemical, biological, or nuclear warfare.
one
small
missions
be
than 300km. Some of the gear
losing or discarding 30km of
was marked with the vessel's
gillnets per vessel, per trip, a
name. According to the Naval
report
Service
fishing
gear
and
compiled
by
may
BIM
in
who
gave
assistance
conjunction with fisheries insti-
throughout the survey, the boat
tutes in Norway has revealed.
in question had not been in the
The DEEPNET report concen-
area since last year. Effectively
trated on fisheries for deepwater
therefore,
sharks and shelf-edge monkfish
`ghost fishing' throughout this
to the west of Ireland.
time. The nets contained large
the
gear
had
that are not responding in terms of producer prices which would help offset these additional costs. ``These issues must be tackled now with the same urgency and speed as the decommissioning has been,'' he said.
catches of crabs and assorted
BIM technical staff and Norwe-
fish species. Rope, cables and a
gian experts conducted an ex-
lost trawl were also recovered.
tensive gillnet retrieval survey
``This practice of leaving nets
and
to fish for excessive periods of
around the Porcupine Bank on
time, while not illegal, is con-
board the Killybegs vessel, In-
trary to any principle of respon-
dia Rose. During the 20-day
sible
co-ordinating member state op-
survey, 45km of lost gear was
Commission is planning to in-
erations has proven to be woe-
retrieved.
troduce emergency measures to
The EU has a similar obligation to its citizens. The current piecemeal approach of merely
on
fully inadequate.
grounds
at
Rockall
The nets were in poor condi-
If instead we were to learn
fishing.
The
European
counteract the actions of these
tion, suggesting they had been
vessels;
in
some
our results it may be too late
established an EU coastguard
time, yet they still contained
to correct the damage done over
along these similar lines, we
large catches of crab, monkfish
the
would
and
Rihan, fishing gear specialist,
from
the
United
States
demonstrate
the
and
rele-
the
water
for
deepwater
quite
sharks.
More
vance of the EU by collectively
than 50% of the fish were unfit
providing a means of tackling
for human consumption.
past
the quantity of abandoned gear
Hareide
life.
still
BIM.
grounds,
years,'' Dominic
The survey was carried out
threaten security and quality of
fishing
More active vessels Speaking in Howth, Marine Minister Pat The Cope Gallagher said the scheme would remove up to 25% of the older, larger and more active vessels in the whitefish sector, in addition to excess capacity in the scallop fleet. ``This scheme is designed to alleviate pressures where fish quotas have been decreasing and where opportunities now available to the fleet are not delivering the necessary economic returns to fishermen. The sector is subject to increasing economic pressures arising
and
Dominic
humanitarian
w w w. m a r i n e . i e
telephone 353 91 730 400
on
by Myles Mulligan, Nils Roar
Of more serious concern was the
10
judging
BIM, commented.
some of the major problems that
on
however
and
from the high cost of diesel,'' Minister Gallagher commented. ``Ultimately the aim of this scheme is to bring about a viable future for the fishing sectors and to support the economies of coastal communities dependent on fishing. The funding represents a very substantial commitment by Government. The next step involves building on these achievements and delivering a long-term, sustainable and economically viable whitefish sector,'' Minister Gallagher said. The programme is based on the recommendations contained in the Decommissioning Requirements for Ireland's Demersal and Shellfish Fleets produced by Padraic White in July. Fishermen have until 1 November to apply for the scheme. First payments are expected to be made before the end of the year.
been
In a recent follow-up survey,
Crisis in fisheries reflected in 25% cut in Ireland's whitefish fleet THE Irish Fish Producers' Organisation has welcomed approval by Government to implement the fishing vessel de-commissioning scheme, amounting to 45 million. ``We welcome the speed with which this project has been agreed and devel Cinne oped,'' Lorca Ân O  ide, CEO of the IFPO remarked. ``We also welcome other recent positive developments such as the establishment of the pelagic and North Western Waters Regional Advisory Councils, which give fishing interests a much stronger input role in management proposals at EU level.''  Cinne Mr O  ide warned however that these moves come against a very bleak operating environment for the fishing industry in Ireland, beset by enormous increases in fuel costs? Up to 45% of vessel earnings in some cases? And markets
area
of
sover-
of marijuana and 662 pounds of
guard's
of
attack by sea was to occur, the
in
southeast of Rockall to be more
in
safety personnel will open eight
maritime
tion
estimated
to
Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Security,
2001,
many as 40 vessels at any
one time are using up to 250km
and
On an average day, marine
192 vessels seizing 71 pounds
September
AS
da-
prevention
response
11
Management
terrorism has been a preoccupa-
based on the same terms. Much
fully
international
Emergency
Since
Major fishing grounds
minister
3
NEWS
serious
O rg a n i s a t i o n
October 2005
Foras na Mara
Marine Institute Galway Technology Park Parkmore Galway facsimile 353 91 730 470 email institute.mail@marine.ie
Rihan,
4
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
NEWS
First meeting of regional fisheries councils OVER 70 members representing Ireland, the UK, Spain, France, Belgium and Holland from the newly-established EU Commission's North Western Waters Regional Advisory Council attended an inaugural meeting at Dublin Castle on Friday 30 September at which key positions were established.
Andre Le Berre, France, was appointed president of the Council. A 24-person executive committee was also elected (see below). Sam Lambourn, UK, was appointed chairperson of the executive committee and the RAC. As chairperson, Mr Lambourn will chair meetings of the executive committee; will speak for the RAC and will be responsible for liaising with member states, the European Commission; the public and media on all matters pertaining to the day-to-day workings of the RAC, its executive committee and the working groups. Speaking after his appointment, Mr Lambourn said that the North Western Waters RAC
provided for the first time an opportunity for fishermen of all member states who fished in the region to work together for the future of industry. ``We must not waste this unique opportunity. The goal of healthy fish stocks and a vibrant industry is just too important.'' A fisherman and skipper/ owner for the past 30 years, Mr Lambourn has also been chairman of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation since 1988. From 2000-2004 he was both chairman and president of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations in the UK. Four working groups will be established to assist the executive committee develop fishingarea-specific proposals and to advise on the overall objectives of the North Western Waters RAC. These working groups will enable a range of technical experts to take part as well as expanding the scope for stakeholder participation. BIM successfully tendered for the secretariat of the North Western Waters RAC which is
one of seven regional advisory councils established by EU Commission to ensure greater stakeholder involvement at regional and local level and to promote greater accountability. The next meeting of the North Western Waters Regional Advisory Council takes place next month in Paris.
Salmon advisory board appointments JOEY Murrin has been reappointed chairman of the new National Salmon Commission the statutory body to assist and advise the Marine Minister in relation to the conservation, management, protection and development of the national salmon resource. Recommendations The NSC, comprising representatives of the commercial and angling sectors and relevant stakeholders, also makes recommendations in relation to sea trout, tagging schemes and the total allowable catch/ quota for wild salmon, in consultation with the fisheries boards, the Marine Institute and other bodies.
Executive Committee membership Fisheries Sector/Secteur de la peÃche/Sector pesquero Comite National des PeÃches Maritimes et des eÂlevages Marins Association Nationale des Organisations de Producteurs Killybegs Fishermens Organisation Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation Federacion Espanola de Organizaciones Pesqueras OrganizacioÂn de Productores de Pesca National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations Scottish Fishermen's Federation Rederscentrale Flemish Fishery Committee/ Foundation for Sustainable Fishing (SDVO) Nederlandse Vissersbond Federatie van Visserijverenigingen European Ports and Auctions E.U. Federation of National Organisations of Importers and Exporters of Fish (AIPCE) Mna na Mara ETF
Andre Guegen Jacques Pichon Sean O'Donoghue Jason Whooley Hugo Crisanto GonzaÂlez GarcõÂa Victor Badiola Barrie Deas Bertie Armstrong Luc Corbisier Ivan Victor /Luc Mellaerts Anton Dekker Geert Munn Jesus A Lourido Cliff Morrission Margaret Downey Harrington Jacques Bigot
Other Interest Groups/Autres groupes d'inteÂreÃt/Otros grupos de intereÂs Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, representing Birdlife International Marine Conservation Society European Bureau for Conservation and Development European Anglers Association WWF Irish Seal Sanctuary AquaTT Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
Kara Brydson Bernadette Clarke Despina Symons John Crudden Claire Pescod Brendan Price John Coleman David Wall
Fine Gael scheme would `significantly benefit' salmon stocks FINE Gael's marine spokesperson, deputy John Perry, has said that in Government the party would initiate a voluntary buy-out and three year set-aside of drift and draft-net salmon licences, which would ``significantly benefit'' stocks. ``This Government has overseen the destruction of our valuable salmon resource and has allowed the tourism industry and our international reputation to suffer terribly. The solution is with a change of Government,'' he said. Outlining his plan he said set aside would see licence holders contracting not to fish for three years in receipt of an annual or once off payment. The scheme, he said, would result in a reduction in the overall quota available, which would be calculated as a percentage of each licence that accepted a buy out or set aside. The percentage reduction would be permanent regarding buy out and temporary regarding set aside. ``As the quota would be reduced by a proportion for each licence that exits, stock will increase,'' the deputy contended. According to deputy Perry, approximately 300 out of 850 drift-net fishermen caught 58% of the catch in 2004. ``This means that the majority of fishermen caught less than 100 fish,
earning less than 1,000. He added that the bulk of draft-net fishermen caught less than 50 fish, earning less than 500. ``Most drift and draft-net fishermen would like the option of buy out or set aside. There are simply not enough salmon available to make a profit from drift-netting.'' ``We are facing a very real risk of losing this resource. Angling visitor numbers have also dropped by 50% in the last six years. This is having disastrous consequences on communities who rely heavily on angling tourism. Many people's livelihoods are on the line,'' he said. Sustainable fishing Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Seamus de Burca of the Cork Driftnets Association said fishermen were committed to sustainable fishing. ``With an almost 50% drop in quota, naturally there are pressures on fishermen to make a viable return. ``We broadly welcome any voluntary buy out or set aside measure, and have plans in place for equitable compensation for fishermen who want to remain. But again I would like to stress, this must be voluntary. For those that want to stay, we will need the support of Gov-
ernment [so as] to develop a 21st century approach to sustainable fishing. We need to be able to catch our quota at the most plentiful time to give our fishermen the best economic return.'' He added that due to a multitude of reasons, salmon were returning later and later every year. ``We have already asked the Minister to set up fishing trials off season under the supervision of fishery boards so as to determine the most advantageous times to take our quota.'' Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine Station, said that any proposal must be against a background of recognising that these fishermen have rights and expectations. ``Full consultation must be advanced with coastal communities. Any new management model must address both exploitation at sea and in rivers and lakes. Fish catches cannot meet demand worldwide. There is well recognised over fishing, which is creating crisis in many seas. We in Ireland must broaden our approach to fish farming. We must get involved in new species such as turbot and halibut, cod, abalone and scallop. Through the State agencies, BIM and UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta, the industry could progress such developments,'' he said.
At a meeting earlier in the month, the minister asked the NSC to examine all aspects of the salmon debate, including all relevant reports.
Members of National Salmon Commission
* Joey Murrin, Director of
Marine Institute (Chairman) * Derick Anderson, C.E.O., Loughs Agency * Luke Boyle, South East Salmon Federation * Noel Carr, Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers * Michael Connors, East/ South East Netsmen Association & Irish Salmon Traditional Netsmen's Association * Jim Curran, Donegal Angling Federation * Brian Curran, Ireland West Angling * Seamus de Burca, Cork Drift Net Association * John Doherty, Irish Fishermen's Organisation; Irish Salmon Traditional Netsmen Association; Burtonport Fishermen's Co-op Society; Donegal Traditional Inshore Fishermen's Association * Jerome Dowling, Kerry Anglers Federation * Peter Dunn, Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association * Lal Faherty, National Anglers Representative Association * Frank Flanagan, Galway & Conemara Salmon Fishermen's Association * Richie Flynn, Irish Salmon Growers Association * Peter Hunt, Clonbur, Co. Galway * Michael Keatinge, B.I.M * Carmel Lynn, Traditional Draftnet Association * Martin McEnroe, Salmon & Sea Trout Recreational Anglers of Ireland. John H O'Brien, Inisbofin * Vincent Roche, C.E.O., North Western Regional Fisheries Board
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
5
COMMENT
WE cannot take clean water for granted anymore. The water quality in Dublin Bay and Galway Bay has improved dramatically following the upgrading of those cities' sewage treatment plants. The trophic status of many of the large western lakes is threatened due to runoff from agricultural land as well as forestry and increased development. Even single houses are now required to install elaborate sewage treatment plants and these must be maintained. The Water Framework Directive (2000/ 60/EEC) has focused attention on the quality of all our freshwater in rivers, lakes and groundwater and our seawater in coastal and estuarine waters. The country has been divided into seven `River Basin Districts' and already the waters in these areas have been categorised. We have until
2015 to ensure that all our waters are of `good status' as laid down by the Directive. Recently, more attention has been given to water quality because of other EU Directives: the `drinking water', `groundwater', `bathing water', `nitrates' as well as the directive for `waters supporting fish life'. Ireland is paying heavy fines every week having been in breach of several directives in the past. At sea, many of our bays are monitored by the Marine Institute as the sensitive shellfish-growing areas require stringent monitoring especially where sewage treatment is inadequate. As a requirement of their licences, finfish farms carry out extensive monitoring of sea sites and freshwater sites to show that their activities are not impacting on the water.
The EPA carries out monitoring of our freshwater and produces a report every two years outlining the condition of our lakes, rivers and groundwater. The local authorities monitor drinking water and bathing water. The Regional Fisheries Boards (RFBs), now under threat of being abolished, play an important role in watching over water quality, highlighting breaches of regulations and any deterioration in our rivers and lakes. They monitor planning applications to reduce any threat to our water courses and are the only recognised bodies that prosecute local authorities for water pollution. The protection of water quality at a local level is the key to improving the environment both regionally and nationally. The
Shifts in Letter to the editor perception of maritime Growing problem of algal blooms and inland on inland and seawaters waterways Dear Editor, heritage
RESEARCH carried out during August 2005 by Lansdowne Marketing Research for the Heritage Council shows that public awareness of coastlines, seascapes and inland waterways being part of our heritage is growing. These findings confirm trends in surveys conducted in 1999 and 2004. The 1,201 participants were asked to rate graveyards, railways, castles and seascapes to see which of these were in their opinion part of our national heritage. The results show that 64% rated seascapes in this category. (In 1999, 40% of those surveyed did not regard seascapes as part of the national heritage.) Coastlines were subject to a similar shift; 64% regarded coastlines as part of the national heritage, while only 53% rated coast lines as part of heritage in 1999. Inland waterways also saw a rise in popularity with 73% rating them as part of heritage, as opposed to just 68% in 1999. What can account for these shifts? * Growing public awareness * Controversy over private de-
velopment of public amenities (Dun Laoghaire baths; Barna, Co Galway) * Activities (whale & dolphin watching); Coastwatch surveys; State agency campaigns.
The trend towards growing public awareness of maritime and inland waterway heritage should serve to stimulate organisations to maintain and increase their efforts to bring information to the public in an accessible way, in particular in the light of the implementation of the WFD and the forthcoming River Basin Plans.
Algal blooms are a growing problem on inland and seawaters in Ireland. My own area of Courtmacsharry Bay (pictured) on the south coast is probably the worst affected estuarine area in the entire country. In this area many beaches have become unusable due to a green algal covering or rotting moundlike deposits. This bloom, often colloquially described as sea lettuce, covers entire beaches in summer and into the autumn, and emits an obnoxious odour. When the problem reaches the level it has now reached in this area, beaches become unusable. Feeding for wading birds is radically reduced; animals who get caught up in metre-high mounds of rotting vegetation are at risk; residents have to keep their windows shut, and fish and other marine animals suffer and may die. The science of the problem is complex but what is clear is that over-enrichment of water resources from farm emissions, domestic sewage and other sources, is at its core. What is now the case here will extend elsewhere, and soon. This will become a
WATERFRONT designers, planners and heads of marine industry associations worldwide were in Dublin last month to explore opportunities to maximise Ireland's 631 marine tourism industry. The `Regeneration: an Opportunity for the Development
bimonthly by the Agricultural Trust, publishers of the Irish Farmers Journal and the Irish Features editor Field, Irish Farm Centre, Gery Flynn Bluebell, Dublin 12 Gillian Mills mills@inshoreireland.com
01-2354804/087-2902045
frastructural emission practices will be required. Courtmacsharry Bay we may ruefully conclude is the harbinger of bad news on the environmental front for both humans and wildlife in this country. We must act now with real intent before it becomes a tragedy of resource degradation, living conditions and lost natural heritage.
Ð Patrick O'Mahony, Harbour View, Kilbrittain, Co Cork
Office of Environmental Enforcement is a new office within the EPA dedicated to the implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation. It works with local authorities and other public sector bodies involved in enforcement activities including the RFBs. The large number of bodies and agencies involved in enforcing the EU legislation for water quality is impressive. Nevertheless, will there be personnel on the ground at weekends when a pollution incident occurs? Sampling two days after an event is no use, and the valuable role paid by dedicated people employed by the RFBs must not be under-estimated. Watching the environment is a round-the-clock activity. Ð Mary Hensey
Conserving Ireland's maritime heritage
IN April andpolicy Maypaper 2005, onthemaritime Heritage heritage Council unveiled a draft of its for public comment. To facilitate thisrepresentatives process, a seminar was then departheld in Galway to which of governmental ments and agencies, were localinvited. authorities, and non-governmental organisations The document was also discussed by the local authority heritage officers. Important were made by the Martin Ryan Institute, thecontributions Geological Survey of Ireland and Marine Institute toseename a few.of comments The Heritage Council was gratified to that most were in agreement withTheitsdocument proposals.was revised and sent to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche TD, in August. It is intended to publish and circulate the document this autumn.
ship
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
International `think tank' on marine tourism in Ireland
Inshore Ireland is published
Editor
national tragedy, expressed in the loss of beaches, pollution of the coastline and a threat to biodiversity. Public authorities, drawing from this example, are aware of the problem but are not tackling it in an adequate way. Both research and experience make clear that there is no easy way out, no technical fix that will make the problem disappear. Major investment will be needed, and radical changes in agricultural, domestic and in-
tnemmoC
We can't take clean water for granted anymore
flynn@inshoreireland.com
091-844822/085-7475797
Production & imaging Irish Farmers Journal
of Marine Leisure' Ð conference organised by the Marine Institute Ð outlined ideas to regenerate small-scale fishing ports `into marketable tourist attractions'. Global marine tourism was valued 168bn in 2004. Examples of regeneration
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Ð 16 D'Olier St, Dublin 2
The publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors and advertisers. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in Inshore Ireland, we do not accept responsibility for any errors, or matters arising from same.
success stories include the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and developments in downtown Singapore. ``The business of ports and harbours are subject to constant change,'' Anne Wilkinson, marine leisure and tourism mana g e r, M a r i n e I n s t i t u t e commented. ``Trends in commercial trading shift geographically; technical advances in the design of vessels and port handling facilities call for constant change, and fishing practices follow the fortunes of individual stocks. Given the growing demand, the integration of marine leisure facilities into ports and harbours presents an exciting opportunity to maximise the potential of our ports and harbour assets,'' she said.
JEANIE JOHNSTON
DOULOS & DEILGINIS
ULYSSES
GRAND PRINCESS
For Print Prices & Sizes Ships List (incl. Queen Mary 2)
www.shipsireland.com
6
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
COASTWATCH SURVEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INSHORE IRELAND
Climate change and biodiversity
To participate: an added extra. Eng. TCD, Dublin 2, to coastwatch@eir* Decide on an area of Complete as many by 12 November com.net shore to survey and of the questions be- 2005. * Check our website mark it on a detailed low as are relevant * If you have a picture www.coastwatch.org local map, or sketch or you are able to phone, send images for more details. it. answer. * Walk the shore - ide- * Post the information ally around low tide - and any extra notes with this form, biro, or photos, together something hard to with a copy of your lean on, a bag for map or sketch, to finds and a camera Karin Dubsky, or camera phone as Coastwatch, at Civil
* Brown seaweed
* Barnacle and limpets
* Sargassum muticum
* Top shell
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
7
NEWS
Climate change Ð time to act our green house gas emissions Conferences By Karin Dubsky, due to the long lag time BA, BSc Coastwatch Ð UK Presidency Oxford between pollution and effect. The brought together national TCD The UK now holds the EU event advisory bodies on sustainable OVERWHELMING evidence suggests that climate change is happening now and that we are committed to a temperature rise of between 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius within the next 50 years Ð whether or not we improve
presidency and climate change is the number one issue on the environment agenda. This covers cuts in emissions to mitigate against climate change, and action to deal with climate change effects now and in the medium term.
development (including Comhar and Heritage Council from Ireland), as well as top scientists and policy makers. Presenting a paper as Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment, Eliot Morley MP called for ``urgent action''
No breakwater for Baltimore but Gaeltacht piers get funding
EÂAMON OÂ CuõÂv TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has announced grant aid of 1.2m under the Strategic Gaeltacht Piers Scheme for two piers in the south Kerry Gaeltacht, Baile an Sceilg Pier and Bun a'Bhaile Pier. Each pier will be extended by 30m, and will be upgraded. Kerry County Council will pay 380,000, bringing total investment to 1.6m. Minister OÂ CuõÂv said the project was ``extremely important for the UõÂbh RaÂthach area'' and that it would ``greatly assist local fishermen and tourists''. The Minister has also sanctioned grants of 250,000 for various improvement works on piers in the Mayo Gaeltacht. Funding is also being provided for six piers under the care of Mayo County Council totallying 333,331.
* ABOVE: Ballinskelligs Pier, Co Kerry. * BELOW: Bunavalla Pier. Co Kerry.
PICTURES: Tony O'Gorman
and outlined priorities adopted as being: adequate information to understand urgency and adaptation options; better collaboration to realise opportunities and to accommodate environmental, social and economic threats; sufficient intact and connected habitats/species to cope with change. The Dutch event involved field trips to areas where 1,000s of hectares of agricultural land are being reopened to river flooding in an attempt to divert predicted floods from major settlements and to help reconnect protected sites and isolated high nature value areas.
Implications
The majority of focus is on towns were flood risks are high and in some cases are being addressed. In the rural coastal zone however the story is different. If a farmer loses land to the sea, it is considered hard luck. Some areas are at risk of being cut off altogether if sea roads go. Farmland wildlife such as plant pollinators are also affected, and alien invasive species like Japanese knot weed are more prevalent. Farmers may also have to change to more drought-tolerant crops. Fishing and aquaculture industries face a great unknown. Fish and shellfish species that spawn or have nurseries in inshore waters and estuaries are now exposed to higher
Climate change effects
* Increase in extreme weather conditions: drought, floods and storms * Soft coast and river banks eroding at a greater rate * Saltmarshes, river floodplains and grazing marshes flooding more frequently * Sea walls hit by stronger waves and higher high tide levels, erosion control measures becoming inadequate * Biodiversity loss on a worldwide scale. Some wildlife species like African trigger fish and Little Egrets are successfully moving northwards. Many species may not be able to compete in new areas or have nowhere to go as they reach the end of suitable territory and are too far from the next. * Ocean changes: temperature increases, increases in acidity; plankton species and blooms changing rapidly * Water scarcity across much of continental Europe. In Ireland localised droughts are also more likely.
water temperature and turbidity in the most vulnerable part of their lifecycle. Despite government-sponsored studies that warn of climate change effects, Ireland continues to exacerbate flood and erosion risks. In theory, the more porous ground and wetlands we have, such as pools and marshes to take rain and flood water, the better positioned we are to cope with extreme rainfall and storm events. Rain or floodwater then enters many `containers' including groundwater and are released slowly after the rains stop. In practice however we continue to infill ponds, drain reedbeds, build on floodplains, infill enclosed inshore areas and cre-
ate non-porous hard surfaces in the perverse name of progress. We then channel all our storm water from roads, pavements, yards and car parks into drains leading directly into rivers and estuaries.
Action required
We need to act now from EU down to local level. Major funding decisions are being drafted now but they must take climate change into full account. Meanwhile we must: * Reduce emissions to meet our Kyoto targets * Take measures to ensure there is sufficient space for water, and improve/repair erosion and flood defences in an environmentally sound and planned manner.
Still waiting
Meanwhile in West Cork, grant aid approved for a breakwater at Baltimore was nothing more than an election promise, Fine G a e l f r o n t b e n c h e r, J i m O'Keeffe contends. Just weeks before the 2002 election, then marine minister Frank Fahey, in a letter dated April 26, said he had `approved grant aid of 2.5m towards the cost of the provision of a breakwater at Baltimore Harbour.' In response to a DaÂil question on May 24 2005, however, marine minister Pat the Cope Gallagher said ``unfortunately due to budgetary constraints'' no funding was available under the Seaports Measure.
``This government, which has been in office for seven years, has plumbed the depths in its cynical arrogance towards the people of Baltimore and the islands. Clearly it has no notion at any stage of producing the monies,'' Deputy O'Keeffe said. Baltimore has not received government investment for over 100 years, apart from dredging funds secured by Deputy
O'Keeffe under the West Cork Package. The piers were built in 1895 and 1907, and currently service diverse activities such as fishing, fish processing, ship repair, marine tourism. ``I am now demanding that funding be committed by government. The suggestion of budgetary constraints, in light of funds available to the exchequer, is a sick joke, the Deputy added.
Improvement schemes to Mayo small piers Name of pier
Details
BeÂal an Mhuirthead SaÂilõÂn, An Geata MoÂr
New 10mx40m Slip Completion of the concrete wall beside the road. The repair, where necessary, of the wall between the slip and the pier. Widening the road. Completion of sea wall (20mx2m, 0.8m wide). Repair of steps and rails; removal of rocks and rubbish; repair of sea wall; provision of water and electricity and safety equipment Provision of power and water, navigation lights; cleaning of anchor bed. Total
Caladh MhaÂnuis, An CorraÂn, Acaill Dumha Eige, Acaill SaÂile, Acaill
An Chloch MhoÂr
Grant from Department ( ) 100,000 40,000
Grant from Co Co ( ) 33,333 13,333
18,750
6,250
32,000
10,666
18,750
6,250
40,500
13,499
250,000
83,331
L ooking for information on the Environment? may have the answer!
there are now 7 easy ways to make contact with ENFO
1.
W rite to: E NF O , 17, St Andrew Street, Dublin 2
2.
Telephone: 01-88 8 3910 or 189 0 200 191 (local)
3.
Fax:0 1-888 3946
4.
E -m ail: info@enfo.ie
5.
Web s ite: www.enfo.ie
6.
Vis it: T he drop-in ce ntre at 17 , St Andrew Street, Dublin 2 (off Dame Street) and see the exhibition, visit the childrenʼs corner, see enviromental videos and access the libraryʼs database and internet facilities
7.
C hec k out: The ENFO information stands at your local authority office or County/City Library
8
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
REPORT
DuÂn Laoghaire seafront high rise plan is razed to the ground Gillian Mills Reports
AS Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Councillors were voting last week on a controversial development proposal for the town's derelict baths, chants of `We want the old coast not the Gold Coast' could be heard from the street below. The plan was defeated by 15 votes to seven with six abstentions; instead cllrs have agreed to consider five smaller options, all of which exclude an eightstorey apartment block that was central to local opposition.
* Infill could seriously impact on the coastline.
Victory
The outcome is a major victory for the Save our Seafront Group, which had campaigned relentlessly against `privitisation' of the seafront. The initial 140m plan included reclamation of five acres of foreshore; 180 apartments and restaurants; 10-storey circular glass tower with viewing platform; swimming and leisure complex; plaza for open air events and a promenade to link the Forty Foot swimming area and the East Pier. ``We are very pleased with the vote,'' commented Bob Waddell. At least it does away with the high-rise apartments element. We'll be watching the proceedings with interest, and giving our input,'' he said.
mental group Coastwatch, the consequence of infilling five acres of foreshore was equally important: ``This is an important nursery ground for fish, lobster and crab. Any infill would cause biodiversity loss and could impact elsewhere along the coastline and around Dublin Bay.'' At a briefing seminar and field trip organised by Coastwatch just days before the vote, topics included climate change (Ray McGrath, senior researcher, Met EÂireann); the local seal
and dolphin population (Brendan Price, Irish Seal Sanctuary and Nick Channon, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group). Peter O'Halloran, chairman of the Bulloch Harbour Association gave a perspective of fisheries habits. The meeting passed a motion on the baths `to stay in public use and that any development or restoration should be no larger than the present footprint of the building and be sympathetic to the existing built environment behind it' The meeting also passed a motion for no infill anywhere within Dublin Bay or on the River Liffey or Tolka estuary in view of climate change implications for Dublin Bay and its hinterland.
and learn about seals and other animals in a non-intrusive way and find out how they can help in their own area. Other attractions will include a video auditorium, lecture spaces, coffee shop/restaurant with a panoramic coastline view and marine gift shop - all with disabled access. A dedicated laboratory and library is also included in the plans. The building itself will be eco-friendly by maximising natural energy sources using locally sourced materials. It will also have `soft curves' to ensure
that it fits in with the natural environment. ``Once completed, the Centre will be a valuable resource - not only for the many animals needing assistance - but also for visitors who will be able to experience Ireland's marine wildlife at first hand. ``I would especially like to recognise Brendan Price for his unrelenting voluntary effort, which has finally come to fruition,'' commented Andrew Kelly, director, Irish Seal Sanctuary.
* Christy Moore performing at the `Save our seafront' rally.
Richard Boyd Barrett (SOS) said public opposition was unquestionable. ``With over 4,000 people attending our rally last month and almost 15,000 signing our petition, it is clear that the overwhelming majority of people are utterly opposed to this disgraceful plan for the baths.''
Environmental concerns
Most of the focus had been on loss of public space and views, but according to the environ-
Marine education centre for east coast town
FINGAL County Council has given its full support to the development of a Marine Conservation and Education Centre in Balbriggan. The first of its kind in Ireland, the Centre will provide sophisticated shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for rescued marine wildlife found in difficulty around the coast. The centre will have the capacity to care for 50 seals at any one time, as well as oiled birds, dolphins, and whales up to 4 metres. The ultra modern plans were designed around the needs of
the animals, recreating their natural environment as far as possible and providing enrichment and stimulation. As well as offering sanctuary to animals, the Centre will aim to:
* Co-ordinate a nationwide marine mammal network. * Protect and promote the welfare of marine wildlife and its habitat. * Conduct non-invasive research * Protect and assist threatened coastal communities. * Help resolve conservation conflicts.
Visitors will be able to observe
There’s a fresh new way to access our national heritage
Options A1 and A2:
Level the existing derelict baths and construct a viewing platform. A2 includes a walkway linking Newtownsmith and the existing Maritime Gardens ( 2.8m for A1 and 2.95m for A2).
Option B:
Refurbishment of the existing outdoor pools and retention of the original structures as far as possible; building a small garden to the east of the site ( 12.m).
Option C:
A 25m indoor swimming pool with a viewing platform on the east side ( 11.5m.)
Option D:
A 25m indoor pool with a new breakwater, a public garden and coastal promenade ( 15.25m).
Redevelopment of Carlisle Pier is postponed DuÂN Laoghaire Harbour Company has withdrawn its preferred-bidder status from the consortium chosen to redevelop the Carlisle Pier in the harbour. The decision was taken in relation to delays in bringing forward a planning application. According to a statement from the DHC, the consortium, Urban Capital, `failed to meet the timetable accompanying the winning Heneghan Peng Architects design'. It had been granted two further extensions, both of which it had failed to meet. `While the consortium wishes to continue with the project, it is not in a position to say when it will submit an acceptable planning application.' The plan included a national marine life centre, a 127-bed
hotel, 229 apartments, retail developments and a floating stage. The statement adds that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council's `rigorous objectives' for redeveloping the Pier include a requirement for landmark architecture, a major national cultural attraction, significant permanent public access to the Pier and better links with Dun Laoghaire town centre. `Subject to these conditions being met, the Council will consider allowing other uses such as hotel, residential and retail outlets on the Pier.' The Board of the Harbour Company is now examining all its options for the redevelopment of the Carlisle Pier including the construction of the winning design.
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? It’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
* At almost 50m, the Heneghan Peng design is roughly 10m less than Liberty Hall in Dublin, which stands at 59.54m. The visual impact would dominate the harbour skyline.
INSHORE IRELAND
9
WATER QUALITY
Stark consequences of alien species on inland waterways
* High vantage view of Timoleague showing large algae growh area on tidal flat.
Unknown source of noxious seaweed threatens south coast beauty spot By Gery Flynn
Noxious smelling
GREEN tides of seaweed are on the increase in Irish coastal waters, and according to a report by the Irish Seaweed Centre, they not only deface local beauty spots but also have the potential to stymie Ireland's objectives under the EU Water Framework Directive.
A report entitled: Desk and Field Study of Biomass Estimation Techniques for Monitoring Green Tides in the Irish Environment, is the first Irish indepth examination of a recurring green tide, which for the past decade has blighted the Argideen River Estuary at Courtmacsherry on the south coast of Co Cork. Dr Robert Wilkes, a researcher with the Galway-based ISC and the report's author told Inshore Ireland that his study was initiated after residents from the Courtmacsherry and Kilbrittain area grew alarmed at the extent of the problem in their area. ``The initial contact was made because a local person's dog had fallen into a pile of this seaweed and apparently had gone blind. People in the area were very concerned to know if the seaweed was the cause,'' Dr Wilkes explained. He confirmed that the extent of the Courtmacsherry green tide was unusual. ``In an area of approximately 220 hectares, an algal biomass amounted to 11,000 tonnes wet weight.''
October 2005
* Dr Robert Wilkes.
``Green tides are common in such places as the Venice Lagoon or off the coast of Brittany where there is known to be a large amount of nutrient inflow. But I was amazed by the scale of the problem in the Argideen river estuary,'' he admitted. ``In Ireland, annual green tides have been reported in Belfast Lough and Dublin Harbour for many years. More recently, they have increased in frequency and abundance on many coasts such as Cork Harbour and Strangford Lough.'' When asked to compare the extent of the Courtmacsherry bloom, Dr Wilkes stated: ``They have never been on the scale that I've seen at the Argideen River Estuary.''
* Unless the growing incidence of green tides is dealt with, Ireland could fail to meet its obligations under the terms of the EU Water Framework Directive.
The ISC report is the first of its kind to measure the extent of a green tide in Irish coastal waters, and it describes macro algal blooms as `aesthetically unpleasant, noxious-smelling agglomerations of algae'. With this stage of his investigations now completed, Wilkes is reluctant to lay the blame for the Courtmacsherry bloom other than to confirm that it was due to ``a serious increase in nutrients.'' When pressed, he stated that the nutrient source could have several origins: ``The potential sources are broad. This area has a lot of new holiday homes and there is a lot of surrounding agriculture, and two large rivers run through it all. But I wouldn't like to say yet what the primary cause might be without further research to back it up.'' For communities like Courtmacsherry that increasingly de-
pend on water-based leisure activities to attract visitors, the report warns that green tides `can influence local fisheries and tourism industries and can persist for years and may pervasively and fundamentally alter ecosystems.' It also hints darkly that unless the growing incidence of green tides is dealt with, Ireland could fail to meet its obligations under the terms of the EU Water Framework Directive by the 2015 deadline. `The monitoring and understanding of green tides is essential to ensure that these goals can be met,' the report states. The report concludes: `The WFD characterises the ecological status of a water body from bad to high with the aim of achieving good status for all waters by December 2015. To achieve this, a suitable method of assessing the impact of macroalgal blooms and their association with water quality should be developed.'
IN an effort to prevent the spread of zebra mussels from waterways that are already infested to other areas, the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative has issued the following warning: Zebra mussels are thumbnail sized shellfish that are native to the Aral and Caspian Seas. The alert is aimed at anglers and boat-users in particular, since zebra mussels are transported overland and upstream when attached to boats; in bilge water; in live bait and on angling equipment. Once introduced, they rapidly colonise. First recorded in Lough Derg on the Shannon in 1997, they spread rapidly throughout the Shannon-Erne waterway, mainly by boat traffic. Many individual lakes in Cos Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo and Clare are infested. It is widely feared that the striped freshwater shellfish will be introduced deliberately or inadvertently to uninfested lakes such as Loughs Melvin, Corrib, Mask, Carra and Conn. Warning signs to boat owners and anglers have been erected around these lakes. ``Zebra mussels affect fish populations by removing large amounts of phytoplankton and zooplankton since they are capable of filtering up to 1 litre of water per day. They also prevent native species such as swan and duck mussels from feeding by attaching onto their shells in huge numbers, causing them to starve to death,'' commented Dr Aoife Thornton, Galway Co Council. ``Zebra mussels improve water clarity; however this does not mean that the water is `cleaner', they mask water pollution problems. As a result of increased water clarity, improved catchability of fish ultimately leads to reductions in fish stocks. The clearer water allows increased depths of sunlight penetration, causing prolific weed growth which impedes boat movement.
* Once zebra mussels colonise a waterway, there is no effective means of removal.
``Zebra mussels damage underwater structures. For example, they clog boat engines and water abstraction pipes. The economic implications of this are enormous. Once zebra mussels colonise a waterway, there is no effective means of removal,'' she added. People who intend to use zebra mussel free waterways are advised to rent boats locally or else to steam clean their boats and trailers. They should ensure that wash waters do not drain into uninfested waterways. Alternatively, boats may be left to dry out for four weeks prior to launching onto uninfested waters. Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly using hot water and aquatic weeds should be removed. ``The battle against the zebra mussel is on-going. Our education campaign about this alien species will continue after the angling and boating season is over in preparation for next year,'' Dr Thornton said. * For further information, visit
the link on the Environment Section of www.galway.ie or contact Dr Aoife Thornton, Environment Section, Galway County Council. Telephone: (091) 509063 or athornton@galwaycoco.ie
10
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
WATER QUALITY
Public must act to protect water quality By Gillian Mills
OVER 60% of Ireland's groundwater is threatened by pollution, and `moderate pollution' to rivers, lakes coastal areas is putting health and the environment at risk, according to Ireland's leading water experts.
Whilst spills from industrial plants were once a major source of contamination to rivers and lakes, household discharges, agricultural activities and municipal dumps are now causing a serious decline in water quality. New research conducted by Lansdowne Market Research on behalf of the Heritage Council indicates a low level of awareness about water quality and the steps needed to improve it. While 80% of those asked were concerned about pollution of drinking water, 53% believed that water quality was not a problem. Almost 50% believed that satisfactory systems were in place to protect Ireland's lakes and rivers. Asked if they were prepared to pay for the water they use at home, 53% responded positively, and 65% agreed that tax payers money should be used to improve and project water. ``Under the terms of the WFD, the government must bring in water pricing policies that encourage all users to make more efficient use of water. ``The public and landowners will have to play a major role to
Coastline vulnerability
KARIN Dubsky of Coastwatch Ð the environmental group that lobbies for the protection and sustainable use of Ireland's coastal resources Ð said that little consideration is given to the impact of one action on another, and gave as an example activities that threaten the survival of Ireland's wild oyster beds. ``Less than 20 native oyster (Ostrea edulis) beds exist throughout Europe, nine of these are in Irish waters. Although it is known that introduced shellfish spat can carry the disease, Bonamia, and devastate native oyster beds, licensed and unlicensed stocks are still being transferred into disease free oyster bed areas. We need better precautions, more transparency of activities, and informed public involvement in order to protect such valuable and vulnerable natural resources.'' Dubsky was also critical at the lack of a national coastal zone management policy and coordinating body. ``Although promised by 2004, we are still living in limbo. Meanwhile, where no direct economic value is highly evident, nature and natural features are at risk of being developed away. We have to sit up and question who profits from this. It's not us as a nation,'' she emphasised.
halt the decline to ensure that Ireland meets the requirements of the Water Framework Directive Ð the EU legislation that aims to improve water quality throughout Europe,'' Beatrice Kelly of the Heritage Council commented. Only 16% of the panel,
which was a national representation, was aware of the Water Framework Directive. ``This is of major concern because this EU legislation will affect everyone Ð public participation is a major factor if we are to improve and protect our water quality and meet the
requirements of this legislation,'' Kelly warned. The purpose of Water Heritage Day (10 September) was to raise awareness of water as one of the most precious parts of Irish heritage. Hundreds of free events took place around the country.
Nutrient enrichment from nitrogen and phosphorus most common problem for Irish waters CONTRIBUTING to the debate on water quality, Dr Kenneth Irvine, TCD, said at a media briefing that nutrient enrichment from nitrogen and phosphorus of freshwaters was the most common problem facing Irish surface and ground waters. Irvine contended that, according to the Department of the Environment and Local Government, 73% of phosphorus to inlands waters comes from agriculture. ``The failure of previous policies to protect Irish waters from pollution is reflected in the judgment of the European Court of Justice with respect to the Dangerous Substances Directive and current concerns of the Commission over Ireland's failure to implement the Nitrates Directive. Irvine added that implementation of the WFD could address these ``previous lapses of taking environmental pro-
* Budding marine biologists on the River Liffey.
Achieving good water status
tection seriously. It is timely given that some of the highest quality waters such as the Great Western Lakes show signs of degradation,'' he said. ``A case in point is Lough Carra where progressive nutrient enrichment over the past
30-40 years is recorded in the sediment. Implementation of measures to protect the lake and other vulnerable water bodies will be the real test of the Water Framework Directive,'' he warned. * PICTURES: Ruth Little, TCD
DONAL Daly of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) said that a four-year project to map Ireland's groundwater would allow experts to assess the impact of leakage from landfill sites, sewage plants, septic tanks and from agricultural fertilizers and chemicals on land. ``Testing challenges are ahead. The first stage of implementation [of the Water Framework Directive] was a screen exercise, pointing the way forward. Further characterisation and monitoring will be undertaken to reduce uncertainties and to check the validity of the risk assessment results. ``More controversially, measures will be required to ensure that the status of groundwater bodies classed at `good' does not deteriorate, and that the status of those classed as `poor' is restored to `good'. This is likely to have implications for some current land uses in Ireland,'' he warned.
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
WATER QUALITY
River Basin District Advisory Councils - Who's who? River Basin District (RBD)
Constituent Local Authorities which RBD am I in?
Co-ordinating Authority Who's In Charge?
Official Contact Who should I contact for official information?
Eastern RBD
Dublin City Council & the County Councils of: Cavan; Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown; Fingal; Kildare; Louth; Meath; Offaly; South Dublin; Westmeath; Wexford; Wicklow. Waterford City Council and the County Councils of: Carlow; Cork; Kildare; Kilkenny; Laois; Limerick; North Tipperary; Offaly; South Tipperary; Waterford; Wicklow. Cork City Council & the County Councils of: Cork; Kerry; Limerick; South Tipperary; Waterford.
Dublin City Council
Mr. Tom Leahy, (01) 2222027 tom.leahy@dublincity.ie
Carlow County Council
Mr. Eamonn Brophy, (059) 9170300; ebrophy@carlowcoco.ie
Cork County Council
Mr. MacDara O'hOIcõÂ, (021) 4532700; MacDara.OhIci@corkcoco.ie
Western RBD
Galway City Council & the County Councils of: Clare; Galway; Leitrim; Mayo; Roscommon; Sligo.
Galway County Council
Environment Section, Galway County Council, (091) 509302; environ@galwaycoco.ie
Shannon RBD
Limerick City Council & the County Councils of: Cavan; Clare; Cork; Galway; Kerry; Laois; Leitrim; Limerick; Longford; Mayo; Meath; North Tipperary; Offaly; Roscommon; Sligo; South Tipperary; Westmeath. County Councils of: Cavan; Donegal; Leitrim; Longford; Monaghan; Sligo.
Limerick County Council
Mr. Enda Thompson, 061 337914; info@shannonrbd.com
Donegal County Council
Mr. Tony McNally, (074) 9161927; tmcnally@donegalcoco.ie
Monaghan County Council
Mr. David Fallon, (047) 30592; environ@monaghancoco.ie
South Eastern RBD South Western RBD
North Western RBD Neagh Bann RBD
County Councils of: Cavan; Louth; Meath; Monaghan.
River Basin District Water Advisory Councils:
11
Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) Who should I contact for information on participation of environmental groups? Dr. Ruth McGrath, Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment; avoice@iol.ie Mr. Eamonn Moore, An Taisce mooree@itcarlow.ie Mr. David Lee, Cork Environmental Forum, (022) 25595; (087) 2328789; djlee@ireland.com Mr. Con McCole, Carra Mask Corrib Water Protection Group Ltd., (093) 36692; cmc7@eircom.net Mr Paddy Mackey, Save Our Lough Derg (SOLD); (067) 24315; (087) 2399507; badoir@iol.ie Mr. John Mulcahy, Save the Swilly, (086) 2808636; jonmul12@hotmail.com Ms. Sinead O' Brien, Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), (01) 642 5583; sobrien@swaninreland.ie
Water policy closer to home Report by Sinead O'Brien, SWAN
THANKS to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), water policy and protection is finally moving out of the corridors of Brussels, Dublin and county offices, and is being handed back Ð in part at least Ð to the people.
New regulations announced in August pave the way for the establishment of seven water `Advisory Councils' around the country, one in each River Basin District (RBD). These are part of a new inclusive approach to water management under the WFD. After years of
working to protect our waterways in the face of intense development, pollution and often unsympathetic local and national governments, these new Advisory Councils finally offer environmental groups, anglers, community groups and anyone interested in water protection a real opportunity to have a say in the management of their local water resources.
Role
The target of the WFD poses a huge challenge: `Good status' for all waters by 2015. Effectively, this means an end to all major water pollution. To achieve this, a River Basin
On the Advisory Councils, county and city councillors will sit side by side with representatives from a range of `interest groups'. Agriculture, business, angling, community, academic
and water protection bodies have all been identified as sectors to be invited to nominate representatives onto the Councils. It is vital that the protection of water quality is the foremost goal of every Advisory Council and that all `interest groups' are fully and effectively represented on each Council. To this end, the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) Ð a nationwide network of thirty of Ireland's leading environmental groups Ð will be putting forward representatives for all seven Councils. SWAN will be holding meetings in each RBD this month to
select environmental nominees for each Council. If you are involved in a local environmental group and want your voice heard on the Advisory Council in your region, contact the national SWAN Coordinator, SineÂad O'Brien, or your local SWAN contact. (see table) The River Basin District Advisory Councils offer an unprecedented opportunity for communities, environmentalists, councillors, industry, farmers and authorities to work together to protect the rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal and ground waters of their region. Ideally, every member of all seven Advisory Councils, coun-
deal with the difficulties in these lakes and the many others around the country on which thousands of people depend for water supplies and to make a living. In the short-term, the immediate problem of unclean/ polluted fresh water is dealt with by the addition of chlorine Ð a practice that is endorsed by local authorities around the country and is the recommended disinfectant of choice in the vast majority of cases. It is a `powerful oxidising agent and an extremely efficient disinfectant'. (Source Galway Council website, Water services section). It is generally hoped that the addition of chlorine will deal with any water borne problems, and render the water `potable'. It is important to highlight, however, that chlorine can cause serious health problems; so what sets out to solve one set of problems seems to be leading to another. Chlorine added to water com-
bines with other natural products to create Trihalomethanes (THMs). These THMs trigger the production of free radicals in the body, causing cell damage, and are highly carcinogenic. According to the US Council of Environmental Quality, `Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.' Breast cancer, which now affects one in every eight women in North America, has recently been linked to the accumulation of chlorine compounds in breast tissue. One conclusion from a number of studies in the US is that up to two-thirds of harmful exposure to chlorine is due to inhalation of steam and skin absorption while showering. A warm shower opens up the pores of the skin, allowing for accelerated absorption of chlorine and other chemicals in water. The steam inhaled while showering can contain
up to 50 times the level of chlorine in tap water due to the fact that chlorine and other contaminants vaporise much faster, and at a lower temperature than water. Inhalation is a much more harmful means of exposure since inhaled chlorine gas (chloroform) goes directly into the blood stream. The EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement released three reports on February 5 2004, which gave a comprehensive overview of the management of national water resources by local authorities, and highlighted protection of the water resources used for supply of drinking water as being of `key importance'. It is hugely important that this recommendation is implemented in full. Protection of water sources will reduce the risk of pollution and hence the need or tendency to chlorinate water supplies. This is hugely important in the interests of
Management Plan, incorporating a tough Programme of Measures must be drawn up by the local authorities to tackle pollution and other threats to the water network. The Advisory Councils will have an important input into these plans and also into the extensive preparatory work in the fouryear run up to the adoption of the Plans in 2009.
Water protection
cillors and sectoral representatives alike, should be genuine in their objective of achieving better water quality in each RBD. Past experience suggests however that such unanimous support of our waterways is unlikely, especially when tough decisions have to be made. The challenge for each Council will be to ensure that it is neither rendered ineffectual by bureaucracy nor swayed by powerful vested interests.
* Further details from: Sus-
tainable Water Network (SWAN), 9 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2; (01) 6425583; sobrien@swanireland.ie
Chlorine in water: cure or curse? By Diarmuid Mulcahy*
WATER supplies in the west of Ireland and elsewhere are under pressure. Roughly 30% of supplies are categorised as severely polluted (Western River Basin Management programme 2005).
The causes are many: municipal sewage runoff; insufficient and outdated infrastructure; farm effluent; forestry runoff and pollution from heavy industry sources. The solution to this ongoing problem can be looked at under two headings: long term and short term. Long-term solutions focus on programmes to address infrastructure deficits (municipal sewage treatment plants) as well as legislative steps, primarily based around the European Water Framework Directive, under which six regional catchment management systems have been set up in Ireland. Studies are currently underway to fully
categorise the waterways and bodies in each region by water catchment, not geographical boundary. The Western River Basin programme is currently engaged in such a study. This is a catchment which includes the Great Western Lakes, Corrib, Mask and Conn. These water bodies are all suffering from increasing pollution effects, and it is intended that the studies will give much structured information, which will be used to better manage these water bodies in the future. While all of this important work is going on to address long-term issues, very little is being done to address the immediate quality issues in water bodies around the country. Politicians invited to contribute to a recent public meeting held by the Corrib/ Mask/Conn Protection Group were very supportive of the work of the catchment management group; however, no action plan currently exists to
human health. As well as this, there are many who state that water intended for human use and consumption should be extensively filtered, by removing the chlorine and hence reducing the risk of toxic effects. Based on available information, these suggestions merit serious consideration. * Diarmaid Mulcahy runs a successful
business
consul-
tancy, SDM Consulting, based in Moycullen, Co Galway on the shores of Lough Corrib. He is also a director of Natural AgriOrganic Products Ltd, a company distributing a range of naturally based products for the agricultural, horticultural and
arboricultural
sectors
throughout Europe. He is past
chairman
of
the
a
Irish
Salmon Growers Association, past member of the national Executive of the IFA, and past chairman of the Green Party National Council.
12
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
INSHORE FISHERIES
The south east scallop fishery: research and management
Report by Oliver Tully, Inshore Fisheries Co-ordinator, BIM ALTHOUGH scallops are fished along the west and south coasts, the vast majority of landings into Ireland originate from scallop beds off the south east and in the Irish Sea.
The Kilmore Quay fleet expanded during the late 1990s. In the 1980s it fished close to the south east but as effort increased the fleet expanded its range and by 2002 fished extensively in the Irish Sea, the Western English Channel and north of France south to 48oN. The fleet supplies scallops to a number of processing plants in Wexford whose businesses rely to a significant extent on scallop landings.
Legislation
A number of significant points of legislation covering scallop fishing were enacted in 20042005. The EC Council Regulation 1415/2004 limited the total annual kilowatt days at sea by Irish registered vessels over 15m in length in ICES area
VII to 525,012 kilowatt days. In addition, a limit of 109,395 kilowatt days for all vessels over 10m in length was applied to the biologically sensitive area, the easterly most point of which on the south coasto is close to Dunmore East at 7 W. Pursuant to this regulation, SI 245/2005 allows for the allocation of a restricted number of days at sea to be allocated to individual vessels based on the power of the vessel and fishing track record in 2003-2004. Fol-
lowing from this, and in order to give some economic protection and security to vessels engaged in scallop fishing, SI 464/2005 restricts the entry of vessels over 10m in length to scallop fisheries. Under this SI, specific authorisation to access scallop fisheries in addition to the bivalve or polyvalent sea fishing licence, is required. Furthermore, conditions on quantity of gear, total landings or days at sea may apply to this authorisation. Scallop vessels operating under the bi-valve licence were deemed eligible for decommissioning, on a voluntary
Reminder Scheme for the Licensing of Traditional Pot-fishing Boats in the Irish Inshore Fleet. Applicants under the Scheme who have received licence offers in respect of their boats and who have not yet completed all of the requirements for licensing should complete these requirements as soon as possible. The documentation required should be sent to: Fisheries Development Division, BIM, PO Box 12, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
basis, following a review of the scheme in June 2005.
Stock monitoring
Prior to 2001, not much was known about the distribution or status of the stocks or the sustainability of increasing levels of fishing effort. In 2001, BIM completed a survey of the beds off the south east coast and in 2002, a multidisciplinary project, supported by the NDP, was initiated. This project, which is now nearing completion, consisted of three components:
* A biological sampling programme including annual surveys of scallop beds (John Hickey BIM and Antonio Hervas, TCD). * Seabed mapping (Gerry Sutton, UCC; Eimear O'Keeffe, NUIG and Xavier Montys, GSI), and * A hydrodynamic model that tracks the dispersal of scallop larvae from spawning grounds (Michael Hartnett and Alan Berry Marcon Computations Ltd).
The project identified a strong correlation between scallop catch rates and the type of sediment on the seabed. This can be used to orientate the fishing vessel on a track, which significantly improves catch rates and, to a large degree, takes the guess work or exploratory aspect out of fishing. For each tonne of scallop caught, the amount of dredging required and fishing costs can be significantly reduced using the detailed maps of the seabed (see Figure 1). Seabed temperatures and currents are accurately predicted by the hydrodynamic model (Figure 2). These have important effects on scallop growth rates and the level of fishing that scallops can sustain.
* ABOVE LEFT: Figure 1 - An acoustic backscatter map of the seabed off the south coast showing areas of gravel (dark areas) and sand. Scallop survey tracks from 2003 are shown. * ABOVE: Figure 2 - Relationship between bottom currents (predicted from the hydrodynamic model) and scallop growth rates. * BELOW: Figure 3 - Catch rates of scallop derived from logbook data (by permission of the DCMNR and the vessel owners) for 4 ICES rectangles off the south east coast showing recovery from 2003.
Scallop catch rates were in decline during the late 1990s corresponding to an increase in effort. This effort was transferred to other areas such as the English Channel and the Irish Sea progressively from 2000 onwards. Catch rates in the beds south of Wexford and Waterford subsequently recovered, showing the capacity of the stock to respond to effort reduction (Figure 3 ). This, coupled with regular recruitment, which
Inshore developments
A recent departure and reorganisation within the Fisheries Development Division has brought two new faces to the BIM Inshore Fisheries Section. The departure of Robin Davies from the southwest coast to take up a similar position in Cornwall has brought Dr Bridget Lehane from the Central Fisheries Board to BIM. Dr Lehane spent almost five years at the CFB, latterly as a research officer after graduating with a Doctorate from the National University of Ireland, Cork. She will be responsible for the section of the coast from the Beara Peninsula to east Cork and will be based in the BIM offices in Skibbereen, Co Cork. The other new arrival to the section is Stuart McWilliams, previously a Fisheries development officer in the Resource Development Section. He will provide head office support to the implementation of the Shellfish Management Framework and will be responsible for the east coast from Arklow north, taking over from John Hickey in that area. * Bridget Lehane: 028 23519, 087 9093274 * Stuart McWilliams: 01 2144148, 087 2897635
seems to be a feature of this stock, suggests that well designed management measures will result in significant benefits for the fleet.
Management
The essential elements for successful management of scallops are now in place. These include: * Technology for optimising the catch rates and economic viability of the vessels using seabed maps. * Information from the hydrodynamic model on the structure of the stocks. * A biological sampling and assessment programme and legislation that can control the entry of vessels to the fishery.
From 2005, management advice to the Department of the Marine and the marine minister will be issued from the Molluscan Advisory Group through a scallop management plan. This group had its inaugural meeting on 14 June. Although the current mood in the fishery is negative following the increase in regulations and the difficult economic circumstances faced by some vessels, there is nevertheless a significant and improving scallop resource off the south east, which can sustain an economically viable fleet if managed properly.
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
13
Where time stops and worries evaporate
ISLAND LIVING
Reminiscence from a visit to Great Blasket Dr Martin O'Farrell * Boarding at low tide from Dunquin Pier, Co Kerry.
recalls
SIX of us (including two of my children) visited the Great Blasket during August 2004. Mick Sheerin's
passenger
People
vessel
sandy
It was a very pleasant journey Boarding Deep Star at Dunquin was no problem for any of us. Adults and children alike
donned lifejackets. About 100m
We
enjoyed
three
glorious
hours on the island. I sat with
my son James on the boreen
* Author, Dr Martin O'Farrell, and
daughter, Anna, crossing the Blasket Sound aboard Mick Sheerin's Deep Star. (Photos: Jim O'Farrell)
overlooking The White Strand
and
read
to
t O i l e a n a c h
him by
from To m a s
Criomhthain
(Robin
translation),
Chapter
School
Out'
the
and
Sundays
of
An  O
Flower's 4,
`In
visualising
hurling
with
furze sticks on the white strand
and not a shoe or stocking in
sight! We
enjoyed
smoked
River
Laune salmon from KRD Fish-
eries, Killorglin and Australian
white wine during our picnic on
the White Strand. This was a far  Criomhthain's outcry from O
door staple of `a hunk of yellow bread and milk turned to stone'.
I was never envious of his diet
this
the place that the islands hold
recent years. The Department of
Government continues to invest
in the minds and imaginations
Community,
embedded in the human psyche
money in the development of the
of people all over the world.
tacht
when we talk about islands Ð
islands. There are a number of
The irresistible charm of the
just
we believe that islands are truly
reasons. The main reason of
islands
broad remit to serve the needs
a place apart, where we can
course is that our citizens, no
draws countless people to Ire-
of
loiter and take time out from the
matter where they live, deserve
land every year and that draws
urban and rural. While island
world.
to have services, facilities and
even more Irish people to the
communities are, by their nat-
infrastructure which will ensure
West coast in particular.
ure, comparatively small, they
isolation,
the
peace.
the
tranquillity,
That
is
what
Those who live on the islands
wasn't. With the two of us on the bow he was able to reach the quayside without scraping the bottom of the hull! Boarding
passenger
vessels
like Deep Star at Dunquin Pier and disembarking for the Great Blasket in the manner in which we did that memorable day is all part of the `craic'. Nevertheless, sooner or later facilities at both terminals will have to be improved. I can make this trip
enough to reach that age I will also expect consideration. are
able
to
walk
mainder of my term in office, to
and sometimes I think we lose
have enjoyed as a result of the
continue laying a solid founda-
sight of its importance. That is,
State's sustained investment in
tion for our islands' future.
to providing the facilities, services
and
infrastructure
re-
quired in order to make living on
the
islands
a
viable
and
fulfilling life choice. I
am
very
pleased
at
the
progress that has been made in
ensuring
transport
the
provision
services
to
the
of is-
lands. Regular access services are the lifeblood of our populated island communities and are as essential to their longterm sustainability as roads are to the mainland. Ongoing
capital
investment
in island infrastructure is also needed, and my Department is currently implementing an amfive-year
rolling
plan
that will see 65m invested in capital
works
such
airstrips,
as
water
ferry supply
the end of 2009.
By Beatrice Kelly,
structures
Islands: home to important elements of national heritage national heritage, covering culture, history, archaeology and the natural world. They play a strong
role
in
folklore
and
spiritual life, art and literature, and many are of strategic importance. In paper
its
heritage,
increase
mainte-
in
island
populations is vital. To this end,
are designated SACs or SPAs,
the Council recommends that
the heritage value of others is
island
recognised
interna-
helped to develop governance
i.e.
structures to plan viable activ-
tional
designations,
the
inhabitants
should
be
Skelligs are a UNESCO World
ities
Heritage Site, and Bull Island is
conservation and enhancement
a biosphere reserve no matter
(e.g. Bere Island Conservation
what its status, management of
Plan),
island heritage should be based
access, social and medical ser-
integrated
and
with
where
heritage
necessary,
policy
on high quality information and
vices should be maintained and
coastal
detailed assessment of its rela-
improved.
Council
recom-
tive importance and conserva-
marine the
importantly,
and
and
forthcoming
on
Most
nance
While many of our islands
through
mends that islands require spe-
tion requirements. include
demonstrated by recent events on Ireland's Eye. The Council
economically feasible, their nat-
vation areas through appropri-
recommends that access strate-
ural and cultural heritage. Heri-
ate
and
gies be developed to minimise
tage management should form
eradication of nuisance species
disturbance to heritage sites and
part
whole-island
such as rats and rabbits. Poten-
structures and to fauna, flora
plans aimed at securing their
tial impacts of climate change,
and habitats. The access strate-
long-term
future.
increases in sea level, and storm
gies should also include provi-
Island communities need assis-
intensity must also be factored
sion
tance in setting up co-ordinating
in.
and websites.
overall
sustainable
measures
agricultural
of
their
But there is another reason,
practices
for
interpretive
material
I
intend,
during
the
re-
An Roinn GnoÂthaõ Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta Mo ra n pobal - fo cas coiteann
Ta se d'aidhm ag an Roinn tacu le Pobail ar fud na tõÂre agus iad achothu le linn do ibh bheith ag dõÂriu ara bhforbairt fe in. PrõÂomhfheidheanna na Roinne Forbairt na Gaeltachta agus na nOilea n agus polasaõ na Gaeilge Forbairt na Tuaithe, CLAÂR, LEADER agus Sce im Sho isialta na Tuaithe san a ireamh Cla ir Forbartha AÂitiu la agus RAPID Comhordu na Straite ise Na isiu nta Dru gaõ Cla ir Thacaiochta don Fhorbairt Pobail, Cuntais DhõÂomhaoine, Riala il Carthanachtaõ agustacaõÂochtaõ don GhnõÂomhaõÂocht Dheonach
Fo n: 01-6473000 Facs: 01-6473051 Fo n: 091-592555 Facs: 091-592595
Heritage on uninhabited is-
maintenance of nature conser-
of
Relevant
success
lands can be vulnerable as was
protecting as far as practical and
cialised management geared at
both
and
Gael-
and roads between 2005 and
islands are home
communities,
a
the islands
and
cessed boat stations or piers.
to many important elements of
with
real benefits that
Rural
sels from safe and easily ac-
IRELAND'S
ago
the Department's overall plan
said
to
various
years
nessing at first hand the very
the tide was low and he didn't
them
three
island.
piers,
enable
that
Gael-
occupy a very special place in
aboard licensed passenger ves-
to
attraction
and
established
pleasure as Minister than wit-
passengers
carry out such plans.
an
was
nities, be they urban, rural, or
foot
Heritage Council
is
Rural
Affairs
reality of living on an island is a
of
Mick
why
Nothing has given me more
and myself to stand on the bow vessel.
ask
commu-
bitious
It should be the norm that all
might
the
this reality, and I am committed
slagging Jim and myself, but he
One
today, however, know that the
tacht Affairs, I also recognise
considered, and if I am lucky
passenger
(Photo: courtesy of Connacht Tribune)
is
the
the draft. I was sure he was
long as your arm'.
thirty-something
Ceallaigh, Treasa Seoighe and AodhaÂn Mac Cormaic (all Islands Division, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs). Front: SeÂamus Mac Giolla Chomhaill (Principal Officer, Islands Division), An  CuõÂv T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern T.D. and ÂEamon O
and
of the boat, thereby deepening
mackerel, every one of them as
the
sunshine
Community,
somethings and older have to be
Sheerin asked my brother Jim
beaches,
want all passengers at the stern
easily now; however, seventy-
As we approached Dunquin
world
little different. As Minister for
but I envy his catches of `May
Pier on the return journey, Mick
the
palm trees that they crave, it's
of about 30 minutes each way.
ashore at the little harbour.
over
though. It's not only the idea of
quin Pier to the Island and back.
to a rigid inflatable and came
all
believe that islands are different
Deep Star took us from Dun-
from the island we transferred
THE vision of islands as places where time stops and where worries evaporate is one that people all over the world share. Particularly in the frenetic pace of the 21st century, people dream of a place where they can escape the stresses, the noise and the pressures of modern living. Although spa holidays and mountain retreats are becoming increasingly popular, there is invariably a motorway nearby, a McDonald's down the road, and a general sense that the hassles of daily life are just around the corner, EÂamon O CuõÂv TD, Aire GnoÂthaõ Pobail, Tuaithe agus * At the recent signing of a 2m contract for the construction of a new airstrip on Inishbofin off the County Gaeltachta, said in conversa Galway coast were: Back row (L to R) MaÂire Uõ Churraoin, MaÂire Nõ ChuÂlaÂin, Sarah Nõ ChualaÂin, PaÂdraig O tion with Inshore Ireland.
LaÂithreaÂn GreÂasaÂin: www.pobail.ie
RõÂomhphost: eolas@pobail.ie
14
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
Planning in the Islands ISLAND LIVING
By Pat Ewen, Environmental Economist `PLANNING'
is one of the
most ill-defined and least understood branches of modern human
endeavour.
For
the
purposes of this article I will concentrate on land-use planning and community planning in our off-shore islands.
Planning is often popularly thought of as an unnecessary control or restriction by outside authorities on the legitimate actions of those who wish to build on or otherwise develop their properties. This is an erroneous over simplification. Planning (in the context I am talking about) is the arrangement, organisation and control of human activity to achieve in an efficient, acceptable and sustainable way with specified goals and objectives. The question is: who does the organising, arranging and controlling, and who sets the goals and objectives? This is particularly relevant in the islands. Islands and island communities differ from comparable mainland communities in that they are separate, defined entities operating at a small but often significant remove from the centralised State as a whole. Island communities often have a stronger sense of identity than those on the mainland; however isolation produces disadvantage in terms of employment, social and recreational
Heritage plan for east coast island
A draft heritage management plan is currently underway for one of Ireland's smallest uninhabited east coast islands. Located just 300m offshore, Dalkey Islands are quite distinct from other parks in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council's ownership. They contain significant levels of natural (primarily bird colonies as well as a resident goat herd); archaeological (dating back thousands of years of human activity) and architectural (a Martello Tower) heritage, and retain a distinct character of wilderness. Being islands and in close accessible proximity to Dublin City, they pose particular challenges to their best management, preservation and conservation.
opportunities. What then is the fundamental objective of any planning activity in an island? I would suggest that planning should be fundamentally about ensuring the continuance of island community; facilitating sustainable growth of island community, and making islands acceptable and positive places to live and work. It is not always about promoting built development or maximising individual gain in the short term. Planning is about community growth, it is about conserving the environment for use by current and future generations. Islands are unusual in planning terms in that they are discrete entities with established and limited linkages to a separated hinterland. Island boundaries are clear. Planning for islands should not be about outside persons or authorities (be they expert or not) coming in and dictating how development should or should not take place. Island planning should be about the community finding out where it wants to go in the future, and working out (with informed help from others) how to achieve the goals and objectives it has identified. This is a difficult process. It involves the community being open with itself; it means a lot of internal dialogue and it involves compromise between private and community advantage. Island planning is about understanding the mechanisms that make an island what it is now, and seeing where these mechanisms are not sustainable or why they might have a negative effect on people or the environment.
Planning in an island situation is not just a case of a wish list addressed to outside authorities. It is a community-based process, which allows island people to take a real responsibility for their own future. It is not an * Above & below: Scenes from An Blascaod MoÂr. activity that is very popular with either centralised Local Authorities or with politicians. What should an island community do? In short, it should try to work out where it is now and where it might go on the future. Islands should, with the help of people who can inform and facilitate without dictating, produce a Development Plan for itself. The actual process of making such a document should allow a dialogue involving all the island people. A development plan setting an island's own ideas for the future is useful - not only by encouraging debate - but in presenting island aspirations, needs and proposals to outside agencies. Specific island planning problems are not very difficult to THE Government is proceed- work to piers and the Office identify: isolation, poor access, ing with the purchase of An of Public Works will oversee increasing transport costs, reBlascaod MoÂr and implemen- all other work. duced social possibilities, nontation of a management plan agricultural employment (espe``to protect an important ele- Key elements of the cially female) prospects, popument of our national, cultural management plan lation decline itself, imbalance historic and linguistic heri- * Building of a pier between permanently occupied tage,'' Minister for the Envir- * Upgrading the existing pier at houses and `holiday homes', onment, Dick Rocke has DuÂn Chaoin environmental degradation etc. * Conservation and consolidaannounced. The difficulty is in working tion of the core village in its In 2002 Government started out an acceptable, sustainable present state as a ruined vilnegotiations with landowners, strategy of `joined up' actions resulting in an agreed buy-out * lage to address the problems outConstruction of a cafe by the of the majority of land interlined above. landowner ests for 1.7m. The Depart- * principal The making of a plan, stratThe houses that remain in ment of Community, Rural egy or document about the private ownership outside the future by the community itself, and Gaeltacht Affairs will be core village area may be is one very positive way to refurbished for residential responsible for overseeing move forward.
(Photos: Paul Mills)
Great Blasket preservation * * *
*
use. No new buildings will be permitted. Any refurbishment would be in accordance with State requirements, the Planning Acts and Local Area Plan Existing grazing rights will be retained as the natural habitat requires the continuation of some grazing State to control the stocking rate An initial restriction to a maximum 400 paying visitors per day because of the fragile nature of the natural heritage and the ruins OPW to maintain a permanent ranger/guide service during the visitor season.
Great Blasket reveals a very ancient past Matthew Parks, GSI, explains
THE rocks on the Dingle coast between Slea Head and Sybil Head are well known to geologists throughout Ireland and internationally as excellent examples of superb geology. Most of the interest lies in the area between Dunquin and Ballyferriter, in an inlier of Silurian rocks (about 425 million years old) surrounded by younger Devonian rocks. The Silurian rocks formed in shallow warm seas around volcanic islands that were occasionally erupting. They are well known for a rich variety of fossils preserved within, whilst the younger Devonian rocks formed in arid or desert environments and contain no fossils. Most of the Dingle Peninsula is composed of these rocks. Great Blasket is not just important for its cultural and literary legacy Ð it has a rich more ancient past. Whilst most of the island is composed of unfossiliferous red and purple sandstones, like those on Mount Eagle, on the mainland there is a small tip of the north end of Great Blasket that is made up of the older Silurian rocks. Separated by a fault, which displaced them next to each other many millions of years ago, the rocks are classified by
* Trace fossil, Chondrites.
geologists as the Drom Point Formation Ð very similar to those on Drom Point just north of Clogher Head. The fossils that can be seen are similar. Chrondrites is a trace fossil that is ubiquitous throughout the Drom Point Formation. It represents the burrowing feeding activity of some soft bodied creature in the fine sand when it was a soft seafloor sediment before it became hardened into rock. Other fossils also occur, mostly as mould material where the original shell material has been dissolved by weathering but leaves a precise replica of the animal shells. Amongst the brachiopod (shellfish) that are present is one endemic species: Rhipidium hibernicum Bassett et al., 1976. It is seemingly restricted to only four places within the
Dunquin inlier of Silurian rocks on the Dingle Peninsula and occurs nowhere else. Of these four, the site on Great Blasket Island is perhaps the best as the material is undistorted and unflattened. It also assists with understanding the local stratigraphy for mapping the rocks on the mainland, as the relationship of the shell banks of Rhipidium can be seen best on Blasket. All these facets of geological and palaeontological interest suggest that the northern tip deserves Natural Heritage Area status for its geology, irrespective of any other designations. The Irish Geological Heritage Programme of the GSI and the National Parks and Wildlife Service will be integrating this into future plans for the island.
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
15
ISLAND LIVING
Establishment of a co-op on Bere Island apply for aquaculture/foreshore licences at several locations to support a diverse range of namely: OVER the last 15 months, the resources, * John Walsh & John Harrington report
Bere Island community has taken steps to set up a cooperative.
This initiative comes on foot of a recommendation in the Bere Island Conservation Plan, which proposes that a cooperative should be formed with charter and rules to create sustainable employment, using one of the island's natural resources, the sea. The cooperative will initially
* * * *
scallops urchins oysters mussels seaweed.
Background Following meetings with interested parties and with the help of a steering committee, a core group of ten began the process of applying for foreshore licences. The group agreed that
the project would have to be done in stages and that education would be a major part of this. With the help of Dave Millard, BIM, the coordinates of each site were recorded using GPS technology. The information was then sent to the engineering section of the Department of the Marine who transposed the information onto maps for use with the foreshore applications. Most applicants are for oyster farms; four others are for scallop licences and two sites will
concentrate on seaweed production. In autumn 2004, five members took part in an aquaculture training programme run by Susan Steele of BIM. All aspects of establishing and running an aquaculture business were looked at, including species selection, growing and harvesting techniques. Visits to neighbouring farms also provided useful information. Two members completed a course in seaweed farming, and last spring six members completed a workboat handling
course, also run by Susan Steele of BIM. The resulting certificates carry worldwide recognition. Last April, Sheila Anne O'Leary and Bridget Lawlor of NUA Training organised further training on co-op management. The course, which was part funded by Comhdhail Oileain na hEireann, focused on day-today activities, management structure, internal communications, business plans, marketing and financial issues. During this month the group will be working with Depart-
ment of Cooperative Studies in UCC to develop a set of regulations and a constitution to reflect the aspirations of all members. Through the co-op, members are confident of creating sustainable employment on the island, by working in conjunction with State agencies. Two applications for foreshore licences are with the Department of Marine and are eagerly awaited. The group would like to thank everyone who has helped bring the project to fruition.
Bere Island saw the primary school undertaking an intensive day of safety training. The children proved that the entire school could fit into a six-man life raft and demonstrated that from the age of four upwards, children can learn CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and understand `man overboard' procedures. BIM staff also taught them about aquaculture and fisheries. While islanders have huge experience in handling boats, many were interested in the Work Boat Handling Module. This module covers high speed manoeuvres; restricted boat handling; weather; basic navigation; rope work and anchoring amongst other subjects. Successful participants gained FETAC Level 2 Module
in Work Boat Handling and also completed the Irish Sailing Association Level 2 powerboat training. As one Bere Island man commented: ``Finally, I will be able to hire boats when I'm on holiday. They don't count being from an island as a qualification.'' Feedback from students was excellent who said they had learnt a lot. Many of the workboat handling students have signed up for advanced powerboat training, which involves more navigation and includes driving boats at night. The 2005/2006 part-time timetable is now available from Susan on 027-70450. New courses include fishing gear maintenance, care of the catch as well as basic food hygiene training.
Training for the islands Dr Susan Steele, BIM explains
BIM'S coastal training units (CTUs) provide safety training on islands up and down the Irish coast. Participants from Bere Island, OileaÂn ChleÂire, Sherkin Island, Valentia island and Achill have attended courses in the Castletownbere Regional Fisheries training centre. Many of the participants also availed of new part-time training in aquaculture practices, such as shellfish ongrowing, seaweed ongrowing in addition to radio courses, first aid training, fire awareness, personal survival techniques, manual handling, health and safety and * Children from Bere Island National School with teacher Kathleen Twomey and Susan Steele, BIM, engineering courses. learning about sea safety on board the Bere Island Ferry This year, BIM's training for
Islanders urged to lobby for higher assistance rates
THE fifth AGM of the European Small Islands Network (ESIN) took place on the Bretonne Island of Belle-Ile en mer from 15 September to 17 September. The event was hosted by the Association des Iles du Ponant and the delegates were welcomed by the chairman of the Association, Jan-Yves Bannet. Mr Bengt Almkvist, the Swedish chairperson of ESIN presented the annual report and this was followed by a brief account of activities in each participating country. Addressing the meeting, Jean-Didier Hache, executive secretary for the Commission on Peripheral and Maritime Regions urged members to continue lobbying on behalf of islands with a population below 5,000 inhabitants to ensure a 50% rate of assistance in respect of regional aid. ``It is unfair to expect small communities/ municipalities to come up with 75% match
funding. The current 25% needs to be increased to 50%. So many things are lost or hidden in the small island context, and the methods of calculating that are used on the mainland can pose huge technical problems in regard to the small islands,'' he said. Hache added it was almost impossible to accurately gage GDP: ``How does one measure GDP on the Island of Belle-Ile or the small island of Gigha in Scotland for instance? How does one measure unemployment when the reason most people move off the small islands is in search of employment on the mainland?'' he asked. In his closing address, Hache urged ESIN to be vigilant and to examine legislation in minute detail so as to be fully informed to encourage EU policy makers to address the difficulties posed. * The pier at Houat.
Conference resolutions * The six founding members of ESIN adopted the
*
*
* *
Statutes for the formation of a European Small Islands Federation (ESIN). This formalisation will result in a stronger commitment by members to represent the interests of small island communities at European level. ESIN will be a voice for the small islands of Europe and will work to attract new member organisations from throughout the EU. ESIN hopes that contacts with Estonia, Italy and Greece will be formalised, in addition to other countries. The ESIN Inter-Island Exchange Programme under the Interreg IIIC Programme runs from 2004-2007. Its overall objective is to promote sustainable economic, social, cultural and ecological development on small islands so as to strengthen their capacity to support permanent resident island communities. The programme will culminate in a major conference on Islay island,Scotland, in Autumn 2006. ESIN will work in closer cooperation with the CPMR Islands Commission on island issues of mutual interest. ESIN will encourage members of the European Parliament, and regional/national representa-
tions interested in small island development to support and to give special consideration to their particular needs. * ESIN urges the European Commission to agree that the Regional Aids Guidelines automatically allow a 50% rate of assistance for islands with a population below 5 000 inhabitants, irrespective of the level of investment (with the exclusion of large businesses which would not affect small islands anyhow since there are no large businesses on such islands). ESIN thanks Ireland and Greece to defend this proposition.
Delegates from Ireland included the chairperson of ComhdhaÂil OileaÂin na hEÂireann, Simon Murray from Inishbofin; Seamus Mac Giolla Chomhail, Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Anne Mallaghan, Galway County Council Community and Enterprise. The ESIN members expressed their thanks to the Association des Iles du Ponant and the people of Belle-Ile for their hospitality. (ESIN represents over 1,130 islands with permanent populations ranging between 1 and 5,000 comprising a total population of almost 99,500 people).
* MaÂire UõÂ MhaolaÂin, manager of the ESIN Inter-Island Exchange Project and the Mayor of the Small Island of Howat, Britanny, Monsieur Guerin.
Existing members * SkaÈ rgaÊ rdarnas RiksfoÈ rbund (National Association for the Swedish Archipelago) * Sammenslutningen af Danske smaÊoÈer (The Association of Danish Small Islands) * Les Ià les du Ponant (French Ponant Islands Association) * Pro AÊbolands UtskaÈr (Association for the Outermost Islands of South West Finland) * Comhdha il Oilea in na hEÂireann (The Irish Islands Federation) * Scottish Islands Network New members * Association for the Greek Islands * Association for the Islands of Estonia * ESIN members welcome the Mediterranean contingent into the organisation; Italy is expected to join shortly.
16
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
ISLAND LIVING
Sherkin Island shore surveys
New passenger service vessel for Tory Island
TORAIGH na dTonn is a new
passenger
vessel
for
Tory
service Island,
designed primarily to cater
for
special
groups
such
interest
as
scuba
divers.
Flexibility Speaking
at
the
launch
last August, Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher
said
the
service
provided greater flexibility to visitors, operating outside
of
normal
ferry
times.
Safety standards Constructed to the highest safety standards,
a i g h n a d To n n
Toris
equipped with a stainless steel
dive
deep
platform
and
ladder.
The
dive
vessel also offers sea angling trips. ``This
is
a
first
class
vessel and I applaud the initiative liers,
of
Pat
Doohan vested
local and
who
in
the
hote-
Bernie
have vessel
into
boost local tourism,'' remarked gher.
Minister
Galla-
* Pride of Baltimore II, seen off Sherkin Island, was commissioned in 1988 as a sailing memorial to her predecessor,which was tragically sunk in 1986, Built in the Inner Harbor she is a replica of 1812-era topsail schooners, or Baltimore Clippers, which helped America win the War of 1812 and finally secure its freedom. (Photo: John Caden)
* An aerial view of Sherkin Island Marine Station.
(Photo: Matt Murphy) Ecology of the Rocky Shores of Sherkin Island - A
Marine surveying at Sherkin THE Sherkin Island Marine Station's plankton survey began in 1978 with the arrival in Roaringwater Bay of a major red tide identified as the phytoplankton species, Gyrodinium aureolum (now Karenia mikimotoi). A number of stations were selected in Roaringwater Bay and out 12 miles south of Sherkin Island into the Atlantic. The survey begins each year in April and runs to October. It has two parts with the first having 12 stations. These are visited and water samples are taken at various depths by Nansen bottle. The four stations south of Sherkin Island are sampled
SHERKIN Island Marine Station has continued with its monitoring programmes on the rocky sh or e a nd p l a nk t o n throughout the year. Much of its rocky shore database of 145 annual and seven monthly sites from Cork Harbour to Bantry Bay goes back 25 years. Indeed some even to 1975, the year the Station was founded. All sites have permanent markings so that each time they are surveyed, the biologists are recording the exact same section of rocky shore. Since the survey began, over 600 species of flora and fauna have been identified and recorded on the various sites. The first publication of the data written by Dr Gillian Bishop was published in 2003, entitled: The
down to 50 metres and the eight Bay stations are sampled at various depths, again to the bottom. More than 1,700 water samples are collected annually. In each sample the phytoplankton are identified and counted. Whilst sampling for phytoplankton, the biologists also take zooplankton hauls at all stations. These have been ongoing for the same length of time as the phytoplankton programme. The second part is a four-day sampling of a site between the Marine Station and Heir Island, which is sampled within one hour either side of high tide. Normally 50
trips are undertaken at this Station in the sampling season. The data are giving a continuous and unique insight into the phytoplankton species in the water column and the major species that are blooming. The Marine Station has now analysed over 60,000 water specimens since 1978 so its understanding of the phytoplankton in the Bay and south of Sherkin is unique. The task at present being addressed is the writing up of this data collection.
Twenty-Year Perspective.
Five more publications are due in 2006 with at least two annually thereafter from the large rocky shore database being amassed at the station. Again, the task of writing up the information will be undertaken by former Sherkin Island Marine Station biologists under the direction of Dr Bishop who was the Station's first biologist in 1975. Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Matt Murphy realises the need for publishing the rocky shore data, given that it is unique in Europe for its longevity, detail and size. The survey sites are situated along approximately 750 indented miles of coastline. ``There's too much talk in Ireland, the UK and Europe about the need for long-term monitoring but little action is taken,'' he told Inshore Ireland. ``We as a country must record and learn what is happening with the marine and terrestrial environment. Proper models of environmental conditions cannot be developed without good long-term data,'' he said.
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 3 5 2
Days Days Days weeks
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 UNIT VENUES FROM 26 SEPTEMBER 2005 ONWARDS: CTU1: CTU2 1. Kilronan, Aran Islands, Co. Galway Balbriggan, Co. Dublin 2. Blacksod, Co. Mayo Greystones, Co. Wicklow 3. Achill, Co. Mayo Wexford Harbour, Co. Wexford 4. Killala, Co. Mayo Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford 5. Enniscrone, Co. Sligo 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
INSHORE IRELAND
Challenging year for aquaculture IRISH aquaculture output in 2004 amounted to 58,354 tonnes valued at 98 million, according to the Status of Irish Aquaculture 2004 report. It shows that finfish farming has declined over the last four years as a result of difficult market conditions and disease problems. The shellfish sector has continued to progress, albeit with a small decline in 2004.
* Salmon farms in Clew Bay.
in 2003, this was offset by a 4% increase in total value from 41.8 million to 43.6 million. Mussel was the main species produced in Ireland. Bottomgrown mussel volume showed a slight decrease from 29,976 tonnes in 2003 to 28,560 tonnes in 2004 due to reduced output from Lough Foyle and Waterford, while rope-cultured mussels also faced a decline of 6% over the previous year. Production of both Pacific and native oysters was up however, with Pacific oyster production rising from 4,830 to 5,103 tonnes and native oyster production enjoying a 20% in-
crease (from 325 to 390 tonnes) over 2003. The market price of both species also increased. In addition, scallop and clam production also showed a rise on 2003 levels (of 29% and 17% respectively). The report also reviews advances in seaweed culture as well as in research and development into new species conducted by the various contributors. Twelve ongoing aquaculturerelated projects under the NDP Marine Research Measure administered by the Marine Institute are described. These include two new studies on
C-Mar aquaculture workshop By Dr Lynn Browne, Centre for Marine Resources and Mariculture
THE two-day workshop in September attracted over 100 delegates to Portaferry, Co Down, with speakers from the UK and Ireland, Europe, South Africa and America giving presentations on scallop fisheries, aquaculture, seaweed aquaculture and industrial applications. The scallop session highlighted the importance of effective stock assessment techniques and long-term monitoring of stocks, habitats and associated fauna to allow sustainable management of the fishery in Northern Ireland and southeast Ireland. The decline in scallop harvest in some areas continues to stimulate interest in scallop aquaculture, and presentations on R&D in scallop aquaculture from Ireland and Norway provided a fascinating insight into the challenges of large-scale scallop aquaculture. Techniques trialed in Ireland on production of seed in mesocosms, collection of wild harvested seed and settlement of spat on loose meshes prior to culture in bags in the sea were all described. Dr Gyda Christophersen, University of Bergen, detailed the success of Norwegian scallop production systems involving hatchery production of spat, land-based nurseries, and bottom grow-out systems with PVC or stainless steel fences to exclude predators. Seaweeds have been exploited for centuries and global production is now a multibillion dollar industry. Prof Charlie Yarish, University of Connecticut described its worldwide use in integrated aquaculture, both to provide an extra marketable product while benefiting the environment by mopping up waste nutrients. Talks on the cultivation of Alaria esculenta, the nutritive values of seaweeds (and their
17
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Sea lice, trout and humans
10%, and the survival By Dr Martin O'Farrell perhaps of sea trout during their first Arctic charr and pancreas dis- BEFORE the 1989-1990 col- three months at sea in the
By Micheal OÂ Cinneide, Marine Institute, and Aengus Parsons
Having peaked in 2002 at production of 61,000 tonnes valued at 125 million, Irish aquaculture experienced `mixed fortunes' in 2004. The report describes the year as difficult for the finfish sector, with total production of 15,263 tonnes of salmon, sea-reared and freshwater trout, turbot and other species down 14% on 2003. Pancreas disease and market pressures, linked to below-cost selling by producers in Norway and Chile, contributed to a drop in salmon production, traditionally the mainstay of finfish aquaculture in Ireland. The shellfish sector also experienced a varied year in 2004. While overall volume of 44,678 tonnes was 4% lower than that
October 2005
* Dr Pedro Monteiro (CSIR, South Africa); Dr Tony Hawkins (Plymouth Marine Laboratory); Ms Anne Dorbie (DARD, Northern Ireland), Prof. JoaÄo Ferreira (IMAR Ð DCEA - FCT, Portugal) and Dr Heather Moore (Queen's University Belfast and DARD Aquatics, Fisheries and Environmental Science Division).
use in fish feed) and the extraction of high-value bioactives for use in agriculture and horticulture all provided intriguing insights into current seaweed R& D. The session highlighted the diversity of seaweed applications and provided food for thought on sustainable development of aquaculture.
Development strategies
The Seafish Inshore Group was established in November 2004 to address the needs of inshore businesses, promote responsible development of shellfisheries and aquaculture and to improve seafood quality. The team, led by Dr Sue Utting, travelled to Portaferry to hold a regional meeting with stakeholders and industry representatives from fisheries and aquaculture. The six members of the inshore team then provided an overview of their varied work. This included case studies of aquaculture development in southwest England; work in developing good prac-
tice guidelines for primary producers; advice on environmental and food-hygiene legislation, and funding opportunities for R&D on inshore fisheries and aquaculture. Large-scale commercial aquaculture of bivalves is ultimately limited by primary production at commercial sites. A session dedicated to the SMILE project (led by JoaÄo Ferreira (IMAR Ð DCEA - FCT, Portugal) saw speakers from Portugal, the UK and South Africa describe their work on carrying capacity models for shellfish culture in Northern Irish sea loughs. These models are currently being developed on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and will be used to determine appropriate management strategies for responsible development of shellfish, particularly mussel aquaculture. * Further details from Dr Niall
McDonough (niall.mcdonough@qub.ac.uk), Dr Lynn Browne (l.browne@qub.ac.uk) or at www.qub.ac.uk/bb/cmar
ease. BIM's Technical Development Programme, including innovative new developments on rope mussel techniques, bottom mussel seed bed surveys and even a mussel hatchery, are described in detail. Information can also be found on larger Europeanfunded Sixth Framework (FP6) projects and work of Universities and Institutes of Technology in relation to aquaculture. Reviews of quality schemes, monitoring programmes, aquaculture licences and the work of the various single bay management and Co-ordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems (CLAMS) processes nationwide are also included. The report wraps up with a detailed account of aquaculture production and value for all species from 1990 to 2004. The report is published by the Marine Institute, BIM and Taighde Mara Teo. It includes material from the three agencies as well as the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources, the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board and UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta, and was collated by Galway based consultant, Aengus Parsons. It provides an invaluable reference guide for the industry, trade customers, investors, researchers and members of the public.
* Copies of the report are avail-
able from the Marine Institute, Galway Technology Park or from BIM, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire.
lapse of sea trout populations in the west of Ireland, the presence of female marine ectoparasitic sea or salmon lice ( L e peophtheirus salmonis Kroyer) with egg sacs (tails) on rodcaught salmon and sea trout was something in which the angler delighted. This was evidence that sea-run fish had entered freshwater within 24 hours of capture. Within a few years, however, many anglers and scientists were holding this ectoparasite responsible for the collapse of sea trout in the west of Ireland and also for the poor marine survival of Atlantic salmon. Images of sea trout post-smolt infested with juvenile sea lice and showing damaged skin patches aroused emotions. Let us turn the clock back a few decades. Salmon farming in Ireland was in its infancy. 75% of sea trout smolt were perishing within three months of entering the sea. What caused three out of every four sea trout to perish in this short period? In the case of salmon, perhaps 20% of smolt returned to the Irish coast as one-sea-winter salmon some fourteen months after entering saltwater for the first time. What caused four out of every five salmon smolt to die over this fourteen month period? I do not have any simple answers to these questions. Since the 1989-1990 collapse, survival of salmon back to the Irish coast as one-seawinter fish has plummeted to
catchments where sea trout are studied intensively, appears to be similar. I do not have any simple answers for the loss of 90% of salmon and sea trout marine recruits. Nevertheless, some others seem to have no problem attributing this mortality to the ravages of the sea louse. A small pest control company has the following slogan: `Not many people think about pests, but when they find they have a pest problem, they can think of nothing else!' There are many scientists whose lives have been devoted to the study and control of sea lice. I am not among them. There are also many anglers, fishery owners and scientists who are concerned at the unrelenting decline in the abundance of wild sea-run salmonids. I am one of them. Lice infestations on sea trout smolts may have played a part in the 1989-1990 collapse; however, this may be only part of the more widespread decline in the abundance of sea-run salmonids. This collapse triggered law suits against fish farmers and against the State and an intensive scientific investigation. This investigation was to some extent coloured by the collision of scientific endeavour and legal argument, both of which flourished in the tide of uncertainty generated by the absence of fundamental quantitative information on sea trout throughout the region.
18
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
AQUACULTURE NEWS
* The European sea urchin or purple sea urchin, can be found from Israel in the eastern Mediterranean to Ireland, and as far north as Norway.
* The edible part of
the sea urchin is the orange roe (or gonad). In Europe, the roe is removed and eaten in salads with olive oil and lemon. In Japan, it is used for sushi.
*
There are many sea urchin species around the world. The Chilean sea urchin, which accounts for 50% of global production, is packaged in wooden trays and eaten with a light soy sauce.
Ireland to capitalise on Asian delicacy Gery Flynn reports SEA urchins seem certain to appear soon on the growing list of animal and plant species being farmed commercially by the Irish aquaculture industry, after they performed well in a new type of land-based rearing system designed by the Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Unit at University College Cork.
This will be welcome news for Ireland's tiny seaweed industry, which can expect to see the knock-on benefits from supplying the sea urchins with their preferred diet of highquality native seaweeds. Dr Gerry Mouzakitis, a former manager of the AFDU, told Inshore Ireland that the UP System ``had proven beyond doubt'' that Paracentrotus lividus, a native sea urchin once plentiful in Irish coastal waters but now rare because of over-
fishing,``has enormous farming potential.'' He declined, however, to reveal any details of the UP System before it is protected by a world-wide patent due to be issued later this month. Mouzakitis is confident, however, that within a decade, the new system will have revolutionised the farming of Paracentrotus lividus in Ireland and probably worldwide. He speculated that Irishfarmed sea urchins are likely to be farmed Ð not only for sale in Japan Ð but also to supply local ranching and restocking programmes here at home in order to return the species to areas where it has been fished out completely. Multi-purpose system
Mouzakitis stated that the UP System was versatile and could be used also to farm abalone (Inshore Ireland/August 2005)
* The New Zealand sea urchin is usually served as part of a seafood platter (with a chilli/garlic sauce).
and other high-value shellfish species. ``I would describe the UP System as being Irish technology for a global market. It will have a worldwide application, and for that reason we have had to be secretive about it until it is fully protected by patent,'' he explained. After managing the AFDU from 2001, Mouzakitis stepped aside recently to focus on developing the commercial opportunities of the UP System, and to attract would-be investors. ``The proof of concept has been completed and we have no worries about that. We know that the UP System works. We have moved beyond the laboratory phase and we are already in the second phase, which will be all about showing that the technology will work on a commercial scale. We are now looking for expressions of inter-
est from companies and individuals who want to be first to use the system to farm sea urchins commercially.'' Mouzakitis praised the Marine Institute for funding the four years of phase one. He also revealed that the 350,000 investment by Enterprise Ireland to help finance commercial development was a major vote of confidence in the overall concept. Feed supply essential
Although optimistic for the future of sea urchin farming in Ireland, Mouzakitis is quick to point out that it will succeed only when there is a dependable feed supply in the form of quality seaweeds. He disclosed that researchers from the AFDU in Cork and the Irish Seaweed Centre (ISC) in Galway have been working together to ensure that research relating to sea urchin and sea-
Competitive advantages ACCORDING to Dr Gerry Mouzakitis, the UP System has some definite competitive advantages for Ireland:
* The technology has been developed specifically for Irish conditions. This is not a technology developed elsewhere which then has to be adopted for use in Ireland. Put simply, the UP System will be immediately applicable here. That gives Irish sea urchin farmers a major competitive advantage. On the other hand, if the system is licensed to farmers in other countries, they will have to optimise and adopt it to suit their conditions. * We have been working on this system for three to four years now, and it has proved to be quite effective in terms of growth rates. Growth rates from 1 to 1.2mm a month are possible. As for roe content Ð which is the part that is eaten Ð when wild sea urchins with 5% gonad are kept for nine weeks, their roe content can increase by up to 87%. * There are almost no wild stocks of Paracentrotus lividus left in Ireland. In 1996, the natural population practically collapsed, and since then Ireland has produced between one and five tonnes a year through a ranching programme. Seed about 10mm in diameter is taken from a hatchery and placed in small bays and inlets and is harvested at market size. It is important to remember also that we are talking about a native species of sea urchin Ð we will not even be changing strains. That is crucial to understand.''
*
All sea urchins are fed a natural diet of seaweed (Laminaria digitata), which is collected from the wild. (Dr Gerry Mouzakitis).
weed farming are synchronised and developed in tandem. He said that the Marine Institute was already considering a joint proposal from the two bodies to enable their respective research teams to work more closely on this and other related projects. ``Potential abalone and sea urchin farmers must be convinced that a reliable supply of the right types of high-grade
seaweeds will be available to feed their stocks. There is natural synergy therefore between the AFDU and the ISC as we try to develop certain projects together. We need the ISC to provide the right feeds, and if sea urchin and abalone aquaculture really takes off here, as I expect it will, seaweed farmers will be assured of a ready market for their produce.''
* Using the novel UP System, sea urchins are grown in the laboratory
and measured every month. Different methods of growing the animals can then be assessed.
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
19
Harvesting the shoreline
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Most of the western seashore is covered with a type of seaweed called bladder wrack. A nuisance for swimmers, it is the raw material for the long established company, Arramara Teoranta. Here, we re-publish Cait Curran's report, which first appeared in Organic Matters, Sept/Oct 2005 THE benefits of seaweed are well know but it comes as a surprise that the Irish Government was aware of this in 1947 when it established a company to harvest the huge resource of seaweed along the west coast of Ireland. Fiftyeight years later the company is thriving and about to undergo expansion to cope with demand for its products.
``The factory has been extended and new drying technology will be installed next year that will reduce drying time and make the process more efficient.'' Being market leaders in their field has drawbacks. ``We get our plant custom built for our needs'' he explains ``and this requires a lot of planning and testing to make sure everything works because there is no established frame of reference to consult.'' He is rightly proud of Arramara's record over the years. ``We employ local people, we use a natural resource that can regenerate naturally in a sustainable manner, and we do it in as environmentally friendly a manner as possible'' he says. Tony is confident for the future of the business. ``We have a track record of 58 years and our history is good. We are open to all sorts of uses for seaweed and will consider other products if the demand is there. For instance, we will begin producing liquid seaweed next year when our plant has been upgraded.''
Pruning sea plants
* ABOVE & BELOW: The seaweed is processed into a number of
products that are used in animal feeds, soil fertility and to produce alginates.
PICTURES: Cait Curran
* Arramara Teoranta chief executive Tony Barrett.
Growers Association) and Tony believes this adds to their credibility. ``There is an advantage to being organic in that it gives added confidence because there is no danger from a health and safety point of view.'' ``We are also approved under the Feed Material Assurance Scheme and the Agricultural Industry Confederation, which
Aquareg forum
FIFTEEN Irish participants travelled to Vigo in Galicia last month for the AquaReg Forum where they met their counterparts: scientists, SME researchers, aquaculture and fisheries operators from rural coastal regions of Trondelag in Norway, and Galicia in Spain. Presentations on the twelve AquaReg projects showed that with less than a year to the end of the three-year programme, it had already been a success. There was strong consensus that valuable partnerships and networks have already been established and will continue to develop long after the programme has finished. While culture and traditions vary in all three regions, the challenges facing those involved in marine industries are surprisingly similar. Recruitment of young people into the aquaculture industry, for example, was highlighted as a significant challenge. Potential opportunities were also identified, such as the development of value-added products from aquaculture by-products. Richie Flynn, IFA Aquaculture, highlighted the need to focus on creating higher value jobs and adding value to what is harvested from the sea. Student exchange programmes were also identified as a means of broadening the perspectives of aquaculture. AquaReg, an INTERREG IIIC programme, encourages interregional co-operation at operation level by bringing together marine industries, marine researchers, schools and training colleges and coastal zone planners to work on practical projects. * For information on the AquaReg Programme visit www.a-
quareg.com
Increasing production
Sustainable product
Tucked away beside the scenic harbour at Cill ChiaraÂn in Connemara, Arramara Teoranta has consistently provided employment in an isolated area, and keeps up to 500 employed part time along the west coast.
The source of this bounty is an innocuous type of seaweed called Ascophyllum nodosum, more commonly known as bladder wrack, which grows in abundance on rocks all along the coast. Up to 100,000 tonnes of this can be harvested each year, and according to company chief executive, Tony Barrett, harvesting only improves its growth. ``You leave about eight inches to grow on the rocks where it attaches itself and then it thickens up and regenerates and will grow back within three years,'' he explains. The seaweed is processed into a number of products that are used in animal feeds, soil fertility and to produce alginates. Algin, Tony explains, is a naturally occurring substance in brown seaweed. It is widely used in the textile, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as well as a thickener and gelling agent in the food industry. The company's products are organically certified by IOFGA (Irish Organic Farmers and
mand. ``We are undertaking a modernisation process to satisfy demand,'' says Tony.
guarantees that the products are produced to the highest international standard.'' The seaweed is cut all along the coast, and every single load that arrives at the factory can be traced back to its origin. The process begins with the seaweed being washed by seawater pumped in from the sea. The custom built plant in 2002 ensures that sand, silt and stones are separated from the seaweed before it goes for milling. Milling takes place when wet, and the seaweed is then fed into a drier where the moisture content is reduced to 12-14%. Finally it is milled to a degree of fineness dictated by its end use. The seaweed meal is then packaged for dispatch.
No advertising
Up to now, Arramara has never had to undertake intensive marketing. ``Customers find us because the product is in demand,'' Tony says. ``We export to the UK, several European countries, China, India, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the US.'' Their Titan Organic Animal Feed Supplement is marketed directly to farmers, feed mills and is used as an ingredient in minerals licks because of its high mineral content. Titan Organic Soil Conditioner is also marketed through distributors and other outlets. Even though the factory currently operates 24 hours-a-day, five days-a-week, producing 100 tonnes of seaweed meal each week, it is still not possible to keep up with customer de-
Providing services to the aquaculture and inshore fisheries sectors through the facilities on main campus and the MRI Carna Laboratories in: 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
20
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Conference They haven't gone away you know! identifies major potential for seaweed producers IRELAND'S coast line Ð home to more than 500-plus different seaweed types Ð is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most lucrative resources for the domestic and international cosmetics industry, delegates at a BIM conference last month were told.
Representatives from the cosmetic, marketing and seaweed production industries debated the development of skincare applications using Ireland's seaweed resource. The Irish seaweed skincare industry is currently valued at 5m; however, the international skincare market, which is a multi-billion euro industry, is seeking new raw materials that are natural and sustainable. Chairing the workshop, Donal Maguire, BIM's aquaculture development manager, said that an exciting opportunity existed for Ireland's seaweed sector to gain a share of this market. ``Ireland's image as a green country, surrounded by pure unpolluted seas, coupled with recent discoveries about the unique anti-aging and firming properties of the seaweed species growing around our coasts, places Irish producers in pole position to take a high value
By Donal Maguire, Aquaculture Development Manager, BIM
niche in this rapidly expanding sector of the cosmetics industry.''
Expert opinions
French seaweed skincare expert, Dr Anne Menguy, outlined current and future trends and the potential that exists to expand the Irish industry. Dermot Kelly, CEO of The Body Shop, gave a retailer's perspective, and endorsed the comments on growth potential that now exist for Irish producers. In a presentation entitled `The Fox the Hedgehog and the Taxi-driver', Joe Clancy of Hunter Red-Cell, the multinational advertising agency, outlined the process of taking a new product and launching it into the world of cosmetic skincare. The presentation was complemented by an account of effective brand and design development by Martin Crotty of BFK Strategic Design. Finally, Noel Hitchcock of Oriflame Plc and The International Society of Cosmetic Scientists shared his experience in the reality of formulating and developing new skincare products for the worldwide market.
IN the last edition of Inshore Ireland, I wrote about the `food bogey men', and how the consumer is being manipulated by media-savvy lobby groups pursuing their own narrow agenda through misinformation and bogus science. The salmon farming industry has been a particular target whereby wildly inaccurate myths have grown legs and are being taken as matters of fact about the healthy and nutritious product that has become a staple in many people's diet. Thankfully, most consumers see past the propaganda and continue to buy because they enjoy the convenience and availability of farmed salmon, in addition to the proven health benefits of eating an oily fish that is high in Ome-
ga-3 essential fatty acids. Other shoppers, however, worry and are put off, often leaving oily fish out of their diets altogether, thus missing out on vital protection for their cardio-vascular systems. The supposed `risks' associated with eating farmed salmon are theoretical and infinitesimally small; the risk of heart attack or stroke are all too well known and are very real. These bogey men are not about to give up and will continue to do the public a disservice by continually scaremongering. Last month, the same old nonsense was dredged up and repackaged with a new twist. This time it's consumer guilt! Irish and British shoppers are being asked: Is it ethical to eat fish? Both the Guardian and The Sunday Times (colour supplement), carried stories promoting the idea that it was unethical and bad to eat farmed salmon because it was
`unsustainable' and `contaminated'. And what was all this based on? A report based on the same old discredited material about PCBs and Dioxins, which we discussed and debunked in the last issue. Regarding the sustainability issue, Irish farmed salmon is a star performer. The feed used is mostly off-cuts from managed pelagic fisheries in the northwest Atlantic. It is a story of recycle and reuse, the essence of sustainability. Closer to home there was an even more blatant attempt over the summer to damage the reputation of Irish farmed salmon when a well known activist tried to sell the Irish media a false story about contamination caused by a compound called Malachite Green. In fact, what had really happened was that minute traces of the compound had accidentally got onto fillets in a cross-contamination incident from green hand towels used
by staff at a UK multiple retail store. Luckily most Irish media checked their facts and were not suckered by the hoax; however, one national daily did not, and had to carry embarrassing letters to set the record straight. It does not really matter whether something is true or not; if it is said often enough it is perceived as a fact, and perception can become reality when it comes to how people behave and what they choose to eat. So it goes on. The bogey men keep trying to manipulate the consumer through fear or guilt or some other bogus angle Ð anything but a balanced view. Let's be quite unequivocal, once and for all. Irish farmed salmon, organic or sold under BIM's Quality Seafood Programme (QSP) logo, is safe, pure and sustainable. What's more, it's convenient, delicious and it's good for you and your family. Buy it with a clear conscience and enjoy it.
Irish mussel farmers visit Vigo By Lisa Fitzpatrick, Marine Institute
NINE mussel farmers from the BMW region visited Vigo in Galicia last month where 95% of the Spanish mussel industry is concentrated. The group was particularly interested to learn how Europe's leading producer deals with the universal problem of toxicity and the relationship between the producer and the buyer. Due to the scale of the industry, monitoring is extensive with each official zone being monitored at least once a week. Over 3,500 rafts or `bateos' confined to the RõÂas region are mostly located in the RõÂa de Arousa. If toxicity is detected, monitoring is intensified with the aim of re-opening the area as soon as it is declared safe. ``There is a great deal of trust between the growers and the authorities, which presumably has been built up over many years,'' TomaÂs Burke, BIM's aquaculture development officer in Galway commented. ``For example, if a farmer harvests and lands produce in an officially open zone that is subsequently closed overnight following testing, the authorities will allow the farmer to repack and return his produce to sea rather than destroy it.'' ``In the case of prolonged closures, movement of stock may be allowed from the closed area to an open area under strict guidelines, with intensified sampling occurring. Once two consecutive negatives are obtained, the stock can be harvested.'' The group also met local growers and were able to observe the type of boats and harvesting gear they use, and were impressed with the apparent transparency that exists between producers and buyers. At Aqui 2005, an international aquaculture exhibition, the group met Manuel Franco from OPMEGA, one of three mussel growers' associations in the region and which represents 1900 producers. OPMEGA manages roughly 14 `control points' along the coast where a minimum of 15 tonnes of produce can be landed
* A group of mussel farmers and industry representatives who visited Vigo in Galicia last month where 95% of the Spanish mussel industry is concentrated.
by any one producer. The buying process is totally transparent with the producer and the buyer agreeing a price on the quayside in the presence of an agreed representative of OPMEGA. The agreed price is arrived at after a 50kg sub-sample is hand-graded and a rejection figure estimated; the number of pieces per kilo counted and 2x2 kilos of marketable mussels are steam cooked and the meat content checked. Following these quality checks, all three parties sign the relevant documentation in relation to the producer's consignment. This document is both a legally binding and a bank guarantee for the producer. This system appears to work very well with only about 30 of 2000, or 1.5% of transactions being contentious throughout the annual harvesting period. The visit was organised by Pauline O'Donohue, RegEx project coordinator and TomaÂs Burke, BIM.
* RIGHT: A typical mussel raft used in the RõÂa de Arousa.
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
21
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Stagnancy in the freshwater salmon smolt production sector By Declan Quigley, Carrigadrohid Smolts Ltd, Macroom, Co Cork
IT is well known that the Irish salmon farming industry has been going through very rough times over the last few years.
Despite the fact that marine production fell dramatically from a peak of 23,000 tonnes in 2001 to 14,000 tonnes in 2004 (a 40% collapse over three years), the industry was euphemistically described by BIM as being in a recovery phase on the basis that harvest value had only fallen by 5% between 2003 ( 54m) and 2004 ( 51m). Although it is true that the average price/kg of harvested fish moderately improved over the last couple of years (Figure 1 ), partly due to increased organic salmon production and, more recently, due to regulations prohibiting below cost selling by Norway into the EU (for the time being), in reality, the value of the Irish industry has declined by almost 30% since 2001. Indeed, employment in the sector fell by 30% between 2003 and 2004, and the targeted production of 38,000 tonnes projected in the
National Development Plan (2000-2006) is best forgotten; only 10,000 tonnes are projected for 2005. While media reports have frequently focused on the plight of sea farmers, few, if any, have acknowledged the concurrent problems experienced by freshwater salmon smolt farmers who supply their marine-based customers with juvenile stock, and that both sectors are mutually dependent on each other.
Although a total of 32 freshwater sites are currently licensed to produce about 11 million smolts, only 14 (44%) of these sites are actually still in production, representing a maximum capacity of about six million smolts (55% of total licensed production). At its peak (1999-2001) freshwater farmers were producing about eight million to nine million to smolts per annum. However, by 2004, production had fallen
significantly by about 35% to 5.4 million. Apart from the decrease in demand from the sea farming sector, freshwater smolt producers have had to contend with a variety of other problems, including bad debts, unsecured long-term credit arrangements, escalating production costs, failure of banks to provide finance, draconian and inequitable licence conditions, biased public and media environmental
For further information and application forms please contact:
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Aquaculture Development Division, PO Box 12, Crofton Rd., Du n Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01-2144100 Fax: 01-2144119
UÂdara s na Gaeltachta, Furbo, Co. Galway.
Tel: 091-503100 Fax: 091-503101
perception, reliance on a limited number of strains of imported ova (salmon eggs) and/or parr (pre-smolts) and competition from imports from Scotland. During the early 1990s, sea farmers were happy with a 35gm smolt. Today, they demand a smolt of at least twice
that weight but are unwilling to pay any more for it despite the fact that smolt producers have had to invest heavily in technology to produce it. It's a chicken and egg situation for the industry as a whole; however, it's clear that one sector can't survive without the other!
SCEÂIM DEONTAIS I LEITH FORBAIRT UISCESHAOTHRUÂ
GRANT SCHEME FOR AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT Under the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 Exchequer and EU grant aid is available for investment projects in aquaculture. Funding for these projects is available under the Aquaculture Development Measures of the Border, Midlands, and Western Regional Operational Programme and the Southern and Eastern Regional Operational Programme. Applications should be submitted to the agencies listed below before 5 pm on Friday the 9th December 2005. They will be prioritised for financial assistance and subsequently submitted to the Selection Boards for the Border, Midlands and Western Region and the Southern & Eastern Region for decisions on grant aid. Applications are invited from companies or individuals engaged in aquaculture whose investment plans (a) contribute to lasting economic benefits from the structural improvements in question (b) offer an adequate guarantee of technical and economic viability (c) avoid counter productive effects, particularly the risk of creating surplus production capacity. To be eligible for grant aid and approved for aid under the scheme, projects must be: . licensed under the Fisheries, Foreshore or Planning Acts, as appropriate . submitted on an official application form . prioritised by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara or, for projects located in the Gaeltacht areas, UÂdara s na Gaeltachta . comply with general conditions attaching to the scheme. Companies applying for aid must demonstrate that, in addition to any grant assistance sought, they have the financial and technical resources required to implement the investment programme, which should be completed within a timescale of not more than 18 months.
* Landcatch Hatchery (Argyle) is one of Scotland's largest independent ova, fry, parr and smolt suppliers.
Mar pha irt don Phlean Forbartha Na isiu nta 2000-2006 ta cu namh deontais ar fa il i leith tograõ infheistõÂochta uisceshaothru . Ta maoiniu dos na tograõ ar fa il faoin gcla r oibrõÂochtu il reigiu nach do cheantar BMW agus ceantar an S&E. Ba cho ir iarratais a sheoladh chuig na h-Eagraisõ Sta it ata liosta ilte thõÂos roimh 5.00 i.n. ar Aoine 9 Nollaig 2005. Cuirfear in ord prõÂomhachta na h-iarrataisõ sin i leith cu namh airgeadais agus ina dhiaidh sin cuirfear faoi bhra id na mBoird RoghnaõÂoch iad do Reigiu n an BMW agus Reigiu n S&E. Ta iarratais a lorg o chomhlachtaõ no daoine aonarach ata pa irteach ins an tionscal uisceshaothru agus a bheadh an infheistõÂocht ata i gceist ag toga il na neithe seo leanas ins an aireamh:(a) buntaistõ eacmanaõÂochta seasmhach de thoradh na forbartha ata i gceist (b) inmharthanacht teicniu il agus eacnamaõÂochta (c) go mbeadh se cinntithe nach mbeadh iomarca cumais ta irgeachta da chruthu do thoradh na h-infheistõochta. Le bheith incha illithe do chu namh deontais faon sce im nõ mo r do thograõ go mbeadh:. Na ceadu naisõ eagsu la acu ar no s ceadu nais saothru e isc, ceadunas cladaigh, agus pleana la de re ir mar a fheileann. . Bheith ar fhoirm iarratais foirmea ilte. . Beith curtha in ord prõÂomhachta ag OÈdara s na Gaeltachta no Bord Iascaigh Mhara (ag brath ar an gceantar a bhfuil na tograõ suite). . Ag claoi leis na coinnõÂollacha gine aralta a bhaineann leis an sce im. Nõ mo r do iarrataso irõ a theaspa int go bhfuil na h-acmhainnõ teicniu la agus maoinithe acu a  ochta a chur i theastaõÂonn in e ineacht le aon chu namh deontais ata da lorg chun an cla r infheistõ bhfeidhm, agus a bhfuil a m sca la nach mo na 18 mõ i gceist chun e a chur i gcrõÂch. Tuille eolas agus foirm iarratais le faÂil oÂ:
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Forbairt Feirmeoireacht EÂisc, PO Box 12, Bo thar Crofton, Du n Laoghaire, Co. Bhaile AÂtha Cliath. Fo n: 01-2144100 Faics: 01-2144119
UÂdara s na Gaeltachta, Na Forbacha, Gaillimh. Fo n: 091-503100 Faics: 091-503101
22
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
AQUACULTURE NEWS
IFA Aquaculture hosts first freshwater conference IFA Aquaculture hosted a one-day conference last month to debate Ireland's 5 million freshwater aquaculture industry. A topical agenda attracted a large crowd of producers, regulators and suppliers to hear the latest developments in the industry.
From what was seen as the oldest and most traditional sector of aquaculture, the freshwater industry is now vibrant and interesting, embracing the latest technology and new farming species. Speakers hailed from America, Denmark and Norway, who together with representatives from County Councils, semistate bodies and farmers from Northern Ireland, including staff from some of the North's Regulation bodies, were welcomed by IFA Aquaculture. The day also saw the Irish Trout Producers Group attaining full membership of IFA Aquaculture.
Richie Flynn, executive secretary warmly welcomed the trout producers, declaring that IFA had now ``squared the circle'' of representation of the entire aquaculture sector on the island of Ireland. Fiona Geoghgan of the Marine Institute and John O'Keefe of the Department of the Marine & Natural Resources gave detailed presentations respectively on draft new EU health legislation and issues surrounding licensing of freshwater farms. Aquafarm Systems Ireland Ltd and Water Management Technologies, USA, presented new technology opportunities for freshwater farming. Richard Donnelly, BIM, presented a detailed and practical presentation on market trends and data for trout, salmon, and newer species like perch. Watermark Consultants presented detailed studies and data showing quite clearly that with proper monitoring and good
husbandry practices, there was no impact from freshwater or lake farming on either fauns or flora. Speakers from feed companies Skretting and Aller Aqua demonstrated the role of feed in fish health, nutrition and environment. John McCartney, Department of Environment NI, reported on environmental controls on fish farms and lessons to be learned from the experiences of the past. Peter Marshall of IFQC Ltd outlined the benefits of certified independent quality schemes for aquaculture producers and how these schemes should complement rather than add to a farm's existing best practices. Finally Damien Toner of the Cross Border Aquaculture Initiative concluded with a paper on potential new species, including methods of cultivation, markets and technology * required as well as the experi- Taking off from the helipad at the Hodson Bay was the Irish Trout Producers' Group, newly signed up to ence of some of the current IFA Aquaculture membership and representing 1,000 tonnes of freshwater trout production North and South. pioneers in this area.
ALGAL blooms or `red tides' are a normal occurrence off our coast in summer. But in June and July this year, an unusually widespread bloom of the dino-
flagellate Karenia mikimotoi took place. Reports abounded of mortalities of lugworms, razor shells and cockles along the beaches
Deadly blooms causing high mortalities Mary Hensey, Glan Uisce Teo explains
Norwegian versus Irish investors - What's the difference? Donal Maguire, BIM aquaculture development manager asks MEMORY! Irish investors seem able to remember what they did with their First Communion money while their Norwegian counterparts cannot remember how they squandered tens of millions of euro just 18 months ago. It is staggering to see the frenzied activity on the company acquisition front, as big players gobble up companies and seek to once again raise share capital so as to expand their outputs. Just six months of decent prices and profitability brought about by EU intervention in the market place has resulted in the Viking mentality for conquest being reignited. Norway's richest man has entered the fray and his company is now competing with the government's own investment vehicle to emerge as the biggest player in the country's salmon farming business. The emperor has no clothes! These same companies were losing their shirts just a year and a half ago while pursuing aggressive expansion policies. Have they all suffered collective amnesia? One whiff of the oxygen
of profitability and they are off and running like lemmings towards the cliff again! The big issue not mentioned at all is the market. It is not limitless and it will only expand at a certain rate. Go beyond that rate? Oversupply sets in and prices plummet back to where they were? Below the cost of production. If a further cycle of below cost importation was to happen, it would be a deadly body blow for Irish and the Scottish industries that are just beginning to get their heads above water again. Those tender little green shoots of recovery, and the employment that goes with them in fragile coastal communities, would be trampled underfoot.
Collective madness?
So, is it collective madness and amnesia that drives the Norwegian investment community? Do they really want to blow millions of Norwegian Kroner on a hopeless mission to be the lowest cost commodity producer trying to survive in a market with no margin and no return? Or is there something else going on that distinguishes the Norwe-
gian banker, from his cautious Irish or Scottish counterparts? The evidence suggests there is. The Norwegian investor has a special safety net. He is not allowed to lose! If all goes pear shaped - again, then big brother, government, will step in to prevent him going bust. Clever accounting manoeuvres convert debt into equity: loans are forgiven and hey presto, it's bonanza time again!
Starved of cash
Meantime, Irish and Scottish companies have been starved of cash; some have gone under. They have to live and compete in the real world with no subsidies and no safety net. If they sell the fish for less than it cost to grow they lose money. The difference is not so much about memory but just how level the pitch is. Ask yourself, which is easier? Playing downhill with the wind at your back and a biased referee on your side ? the lot of the Norwegian investor - or struggling against covert, unfair and illegal subsidisation - the lot of the Irish and Scot's investor, until now. That might just explain the difference in attitude! * www.bim.ie/salmonthefacts
of west Donegal in June, and fishermen reported an absence of prawns in the Donegal bay area. The Marine Institute identified the microscopic species of phytoplankton (approximately 40 microns wide) which was found in numbers of over two million cells per litre in Inver Bay during that particular week. These mortalities are consistent with Karenia blooms of this scale and have been observed during similar bloom events of this species. Satellite images show that the bloom extended all along the coast and up to 100 kilometres offshore. Karenia mikimotoi (previously known as Gyrodinium aureolum) is a dinoflagellate which, under favourable conditions, can form dense blooms and occasionally lead to a discolouration of the water surface. Karenia has a widespread distribution, with blooms recorded in many locations worldwide. The organism was first identified on the east coast of the USA in 1957, and was first recorded in Europe in 1966 when it bloomed in Norwegian coastal waters. It was first recorded in Irish coastal waters in 1976. Subsequent blooms were recorded every year between 1978 and 1982, and also between 1990 and 1995. The exact geographic location has varied from year to year, but in the main, blooms have been recorded in the southeast, southwest and northwest coasts. This species produces a mild toxin which causes stress to finfish and results in mortalities of shellfish and other marine invertebrates. When a bloom collapses, it leads to deoxygenation of the water column and, in many cases, leads to mortalities among finfish. This was the case in Killary Harbour in July when the oxygen levels plummeted. Divers reported seeing a brown scum covering large areas of the seabed, and large numbers of mortalities amongst bottom-dwelling organisms.
* Satellite image showing extensive bloom of Karenia mikimotoi to the west of Donegal 25 June 2005.
* Micrograph of Karenia mikimotoi cell (centre).
In Bertraghbuoy Bay, Connemara, where cod are being farmed on a pilot scale, some mortalities were recorded at the height of the bloom. Nearby, at the MRI Carna Research Laboratories, lobster and abalone being grown in tanks suffered heavy losses as the result of stress. Six weeks after the bloom was first noticed in Donegal, reports emerged from Kerry that fish were dying at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium (Mara Beo). Tanks of cod, blue-mouth, whiting and haddock were mostly affected. The aquarium
immediately switched to recirculated water and the fire brigade was called in to supply seawater from a bay nearby unaffected by the bloom. Divers in the area reported dead pollock, bass and turbot, as well as shellfish and lugworms. Cell counts of up to 4 million per litre of Karenia were recorded further south at Glenbeigh. The main concern for fishermen and fish farmers must be the possibility of such largescale blooms occurring more frequently as changes become evident in climate and in oceanic circulatory patterns in the future. This bloom originated well off the Irish coast, but when it entered enclosed bays its growth was enhanced by the presence of water-born nutrients. Increased nutrient levels due to runoff from the land and untreated effluent can only increase the likelihood of such algal blooms occurring in the future.
INSHORE IRELAND
Play your part to reduce drowning incidents By Lt Cdr John Leech, Irish Water Safety
IWS, the statutory body established to promote water safety in Ireland is concerned at the high number of drownings. In 2004, 149 people drowned; 48 drowned accidentally, 87 were drowned by suicide and 14 were undetermined.
As an island nation with a large inland waterways network of rivers, lakes, canals and wetlands, the risk to the public is greater than in most European countries. Ireland ranks 19th in the World Health Organisation table of drownings for developed nations with Luxembourg leading the table as the safest. The UK is second, as a result of many years of teaching the public how to swim and many more learning to life-save, coupled with a strong educational programme in all facets of activity on the aquatic environment, both in the commercial and leisure industries. In 2003, the Department of Education and Science recognised the IWS proposal for a primary schools aquatic programme. This now forms part of the physical education curriculum in many primary schools nationwide. The children learn about the different types of aquatic environments: the hazards which surround them; cold shock;
hypothermia and carry out `dry rescues' i.e. how to use the ringbuoy seen around much of our country. Finally, they learn to swim, which is an essential life skill we should all have. Regrettably, many readers will not have this vital life skill and whilst some adults, like broadcaster Ray D'arcy, will take it up later in life, more will not and this is why it is essential that everyone wears a personal flotation device or lifejacket when they are on or near the water. The number of suicide drownings is inordinately high. Later this year, IWS and the Department of Psychiatry in UCD will conduct a collaborative Suicide Research Project. We propose to conduct an epidemiologic study of all causes of drowning in Ireland, both inland and coastal. We hope to establish regional variability and control for population
across counties and access to water. We propose to establish possible correlates of suicidal drowning such as demographics, access to waterways and certain features specific to a particular `high risk' site. We will also evaluate the various interventions that have been put in place thus far, with the aim of transferring successful strategies to other areas of the country. In a separate study, we propose to team up with our partners in New Zealand, to explore differences and similarities between numbers of death by drowning in each country and to ascertain why there is such a discrepancy between the countries given a relatively similar geography and population.
*
October 2005
COASTLINE NEWS
Fishing or fish farming Ð that is the question By Dr Brendan Connolly
FISH farming and aquaculture have a long history. Fish have been reared in ponds, bays and closed-off sections of rivers for Millennia. Yet globally, to the present day, wild fisheries continue to provide us with most of our fish, despite the world's ocean being over fished. As our forebears evolved, they lived as hunter-gatherers, gathering wild plants and hunting animals, including fish. Probably no more than 30 to 45 individuals lived together in a group. Today, few of us still live as hunter-gatherers, but those few remaining groups that still do, gather their food and other resources from very large areas, which are measured in square kilometres rather than in hectares.
The discovery of agriculture
The earliest estimates of the world's human population Ð around 100,000 years ago Ð are around 2.5 million. At first, the population grew slowly, taking more than 90,000 years to reach five million by about 8,000 BC. Then a dramatic development caused the population to increase 10 times in a mere 7,000 years, to approximately 50 million by 1,000 BC. This fundamental change in human ecology accompanied Further information on water the introduction of agriculture. Driven by agriculture, the safety at www.iws.ie or call 1890420202. human population increased to
between 130 and 250 million in just one millennium. This rapid increase was unprecedented and coincided with both the spread of, and improvements in, agriculture all over the globe. Since the time of Christ, the world population has steadily increased, but the most spectacular increase is as recent as the 1900s. Since 1930, the human population has increased from two billion to over six billion in a mere 75 years. If we expect the sea to provide us with food on the same scale as the land then we should look towards fish farming and aquaculture for the majority of our fish, rather than wild fisheries. The basic difference between wild hunting-gathering and culturing is efficiency. Survival to adulthood of wild salmon eggs spawned in a river is in the order of 0.1%. This compares in a salmon farm to between 60% and 70% survival from eggs to adult. Raising crops and rearing animals is a far more efficient
way of producing food than growing it unaided in the wild. There are, however, problems associated with agriculture. Diseases tend to develop amongst plants and animals grown in high densities. Like agriculture, aquaculture also produces wastes such as slurry, excess nutrients and chemicals, all of which can adversely affect the surrounding environment. Nevertheless, six billion people depend on agriculture for their survival, and we could not all survive on this planet if we all depended on hunting-gathering. As wild fisheries are essentially hunting and gathering, we should not expect then to give us the quantity of food we have come to expect from agriculture. Aquaculture has a great potential for supplying fish so it would follow that our future fisheries' strategy should depend more on aquaculture than is currently the case.
Inter agency angling challenge
THE much coveted Inter Fisheries Agency Sea Angling Society trophy was `fished' to the death last month by individuals and teams representing the fisheries boards, Marine Institute and BIM who battled it out in Achill Sound. 54 anglers competed individually alongside teams of five. The boats fished underneath the cliffs of Clare Island with Achill Island to the north and Croagh Patrick to the south. Light southerly winds and clear skies provided the perfect day and the fishing was `second to none'. Willie Roche, Central Fisheries Board achieved overall individual winner with the Southwestern Regional Fisheries Board claiming first place in the team category. The best lady was Miriam Gallagher Barrett, Northwestern
Regional Fisheries Board; Pat Hughes from the Marine Institute caught the most species and Tony Roche from the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board caught the best unusual species Ð a red bream. The fisheries boards and the Inter Fisheries Agency Sea Angling Society all promote a catch and release policy to ensure conservation of marine fish species. This was adhered to with most of the species being returned to relatively low water. As well as being a sociable outing, the competition also highlighted the high quality of sea fishing opportunities and demonstrated why Ireland is now regarded as the best sea angling destination in Europe. Ireland's only female skipper, Mary Gavin Hughes, recorded
Willie Roche, CFB Ð 326 points Joe Cooney, Marine Institute Ð 298 points Micheal Hennessy, Southwestern Regional Fisheries Board Ð 283 points 4 place: Pat Hughes, Marine Institute Ð 224 points place: Leslie Payne, Southwestern Regional Fisheries 5 Board Ð 219 points 6 place: Jim Burns, Loughs Agency Ð 215 points 7 place: Geoffrey Thornton, Northwestern Regional Fisheries Board Ð 213 points 8 place: Alan McGurdy, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board Ð 201 points 9 place: Barry Fox, Loughs Agency Ð 200 points 10 place: Peter McGroary, Aquaculture Initiative Ð 200 points st
1 place: nd place: 2 rd place: 3 th th
th th
th
th
th
Team results:
place: Southwestern Regional Fisheries Board Ð Bill Emery (Captain), John Twomey, Andrew Quigley, Micheal Hennessy and Leslie Payne Ð 853 points 2 place: Marine Institute Ð Pat Hughes, Alan Drumm, Joe Cooney, Ger Rogan, Joe Donnellan Ð 795 points place: Northern Regional Fisheries Board Ð John 3 Heatherman, Jim Barnes, Hugh John Patton, Harry Lloyd and newly married Michael Patton Ð 722 points st
1
nd
rd
* Willie Roche, CFB and overall
winner and Micheal Hennessy, Southwestern Regional Fisheries Board, winning team member.
16 different species alone on her boat, Shamrock 2. The annual inter agency angling competition was hosted by the Marine Institute, Newport and would not have been possible without the efforts of Alan Drumm of the Marine Institute, Newport and Mike Hennessy of the South Western Regional Board. Seven angling vessels were chartered for the day and we fished from Corraun Pier near Achill. Willie Roche, the Society chairman, thanked all the agencies for their support and in particular, the Marine Institute for hosting the competition. The challenge will be hosted by the Loughs Agency in 2006 and the Central Fisheries Board in 2007. * Further information on Sea
Angling in Ireland and a full directory of Charter Skippers nationwide from: www.cfb.ie
23
support our volunteer crews Royal National Lifeboat Institution 15 Windsor Terrace Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin Telephone: 01 - 2845050 Fax: 01 - 2845052 Email: lifeboatsireland@rnli.org.uk www.lifeboats.ie
Saving Lives at Sea
24
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
COASTLINE NEWS
Bantry Bay longboat takes to the waves Diarmaid Murphy, Atlantic Challenge SE manager explains THE fourth and latest Atlantic Challenge boat to be built in Ireland was constructed in Dunmore East as part of an INTERREG IIIA project between Waterford Institute of Technology and Pembrokeshire College in Wales. An Seabhac Mara is a replica of an 18th century Captain’s
‘gig’ or ‘longboat’. The original boat was used during the illfated invasion attempt of Ireland by a French Armada and Wolfe Tone in 1796. One of these boats was captured in Bantry Bay at Bere Island, and is now in the possession of the National Museum of Ireland. The initial step in building a Bantry Bay longboat is to obtain a set of plans from Atlantic Challenge International. These drawings, or lines, were taken off the original boat,
bands that form the structural support for the ‘jig’ around which the boat is actually built. The interesting fact about An Seabhac Mara is that it was built upside-down up to a certain stage. The oak keel, stem and stern were cut first and attached, followed by the steamed oak ribs and then the larch planks on the outside. Because the planks are curved to the shape of the hull, the spaces between them need to be filled with cotton thread and lead putty in an exercise
and allow replicas to be built worldwide.
Lofting process The first practical exercise is to scale the drawings to the actual size of the boat in a process called ‘lofting’. In the case of the Bantry longboat, the scaled up drawing is 38ftx7ft. This is a slow process and has to be carried out with great care because measurements for all the different stages of the build must be taken from the loftings. Stage two involves making the moulds and fitting the rib
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Phone 074 9738495 087 2066513 Email: info@bluefin.ie
*
Some adjustments: shipright Bill Crampton draws the lines.
called ‘caulking’. This prevents water ingress once afloat. In the case of An Seabhac Mara, the top two planks or ‘shears’ were left out until the boat was turned over to allow the inside to be fitted out. At this point the rest of the planks were sanded down and painted with primer and undercoat; it is much easier to do this when the boat is upside-down.
Fitting out The boat was then turned over using plenty of manpower and a little common sense so that work on the inside could begin. This included fitting the gunwales, ‘twarths’ or seats, mast steps, knees and breast hooks. The day the boat was turned was a credit to the team of skilled boat builders, as the boat sat perfectly on her keel portraying the familiar lines of the Bantry Bay longboat. Throughout the build, masts and oars were constructed with an eighteen foot lathe and the
sails were made from vertically cut cloth, to replicate the original design. Once the boat was turned over, she was painted inside and out in readiness of her launch on 4 August. Unfortunately, the weather was very poor with plenty of rain. The ceremony was a brief affair with a few short speeches and a blessing from the local priest and vicar. D r Vi n y M a r t i n , W I T, launched An Seabhac Mara and the crew took to the water, handling the oars well. The conditions on the night did not allow for a sail but since the launch, the gig has visited Antrim, Wicklow and Bantry, and has participated in Atlantic challenge events putting the rigging to the test. Over the winter, the crew will be learning rope work, navigation, sailing theory, and will also carry out a maintenance programme.
require your experience will be an unforgettable one.
Photos courtesy of Shay Fennelly Design & Print by browneprintersltd. L/kenny. T: (074) 9121387
Sightseeing Trips to Sliabh League Europe’s highest marine cliffs
Bus Tours catered for our
Angling
Dolphin & Whale watching trips
Angling Charters
We had a fantastic 85% success rate last season !
General Angling
don’t forget your camera these are a few of the creatures you are likely to see...... Common Dolphin
Shark & Bluefin
Bottlenose
Tuna Angling
Rhisso’s & White Stripes Atlantic Dolphin Pilot & Minke Whale
* ABOVE: Watchful eyes — racing in Bantry Bay; the crew are watching another longboat approaching the mark.
Common & Grey Seal
*
Sunfish & Basking Shark Giant Bluefin Tuna Killer Whales Also half day Donegal Bay Tours
Commercial We are available for coastal survey work, to news, film and commercial companies
with views of Sliabh League, St. John’s Point, Glen Head, Inishmurray etc. See numerous types of seabirds & seals
Birdwatching Trips We provide bird enthusiasts with a unique vantage point for viewing many species. We have had some very interesting discoveries and sightings of rare birds in our travels.
An Shannen Álainn
BELOW: A view from the stern of the longboat under construction.
Welcome aboard An Shannen AÂlainn! INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
25
MARINE TOURISM
MICHAEL Molloy of Kilcar, Co Donegal, established Bluefin Chartering Ltd in 2003 and received grant aid from BIM under the Inshore Fisheries Diversification Scheme to purchase Ð a 41' Rodman 1250 Ð the first of its kind to join the Irish passenger fleet. AÂ lainn
An
Shannen
The vessel cost approximately 300,000 and the company applied for and was granted Business Expansion Scheme (BES) status by Failte Ireland. This allows investors to receive a tax break on their investment. Â lainn obtained An Shannen A a P5 passenger licence (with a 20-mile offshore limit) from the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Roughly 30,000 was required for modifications to the vessel before the P5 passenger licence was obtained. [This subject will be explored in a future issue.] Michael has high hopes for his business, which is now in its
Key features
* An Shannen ÂAlainn is certainly one of the fastest passenger vessels operating in Irish coastal waters.
second year. His main activity during June, July and August is two-hour-long trips from Teelin Bay to the base of Sliabh Liag on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, reputedly the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 595 metres (1952 feet). From September to November, An Shannen AÂlainn participates in the giant bluefin tuna recreational fishery off the Co
POWERED by twin 430 hp Volvo engines, The Rodman cruises comfortably at 26 knots and has a top speed of 32 knots and is designed for stability and safety in all weather conditions. Fully licensed and insured for up to 12 anglers and passengers, this boat has the latest navigational, fish finding and safety equipment on board. A particular design feature is the wide side decks at 46cm for the most part, which are bordered by a solid gunwale topped with a guardrail to a height of 1m. This ensures safe movement around the deck, even in rough sea conditions. The flybridge is not large by conventional standards but can seat six ahead of the helm console. From the flybridge helm, you get a good view astern and down the starboard side. The cockpit is spacious at just under 8ft x 12ft (2.50m x 3.75m). A second helm is located in the salon from where a couple of steps take you down to an open galley. Two cabins share a single toilet compartment complete with a separate shower cubicle.
Donegal coast. In this case, giant really means giant. Michael's brother, Adrian, skipper of An Naomh Cartha is the most successful bluefin tuna charter skipper in Ireland and holds the Irish record at 440kg (968lb). Â lainn is luxurAn Shannen A ious and certainly one of the fastest passenger vessels operating in Irish coastal waters. Michael Molloy sees huge potential for short duration boat trips in Donegal Bay with the attraction of Sliabh Liag and the frequent company of dolphins and a myriad of other sea creatures. Occasionally, groups of birdwatchers charter the vessel and travel 20 miles offshore to get the opportunity to see oceanic birds. The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the BBC Blue Planet team have contracted Michael on occasions to film bluefin tuna off the Donegal coast. Michael hopes that boat stations and small marinas will soon be developed at strategic locations throughout
Co Donegal. The Marine Institute and other statutory bodies have reported on such developments. The boat station outside Mulloughmore Harbour, Co Sligo, is a good example where passengers can walk onto charter vessels at all stages of the tide.
* TOP & ABOVE: The frequent company of dolphins and other sea creatures may attract huge interest in short duration boat trips in Donegal Bay.
Bluefin tagging programme Daragh Browne, BIM, reports
Specifications
RCD: build category B; LENGTH OVERALL: 41ft 5in (12.62m); HULL LENGTH: 39ft 3in (11.98m); BEAM: 13ft 9in (4.21m); DRAUGHT: 3ft 2in (0.95m); AIR DRAUGHT: 15ft 9in (4.8m); DISPLACEMENT: 11.3 tonnes; FUEL CAPACITY: 286gal (1300lt); WATER CAPACITY: 88gal (400lt); ENGINES: twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63Ps 6cyl, 5.5lt diesels 370hp at 2800rpm; DESIGNERS: Rodman, 2001. Tel: 0034 986 811 807. www.rodman.es (website: www.rodman.es).
Audit of maritime collections IN July 2005, the Heritage Council commissioned maritime archaeologist, Darina Tully, to carry out an audit of maritime and inland waterway collections. Recent initiatives by the Maritime and Inland Waterways committees have observed huge gaps in the documentation of such collections. In this audit, the Heritage Council is primarily concerned with three-dimensional objects: sea-going and inland boats; ancillary objects associated with boat-based activities such as navigational technology and fishing. Collections of naval and merchant marine memorabilia and collections of wreck artefacts will also be considered. The audit will assist in planning for regional and national maritime collections policy and
for the conservation of different boat types. It will also inform support for existing collections and the development of others if the need arises. In November 2004, the Heritage Council held a seminar, Irish Boating Heritage Ð The Future, at which it became clear that a number of individuals, institutions and boat yards have significant maritime heritage artefacts; however, little is known as to the nature and extent of these collections. Darina Tully is currently visiting museums and heritage centres around the country to assess their contents. She is also looking at maritime objects on display in public areas such as pubs and as harbours displays. Private collections can also be included in the audit and confidentiality will be guaranteed.
The audit should be complete by the end of the year and the findings may be published, subject to the consent of each owner.
FIVE bluefin tuna have been tagged on board Tuna Charters vessel, Naomh Cartha since 2003. The professionalism and dedication of skipper Adrian Molloy has been fundamental to the success of the tagging project. Hopes are high for a productive bluefin tuna tagging campaign in 2005. This year's target is to deploy five tags, and teams begin tagging this month. Early reports are that good numbers of bluefin have arrived off the north-
west and are feeding in the waters off Co Donegal. The weather will determine the number of days spent at sea and will directly affect the number of fish tagged. Four Japanese longline vessels docked in Galway during September. These vessels have been fishing their way north from the area west of the Mediterranean Sea. Their presence in Irish ports is a yearly occurrence, indicating Ireland's proximity to the migration paths of large bluefin tuna.
* Full report in the next issue of Inshore Ireland.
Contact Darina Tully on darinat1588@eircom.net or 01 2856711 if you are aware of any collections that should be recorded.
* LEFT: Drontheim racing at Greencastle, Co Donegal, August 1951. * ABOVE: The last working drontheim on Lough Foyle, Moville, 1950s. Belonged to Charlie `the cat' McMonagle, built by McDonalds..
Pictures courtesy of Donal MacPolin
26
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
OUTSIDE IRELAND
Tanzanian fishermen benefit from Irish-funded CZM programme By Shay Fennelly
FISHERMEN in Tanga, north-east Tanzania, have seen their average fish catches increase in value from 2 (2,000 Tanzanian shillings) per 8kg to 8 (8,000 Tanzanian shillings) per 10kg per day since 1994, thanks to an innovative Irish overseas aid project of almost 7m to date. It is pioneering that the Irish Government is funding this Coastal Zone Management (CZM) programme in Africa, but it is also ironic that it discontinued funding the Bantry Bay Coastal Zone Charter in 2002.
Background
The replenishment of inshore fish stocks on a 150km stretch of coastline is attributed to the introduction of fishing regulations by the Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation and Development Programme (TCZCDP), according to Tanzanian fishery adviser Solomon Makoloweka. This programme is recognised as being one of the most successful examples of community-based natural resources management in east Africa. The programme started in 1994 when local government and coastal villagers noticed a
* Fishing off Tanga's coast.
serious decline of the reefs and coastal resources in the area due to over-exploitation of mangroves, over-fishing and destructive fishing practices, including dynamite fishing, beach seining and poison fishing. When government and community responses to these problems proved inadequate, assistance was sought from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Ireland to develop a long-term conservation and development strategy. Tanzania is one of the poorest
* Beach seining for fish.
countries in the world with a population of 36.9 million and growing. The gross national income per head in 2003 was 239; in Ireland it was 22,189. The 2005 UNDP Human Development Index ranks Tanzania 164th of 174 countries, having previously been ranked 150th (1998). Ireland is ranked eight. The Tanga region comprises three districts and the Tanga Municipality, which collectively have a population of over 380,000 people. Its Indian
Next Issue January 2006
Aquaculture Inshore fisheries Island living Marine tourism 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 . . . . . . . . . . .
Ocean coastline is richly endowed with sandy beaches, a fringe of coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass meadows and estuaries. Speaking about the project, Makoloweka, who retired in May, said he was proud of the teamwork at project and district level. ``I hope the district councils will continue to maintain their core activities of fisheries enforcement, reef monitoring and twice-yearly fish restocking. Then everybody stands to gain,'' he said. On a visit to Kigombe, a small fishing village of 3,000 people in Pangani district, village chairman Mumbi Haji said that the 350 local fishermen needed 25 horsepower outboard engines, gill nets, ring nets and shark nets to fish further off the coast in order to increase their landings. In 2005 Kilgombe fishermen caught 23 rare coelacanths Ă? a rare fossil-like fish thought to be extinct Ă? which attracted international scientific interest. The fishermen believe a coelacanth visitor centre would help to attract tourists to their village but they lack the money to develop it. When the TCZCDP programme started, four IUCN advisers worked with district authorities to help coastal fishing villages improve management of coral reefs, mangrove forests and the coastal resources on which they depended. Six collaborative fishery management plans were drawn
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.
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* A typical village scene.
up and defined according to how the fishing grounds were used. The plans describe the issues, outline an action plan and identify the roles and responsibilities of the communities and local government agencies. These include regulations on fisheries gear, penalties for infringement and specify reefs that are closed to fishing. The plans are reviewed twice yearly. Since implementation, fish catches have increased, and live coral cover has improved from 15% to 25% in 1997 to 45% to 55% in 2002. Dynamite fishing has been reduced from more than 180 blasts per month in 1995 to less than five blasts per month in 2002. The local communities have identified seven issues that need to be addressed. These include: declining fish catch, beach erosion, low agricultural production, lack of fuel wood, beach pollution, lack of economic support from financial institutions and poor government enforcement.
Implementing CZM
The objective of the final Phase 4 (April 2004 to March 2007) is to improve coastal zone resources management by district administration, resource users, and other stakeholders. It is hoped this will be achieved by integrating the core programme into government structures (village, district, regional and national level), continuing with
capacity building at all levels, and increasing local contributions to fund core programme activities. Future progress is questionable without the renewed commitment of the Tanzanian government. Although the local authorities can draft and enforce bylaws, they must be approved at national level, and penalties are often too low to act as an effective disincentive. The number of trained staff is low and there is little funding for their operating costs. The director of fisheries has not yet approved the management plans, although communities accept them as binding. A new project manager has yet to be appointed. Dynamite fishing has reemerged nationally and is again threatening the country's rich coral reef network because of weak enforcement. Much more needs to be done by the government to facilitate coastal community participation in the tourism industry based on Tanzania and Zanzibar's stunningly scenic coastline. Given the pioneering approach of the Department of Foreign Affairs to CZM, one solution to improving CZM in Ireland might be to create a link between official overseas aid projects, Government agencies and third level institutions in Ireland. This could benefit Ireland, third level research projects and Third World countries in the long term.
INSHORE IRELAND
Wicklow Port plays role in building boom
October 2005
27
SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT
Continuing the series on Irish commercial ports and shipping, Jehan Ashmore, maritime correspondent, focuses on Wicklow THE country's most easterly port, Wicklow, is a thriving and developing port, largely due to the building boom, reflecting the positive state of the economy.
Plans for a new port access road will help to further boost the fortunes of the port, which transferred its functions from the Wicklow Harbour Commissioners in 2002 to become the Wicklow Port Company. The semi-State company operates the break-bulk and dry-cargo port, situated 56km south of Dublin and which handled 180 vessels last year equating to 500,000 dwt or 350,000 in gross tonnage terms.
Thriving timber trade
The port has three commercial quays. The north and south quays border where the River Leitrim flows out to meet the sea within the harbour basin. Larger vessels up to 100 metres can be accommodated alongside the north quay. However, the principal berth is the Packet Quay where vessels of 5,000 dwt and draft of 5.6 metres maximum can berth. The flourishing timber trade is conducted mostly between
the shipping operators, Scotline of Inverness, and London-based F.T. Everard, whose ships provide liner services to meet the growing demands of the construction industry. Three to four weekly shipments comprise processed timber that is packaged and preslung for easy and efficient discharge, enabling fast-turn around times. ``No cargo is left in the port for more than 24 hours maximum. The port has excellent turn-around times, with an average cargo of 1,600 tonnes of timber handled at between 180/ 200 tonnes per hour,'' commented Capt. John Barlow, Harbour Master of the Wicklow Port Company. Constructed beams for use in churches and schools are one of a variety of products that the port handles through the stevedore and shipbroker agent R.F. Conway & Co. Ltd. ``Last year the port handled 165,000 tonnes in timber products, and this trade has increased by 15% to 20% in 2005; in fact, all our trades are increasing,'' Capt. Barlow added. ``Up to 96% of vessels come from Sweden, from where the
New port access road
IN addition to Wicklow Port Company's proposal to develop a container terminal, Wicklow Co Council proposes to build an access road which would see the existing road along the area, known locally as the `Murrough', which runs in a northsouth axis, being upgraded. The Murrough is traditionally an industrial area adjoining the port and is home to companies associated with the handling and forwarding of timber products. It is envisaged that a further landbank zoned for industrial use would be made available. The upgraded road would link the port at the southern end of the Murrough and continue northwards, with a new stretch of road continuing to link with the existing Rathnew Road (R750) north of Wicklow. This would avoid the need for port traffic to cross the only bridge over the River Leitrim that leads into the narrow streets of the town. At 1.6 kms, the Wicklow Port access road would also require two bridges at the northern end of the Murrough in order to pass over the Inter-City DublinRosslare railway line and a second bridge crossing the River Leitrim. The project is part of a joint scheme incorporating a 3km Wicklow Town Relief Road which would also link Rathnew with a new route south of the town. The overall cost of the Wicklow Port Access and Town Relief Road (WPATRR) project is estimated to cost 8 million. Infrastructural projects such as the WPATRR would directly benefit the port and town in terms of marketing and employment opportunities. The Wicklow Port Company is actively seeking more business and new markets to develop investment. The port is also home to a small fishing fleet engaged in
whelk fishing off the Codling Bank and is the base for Hunter Marine, which provides a tugtender service in addition to survey work and angling/sightseeing trips to the Arklow Wind Farm Turbine Bank.
Shipping snippets
THE impact of numerous cars using the Passage East-Ballyhack ferry service across Waterford Estuary has led to protests by disgruntled residents of the Co Waterford village of Passage East. The daily commute is causing increased congestion, in particular to the narrow streets of Passage East where calls to relocate the ferry upstream have been raised. Angered residents can no longer sustain the volumes that transit the small village and have threatened to blockade all access roads if the issue is not addressed by Government. Fine Gael councillor and local resident John Carey has called for a meeting with the local authorities and the ferry company to discuss the problem. Both the ferry company and Cllr Carey want renewed pressure applied on the Department of the Environment to keep its commitment to construct a vital access road, costing 2.5 million, and also a new ferry slipway site, to be located half a mile upstream from Passage East.
majority of timber is imported, and to a lesser extent Finland and Russia via Estonia.'' The balance of other cargoes comes from the UK, Netherlands and Germany.
Port development
According to Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures released in June, the nation's ports accounted for a 6% increase in unitised trade, albeit at the key strategic ports. Nevertheless, with ever increasing trade volumes, pressure is mounting on such ports to provide additional capacity. Interestingly, the Wicklow Port Company proposes to develop a container facility for the first time. Wicklow Port Company also plans to provide additional port capacity with the extension of the Packet Quay to support the growing timber trade and to develop unitised trade/container traffic. Estimated to cost 2 million to 3 million, the project would provide an additional berth with appropriate shorehandling facilities to handle container loads (Lo/Lo) whilst maintaining the important core timber trade. ``The port is always looking to develop new cargoes. Wicklow Port Company is actively seeking funding to build a container terminal with funding coming from the Government and also from the EU Interreg
Port conference highlights capacity issues
*
TOP: Berthed at Packet Quay, Wicklow, the MV Scot Mariner had sailed from Sweden with a cargo of packaged timber, and ammunition for the Defence Forces.
* ABOVE: Hunter Marine tug/tender Kilquade and local craft moored alongside the east pier, Wicklow Port.
Photos
#
Shipsnaps
Programme,'' commented Capt. Barlow. A recent shipment comprising packaged timber and ammunition for the army was offloaded from the M.V. Scot Mariner docked at the Packet Quay from Sweden (see top photo). The 3,300 tonnes
vessel built in 2001 is the type of ship ideally suited for the proposed terminal as it is designed to cater for both breakbulk (timber) and container cargo (the port also handles lead, plasterboard and paper products).
THE Maritime Safety Directorate of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has published its Annual Report on Port State Control Activities in Ireland for 2004. PORT State control is the enforcement of rigid control measures by Department surveyors to ensure that foreign flagged ships entering Irish waters comply with international marine treaties covering strict safety and anti-pollution standards. The number of inspections carried out during 2004 exceeded the required 25% inspection target, with over 400
foreign flagged ships inspected in Irish ports. Port State control is organised on a regional basis in Europe through the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PmoU). The EU has also introduced Directives implementing the PMoU requirements into Community legislation. In all, 1,393 deficiencies were noted on foreign flagged ships. This is a 30% decrease on 2003 when 1,990 deficiencies were found. Most deficiencies relate to navigational safety, fire fighting arrangements, life saving appliances and living and working conditions for the
crew. Twenty two detentions of foreign flagged ships occurred during 2004, representing a 38% decrease on 2003 when 35 foreign flagged ships were detained. This may reflect the success of the regional agreement, the PmoU, in reducing the number of sub-standard ships. These detentions included general cargo ships, container ships and ro-ro ships registered in Antigua, Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines and elsewhere. These ships were detained where they posed a significant threat to their crews and the coastline of Ireland.
IN mid-July, Norse Merchant Ferries launched the first of two new Italian-built ro-pax vessels, the 26,500 tonnes, Lagan Viking (pictured on right), on their Belfast-Birkenhead (Liverpool) route. She will be joined by sister-ship Mersey Viking next month to serve the daily and overnight operated service. Introduction of Mersey Viking in November will allow the remaining original Belfast route twin sister-ship, Dublin Viking, to re-unite with fleet mate Liverpool Viking on the Birkenhead-Dublin route, as both these vessels had originally
operated the Belfast route before being displaced by the new tonnage. In spite of all these vessel route changes, further developments are looming on the horizon and involve the Norfolkline (a subsidiary of Danish shipping company
Maersk) who have shown an interest in taking over Norse Merchant Ferries. If the takeover is achieved, the new deal will see Maersk becoming a leading player on the Irish Sea ferry market by complementing it with its Continental container operations.
Annual report on port State control
Double helpings due
AT the annual Irish Ports Association Conference in Waterford at the end of September, Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher addressed delegates on the critical issue of port capacity. He highlighted new initiatives being undertaken by the Department to ensure that Irish ports retained their competitiveness and posses the capacity to meet rising demand. ``With one or two possible exceptions, the internal resources of our commercial ports are not sufficient to fund largescale infrastructure projects. This represents a significant challenge as there is no doubt that additional capacity is required at our ports over the coming years,'' Minister Gallagher said. In light of these circumstances, the Department has appointed consultants Fisher Associates to advise on refining the fundamental criteria to be used to evaluate new infrastructural ports projects. Projects presented by port companies will be evaluated with a view to submitting recommendations to Government in early 2006. In addition, the scope for efficiencies of scale within existing areas of ports handling trade would also be assessed.
Lifeline
``This process is an important step in ensuring that our ports can handle the volume of trade moving through them today and into the future. As a maritime nation, ports are our lifeline and the trade that moves through them is the lifeblood of the nation. It is vital that they have infrastructure in place to provide this service to the economy,'' Minister Gallagher added. The Minister also highlighted progress to date in transferring the status of regional harbours still operating under the Harbours Act 1946 to local control. ``All the relevant local authorities have been requested to undertake an assessment and [to] report on the potential for the transfer..... ``I believe that Ireland's regional harbours have enormous untapped potential, specifically in the areas of marine leisure and waterfront development. A thriving harbour can be a boon to a town and drive the development of the entire area. I hope that by transferring the harbours to those best in a position to develop them, we can tap this potential and boost development in Ireland's coastal communities,'' the Minister concluded.
28
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
MARINE R&D/TECHNOLOGY
Sounding out Lough Hyne By Gerry Sutton
AN exquisite miniature inland sea bounded by grass and rock hillsides to the south and east and a tree lined western shore overhung to within inches of the high water line, Lough Hyne is overwhelmingly beautiful an unforgettable highlight of the remarkable West Cork landscape. With translucent waters replenished by the tide through the hidden mystery of Barlogue Creek and a narrow rockbound cataract known as `the rapids', the lough is in effect a giant rock pool, an Atlantic cul-de-sac - home to a diverse gathering of marine life quite unlike any other in Ireland or the UK. Often cited as the birth-place of marine ecology, the scientific significance of the lough first came to light in 1917 when members of the Royal Irish Academy (including Lloyd Praeger) read a report by fisheries officer Richard Southern. Southern had investigated its waters over five days whilst his ship, the infamous MV Helga, was stormbound in Barlogue Creek. Credit for realising L.Hyne's unique natural endowment to permit in-situ year-round studies of marine communities goes to Louis Renouf. Chair of Biology at UCC, the eccentric Renouf - one of the last Victorian-style naturalists - established the first laboratory in Baltimore in 1925 with the help a bequest to University funds.
rapids and thus the Cork University Biological Station came into being. Initial research under Renouf was aimed at identifying the entire assemblage of organisms found in the Lough. The painstaking and detailed experimental and analytical work that ensued over the following five decades led to the discovery and establishment of many of the fundamental principles of modern marine Research stations ecology. Much of this work was In the years that followed he established field huts near the undertaken by enthusiastic and
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
dedicated research students initially led by Renouf. He was succeeded by Prof Jack Kitching, and Dr John Ebling who together presided over the heyday of major discoveries. The antics, adventures and scientific accomplishments of this pioneering band who worked for the most while camped out during long summer expeditions beside the southern shore, is gracefully chronicled by Prof Trevor Norton in his book: Reflections On A Summer Sea. Norton had acquired the L.Hyne bug as a research assistant in the early 1960s, later becoming an eminent Prof of Ecology at Liverpool University and Director of the Port Erin marine laboratory in the of Geology (Dr Andy Wheeler) Isle of Man. and Geography (Darius BarFirst marine reserve tlett), as well as the Coastal Marine Resources Centre In 1981, the need to protect and Sutton, Jeremy Gault Lough Hyne's rich biodiversity (Gerry was formally recognised at Eur- andAsValpartCummins). of this strategy, the opean level when it was desig- physical attributes the lake nated as the first statutory and in particular theof details of marine reserve. Whilst the its underwater topography were 1980s and 1990s saw a slight recognised as being rather decline in research activity at poorly defined. With the aid of the Lough, this trend has been equipment and expert assistance reversed, largely thanks to the infectiously enthusiastic scien- provided by Shane Rooney of tific coordination provided by NUIG, a team led by the author Dr Rob McAllen, Dept of carried out the first swath Zoology, UCC. Rob has spear- bathymetric sonar survey of headed a rejuvenation of the the lough using an interferoinfrastructure and facilities at metric echo sounder in May the lough with a view to 2004. This type of swath sonar sustaining an enhanced level of international research colla- survey can reliably generate close to 100% coverage of the boration. More recently, the marine underwater terrain with a high biological mould has been bro- degree of spatial precision, in ken through combined interde- some cases allowing individual partmental research activity boulders to be resolved. Two between the UCC Departments datasets were generated concur-
Community interraction
COMMUNITY interaction at Lough Hyne has increased considerably in collaboration with the Heritage and Lough Hyne visitor centre in Skibbereen. Last September, Dr Rob McAllen gave a public lecture on marine research at the Lough - past and present. This was followed by a presentation of some of the common animals found there by Dr McAllen and two of his PhD students, Mark Jessopp and Rob Thomas. Together, these activities formed a major part of Skibbereen Heritage Week. The Lough Hyne research team is now involved in developing new projects for community interaction with the Heritage centre at Skibbereen.
rently during the survey; bathymetry (position and depth) and acoustic backscatter (relating directly to the fine texture of various materials or sediments of which the bed is composed). The submerged topographic configuration is depicted in the accompanying images in fine detail, revealing many physical features with their precise dimensions and spatial relationships for the first time.
3D visual interpretation
These images were produced from the bathymetric dataset gridded to one meter resolution, and they are presented by means of a web-based 3D visualisation system developed by Declan Dunne at the CMRC. This system is based on Java
and other internet technologies. It allows end users to take a virtual 3D underwater tour of the lough from the comfort of a desk by means of a customised downloadable interface that runs in any standard web-browser. Ideal for use in geographic information systems (GIS), the new high resolution data will now be used to generate a variety of products including contour plots, sounding plots, and shaded relief imagery as well as digital terrain models to underpin a diverse array of collaborative research projects. The acoustic backscatter dataset contains information relating to sediment type, which can be used in conjunction with bed-samples to assist in producing habitat maps.
INSHORE IRELAND
October 2005
29
MARINE R&D/TECHNOLOGY
* Fig 1: Identifies results for a selection of CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) sampling stations within the data warehouse. The measure tool displayed next to each row will display data collected down through the vertical profile associated with each sampling location.
* Fig 2: The Data Query tool. The complex functionality facilitates searches on geography, time, depth and individual parameters. Further filters on individual parameter values can be applied to focus the search further. Results can be exported to a variety of file formats and/or displayed on the map.
New `data warehouse' unlocks the secrets of the ocean
MARINE scientists will soon have a far better understanding of plankton blooms, pollution events and even global warming thanks to an award-winning information system currently being developed by the Marine Institute. The `Marine Data Warehouse', which recently won the international `Special Achievement in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)' award, is capable of storing and correlating historical marine data sets and presenting them for analysis in a range of user required formats. For example, the system can support scientists studying outbreaks of toxic `red tide' phytoplankton, by examining water temperature,
salinity, current flow and nutrient level of past cases, in order to predict future events and thereby warn shellfish farmers, fishermen and the general public. ``The greatest challenge with this project was to create a system that could integrate a wide range of different information types measured in the four dimensions of latitude, longitude, depth and time, and then produce a result which could be viewed easily as a chart or map,'' Martina Hennessy, data management team leader at the Marine Institute, explained. The project started by using salinity, temperature and depth data from the Institute's five weather buoys; archived infor-
mation from its research vessels dating back to 1996; water nutrient information and data from temperature sensors around the coast. The information was then integrated with biological data, allowing scientists to study the factors behind red tide events such as the recent Karenia mikimotoi bloom off the west coast and the movement of valuable fish stocks such as cod, herring and mackerel. ``The potential for accessing historical data in order to understand environmental events is enormous,'' Martina Hennessy commented. ``Never before have we had all this information in one place, or so readily accessible for analysis.''
The Marine Data Warehouse is one in a programme of new services developed by the Institute to meet the needs of the marine community, supported by the Information Society Fund. Others include:
data involved and internet bandwidth limitations outside the Institute, the Marine Data Warehouse is currently only available to those on the Marine Institute's network. Develop* The Harmful Algal Bloom ments are planned, however, to (HABs) monitoring service (http://www.marine.ie/habs), providing the aquaculture industry with fast access to information on seafood safety * Delivery of near real-time data from the offshore weather buoy network (http://www.marine.ie/ databuoy) and * Marine Data Online (www.marinedataonline.ie) Ð a service to browse and search
Chart revision programme for Irish waters By Martin Wakefield
IN the last issue I described how the UK Hydrographic Office produces Admiralty charts and publications covering Irish waters, and keeps them updated through Admiralty Notices to Mariners. This article will look at our chart revision programme in more detail. The three main drivers for publishing new editions of charts are to include new survey data (received from ports, development projects and the Irish National Seabed Survey) to improve the coverage in response to port developments and to re-graduate charts onto WGS84 Datum. The WGS84 conversion is needed so that positions from GPS satellite navigation receivers can be plotted without having to apply a correction. Currently, most Irish charts are
referred to the old 1930s `Ordnance Survey of Ireland Datum', which differs from WGS84 by around 55 metres. In order to avoid users having to change back and forth between datums, we plan to work progressively down the east coast and then along the south coast. Elsewhere, we will re-graduate at the same time as updating for new surveys, if time allows. What do we currently have in hand? On the east coast, a WGS84 edition of chart 633 of Malahide, Arklow, Wicklow and other places was published in September 2005. WGS84 editions of 1431 of Drogheda and Dundalk, and 1447 of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire, are in hand, with improved coverage of the approaches on both charts,
including the latest port surveys. On the south coast we are designing two charts to give improved coverage of Waterford and New Ross, while chart 2046 is being updated for the new buoyage system in the River Barrow. The WGS84 editions of the Cork area were completed in June. In the south-west we will shortly be taking up chart 2125 of Cahersiveen to include new surveys, new navigational aids, an improved plan of the river and re-graduation onto WGS84. On the west, the WGS84 charts of the Galway area were completed in August and a limited new edition of 2057, showing the new navigational aids at Westport, was also published. A new edition of 2792, showing the new Killybegs development, will be published this month.
for scientific data and informa- make the resource accessible to tion relating to Irish marine and bona fide researchers, possibly coastal waters. Because of the huge amounts of via access through the Institute
In the near future we are expecting to take up the charts of the Shannon approaches, Clew Bay and Killala Bay from recently received INSS surveys. Once the new chart for Drogheda is complete, we will take up the WGS84 new edition of coastal chart 44. Once the Dublin port chart is ready we will move on to the approach chart 1415 and then on to the remaining Irish Sea charts. As WGS84 editions of charts are published, we are preparing vector ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts) from them. On a personal note, I will be moving on from this job this month. I hope that my successor, Roger Millard, will be able to continue this column. If you have any comments or questions please call on + 44 1823 337900 or email Roger.Millard@ukho.gov.uk
website at www.marine.ie The project, which has been funded by the Information Society, was undertaken by the Institute in partnership with Fujitsu Services and ESRI Ireland, providers of GIS Services.
Coastal&Marine ResourcesCentre
A multidisciplinary research approach into physical, social & biological aspects of the coastal & marine environment
öööööööööööööööööööööööööööööööööööööööö EXPERTS IN . COASTAL PROCESSES & SEA BED MAPPING
Sediment dynamics, coastal change, seabed dynamics & seabed mapping . INTEGRATED COASTAL & MARINE AREA
MANAGEMENT
Policy & practice in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) .
MARINE MAMMAL & SEABIRD SURVEYS
Population monitoring, aerial surveys, hydroacoustics, telemetry & genetics analysis . MARINE INFORMATICS
Marine and coastal applications for GIS (e.g. oil spills, harmful algal blooms, seabed resource management & ecological applications), remote sensing, data visualisation, decision support systems & Internet Technologies.
PROVIDERS OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES (MASTERS) IN ICZM & GIS PROVIDERS OF PROFESSIONAL SHORT TRAINING COURSES SPECIALISTS IN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMENT
HTTP://CMRC.UCC.IE ACentre of Excellence within UCC's
Environmental Research Institute
Coastal & Marine Resources Centre, University College Cork, Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland. Tel: 00 353 (0) 21 4703100 Fax: 00 353 (0) 21 4703132
30
INSHORE IRELAND October 2005
MARKETING/RETAIL
Fish at the heart of a healthy diet BIM has produced a series of booklets and leaflets on the nutritional and health benefits of fish. The Nutritional Aspects of Fish book has been developed as a specialised information resource for health professionals and those with an interest in the area. The booklet is supported by the Irish Heart Foundation and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and was compiled with the assistance of consultant dietitian, Sarah Keogh, B.Sc. Hum Nut, MINDI. Nutritional Aspects of Fish covers the full range of health benefits of fish — from its nutritional contents through to its proven health benefits in areas such as heart disease, thrombosis, blood pressure, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Also covered are the benefits to the brain and particular conditions including ADHA (attention deficit hyper-
activity disorder), dyslexia, depression, and schizophrenia. To boost consumer awareness of the health benefits of fish consumption and to highlight the versatility and ease of fish preparation, BIM started a week-long media campaign last Monday (17 October). Listeners can participate in competitions broadcast on local radio and RTE 2FM’s Breakfast Show throughout the week. TV3’s Ireland AM is also featuring a competition, and BIM’s chef Ian Mannix will be wowing viewers with a selection of healthy, delicious fish dishes each morning. (Information is being distributed to over 800 GPs, hospitals and health centres, and is also available from dieticians.) The initiative is supported by members of the Irish Association of Seafood Companies and major multiples.
A few fishy facts * * *
* * * *
*
Oil rich fish is an excellent source of Omega 3 fats. Fish and shellfish are rich sources of vitamins A, B group and D. Fish is especially rich in vitamin B12, supplying 100% or more of the adult RDA in a 100g portion. Fish contains more iodine than any other food in a normal diet. Fish is a rich source of selenium. Shellfish contain almost as much iron as red meat. The brain is a fat-based organ, made mainly from omega 3 fats, the kind found in oil-rich fish. Studies show that eating fish once a week substantially decreases the risk of fatal heart attack.
Visitors to www.bim.ie/wellbeing will find a wealth of information and delicious, easy to prepare fish recipes.
N AT I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N
Choose fish for life.
All-Ireland sights on buoyant Russian market
Publications highlight health benefits of fish A series of leaflets aimed at informing consumers of the health benefits of fish have also been produced. These include leaflets on subjects such as: * * *
*
Fish for your heart. Fish for you and your baby. Love your body (aimed at 13 to 17 year olds), and Fish for Life (for the more mature adult).
The publications provide an overview
of the nutritional content of fish, reinforcing the proven benefits of fish consumption and outlining other benefits, which are currently being researched. BIM has also launched its ‘wellbeing’ website, which is a comprehensive guide to all you need to know about fish, including detailed nutritional information and easy to follow recipes. www.bim.ie/wellbeing
BIM in conjunction with six seafood companies from north and south participated at World Food Moscow last month to capitalise on strong trading opportunities that this market presents. IN 2004, seafood exports of smoked salmon, oysters and mussels bolstered the long established export of mackerel export valued at €5.5 million. Russia’s seafood market is one of the country’s fastest growing food sectors as more consumers with rising disposable income look for a range of seafood speciality products. Commenting on the show, BIM’s market development manager, Helen Brophy, said that Russia was reliant on imports. ‘‘Consumption is likely to rise in these countries with increasing incomes and a growing preference for healthy food options such as fish.’’ World Food Moscow is a leading food and drink exhibition with over 1,100 exhibitors from 55 countries showcasing to Russian retailers, distributors and caterers. The All-Ireland Pavilion housed Atlanfish Ltd and Atlantic Dawn Ltd, Co Donegal; Rooney Fish, Co Down, Bantry Bay Seafoods and Fastnet Mussels Ltd, Co Cork and the Kenmare Salmon Co Ltd, Co Kerry. Products ranged from pelagic fish (herring, mackerel) to smoked salmon and shellfish.
No matter what stage you’re at in life, healthy nutritious food is essential. By including fish in your diet you’re giving your body many of the nutrients it needs to live life to the full. Eat fish twice a week and benefit your heart, nervous system, brain, muscles and skin. For booklets outlining the nutritional benefits of fish and simple delicious recipes, contact BIM on 01 2144250 or visit: www.bim.ie/wellbeing
Fish. It’s as healthy as that.