Inshore Ireland 2.4 September 2006 by Inshore Ireland Publishing

Bimonthly

incorporating

Aquaculture Ireland

News from the coast and inland waterways

Coastal erosion

Heritage

Aquaculture news

The real threat of coastal erosion Page 9

Conserving maritime heritage Pages 13

The salmon and the louse Pages 22

September 2006 Vol 2 Issue 4

Island living . . . . . Aquaculture news Marine R&D . . . . . Seafood marketing

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16 20 32 34

18 23 33 35

Dept of Marine ‘out of touch’ says industry Gery Flynn reports from Galway

THE chairman of the government-appointed Seafood Strategy Group, which has been charged with reviewing the seafood industry and then signposting it through the next National Development Plan to 2013, has expressed dismay at the apparent depth of grassroots hostility towards the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Speaking in Galway at the fourth and final regional industry consultative meeting before reporting to government, Dr Noel Cawley described as ‘‘quite incredible and extreme’’ the criticisms the three-man group (including Ruán Ó Bric and Joey Murrin) had heard directed at ministers and department officials. ‘‘I must admit that I have never come across such criticism of any government department as this one has been subjected to. What has happened to get the seafood industry into such a state that it can’t work with government? It’s certainly no way forward if they can’t work together, and it’s also a sure sign that there is no unity of purpose,’’ he declared. These criticisms centred on a lack of empathy by Department officials to the plight of the industry, and a difficulty with arranging meetings with key Department personnel. As to why the seafood industry was at odds with the Department, Cawley, however, concluded that the sector seemed to be failing to get its

message across to the decisionmakers: ‘‘It seems to me that there’s an issue here about representation. As an industry you don’t seem to be able to make your case very well through your representatives - either to Brussels or to government here.’’ He added that this apparent lack of a unified voice was in stark contrast to what he had experienced during his time with the agri-food industry: ‘‘Certainly on the agricultural side, I can tell you there was never any such problem. You got to see the right people any time you wanted. And there would be significant unity of purpose on all the items before going to Brussels. I can assure you too that these issues were very often every bit as contentious as yours,’’ he stressed.

No response from Marine Department

Learning curve After a lifetime career in the agri-foods industry, Cawley readily acknowledged his newness to the seafood industry. But he indicated that since his appointment in June, he has been on a steep learning curve in order to understand the key problems facing the catching, aquaculture and processing sectors. Countering some of the negativity aimed at the department, he said that the Group’s dealings with government and departmental officials so far had been encouraging, and he appealed to the industry to waste no time coming forward with ideas and solutions: *

EXPLORE IRELAND’S ISLANDS * An aerial view of Dún Aengus, Inis Mór, Co Galway, looking south. Perched on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100m from the ocean, it is the most famous of the stone forts on the Aran Islands. It is one of many tourist attractions featured in the ‘Explore Ireland’s Islands’ guide, which forms part of a marketing programme co-funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Fáilte Ireland, and organised by Ireland West Tourism in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. Photo: Ireland West Tourism

MANY of the comments from the floor at this meeting were very critical of the DCMNR — especially its management of the catching sector, and the Minister’s commitment to this sector in particular was called into question. Inshore Ireland invited the Department of the Marine to address the following questions but received no reply: * In reality, has the Strategy Group been given sufficient time to produce a worthwhile report that will contain workable proposals? * What is the DCMNR response to suggestions that it is completely out of touch with those in the catching sector? * How soon will the proposals contained in the forthcoming report be acted upon?

Continued page 2

Strength in Unity for all Aquaculture Producers Join to-day - call 01-4508755 or visit our web site www.ifa.ie

Home of The Irish Salmon Growers’ Association The Irish Trout Producers’ Group & The Irish Shellfish Association

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

NEWS

Regional Advisory Councils join Second phase forces to advance cod recovery of vessel THE North Sea and North Western Waters RACs are joining forces to look at the issues that may influence cod recovery. A symposium is proposed to enable all stakeholders to discuss the current status of the fishery and what to do next. At a meeting in June, disappointment was expressed that no movement would be made on the review until next year; however, there was general agreement that further work needed to be done. The EU Commission has stated that the plan has had no effect or has had such a small effect that the objective of rebuilding the stock in five to 10 years will not be achieved. As a result, the RACs believe that the symposium should address three key questions in an interactive format followed by working groups so as to provide opportunity for participants to fully engage in the process: *

anticipated that the forum will encourage stakeholders to suggest a practical way forward on how to manage these fisheries. Hugo Anderson, chair of the North Sea RAC, outlined the need to get expert opinion on all aspects of cod biology and behaviour. ‘‘We must lay the foundation for a proper review of cod recovery, making full use of international experience and

Commission to put things right.’’ The two RACs are due to meet again in September to set a date for the meeting after which time details on the symposium will be announced. Further details from the NWWRAC at nwwrac@bim.ie or (01) 2144278 or the NSRAC at ann.bell@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or 0044 (0)1224 665 341.

Conservation and management dominate year one THE North Western Waters RAC is due to finish its first year of work in September. During the 12 months, the NWWRAC has held seven meetings, together with consultations with the EU Commission, ICES and the other RACs. Discussions have ranged from cod recovery, gear marking and pingers to scallop management and the deepwater static gear ban. Key issues on agenda for year two include: technical conservation measures; scallop management; long-term management initiatives and review of the Cod Recovery Programmes. The NWWRAC is currently working with the North Sea RAC on both the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) issue and cod recovery.

What is the current state of cod? Why is the current system not working? What can be done, and how?

It is hoped that the symposium will take a realistic look at possible causes such as, fishing, climate change, predation and pollution. Furthermore, it is *

expertise.’’ Sam Lambourne, chair NWWRAC, believes it is important that all aspects of cod recovery should be considered and debated: ‘‘We should not be adopting a narrow approach in considering how best to bring about cod recovery. We need to find out what has gone wrong with the stocks and then consider how the RACs can work with the

A joint symposium is planned for the spring of 2007, when it is hoped to share and explore experiences/ideas on stock recovery around the world, and to perhaps agree on how to better manage cod stocks in Irish waters. The next meeting of the NWWRAC will be the General Assembly in Fishmongers Hall, London, on 9 October. A meeting on scallops and their management will follow on 10 October and working group meetings are planned for early November with a meeting of the executive committee later in the month. Further details on these meetings from the NWWRAC secretariat at BIM, Crofton Rd, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland, nwwrac@bim.ie or visit our website www.nwwrac.org

decommissioning underway MARINE Minister John Browne has urged owners of 18m+ vessels to consider availing of the second round of the Decommissioning Scheme for Whitefish vessels, which aims to bring about a viable future for the seafood industry by reducing the size of Ireland’s fleet and to bring it into better balance with available fish stocks. To date, 21 white fishing vessels (3,354 GT) and nine scallop vessels (5,900 kW) have been decommissioned. This latest grant aid package of €29m aims to remove a further 7,600 GT from the polyvalent and beam trawl segments.

Key goals ‘‘One of my key goals is to ensure that the Irish seafood industry remains a viable industry and a creator of much needed jobs for our coastal communities. ‘‘With rising fuel costs and fish stocks under significant pressure, this is becoming in-

creasingly difficult. This scheme is part of the solution. It will help vessel owners remaining in the industry to earn a viable living while compensating those who wish to leave the industry,’’ remarked Minister Browne. The scheme was launched in October 2005 and provides up to €45m in total funding to remove 25% of the older, larger and more active vessels in the whitefish sector, and to remove excess capacity in the scallop fleet.

Grants Decommissioning grants will be paid in two instalments: 50% on administrative decommissioning, i.e. once the fishing licence had been surrendered and the vessel is removed from the EU fleet register and the remaining 50% when the vessel had been physically broken up. It is expected that first payments will be made to successful applicants before the end of the year.

From page 1

‘‘From my experience of government in this area, they are keen for the seafood industry to go forward. They are looking for solutions, and they will make the resources available. So within the next six to eight weeks we have to provide them with guidelines and documentation for the National Development Plan. And for this to happen we need constructive ideas from you in the industry,’’ he added. Cawley stressed that a more common approach than what currently prevailed was necessary: ‘‘In the whitefish and pelagic sectors, overheads are phenomenal and fish supply is reducing. Therefore, the profitability that had been okay up to now is about to disappear. It would appear that the industry is about to go through a crisis.’’ He warned that the Group could not provide a short-term cure - either for the industry as a whole ‘‘and certainly not for individuals. Instead, we are trying to provide a sense of direction, and to do this we are going to put you to the test, bigtime.’’

Priority issues Commenting during the plenary session, Lorcán Ó Cinnéide of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation said that two important issues had been identified by the consultative process so far: ‘‘There is a capacity issue that needs to be dealt with but cannot be taken further here. And the second issue is highly complex. ‘‘We have a whole range of forces against us. We have a fleet that varies greatly in size, capability, effectiveness and efficiency, and we have people who are in very different states of indebtedness who have very different pressures on them. And they are all being dealt with under one system.’’ He added that one of the values of the consultation pro-

The Seafood Strategy Review Group: (from left) Joey Murrin, Noel Cawley and Ruán Ó Bric.

cess was that it had ‘‘stimulated ideas and shows that there is a need for considerable debate within the industry as a whole.’’ That said, he wondered whether enough time had been allocated for a worthwhile debate to be concluded before a report went to government. Appealing directly to the Group to extend the process of consultation, he said: ‘‘I appreciate there is a time scale in terms of the FIFG [Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance] but I believe it is completely, totally and utterly impossible to achieve a meaningful and comprehensive strategy that you as chairman will be happy to sign inside the next few months. We are not going to do this again so let’s do it right and let’s not rush our fences.’’ Ó Cinnéide also took issue with the suggestion that too many representative organisations in the catching sector meant that a united voice was missing, and that therefore the message was often a garbled

one: ‘‘I accept that it might be hard sometimes to make sense of all the dissident voices. But different member-profiles in the representative organisations means that a different emphasis is sometimes put on certain issues, and it may not be quite as bad as it appears. I would safely say that we still manage to present quite a coherent voice to the department 80% of the time.’’

Unity required Joey Murrin indicated that the key to making the review work would be the way the industry representative organisations worked together. He said that hard decisions would have to be made, and he appealed for more unity among the representative organisations: ‘‘It’s going to come down to the producer organisations and the amount of agreement that they can reach among themselves on key issues. That’s going to mean time and work for you. You know the timescale involved, so when you get

agreement, come back to us with a coherent view. It’s time now that we bit the bullet.’’ Richie Flynn, IFA Aquaculture executive secretary said that the overwhelming dissatisfaction with the Department of the Marine that had surfaced at all four consultative meetings was no surprise, and added that the ‘‘chairman’s incredulity’’ was exactly how his own members reacted whenever he reported his dealings with the department: ‘‘This department must be unique in terms of the whole government sector because I don’t know anybody in the seafood industry who is happy with it,’’ Flynn declared. He called for the department to start providing ‘‘a more customer-focused service’’ and said that the Department of Agriculture was the model: ‘‘The Department of Agriculture deals with thousands more clients than the Department of Marine does, and yet they do it in a more effective and professional way because they have

Sean Molloy, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

specialists on-hand and ready when people ring up with their problems,’’ he said. ‘‘The Department of the Marine should have qualified people on-hand who can deal with queries as soon as they come in. And if they can’t deal with queries there and then, at least be able to provide a time-frame within which the problem will be addressed,’’ Flynn concluded.

Major crossroads Seán Molloy of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ business strategy unit - who spoke at all four regional meetings - said that the seafood industry was now at a major crossroads, and that everyone in it faced significant challenges and would have to make difficult decisions: ‘‘It’s clear to me that the challenge that lies ahead for the Seafood Strategy Review Group, and for you as members of the industry, is to be able, from a positive perspective, to manage the changes that are on the way. But it’s clear to me too that a co-operative and concerted approach by all stakeholders is needed in this regard.’’ Molloy added that he had been struck by the poor relationship which the industry has with its parent body, the department. ‘‘There is wrong on all sides

in this regard, and on all sides there is a need to de-commission attitudes if we are to move forward,’’ he declared. ‘‘Looking at it from the outside, one is struck by the number of bodies representing the seafood industry. I am struck too by the lack of a coherent voice — that single voice which represents a vision for the industry and represents its standpoint. ‘‘Contrasted with the agriculture industry and the way it organises itself, the difference is pretty stark. And that has implications in the way policymakers and indeed nationally you are viewed and how people respond to you,’’ he said. Ending on a positive note, Molloy said that unlike other sectors of the food industry, demand for seafood was in increasing. ‘‘The challenge for you now as an industry is to turn this demand into a positive so that you can build a profitable and sustainable industry,’’ he declared. For this to work, however, Molloy stressed that the image of the industry would have to improve: ‘‘This is an industry that could rightly have a very strong image, and there is an onus and a need for you to work at improving that image,’’ he concluded.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

NEWS

EU Court judgment to rule on State’s handling of Corrib project procedures Report by Shay Fennelly

THE article on the Corrib project in Inshore Ireland (July) outlined the independent review by Advantica consultants relating to the proposed onshore pipeline through Rossport. This review recommended that the pipeline pressure should be reduced from 345bar to 144bar, to reduce the risk to people living near the pipeline route This article now chronicles events leading up to the pending decision of the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) who is due to give his opinion in mid September on whether Ireland followed proper procedures under national law (Directive 92/43/ EEC and 85/337/EEC) relating to: a) Conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna, and b) The Environmental Impact Assessment in relation to the proposed gas pipeline crossing Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo, which is a Special Area of Conservation. The Commission received several complaints about the project including one in August 2001, which highlighted that no baseline monitoring of protected whales, and dolphins (cetaceans) in Broadhaven Bay had been undertaken. In April 2002, then Marine Minister Frank Fahey approved the Corrib development plan, and consented to construction of an export pipeline from the gas field to a proposed terminal, passing through Broadhaven Bay. He also approved the construction of a sub-sea wellhead structure in the designated area of the Continental Shelf.

Final act A month later on his last day in office, Minister Fahey issued a foreshore licence before a baseline survey on whales and dolphins was completed. Enterprise Energy Ireland/Shell subsequently commissioned UCC to carry out a 12-month baseline cetacean study from October 2001 to October 2002. Published in 2003, the study shows the waters of Broadhaven Bay to be an important area for a number of strictly protected marine mammal species and for other marine life, with sightings of 10 out of the 24 species currently recorded in Irish waters. Article 12(1) of the Habitats Directive prohibits a number of actions in relation to cetacean species, including deliberate disturbance and deterioration of breeding and resting places. Exceptions (known as derogations) are possible under Article 16 but several conditions must be fulfilled. In June 2002, An Bord Pleanála (ABP) requested Shell to provide specific information to enable it to determine Shell’s planning application for the terminal at Bellanaboy bridge. ABP subsequently informed Shell by letter that it had not demonstrated that the remote siting of an onshore processing terminal eight kilometres from the landfall was the best alternative. Shell was asked to consider alternative landfalls and postponed operations pending the outcome of ABP’s deliberations on the planning application. In August 2002, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) objected to a plan by the Corrib co-partners (Shell E&P Ireland Ltd, Statoil Exploration Limited and Marathon International Petroleum Hiber-

nia Ltd) to carry out blasting of a reef just off the gas landfall site at Glengad in Broadhaven Bay, then a candidate Special Area of Conservation.

Alternative method agreed The IWDG called on government and Shell to apply the precautionary principle to avoid causing unnecessary disturbance and possible injury to dolphins by postponing the blasting until the planning issue was resolved. Shell pulled back from blasting and committed to finding an alternative method to remove the bedrock. In April 2003, ABP refused the terminal planning application. Shell made a new application in December 2003 and was granted planning permission in October 2004. The EU Court of Justice decision will focus on whether proper procedures were carried out by the former marine minister, Frank Fahey, who was obliged to seek a derogation from the Commission before issuing the foreshore licence to EEI/Shell in May 2002 The EU Court can impose huge fines on Ireland if the Advocate General and ECJ determine that Ireland did not comply with the Habitats and EIA Directives. No evidence is apparent that any derogation procedure was followed in relation to the approval of blasting in Broadhaven Bay for pipe laying purposes. Inshore Ireland contacted the National Parks and Wildlife Service to establish if they knew whether a derogation had been obtained and was told: ‘‘From HQ here, from what I can see, no derogation licence was issued.’’

Pipeline reaches Bellanaboy.

Photo: Shay Fennelly

Department of Transport inaction exposes coastline vulnerability Report by John Reynolds, VOICE

at Rosslare Europort,’’ where a serious incident was narrowly avoided in January 2003.

VOICE Of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE) has again raised the matter of inadequate Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) coverage along the Irish coastline. With cross-party support from Labour, Fine Gael and Green Party TDs, we urge the Department of Transport to conclude its review of the matter and provide adequate vessels, thereby reducing the vulnerability of the marine and coastal environment. ‘‘We only have to be unlucky once for an environmental disaster to occur on our coastline,’’ remarked Eamon Ryan, Green Party transport spokesman. ‘‘These ETVs are vital. I cannot understand the government’s short-sighted approach and inaction when the money is available.’’ Fine Gael transport spokeswoman, Olivia Mitchell, remarked on the ‘‘compelling need for an ETV, particularly

Inadequate coverage If a serious oil spill occurs off the Irish coast, an ETV would take hours to travel from the French ports of Brest or Le Havre, or perhaps the Thames Estuary in Britain, not to mention potential compensation bills of up to €700m plus clean-up and other environmental costs. More significantly, given environment minister Dick Roche’s well-known remarks about the British Sellafield reprocessing plant, there have been more than 40 movements of registered high-level radioactive waste carriers through the Irish Sea since 2004. Adding to our compelling case, several TDs have highlighted the fact that 70% of European oil supplies pass through Irish waters, while at any one time there are 28 merchant ships and 100 trawlers in Ireland’s pollution responsi-

bility zone. The Sea Empress supertanker, which spilled off the Welsh coast in 1996, could easily have become another Prestige tanker spill of 77,000 tonnes of oil off northern Spain. A similar incident here would see tourism bookings fall as much as 50%, while posing a significant threat to fish stocks and other marine life. Despite assurances from both the UK and Irish Coastguard and the Department of Marine that the Celtic Explorer and Granuaile vessels currently provide adequate support, they do not have the capacity to tow large vessels such as ferries and oil tankers. While Ireland’s vulnerability continues, ‘‘senior management in the Department of Marine are still evaluating the situation. We have to be realistic and perhaps look at a Public Private Partnership option,’’ according to a source in the Department. Meanwhile, the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in comparison, has four ETVs on standby 24 hours-a-day, 365 days a year.

Marine Institute Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway telephone 353 91 387200 fascimili 353 91 7201 email institute.mail@marine.ie

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

NEWS

Labour Party questions BIM chair appointment

THE appointment of Ms Rose McHugh - deputy CEO and MD (corporate services) of the Cork-based SWS Group - as the new chair of BIM has been questioned by Labour’s marine spokesperson, Tommy Broughan, who says it raises a ‘‘serious potential conflict of interest’’. ‘‘The new [Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources] offices opened by the Taoiseach is located in the West Cork Technology Park in Clonakilty, which is owned by the SWS Group. I understand SWS has very significant interests in the property sector around Clonakilty and in the wider Cork area,’’ he said. Deputy Broughan added that whilst he had no doubt Ms McHugh was a ‘‘person of integrity’’, he seriously questioned the wisdom and judgment of Minister Dempsey appointing a person ‘‘who is also involved at such a senior level in a property company that stands to benefit from the transfer of departmental office and potentially from the planned decentralisation of BIM to Clonakilty.’’ Deputy Broughan has called on Minister Dempsey ‘‘to state whether or not the SWS group will be involved with the provision of offices or other facilities for BIM if the move to Clonakilty goes ahead’’. His concern is based on the

SWS Group profile

* Rose McHugh, chair, (right) with Michael Keatinge, fisheries development manager and Frances Dwyer, BIM; Martin Howley and Sean O’Donoghue, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation launching the BIM/KFO guides to pelagic species at Fish Ireland 2006. Ms McHugh is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and is an associate of the Institute of Taxation in Ireland. Prior to joining SWS, she was a director of taxation with a leading accountancy firm. She also holds an MBA and an honours law degree from UCC. She was originally appointed to the board of BIM in October 2004.

appointment last year by Minister Dempsey of Fintan Drury as chairman of RTÉ, who subsequently resigned when a potential conflict of interest became apparent concerning a company with which he was involved. ‘‘I would have thought in those circumstances that the Minister would have taken par-

ticular steps to ensure that no such potential conflict could arise in regard to other appointments,’’ he said.

Official response Responding to a question from Inshore Ireland, a statement from the marine department said that, in the first instance,

there was no BIM involvement with the interim move to Clonakilty: ‘That move is comprised purely of D/CMNR staff. Regarding the building itself, it was the Office of Public Works who procured the building for the Department. ‘Regarding the new national marine headquarters, which will

SWS Group provides a range of services to support development in key economic sectors such as business services, outsourcing, agriculture, property and natural resources. The Group’s business process outsourcing division provides data processing, management and outsourcing services to public sector clients including the Department of Agriculture and Food, and to the private sector. Its forestry division is one of the largest private forestry businesses in the country. The company’s corporate services division is a leading player in corporate finance, public private partnerships, specialist taxation and investment consultancy, whilst the energy division identifies renewable energy opportunities arising from the Kyoto Agreement. The Group was also awarded the contract to manage the Renewable Energy Information Office by Sustainable Energy Ireland. The Group’s marketing division has responsibility for marketing and managing the West Cork Business and Technology Park, and provides a national retail liaison support service to food companies nationwide. The Group also provides an environmental consultancy service and its property division is one of the largest in the Cork region. house both the Department and BIM, again this matter was dealt with by the OPW. They held an open tendering competition and have selected Michael McNamara & Company as the preferred bidder for the construction of the building. No Departmental or BIM staff were involved with any aspect of the evaluation of the tenders.’

Ms McHugh paid tribute to her predecessor, Hugh Byrne, ‘‘for his commitment and dedication to the role. I wish him well for the future,’’ she said. She added she looked forward to working with her fellow board members and the executive team ‘‘at a very important time both for BIM and the Irish seafood sector’’.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

COMMENT

MEMBERS of the marine industry’s constituent sectors - catching, aquaculture and processing - wasted no time in venting their anger and frustration to the Seafood Strategy Review Group at four wellattended regional consultative meetings in Wexford, Kerry, Donegal and Galway last July. The hard-boiled cynics and the terminally disillusioned have reacted to the Group’s appointment in a way that was as predictable as it was knee-jerk: they dismissed it as more of the same political shadow-boxing by a Minister bereft of ideas and imagination in a government that shows little empathy for the marine. In an industry already littered with consultants’ reports whose recommendations are

often left to gather dust, such negativity, while unhelpful, is understandable.

Optimism With the Seafood Strategy Review Group, however, there are reasons for optimism. Noel Cawley - as its no-nonsense chairman - comes to the marine with a fresh mind, and after a lifetime in the agri-food business he brings no baggage with him. It is clear also that while not underestimating the mammoth task asked of his Group, he seems determined to give it his best shot. This bodes well, and in combination with Joey Murrin’s knowledge of the catching sector and Ruán Ó Bric’s experience of the aquaculture/seafood processing sectors, the Group is off to a good start. The omens are

good. These men will not be government puppets, and they are unlikely to put their names to a report unless they believed government intended to take its recommendations seriously.

Disharmony What has emerged nevertheless from the four regional consultative meetings is the clear disharmony between the Department of the Marine and the industry at large. The comments from the floor confirmed that here was an industry and a government department that are increasingly and dangerously out-of-sync with each other. The Department of the Marine must overhaul its image — whether or not it is out-of-touch with these three sectors. In short, it will have to learn to

become more accessible and user-friendly.

Quick reaction needed

Comment

Optimism despite frustration vented to Seafood Strategy Review Group When the Group’s report is published, this government must be seen to react on its recommendations quickly and with a decisiveness it has rarely shown to date. Anything less will prove the nay-sayers were right all along: that this was indeed an exercise in political theatrics choreographed by a Minister and a government with an eye to the next election. If this happens, the hostility which is already bubbling barely below the surface is in danger of spilling over. The message to the politicians is clear: ignore the marine at your electoral peril! — Gery Flynn Features Editor

Letters to the editor . . . . . . . . . . Letters to the editor . . . . . . . . . .

Awareness of the effects Conserving Ireland’s of climate change Maritime Heritage DEAR Editor, YOUR readers may be interested to know that a recent survey of house buyers in Britain found that 79% of them want to buy on higher ground to avoid the predicted rise in sea levels and flash floods as a consequence of climate change. Perhaps this reflects the much higher level of public and political debate in Britain on the threat of climate change compared to here, where it is not so long since local councillors in Bray voted to build new houses on the Dargle flood plain.

Raise political temperature We have a chance to raise the political temperature a little ourselves with the government’s new public consultation on what action it should take to address climate change. It runs until the end of September and Friends of the Earth is encouraging the public to have their say and play their part. You can learn more and make your own submission to the review at our website: www.climatepledge.ie.

Unless we raise our voices the government will put off real action until it is too late and in Ireland it will be our beautiful coastal areas that will be hardest hit by increasing erosion and rising sea levels. Evidence that politicians can be made to see sense comes from the recent decision of Louth county councillors to establish the principle of ‘coastal retreat’ in the county heritage plan. — Oisin Coghlan, Director, Friends of the Earth, 9 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2

D-Day for wild Atlantic salmon DEAR Editor, D for Decision-Day has arrived for the survival of our Irish wild Atlantic salmon. There is now incontrovertible evidence that the nation’s wild salmon stocks have collapsed. Of the dismal ‘adult’ salmon returns for this season, most were under size and weighing a quarter of what a mature healthy wild salmon should. This makes it imperative that the Government acts now, to make the only decision open to it: to declare an end to all netting of wild salmon. This day of reckoning became inevitable when successive governments condoned and supported an increasing attrition rate (legal and illegal)

that could not be sustained by the vulnerable stocks, due to innovations in gear and electronic technology. Over 90% of salmon netlicence holders acknowledge the precarious situation that wild salmon are in and are prepared to negotiate an outcome to save the salmon resource and heritage for future generations on our island. These salmon net-licence holders, which include driftnets, draft-nets, snap-nets etc both at sea and inland - would relinquish their licences for a reasonable compensation package. Fishermen are ready to negotiate, and have already expressed their willingness to talk to an already recognised

broker of successful salmon conservation agreements on this island and on the international stage - the North Atlantic Salmon Fund organisation (NASF). Fishermen are adamant, however, that one stipulation must be adhered to in any negotiation: that all salmon net-licences are treated with equal value, irrespective of geographic location, type, or recent catch record. This stipulation is necessary to avoid injustices to fishermen that would arise under the obnoxious, ‘Irish solution to an Irish problem’. — Patrick Peril, Salmon driftnet representative, Coonagh, Ennis Road, Limerick

DEAR Editor, THE Heritage Council’s policy paper, Conserving Ireland’s Maritime Heritage, is a very comprehensive document covering all aspects of Irish maritime heritage - from seascapes to traditional boats and by way of climate change and the islands. The document also considers marine resources, environmental issues and cultural issues. It should go without saying that the emphasis is on sustainability and proper management. Nowhere are these more important or necessary than in the living marine resources (this includes the effects on marine resources of everything from wind farms to fisheries). On the fisheries side it outlines the current and future proposals regarding the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy, and highlights some of the negative impacts on heritage that fishing can have, such as stock depletion and damage to the seabed caused by trawling.

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Printed by the Irish Times, 10 — 16 D’Olier St, Dublin 2

Editor Gillian Mills mills@inshoreireland.com 01-2354804/087-2902045

Features editor Gery Flynn flynn@inshoreireland.com 091-844822/085-7475797

Production & imaging

Irish Farmers Journal Advertising manager Roger Cole silchester@eircom.net 01-2859111/087-2611597

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

an angling destination internationally. Indeed, the relatively new inshore recreational fishery for bluefin tuna has a worldwide reputation. Ireland is one of only a handful of places where this ultimate big-game fish can be fished for with rod and line. Although whale-watching is referred to a number of times, there are at least 110 registered charter angling boats operating around our shores. Another possible omission relates to unregulated use of destructive ‘novelty’ gear to target non-quota species. While enforcement is mentioned several times, there is no mention of how or who. Overall, this is a very good and much needed policy paper setting out excellent ideas and recommendations as to how best to conserve Ireland’s rich maritime heritage. — Johhny Woodlock and John Daly, Irish Seal Sanctuary, Garristown, Co Dublin

Next issue October 2006

Inshore Ireland is published bimonthly by the Agricultural Trust, publishers of the Irish Farmers Journal and the Irish Field, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12

What is encouraging is that the policy paper makes recommendations to protect Ireland’s maritime heritage, some of which will not be very popular with those out for short-term gain. While it states that scientific advice on the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) must be implemented, it suggests that management must balance the needs of humans and wildlife. The document supports the use of selective gear to reduce by-catch of juveniles and other by-catch, and to prevent damage to the benthos. It also recommends the elimination of discarding unwanted fish at sea; enforcement of closed areas and the introduction of closed areas and seasons to protect nursery grounds and juvenile stocks. Under the subject of Recreation and Tourism Amenities, we were surprised that recreational angling was not even mentioned - nor was it referred to under fisheries. Yet Ireland has a well-established reputation as

* * * *

Inshore Ireland keeps its readers updated on these and other Aquaculture such important matters. It’s also the most cost-effective Inshore fisheries means of communicating with the industry and represents Island living the perfect opportunity for you to get your message to this hugely influential audience. Marine Tourism Seafood processing Editor: Gillian Mills - 01 2354804 / 087 2902045 Marketing and retailing of seafood - mills@inshoreireland.com Marine engineering & technology Features: Gery Flynn - 091 844822 / 085 7475797 Support industries and ancillary services - flynn@inshoreireland.com Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Advertising: Roger Cole - 01 2859111 / 087 2611597 - silchester@eircom.net Marine and freshwater research and development 35,000 copies distributed to coastal communities

National and international legislative frameworks regulating seafood production

The issues pertaining to the commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

on an all-island basis

Don’t miss out

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

NEWS

Neglect of Ireland’s coastal areas

A Martello tower on Bere Island, West Cork.

Report by Gillian Mills THE Heritage Council has called for greater recognition and protection of Ireland’s coastlines and seas in a new policy paper, Conserving Ireland’s Maritime Heritage, which it has presented to Dick Roche TD, Minister for the Environment. It warns that unique maritime heritage features such as sand dune systems, salt marshes, Martello towers and fishing villages are under threat from poor planning decisions.

Photo: G Mills

The organisation is seeking a national backed framework to support local coastal management initiatives, such as coastal landscapes, biodiversity, offshore development, and which provides clear guidance for new development, i.e. positioning of houses, density and design. ‘‘Ireland’s maritime and coastal heritage provides a vast array of wealth - including food, tourism, amenity areas, ports, transport and protection from flooding. Greater national protection and a comprehensive management system need to be urgently put in place,’’ Beatrice Kelly, Heritage Council, emphasised.

Roaringwater Bay, West Cork The Heritage Council is advocating an integrated strategy that would promote sustainable development and place heritage at the centre. It notes the negative effect of poorly sited tourism developments such as in Clare, Donegal, Waterford and Wexford and says that coastal zone management should be on a geographic rather than an administrative basis.

Photo: G Mills

Who lives on MY SHORE? Karin Dubsky and Marie Constantin, Coastwatch, ask the question

The Future of Maritime and Inland Waterway Collections Radisson Hotel: Athlone Friday 13th October, 2006 Further to its ’Audit of Maritime Collections’ and in support of its Museum Standards Programme for Ireland the Heritage Council will host a one-day seminar addressing the following themes: *

Maritime and Inland Waterway Collections are an intrinsic part of the country’s heritage How can such collections in all their variety and number be safeguarded for the future? How can decisions be made on what to retain ? How can we move ahead to ensure a range of collections reflecting this important aspect of our heritage?

Conservators, collectors, museum curators and practitioners will address the themes. For initial expressions of interest and to obtain a full programme for the day please contact Martina Malone at mmalone@heritagecouncil.com / Tel: 056 7770777

The Heritage Council: Caring for Collections www.heritagecouncil.ie

ISSUE II of Inshore Ireland (April 05) published a doublepage feature to launch a seashore biodiversity survey coordinated by Coastwatch. The survey had awareness raising, education and information gathering functions, and will reappear in edited format for the main Coastwatch autumn survey. Thank you to the numerous volunteers who went out and reported back about their shore. Some areas of the coast were particularly well covered, such as the Rogerstown estuary where the survey was led by local Coastwatch coordinator, Frank McManus. The results from the Rogerstown estuary demonstrate the richness in bird life and biodiversity, as depicted in the map. For example, Pat and Annette O’Brien and Sheila Boyd found intertidal shallow pools full of small flatfish. Such fish nursery grounds are not surprising given that a known fish spawning area

COASTWATCH is an environmental NGO working for full public participation in environmental protection and management. Karin Dubsky is marine biologist and national coordinator and Marie Constantin is a postgraduate student in environmental sciences. is situated just offshore on this part of the Fingal coast. Nevertheless, identification of the precise location of the nursery ground shows the high value of this area, and provides information about areas that might be particularly important to protect in case of an oil pollution incident.

Fish nursery ground While birds were reported from around the estuary, the largest

numbers were seen in the entrance channel area. This channel and the northern tip of the Portrane peninsula represent a particularly rich shore containing fish nursery grounds, mussels beds, large numbers of birds and patches of the interesting plant: glasswort (Salicornia). Surveyor comments highlight that not everyone is aware of the value and sensitivity of these habitats. For example, the glasswort and mixed saltmarsh are threatened by recreational abuse, as people trample and drive over the area. A report on the survey results of the Fingal coast and other findings will be published in early September. The April survey was also a pilot for future surveys. If we can attract volunteers it will help track the riches of our shores and changes that are likely with sea level rise. So why don’t you earmark a bit of survey time this autumn to look into our diverse and amazing coastal biodiversity? *

Contact Coastwatch at Coastwatch@eircom.net.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

REPORT

Leenane by the sea Dr Martin O’Farrell reflects on the draft-net fishery of Killary Harbour. LEENANE and Killary Harbour - is there anywhere more beautiful in the world? I worked there during the 1980s on the River Erriff Research Programme, which focused on salmon and sea trout fisheries management. One of the elements of the programme involved monitoring the draft-net fishermen who operated from the north shore of Killary Harbour between the mouths of the Erriff and Bundorragha rivers. I usually left Aasleagh in the early afternoon - fortified by vittals from the Aasleagh kitchen. These usually included a couple of delicious scones baked by the late Bridgie Keane - which were intended for angling guests. The draft-net fishing crews on the north shore of the Killary were a summer tourist attraction. Local men would spend 10 months of the year tending sheep and the months of June and July chasing after salmon. On winter nights after hours of playing nines in Hamilton’s or the Rock, John Boyle, Martin Butler and myself often re-

turned to Aasleagh with half a wether - thanks to those men who looked after sheep on the hillside commonages. Parked cars and bicycles indicated the presence of a draftnet crew. My arrival would be acknowledged but would not interfere with the fishing operation. Crew members would be positioned at varying distances from the water; each member had his own section of sea to scan for moving fish. If there was seaweed in the currach, I knew a catch had been made. I would enquire about the other stations: ‘‘They had a few hauls back at the Point,’’ I might be told. After about 10 minutes of pleasantries, I would ask to examine the catch and receive permission with the warning that I better shift out of the currach fairly smartly if they needed to make a haul. With my measuring board, spring balance, knife, scale envelopes and pencil, I would get to work. After examining each fish, I would make a distinctive clip in the caudal

fin. I did not want to examine the same fish later on during the same day. While I worked in the currach I was always alert for shouts of ‘‘in-over’’ or ‘‘outback’’ — which indicated that a member of the crew had spotted swimming or jumping fish. When the shout came, I was out of the currach as the crew members shifted at alarming speed down the Killary slopes - two or three of them boarding the currach while the remaining crew member held the rope at one end of the net. The currach would speed out to the rhythm of oars on gunnels as the net was paid out by the man in the stern. When the other end of the net was returned to the shore, one of the crew usually stayed in the currach, patrolling just outside the ringed net and slapping the water surface with an oar in an attempt to discourage any captured fish from leaping out over the net. On a still day, the sound of an oar slapping water could be heard for miles around. After the haul was made, there might

Thomas (sailor) Flaherty (second left) and crew hauling their draft-net on the Point, Killary Harbour.

be a handful of salmon or a lump of sea trout or nothing at all. Either way, the net had to be gathered up and put on the stern of the currach in readiness for the next haul. For the remainder of the day and often well into the evening I would visit and often re-visit each crew at their stations Frogs, The Point, Gobeen. I might be asked: ‘‘How are they getting on back at the Point?’’ I would never give accurate statistics but would say they had a good few salmon as the man asking the question had seen them hauling and he would have a fair idea of how the hauls had gone. I got to know and like many of the draft-net fishermen of Killary Harbour. The late Paddy Coyne from Glennagevlagh was always welcoming. He once made me a willow basket and his nickname echoed his talents for mending nets and weaving baskets. The late Thomas (Sailor) Flaherty from Renvyle was profiled in a recent issue of National Geographic.

He fished until he was 80 years of age and passed away a few months before the article was published. The late Jackie Keane from Rossroe travelled with his currach and crew to Ardnacrusha power station on the River Shannon during the early 1990s. The objective was to collect ‘ranched’ adult salmon, which had passed their homing point - Parteen Hatchery - from the headrace canal. It was not the first time that Connemara men had worked on the headrace canal either — they had played their part in the construction of the scheme during the 1920s.

Regrets It was a privilege to live and work among the people of Leenane. Unfortunately, living in Dublin now, I have lost contact over the years. I regret that I never took the opportunity to thank people for their kindness while I lived among them.

Bridgie Keane and her husband Mickey were like foster parents to me, and I would never have survived the winter/spring of 1983/1984, living alone in Aasleagh Lodge with only the ‘cookaire ban’ for company, without them. I was working in Scotland when Bridgie passed away in June 2005. I was unable to attend her funeral and I can’t make up for that. The late Mickey Keane - who was both ghillie and gardener at Aasleagh Lodge until his retirement in 1985 - once showed me a photo from the 1960s of a draft-net crew beside their currach on the Killary. ‘‘That was a grand salmon,’’ Mickey observed. I took a closer look at the photo. ‘‘Mickey,’’ I said, ‘‘Where’s the salmon?’’ ‘‘Murt, aren’t we eating him,’’ he said mischievously During my work monitoring draft-net catches I often enjoyed - in the company of the Killary draft-net fishermen - fresh Atlantic salmon poached in seawater. Is there anything to beat that?

Time honoured practice is celebrated around the coast

Ballydavid, West Cork.

THE 200th anniversary of the building of the signal towers was celebrated this summer around the coast, culminating with a closing event on Bere island on 20 August. Paul O’Toole, CEO, Tourism Ireland, Noel Walsh, of the Irish Navy and local fisherman/farmer attended the ceremony; likewise fires were lit at most of the 80 other similar towers or their sites around the Irish coastline. A plaque was also unveiled to commemorate the event. The towers were built as a first line of defence warning system to defend Ireland against invading ships. Flags would be raised by the garrison at a tower that spotted invaders, and the next tower along the coast would then pass on the flag signal to the next tower and so on back to Dublin. A large crowd attended the event at Blackball Head, many from outside the area who had

heard of the event and had come along to see what was happening. A flotilla also gathered off the coast, including the Irish Navy ship LE Ciara, Castletownbere fishing trawlers Ronan Ross and Sarah David, the RNLI lifeboat ‘Annette Hutton’, the local coastguard launch, RV Celtic Explorer and a three-masted sailing ship belonging to Jack O’Donovan from Bantry. The event was the culmination of two months of intercommunity cooperation, resulting in one of the most successful events along the Irish coastline. These communities arranged and held walks, talks and events of interest for the people living within their catchments areas from Beara up the west coast to County Donegal, and from Dublin down the east coast to Beara.

The fire at Blackball Head gets underway.

Pictures by John Eagle

* (L-r): Jim O’Sullivan, officer from Irish Navy ship, Paul O’Toole, chief executive Tourism Ireland, John Murphy, Beara Tourism, and Connie Murphy, Beara Historical Society.

* The Sarah David, Castletownbere RNLI and sailing ship belonging to Jack O’Donovan of Bantry, positioned with another craft off Blackball Head for the ceremony on 20 August.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

REPORT

Coastal protection — a case of King Canute? By Richard Nairn

‘LET all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings. For there is none worthy of the name but God, whom heaven, earth and sea obey’. These are reputed to be the words of King Canute the Great, as he sat on his throne on the beach with the tide lapping around his feet. He knew that a man could not stop the advance of the sea. Apparently, the Irish Government still thinks it can. So far this year the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, has announced a total of over €5m for coastal protection around Ireland. In June 2006, marine minister John Browne TD announced that ‘‘the coastal protection programme aims to construct works that slow or even halt the process of erosion in places where the coastline is at its most vulnerable.’’ In August he added that further funding would ‘‘ensure that vital coast protection work can be undertaken and potential damage from the vagaries of our Irish winter averted’’. Coastal erosion has long been regarded as ‘an act of natural vandalism’ to be combated like an enemy or a famine. Much of the protection work carried out in the past has involved the use of relatively simple hard engineering structures such as groins, gabions, rock or concrete armouring.

Rock armoury at the Murrough, Co Wicklow reflects the wave energy along the coast where it causes further erosion.

Action required Following a series of particularly severe storms in the 1980s, the County and City Engineers Association established a National Coastal Erosion Committee, and commissioned a report in 1992 entitled, ‘‘Coastal management — a case for action’’. This study, carried out by the State science and technology agency, Eolas, found that out of a total coastline of 5,800km (in the Republic of Ireland), over 1,500km was at risk and some 490km required immediate attention. The cost estimates for remedial action were largely based

on traditional ‘hard’ structural solutions; however, for the first time, there were signs that ‘soft’ ecological techniques were being considered, perhaps for reasons of cost if nothing else. In the mid 1990s, an initiative by the late Professor Bill Carter of the University of Ulster with the Department of Marine and supported by the EU Life Programme, produced a code of practice called ECOPRO — Environmentally Friendly Coastal Protection. Essentially, this is a comprehensive handbook for coastal managers with practical techniques for dealing with particular coastal management problems and avoiding inappropriate re-

sponses. Fortunately, some alternative strategies in beach and dune management have been pioneered by the University of Ulster in collaboration with Donegal Co Council.

Essential management A recent project involving the local communities and also funded by the EU LIFE programme concerning beach-dune sites around Co Donegal, has produced some valuable results. It has prepared beach and dune management plans for seven sites from Culdaff on the Inishowen peninsula to Rossnow-

Rock armoury at Lahinch, Co Clare, has been extended along the entire dune front causing the sea to erode the beach instead.

lagh in Donegal Bay. The project found that effective management must be based on accurate scientific information such as sediment type, wave processes and knowledge on the historical trends in coastlines as derived from early maps and air photographs. In June this year, Minister Browne announced that he had also commissioned a major new strategy review to ‘‘determine future priorities in the area of coastal protection and how to best allocate resources to ensure the preservation of our coastline and achieve better value for money for taxpayers’’. This must be an appropriate

Irish Seafood Industry Conference 12 and 13 September 2006 Irish Management Institute, Sandyford, Dublin Contact BIM on 01 2144279 for details and booking form

time to assess how effective the traditional engineering approach is in the context of a rapidly rising sea level and the increase in storminess, which is widely predicted on our coasts.

RICHARD Nairn is a writer and scientist who heads the environmental consultancy NATURA. His recent book ‘Ireland’s Coastline: Exploring its nature and heritage’ is published by Collins Press www.collinspress.ie.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

REPORT

Heed the markers and watch the weather Aoife Morrissy, Waterways Ireland, urges safety on the water

The Inspectorate of Navigation vessel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a visual presence on the water.

Photo: Waterways Ireland

Navigation markers on the Shannon Erne system. Photo: Waterways Ireland

Photo: Waterways Ireland

A heron waits patiently at Clarendon Lock, Boyle River. Photo: Paul Mills

AS the navigation authority responsible for the management of over 1,000 kilometres of inland waterways in Ireland, Waterways Ireland, actively encourages and facilitates recreational use of the waterways. Numerous recreational activities take place along the waterways, such as cruising, private boating, angling, walking, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing and cycling, to name a few. With such a diverse range of activities, it is important that each user takes responsibility for his/her own safety and should be aware of and respect other waterway users. The following guidelines should be kept in mind when using the waterways: *

you should always wear a lifejacket or flotation device when on or near the water. Ensure you have the proper equipment required for whatever activity you are taking part in; that it is in good and safe working condition and that you know how to use it.

* *

Take heed of speed limits along the waterways. Reduce your wake and give a wide berth to other water users, even in open water. Adhere to all navigation signs and warnings. Do not tamper with public safety equipment, for example ring buoys. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drink and drive or drink and swim. Use a navigation chart. Make sure the weather conditions are favourable for your activity.

The Waterways Ireland Office of the Inspectorate of Navigation is responsible for enforcing the navigational byelaws, maintaining a register of vessels and carrying out inspection and monitoring of Waterwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ireland harbours and jetties, to ensure they are used and kept in a safe and responsible manner. The Inspectorate carries out regular patrols of the waterways by road and water. Any irresponsible behaviour or poor

boatmanship encountered is immediately brought to the attention of the owner of the craft. Craft speeding within speed restriction areas are similarly dealt with. The Waterways Ireland Inspectorate of Navigation is happy to advise boat users on navigational matters and to provide information on boat registration and the bye-laws. The Inspectorate of Navigation can be contacted at +353 90 6494232 (Athlone) or +44 28 66322836 (Enniskillen). Waterways Ireland would like to encourage responsible use of the waterways. A leaflet

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has been produced as an aid to boat and craft owners. The Good Boating Guide is available to download free of charge from the Safety on the Water section of the Waterways Ireland website at www.waterwaysireland.org or by calling the Marketing and Communications Division of Waterways Ireland at +44 28 66346219 (Enniskillen) or +353 71 9650787 (Carrick on Shannon). Whether you are cruising on the Shannon; water-skiing on the Erne System; angling on the Lower Bann or walking along one of the canals, enjoy yourself and come home safely!

Lower Bann.

Policy day to address maritime collections Hugh Maguire, Heritage Council explains The Heritage Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museums and Archives Committee and Marine Committee are to hold a one-day seminar on 13 October in Athlone to discuss the diversity of maritime collections and the needs of storage and display. More importantly, it will ask where we go to from here and will hopefully start the process of addressing the complexity of needs in formulating policy advice in this area. The Heritage Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museums and Archives Committee has a broad remit addressing the diversity of collections held across the length and breadth of Ireland. Collections can come in all shapes and sizes from rock memorabilia associated with Rory Gallagher to old farm machinery, school records of religious orders, medieval vestments and the old Howth tram. The Heritage Council, however, has no role in acquiring or storing collections. It does, however, try to promote collections care through its annual grants round and support for conservation professionals.

Improving storage standards To support the raising of

standards across the sector, The Heritage Council has developed a Museum Standards Programme for Ireland. Broadly defined, this programme envisages raising standards across a whole array of museum operations from basic cataloguing, to education and outreach initiatives. Complementing this development, the first of its kind in the country, the Council is anxious to explore the extent of diverse collections in Ireland. Only when such information is made available can realistic proposals be formulated for the protection and care of heritage collections. Some hard questions may have to be addressed: not everything can be kept in storage, let alone displayed. What is to be kept? What is to be displayed and, importantly, where should such displays be? In the last year, the Council has looked at two important collections areas architecture and maritime. The latter has formed the basis of an audit report by maritime researcher, Darina Tully, which is due to be published shortly and will complement the Policy day for Maritime Collections on 13 October. Further information from: Martina Malone: martina@heritagecouncil.com

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

WATER MANAGEMENT

Water planning — now’s the chance to have your say Sinead O’Brien, SWAN, explains THERE are few things that get people’s backs up more quickly than the feeling that they’ve been excluded from decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods, only to have government measures imposed on them later without having had a say. From farming and fisheries, to rural planning and waste management, many sectors have been left feeling hard done by and aggrieved by decisions made around management and protection of the country’s natural heritage and natural resources. A progressive and very different piece of legislation in the form of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) takes a whole new approach to encouraging public participation in sustainable development. It provides the ideal model and framework for avoiding this

type of disaffection and antipathy, even with some of the tough changes that are on the way for the management of our water resources. With almost a third of groundwater drinking supplies found to have faecal contamination in an Environment Protection Agency report released last week , and a further 30% of our river channels polluted, there is no doubt that serious measures are needed to address water pollution in Ireland. Nor is there any doubt that these measures will have to be tough, and where necessary, regulate and restrict the activities of certain sectors. With so many disparate uses for and interests in water, will it be possible to achieve agreement on how best to manage the country’s waterways? The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), an umbrella of 30 Irish environmental groups, believes that if this Government follows the spirit as well

as the letter of the WFD, then the scene is set for a new era of environmental management. One which sees farmers, householders, anglers, business people and environmentalists all genuinely listening to each other’s concerns and in turn having these listened to and taken on board from the outset by authorities. On 22 June last, the first formal six month public consultation phase of the WFD River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) process began when ads appeared in the classified sections of several national papers. They referred readers to a consultation document: Work Programme and Timetable for making a River Basin Management Plan, one for each of seven River Basin Districts (RBDs), each of which must have a RBMP in place by 2009. It is these management plans that will contain the robust and potentially unpopular measures

Summary timetable for implementation of the Water Framework Directive Task Transposition into national legislation First analysis of pressures and impacts on water Economic analysis of water use Establishment of a national water Monitoring Programme Preparation and publication of a work Programme and Timetable for the production of River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). Monitoring programmes operational Draft river basin management plans Programmes of measures & final River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) Water pricing reflecting cost-recovery Meet environmental objectives of first RBMP Review and update of river basin management plans and programme of measures

necessary to bring the rivers, lakes and coastal and groundwaters up to good ecological status by 2015.

Questions & answers These documents set out in a very simple, clear and concise way the ‘why, who, what, how, when and where’ of these RBMPs: what they are all about; who is entitled to comment on them; how the WFD management plans will address water quality issues and where you can get more information and submit your comments. The Timetable and Work Programme also contains an outline of the consultation

Deadline December 2003 December 2004

June 2006 December 2006 December 2008 December 2009 2010 December 2015

June may be oblivious to its existence. SWAN is e ncou ragin g authorities to do all they can now to promote and encourage the active involvement of all of civil society in the early stages of the planning process. It is only through early participation and engagement of all sectors that we can hope to achieve the WFD target of good water status and to meet our obligations under national and EU law. For further information contact Sinead O’Brien, SWAN on (01) 6425583 or sobrien@swanireland.ie

measures that the authorities plan to undertake throughout the entire RBMP process to involve the public. For anyone with an interest in water or whose activities impact on water in any way (and that’s all of us!), it is in your best interest to get a copy of this document, read it, make comments and make yourself known at this early stage to the RBD authorities. SWAN warmly welcomes this simple and easy-to-read ‘beginners’ guide’ to the WFD process, but we are concerned that anyone who did not happen to peruse the national papers on one day in

Group calls for consultation over Dublin Bay development Aim of GDBA Report by Gillian Mills

TO protect and care for the health and management of the greater coastal area of Dublin Bay through the provision of a coherent and sustainable planning policy which recognises the uniqueness of the coastal corridor and its significant contribution to the well-being of the public and the environment.

Objectives:

Poor public consultation *

INSHORE Ireland invited the Department of the Environment and Local Government to respond to the points raised in the letter to Minister Roche dated 23/06/06. No response was received.

Phone: (01) 678 2000 Lo-call: 1890 44 99 00 Fax: (01) 668 1782

en t

ological h h ge er minerals k e rin

No response from Department

website: www.gsi.ie e-mail: gsisales@gsi.ie

iris

it a

with widespread community consultation. If that doesn’t happen then the developers will have a field-day. Some new authority is required to ensure that the public have a strong input into any future plans for the bay area.’’

Beggars Bush, Haddington Road Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

ground te ua ternar y/geo

cleaner environment initiatives’. Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe said it was crucial to get balance right: ‘‘Community concerns should be put ahead of developers’ interests. That is why we need a master plan put in place

Geological Survey of Ireland nf or m m atio n manage

Coastal communities from Portrane to Greystones are objecting to the lack of consultation and public participation in development plans. ‘Decisions are often taken in a vacuum and the resultant loss of amenity, increased traffic congestion, shortage of green space and isolation are the unfortunate result of these failures in the planning process.’ The GDBA is urging Minister Roche ‘in the interest of the public and common good’ to listen to local communities so as to inform the planning process: ‘It is imperative that we get the planning of the Greater Dublin Bay Area right. This is an opportunity to bring communities and local government together in true partnership and to build on the successes to date of the Water Quality Directive, Blue Flag Beach status and

Front Row: Evelyn Cawley (GPDA); Lorna Kelly (Sandymount and Merrion Residents Association); Richard Boyd Barrett (Save Our Seafront); Back row: Joe McCabe (Clontarf Residents)...middle Linda O’Dwyer (Coastwatch) and Neil Dempsey, Portrane.

wa ter ch nic al

A framework of proper consultation with full public participation at all stages of planning and development of the coastal region. Ratification of the Aarhus Convention by Ireland Implementation of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZM). Retention of all public space in the coastal corridor for the benefit of the Greater Dublin Bay Area. Protection, restoration and enhancement of the existing environment and biodiversity, public amenity, green space and habitats from Fingal to Wicklow. Expansion of the designation of the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) to apply to the whole of the bay and Booterstown Marsh. Special planning designation which copper-fastens the coastal corridor as a high priority amenity area in which development will be restricted. Notification and access to meetings and the immediate publication in the national media of all proposals and decisions by the Dublin Regional Authority and any other public body whose functions and responsibility relate to the planning and management of the Coastal corridor. Representation of Community and Environmental Groups/Organisations on any public body dealing with the planning and development of the bay.

bedro

AN organisation representing coastal communities in the greater Dublin Bay area is calling on the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to address planning, protection and management issues for the coastal corridor. In a letter to Minister Dick Roche dated 23 June, 2006, the Greater Dublin Bay Alliance (DBGA) states that development pressure on the bay ‘is substantial’ and that much of it is ‘speculator driven with little or no relationship to the social and affordable needs of people on waiting lists’. According to the GDBA, economists recognise that development is ‘ahead of and out of proportion with the requirements for sustainable development enshrined in government policy’.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

WATER MANAGEMENT

Landslide hazard in Ireland is underestimated

THE incidence of landslide events in upland areas in Ireland has been ‘grossly underestimated’, according to a report published by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) in association with the Irish Landslides Working Group comprising a multi-disciplinary team drawn from the universities and State agencies. The report calls for landslide issues to be brought into the planning sphere, and devotes a whole chapter to planning legislation in Ireland and the steps needed to fully integrate landslide issues into the planning process. Increased public awareness of landslide hazard is also vital, it warns. Launching the report, Noel

Dempsey, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, said the report informs our understanding of events leading to the landslides at Pollatomish, Co Mayo and Derrybrien, Co Galway in 2003. ‘‘It represents a major contribution to the study of landslides on a national basis, the first of its kind for Ireland,’’ he said. Dr Peadar McArdle, director of GSI, stressed that focus must be on the expansion of the national database. ‘‘This must include a systematic survey of the country, targeted geo-technical research, the preparation of landslide susceptibility maps and the integration of landslide

issues into the planning process.’’ Landslides in Ireland notes that many parts of Ireland could be vulnerable, especially in light of increased infrastructure/urbanisation and climate change. The risk is exacerbated following drought and periods of heavy rainfall. Until recently, Ireland has been regarded as a comparatively benign environment as far as landslides are concerned; however, the events in 2003 changed this particular view by dramatically demonstrating the potential damage to property and social upheaval that can occur because of landslide activity. The report contends that in the future it is likely there

* Dr Sarah Gatley; Dr Andy Sleeman; Dr Brian McConnell and Ray Scanlon. Members of the Bedrock Programme, GSI.

will be increased landslide activity as development in Ireland increases and expands into potentially hazardous areas. It is therefore important to act now to curb the cost of future landslide hazards through better understanding and mapping of

these hazards and by improving the capability to mitigate and manage these natural disasters. The report identifies the key issues involved; the research conducted to date and includes an analysis of the engineering properties of the earth and rock

materials associated with the different types of landslides. A national database of past landslide events includes 117 events, with several hundred events now awaiting entry and perhaps thousands as yet unrecorded.

Europe’s coastline approaches environmental saturation Review due at end of year Report by Gillian Mills THE pace of development along Ireland’s coastline is sec-

ond only to Portugal, a report from the European Environmental Agency has revealed. The Changing Face of Europe’s Coastal Areas warns that rapid acceleration in the use of

coastal space, mostly driven by recreation and tourism, threatens to destroy the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. Portugal tops the table at a 34% increase in ten years, followed by Ireland (27%) and Spain (18%). Development along the Mediterranean has created the ‘Med wall’ where more than 50% of the coast is dominated by concrete.

Two thirds lost Approximately two thirds of Europe’s wetlands (mostly coastal) have been lost since the beginning of the 20th century. ‘‘We need to value them not

as playgrounds or transport lanes with unlimited building, living, recreational and shipping potential but as fragile systems that underpin landscapes and amenities at the core of many communities,’’ commented Professor Jacqueline McGlade of the EEA. Despite these concerns, Prof McGlade welcomed the ongoing implementation of integrated coastal zone management: ‘‘This provides new opportunities to tackle coastal issues in a more holistic way that views our coastlines as mosaics of rivers and their catchments, coastal zones and marine regions.’’

A review of the Recommendation of European Parliament & the Council Concerning Implementation of ICZM in Europe (2002/413/EC) is due by the end of 2006. Based on this review, the Commission has to submit an evaluation report accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for further Community action, to the European Parliament and the Council. The appropriateness of future action has been discussed by the EU ICZM expert group which last met on 1 June. All EU coastal member states are members of that group but not all have attended each meeting. The group is coordinated by the Commission (DG Environment). For the Minutes of the last ICZM meeting and further details check www.ec.europa.eu/environment/ iczm/home.htm. National responses to the review process, stock taking reports and national ICZM strategies can be viewed on www.rupprecht-consult.eu/iczm/. For current status of European/national progress towards ICZM implementation check: www.europa.eu/environment/ iczm/pdf/iczm_implementation_overview.pdf, and www.rupprecht-consult.eu/iczm/iczm_national_reporting_ireland.htm.

D-Class inshore lifeboat for Howth RNLI Ireland’s water quality continues to be of a high standard according to the

Environmental Protection Agency summary indicator report entitled Water Quality in Ireland 2005 which was released recently. " This report is the first of a new series of summary statistics to be published on the latest information regarding water quality. " The report is based on monitoring the quality of surface and groundwaters in Ireland for the period 2003 - 2005.

THE latest vessel to join the RNLI rescue fleet is the George Godfrey Benbow. According to Howth lifeboat operations manager, Rupert Jeffares, this new style IB1 D-class lifeboat displays many improvements drawn from the experience of 40 years of inshore lifeboat design and includes the latest developments in marine technology.

Faster response time ‘‘Measuring five metres in length and weighing 400kg it can reach speeds of up to 25 knots, ensuring a faster response time to casualties in a range of conditions,’’ he said. Provision of the new lifeboat, which replaces the Marguerite Joan Harris inshore lifeboat was made possible through the donation of Mrs Beatrice Townrow and is named in honour of her late father. Last year, the two Howth lifeboats rescued 84 people and launched 45 times.

The latest vessel to join the RNLI rescue fleet is the George Godfrey Benbow.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

MARITIME HERITAGE

Conserving Ireland’s maritime heritage By Beatrice Kelly, Heritage Council, on the launch of their marine policy document

COASTAL and marine heritage is of high value to Ireland as it provides a number of services: our coasts and seas are used for transport and industries such as fishing and aquaculture, tourism and recreation; and natural habitats such as mud flats, salt marshes and sand dune systems provide coastal protection and help filter polluted waters. This heritage however is under increasing pressure from human activities of inappropriate development, urban sprawl, changes in traditional activities, pollution and litter. Climate changes and changes in sea level and coastlines exacerbate this. Reduction in the quality and quantity of coastal and marine heritage impacts negatively on those communities who depend on coastal resources and may impact on the national economy in the longterm. The quality of life will be diminished if coastal and marine heritage is lost or damaged irreparably, therefore it is necessary to provide for its protection and enhancement - if only for our own long-term benefit. These concerns with recommendations are described in a policy paper, which was compiled by the Marine and Coastal Committee (20022005) of the Heritage Council, and was launched in July. During their tenure, the committee held a number of seminars, the results from which are incorporated in this document along with the outcomes of projects undertaken, i.e. the Review of Best Practice in ICZM and Bibliomara - Coastal and Marine Resource Directory. Valuable contributions were made by organisations including the Martin Ryan Institute, the Marine Institute and the Geological Survey of Ireland.

In particular the Council calls for:

RTE maritime correspondent Tom MacSweeney launching the Heritage Council policy paper with Nicholas Ó Conchubhair, chairman, Marine and Coastal Committee (left) and Michael Starrett director, Heritage Council. Photo: Shay Hurley

Looking west from Malin Head.

Gandalows used in the draftnet fishery at Clare Castle, Co Clare. Photo: Darina Tully

Heir Island lobster boat sailing in Glandore, Co Cork. Photo: Darina Tully *

Photo: Darina Tully

Lichen

Photo: Ruth Delany

Preserved or plundered: the future for Ireland’s maritime heritage

Action required The Heritage Council is calling for an integrated and strategic approach to the management of our coastal areas which places heritage at the core. This strategy should include a comprehensive review of relevant policies and measures currently in place; a management framework for environmental protection and management and a campaign to raise awareness of maritime heritage. Specific recommendations are made on aspects of heritage including seascapes; biodiversity; water quality; climate changes; offshore activities; fisheries and cultured species; underwater archaeology; built heritage; traditional boats; islands and recreation.

clear guidance and advice for new development in coastal areas * protection for coastal landscapes and the promotion of sustainable tourism * specific and identifiable budgets for managing water quality as * Protection needed for all crustaceans. part of the implePhoto: Sarah Varian mentation of the Water Framework Directive * off-shore and coastal biodiversity protection plans * a national plan for erosion and flood management to account for the likely effects from climate change * clear guideline for assessing and granting permission for offshore energy production * improved conservation plans, clear guidelines and better recording of fish stocks data, to address serious over-exploitation * improved management plans for aquaculture enterprises or fish farms so as to reduce ecological damage and to improve the visual impact on the landscape and seascape * greater awareness of Ireland’s maritime heritage, i.e. coastlines, the seas; plants; fish and animals; coastal villages; towns and cities; rich fishing traditions; customs and folklore; recreation and tourism * conservation of traditional boats for commercial and recreational purposes The Council is very grateful to Rick Boelens, committee member for collating and editing the document and to the other committee members for their input and advice: Simon Berrow, Ted Creedon, Ruth Delany, Robert Devoy, Leo Hallissey, Gillian Mills, Cillian Roden, Willie Smyth. * The policy document is being distributed to interested parties during the summer; however copies are available directly from the Heritage Council at 056 7770777. Alternatively, the document can be down loaded from their web site at www.heritagecouncil. ie *

HERITAGE preservation is all about values and choices. If we value it and want to hold on to it, we can. On the other hand, if the natural and cultural assets we inherit are not cherished, they may be traded, changed, abandoned or obliterated, writes Rick Boelens on the launch of the Heritage Council’s policy paper, ‘Conserving Ireland’s Maritime Heritage’. Ireland has an unusually broad and, some might say, idealistic concept of heritage that could be the basis of an enlightened approach to preserving our natural and man-made assets for future generations. If this sounds like a template for ‘sustainable development’, it is! In its policy paper on maritime heritage, the Heritage Council not only demonstrates the importance of the sea and our sea-faring past, it also outlines a strategy to ensure that this unique heritage can survive the intense pressures on the environment brought about by the present economic boom. The strategy is significant because it is applicable to all facets of our national heritage. Ireland’s maritime heritage natural, structural and cultural defines much of what we are: an island nation forged by, and dependent on, the sea. Maritime culture is closely linked to fishing, coastal defences, maritime transport and trade, which together have spawned a rich legacy of maritime folklore, music and literature. Structural elements include historic buildings; forts; castles; stone-built quays; wrecks and traditional boats whilst natural elements embrace land-

scapes; beaches; coastal and offshore habitats with diverse flora and fauna. Maritime heritage, both living and non-living, provides endless opportunities for research, relaxation and recreation. It is of immense value to tourism and is simply too good to lose.

Innovative planning The Council’s strategy calls for a new approach to planning and development based on a comprehensive and clearly defined framework for environmental management. The strategy would broaden the yardstick of environmental sustainability to one of ‘heritage sustainability’ — thereby ensuring that appropriate natural and cultural values are included in the assessment (e.g. EIA) process. For the strategy to work effectively, the guiding principles and goals of heritage management, as well as the values to be protected, must be explicitly stated. Not all heritage features can be preserved or warrant the same degree of protection. Structural (man-made) elements are particularly vulnerable; they are unique and cannot be replaced. Thus, with a proper inventory, we can use the framework to decide on what to preserve and the levels of protection required. This would reduce ‘ad hoc’ decision-making within the planning and development process.

Implementation or inertia? The question that now arises is whether or not our legislators and elected representatives will give the Council’s document the attention it deserves. To what extent do they

value heritage and do they share the Council’s commitment to heritage protection? Do they genuinely understand the importance of maritime heritage to the nation and will they ensure its future? Whereas heritage policies need to be developed and promoted at national level, implementation is a local government responsibility. The next National Development Strategy, to be published later this year, provides the government with the perfect opportunity to show its commitment to protecting our national heritage. Where heritage is concerned we live in dangerous times. There is no shortage of funds for investment in building by the sea, especially in areas of natural beauty where amenities for water-based recreation exist or can readily be provided. Speculators and developers are quick to spot opportunities to profit from such sites. Land use is seldom dictated by local heritage features and may be demolished by construction. It will take courage, determination and innovative governance to turn priorities in favour of heritage. We should not forget that unrestricted development is inherently unsustainable. So, the choice is ours. If Irish society fails to recognise its importance and how it can affect the lives of present and future generations, our heritage will be gradually eroded. Any one heritage feature landscape, building, habitat or traditional activity - may seem trivial but unless we act to prevent it, we face an insidious loss of maritime heritage and Ireland will be the poorer for it.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

INSHORE FISHERIES

Tagging the Irish crawfish By John Rafferty

THE Commercial Fisheries Research Group at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and the Burtonport Fishermen’s Co-op are carrying out research on the Donegal crawfish (Palinurus elephas) stocks due to concern that many

of the stocks are either collapsed or severely depleted. Crawfish are the most valuable of the larger crustacean species fetching approximately €36 per kilo. All Irish landings are exported to the continent. In some inshore areas, fishermen are very reliant on this fishery, particularly at the be-

ginning and the end of the salmon season; however, stocks are heavily overfished and landings have dropped dramatically from approximately 300 tonnes per annum in the 1970s to just 80 tonnes in 2004. Due to their high unit value, just a slight increase in stock abundance could have a huge impact on the socio-economics of the areas in which they are fished. The only management measures currently governing the crawfish fishery in Ireland is an EU Minimum Landing Size of 110mm carapace length. S.I. No. 232 of 2006 and a ban on the taking of Crawfish by means of nets in two specified areas off the Galway and Kerry coast. S.I. No. 233 of 2006.

Scientific advice

Crawfish stocks are overfished and in need of urgent remedial measures. Photos: J Rafferty

The current Marine Institute Stock Book, advises that ‘crawfish stocks are overfished and in need of urgent remedial measures. An outright ban on the use of ‘‘cray nets’’ would be more effective and greatly preferable to the current restrictions on what those nets are permitted to catch. Further opportunities to reduce fishing

Crawfish are the most valuable of the larger crustacean species fetching approximately €36 per kilo

pressures on this species should be sought in an effort to rebuild the population’. It further states: ‘Two closed areas have been established in which crawfish tangle netting is prohibited but the prohibition is not enforced and the animals have been captured in large numbers by this method in the closed area in Co Kerry.’ Trials are also underway using new pots supplied by BIM in the northwest and are being monitored by GMIT. Very little catch data or information is yet available.

Joint project The study is being carried out

by Dr Martin Robinson’s research team in GMIT and is cofunded by the Irish Government and the EU under the National Development Plan 2000 — 2006 through the Supporting Measures in the Fisheries Sector. The aim of this study is to implement a tagging programme to obtain growth and habitat information for sub-legal size crawfish, and in cooperation with BIM to implement a Fishing Activity Record (FAR) system for all vessels fishing this species in the Donegal pilot region. The data will then be used to assess the likely benefit of any measures to increase spawning

stock and subsequent recruitment to the fishery. The marine department has granted a special licence to specific vessels nominated by GMIT to land sub-legal size crawfish to Burtonport Co-op where they are kept in closed-circulation seawater systems. GMIT personnel measure, sex, and tag crawfish using coded suture tags that are not lost during moulting. They are then released back into the fishery. Sightings of these tagged crawfish should be made to Brendan Allen (091 742336) or Mary Hayes (091 742337) at GMIT giving the location, tag colour and code of the crawfish.

BIM Lobster Holding Unit in MRI Carna An Bord Iascaigh Mhara invites interested parties to view a new 1.5 tonne live shellfish holding unit hosted at MRI Carna. This project aims to promote the development of cold water re-circulation technology in Ireland. Please contact Dr. Oliver Tully for further details on tel: 091-564318 or by email at tully@bim.ie

Author John Molloy in conversation with Joey Murrin of the Seafood Strategy Review Group.

The herring and the mackerel: consigned to posterity JOHN Molloy, retired fisheries scientist with the Marine Institute, has committed his deep knowledge and experience of over 40 years to paper in two books: ‘The Herring Fisheries of Ireland (19002005)’, and ‘The Irish Mackerel Fishery and the Making of an Industry’, which chronicle the biology, research, development and assessment of these fisheries since their beginning. The herring fisheries throughout Europe have played a very significant role in the economic development of many maritime countries including Norway, Iceland,

Denmark, Netherlands, UK and Ireland. In the 17th century the Dutch and English fleets fought battles in the North Sea over the rights to fish the herring shoals, and in Ireland rural communities, particularly those along the remote west and northwest coasts, were greatly dependent on herring as food.

Staple diet Herring and potatoes were considered a staple diet, and small farmers never considered themselves adequately prepared for winter unless they had a few barrels of salted herring stored away.

John Molloy takes us on a personal journey through his scientific work on herring and talks of the real tears of frustration he shed in 1982 when he could not convince his fellow scientists that the criteria they were using to keep the Celtic Sea fishery closed were neither appropriate nor justified. The book is a page turner for anyone who has ever been connected with this fishery and is an invaluable record of the story of the Irish herring industry. It is available from the Marine Institute e-store on www.marine.ie price €25.00 plus postage and packing.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

INSHORE FISHERIES

Indicators of the health of our seas IN its policy document on the Common Fisheries Policy, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group states that cetaceans are ‘excellent indicators of the health of our seas and fish populations’ and makes recommendations to ensure that Irish waters ‘maintain abundant and healthy cetacean populations; secure the health of ecosystems and help create and maintain viable fisheries’. It notes that Ireland’s waters contain a high diversity and abundance of cetaceans (whale, dolphin and porpoise) which classifies these waters as among the most important in Europe. It stresses, however, that the fishing industry faces ‘enormous challenges due to poor fisheries management which has left many stocks severely depleted and unable to sustain fishing at a viable level’. The group stresses that depleted stocks are impacting heavily on coastal communities, resulting in job losses off and onshore, and are having ‘significant and possibly irreversible implications for coastal communities, especially those in the more remote areas of the west of Ireland.’

IWDG recommendations THE IWDG makes recommendations, which if implemented, will ‘ensure that Irish waters will maintain abundant and healthy cetacean populations; secure the health of ecosystems that support these populations and help to create and maintain viable fisheries for coastal communities’, as follows: * Increase the level of research to estimate cetacean distribution and abundance, population structure and stock identity in order to quantify the impact of fishing on cetaceans. * Increase the level of research on the diet of cetaceans to capture data on prey types and size selection, as well as on seasonal and geographical variations. Data of this kind is essential to better explore the relationship between cetaceans and their prey, and to assess the impact of fishing and competition.

* While the IWDG supports the EU Bycatch Resolution 812/2004, more research is urgently required to develop pinger reliability and effectiveness, prior to their deployment in the gill net and tangle net fleets. The monitoring requirements laid out in the Resolution should be implemented fully and without delay to determine current bycatch rates (including seasonal and geographical variation) and to identify those fisheries and areas with unsustainable rates. * That Ireland fully implements those conventions with implications for fisheries management and cetacean conservation which it has already ratified (Habitats Directive and OSPAR) and also signs up to ASCOBANS (Agreement on Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Sea) without delay. * All new fisheries and gear developments to be subjected to a full Environmental Impact Assessment before being licensed for use. * IWDG supports Marine Protected Areas or No Take Zones for fisheries management; however, they should be of a large enough spatial scale to benefit predators and facilitate the

assessment of the impact of this management tool on the ecosystem as well as on fish stocks. * A system should be established to enable effective communication between the DCMNR and DEHLG and other stakeholders regarding management of commercial fishing in Martine Protected Areas. * The Marine Stewardship Council has successfully implemented the ‘sustainable seafood’ campaign elsewhere in Europe. The Irish fishing industry and fisheries managers should be expected to achieve ‘sustainable seafood’ compliance for Irish fisheries and fish products. Customers to be provided with full information on the source of fish and the fishing methods used. * The IWDG recommends that an ecosystem approach to fisheries management be incorporated into Ocean Management Policies. The IWDG encourages the EU Fisheries Commission to review current methods of fisheries management with a view to achieving longterm sustainable fisheries. Destructive fishing practices to be reviewed and changed, adapted or halted where necessary.

Baccium undatum - the whelk, often small onshore, but can be up to 150mm offshore.

The Irish whelk fishery Oliver Tully, Inshore Fisheries Co-ordinator, BIM

Trevor Simpson fishing for mackerel using a hydraulic gurdie.

Hand-line mackerel fishery is lifeline for Dunmore East fishermen John Hickey, BIM’s southeast inshore officer reports THE Dunmore East quality hand-line mackerel scheme is now well and truly established and is recognised as a quality brand name for line-caught mackerel. The principal elements of the scheme, which was developed by BIM and the Dunmore East Fishermen’s Co-op, ensure that the mackerel are size graded, washed, and iced at sea to control temperature and allow for traceability. Today, the co-op employs a quality officer who is supported by BIM; but what has it all meant for the small boat fisherman who has had to adapt to the additional workload involved, and to buzzwords such as ‘quality’ and ‘traceability’ associated with such schemes? Paddy Power started fishing mackerel about 25 years ago but believes that it was help from BIM that drove the fishery forward, enabling fishermen initially to experiment with different types of gear such as

hand, electronic and hydraulic gurdies. Initially, funding was available for surveys and the work concentrated on developing the quality of the mackerel landed through training, implementing practices to differentiate premium mackerel, and for a chillroom for storing the catch.

Obvious benefits If fishermen were initially sceptical over the BIM quality workshops, nobody is laughing today as the results can be seen. ‘‘The benefits of line fishing in comparison to net-caught mackerel are way ahead, and it is more sustainable,’’ Paddy remarked. Minimum fuel is used by the hand-liners and the fishing is more selective. A fisherman is, in effect, sampling the fishing grounds and can move off if fish are too small in any area. Quality is enhanced by the short trip times (literally a couple of hours), giving real meaning to ‘today’s fish today’. According to another of the early pioneers, Trevor Simpson, results of the scheme have been brilliant:

‘‘Up to a few years ago I would have worked Saturdays and Sundays as well as weekdays (on one occasion I worked 37 consecutive days without a break). The philosophy then was to land as much fish as possible, as quantity took precedence over quality. This resulted in huge fluctuations in price, which could drop through the floor in the height of the season when catches were high,’’ he explained. Before the scheme started he recalls that fish were often dumped and prices were as low as 40 cents per kilo. Today, however, you fish to order, which generally does not include the weekend.

Premium prices The recognisable quality of Dunmore line-caught fish has meant that during this year’s season, the price paid to fishermen never dropped below €1 per kilo, while the average price during July and into August when landings were high was between €1.20 and €1.40 per kg. To achieve this involves extra work: grading, washing and

icing the fish and it means less fish to land as small fish (below 28cm) don’t make the premium grade. Fishing starts early, at around 04 00 a m a nd fi nis h es by 1100am with sometimes an evening trip in order to avoid the extremes of the midday sun. Local fishermen such as Trevor believe that protecting the market recognition for Dunmore quality line-caught fish is vital: ‘‘The benefits of landing fewer quality boxes rather than a larger volume of inferior product have been demonstrated,’’ he emphasised. It would be easy to give in to the temptation to land small fish into the scheme when there is a large run of small mackerel, therefore it is vital that the Dunmore Co-op maintains a strict regime to ensure proper grading etc and that traceability can differentiate the quality of their product from non scheme fish. The consensus among fishermen is that the mackerel fishery is vital to small boat fishermen in Dunmore East and without the quality scheme, their futures would be a lot more uncertain.

THE main fishery for whelk in Ireland occurs in the Irish Sea south of Howth. In 2004, 5,000 tonnes were landed into the port of Wicklow and a further 1,500 tonnes into Arklow, Dun Laoghaire and Howth combined. Approximately 700 tonnes were landed into Wexford. National landings of whelk increased from 4,474 tonnes in 2000 to 8,752 tonnes in 2003. The total annual value has varied between €5-6m since 2001. A new fishery, landing 240 tonnes, developed off Malin Head in 2003. In 2003, BIM carried out surveys in the north Irish Sea; north west Donegal; east of Malin Head; Donegal Bay; Blacksod Bay; Galway Bay; Bantry Bay and off the south coast, with funding from the Supporting Measures in the Fisheries Sector Programme. The only commercial quantities of whelk discovered in these surveys were east of Malin Head and in inner Galway Bay. A small spring fishery in inner Galway Bay developed subsequent to the survey.

Eastern delights The market for whelk is mainly in the Far East and Korea in particular. All whelk landed by the Irish fleet are processed in Ireland —

mainly in Donegal and Wexford. Whelk are fished with pots that are baited usually with crab; this practice, however, may compromise the yield of crab and generally has a negative impact on crab stocks and their fisheries. Whelk are vulnerable to over fishing and to local depletion of stocks partly because the reproductive rate is quite low and there is no dispersal phase in the life cycle to replenish areas that are over fished. There are additional issues, however, in the Irish fishery. Allegations have been made regarding compliance with the minimum landing size and recent work has shown that the legal minimum size may be inadequate to protect spawning stock in the Irish Sea. The size at which 50% of whelk are mature is approximately 80-90mm at ages 7-8 compared to the minimum legal landing size of 45mm. New initiatives to develop a sustainable whelk fishery in Ireland have recently been put in place. A co-operative Local Advisory C o m m i t t e e , c o m p ri s i n g members of industry, BIM and the Marine Institute has been constituted as part of the national Shellfish Management Framework. This group is currently discussing the licensing of whelk fishing, co-operative monitoring and research programmes on whelk and options for the management of the stocks.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

ISLAND LIVING

COMPILED BY GILLIAN MILLS

Exploring Ireland’s islands Report by Gillian Mills A three-year marketing campaign has been launched to promote tourism to Ireland’s islands in a first-ever ‘single tourism product by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland on the home and overseas markets. The aim of ‘Ireland’s Islands’ is to create awareness and appreciation, and to stimulate holiday business, particularly to islands that support a tourist economy. Key elements of the campaign include: * A new identity to capture and project the spirit of the islands, and to connect the various strands of the marketing strategy. * A new website to form part of the new ‘family’ of Fáilte Ireland product websites. * Revised visitor guides that encourage exploration and provide advice for visitors on access, best times to visit, and * A fact file on each island, covering history, landscape, places of interest, etc. ‘‘People love islands,’’ remarked Éamon Ó Cuı́v TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs launching the campaign. ‘‘As a country, we are blessed with some of the most interesting small islands in the world in terms of beauty, archaeology, scenery, culture and activity. Truly, our islands are a jewel in the crown of Irish tourism,

* Celebrating Mass and below, looking across the bay to Hungry Hill on the mainland.

Desie O’Halloran, Inishbofin, Minister Ó Cuı́v and Maura Derrane.

giving both the Irish and the foreign visitor alike a unique insight into the culture and heritage of our nation.’’ John Concannon, regional director of Fáilte Ireland (and former CEO of Ireland West Tourism) said the programme would create a strong stimulus for tourism to the islands: ‘‘The brochure and web-site highlight the unique and fascinating beauty of the islands as well as the wide range of

activities available to the visitor. ‘‘The project has come together as a result of a strong partnership between all agencies who promote the islands, and it is set to have a strong impact on tourism in these island communities over the coming years,’’ Simon Murray, chair of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, (Irish Islands Federation) said that tourism was an important part of the economies of

the islands — not just in the high season but also throughout the year. ‘‘We welcome in particular the fact that Fáilte Ireland and the Islands Division of Minister Ó Cuı́v’s Department have worked in partnership with ourselves, Ireland West Tourism and Údarás na Gaeltachta in developing this campaign. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our beautiful islands in the months and years ahead.’’

Islands participating in campaign Co Donegal: Toraigh, Inis Bó Finne, Oileán an Bhráighe, Gabhla, Árainn Mhór, Inish Fraoigh, Inch, * Co Sligo: Inishmurray, * Co Mayo: Inis Gé, Inis Bigil, Achill, Clare, Inisturk, * Co Galway: The Aran Islands (Árainn, Meáin, Oı́rr,) Inisbofin, Inis an Ghaill (inshore), * Co Clare: Scattery and Holy (inshore), * Co Kerry: Beginish, Na Blascaodaı́, Valentia, Na Scealga, Innisfallen (inshore), * Co Cork: Dursey, Bere, Cléire, Sherkin, Whiddy, Long, Heir Garinish, * Co Dublin: Ireland’s Eye, * Co Antrim: Rathlin, * Co Fermanagh: White (inshore), On many islands the Irish language thrives; traditional music, singing, dancing and crafts are flourishing; the pace of *

life is relaxed and the sense of community is strong. The new visitor campaign invites tourists to walk, dive, surf or kayak the islands; take in a festival; visit the pubs and stay in cosy accommodation where they will meet the resilient and independent people that make these islands their home. The campaign’s budget of €350,000 over three years will be invested in advertising and promotional activities to raise the profile of the islands and to highlight the many diverse activities available, encouraging visits and stays on the island, particularly beyond the main season. The initiative is being funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Ireland West Tourism, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann.

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Annual Mass at Holy Year Cross, Bere Island ON a bright and sunny August bank holiday Monday, over 100 people made the trek to the highest point on Bere Island in West Cork to celebrate an annual Mass at the Holy Year Cross. The Holy Year Cross is located on Cnoc an Eallaigh, and was erected in 1950 to commemorate the Holy Year. It cost £300 to build, from funds raised by islanders at home and abroad, and is now one of the most prominent landmarks on the Beara Peninsula. It is illuminated and at night it shines across the whole island and Berehaven Harbour. Due to be held on the Sunday, rain and heavy mist over the hill meant that the event had to be cancelled. Monday dawned bright and clear with not a cloud in the sky, allowing those who made the walk to enjoy the spectacular views from the summit whilst looking down to Whiddy Island at the

opposite end of Bantry Bay. The first Mass was due to be held in 1950 but then also bad weather played its part and the Mass was delayed until the following year. This year’s Mass was concelebrated by local man Father Joe Harrington and Father Sean O’Shea from Castletownbere, who for many years was the island’s resident priest. The Bere Island Choir provided the musical accompaniment to the service. F ol l o wi n g t h e Ma ss , prayers in Irish were said at the nearby St Michael’s Well. Local tradition has it that a sailor who went blind at sea had a dream that his sight would be restored when his ship next reached land. On arriving in Berehaven Harbour, he described the place he had dreamt of, and locals led him to the well on Bere Island where his sight was restored after washing his eyes in the well.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

ISLAND LIVING

Island life for our youth By Eoghan Póil Inis Oı́rr, Aran Islands

Report by Gillian Mills

A group of 19 young people aged between 18 to 25 from Ireland, France, Finland, Sweden and Denmark visited the Island of Vano in south-west Finland last June to take part in a seminar on island life for young people. The group was made up of young people living on an island with a population of only 17, to others from an island with over 20,000 people. Every aspect of their lives was discussed in a lively debate, which was marked by contrasting differences and similarities. The answers were deemed very important in terms of the future of European islands and islanders’ way of life.

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Andrew Haughey from Dublin, who spends his summers in Baltimore, spent a day exploring the Sherkin Island Marine Station and was enthralled by what he saw and the tales of the seashore that Matt Murphy told him. The station has now produced a DVD featuring marine life, plants and birds and includes interactive educational material for children of all ages. Andrew has watched the DVD, ‘On the Water’s Edge’ and thinks it is ‘‘excellent, really, really good. What I liked most about it was that I have been to Sherkin and I could relate to many of the

Topics of discussion Main topics of discussion included: * Housing. * Links with the mainland. * Access. * Youth participation. * Links with other islands. * Employment. * Efficient internet access. Not all of the islands have exactly the same problems and some have found solutions to their particular problems. Examples of problem solving were presented to show that it was possible to arrive at a resolution. Arising from the seminar, it was recommended that greater

Exploring the seashore places shown. ‘‘The DVD is very informative,’’ he added. ‘‘I learned things that I didn’t know, e.g. that a starfish grows back its legs and that a rock pool fish uses camouflage. I loved the way that it explored more than rock pools. I liked the way it went in to plants on the seashore and birds.’’ So what was his favour bit? ‘‘This was when Audrey Murphy the presenter went diving. I was actually quite jealous of the footage because when I went diving in Baltimore. I didn’t see half the stuff she videoed! ‘‘Marks out of 10? It has to be 20!’’ he said. To purchase the DVD contact the Sherkin Island Mari n e S t a t i o n : sherkinmarine@eircom.net; www.sherkinmarine.ie

Irish participants back row from left: Eoghan Póil, Inis Oı́rr; Donal Moran, Clare Island and David Rodgers, Tory. Front row third from left: Marian O’Malley, Clare Island, and front row right: Anthony John Doherty, Island Roy.

links between young islanders throughout Europe should be developed but that this should happen at a national level first. In order words, that young people on Irish islands should generate better links between themselves first and then look

to establishing better links with other European islands. These links would grow out of sporting, cultural, musical and social activities and events in which all the islands would participate. A section of the ESIN web-

site is dedicated to the youth discussion forum at www.europeansmallislands.net and a newsletter produced during the event is also available on the website. Unity is strength. Praise the young and they will flourish!

Dead Man’s Fingers Alcycnium Digitotun (Meara Mara)

Inter Island Exchange Project Final Conference What Future for the Small Islands in Europe? 21-22 November 2006 Bowmore, Isle of Islay, Scotland Tuesday 21st November

Wednesday 22nd November

0900 Registration and Coffee 0930 Welcome and Introduction from the Chair Lesley Riddoch, Broadcaster

0930 Welcome Chair, Lesley Riddoch

The Challenges facing Small Islands in Europe 0940 The Challenges Small Islands are Facing Bengt Almkvist, Chair, European Small Islands Network 0950 IIEP - Project Overview Lead Partner - Irish Islands Federation 1020 An Islander’s Perspective Participant in the IIEP Project 1040 Questions 1100 Coffee 1130 Keynote Speech Small Islands In Europe of the Future 1200 Question and Answer Session 1230 Lunch 1400 Theme 1 - Island identity, culture and language, sense of place and community 1420 Theme 2 - Devising an ecologically sustainable model for island development 1440 Theme 3 - Provision of essential public services and facilities on small islands 1500 Coffee

0940 Feedback from Workshop Sessions Workshop Rapporteurs Europe’s Role in Assisting Small Islands 1000 Future Opportunities for Island Co-operation under Objective 3 2007-13 European Commission DG Regio 1020 The European Parliament and Islands 1040 The Committee of the Regions and Islands CoR Member 1100 Questions and Discussion 1130 Coffee 1200 National Governments and Small Islands Sweden/Denmark/Ireland 1300 Lunch The Future for Small Islands In Europe 1430 A Vision of European Islands in 2013 Island Representative 1440 Panel Discussion MEPS from 6 countries (if possible) plus others

1530 Workshop Sessions on key themes

1540 Moving Forward ESIN

1930 Gala Dinner

1600 Close

For enquiries please contact: Máire Uı́ Mhaoláin, Manager ESIN IIEP, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. Tel 099 75096 or maire@oileain.ie for a full schedule and agenda and details of how to participate in the event.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

ISLAND LIVING

New arrival for Rathlin THE people of Rathlin gathered to meet their newest resident, baby Sórin McMullan, born 13 July to delighted parents, Peter Gerard and Julie Ann. A birth on any island is important as children are the future of the island. This is the second baby born here this year; Johnathan and Ann Mitchell welcomed Zach into the world last May but before then it was 14 years since the last arrivals. The islanders are hopeful that the birth of Sórin will herald new births on the island as the population has been falling in numbers.

Farewell On 15 August, the island bid

What future for the small islands in Europe?

A birth on any island is important. Children are the future of the island.

farewell to Fr Kevin McGuicken after seven years as Curate for Ballycastle and especially Rathlin. Islanders wish Fr Ke-

About Rathlin RATHLIN was first inhabited in 6000 BC. It is said that Robert the Bruce found courage here; Richard Branson landed here and Marconi transmitted the first commercial radio signals from here. The island lies 12km off Ballycastle in Co Antrim. It is 6km long on one side, 5km on the other and no more than 1.5km wide at any point. Rathlin is surrounded by towering limestone and basalt cliffs and is home to the largest seabird colony of guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and puffins in Northern Ireland. The waters support a large seal colony and the abundance of shipwrecks makes them ideal for wreck diving.

vin every success in his new post in Belfast, and presented him with a Waterford Crystal bowl and a collection.

Writers’ Weekend 10 September HOSTED by Ballycastle Writers, artists include Cathal Ó Searcaigh; Conal Creedon; Teresa Godfrey; Kate Newman; Christie Hennessy and Damian Gorman. Workshops include stage, song, poetry, screen and short story. The weekend will also feature: * * * *

Book launch Play by Rathlin Drama Group Ceilı́, Readings concert

Further information from: Heather Newcome: heather@stonestudio.fsnet.co.uk

MÁIRE Uı́ Mhaoláin, CoE, outlines the forthcoming conference. The future of small European islands with a population of between 10 and approximately 1,000 will be discussed at a conference to be held on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, 21-26 November next. The conference is a culmination of work carried out by the ESIN Inter-Island Exchange Project of which the lead partner is Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. The two-day event will focus on sustainable development on small islands in EU member states, and is aimed at senior policy-makers from the EU; national, regional and local governments as well as island organisations. The aims of the conference include: *

Development of stronger contacts among decision-makers and island organisations. Improved access to information on sustainable approaches and solutions to the most pressing development problems facing small islands. Greater co-operation between island regions. Identification at national and EU level of specific policy measures to support sustainable development, and Better understanding at EU level of the challenges facing micro-communities on small islands.

Day 1 draft programme *

Welcome and introduction from the chair, Lesley Riddoch - a well known Scottish broadcaster. Indepth analysis of the challenges facing small islands in Europe. Keynote speeches by Ministers from the participating countries.

The afternoon will concentrate on more indepth analysis under the headings: *

Theme 1- Island identity, culture and language, sense of place and community. Theme 2 - Devising an ecologically sustainable model for island development. Theme 3 - Provision of essential public services and facilities on small islands.

These will be followed by workshop sessions to discuss the optimum ways to utilise the results of the best practice examples compiled under each theme.

Day 2 draft programme THE focus will be on Europe’s role in assisting small islands with special emphasis on opportunities for island cooperation under the Objective 3 2007—2013. The morning session will include input from the European Commission’s DG Regio; MEPs from the Islands Intergroup and the Committee of the Regions and Islands. The role of national governments will also be examined in the case of Sweden, Denmark and Ireland. The afternoon will begin with a presentation: ‘A Vision for European Small Islands in 2013’, to be presented by a leading island representative and will finish with a panel discussion. The conference will conclude with practical proposals by ESIN on the way forward. To receive a conference brochure and for more details contact Máire Uı́ Mhaoláin at 099 75096 or email maire@oileain.ie

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

REPORT

The malady of Ireland’s decision-making process Report by Pat Swords

Why are we ‘indifferent’ to professional advice?

NEW challenges face us in the 21st century. The global population continues to grow; we need a more equitable society and we need to reduce the environmental impact of our lifestyles. To achieve these aims we must continue to embrace change and to develop new solutions using the benefits of both old and new technologies. This requires decisions to be made and, too often, we make wrong rather than right decisions about our future direction. We have reached a situation in Ireland where we are unwilling to accept the advice and guidance of those professionally qualified to comment. For instance:

In the first place we are highly opinionated and unwilling to recognise that we live in an increasingly complex world where we cannot be experts in everything. Furthermore, our main source of information, the media, is increasingly driven to sensationalism. The reality is that few journalists would master honours science, yet many write with an air of authority on such complex subjects. Accurate information has never been so publicly available but it is rarely consulted. Instead, people hold strong opinions on why a development should not be built in a given manner without checking the basis on which the decision was made. Decision-making is ultimately about compromise and many factors have to be weighed up — not just the one on which an individual happens to hold strong views. We are also renowned for our attachment to the land. We now have a total obsession with property, such that environmental campaigns are frequently a smoke screen for maximising property values. We also worship at the altar of the underdog. These days, decision-making is transparent yet we love to consider Goliath,

Did any pilots express reservations about flying because of Y2K? Where is the established medical evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism? Could Hans Blix’s team of weapon inspectors find any WMDs in Iraq? The LUAS team stated that the trams would not cause traffic jams at the Red Cow Roundabout, yet the then Minister for Transport said it was necessary to consider putting the line on stilts over the roundabout!

e.g. multinationals, as evil and David, the small protester, as righteous — even when the facts are completely opposite. Take, for example, the Rossport Five, who have made serious allegations about the safety of the proposed Corrib pipeline, none of which has been substantiated. Neither has a single practising engineer in Ireland supported their stance. Faced with complex issues, such as safety of a gas pipeline, we are increasingly making decisions based on an emotional reaction, such as the campaigners going to jail rather than the technical parameters determining its safety.

Nuclear or not? But it is the issue of nuclear power that I believe exposes the extent of stupidity and irrational decision-making now present in Ireland. Globally, over 15% of electricity is nuclear and in the case of France 78%. Here our percapita emissions of greenhouse gases are double the EU average. Each year, each of us discharges a further 18 tonnes into the atmosphere. Furthermore, large combustion plants built in the 1970s dump tonnes of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxides on the UK, such that we now must spend €360m upgrading Moneypoint and

phasing out the others. Neither do we hold back on criticising other countries that have far lower greenhouse gas emissions but which generate a very small volume of high-level radioactive waste that can be safely stored in stable underground depositories with no impact on the planet. Then there is the pollution of the Irish Sea from Sellafield. Shockingly, this only amounts to a dose of 1.2 mSv per year in comparison to our annual radiation dose of 3,620 mSv. We also make statements about the high cost of electricity from nuclear plants whilst blatantly ignoring the fact that it is now the cheapest form of generation. Industry in Ireland now pays almost twice that of France. More claims are made that nuclear energy is not required as Ireland has a high potential for renewable energy; however, we require an electricity system that provides us with power when we need it, wherever we need it, at a fairly reasonable cost and at a near total reliability. Yes, Ireland has excellent wind resources, but turbine output is highly variable, only producing about 30%

of rated capacity. To compensate, we have to run combustion plants on variable loads such that while the wind is blowing we have carbon neutral power but in the other periods we have inefficient generation with higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Insufficient supply Renewable energy can contribute to our energy mix, but an electricity grid cannot run on it. Faced with this knowledge, the Finnish parliament agreed to construct additional nuclear capacity. Yet, we are running away from our Kyoto obligations by buying credits abroad rather than making reductions at home. So why is the mood in Ireland so against this successful technology? Unfortunately, there is a high level of ignorance because of years of sensationalistic media coverage. Most people consider that a modern nuclear power station can blow up like a nuclear bomb or have a major accident such as Chernobyl. This is totally false. Personally, I spent seven months in the Ukraine and

found it shocking to read the coverage in the Irish media. Then there was the outcry here over the UN Chernobyl Forum report which pointed out that the death toll was less than 50. The scientists had lied; there was a conspiracy by big government and the nuclear industry, i.e. we were unwilling to accept the hard facts as opposed to the sensationalist viewpoint to which we had become accustomed! In the next few years we will be required to make difficult major decisions; unfortunately, the evidence to date is that we will make bad ones. PAT Swords is a practising chemical engineer and environmental, health and safety consultant. He has over 20 years experience in the design of industrial facilities in Ireland and abroad, and, in the last seven years, has worked on EU technical assistance projects in Eastern Europe relating to industrial safety and environmental pollution control.

Eastern Regional Fisheries Board Bord Iascaigh Réigiúnach an Oirthir

Funding for remedial work at regional harbours SIX harbours in counties Sligo, Louth, Mayo and Kerry have been awarded €3.5m for remedial works. ‘‘I am pleased to announce €1.5m for works at Sligo Harbour and €550,000 for works at Annagassan Harbour in Co Louth. Two Mayo harbours at Westport and River Moy have been allocated €500,000 each. Tralee and Fenit Harbour have also been allocated €500,000,’’ commented Pat the cope Gallagher, Minister of State Department of Transport said. The

Government’s Ports Policy Statement launched last year indicated that the continued operation of 13 regional harbours under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 was unsustainable on the grounds of good governance. It adds that most harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local control. ‘‘The transfer of these harbours will pave the way for their potential, including amenity and leisure value, to be

fully realised,’’ Minister Gallagher added. For two years the Department has been funding essential works at regional harbours to protect their fabric, pending their transfer to local control. Last June, Sligo Harbour transferred to Sligo Co Council. Minister Gallagher confirmed he expected to proceed with the transfers of Annagassan, Westport and River Moy Harbours, ‘‘in the coming months’’.

THE EASTERN REGIONAL FISHERIES BOARD... PROMOTING CATCH AND RELEASE

Funds released for coastal protection and small harbour works MARINE minister John Browne TD has announced funding of almost €3m for coastal protection and development work at nine small harbours from Cork to Donegal. Local authorities will provide additional funding of almost €1m, bringing the total investment to €3.7m. ‘‘I am providing over €1.4m for urgent coastal protection works around our coastline. Erosion, as a natural phenomenon, is a constantly evolving threat to our coastline and as summer draws to a

close and winter approaches, I believe this funding will ensure that vital coast protection works can be undertaken and potential damage from the vagaries of our Irish winter averted,’’ said Minister Browne. ‘‘Small harbours provide much needed facilities for inshore fishing vessels, recreational water users and can often be a significant commercial centre for towns. The funding I am providing here today accompanied by the €7.9m funding I an-

nounced in June is a tangible demonstration of this government’s commitment to the ongoing development of our coastal communities,’’ he continued. These projects are funded by the Department under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Projects funded under the Small Fishery Harbour Programme will qualify for cofunding by the EU under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Local authorities provide 25% of the total investment.

For a FREE leaflet on the correct catch and release methods, please e-mail info@erfb.ie Log on to www.fishingireland.net for information on the best fishing in Ireland’s Eastern Region

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

Concept to maintain ecosystem status quo John Coleman, La Tene Maps, explains CARRYING Capacity may be defined as the ability to maintain animal and plant life within a discrete area in such a way that the ecosystem remains in equilibrium. Applied to aquaculture it is about the ability of a particular area to support shellfish or finfish production, or both together, in a sustainable way. Carrying capacity studies aim to provide the tools that will enable us to predict sustainable production. They may help us to answer the following ‘what ifs’: * Where is the best site for a shellfish/finfish farm? * What, if any, un-exploited sites exist in an area? * How might a neighboring farm be affected by the estab-

lishment of a new one? Can the movements of an algal bloom or accidental spillages in an area be predicted with accuracy? Such questions may be answered fully or in part by querying integrated models of the specific area in question. Such models are usually produced over time from bathymetric, biological, and physiological information from both existing and historical data. Any model is however only as good as the data that went into it and as bays and sea inlets are often vast areas, the size of the sample unit is vital. Is it 100 sq m or 1 sq km, or even bigger? The smaller the sampling unit the better the results are likely to be. Nevertheless, as the number of sampling units in-

* Clew Bay, one of three bays involved in the EU Keyzones Project to investigate the sustainable biological carrying capacity of key European coastal states. The other two are Loch Creran in Scotland and Oosterschelde, Netherlands. Map: BIM Clew Bay CLAMS Group.

creases, so too will the amount of data that has to be processed and, of course, the cost. The big question therefore is: do we want a ‘super model’ that will require an equally ‘super computer’ to process all the data, or

would we be satisfied with something more manageable that will run on the average desktop computer? These are some of the limitations to be considered, and therefore, there is a fine balance

to be achieved while trying to produce a carrying capacity study that will provide useful and usable models for the time, effort and costs involved. That said, carrying capacity studies are already underway in Ireland, and are on the increase. Several bays in Northern Ireland are being covered under the SMILE Project, and Clew Bay’s carrying capacity is currently being assessed as part of the KEYZONES project. More recently too, BIM received €250,000 under the Aquaculture Development

Measure of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006 to carry out a study of carrying capacity. These issues will be discussed at a conference entitled Carrying Capacity — What is it all about? on September 28 at the Atlantic Coast Hotel, Co Mayo. * Further info/booking details Pre: Conference Registration: AquaTT Tel: + 353 1 6449008 Fax + 353 1 6449009 E-mail: aquatt@aquatt.ie Web: www.aquatt.ie

BIM and carrying capacity IN order to further develop a sustainable shellfish aquaculture industry, the key questions of biological carrying capacity and water quality need to be addressed. To this end, BIM has initiated the development of a computerised system that will allow modeling and reporting on numerous scenarios that could impact on shellfish aquaculture and water quality. This system will play a role in the effective management of the Irish shellfish aquaculture industry. The system will be fully integrated with GIS technology and will eventually allow BIM, on behalf of the DoCMNR and the industry, to model and report on a nationwide and individual site basis. It will provide an invaluable decision support tool for the industry and the regulatory authority. The following areas will be central to any study: * Estimating sustainable levels of shellfish aquaculture on a bay-by-bay basis. * Optimisation of shellfish aquaculture in a bay within the context of sustainable management * Modelling of water quality and accessing the impact of point and diffuse discharges on water quality and hence the quality of the shellfish produced.

SAMS/Kezones project.

Industry confidence shaken by delay in aquaculture grant aid

OVER 40 projects in the aquaculture sector are set to benefit from grant aid of over €13m under the Aquaculture Development Measure of the NDP 2000-2006. The projects cover activities such as development of new species, expansion and modernisation of salmon/trout farms and shellfish farm facilities. Whilst the funding has been welcomed, Richie Flynn, IFA Aquaculture executive secretary, told Inshore Ireland that some applicant companies had waited nearly two years for

approval. ‘‘The delay caused a major backlog in applications, and the pressure that built up in the system meant that the south and east region in particular was heavily over-subscribed.’’ IFA Aquaculture raised these concerns with Minister Browne, insisting that extra funds should be found to relive the pressure: ‘‘ T h a n k f u l l y M i n i s t e r Browne came up with an additional €2.5m, which alleviated most concerns, but did not lessen the industry’s determination that it should not be treated to such long delays again.’’

Poor administration He added that when the measure was announced in late 2001, then Minister of State, Hugh Byrne had assured the industry there would ‘‘two if not three tranches of awards per annum in each of the two regions up until the NDP measure terminated in 2006.’’ (DCMNR Press Release 2001). Flynn added that the latest announcement was in fact only the fifth tranche over the whole six years of the NDP. ‘‘Applicants have had to wait nearly

two years to draw down funds for no given reason.’’ ‘‘We must learn serious lessons about the need for a simple, transparent and effective method of administering grant aid to those in the industry willing to put their hands in their pockets to develop the aquaculture sector. ‘‘IFA Aquaculture has made this point a key issue in the Seafood Strategy Review, and in the Expenditure Review of the NDP currently being undertaken by the Department,’’ he stressed.

INCLUDED in the announcement is €2m for seven specific projects under the Technical Environment Support Programme (TESP). These projects aim to achieve significant improvement in the environmental impact of the marine based salmonid sector through improved levels of production efficiency. Launched in December 2005 TESP is a once-off initiative with grant aid of up to 65% of eligible expenditure on qualifying projects Of this, 35% will be secured from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance in the Aquaculture Development Measure of the NDP 2000-2006 and up to 30% from the exchequer. TESP forms part of the measures aimed at restructuring the sector during the period of minimum import price trade protection measure.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

Encouraging results to trials on seaweed as a foodstuff for rainbow trout A three-year scientific investigation into the effect on rainbow trout fed on diets supplemented with seaweed is likely to have long-term spin-off benefits for the environment around fish cages, writes Gery Flynn

THE trials - which were conducted by scientists from the Irish Seaweed Centre at NUI-Galway - found ‘no significant change’ in the health of rainbow trout test-fed on pellets that had been specially formulated to include native seaweeds such as Ascophyllum nodusum (knotted wrack), Ulva (sea lettuce), and Porphyra. Dr Stefan Kraan, manager of the Irish Seaweed Centre told Inshore Ireland the reasons behind the research: ‘‘This was a Higher Education Authority-funded project to discover if and how many of the synthetically-derived extra ingredients in fish feeds such as colourants, vitamins, minerals etc could be replaced by seaweeds. After three years we have proved the concept: that at least 20% of the pellet can be made from seaweed; certain ingredients can be replaced and the fish did not die.’’ Kraan said that rainbow trout had been selected for the trials because ‘‘they were easier to handle’’ under experimental conditions than salmon.

Trials using salmon He revealed that a proposal for a similar project - also for three years but this time with salmon and costing €450,000 - would be submitted to Enterprise Ireland by mid-September. ‘‘This will be on a bigger scale. Apart from ourselves and personnel from MRI-Carna laboratories where the trials will be carried out, the Economics

* Rainbow trout fillets displaying a natural colour after a diet of seaweed-enchanced feed.

Department at NUIG will do a marketing study, and BIM will also be heavily involved for the duration, assessing the fish flesh for colour and overall quality,’’ Kraan explained. He said that a key part of the new study would be to investigate how seaweed-based feedstuffs affected the environment: ‘‘The alginates in the seaweed are likely to bind the fish faeces more and also make them elastic. This means that it will be possible to remove nearly all the fish waste from the water using drum filters, and therefore, the environmental impact will be much lower,’’ he added.

Scarcity of raw material Speaking at the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement’s (IFOAM) 15th

Organic World Congress in Australia last year, Kraan highlighted some of the problems facing finfish farming today especially with regard to the sourcing of raw materials for feedstuffs. ‘‘World supplies of fishmeal and oil are diminishing and their cost is also rising. Therefore, in order to meet future anticipated demand from aquaculture, there is a need to develop new raw materials from non-conventional but sustainable sources.’’ He added that despite a move towards the use of vegetablederived oils and protein, it was nevertheless true that ‘‘the results from these are not as good as the traditional ingredients of animal origin. Vegetable oils also miss the important Omega-3 and six fatty acids that are important for consumer health.

Public relations: life or death of a company By Kieran O’Byrne

MY 13-year-old daughter doesn’t know what I do for a living. She knows it’s something to do with the media but doesn’t realise how important it is. In fact, few people realise how important PR really is. If used correctly it can mean the life of a company; if it is not, it can mean certain death, writes Kieran O’Byrne, Hill & Knowlton. Put simply, PR is ‘communications’ in its broadest sense. More importantly it is communications that should always positively affect your bottom line — if you do it properly. Take, for example, the fishing industry. How much does the general public really know about one of the most strenuous and dangerous industries about? There are a few good communicators, such as BIM, but how much do we know about the numerous companies that produce premium value-added seafood and provide vital employment around the coast? Companies are not communicating at all, or they are not communicating in the right way with the right people at the right time. A further example is the

KIERAN O’Byrne holds a degree in Zoology from Trinity College where he studied freshwater biology. During his final year in college he worked with the Central Fisheries Board on the Erriff. He is a founder member and director of the Irish Char Conservation Group. After leaving college he entered the communications industry and has been working for nearly 18 years for numerous PR and communications companies. He is currently managing director of Hill & Knowlton Ltd Ireland — one of 75 offices worldwide. Regional Fishery Boards. As an avid angler I am always hungry for information about what’s going on. With very few exceptions, the regional fisheries boards do not practice good communications. I rarely read the good news stories; I only read about fish kills — as does the potential tourist angler. If they can only read about fish kills and not the Trojan work that the boards do to improve river catchments and fish stocks, they may think twice about coming to Ireland. There are ways to deliver news and there are ways to combat negative publicity. For instance, ‘no comment’ in an article immediately means you will be tried, convicted and sentenced by the readers. How much damage has been done to the Central Fisheries

Board by not responding to the article on sea lice in the last edition of Inshore Ireland? Yes, they did say that information will be published later this year; however, by not responding to other points raised has left them open to suspicion.

What’s in it for you? Communicating your successes leads to greater achievements. Invariably, by associating yourselves with success, i.e. sales wins, new business developments, new products, new people on the board, new technology and other good stories, your company will benefit. But by getting out there and communicating your successes, you will generate more interest for your business, which will ultimately affect your bottom line — positively.

One of the 12 tanks stocked with rainbow trout for triplicate feeding experiments with seaweed diets using automatic feeder systems. Photos: Stefan Kraan, ISC

As a result, new diets that might improve growth rates and feed conversion rates are constantly being explored as a way of giving greater sustainability to aquaculture and a better consumer product.’’

High protein levels Kraan told the conference that the protein proportion in sea-

weeds accounted ‘‘in general’’ for as much as 25% of the dry weight; however, he pointed out that some species of Porphyra the red seaweed - was known to contain more than 40%. He said that seaweeds were also a rich source of minerals, trace elements and vitamins, and added that they ‘‘had the potential to replace the chemical-derived vitamin/mineral

premix currently used’’. Kraan declared that when ‘‘properly managed, seaweeds were a natural and sustainable resource’’. ‘‘Seaweed by its nature has a green, clean, and organic label attached. ‘‘Moreover, seaweed harvesting supports and helps to develop rural coastal communities,’’ he concluded.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

lep

in the dark

. . . . . mon farm lice monitoring man-

By Dr Neil Bass,

datory. The annual publication

Watermark

of farm lice data ever since has

Aqua-Environmental LAST

year,

Chile

given

the

anti-s

yet

another

stick to beat the salmon farmers

overtook

with, despite the fact that on-

Norway as the world's largest

going allegations of damage to

farmed salmonid producer, har-

wild stocks remain unproven.

vesting 650,000 tonnes worth US$1.5bn. Ireland, which pro-

The assault on the

duced more salmon than Chile

statistical argument

in 1984, harvested only 11,500 tonnes. As for Norway, salmon

After many attempts, a team of

farming is their second highest

Galway-based

export earner after oil and is set

Aqua-Fact

to become the biggest, when the

vices, was the first to discover

wells run dry. Salmon farming

young

has offered Chile and Norway a

both inside and outside salmon

socio-economic miracle: stabi-

farm cages in Killary Harbour

lity

and

prosperity

for

their

coastal communities as well as

consultants,

International

Lep

Ser-

larvae in the wild,

indeed

nearby

river

estuaries.

substantial and essential export

A series of experiments fol-

earnings. Meanwhile, the Irish

lowed during the sea trout smolt

anti-salmon farming lobby, ably

migration of 1994.

abetted by the media, portray

Small

cages,

stocked

with

our salmon farmers as quasi-

salmon

criminals - the pariahs behind

along the length of the Killary,

worrying declines in our wild

between the salmon farm cages

salmonid stocks, in particular

and the wild salmonid rivers,

sea trout.

upstream.

smolt

were

deployed

That salmon farming can be

The highest infestations oc-

viewed so differently might all

curred first in the cages nearest

come down to a tiny parasite,

the estuaries. The smolt in the

Lepeophtheirus

the

cage closest to the farm became

for short,

infested last. The lowest infes-

infests northern hemisphere sal-

tations always occurred in the

monids

best

intermediate cages, which were

adapted to parasitise sea trout.

the furthest from both the rivers

salmon louse. but

salmonis,

Lep,

probably

Lep

do not exist in Chile, and

the

Norwegians

seem

and the farm.

This

more tolerant of it than the Irish.

Lep

Photo: David Branigan.

took millions of years to

evolve its highly efficient infestation technique. In the spring, adult

female

hatch

large numbers

swimming

lice

mature

nauplius

of freelarvae

precisely where and when host fish are at their densest, in river estuaries

before

they

migrate

seawards. Nauplius phose

larvae

(change)

metamor-

rapidly

into

infestive copepodid larvae and attach to the host fish. Once attached, copepodids metamorphose further as they grow to adulthood, by feeding on the blood and flesh of the unfortunate fish. Any copepodids that fail to find hosts drift seawards and die after about 10 days as

wild cousins, prior to migration. Nevertheless, whilst wild fish can

disperse

their

seawards

native

tively

estuaries,

ending

exposure to

their

from effec-

period

Lep, farmed salmon

going and well-publicised an-

Decline in sea trout

too

tipathy

and salmon

impact on sea trout stocks.

farmers

from

Irish the

salmon

Fisheries

Boards, anglers and other lobby groups. Licence applications for

remain at relatively high den-

salmon

sity, within the confines of their

investment

farms

and

even

climate

for

the Irish

cages. This makes it easy for

aquaculture have also probably

small numbers of chance

been affected ever since.

`settlers'

multiply

Lep

rapidly,

and spread amongst a veritable throng of hosts.

If not treated, quite

Lep

problem

farmers,

farmers

argued

vain that the collapse and heavy natural phenomena and that the suspicions raised were based on

can become for

any

domesticated

Salmon

lice infestation could well be

Under suspicion salmon

parasite

stocks.

When

a biological impossibility. How could sufficiently large numbers of tiny copepodid larvae

possibly

get

back,

miles

col-

upstream from fish farm sites,

for

lapsed in the West in the late

let alone actually locate river

millions of years. Then, along

1980s, accompanied by obser-

estuaries, when they could not

came salmon farms. Nowadays,

vations

trout,

even swim to cause the levels of

any drifting copepodids fortu-

`returning prematurely' to fresh

infestation that were observed?

nate

water,

their yolk supplies runs out. That

how

enough

was

bump

into

wild

sea

trout

fisheries

young

heavily

sea

infested

with

trout draft net fisheries) so they

The result has been an ontowards

that

the

migrating

sea

trout smolt and of the trial cage

* Removing an adult sea louse from a live anaesthesised salmon.

Slow evolution

demonstrated

infestation

It was also pointed out that

Wild

sea

trout

and

salmon

stocks probably started to deth

cline around the 20

century. In

1935, the first Report of the Commission

Inland

Fish-

eries blamed commercial overfishing, freshwater netting, construction of weirs and dams and pollution. They recommended State

buy-out

commercial

nets and the promotion of rod angling. The Commission sat again in

must

have

Ireland

had

remains

quite the

only

Atlantic rim country that still has

not

bought

out

single

commercial net. The fact that the government may, at last, ban drift netting is a sorry reminder of 70 years of apathy and blame-laying over the

plight

Irish

salmonid

stocks.

smolt

were

separate

events,

involving discrete populations of lice. Had this not been the case, the infestation of the trial cages would have been progressive, either from the river towards the farm or vice versa. When

the

Delphi

Fishery

took the Killary Salmon Company to court in 1997, alleging damage to the Delphi sea trout fishery

the

salmon

dence - including AquaFact's demonstration of the lack of a lice transfer mechanism - that Delphi withdrew its case. Put to

Salmon lice and the

the

statistical model

acid

test,

hypothesis

the

simply

statistical could

The Sea Trout Working Group

expansion of salmon drift net-

(STWG) was convened in the

ting,

early 1990s as the government's

Flawed approach

first

catches

underlying

commercial

peak

despite

decline.

the

Juvenile

major

debate

response

since

1975.

1993,

some

the worst-hit fisheries and as a

oped a statistical model which

result,

analysed the numbers of juve-

catches)

numbers

declined

(and

Lep

members

the

fish virtually disappeared from driftnet

group

devel-

somewhat

nile

found on salmon farm

was

again

sites and on young wild sea

Commis-

trout, in river estuaries, and the

not

win the day.

1975 amid concerns over the causing

farm,

such was the weight of evi-

his

1997

statistical

review

model

for

the

another

ministerial initiative - the Sea Trout Monitoring and Advisory Group

Ian

highly-regarded

Cowx,

British

the fish-

salmon farm cages must think

Lep,

that they have died and gone to

soon under suspicion of acting

the result of over 40 contribu-

recommended.

heaven!

as `reservoirs' of

juveniles,

tory causes, the majority known

sion noted also that sea trout

return

to have pre-dated salmon farm-

were

salmon

Every year, the STWG con-

`The whole (statistical) ap-

ing. Who was right?

driftnets (in addition to the sea

cluded that `results to date do

proach is fundamentally flawed

not constitute conclusive proof

because of the basic inability to

of a causal link between sea lice

obtain an adequate (sea trout

infestations of farmed salmon

post-smolt)

and infestations on sea trout in

many

nearby rivers'.

statistical

The

relatively

high

Irish salmon farms were

could

Lep

density of farmed salmon mir-

which

rors the natural shoaling of their

estuaries to re-infest wild fish.

then

stock

declines

were

probably

thereafter.

Buyout The

by-catch

distance between the two.

eries scientist, added his weight to

the

growing

criticism.

concluded:

sample

the

size

rivers

integrity

and is

from the

under-

In a supplement to its last

mined through the use of im-

published report in 1994, how-

balanced samples from different

ever,

rivers.'

the

STWG

concluded:

`The best correlation was found

Following

Cowx's

views,

between the numbers of (Lep)

even the authors of the model

chalimus

sea

watered down their arguments,

trout post smolt in a river and

larvae

stating: `Previous caveats ex-

the

nearest

pressed in the published reports

salmon farm, up to a distance

relating to small sample sizes

of 20km'.

and the use of the linear dis-

distance

infesting the

This was exactly what the

tance model are still valid. The

anti-s had been waiting for - a

group

sound bite. Never mind that it

any simplistic use of the results

ignored

or interpretations derived from

the

complexity

(and

would

faults) of the statistical argu-

sea

ment and the biology (if any)

tance models.'

behind it. published

against

infestation/linear dis-

Strangely, and unhappily, de-

The Sea Trout Task Force also

lice

caution

its

report

spite this apparent rout of the statistical

model,

the

accusa-

1994. Acting on the STWG's

tions levelled against Irish sal-

recommendations, STTF made

mon

the existing programme of sal-

modified nor moderated.

farmers

have

neither

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

Notice-board . . Notice-board. .

Certificates of Compliance on the agenda again THE Irish Shellfish Association chairwoman, Mary Ferns and members from key mussel dredging areas around the coast have met with Ministers John Browne and Pat the Cope Gallagher to raise the issue of the fate of the traditional bottom mussel sector hit by the imposition of Certificate of Compliance (CoC) on over-24m vessels and the removal of grant aid for replacement vessels. Many producers remain tied up while caught in the middle

of this problem; the ISA was asked to bring the issue to both Ministers who collectively have responsibility for the Marine Survey Office and grant aid policy. Mary Ferns explained that the ISA wanted to find a solution for operators who wished to obtain CoC-standard vessels for use in maintaining and harvesting from mussel plots in smooth water sites but who had found that the lack of any support scheme made upgrad-

ing or purchase of new vessels economically impossible. The ISA’s proposal is to ensure that the current vessels are up to maximum safety standards for the type of work they carry out in smooth waters. It also recommends that a scheme should be put in place under the European Fisheries Fund to allow for the purchase of newer vessels to continue to operate these sites from 2007 onwards. Ms Ferns stressed the diffi-

culties that would be encountered if vessels were not allowed to be used in 2006 and early 2007 until such a scheme were in place. She also stressed the commitment of industry to strive for the highest possible standards of safety on those vessels during that time. Further meetings between producers and MSO surveyors are scheduled to take place while the ISA will continue to work with Minister Browne and DCMNR to find a suitable

IFA Aquaculture meets Strategy Review Group AT a meeting between IFA Aquaculture, Pat Keogh, BIM chief executive and the Seafood Strategy Group, agreement was reached that the ISGA, ISA and ITPG would make a submission to the Strategy Group following feedback from members during the road show in July. The IFA’s vision for the next 10 years for the entire aquaculture sector in Ireland can be summarised as: A profitable, sustainable and market-driven aquaculture sector with high public support based on clusters of small and medium sized businesses mak-

ing the most efficient use of natural resources and supported by a rational, responsive and secure licensing system; a targeted state support programme and; ongoing industry-led applied R&D. IFA Aquaculture believes this vision can only be achieved in the short to medium term by change and effort at industry, government and State Agency level. The organisation also contends that co-ordinated effort will be required to produce an agreed roadmap to the goals set out above, particularly in the

areas of regulation, targeted support and research measure policy. IFA Aquaculture feels that in the context of the problems affecting the fishing and processing sectors, dealing with the issues in the aquaculture sector is not a sectorial or niche issue but is vital to the development and success of the entire Irish seafood sector, supporting as it does the infrastructure, human resources, raw material supplies, services and support industries that are common across the seafood industry.

Sustainable industry At political and official level, the Seafood Strategy Group should reinforce IFA’s campaign for a sustainable industry with a clear recommendation that the general and specific solutions for the industry contained in this document are implemented by government. IFA Aquaculture then gave the Group a sector-by-sector breakdown of their proposals. (Details will be circulated to ISGA, ISA and ITPG members with a newsletter to be circulated with Inshore Ireland).

Priority areas for review: *

A review of licensing policy in the context of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act to ensure that licensing is properly balanced between protecting the public interest and delivering a clear workable permit with conditions wherein a producer can adequately and reasonably meet the challenges of the marketing and physical environment without compromising environmental or economic sustainability. Priority areas for review include:

i. tightening the timeframe for delivery of licence decisions to meet modern professional standards in other areas (e.g. planning permission) ii. greatly strengthening the knowledge base of the officials dealing with licensing. iii. producing an agreed set of guidelines for siting, mooring, buffer-zones, stocking density, equipment, technology, records, monitoring, site visits, responsibilities of various par-

ties (e.g. DCMNR engineers, Fishery Board personnel, etc). iv. reducing excessive costs within the system which discourage applicants from pursuing licence or review applications. v. building incentivisation for good practice by way of incremental production increases, etc. vi. ensuring through published policy that each local authority, regional engineering office, fishery board etc, takes a common approach to licensing issues, particularly on technology. vii. reviewing the role of and communication lines with ALAB. viii. including CLAMS groups as prescribed consultees for applications, renewals and reviews in their area. ix. ensuring that economic and environmental sustainability receives equal attention in assessing licence applications for

Addressing efficiency and customer delivery in licensing across all sectors to ensure security of tenure; fulfil legal requirements and reduce frustration and conflict over licensing delays and decisions. A separate Aquaculture Unit should be set up within the Department of the Marine to address specific aquaculturerelated problems with licensing or policy (as the EU Commission has done with DG FISH).

It is also very important to clearly spell out the roles and responsibilities of all those in the State sector interacting with the industry to reduce duplication, waste and confusion. *

Using any available grant aid wisely to consolidate the industry’s position; modernise and upgrade the existing sector; addressing key cost competitiveness issues across all species in terms of logistics, juvenile production, animal

Under 24 metres MEANWHILE, IFA Aquaculture joined with the five fishing organisations to meet Minister of State at Transport, Pat the Cope Gallagher on the proposed regulations for vessels measuring 14m-24m. Following the meeting, IFA Aquaculture executive secretary, Richie Flynn, said the

health protection, efficient production methods, new technology, etc and encourage producers to work closer together to find local solutions to local problems via the CLAMS network. Development of a practical programme of applied R&D driven by BIM, Marine Institute and Enterprise Ireland — completely separated from the statutory monitoring carried out by the Marine Institute on behalf of the Minister — on:

MSO had confirmed that the new regulations would not apply to aquaculture workboats, feed barges, wellboats, etc as they did not require fishing licences and were therefore exempt. At the meeting, Mr Flynn, however, stressed it would be prudent if a specific aquaculture workboat class was introduced in line with other countries as it would improve understanding and maintain standards of safety throughout the sector.

The Marine Finfish Sector (ISGA) *

* *

Licensing and regulation tailored to a modern finfish aquaculture industry. Grant aid to reflect industry priorities. Low impact-high quality public relations message underpinned by sound regulation. R&D focused on industry demand with rapid response/ contingency.

The Shellfish Sector (ISA) * * * * *

Licensing policy and customer service. Implement PwC Report. Environmental and Biotoxin Contingency Fund. Bottom mussel sector review and renewal scheme. Use EFF funds to consolidate industry.

The Freshwater Trout Sector (ITPG) *

new areas. *

assistance scheme to purchase smooth water CoC compliant vessels.

* *

Inward investment in a co-ordinated industry. Putting quality at the heart of the product. Centralise marketing and sales to capitalise on capacity.

x. production techniques and technology. xi. market and product development. xii. husbandry and fish health. xiii. international best practice xiv. education, training and succession. xv. environmental challenge response (e.g. biotoxins, blooms, equipment). xvi. offshore production. xvii. quality, traceability and food safety.

EU ultimatum finally secures bay protection

SHELLFISH growers, fishermen and the general public using 14 bays around the coast are now protected against pollution by a new law which the Irish Shellfish Association forced the Irish Government to enact this summer. ‘‘Having had to deal with the environmental and economic damage of bad coastal planning and neglect of sewage infrastructure for years, shellfish farmers focused their frustration by taking an action to the European Commission on the government’s failure to enforce a 1979 Directive on the Protection of Shellfish Waters. ‘‘This Directive gives special protection to areas where shell-

The first 14 protected shellfish bays: * * *

* *

* * *

Mulroy Bay, Co Donegal. Clew Bay, Co Mayo. Killary Harbour, Mayo/ Galway. Kilkieran Bay, Co Galway. Clarinbridge/Kinvara Co Galway. Aughinish Bay, Co Galway. Cromane, Co Kerry. Inner Maharees, Co Kerry.

fish growing takes place, recognising the fact that food safety is a vital concern for shellfish growers in the frontline against pollution. ‘‘After a lengthy battle, the ISA won its case and the government was given the

* *

* * *

Kilmackllogue Harbour, Co Kerry. Inner Bantry Bay, Co Cork. Glengarriff Harbour, Co Cork. Roaringwater Bay, Co Cork. Bannow Bay, Co Wexford. Carlingford Lough, Co Louth.

choice of enforcing the legislation or facing massive fines,’’ ISA executive secretary Richie Flynn explained. The ‘European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006’ lists 14 bays where water quality standards

must be met and all pollution incidents investigated and resolved by the local authority. ‘‘The most important standard for shellfish producers is the faecal coliform level, indicating a potential food safety risk from sewage. ‘‘The regulations will not only protect our members and reinforce other food safety legislation, but will benefit everyone fortunate enough to have a shellfish farm present in their bay to ensure legal protection,’’ Mr Flynn added. The ISA expects further legislation to extend protection to up to 80 more bays, inlets and beaches where shellfish are grown around the coast.

Prı´omh Oifig: 095-32225 Du´n na nGall: 087-638 8843 Conamara / Maigh Eo´: 087-824-4574 Mumhan: 087-418 7427

cu´ géisc Ag ta o i l s t ch

ı oirea eltachta´ e m r i a fe na G ar fud

Taighde agus Forbairt Saothru mara Maricultural Research and Development

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

FRESHWATER FOCUS

I don’t mind eels ..... A profile by Dr Martin O’Farrell

Des Chew, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, releasing a salmon

Catch and release becomes mandatory on the east coast

ACCORDING to the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, in the fishery districts where this applies, worms are banned and instead anglers must use single barbless hooks. One tag must be retained, and all fish caught and released must be recorded in anglers’ logbooks, which must be returned by October 19, 2006. Mandatory catch and release is part of a series of new regulations aimed at conserving and protecting Irish salmon stocks. Within the Eastern Region, salmon stocks are at extremely low levels; on the River Liffey the rod angling catch in 1988 reached an alltime high of 800 salmon, but had dramatically declined to 37 salmon by 2005. Similarly, records reached 1,583 salmon in the River Slaney in the early 1980s, but by 2005 this figure

had plummeted to 311. The catch and release figure of 6.4% in 2005 is below the national average of 12% but the ERFB hopes these new regulations will improve the rates. Pat Doherty, acting CEO of the ERFB stressed it was in everybody’s interest to further promote and practice catch and release to protect stocks locally and nationally: ‘‘The most significant contribution an angler can make to a fishery is to practise the correct method of catch and release. I hope the new salmon and sea trout regulations including the catch and release efforts by anglers help to improve our salmon stocks, which are at unsustainable levels in most of the Eastern Region.’’ The ERFB is inviting anglers to send in photos of fish they have caught and released in the

Summary of Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Regulations 2006 *

annual angling bag limit of 10 fish per angler of salmon or sea trout (over 40cm). Subject to the maximum annual bag limit of 10 fish an angler may take: 1 salmon (any size) or sea trout (over 40cm) per day during the period from the January 1 to May 31 3 salmon (any size) or sea trout (over 40cm) per day from June 1 until the end of August 1 salmon (any size) or sea trout (over 40cm) per day from the September 1 until the end of the fishing season, except in the districts where mandatory catch and release operates (see below) mandatory catch and release operates from September 1 in 8 fishery districts: Dundalk, Drogheda, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Limer-

ick, Galway and Sligo. in these districts there is a ban on the use of worms and anglers must use single, barbless hooks it is illegal to sell any salmon or sea trout caught by rod and line from January 1 to October 31 angling logbooks must be returned by October 19, 2006 NON RETURN OF LOGBOOK WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME COULD MEAN A FINE OF UP TO €635

(These guidelines have been prepared for information purposes only. The holder of a rod licence should familiarise themselves with the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations, S.I. 208 of 2006)

Board’s region. The best photo or series of photos will be posted on their website: www.fishingireland.net and will receive a prize of a high quality fly rod and reel.

Catch and release guidelines *

using the correct tackle and equipment: anglers should use single barbless hooks (no worms), pliers, scissors, long-nosed forceps, a large diameter knotless landing net and a tape measure playing the fish - avoid exhausting the fish: in a river move the salmon out of the current into quieter water and bring it quickly to the bank or boat landing the fish: keep the salmon in the water at all times - even when taking photographs. Use a large diameter landing net with a soft, knotless mesh and always use wet hands when handling the fish. Do not use a tailor or a gaff, and do not beach a fish removing the hook: wet your hands and keep the fish in the water; take care not to squeeze the fish or hold it by the gills; support the fish from underneath and remove hook with hands or longnosed forceps releasing and reviving the Fish: support the fish in the water facing the current; hold the fish gently until it is capable of swimming away. Avoid weighing the fish — measure the length with a tape measure to estimate the weight.

FREE leaflets outlining the correct methods of catch and release and the 2006 Salmon and Sea Trout Regulations and further information on fishing in the Eastern Region, is available by e-mail info@erfb.ie or contact the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board on 012787022.

THE European eel (Anguilla anguilla (L.)) is now somewhat less of the mysterious fish it once was. This ‘catadromous’ fish species spawns in the western Atlantic, somewhere in the Sargasso Sea. Its larvae then drift across the Atlantic in less than one year and arrive on the shores of countries as far apart as Norway and Morocco. Most survivors of this journey are believed to enter European rivers as pigmented elvers about 6cm long. Nevertheless, it is well known that eel remain in salt/brackish water for much of their feeding/growth phase of life, and it is probable that they also move between fr e s h w a t e r a n d s a l t w a t e r throughout the growing phase. In Waterford Harbour, for example, licensed eel fishermen catch them in baited baskets and fyke-nets during the summer months. At maturation, the male eels (up to 44cm long and, perhaps, 5-15 years old) and females (longer than about 44cm and perhaps 10-30 years old), turn ‘silver’ and migrate to sea during Autumn/Winter nights, usually under high flow conditions that invariably coincide with the dark of the moon.

Determining age An eel can be aged by extracting the sagittal otoliths (the largest of the three pairs of ear stones in fish) from dead specimens. These are then cracked by burning, and the annual rings are counted — much like the rings of a tree; however, the skill is in recognising true annular rings from false rings/ checks on growth. In Irish waters eels generally grow about 2-3cm per year, depending on their habitat. By any standards, the ages achieved by individual eel are remarkable when compared to other European freshwater/migratory fish species. Irish anglers are not renowned for their interest in eel whereas European anglers visiting Ireland often target this species. The Irish Specimen Fish Committee lists the specimen weight for eel as 3lb (1.3kg) and the record rodcaught eel for Ireland as 6lb 15oz (3.1kg) - caught by J Murnane on 12 June 1979 on Lough Droumenisa, Bantry, Co Cork. A trawl through the ISFC reports shows that most specimen eel are caught by anglers who deploy the garden fly! In his poem, The Eel, Ogden Nash opined: I don’t mind eels

I’ve got my eye on you! There is a long history of eel fishing in Ireland. Throughout much of the 20th century, Ireland made a significant contribution to eel research and management.

Except as meals. And the way they feels. Many people share Ogden’s revulsion at the touch and/or taste of eels. In many European countries, however, the eel is a popular edible fish. Smoked eel is hugely popular in Germany. In the south of Spain, bulky fishermen can be observed sipping sherry and swallowing glass eels — recently harvested by the fleet of ‘anguillares’ who fish the lower reaches of the Quadalquivir river on the flood tide with their huge fine meshed nets.

Long tradition There is a long history of eel fishing in Ireland. Throughout much of the 20th century, Ireland made a significant contribution to eel research and management. This included the development of low head elver traps (called O’Leary traps after the ESB engineer who designed them) and the initiation of collection and overland transport of juvenile eel as a fisheries management tool on those Irish rivers fuelling hydroelectric generating stations, e.g. the Shannon and the Erne. The 1980s and early 1990s saw a push to develop eel fisheries and to maximise wealth creation and employment associated with commercial eel fisheries. The Lough Neagh Eel Fishery model was aspired to by scientists and administrators in the Republic

In Irish waters eels generally grow about 2-3cm per year, depending on their habitat. Photos: Marine Institute, Newport

of Ireland, and a number of initiatives were undertaken. Alas, these initiatives took place at a time when the recruitment of juveniles was in decline and about to collapse. The current precarious nature of recruitment of juveniles has prompted the EU to act and to consider drastic measures that are designed to protect eel escapement. The goal is to restore eel spawning stock to 40% of former pristine levels but nobody knows quite what that means. It could mean, for example, that silver eel numbers/quantities migrating from Lough Corrib should/must be restored to 40% of what they were hundreds of years ago — before the Galway canal system/regulating weir was constructed etc.

Conservation measures In 2005, Northern Ireland authorities proposed in a consultative document the continuation of yellow/brown eel fishing on Lough Erne, and the cessation of silver eel commercial fishing operations — as a conservation measure. This EU-wide concern for the future wellbeing of the European eel has its roots in the catastrophic decline/collapse in the recruitment of juveniles to European rivers. Several explanations have been put forward for this collapse, including a change in the north Atlantic drift associated with global warming, and chemical contamination of eel from mainland European rivers impacting on spawning success. Over a period of about 15 years, the eel has moved from an under-developed/underexploited species to one demanding exceptional conservation measures. Perhaps the recent success of Danish scientists who have bred European eel in captivity and have kept eel larvae alive for a world record five days (Fish Farming International, August 2006) represents hope for the future. On the other hand, it also signals how hopeless the future might be for this great migrator.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Casting at Carton House WORLD golf legend Mark O’Meara and world casting champion Steve Rajeff showcased their fly casting skills recently at Carton House, Co Kildare, while launching the 2006 World Casting Championships. This is the first time that Ireland has been selected to host the event, and it is the inaugural year of the international championship. ‘‘This is a unique opportunity to promote Ireland and its angling tourism to a worldwide audience,’’ remarked Brendan Begley, director, Emerald World Masters. Conor Mallaghan, Carton House executive director said

the estate was the perfect location for the Championships. ‘‘It has its own natural lake and the River Rye runs through its many acres of wood and parklands.’’ Participants in the event include USA’s Steve Rajeff 13 times world champion and multiple world record holder in distance and accuracy events; Scott McKenzie, Scotland world record holder at spey casting distance; Jana Maisel, Germany - 38 gold medals at world championship events and England’s Peter Thain world champion and record holder. The championships are a three-part event: The Emerald

World Masters (2-4 September) involves water spey distance; salmon fly distance and trout fly distance. The ICSF World Championships (5-8 September) will test casters on disciplines including distance, speed, accuracy and precision. The Championships, comprising the International Casting Sports Federation (ICSF) World Championship and the €200,000 Emerald World Masters Championship, takes place from 2-8 September 2006. Teams and individuals from an invited 37 nations are expected to compete. A world angling trade show and country fair will also take place.

Pictured (l-r): Steve Rajeff, Scott McKenzie and Mark O’Meara on a pontoon on the lake at Carton House.

Lifetime opportunity for young anglers

Brian Lenihan, Minister for Children with young anglers from the Tolka River Environmental Alliance *

AS the world elite in fly casting showcase their skills in a weeklong event in Carton House (2 to 8 September), budding Irish anglers will participate in the two-day Emerald World Masters Youth Angling Flyfishing Trout Competition. To mark the launch last June and to encourage young anglers (aged 12 to 18) to participate, Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative and instructors from the Irish National Casters Association, gave lessons to a group of children from the Tolka River Environmental Alliance. The Alliance consists of teenagers from Blanchardstown,

Corduff and Mulhuddart. It was established in January 2005 to encourage young people to take an interest in angling

and their local environment. ‘‘I am delighted that the Dublin Angling Initiative is involved with the organisation

Dublin Angling Initiative SPONSORED by the Eastern Regional Fisheries board, the Dublin Angling Initiative was set up in 1995 to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin and Greater Dublin area. During the summer months, youths from national and secondary schools, summer projects and youth services throughout Dublin are given instruction in sea, coarse and game angling. The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory authority whose function is to conserve, develop, protect, manage and promote the inland fisheries and sea angling resources within its jurisdiction.

of the Youth Angling Trout Flyfishing Competition. ‘‘It is a great opportunity for young anglers to compete and to learn from the experts,’’ remarked Des Chew. Launching the event, Minister for Children Brian Lenihan said it was great to see so many young people enthusiastic about angling: ‘‘It is encouraging to see that traditional pastimes are still popular in today’s age of computer and video games. I would also like to congratulate the organisers of the competition, and indeed the whole event,’’ he said.

ESB FISHERIES CONSERVATION seeing the bigger picture Since 1935, The Electricity Supply Board of Ireland has been the principal fishery owner in the State. The fishing rights of the entire River Shannon and parts of the rivers Lee, Erne, Liffey and Clady / Crolly are vested in the company. In all, ESB has ownership and fisheries management responsibility for about one-third of Ireland’s inland fisheries resource. The management of Atlantic salmon and European eel in Ireland and indeed, throughout much of Europe, now poses serious challenges to governments and fisheries agencies. Commercial fisheries for both species are under threat from historically low abundance levels and the management of both species is now firmly in conservation mode. ESB Fisheries Conservation will support government policies directed at the conservation of these species and is committed to working with all stakeholders towards these conservation objectives. The ESB Fisheries Conservation Annual Report for 2005 will be published shortly and will be reviewed in a forthcoming issue of Inshore Ireland.

www.esb.ie

Assaroe Lake and Cathaleen’s Fall generating station on the River Erne, with Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, in the background.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

COASTLINE NEWS

Bantry longboat takes Atlantic Challenge gold in Genoa Diarmaid Murphy reports

THE internationally renowned Atlantic Challenge contest of seamanship took place in Genoa, Italy last July. With sixteen countries participating, the 40oC heat did not melt the ambitions of the Irish crew, and after seven days of competition the Bantry based crew were convincing winners. The Atlantic Challenge comprises 10 different events, combining rowing and sailing using replicas of a ship's longboat that was captured in Bantry Bay in 1796 when Wolfe Tone and a French armada failed to land in Bantry to liberate the Irish from British rule.

Each event encompasses different maritime skills, and using a negative marking system the crew with the least number of points at the end of the week wins the contest. Beating countries such as the US, Canada, Belgium, Denmark and France, the dedication of the Irish crew was obvious when looking at the scoreboard, which showed a litany of first places day after day, giving Ireland the lowest number of points at the end of the contest. This is the fourth time that the Irish have taken Gold at the Atlantic Challenge with previous victories in Canada, France and the US. The Bantry contingent was not the only Irish representatives at the contest.

A boat based in Waterford competed as the international team with members from the south east of Ireland, Russia, Australia, South Africa, Germany, and Canada on board. The UK also had a number of crew from Antrim on their team. The next Atlantic Challenge is in Jacobstad, Finland, in 2008 and the Irish crew will again have to fend off strong challengers from all over the globe. In the meantime, the crews from Bantry, Antrim, and the south east will be putting each other to the test in smaller domestic events. For more information on Atlantic Challenge go to www.acse.ie and www.atlantic- * The Atlantic Challenge comprises 10 different events, combining rowing and sailing. challenge.org

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Historic Lee Swim back in full flow

A highlight of Cork summers in the first half of the 1900s was the famous Lee Swim when the finest swimmers in the country would gather to compete for the famous solid silver `Lee Cup'. Huge crowds would gather to watch swimmers battle it out down the course of the River Lee, which winds down through the heart of Cork city. Progressively worsening water quality however forced the swim out of * The gallery was treated to another thrilling finish as two top the city centre and further down swimmers battled it out, stroke for stroke in the Lee Swim 2006 the estuary to Passage West and ming community that the Lee Monkstown in the 1950s, until swim was the hottest event it was eventually discontinued around, so much so that entries in 1987. had to be capped at 250. The lines of the famous Cork song, The Boys of Fairhill, The swim were all too true! The gallery was treated to `The smell from Patrick's another thrilling finish as two Bridge is wicked, top swimmers battled it out, How does Father Matthew stick stroke for stroke. Fittingly it it?' was last year's runner up, The water quality was offififteen-year-old Aidan Maguire cially deemed unfit for use and of Wicklow and Glenalbyn a wonderful sporting event alSwimming Club who emerged most faded out of existence. victorious and lifted the Lee Then in the late 1990s Cork Cup. City Council made the key He was closely followed by decision to invest in a main * Winner alright! A jubilant Aidan Shane Drum of ESB. Deirdre drainage project, and things Maguire. Kearney of Limerick Masters began to look up. By late 2003, water quality took the ladies prize. had improved sufficiently to to cheer on the competitors to The ethos of the Lee Swim is consider restarting the Lee watch a swimmer from Little unique in the sea swimming Swim. In 2004 the first pilot Island take home the historic calendar: It is open to champion swim took place when twelve Lee Cup in a thrilling photo swimmers and also to those swimmers swam downstream finish with a visiting young who have just learned to swim, from the North Mall and then swimmer from Co Wicklow. (having proven their compeupstream to City Hall. None tence), which gives it a unique The swimmers provided exsuffered any ill effects. competitive/fun atmosphere. cellent feedback on their exOn this basis it was decided perience and not a single health The 2006 swim was extreto give the Lee Swim a key issue emerged and Cork City mely important for one other place as one of the top events of redeemed the title of being one reason. Prior to the event last the 2005 European Capital of of the few cities in Western year, there had been significant Culture in Cork, and on a bright Europe with water quality high resistance to the event as posunny Saturday in August, the enough to hold an annual river tential swimmers held the perLee Swim was officially re- swim! ception of poor quality water. started with over 100 swimThe record entry for the 2006 But would the 2006 swim mers. live up to the potential and race however shows that the excitement created by the 2005 negative perceptions are now Photo finish race? In fact it was a resounding well and truly gone and that the Crowds of more than 5,000 triumph. Word of mouth had Lee Swim has a bright future, as lined the bridges and river sides spread amongst the sea-swim- does the river itself!

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

COASTLINE NEWS

Solving the puzzle of Mrs Morgan By Pauline Beades, Irish Seal Sanctuary LAST February a rather unusual seal arrived at the Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) via Pat Corrigan, the ranger on Bull Island in Dublin. He had found Mrs Morgan - an adult harbour seal on the beach looking very thin and lethargic, and he knew things were not right. Mrs Morgan was very weak and handling her was no problem for the volunteers. Following treatment for a lung infection and fattening up with plenty of herring, however, she remained just as easy to handle with no sign of aggression at all, which was unusual. Opinions varied about her: Was she brain damaged from a head injury or had she been hand reared and released? When she was moved into a pre-release pool with two grey seal pups she appeared to be just as placid, allowing one grey pup to swim over her back like a harbour pup would do with its mother. Before Mrs Morgan was released on Bull Island in early April she was painted with a long red stripe on her back for easy identification. Pat Corrigan promised to keep an eye out for

* Islandbridge, Liffey island, where it is thought Mrs Morgan reared a seal pup.

her in case she did not cope with her freedom. Calls started to arrive about a seal in the Liffey - not a totally unusual event as seals do come up rivers from time to time. Nevertheless, this seal was hanging around the salmon weir and we were a little concerned for her. Despite our efforts to find and trap her, the seal had disappeared by the time the volunteers arrived. One caller said the seal was not well as the person was able to sit beside it without any reaction.

Then on the June bank holiday a seal was noticed joining in with the annual rubber duck race; the distinctive red stripe told us it was Mrs Morgan. She then ventured up the Dodder where she seemed to settle but was soon on the move again as we received a call to check a seal with a red stripe near the Irishtown nature reserve. Mrs Morgan was in a bad way: her weight had dropped from a release weight of 60kg down to 28kgs in about 12 weeks.

Beware of the weever A fishy tale by Johnny Woodlock

EVERYONE loves a trip to the seaside; whether it’s to fish, to lie on the beach with a picnic or just to cool down with a paddle on the shore. No-one enjoys a day at the seaside more than kids do. They can keep themselves busy for hours by searching out rockpools and puddles. Idyllic as this seems, do not be fooled. Sand sandwiches can seem like a blessing compared to some of the problems that can happen. Modern life can leave all sorts of potentially dangers; I have found syringes and needles on my own local beach and broken glass can ruin a family day out. Local authorities work hard to stay on top of the litter problem and do a great job keeping the beaches clean. Nevertheless, plenty of litter washes in on the tides each day and there are natural dangers to be aware of. We are lucky not to live in shark infested waters however there are sharks in Irish waters some of which are recognised man-eaters but to my knowledge have never claimed a victim. We have stingrays. I know some anglers would wish we had more and killer whales also visit these shores occasionally.

The common stinger The only real dangers in Irish waters are a lot less glamorous than killer whales or great white sharks; they are also less dangerous but they can still ruin your day - the jellyfish. Jellyfish would be the most familiar but we also have two species of poisonous fish that sometimes cause a problem. These are the greater and lesser weever fish. While there are lots of very spiky fish around such as gurnards and even sea bass,

Lesser weever caught on a beach on Inishowen.

the weevers and the stingray are the only ones with actual venom glands. Their scientific names just about sum them up: Trachinus draco and Trachinus vipera. If you have ever been spiked by any sort of fish or urchin you will know that the wound can easily become infected and requires treatment with antiseptic cream. Urchin spines are notorious for breaking off under the skin and must be dug out. Jellyfish toxins and weever fish toxins are different and require different methods of neutralisation. All lifeguards are well prepared to deal with jellyfish stings and most huts are equipped with supplies of vinegar to splash on the sting. Vinegar however does not work with weever venom. The venom is purely for defensive purposes and is delivered through sharp spines located on both gill covers and through JOHNNY Woodcock spent 16 years as a fishery officer with the Eastern Regional Fisheries board. He has a Masters in Environmental Science and is a member of the Institute of Fisheries Management and is a chartered environmentalist.

the spines on the black dorsal fin. Research tells me that the venom acts on the blood cells so any wound should be allowed to bleed. Then the affected part should be put into water as hot as possible to neutralise the venom.

Beach danger Prawn fishermen are most likely to come in contact with weevers when hauling nets. They know to avoid them, but weevers (especially the lesser weever) pose most danger to small children on the beach where they live in the shallows with just their eyes above the sand. So be aware if you are having a quiet day on the beach. Generally a jellyfish sting will cover a large area and can show up as streaks where the sting bearing tentacles have brushed the skin. A Weever sting however is caused by a sharp spine and is very localised. Interestingly, weever fish of both species are an important ingredient in traditional French fish soup, bouillabaisse. I have to admit that this lesser Weever was eaten purely out of revenge - it had a strong taste albeit the white flesh was very dry.

Mrs Morgan being released on Bull island on 2 April.

A guest to our web page (Louise Groark) said she had seen the Liffey seal with a pup — could this be the reason for the huge weight loss? Is it possible that Mrs Morgan was pregnant when she first came to the ISS? As harbour seals generally care for their pup for about six weeks she did have the time between her first release and her second visit to the ISS to rear a pup; however we found it difficult to believe that an animal that came in to us so

thin and sick could have produced such a healthy pup. Louisa Groark confirmed the red stripe identification of Mrs Morgan and sent us some photos. If anyone has actually seen this pup suckle from the mother that would really nail down her role with the pup. Mrs Morgan remains a mystery and is back in the ISS. We don’t know what is wrong with her. She is slow and lethargic, and only responds to food. Has she brain damage? Has she parasites in her brain (com-

mon in other marine mammals)? Why did she lose so much weight in a short time? Was she just a friendly seal that teamed up with a pup on the Liffey or did she actually manage to produce a pup despite her poor health? Tests would provide the answers but these are expensive. So we’re hoping to find a benefactor, with an interest in this beautiful, gentle but strange animal, who can solve the puzzle of Mrs Morgan.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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* Commissioned by AIB Killybegs, this painting by Donegal artist and silversmith Ruth Kavanagh went on display at Fish Ireland in July to start the bidding to raise funds for the RNLI. Bids are being accepted by the branch in Killybegs (074 9731451, 074 9731881) and the winner will be announced at an RNLI function in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin, later this year. Handing over the painting to the RNLI are (l-r): Michael McNulty, Norma O’Reagan and Art Kavanagh, AIB Bank; Ann Burke, Killybegs RNLI secretary and Anna Classon, RNLI senior area fund raising manager.

JOHN RAFFERTY Donegal exhibition

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JOHN Rafferty, marine and landscape photo journalist, is currently exhibiting in the Ionad Teampall Croine in Dunloe, Co Donegal. The exhibition, which runs until mid-September, showcases some of John’s work from his assignments capturing marine nature and its surroundings in Inshore Ireland, The Irish Skipper and Fishing News in the UK, to name but a few publications. *

Check also the website: www.johnraffertyphotography.com

INSHORE IRELAND

September 2006

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Economic with the truth: Borg's trumpet blowing of fisheries agreement rings hollow Brian O'Riordan, International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF), asks the question

AFTER signing the new fisheries agreement with Mauritania, Commissioner Borg boasted that the agreement, which was the biggest with an African country, was a major breakthrough: ``The new partnership approach will be of mutual benefit to the EU and Mauritania in terms of jobs, strengthened monitoring and control, conservation of resources in compliance with scientific assessment and environmental protection.'' To be sure, after lengthy and uncertain negotiations deadlocked on a number of occasions, the eventual signing of the agreement on the eve of the old agreement ending comes as a ``major breakthrough'' and a big relief for the EU. But Borg's claims are not all that they seem - particularly with regard to the partnership approach, the mutual benefits and the conservation of resources as he proclaimed. These have been questioned by the Brussels-based Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements (CFFA) and the Mauritanian NGO Pechecops in their recent analysis of the agreement. Poor economy Mauritania is one of the world's least developed and most highly indebted nations. In 2001, the GDP per person was 275, and 41% of the population lives below the poverty line. Fish contributes 41% of export earnings, and with unemployment running at more than 25%, artisanal fishing and value-adding processing are key potential areas for increasing both employment and export income. In contrast, the 25 nations of

the EU together represent the world's fourth major fishing power, and the most important market for fish. In 2004, the average per capita GDP was 21,000, and given the demise of EU fish stocks and growing consumer and commercial demand (for processing and trade) for fish, 60% of the fish consumed in Europe has to be imported. Currently 20% of EU fish supplies come from catches taken through fisheries agreements. Artisanal fishing could play a key role in sustainable social and economic development in Mauritania, particularly through the development of the octopus fishery. Practised with lines of plastic pots, artisanal fishing for octopus is highly selective, and small size individuals or gravid females can be returned to the water unaffected. The product obtained is also of a very high quality, attracting much higher prices on the international market than trawl caught octopus (as practised by the Spanish fleet). Since the unprecedented boom in the early 1990s producing 9,000 tonnes in 1992, the artisanal octopus fishery has faced intense competition from industrial fishing fleets, both national and European. Not surprisingly, this has led to over-exploitation of octopus stocks. Today, scientists estimate an excess fishing capacity of 31% on octopus. Despite the many obstacles faced, the Mauritanian artisanal fishery has made remarkable progress, as indicated by 2004 data: * *

the raw material needs of processing factories. 80m. * Local added-value, representing around 90% of turnover. * Providing 30,000 of 35,000 jobs in the entire fishing sector. * Providing the entire national requirement for fish protein (averaging 12,000-15,000 tonnes). * Annual export earnings of 70-

What is more, it generates the highest resource rent of all the sectors, by providing significant revenues to the national treasury from licence fees and taxes, and by contributing considerably, both directly and indirectly, to poverty reduction. Mauritanian octopus is highly sought after on the EU side too. In 2004, European 80,000 tonnes of fish landed, cephalopod (octopus) trawlers comprising 8,000 tonnes of contributed 33% of the EU's earnings made from fishing octopus. Supplying more than 80% of under the agreement. The EU

announcement that it has reduced its access levels to cephalopods in the new agreement by 30% is therefore significant, but false. True, under the previous agreement, access to cephalopods was granted to 55 trawlers; however, only 46 fishing licences were actually taken up. Under the current agreement, 43 licences have been provided, representing a reduction of only 6.5%, a mere drop in the ocean. Reading between the lines The compensation to be provided by the agreement remains the same, at 86m per annum, totalling 516m over the sixyear period to July 31 2012. Of this, 10m has been earmarked for specific support measures. In addition, 22m

Preliminary report strongly suggests French trawler sunk by nuclear submarine Patrick Delain reports

OVER eighteen months ago on 15 January 2004, the French trawler B u g a l e d - B r e i z h abruptly disappeared from the surface close to the English coast. Since this catastrophic event, which claimed the lives of five crewmen, their families have been demanding answers from the French government and so far without any conclusive explanations or apportionment of blame. The 24m trawler sank within 35 seconds and as yet there is no admission of responsibility for what occurred. The fact that NATO submarine manoeuvres were taking place in the vicinity at the time is not denied. The submarines were French,

English, German and Dutch and of these only the captain of the Dutch vessel, Le Delfijn, made a statement in which he denied responsibility. In France, the procedure in such an investigation is to appoint two investigatory magistrates, who in this instance, commissioned a technical assessment of the boat. This showed no signs of any damage that might have caused the sinking. The report, which was completed on 23 June 2005, was embargoed and released by MicheĂ le Alliot_Marie, Minister for Defence, at the end of December. While there is no specific mention of a submarine in the document, there is strong circumstantial evidence that one was involved. The experts

identify `an exogenous force which dragged the trawler to the sea-bed' as the most plausible reason for what took place. Inevitably much of the report focused on the trawl warps: 375m of the starboard warp had been released from the drum, which would have been consistent with trawling at the prevailing depth of 90m. Notwithstanding, 515m of the port warp had been paid out. The longer cable displayed fraying at a depth of 40-60m and had apparently jumped in whorls off the drum. The experts concluded that the `exogenous force' operated at a depth of 40m and approximately 170m behind the trawler. The report discounts another explanation: that one

of the cables had got stuck on a rock, pulling one side of the boat down and causing it to ship water. The sea-bed is sandy and there are no likely obstructions in the area. Another more detailed microscopic examination of the warps is planned, which suggests to the families that the French establishment is playing for more time. Details of submarine movements in the area remain secret. These are facts that the families feel are certain to identify the perpetrator of the sinking but which the Ministry of Defence is unwilling to provide. While the distraught families continue to mourn, a plaque commemorating the event has been erected in the port of Loctudy.

per annum could be provided from licence fees. It must be pointed out, however, that almost all the support activities to be funded by the agreement are already on-going, with finance provided. In addition, under the previous agreement, of the 14m expected from licence fees, only 10m were received. On the positive side, the provisions for monitoring, control and research are all seen as positive but clearly there is still

a long way to go on the road from `commercial pay, fish and go' agreements to full Fishery Partnership Agreements. Source: The CFFA and Pechecops Report: EU Mauritania Agreement Ă? the implications for sustainable fisheries development in Mauritania. For further details on CFFA, contact BeĂ&#x201A;atrice Gorez, cffa.cape@tiscali.be; or visit http://www.cape-cffa.org

Next issue October 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 * * * * * * * * * *

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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INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT

Irish falled container MV Connemara approaching Dublin Port.

Irish shipping sector in good shape despite fallout from ferry dispute ‘‘2005 was a year of mixed fortunes but the overall performance was strong and positive,’’ according to Glenn Murphy, director of the Irish Marine Development Office in The Irish Maritime Transport Economist. Jehan Ashmore, maritime correspondent highlights the main points of this annual publication, which focuses on the Irish port and shipping services sector.

Irish Ferries dispute Last year’s high-profile dispute at Irish Ferries drew considerable public attention to the difficulties facing the domestic Irish shipping sector. The dispute highlighted in particular the intensely competitive Irish Sea ferry-freight sector. Overall, the sector has endured pressures such as capacity, industrial action, fuel costs and competition from low-cost air-travel. Passenger ferry numbers declined by 5%; however, this drop was offset by a 5% increase in freight. Despite the passenger ferry decline, cruiseship visitor numbers to Irish ports increased by 28% to over 180,000 in 2005.

Strong performance Irish ports performed particularly well, reflecting continued growth buoyed by the positive economy across the industry. To t a l v o l u m e s f o r 2 0 0 5 amounted to 32 million tonnes for all break-bulk cargoes. Ro-

Ro records reached 1.2 million TEU (i.e. 20ft containers) and 1.6 million for trailers, equating to a 4% increase and in Lo-Lo, a rise of 5%. The economy performed well, showing GDP growing at 4.7% and 5.4% in GNP. Ireland has a particularly important

‘open’ economy that remains robust with international markets and in which GDP in the OECD economies is set to increase this year by 2.5%. According to the report, most economic commentators forecast that growth will be between 4.5% to 5% in 2006. Prospects

remain optimistic in the shipping sector, although the Cent r a l B a n k ha s c a u t i o n e d regarding the manufacturing sector. Despite a decade of strong economic growth and output, this sector is now under intense international competition, which has led to certain

‘Census at Sea’ survey launched THE IMDO has launched a ‘Census at Sea’ survey to identify employment opportunities for Irish seafarers. In particular, the survey will target research, innovation and training in the creation of jobs. According to Glenn Murphy, director of the IMDO, ‘‘additional benefits that accrue from any census will be the flow of information which can assist us in the future planning and identification of resources we will need to ensure an adequate flow of well trained, high quality mariners for our industry.’’ He added that the census will be conducted through a

series of questionnaires and direct mail shots aimed at past college graduates so as to identify where qualified seafarers are currently employed, both at sea and ashore. ‘‘This information will not only enable us to identify how seafarers are employed but will also demonstrate any training and promotional barriers that could be overcome with the right support mechanisms.’’

Fallout The acrimonious dispute at Irish Ferries last year in which over 400 seafaring jobs were

lost following the company’s implementation programme to replace Irish seafarers, is a concern to the IMDO. It is felt that the fallout arising from the industrial action might have a negative impact on the marine industry.

Opportunities ‘‘While jobs were regrettably lost as a result of the Irish Ferries dispute, the fact is that there are still real opportunities and demand in high value, specialist sectors in the shipping industry. The Irish Government has invested in a state-of-the-art maritime train-

ing facility at Ringaskiddy in Cork to train senior college deck officers and engineers to the highest global standard. We are working with the college to ensure that their graduates have the greatest scope for career development,’’ Glenn Murphy remarked. The IMDO already administers a seafarers training grant scheme for Irish Seafarers. Their ‘Census at Sea’ is open to all past and present seafarers who are invited to complete a simple questionnaire by visiting their website at www.imdo.ie.

Irish businesses closing and relocating abroad.

Rising fuel prices The impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and its knock-on effect has played an adverse impact on the Irish economy whereby rising fuel costs have been a significant factor for shipping operators with at least two Irish Sea services closing last year. The UK and US are Ireland’s largest export markets; the US being the largest with 19% of the total value of exports, though these markets remained relatively static last year. Elsewhere, the emerging trade with China showed exports rising by 42% and imports growing by 34%. In total, the value of exports rose by 4.7% to €88bn, which contributed to a trade surplus of €32bn. The report’s outlook for 2006 remains optimistic for continued growth in the shipping sector, although the usual factors of oil prices and currency fluctuations in addition to domestic pressures in manufacturing will be a strong influence.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT

Ferry festivities at Rosslare and Campile *

Stena Europe at Rosslare Europort. Photo Jehan Ashmore

TWO 100th anniversary celebrations were held at Rosslare and Campile, Co Wexford, on Saturday, 12 August to mark both sea and rail services linking the south-east of Ireland and Britain. At Rosslare Europort, John Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the centenary of the opening of the Rosslare-Fisguard route. The Minister paid tribute to ‘‘the vision of the men and women of over 100 years ago in very difficult times to recognise the need to open up a route between Ireland and the UK and in later years to the EU. Rosslare Europort is a national brand name in its economic

development in the south-east and internationally.’’ The origins of the route date back to 1898 when a joint Act of Parliament established the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company (F&RRHC) for the purpose of providing a service from London to the south of Ireland. The venture incorporated the Great Southern Railway (GWR) with services from London to Fishguard and the Great Southe r n & We s t e r n R a i l w a y (GS&WR) providing Irish rail connections from Rosslare to Waterford and Cork. The first sailings on the route began on 30 August 1906, and the legacy of ship and rail companies directly operating together remains to this day as

both the ports of Rosslare and Fishguard are under the control of the F&RRHC whose successors are Stena Line and Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail. Last year, Stena Line carried 600,000 passengers and 50,000 freight vehicles through the port. In fact, Rosslare Europort broke trading records in that it surpassed Dublin Port for the first time in terms of the total amount of roll-on roll-off trade conducted at the south-eastern ferryport. A ‘Maritime Centenary Exhibition’ displaying photographs of ships, models, maritime memorabilia and the people involved over the last 100 years will be held in the Great Southern Hotel, Rosslare, on 6 to 10 September.

Maritime Ireland, connecting Irish industry with the Global Market Place

www.imdo.ie Ireland Rotterdam

Roscoff Dublin

Holyhead

Shannon Galway

Antwerp

Dundalk Sligo Nantes

Bilbao

Piraeus Cork Helsinki

Hamburg

Drogheda Oslo

Aarhus

Limassol

Cherbourg

Le Havre

Salerno Rosslare

Liverpool New Ross Arklow

St Andrew, built in 1938 and operated on the Rosslare-Fishguard route.

Photo: Stena Line

Annual ports conference heads west THE Irish Ports Association’s annual National Ports Conference will be hosted by the Galway Harbour Company on

29 September at the Ardilaun House Hotel, Taylor’s Hill. Further details from the Galway Harbour Company

Waterford

call 091 561874 or 091 562 329. For bookings contact Ardilaun House Hotel Tel: 091 521433.

Irish Maritime Development Ofﬁce 80 Harcourt Street Dublin 2 Ireland telephone 353 1 476 6500 facsimile 353 1 478 4988 e-mail imdo@marine.ie

Setubal

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

MARINE R&D

Airborne survey of Cork and Kerry seabed underway AUSTRALIAN company, Tenix LADS Corporation, is currently using a high technology Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) system to survey areas off the coast of Kerry and Cork for the Geological Survey of Ireland. Tenix LADS Corporation will provide an accurate map of the seabed for three bays: Dingle Bay, Dunmanus Bay and Bantry Bay, using its latest generation hydrographic surveying system, LADS Mk II, mounted in a deHavilland Dash 8-202 aircraft.

Report by Dr Eibhlı́n Doyle PGeo, Xavier Monteys and David Hardy, Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI)

Distinctive aircraft The distinctive aircraft, with a blue and white striped tail, will be handled by a uniquely experienced hydrographic survey team of approximately 10 experienced pilots, engineers and surveyors from 30 August until the contract is completed on 22 September 2006. Field party leader, Nigel Townsend, said that the LADS technology has created a great deal of excitement and interest from customers across the globe because it is the only technology able to survey shallow and difficult coastal regions from an aircraft: ‘‘Until recently, all charting was carried out with shipboard sensors, which are accurate but relatively slow to collect data. LADS technology, developed in Australia through the 1990s, allows data to be collected up

A submarine slide in the Atlantic

The LADS Mk II will be mounted in a deHavilland Dash 8-202 aircraft, which has a distinctive blue and white striped tail. It will be handled by a uniquely experienced hydrographic survey team.

to 100 times faster and at a fraction of the cost. ‘‘People close to our survey areas are generally interested in what the aircraft is doing, and it is always a surprise to them when they find out we can calculate water depths by using a laser fitted to an aircraft,’’ he explained.

How it works The LADS system uses an eyesafe laser that transmits approximately 1,000 pulses a second. The laser reflects from the water surface, passes through the water column and

SEDIMENTS on the seafloor are often semi or unconsolidated. As such, they are susceptible to moving down slopes and such large submarine slides have been described from the Atlantic. One of the largest identified occurred off the western Norway coast. This submarine slide, known as the Storegga Slide, extends some 800km into an area known as the Norwe-

gian Basin and took place approximately 8,200 years ago. Geologists have identified evidence for the Storegga Slide on the Scottish shoreline, which indicates that a tsunami generated by the Storegga Slide reached Scotland. In Irish waters, a large submarine slide in the Rockall Trough (Figure 1) is clearly recognised from data collected by the GSI for the Irish National

Seabed Survey (INSS). This slide measures 100km wide and extends into the basin for 160km and lies in water depths in excess of 2000m (Figure 2). It is smaller than the Storegga Slide but it is still significant in size. Figure 3 shows a projection of the slide onto Ireland to give some idea of its scale. As can be seen it would cover a large portion of Munster.

then reflects from the seabed. The very small difference in timing between the surface and seabed reflection allows water depth to be calculated for each pulse. Tenix has worked in Australasia, the Mediterranean, Norway, the Canary Islands, Alaska, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the UK and Ireland, as well as on numerous projects throughout the United States. LADS data has a variety of uses such as nautical charting; EEZ delimitation; oil and gas exploration, and coastal zone/ beach and coral reef management.

Request for tender Supply of Geophysical & Hydrographic Survey Services and Survey Vessel & Operator Supply as part of The INFOMAR Programme and Marine Institute survey work

Figure 1. Bathymetric map for Ireland’s deeper offshore waters. Blue box represents area shown in Figure 2.

Examination of shallow seismic profiles indicates that the margins of the submarine slide are still sharp in many places and have been little affected by the Atlantic currents (Figure 2). Previous work indicated

(Flood et al, 1979) an age of 15,000-16,000 years before present (BP) for the slide (young in geological terms). Similar slides further north off the coast of Scotland and Norway range in age from 4,000 years to 16,000

years BP. The slide stands as a positive feature, which decreases as it is followed into the Rockall Basin. In many places the slide stands 25m high lying on the sediments of the Rockall Basin (Figure 2).

The Marine Institute and the Geological Survey of Ireland invites tenders from qualified organizations to supply survey services to the Institute during the period of September 2006 to October 2006. Survey operations are planned for the Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA) offshore SW Ireland and Bantry Bay, Dunmanus Bay, as well as the Shannon Estuary (Expected WD = 25 to 50m). All areas are required to be fully and methodically sounded. Wrecks and shoals located during the combined operations will be examined and the minimum depths identified by a method suitable for the discharge of IHO 1st Order requirements. Tenders are invited to provide the following survey services either singly as lots, or as a combination of lots, in support of the INFOMAR programme: Lot A: Hydrographic & geophysical survey consultancy and equipment supply Lot B: Supply of survey vessel and operator

Figure 2 Location of Slide showing seismic profiles.

The closing date for applications is the 5th September 2006.

Full details are available at http://www.e-tenders.gov.ie/search/search_show.aspx?ID=AUG066016 and further information can be sought from: Pauline NI¤ Fhlatharta, Marine Institute, Renville, Oranmore, Galway, Ireland. Email: pauline.flaherty@marine.ie Subject: INFOMAR tender *

Figure 3. Projection of Rockall Slide on Munster

The exact mechanism that triggered the slide is unknown; however, it is likely to be the result of a number of factors such as rapid deposition of glacial sediments during glacial times followed by post glacial sea level rises, and sudden load from the glacial sediments on thin interglacial sediments may have resulted in increased pore pressures in the underlying interglacial sediments. This is likely to have resulted in instability. In addition, earthquakes caused by glacio-isostatic rebound following glacial retreat and may have triggered the slide. It is possible that a submarine slide of this size would have triggered a tsunami, which would in all probability have reached the coast of Ireland. The slide occurs on the eastern margins of the Rockall Bank some 350km away and the toe of the slide is only 200km away. Tsunami sediments may well be preserved on the west coast, which would add to the story of this large slide in Irish waters.

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

MARINE R&D

Prof Gereard T. Wrixon, president, UCC and Valerie Cummins, MIDA co-ordinator and CMRC manager were joined at the official MIDA launch by (from left) Marcia Berman, VIMS; Dr Joe Breen, Head of Aquatic Services, Environment and Heritage Service, Northern Ireland; Liz O’Dea, MIDA project manager, UCC; Prof Dawn Wright, Professor of Geography and Oceanography at OSU; and Dr Jim Wright, Memorial University Newfoundland. *

* While touring Cork Harbour by boat, Valerie Cummins, CMRC manager, talks about efforts in mapping and integrated coastal zone management in the Harbour to participants of a European conference on ‘‘Building Coastal Knowledge and Geographic Information’’.

International Cork events focus on coastal mapping Liz O’Dea, CMRC, reports

Confidence

THIS summer, University College Cork has been a hub of activity for people interested in mapping the coastal zone. The Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC) hosted two international events which brought together coastal mapping experts from Europe and North America, at the launch of the Marine Irish Digital Atlas (MIDA). Mapping the coast is more complicated than one may imagine. It is more than just an arbitrary coastline on a map. The broad area that influences the coastal zone can be considered to range from mountains to

sea-bed and from solid land to moving water. Mapping the various coastal habitats, resources and activities helps people to appreciate where things are located in relation to each other (e.g. seals and Special Areas of Conservation, or sewage outfalls and aquaculture sites). This helps managers to see how these resources and activities can best be managed for the benefit of all. A week long conference took place in June entitled Building Coastal Knowledge and Geographic Information, which is part of a four-year European Commission funded ECOIMAGINE conference series on mapping and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. Seventy-five coastal re-

searchers from across Europe spent a week in Cork to focus on issues related to inshore seabed mapping, the Water Framework Directive and marine spatial planning. A boat trip of Cork Harbour introduced participants to various local coastal management issues and efforts to work with local stakeholders, including the recently established Cork Harbour Forum. This event, partly sponsored by the Marine Institute and ESRI Ireland, provided an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate its strengths in coastal mapping in Europe and to discuss common issues with researchers from other EU countries. In July, the CMRC hosted the first in a series of transatlantic

workshops on coastal mapping and informatics, entitled Potentials and Limitations of Coastal Web Atlases. This two-day workshop, partly funded by the US National Science Foundation and the Marine Institute, brought together marine scientists from the US, Belgium, the UK, Canada and Ireland as well as the European Environment Agency. The North American contingent included representatives from such well-regarded institutions as the NOAA Coastal Services Centre and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), Oregon State University (OSU) and Memorial University in Newfoundland (the latter three having bilateral

agreements with UCC). The workshop looked closely at a number of Internet-based coastal atlases from both sides of the Atlantic and various common issues such as their design, map content, technology, and how they can best meet the needs of their audience. Among the outcomes was the establishment of an international consortium of coastal atlases and guidelines for other countries with an interest in developing their own coastal atlases. The Marine Irish Digital Atlas (MIDA; http://mida.ucc.ie/), one of the coastal atlases presented in the workshop, was officially launched during the transatlantic workshop by Professor Gerard T Wrixon, Pre-

sident, UCC on July 25. The MIDA places Ireland in the unique position of being one of a limited number of countries with access to an online integrated marine data and information resource at a national level. A follow-up coastal web atlases workshop will be held in Oregon, US in July 2007. The focus will be on building a common approach to managing and disseminating coastal data, maps and information. It is expected that a number of Irish researchers will attend, helping to keep Ireland at the forefront of this emerging technology. Regularly updated information and maps of the Irish coast can be found on the Marine Irish Digital Atlas web site at http://mida.ucc.ie/

www.tenix.com

Airborne Lidar Bathymetric Survey Tenix LADS owns and operates the latest generation Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) MkII lidar system, internationally recognised as the fastest, most efficient tool for bathymetric survey in shallow coastal waters. • High Quality Waveforms to depths of 75m • Seamless Coastal Survey Capability to 50m Above Sea Level

• IHO Order 1 Compliant Data • High Quality Hydrographic Products • Globally Proven.

• Rapid Deployment

Australia Tel: +61 8 8300 4447 E-mail: lads2@tenix.com

United States Tel: +1 228 594 6800 E-mail: ladsusa@tenix.com

United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 347 3497 E-mail: ladsuae@tenix.com

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

MARKETING/RETAIL

Brain food for tomorrow’s decision-makers Helpful THE latest leaflet in the BIM series on the benefits of seafood as part of a healthy diet is aimed at the tots to teens age group. ‘‘Most of us know about the healthy benefits of including fish as part of our diets, but we don’t often think about it as an important, healthy food that has special benefits for children,’’ remarked Helen Brophy, BIM’s market development manager at the launch. ‘‘Fish is a rich source of protein, which is essential for rapidly growing bones and muscles. It is very easy to digest and is gentle on children’s stomachs. All kinds of fish are rich in minerals such as zinc, selenium and iodine which healthy bones, muscles and immune systems require for proper development. The Omega-3 fats found in oil-rich fish such as trout and mackerel are essential for brain development,’’ she added. The leaflet also acknowledges the difficulty of getting children to eat fish, and offers some helpful advice. ‘‘Most children refuse foods at some stage - usually between the ages of two and three. Many of us can recollect being forced to eat something and how this affected our fondness for that particular food. We would not recommend forcing children to eat fish, this is usually counterproductive,’’ Ms Brophy added. Pointing to other benefits, Ms Brophy noted that both ADHD

hints Offer fish to children as early as possible. Fish is an ideal food for weaning; however, take care to remove all the bones Start by introducing white fish such as whiting and haddock, which have a milder flavour. As your child gets used to the fish you can add in new varieties and stronger tasting oil-rich fish such as salmon. Remember to eat fish yourself. Most children will copy what they see their parents doing. Offer fish at least once a week. It can take time for children (and adults) to get used to the new taste and texture of fish. *

Other leaflets in the series are:

Pia Jasperson (4) and BIM seafood adviser, Ian Mannix.

(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and dyslexia in children have been linked in some studies with a lack of Omega-3 fats: ‘‘Some children with ADHD have been found to have low levels of Omega-3 fats in their blood, and some studies of dyslexia have found improvements in children who have been given supplements of

Omega-3 fats,’’ she explained. Several studies have found that children who regularly eat fish, especially oil-rich fish, have a significantly lower risk of developing asthma. ‘‘Apart from the obvious nutritional benefits of fish, these are very good reasons for making sure that fish forms part of every child’s diet,’’ Ms Brophy advised.

* *

Fish for life Fish for you and your baby Fish for your heart and Love your body.

The leaflet is being distributed through GPs, dietitians and fish retail outlets. It is also available from BIM or by visiting www.bim.ie/wellbeing *

10-year-old Aisling Murray.

Seminar to promote innovation Ground-breaking within the seafood industry product to fight Listeria

BIM in partnership with Enterprise Ireland is to host the first-ever innovation conference specifically tailored towards business development, sales, marketing, product development, quality assurance and production management in the Irish seafood industry.

Unique conference Waves of Innovation, which takes place on 12 and 13 September in the Irish Management Institute, Dublin, is a unique conference focusing on the many challenges that face the industry from a marketing perspective, and how companies can successfully innovate for the future. These challenges have been identified as: * * *

diminishing supplies. Rising production costs. Increasingly tight trading margins.

* *

Retail concentration. Competition from low-cost producers. Consumer concerns on health and the environment, which pose both serious challenges and opportunities for the Irish seafood industry.

Programme topics will range from understanding trends in the market to examining the New Product Development (NDP) process and the latest developments in legislation. A series of workshops and case studies centring on techniques of product development and branding will run concurrently with the conference to promote interaction between participants and speakers.

Overview of global food market The conference will begin with a broad overview of the global food market and highlight cur-

rent trends and topics facing all food producers. Speakers from across the food industry will give a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities within this sector as a whole. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding consumer needs, and identifying the means to meet these needs. The conference will conclude on how BIM/Enterprise Ireland can assist companies in a market-led approach to developing their business. A trade event will also take place, comprising specific exhibitors associated with innovation in the Irish seafood industry. Bookings to BIM on 012144279. The booking form may also be downloaded from www.bim.ie.

FOLLOWING two years of stringent testing, a UK company, Citrox Ltd, has been approved by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to supply a novel product which will enable the Irish seafood industry to achieve the very highest standards of food safety and hygiene. The product is the result of four years of intensive research, involving BIM in the latter two years. The biotechnology employed was devised to be more effective against bacteria and viruses, which have become more resistant to the persistent attacks of conventional disinfectants and antibiotics. This was an entirely new approach to an old problem. Test results proved that

Citrox compounds conformed to the standard of kill (99.999%) demanded by EC Regulations. Further verification of the product’s effectiveness was sought by the DCMNR and tests were carried out in a laboratory in Dublin. Tests were also carried out at a few fishing plants on the west coast and produced successful results confirmed by in-house laboratories and through the Irish Seafood Producers Group with the cooperation of the NUI Galway. At their presentation to BIM, Bill Haddon of Citrox said the company was delighted to receive approval after nearly two years testing, both in the laboratories and on the processing lines:

‘‘The help and guidance afforded to us by BIM was instrumental to the success of the trials, and is a glowing example of what can be achieved by a combination of novel industry research, coupled with BIM expertise and know-how.’’ Dr Carol Rafferty of BIM’s Seafood Development Centre said that the organisation was delighted to have worked closely with Citrox on the project. ‘‘This can only serve to help the seafood industry achieve the highest standard of hygiene,’’ she said. The Food & Drug Administration in the USA declared a zero tolerance policy against Listeria monocytogenes, which had been a problem in many countries, including Ireland, for some years.

Food for thought — healthy ways to create tasty meals By Agnes Bouchier-Hayes I have to recount an experience I recently witnessed. While sunbathing on a north Kerry beach during the recent hot spell I witnessed an amazing sight: a lady produced her disposable BBQ from her wicker basket and proceeded to light it on the hottest day in living memory! This lady then spent the rest of the afternoon (fours hours — I timed her!) tending the BBQ. Why oh why spend the entire day cooking on the beach when there is an infinite amount of quicker, easier, healthier and safer ways to create tasty and

nutritious meals. Oil-rich fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, contain all sorts of wonderful nutrients, such as omegas, polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins. Research tells us that just two portions of oil-rich fish a week can enhance brain power as well as contributing to overall good health. It may also be linked to combating Alzheimer’s disease.

Quick fixes Take for example the fiveminute smoked salmon wrap when you may be against the clock at lunchtime. First you’ll need a soft flour tortilla. In the centre, scatter lettuce of your

choice, sliced tomatoes (cherry are best) and a layer of smoked salmon, and top off with a squeeze of lime and some capers (these two ingredients cut through the richness of the smoked salmon and the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes). Now, to avoid the entire contents ending up on your lap, make sure to turn in the ends and then roll from side to side like a Swiss roll. To make a quick tartar sauce, chop two teaspoonfuls of capers and two medium-sized gherkins into roughly two tbls of mayonnaise; add a little lemon juice and mix together. Alternatively, tuna melts are a sure winner. Sprinkle cheese

over the tortilla, leaving about one cm around the edge; add finely sliced onion and top with tuna. Put a second tortilla on top and grill, turning half way through the cooking. It’s cooked when the cheese has melted to your liking. Slice into triangles and serve with salad or a bowl of homemade vegetable soup (canned tuna is a particularly good source of calcium and preferably in oil for added vitamin D — a fat soluble vitamin that enables the body to absorb calcium).

Main meal For something more substantial, cook pasta according to the

instructions and keep warm, approximately 75g dried pasta per person. In a frying pan, sauté off (don’t brown) sliced garlic, onions, peppers and mushrooms, approximately 50g of the mixed vegetables per person. Before the vegetables are cooked through, add some seafood, such as cubed salmon, chunky white fish or seafood mix, available at most seafood counters. Alternatively, use shellfish, about 150g to 200g (uncooked) per person. When the fish is just slightly under cooked, add crè me fraiche, basil or a dollop of pesto and season to taste.

If you feel like being exotic, add some smoked salmon or mackerel, precooked prawns or mussels at this stage. Heat through but do not bring to the boil. Serve with the pasta and salad or petite pois and a chilled glass of white wine.

Creative These recipes are about being creative — you don’t need to spend hours cooking to get a tasty nutritious seafood dish. When we combine convenience food (such as pasta) with fresh food, we create balanced nutritious meals that will benefit us in the long run. Now that’s food for thought!

INSHORE IRELAND September 2006

SEAFOOD PROCESSING

Seafood, sake and stout: the perfect combination

On-site training for chefs working in Irish pubs was organised.

By Ian Mannix, BIM

WITH the assistance of BIM and Enterprise Ireland, four Irish companies have joined forces to promote Irish seafood in Japan — the largest seafood market in the world. The companies involved are Atlanfish, Fastnet Mussels, Kinvara Smoked Salmon and Shellfish De La Mer, each producing a range of different seafood products. The companies have formed an umbrella group and are operating under the name and brand, Delicious Ireland, selected to portray the clean, green image of Ireland coupled with high quality seafood products that are produced around the coast. As part of the initiative, the companies recently visited Japan with a trade delegation organised by Enterprise Ireland’s Japanese office. During this trip, Delicious Ireland was formally launched by Minister for Trade and Enterprise, Micheál Martin at the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Tokyo.

During the launch, BIM made a presentation to Japanese buyers and seafood industry representatives to highlight the many aspects of Irish seafood such as quality, processing standards and taste.

Minister for Trade and Enterprise, Micheál Martin, with representatives of Delicious Ireland, BIM, Enterprise Ireland and Diageo.

Seafood medley Guests sampled an array of Irish products including smoked salmon, crab and mussels. The feedback was extremely positive and guests were particularly impressed by the excellent flavour and quality of the products. The group is also working with Diageo to promote the concept of serving a pint of Guinness with seafood — the perfect combination. Guinness is sold in 16,000 pubs in Japan and it is hoped that this will help to drive sales of Irish seafood. During the trip the delegation organised on-site training for chefs working in Irish pubs in Tokyo and also organised seafood samplings for customers to taste dishes such as garlic stuffed mussels, smoked salmon and crab parcels and Irish seafood platters.

State investment of €8m in seafood processing sector *

Feedback was very positive.

Again, the feedback from consumers was very positive, and these events have encouraged the group to continue their venture into the Japanese market.

* Guests sampled an array of Irish products including smoked salmon, crab and mussels. They were particularly impressed by the excellent flavour and quality of the products.

SEVENTEEN seafood processing companies are to benefit from total investment of €8m including a €2m grant aid package under the National Development Plan. The companies approved are based in Wexford, Cork, Donegal, Mayo, Louth, Kerry and Dublin. The projects cover initiatives aimed at increasing professionalism and efficiency of operations, and improving the quality and range of products on offer to domestic and international markets. ‘‘The seafood processing sector is central to

realising the potential of Irish fisheries and is the key link between the fishermen and the consumer. I am particularly pleased to see that diversification is a key driver of some of the projects approved for funding,’’ commented the marine minister, John Browne. The Seafood Processing Measure supports projects which enhance the quality and value of seafood products. Projects which lead to improved competitiveness and will move the seafood processing industry further up the value chain are also eligible.

County Donegal

Applicant Bradan Proiseal Teo

Grant Aid 501,398.50

Donegal Cork

PFP Teoranta Bantry Bay Seafoods

23,550 198,030.30

Mayo

Ireland West Seafare

45,750.00

Dublin Kerry

Hanlon Ltd Glenbeigh Shellfish

48,750.00 70,000.00

Wexford

Sofrimar Ltd

60,750.00

Mayo Louth

Connemara 187,500.00 Seafoods Frozen Ltd Seafood Processors Ltd31,250.00

Dublin

Wrights of Marino

40,693.75

Dublin

Dunnes Seafare Ltd

230,500.00

Dublin Cork

Kish Fish Fastnet Mussels Ltd

35,000.00 73,125.00

Cork/Mayo

William Carr & Sons Ltd

162,500.00

Purpose Increasing capacity and installation of new equipment Installation of new equipment Investment in plant and equipment & Process line for modified atmosphere packed product Extension to plant to increase production capacity Installation of new equipment Construction of premises to facilitate further capacity Construction and equipping of new production line Installation of new equipment to provide for new product line Plant upgrade to facilitate introduction of new production line Continuation of expansion programme Diversification into new market segment Purchase of additional machinery Increase of production capacity/ modernisation of equipment Capacity improvement and modernisation of plant

BIM and Irish Aquaculture

Harvesting the Best!

At BIM there is a commitment to develop an aquaculture industry we can all be proud of. Sustainable job creation in coastal communities integrating all members of the community is central to this pursuit. Through technical, financial, marketing and environmental/quality support services, BIM is actively engaged in promoting the most up to date and cost efficient aquaculture techniques, to produce quality seafood, consistent with the needs of environmental protection and conservation.

Quality products are crucial for successful marketing. To this end, the BIM environmental/ quality programme aims to promote the concepts of quality and environmental awareness with the development of codes of practice for finfish and shellfish, and the implementation of quality assurance schemes.

Financial support for pilot and commercial aquaculture ventures is available through European and BIM grant schemes for both existing farmers and new entrants.

So, what does all of this mean? Simply, that BIM offers a one stop shop for all your aquaculture development needs.

The financial support is complemented by technical expertise and training programmes on best husbandry practice for shellfish and finfish production drawing on home based and international expertise. BIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technical programme is continuing to investigate the potential of novel species and new and innovative technology. Feasibility studies, site selection and evaluation are also part of our service.

If you would like further information you can contact BIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aquaculture Development Division at: Tel: +353 1 2144100/Fax: +353 1 2841123 Email: aqua@bim.ie www.bim.ie