Inshore ireland vol8 nr6 dec 2012 jan 2013

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The Marine & Freshwater Environment Publication

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December 2012/January 2013 Vol 8 Issue 6

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Galway Bay fish farm plan on schedule despite ‘campaign of dreadful misinformation’ – BIM Gery Flynn

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IM has confirmed that its proposal to site a large salmon farm in deep water in Galway Bay remains on schedule despite what it claims is a concerted campaign of misinformation by some who oppose the project on the grounds of scale and long-term environmental impact.

Donal Maguire, BIM’s Aquaculture Development Manager confirmed to Inshore Ireland that the Galway Bay proposal had already completed its Statutory Consultation phase and had almost come through its Public Consultation phase, which ends on December 12.

He added that this proposal was one of three that the agency would be submitting for a licence, and that it was also the first time they had undertaken a project of this type.

“Instead of the fish farming licence being given directly to a private company, we are applying for the licence which, if issued, we will then franchise to a commercial operator who will be required to adhere to rigorous EU and Irish conditions, as well as additional layers of strict requirements that BIM has set”.

standards and demonstrates a real commitment to sustainable production. And with a capacity to produce 15,000 tonnes of organic salmon per annum worth €102m, this proposal offers sustainable long-term jobs and would also inject up to €14.5m directly into the local economy of Aran and Connemara on an on-going basis.”

As for where things now stand with the project, Maguire said he was “fully

satisfied” with progress so far.

“Everything is on schedule.”

“Submissions will be sent to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who will forward them to us for our response.

Submissions will be vetted by the State Scientist and will form the basis for the Minister’s eventual decision, based on extensive EIS and scientific evidence.”

Maguire revealed that BIM has deployed an expert team on the ground locally which

has already consulted with “a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties as well as with the communities on the Aran Islands and around Rossaveal”.

Detail and transparency

He was keen to point out also that from the beginning BIM has handled the entire information-sharing process “with the utmost attention to detail and with full transparency.

“We have tried very, very hard to involve as many people as possible.

For example, we have already sent out nearly one thousand scoping letters, and have placed additional Environmental Impact Statements and other documentation around the Aran Islands and west Connemara. Non-technical summaries have also gone to every household on the islands »» page 13

Minimal impact

He said the Galway Bay site was substantially different from most “conventional farms” because it is 1.7km from the nearest land mass and located in deeper water — features which he claims will “minimise any negative environmental impact”.

“This will ensure that the fish farm meets organic

The Holy Ground, Cobh Co Cork, by Dave Keeley, overall winner of the 2012 An Taisce Clean Coasts Photography Award (See page 30)

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inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

News

Granuaile refit prepares vessel for deep-water ROV operations Robert McCabe CIL

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wo Irish companies have secured drydocking and bridge refit contracts for the Commissioners of Irish Lights ship ILV Granuaile totalling over €700,000.

Granuaile is a modern, 80-metre, DP1, diesel electric ship. In addition to her primary role as an aids-tonavigation support vessel, Granuaile’s flexible design and experienced crew provide the capability for a range of commercial operations. Work completed to date includes seismic and hydrographic survey; vibracore sampling; towage; oil spill response; diving; salvage and wreck recovery operations.

Following competitive EU tenders, Cork Dockyard Ltd and Barry Electronics Ltd demonstrated the capability and competitiveness of Ireland’s marine services industry.

In addition to normal drydock activity the team undertook a range of

additional work to prepare Granuaile for return to her operations.

Further work involved installing reinforced securing pads to accommodate the Holland 1 Deep Water Remotely Operated Vehicle launching A Frame.

Added-value capability Expanding Granuaile’s capacity to operate the ROV will significantly increase the added-value the vessel can offer as a national asset as well as providing improved commercial capacity.

Barry Electronics will commence the Granuaile bridge refit in February

2013. Operating close to dangers avoided by other ships, Granuaile requires a high specification integrated navigation system with guaranteed accuracy and reliability.

The company will also provide a fully integrated navigation and control system to meet the exacting standards required for Granuaile’s core aids to navigation operations and her commercial activity in survey and offshore energy support operations.

Granuaile provides a vital marine safety service. Her operations require exceptional people and equipment.

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Ireland's National Agency for Marine Research and Innovation

Our Ocean

A Shared Resource

www.marine.ie

Protest against new salmon farm in Bantry Bay Brian Moore

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nown worldwide as the salmon farm industry’s ‘public enemy number one’, Don Staniford was in Bantry, Co Cork recently to offer his support to the Save Bantry Bay (SBB) committee as they resist plans for a new salmon farm in Bantry Bay. Marine Harvest Ireland is currently awaiting permission from the Department of the Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to begin constructing a 14 cage salmon farm at a site just off Shot Head in Bantry Bay. Speaking at a protest meeting, Mr Staniford urged the people of Bantry to resist any attempt to develop more salmon farming businesses in the bay. ‘ “You can’t allow this corporation to expand in your area.

If Marine Harvest gets a foothold in Bantry Bay it will cause problems just like they’ve done around the world as in Chile, Scotland and in Norway. This company is bad news: bad news for the environment, bad news for wild salmon and bad news for the people of Bantry Bay,’ he said.

Widespread protest

Over 150 people attended the protest meeting, with many local fishermen and Bantry Bay residents being joined by protestors from Kerry, Cork City and as far away as Fermanagh.

“This is very encouraging; it’s good for the people of Bantry to see that they are not alone in their fight to stop Marine Harvest. We now plan to unite the different groups around the country so that we can ensure that Marine Harvest will face opposition no matter where they go to set up their farms,” Tony Lowes of Friends of the Irish Environment told Inshore Ireland.

Major investment

Marine Harvest Ireland plans to invest €3.5m in setting up a 14-cage salmon at the Shot Head site and a further minimum of €10m over each two-year production cycle.

In addition there will be eight long-term positions for operatives. The company will advertise locally and is confident that the positions can be filled with local expertise. Six people will also be employed during construction.

“Successful salmon farming, especially organic salmon, as proposed for Shot Head, depends on a clean and healthy environment. None understands this more than Marine Harvest Ireland which was the first primary food producer in Ireland to be certified under ISO 14001:1996 (International Environmental Standard),” a Marine Harvest spokesperson told Inshore Ireland.

SBB however claim that Marine Harvest’s plans will have a huge impact on local sea-life and the livelihoods of all who depend on Bantry Bay’s fishing and tourism industry.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) completed by Marine Harvest as part of the license application failed to meet standards set by the EU EIA Directive.

Their EIS fails to assess the ability of the immediate area to flush waste; the document failed to consult a single living resident in the parish (only one person was written to and he died 10 years ago) and it failed to acknowledge the Dromogowlane River — only 500m away and home to protected species that will be affected.

“The EIS also fails to consider alternative technologies such as the non-polluting closed containment systems or to consider alternative sites,” Kieran O’Shea SBB chairman and Bantry Bay pot fisherman concluded.

With no announcement imminent as to the success or failure of Marine Harvest Ireland’s application, the members of the SBB along with their neighbours in Dunmanus Bay who, recently won their appeal to have a mussel farming licence over turned, will continue to ensure that the southwest remains a hotbed of opposition for salmon farming in the area.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

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Comment

Challenging times prevailed throughout 2012 but positive signs too on the horizon

A

brief look back at some of the key topics reported

by Inshore Ireland throughout 2012 confirms that despite persistent energy-sapping doom and gloom reportage in the wider media on the poor state of the economy, for the aquatic environment at least, there is reason for optimism.

In February we wondered if Our Ocean Wealth heralded the dawn of Ireland’s long-hoped for ‘maritime era’. For the first time it seemed that here at last was a government that was taking the marine sector seriously by actually seeking public input into creating a workable maritime policy.

And sure enough, to the surprise of many, the government followed up in July with the

launch of Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth.

We interpreted the presence of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny standing alongside Minister Simon Coveney at the launch as a clear signal that the maritime agenda was now high on this government’s agenda. Confidence amongst the maritime community was palpable.

Ocean energy potential

At last we have an integrated marine plan that sets out the ambitious twin targets of increasing turnover from Ireland’s ocean economy to more than €6.4bn by 2020, and doubling the value of its ocean wealth to 2.4% of GDP by 2030. Crucially too, the plan came with the Taoiseach’s promise that no effort would be spared implementing it.

Our April and June issues reported on the International Water Association (IWA) World Congress on Water, Climate and

Energy — undoubtedly one of the most significant water-related events of the year, attracting over one thousand delegates from more than 60 countries to the Convention Centre Dublin to discuss the fragility of the freshwater environment in the face of climate change.

We highlighted some of the more highly-emotive issues — from an Irish perspective — such as the proposed legislative framework for domestic water charges and the proposed regulation of on-site waste water treatment units, or septic tanks. And we noted that unless government dealt with the fracking issue with sensitivity and determination, it had the potential to wrench communities apart leaving a legacy of bitterness.

We also flagged the threats that the effects of climate change posed for Irish villages, towns and cities, and that we were likely to have to face up to the reality of

regular Winter flooding unless constructive and immediate measures were taken soon.

In October the ICOE 2012, International Conference on Ocean Energy, hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) brought 900 delegates to Dublin to learn about the astonishing opportunities that have been identified for Ireland in terms of a limitless and environmentally-sustainable energy supply from wave and tidal sources.

In this final issue of 2012 - we publish yet another call from the ocean energy sector for government to show visionary leadership. Andrew Parish — one of that sector’s most experienced and authoritative voices says that the opportunities are there alright, but require committed and tangible leadership at the highest level of government.

It’s clear that this plea s still not being heard in Leinster House.

comment

Gery Flynn, Gillian Mills

CLARIFICATION – Environmental Protection AGENCY

Inshore Ireland 8/5 (Oct-Nov) ‘Comment’ refers to a report on fracking by the University of Aberdeen which was commissioned by the EPA. The legitimacy and transparency of the EPA’s tendering process in commissioning this report is questioned in the column. The EPA has drawn our attention to the ‘FAQs on the environment section on its website: www.epa.ie/irelandsenvironment/faq/answer,32657,en.html Q: Why was the University of Aberdeen selected to conduct preliminary research?

A: The University of Aberdeen was one of a number of parties approached on the basis of reputed expertise in the relevant field. The University of Aberdeen was the only party to respond with a quotation for the work, and was subsequently awarded the contract.

Inshore Ireland is happy to clarify this matter – Gery Flynn, features editor Inshore Ireland

Dear Editor,

T

wo reports published this month reveal the serious environmental sideeffects of salmon farming.

The first, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society showed that 39% of all salmon deaths in the Northeast Atlantic are directly attributable to lice infestation from salmon farms.

This staggering statistic, based on twelve years of research by scientists from Norway, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand, not alone

shocked the investigators but will equally shock anybody concerned about the fate of endangered salmon stocks.

The placing of salmon farms amid the migratory pathways of wild salmon guaranteed that they would become congregation areas for billions of salmon lice. These marauding parasites use the farms as permanent bases to launch attacks on returning adult salmon and emigrating young salmon.

Small pockets of these lice - which only attack salmon and trout - previously posed a minor summer nuisance

»» any perceived threat posed by salmon farms on wild salmon - proven or otherwise - be immediately reduced »» because the Regulatory Authorities have a conflict of interests in promoting salmon farming and protecting wild salmon, they should be relieved of their duty to promote salmon farms »» the protection of wild salmon should have priority over salmon farming interests.

Both these scientific reports bring to an end salmon farming’s twenty-year denial that its practices are responsible for the destruction of wild salmon and sea trout.

to returning salmon but the anchoring of salmon farms causes the yearround accumulation of lice swarms. The salmon farmer has numerous chemicals, insecticides and drugs at his disposal to kill the lice. Wild salmon have none.

The second report comes via the Cohen Commission in British Columbia, the world’s most extensive investigation into wild salmon mortalities. After three years of investigations and costing €20 million, the Commission unequivocally blames salmon farming for wild salmon deaths and recommends that: »» no salmon farm to be placed within wild salmon migration routes

The Minister of the Marine has little choice but to take immediate steps to stop salmon farming destroying what remains of our diminishing stocks of these precious fish.

Perhaps it is also time that the Irish press breaks free of its omerta concerning Irish salmon farming practices and join with British counterparts on the Guardian, Sunday Times, Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and the Scottish Daily Mail who have long condemned salmon farming for eradicating wild salmonids and polluting the aquatic environment.

Yours etc, Roderick O’Sullivan

Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from all at Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

www.bim.ie

Editor

Features Editor

Advertising

Design

Gillian Mills

Gery Flynn

Durgan Media

mills@inshore-ireland.com

flynn@inshore-ireland.com

01 235 4804

091 844822

Gillian Mills Gery Flynn

info@durganmedia.ie

074 91 94477

The publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors and advertisers. While care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained within Inshore Ireland, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or matters arising from same.

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inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Special Report

19m Dillon Owen steams towards her home port of Castletownbere.

Photo Niall Duffy

EU pelagic fishermen accuse Iceland of a ‘disingenuous propaganda exercise’ over mackerel dispute Gillian Mills

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celand stands accused of attempting to justify ‘reckless and irresponsible actions’ on the Atlantic mackerel stock, and of trying to create a divide between EU seafood processors and the pelagic fishing sector.

The European Association of Fish Producers Organisation (EAFPO) says the Icelandic

Ministry of Industries and Innovation is arranging ‘propaganda briefings’ throughout the EU in a bid to justify a ‘massive, unjustified, unilateral increase in mackerel quota.’

Iceland who caught 363 tonnes in 2005, ‘set themselves a quota of 145,000t in 2012 (40,000% increase), is putting the health of the stock in jeopardy,’ it contends.

EAFPO says that attempts over the past four years by

EU/Norway to reach a ‘sensible deal’ have been ‘repeatedly rebuffed by Iceland and the Faroes’, leading to sanctions against both countries.

The Faroe Islands set itself a unilateral quota of 148,375t for 2012 ‘which was so large it had to invite foreign vessels to catch the stock on its behalf,’ the EAFPO says.

‘This threat of sanctions has led the Icelandic government to hire a PR company to

put a positive spin on their irresponsible behaviour.

Iceland says it is seeking a 15% share of the overall north-east Atlantic mackerel catch, but for the last three years has been taking 24%.’

A statement to Inshore Ireland from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine says that because of the importance of mackerel to Ireland, it has been calling for the EU and Norway ‘as our allies in this matter to deploy

all effective means including the possibility of trade sanctions to persuade them to fundamentally re-examine their position.

‘From an Irish perspective it is about four issues: jobs, economics, sustainability and fairness. Ireland cannot accept irresponsible and unsustainable demands for an unjustifiable and unfair share of this stock.

That said, we will continue to pursue all avenues to find a satisfactory resolution.’

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine comments to Inshore Ireland

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reland has been a pioneer in developing the mackerel fishery since before the 1970s. Mackerel is our most important fishery economically and any threat to its well-being is a matter of serious concern.

The North East Atlantic mackerel fishery, if fished within recommended levels, is worth approximately €1bn with a rough value to the EU as the largest shareholder of over €600m of which Irish fishermen could expect to receive upwards of €100m before addedvalue is taken into account.

Migratory pattern Mackerel is a highly migratory stock, with a traditional distribution area spanning from the north coast of Spain, along the western coast of Ireland and around the Faroe Islands and Norway. In recent years its migratory path has changed slightly whereby a small part of the stock now migrates into Icelandic waters for two-three months of the year.

Almost 100% of the adult stock is present in EU waters during the six months spawning period and juvenile fish are found in these waters for at least a year until they are mature enough to migrate.

Historically, mackerel has been managed in the context of a Coastal States Framework. Until 2010 and based on scientific advice, Norway, the Faroe Islands and the EU (as the recognised Coastal States) determined the management arrangements for mackerel on an annual basis.

From the mid 2000s, Iceland claimed the stock was found in greater numbers in their waters and sought to be included in the framework.

This claim was acknowledged in 2010.

Iceland however had already commenced an ‘Olympic style‘ fishery in 2008. In 2006 their landings were almost zero, but following unilateral actions they now fish 150,000t (around 23%of the stock).

The Faroe Islands refused to participate in the CS arrangements in 2010 and embarked on their own unilateral fishery in the same magnitude as Iceland.

Since May 2009 numerous unsuccessful meetings have been held between the parties to try to agree management measures and a new share arrangement. Historically, Iceland’s recognised share was 0.3% with the Faroe Islands having 4.8%.

The EU and Norway as the major shareholders tabled different proposals with significant increases in both share and access to fish some of this quota in EU and Norwegian waters. Iceland and the Faroe Islands however have maintained demands for shares of around 15%.

Ireland’s position Ireland doesn’t dispute that recent changes in stock distribution justifies an upward revision of the sharing arrangements; however the unchanging demands of by Iceland and the Faroes of 15% are completely unjustifiable and are not based on any internationally recognised scientific, track record or zonal attachment criteria. After many years of prudent and sustainable management, the scientific advice from ICES is that the stock is overfished and that its long-term health is in real jeopardy.

Ireland, with the second largest share of the mackerel stock within the EU, has been to the forefront in seeking a fair and reasonable negotiated solution to this problem. We believe however there is little appetite in either Iceland or the Faroe Islands at present to come to the table with realistic demands.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

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Special Report

Icelandic perspective

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gainst this backdrop, and following inconclusive Coastal States (CS) negotiations in October, Inshore Ireland invited their chief negotiator, Sigurgeir Þorgeirsson to comment: “The meeting in London was inconclusive. Iceland knows only too well that the CS urgently needs to reach a solution.

This is why we suggested all parties should simultaneously put forward new proposals.

“When this was not agreed and it became clear that no consensus could be reached, we recommended as an interim measure that the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) taken by the CS and the Russian Federation for 2013 should be reduced in accordance with the scientific advice from ICES. “This would result in an overall catch of 542,000t or a reduction of approximately 40% from the 2012 level. This too did not generate consensus.

“The law is clear. As a CS, Iceland has a right under international law to fish from the mackerel stock within her jurisdiction. This is clearly spelt out in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, and is undisputed by all parties.

“From a legal point of view, all CS have the responsibility to reach agreement with each other on TACs to ensure sustainability and avoid overfishing. Iceland feels strongly that the EU and Norway are claiming 90% of the recommended TAC. This is an unreasonable, unilateral approach that blocks efforts to secure the long-term health of the mackerel stock.”

Neskaupstadur – Iceland’s most easterly fishing town. In the background is one of the biggest and most technically advanced fish factories in Iceland.

Photo: Agust Magnusson

Dispute background Management of mackerel fishing started within NEAFC (North East Atlantic Fisheries Council) in 1999. Iceland sought acceptance as a Coastal State in accordance with international law but this was rejected by Norway and the EU. Since 2008 the Icelandic government has issued unilateral quotas for its vessels and in 2010 was accepted as a Coastal State.

Negotiations then started with Norway and the EU on annual total allowable catches.

The coastal states – Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands and the EU, most notably representing Scotland and Ireland – have not been able to reach an agreement on how best to share the stock. As a result, the total catch of mackerel exceeds scientific recommendations by independent advice. Scientific analysis suggests that the take could be 1.7-3.6 times the reported catch.

Strengthened cooperation

Þorgeirsson added that the CS agreed to communicate to ICES the importance of improving scientific assessment.

Agreement was also reached to strengthen cooperation on monitoring, control and surveillance of all pelagic fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic.

“I’m disappointed agreement was not reached despite proposals from Iceland on a considerable catch reduction.

We remain willing to negotiate a solution that reduces the mackerel catch for all CS based on scientific evidence, and which ensures a fair share for all while protecting the stock for future generations.”

He said the delay to reach an agreement, including the re-allocation of quotas, was causing further harm to the stock. “It is putting all of our economies at risk. I welcome the strengthening of cooperation on monitoring, control and surveillance of all pelagic fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic which is something that Iceland has continuously emphasised.

“Getting the science right is vitally important. But even more important is using that science to reach a reasonable agreement that commits all CS to protecting the stock,” he said.

Who catches what?

For 2012, the scientific recommendation was a maximum catch of 639,000 tonnes and all coastal states declared their quotas unilaterally. EU/Norway (578,000 tonnes or ~ 90%) and all other parties (61,000 tonnes or ~ 10%) 2012 Icelandic quota: 145,000 tonnes; Faroe Islands quota: 148,000 tonnes; Russia is expected to catch 62,000 tonnes and Greenland around 5,000 tonnes.

What the science says

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major increase of mackerel has been observed in Icelandic waters over the last decade. It migrates to northern waters in the Icelandic EEZ during the summer feeding season, which starts as early as April-May and peaks in June-July and carries into the autumn.

The marine research institutes of Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands have jointly conducted extensive research which indicates that the biomass of mackerel within the Icelandic EEZ during the feeding season was around 1.1 million tonnes (23%) in 2010 and 2011.

In 2012, scientists estimate the proportion has increased to around 1.5 million tonnes (30%). Icelandic catches in 2012 were 146,000 tonnes or 10% of the stock in in Icelandic waters.

2am mid-June approaching Vestmannaeyjar – Westman Islands, one of Iceland’s largest fishing ports.

Photo: Agust Magnusson

Fact-file: Ministry of Industries & Innovation The fishing industry has been the cornerstone of Iceland’s economy for the last century and defines its identity with more than 40% of foreign currency earnings from exported goods derived from the export of fish products.

Sustainable use of marine resources is therefore not an option for Iceland — it is essential to protect our future.

Mackerel heads north during summer, with a substantial proportion (20-30%) of the stock migrating into Icelandic waters during this feeding period.

There are signs that mackerel are now present in Icelandic waters all year round and scientists believe this is due to their dependence on the warmer water that has moved further north as a result of climate change.

Mackerel grow significantly while in Icelandic waters, gaining an estimated 43-55% in weight during the feeding season. This dramatic population increase and the mackerel’s vast appetite may cause significant harm to other fish and sea bird species, and to the marine ecosystem at large.

Icelandic fisheries policy is recognised internationally for maintaining the biodiversity and sustainability of the ocean resources, and its government.

We are committed to protecting Iceland’s economic and environmental interests by caring for the mackerel stock.

Westernmost fishing port in Europe, Patreksfjordur.

Photo: Agust Magnusson

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inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

YOURVIEW Harbour porpoises under threat from seismic survey in Killiney Bay Shay Fennelly Marine photojournalist and Marine Mammal Observer

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arbour porpoises in Dublin Bay could be significantly disturbed by a seismic survey planned later this month. Dublin Bay has the highest harbour porpoise density in Ireland (see sidebar) A foreshore licence was granted to Providence Resources on September 27 to undertake site investigations and to drill an exploration well in the Kish Bank Basin. The site investigations include a 2D seismic survey of the Dalkey Island prospect which would take about 15 days, followed by 30-60 days of drilling from December.

The Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) submitted

by Providence Resources is deficient as it did not assess the footprint of the seismic survey.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) published a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for the Irish and Celtic Sea — Appropriate Assessment for IOSEA4 — in June 2011.

OSEA 4 report This recommended that areas with habitats or species listed in the Habitats Directive and the OSPAR Convention be licensed but treated as sensitive areas subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and be regulated to avoid damage to their biological communities.

Dublin Bay has four Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) and four

Special Protection Areas for birds (SPAs) that are part of a network of sites to protect biodiversity, called NATURA 2000 sites. SACs are designated under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), while SPAs are designated under the Birds Directive (79/4089/EEC).

Under Article 12 of the Habitats Directive, Member States (MS) are obliged to implement strict protection for all whales, dolphins and porpoises and to take a precautionary approach.

Monitoring is required to implement a system of strict protection.

The Marine Licensing Vetting Committee (MLVC) reporting to Minister of State, Jan O’Sullivan at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) regarding the Kisk Bank Basin, concluded: ‘The works are not of a class that require the submission of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).’

An EIS is the result of an EIA which assesses the effects on the environment of a proposed development. No impact monitoring was required by the MLVC as a licensing condition and therefore no scientific evidence will be available to assess the impact.

On this understanding, the

Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Natural Resources have thereby failed to implement strict protection for the harbour porpoises.

Noise footprint excluded Providence Resources provided an ERA which does not include a prediction of the project underwater noise footprint. Nor does it map the peak and cumulative noise levels perceived by species or the risk of behavioural changes and physiological damage to marine mammals.

The license conditions are inadequate to prevent disturbance to harbour porpoises — not least because the seismic survey will continue 24/7 and a Marine Mammal Observer can only see harbour porpoises in calm conditions and in daylight.

There are no data to indicate whether a seismic survey will, or will not, have a significant long-term impact on harbour porpoise in the area.

Dublin Bay meeting In November, over 500 people attended a meeting called by Dublin Bay Concern about the proposal to explore for oil 6km off the Dublin coast at Killiney.

A video showed Ireland’s Atlantic margin as a potential

lucrative prospect with up to 10 billion barrels of oil worth 100s of billions of Euro to the Irish economy. (http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=HFM6OYmu9g) Ireland’s potential benefit however would only be 25-40% of net worth since the more favourable share of 58% in 1975 was subsequently eroded

by Fianna Fáil Energy Minister Ray Burke in 1985.

Stephen Vard of Dublin Bay Concern said that the DECLG received 4825 individual submissions and 700 letters when notice of the drilling proposal was published.

“There had been no meaningful discussion with only 21 days for public consultation, and a public inquiry was refused,” he said.

Financial advisor Eddie Hobbs described Ireland’s licensing regime as “completely out of line” with international best practice as there is no requirement to bring oil ashore or generate jobs.

“In two surveys of more than 100 licensing regimes, Ireland was second worst to Cameroon in one and Peru in the other.

“This meeting is about what we’re going to do about this.

We’re being done by our own team, again. Are we going to leave or stand up against our own government?”

I

n summer 2008, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) carried out a survey of harbour porpoises in Dublin Bay to identify key habitat and to estimate abundance and density for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The highest density (2.03 per km2) was found in North Co Dublin with high densities (1.19km2) also in Dublin Bay. IWDG advised the NPWS that these two areas should be combined into one site and designated as an SAC for Harbour Porpoise. All EU coastal states are legally obliged to protect the harbour porpoise by designating SACs according to the EC Habitat Directive (92/43/ EEC 1992). The designation of marine SACs in the EU is scheduled to be completed by end of 2012.

According to the IWDG, in March 2009 the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht agreed with the EU to designate an SAC for porpoises off the east coast but no designation has yet been made.

Question from Inshore Ireland to DCENR, DAHG, DECLG Why is an EIA not required for seismic surveys in general, and specifically for the Kish Bank Basin, given Ireland’s obligations under the Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) whereby Member States are required to devise protocols to measure and monitor to ensure that underwater noise does not adversely impact on the marine environment?

No Department answered this specific question. A statement to Inshore Ireland from a spokesperson for Providence Resources includes: ‘The proposal is below the threshold for an EIA as laid out by the EIA directive. Providence followed the DCENR Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) guidelines in submitting the EAA and ERA and the other documents listed here; http://www. providenceresources.com/Foreshore%20Application.aspx’ Both the DECLG who issued the foreshore licence and is responsible for effective environmental protection and SEAs, and the DAHG who is responsible for the impact of seismic surveys on EU designated habitats and species, referred Inshore Ireland to the DCENR. DCENR told Inshore Ireland it had not received an application for a seismic survey. Inshore Ireland understands DCENR is legally obliged to issue an approval from the Petroleum Affairs Division for any seismic survey. (MLVC Report Section 2 Legislative Framework).

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

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Inshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information, we do not accept responsibility for any errors, or matters arising from same. Contact the editor at mills@inshore-ireland.com.

‘Sheer lunacy’ to consider fracking in an Irish context Tom White

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fter researching the shale gas industry in the US I have come to the conclusion that rather than asking ‘how do we regulate this industry’, we in Ireland should be asking ‘why are we soliciting an industry that is mired in debt?’ Because, if we’re not careful we could end up bailing out the shale gas industry here..

The shale gas industry in the US and elsewhere is facing cash flow issues with many companies spending twice as much as they are making: UK exploration company Cuadrilla has had to raise more cash than anticipated; and Chesapeake is paying over 8% to refinance at a time when interest rates are at historic lows.

This is not a well industry (pardon the pun), and given the grave concerns about

environmental damage; risks to public health and threats to a profitable agribusiness, tourism and angling industries, it appears sheer lunacy to even consider fracking in an Irish context.

Expensive methodology

With conventional gas, one well alone could theoretically drain a large reservoir of one trillion cubic feet or more; however a number of wells are sunk to allow sufficient gas flow rates. With shale gas, the gas trapped in the shale layer has to be released through hydraulic fracturing. This entails drilling many more expensive (horizontal) wells — often up to 1,000 per TCF of gas.

The shale gas industry has really only existed since 2000.

It was believed that shale was uniform, but over time it became apparent that there are ‘sweet spots’ and even those are variable. In some ‘plays’ 80% of shale wells are

uneconomic.

Industry models predicted well lives of 30-40 years but these are now discredited as shale wells deplete rapidly.

The average economic life of a Barnett Shale well is a mere seven years. Last August, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) published figures on predicted gas production per well in all US shale ‘plays’ which showed large variance with industry estimates.

Cost analysis

Analysing Tamboran’s business model in light of the USGS findings and applying appropriate costs as per recent EU reports would entail drilling 1,100 wells to produce one TCF of gas at a cost of €12.1 - 18.7bn ($US15.5 23.8bn).

Gas is trading at approximately $US10bn/TCF in Europe. To be profitable, Lough Allen gas would have to trade at around $US20bn - 30bn/TCF. At these prices

Roughly 200 tanker trucks deliver water for the fracturing process.

A pumper truck injects a mix of sand, water and chemicals into the well.

Natural gas flows out of well.

Water table

Well Sand keeps fissures open

1,000

Hydraulic Fracturing

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

Natural gas is piped to market.

Pit

0 Feet

2,000

Storage tanks

Recovered water is stored in open pits, then taken to a treatment plant.

Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” involves the injection of more than a million gallons of water, sand and chemicals at high pressure down and across into horizontally drilled wells as far as 10,000 feet below the surface.

The pressurized mixture causes the rock layer, in this case the Marcellus Shale, to crack. These fissures are held open by the sand particles so that natural gas from the shale can flow up the well.

Natural gas flows from fissures into well

Shale Fissure

Well

Mixture of water, sand and chemical agents

Fissures

7,000

Well turns horizontal Marcellus Shale

The shale is fractured by the pressure inside the well.

Graphic by Al Granberg

Graphic: Al Granberg/ProPublica renewables are competitive.

The US experience has shown that even with lax regulation or even no regulation at all; financial incentives; extensive infrastructure; a skilled workforce and landowners willing to lease land, shale gas is not profitable.

What chance has this industry of producing a profit in Ireland?

A non-profitable industry will have difficulty adhering to regulations and might even leave the taxpayer to underwrite any environmental

damage. It raises the risk of abandonment.

Imagine the consequences of starting a project like this and it failing halfway. Irish taxpayers would be unable to bail out a gas industry and pay fines for pollution and clean up costs.

Most importantly, shale gas would compete for funds for the new renewable energy infrastructure that even the shale gas industry says is where we want to be and which is vital to future economic prosperity.

Real cost of water and global scarcity top seminar agenda for Cork Environmental Forum Bernadette Connolly

D

espite a wet climate, Ireland’s biggest imports — food and energy — ensure that it is inextricably linked to the wider global water supply, a seminar organised by the Cork Environmental Forum on future water policy was told.

“Almost 90% of the consumption of the world’s freshwater supply is used to produce energy and food, and although the scale of the problem is hard to grasp, even the most hardened sceptic would have to agree that it would be economically prudent to begin to put in place measures to address this issue now rather than later,” Jennifer Franklin, of the CEF remarked at the outset.

Outlining the rationale for establishing Irish Water within

Ivan Grimes, DECLG; Jennifer Franklin CEF Vice Chairperson; Jacob Tompkins, Waterwise, Helen Barrett, CEF Treasurer

the Bord Gáis structure, Ivan Grimes, Principal Officer, Water Policy Section at the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government, argued the need for reforming Ireland’s funding model for water.

He confirmed that the national water-metering programme would commence in 2013 and that the main challenge would be to win public acceptance of water charges while maintaining a quality service throughout the transition.

Jacob Tompkins, MD of Waterwise — the London-based independent not-for-profit, non-governmental body which promotes water efficiency and conservation — noted that Ireland now had the opportunity to choose “the more sustainable option of managing water services” which he advised “should be demand-managed with built in water efficiency measures.

As for introducing effective water conservation strategies, Tomkins demonstrated some easily-applied tools including aerated shower heads, cistern adjusters, egg timers, and tap inserts to show how simple it can be to save water and energy in the home.

He also revealed that average

daily water use in Ireland was 150 litres per person, while elsewhere the figure is closer to 100 litres, with the Danes consuming just 90 litres per person per day. At €9 per cubic litre in Denmark, this is double what it costs in the UK which, he said, was a factor in their lower consumption.

Seán Ó’Breasail, former coordinator of the South West River Basin District Project, spoke on the plans developed to fully implement the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

He said the key challenge now was to maintain the ‘good’ and ‘high status’ levels and to increase the measures necessary to raise those water bodies with ‘moderate’, ‘poor’ and ‘bad’ status.

“Local authorities and others play a vital role in putting in place the measures agreed, and all partners need to fulfil their role in this regard to reach those targets in a timely manner,” he declared.

He also highlighted the challenges in meeting the targeted measures that include funding of infrastructure; controlling nitrates; realism on achievement of protected areas standards; administrative arrangements which includes addressing the

current democratic deficit due to the current lack of a stakeholder representative body.

Declan Waugh of Enviro Management Services spoke on the policy in Ireland of adding fluoride to the public water supply despite the fact that in practically all other European countries mass fluoridation has ceased – with the UK currently applying fluoride to only 10% of its water supply “It’s the water type that determines what effects this chemical may have, and there is a lack of research to support its continued use. And given the fact that most other European countries now apply the precautionary principle by not using it anymore, we should do likewise in Ireland,” he said.

A round table discussion on policy revealed that people largely accepted that clean drinking water was expensive and should be paid for, but that a ‘free allowance’ of 70 litres a day should apply.

This would help reward those who made efforts to conserve consumption by less wasteful usage, it was agreed.

A recurring theme throughout the seminar was the increasing scarcity of water worldwide and the huge number of people who now experience ‘water poverty’.

8

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Freshwater Focus

LEFT: A golden 5.25 lb Bream and ABOVE: Perch have sharp spines.

Bream bubbles on Assaroe Lake Brendan Connolly

O

ne summer’s evening, two anglers rowed home after a day’s pike fishing on Assaroe Lake.

The lake was flat calm and undisturbed, and as they glided by tree-lined banks, they noticed several tracks of bubbles on the surface.

Resting the oars, they took a closer look; the tracks snaked their way across the glassy surface. They then saw that new bubbles were appearing at one end of the trail. Intrigued, they watched as the bubbles popped up, moving along seemingly purposefully at a slow but steady pace parallel to each other. They concluded that the bubbles must be coming from bream feeding on the bottom.

Bream, or Abramis brama, have a down-turned mouth with which they feed on the bottom, hoovering up debris and food. This disturbance releases bubbles which, on a calm day, can be seen on the surface. Bream grow to an impressive size: the Irish record stands at 12 lb 3 oz, and the specimen weight for bream is set at 7.5 lb.

Breadcrumbs, worms, maggots

A year later the two anglers remembered this, and bought breadcrumb for ground bait, and worms and pink and white maggots for bait. By boat they set out to the spot where they had seen the bubbles. Anchoring the boat from both ends, they added water to the breadcrumbs and kneaded balls of about the size of an orange, which they threw in either side of the boat.

Each angler had two rods. One rod fished on the bottom with a small lead weight and a single hook baited with a worm. The other was rigged with a float, held upright with some lead shots and a small number 14 hook, baited with two maggots, one white and one pink.

The anglers used four metre (12 foot) telescopic rods for float fishing. These longer rods gave sufficient distance between the float and the hook so that the hook was near the bottom, while when raising the rod, fish could still be easily netted.

Fishing on opposite sides of the boat, the anglers sat back and took in the quiet lake with its wooded banks reflected in the water, waiting for the fish to find the groundbait. No telltale bubbles were seen. After

a while, one of the floats moved slightly, and then shot down out of view. The angler lifted the rod and felt a fish. It was a nice sized perch which he slid into the keepnet. The fish had arrived.

The battles begins He cast the float rod out again, followed by a scatter of maggots from a bait catapult. After a few minutes the float once again zipped down, pulled by a fine-sized roach, which was followed by another two in quick succession.

So far, all the fish had been caught by one angler on his side of the boat, the other angler had not yet got a bite.

No more fish showed for a while but then suddenly, the rod with the ledgered worm on the other side of the boat gave a twitch.

The line straightened for a moment, but then went slack again. The line once again tightened and went slack again, but then the rod tip was pulled in a tight arc.

Quickly the second angler took the rod and felt a strong fish. This had to be a bream.

Slowly, he reeled in the line.

However the fish gave plenty of resistance but gradually came to the surface. The large golden-bronze side of a bream swirled at the surface,

to powerfully turn and dive out of view again. Slowly and carefully the angler reeled in again and some minutes later he slid a large 51/4 lb bream into the waiting landing net!

Bubble trails This was what they had come for. They threw more groundbait into the water to hold the bream shoal in that spot. With much expectation the rod was reset. The same rod again was pulled into an arch and another fine bream was netted. At this point a short trail of bubbles could be seen near the boat. While all this was happening on

one side of the boat, the angler on the other side was regularly catching roach.

Two more bream were caught, but to the anglers’ surprise, only bream were caught on one side of the boat and no roach, while on the other side only roach and no bream were caught!

The afternoon produced two respectable keepnets of fish with a total weight of around 20 lb. After carefully releasing the fish from both keepnets, the anglers returned home satisfied that they had succesfully confirmed the source of the bubble trails on Assaroe Lake.

Competition: Win a two-night angling package for two, generously provided by Carton House, Maynooth Co Kildare.

Package Includes: »» 1.5 days brown trout fishing on the River Rye which flows for 4.5km through the estate »» Luxurious accommodation with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening in the Linden Tree restaurant »» Fishing equipment is available on request

Question: In which county is Carton House?

C on ser vin g, Protec tin g, Develop in g, Man agin g & Promotin g I N LA N D F I S H E R I E S I R E LA N

D

Irel and s I n lan d F ish eries & Sea An glin g Resou rc es

www. fi s h e ri e s i re l an d . i e

Answers to mills@inshore-ireland.com or 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin by JANUARY 16, 2013

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

9

Seafood Desk

Networking to bolster the European brown crab industry John Hackett, BIM Business Development; Loic Trahan, Managing Director, Breizon Limited and Jason Whooley, BIM CEO with locally caught crayfish in Rossaveal, Co. Galway.

Joint venture to meet growing demand of French seafood market

B

reizon Limited - an Irish seafood company based in Connemara supported by BIM’s Collective Route to Market Scheme, has established a joint venture company with two French partners in Lorient, France.

The new business venture involves a collective agreement between Breizon (shellfish) and Keem Bay Fish Products (smoked seafood) who will supply product to meet the growing demand of the French market. French partners Argis Galacsea and Les Viviers de Keroman will act as a hub to enable the partners deliver fresh Irish seafood produce direct to retailers, restaurants and fish mongers.

Positive growth trend

Despite the recession, the Irish seafood sector is holding its own with sales reaching an estimated €749m in 2011, reports BIM. Exports for the first half of 2012 are up 20% in value to €253m compared with the same period in 2011.

Referring to the government’s Food Harvest 2020 report, BIM’s chief executive Jason Whooley believes the sector needs to build scale in order to complete efficiently: “There are 180 registered seafood companies with processing facilities in Ireland; a large proportion of these are small-scale operations with a turnover of between €3 - €10m.

In contrast, our typical European competitor has a turnover of €50m. This lack of scale limits our ability to invest in the market place and maximise profitability. To overcome this challenge, BIM worked with industry throughout the year on an ambitious business development strategy. This comprised support packages and expert advice to provide capital and to develop greater synergies within the sector to ensure we can compete more effectively on the international market.”

Loic Trahan, managing director of Breizon Limited said the new venture will benefit his business: “Our plan is to collaborate with Irish producers and other processors to market a comprehensive range of top quality Irish seafood products to our French customers. We aim to use our collective experience and resources to increase sales and boost margins through this channel which will improve cooperation between processors and producers in Ireland. It will also enable access to an extensive array of valuable contacts through our French partners to investigate new niche markets for our products.”

T

he Atlantic Crab Resource Users Network (ACRUNET), funded by INTERREG IVB Atlantic Area Transnational Programme to the tune of €2.2m was launched in October by Kieran Calnan, Chairman of BIM. The 15 partners representing Ireland; the United Kingdom; France; Spain and Portugal subsequently met to map out a work programme to ensure a viable, sustainable and profitable future for the brown crab industry Europe-wide.

ACRUNET is a fisherman-based network that has grown from a series of meetings held over the past three years by crab fishermen who felt their industry was being

undermined by rising costs and a dwindling consumer base, particularly in France – the single most important outlet for crab.

Agency support Representative organisations will provide development, marketing and scientific advice, while Dr Louise Scally of BIM will provide project management and the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation will look after coordination and communication.

“ACRUNET is probably the most important development in the brown crab industry both for Irish fishermen and their UK and French colleagues. This project is unique and innovative because it is driven by the fishing industry itself and, as such, has a better than average chance of long-term

success,” remarked Norah Parke, Crab Co-ordinator with the KFO. She added that the sector was aware of the dangers posed by a rapidly changing market place and of the threats of cheaper products worldwide.

“We shall confront these challenges with an ambitious range of activities to ensure good scientific advice, internationally recognised standards and an efficient, economic route to market”.

To ensure the benefits of this project are available to the Irish brown crab industry countrywide, ACRUNET is planning a seminar towards the end of January 2013 when the process of consultation and communication will begin.

Marcus Jacklin, Seafish; Ian Lawler and Owen Doyle, BIM; Norah Parke, KFO; António Marques, Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere and Dominique DeFrance, FranceAgrime at the ACRUNET launch in October.

New smoking technologies unveiled at seafood development centre

T

he latest innovation one-day workshop organised by BIM focussed on smoking technologies, involving practical demonstrations by local and recognised artisan smokers, Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokery and Dave Browne of Yawl Bay Seafoods.

As packaging and technology is fundamental to retaining the quality of smoked seafood products, various including AFOS and NESS, two large UK-based manufacturers, and Fishpak and Alert Packaging, were on hand to discuss the various options available. Dr Susan Steele and John Fagan of BIM discussed principles such as selecting woodchips; salting versus brining; temperature management and packaging.

The workshop attracted new and existing technical staff wishing to add value to fish via smoking. The event was well received by industry and the informal nature of the day allowed participants to gain applied knowledge on a one-to-one basis with all attending speakers.

The final workshop in BIM’s Innovation series is on Seaweed Innovation takes place on the 12 December. The cost per workshop is €50 – lunch and coffee included. To secure your place, please e-mail Corcoran@bim.ie or phone 01-2144151

10 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Seaweed Special

Netalgae project ends but leaves foundation for sustainable European seaweed industry Máirtín Walsh BIM

T

he Netalgae project held its final project conference in San Sebastien Spain in November, having completed the assembly of a European seaweed industry database, trade directory and website.

It has also put forward ‘best practise’ guidelines for the management and regulation of Europe’s seaweed industries.

The conference covered access to raw materials; aquaculture; best practices for harvesting; and the potential for new, value-added products from seaweed, and was well attended by European delegates from small and large businesses. Ireland was represented companies including Arramara Teo; Ocean Harvest Technology; Cybercolloids as well as the

Irish Seaweed Research Group at NUI Galway.

Age-old practices

The Netalgae project revealed just how remarkably similar the European seaweed industry is in its history and in the way it has developed over the years.

‘Kelp burning’, to produce iodine, was a notable feature in coastal communities in Norway, Scotland, Ireland and Brittany until the early 20th century. The harvesting and processing methods, infrastructure and regulation were also broadly similar throughout, and the decline of the practice occurred simultaneously.

Despite differences in species collected, harvesting of seaweeds like Chondrus, Gelidium and Laminaria to produce food processing has also been broadly similar in Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal for the best part of a century.

Currently, the European

macro-algae industry harvests and processes over 300,000 tonnes of raw material annually with Norway and France accounting for approximately 220,000 tonnes or over 70%. Europe must now support the development of the seaweed industry — not on a national or regional basis as has been the case — but at a European level.

Major economic potential

The European resource offers enormous potential to develop high-value seaweed products. European industries however all face similar challenges of lack of recognition and cohesive strategy to place this valuable resource at the heart of EU natural resource development policy.

Diverse and often contradictory attitudes to marine resource development prevail across Europe, and the interpretation of environmental regulations

varies enormously across Member States.

Seaweed should now be viewed in a similar way to fisheries and agricultural resources; however it would be unrealistic to try to seek to have intervention in the sector at the same scale.

Nevertheless, increased efforts must be made to include effective Europe-wide regulatory structures, cohesive development policy and EU funding initiatives.

Challenges ahead

Europe now faces major challenges to the long-term sustainability of its seaweed industries, the most pressing issues that must be dealt with are: long-term raw material access; developing innovation capabilities and maintaining an appropriate labour force. Efficient, sustainable mechanical harvesting appears to be absolutely necessary for long-term survival and development of the European industry.

An innovation development strategy is also required at EU level. Funding must also be made available to ameliorate the high cost of R&D and biodiscovery. Such costs however cannot be borne exclusively by private sector operators.

Targeted funding — based on realistic development potential — must be made available.

Innovation support also must be extended to harvesting, aquaculture, processing, bio-discovery, product development and application development.

A crucial and often overlooked factor in the long-term sustainability of the European seaweed industry is the human component. Education; training; recruitment; skills development; succession planning and creating the next generation of seaweed harvesters, growers, scientists and entrepreneurs will all be vital to the future of the industry.

Seminar explores the many uses of seaweed Meadbh Seoighe Feidhmeannach Feirmeoireacht Éisc, Bia Mara & Bia Aquaculture, Údarás na Gaeltachta

I

n September, Údarás na Gaeltachta in conjunction with BIM, held a seminar in Achill Co Mayo to explore the many uses of seaweed.

There were forty attendees at the event - ranging from shellfish farmers to chefs - all hoping to learn more about seaweed and

possible business potentials.

Five speakers covered very diverse subjects: Dr John Bartlett, Head of Research at the Institute of Technology, Sligo, spoke about the Institute’s Biomara project which explores the use of Algae as a biofuel.

He spoke about the finite sources of fossil fuels and the need to look elsewhere in future for the world’s energy needs. Algae could provide a sustainable, indigenous source of fuel in a country like Ireland which imports over 90% of its fuel.

Seamas Mac Cathmhaoil Rí na Mara; Sean Ó Coisdealbha, Údarás na Gaeltachta; & Seamus McCormack, WESTBIC

Photo: Angela Campbell

There is some way to go before commercial reality however, and the Biomara project is examining broad ways to extract fuel from micro- and macro-algae species - all Irish species.

Declan Gallagher, a finalist in the 2009 Ernst and Young Enterprise Awards (Emerging Business category) and winner of the Ulster Bank 2010 Regional award is managing director of Oileán Glas Teoranta (OGT). Based in the the Donegal Gaeltacht this company exports liquid seaweed fertiliser to golf courses around the world.

He outlined the history of his business and the importance of being Irish when selling abroad. He also touched on the company’s plans to expand beyond horticultural use and into human applications for seaweed.

Dr Susan Steele, head of BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty spoke on the increasing popularity of seaweeds as health-giving food.

She revealed that the results from projects at the SDC have led to increased sales of Irish seafood in excess of €42 million over the last two

Susan Steele, BIM; Mairtín Walsh, BIM; & Meadbh Seoighe, Údarás na Gaeltachta Photo: Angela Campbell

years. She focused on getting as much value from seaweed as possible, and stressed the importance of looking beyond basic uses into something that will generate higher margins for business.

Susan also talked about milk, outlining the fact that farmers make about 30 cent per litre for ordinary milk.

However, by adding value they could earn up to €20 per litre with, for example, a high-end organic functional yoghurts.

Mártín Walsh, Western Regional Business Development Officer with BIM has worked closely with the Irish seaweed industry since 2001. He spoke about a variety of seaweed species readily available in Ireland, and he also provided a broad industry overview of what is currently happening in this growing sector.

Finally, Seán Ó Coistdealbha, based at Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Bemullet office in County Mayo outlined the typical supports available to both established and new business, and he encouraged anyone with an idea to make contact with him.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 11

Seaweed Special

Netalgae’s priceless legacy: networking and making new business contacts within the EU seaweed sector Stefan Kraan, Ocean Harvest Technology

W

henever the Netalgae project was mentioned in the past, I was always somewhat skeptical, - believing that it was just another EU-Interreg project for cooperation amongst Atlantic areas.

I would also wonder how much money was being wasted. I am of course somewhat biased as I have written these types of proposals myself and I know what they entail.

When I was invited to attend this workshow however and to speak on the applications of seaweed - specifically the use of seaweeds in aquafeeds - I started to explore the Netalgae website and looked a bit more closely at the details I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the developed network. In short, Netalgae is a one-stop shop for the European seaweed industry - something which has never been done before, and all the different Atlantic area countries cooperated in making it a success. Thus, I became quite eager to attend, and besides, the event itself provided an opportunity to meet old colleagues and friends.

Representing Ocean Harvest Technology as an SME provided me with new information, facts and business opportunities and it made the journey to San Sebastien worthwhile.

The conference also showed me what was happening in my own backyard, ithelped to create some mutual beneficial projects to run with other Irish companies working in the same space. This alone made the trip worthwhile although it is somewhat odd that I had to travel all the way to the Basque country to meet Irish companies!

Moreover, meeting the president of the French syndicate of seaweed companies and the harvesters was important as my company, OHT, is always looking for new resources.

Some valuable links have already been established and OHT is already engaged in selling and buying product from France. Making contact with a newly-established Portuguese seaweed company has the potential to develop some mutual opportunities.

A key issue addressed in this final Netalgae meeting was the presentation by a speaker representing DG14 Fisheries who spoke about the EU situation and legislation of seaweed harvesting. The result is that the Netalgae project has now established a lobby group to represent seaweed at an EU level.

I see this as a very valuable outcome, and highly beneficial for SMEs working in the European seaweed sector.

International seminar to showcase seaweed versatility

D

r Susan Steele, Innovation Co-ordinator at BIM’s Seafood Development Centre describes as “incredible” the upsurge in interest in seaweed over the last two years. She puts that down to recessionary times when people start looking at natural resources not being fully utilised and seaweed especially is seen as having huge potential.

She says that the proof of this is that three out of every five enquiries to the Seafood Development Centre are seaweedrelated!

Dr Steele set up the first ever seaweed-growing course worldwide while working as head of aquaculture and business training so she feels well-placed to deal with such enquiries. This seaweed course is now FETAC accredited, and is run by Dave Millard and Pete Donlon through BIM’s regional fisheries centres.

be covered, and presentations will look at different ways it is used world wide as well as in Ireland. Nearly all of the Irish seaweed companies will be on hand to show off their products.

Prannie Rhattigan and Sally McKenna will be cooking seaweed, and Dave Millard will demonstrate how to grow seaweed. Speakers – some from overseas - will make presentations on valueadded opportunities.

For further information contact corcoran@bim.ie or 01 2144151.

Highly nutritious

Renewed interest in seaweed is justified because it is naturally high in nutrients and anti-oxidants and provides huge health benefits to humans and animals.

In 2012, Seahorse Atlantic was launched following development work through the SDC. This horse feed supplement is grown on long lines by Dingle Bay Seaweeds, and is milled and ground. The SDC carried out work on the supplement in the centre and found an 80% improvement in coat condition in horses after only three weeks on the supplement.

“The phenomenal result of the seaweed diet has led to a very successful company which is used by many of the studs and famous horse riders in the country,” Dr Steele said.

Wide ranging potential

Stefan Kraan, Ocean Harvest Technology

fifteen-year-olds who have swept up awards over the last year, including beating adult companies in Entrepreneurial competitions as well as a prize in BT Young Scientist.

“Oceanaboost is a seaweed health drink packed with antioxidants. To have the youth in the country excited about seaweed shows the important role that it will play in the future,” she added.

On December 12, BIM’s Seafood Development Centre is running a workshop entitled: Seaweed Innovation Day. All aspects of seaweed will

Another successful product with seaweed benefits is Kinsale Gourmet who produce frozen meals with added seaweed for health benefits. Again, these meals are hugely popular and are available in most major retailers in Ireland and the UK. It has taken work between all the divisions in BIM, the Marine Institute, enterprise boards and the county council to bring these projects to fruition.

‘We’re working on many other projects with seaweed and launches will be occurring over the next six months. We’re very excited about the potential for seaweed in Ireland. One of the very interesting projects has been developed by three

Susan Steele, BIM Seafood Development Centre, Clonakilty

Seafood Protection from Tide to Table

The Irish seafood industry makes an invaluable contribution to the Irish economy and our coastal communities. Managing the use of our natural resource will provide a long-term economic benefit in the years to come.

The aim of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is to work in partnership with fishermen and seafood processors to ensure that the marine resources in Irish waters are exploited sustainably and consumed safely. Irish seafood is renowned for its quality. The SFPA works to ensure that these high standards are maintained and that consumers can be assured that Irish seafood adheres to the highest seafood safety standards.

The SFPA is dedicated to providing this assurance through the implementation of an effective, strong and fair control system across the seafood chain. Good goverance and management frameworks safeguards jobs, secures fish stocks for the future and help to protect the marine environment.

Tel: +353 (0)23 8859300 Fax: +353 (0)23 8859720 E: info@sfpa.ie W: www.sfpa.ie Confidential Line: 1890 767676

12 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Aquaculture News

Algae as a new and sustainable resource in pig farming Stefan Kraan, Ocean Harvest Technology

I

n 1986, Sweden imposed a general ban on the use of antibiotics in animal feed; the ban was followed in the EU in January 2006 and in the US in 2009.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalised voluntary guidance for farmers on the judicious uses of antibiotics in agriculture, and asked veterinary drug makers to voluntarily phase out medically important drugs from being available over the counter Health advocates have not relented either in their call for stronger action on the issue On 19 September 2012, a group of 150 US scientists, including the former commissioner of the FDA, issued a statement calling on the FDA and Congress to regulate the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture.

Donald Kennedy, former FDA commissioner and president emeritus at Stanford University, said: “There’s no question that routinely administering non-therapeutic doses of antibiotics to food animals contributes to antibiotic resistance.”

And he added that the FDA’s current voluntary approach, which asks the animal drug industry to stop selling antibiotics that are medically important to human disease management as growth promoters in animal feed, was not enough.

The FDA’s own data shows that 80% of all anti-microbial drugs sold nationally are used in animal agriculture.

Standards for the uses of drugs and chemicals in food production, and common food-safety regulations for seafood are already high in all major import countries.

The global $80 billion shrimp industry is particularly well regulated. The EU market has strict regulations and a zero tolerance approach on residues of chemicals and antibiotics. Increasing consumer interest in the origin and production of food and rising regulatory barriers around the word is expected to lead to significant

opportunities for producers of alternative additives.

Ocean Harvest Technology has been looking at one such alternative — macroalgae or seaweed.

Antibiotic activity

Chemicals responsible for antibiotic activities are widespread in macroalgae.

Interesting substances in particular are the halogenated compounds such as haloforms; halogenated alkanes and alkenes; alcohols; aldehydes; hydroquinones and ketones.

The list of terpenoids with antibiotic qualities is especially long, and many of these are also halogenated.

Sterols and heterocyclic and phenolic compounds sometimes have antibiotic properties. A promising antibacterial agent is a halogenated furanone, or fimbrolide, from Delisea — a common red alga found in the intertidal zone on the Irish coast, which has been examined for its effectiveness as an active ingredient in bacterial antifouling agents and as a possible treatment for chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Some common Irish brown seaweeds show strong antibacterial effects on Vibrio — a widespread bacterial infection in shrimp and fish farming. In general, seaweeds show antibacterial effects on many marine and terrestrial pathogens although the exact mechanism and possible synergies with other compounds is not understood yet.

OceanFeed-swine trials

In 2011, Ocean Harvest Technology commissioned an Irish swine research group to start feeding trials using OceanFeed-swine at different percentages of inclusion: 0.5 %, 2 %, and 5 %, and to compare the results against a reference diet using 240 pigs.

Due to current industry requirements, OHT was unable to fully replace all of the mineral and vitamin pre-mix in this particular trial. OceanFeed-swine was therefore fed in addition to conventional premixes by diluting the other ingredients.

This first trial was to establish if seaweeds could be fed to pigs and what were the negative or positive effects of

using seaweeds in the diet.

After a four-month trial from weaning stage to 100 kg pigs, the results showed a positive outcome of having OceanFeed incorporated at 5% in the diet on taste and intestinal health.

In respect of food conversion efficiency and weight gain, the lower inclusion level scored better than the control. 16 pigs were slaughtered at the end of the trial to examine taste and intestinal health.

In brief the following results were obtained: »» higher weight gain (pigs fed with 0.5% at harvest were 5.5 kg heavier on average, and had a higher leaner meat percentage than control) »» FCE lower at 0.5% inclusion on average 0.06 lower in OceanFeed fed pig »» significantly improved taste and texture of the meat at 5% inclusion while having a marginal impact on FCE and growth »» improved observed health and alertness of animals »» improved gut flora and morphology development »» improved environmental

record due to non release of foreign synthetic matters in the feed

Commercial trials

With these results to hand, trials using OceanFeed-Pig were conducted in 2012 at a medium-sized pig operation in south-western Ontario that produces over 10,000 pigs per annum.

The early results showed an immediate change in the environment due to less ammonia. Working conditions were improved for employees and stress levels in the pigs were reduced. Moreover, higher weight gain, shorter production cycles and lower mortality was also reported.

Most significant however was that the inclusion of Oceanfeed in the diet eliminated the need for 2 out of the 4 antibiotics routinely used to maintain health. The farm now plans to increase its usage of OceanFeed in the diet and to re-formulate all of the diets and replace all antibiotic use.

With a global €200bn farming industry, the future looks bright for seaweed as an additive in pig diets.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 13

Aquaculture News »» from page 1

to ensure everybody has all the facts and figures,” he declared.

As for the response to the proposal so far, Maguire said there was a strong middle ground of people who are “still undecided” but he added that they were also “very open to hearing the arguments from all sides”.

Widespread misinformation

He conceded however that BIM has had “to battle” with what he labeled “a massive amount of misinformation on the internet about the process of salmon farming” and was highly critical of the tactics

employed by some of those opposed to the project: “There has been an absolute deluge of dreadful scaremongering promulgated especially by some of the charitable foundations in the United States, (Pew and Suzuki for example), and indirectly also by the Alaskan Wild Salmon lobby which we’ve done our best to counter.

“On the other hand, particularly from people locally with relatives abroad or with children in school, we’re getting a very strong response to the notion that a development of this kind could mean year-round employment, and decent longterm career prospects.”

HarmonisatIOn

Responding to some fears that salmon farms of this scale could impact negatively on local tourism - angling in particular - he was quick to point out that Scotland and Norway both have a large salmon farming industry and both also happen to have a large tourism industry - much of it angling-based.

“Both countries have flourishing salmon farming industries that are many times bigger than the Irish industry nearly a thousand times bigger in the case of Norway - and there hasn’t been a dreadful environmental catastrophe of any kind.

“Scottish and Norwegian wild salmon and trout haven’t

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) sets out its concerns to Inshore Ireland Why is IFI opposed to locating a deep water salmon farm in Galway Bay?

IFI believes the location and scale of the proposed fish-farm has the potential to impact native stocks of wild salmon and sea trout and their habitat. We have been concerned regarding the negative impact of salmon farming on wild salmon and sea trout stocks, particularly in Connemara, since the late 1980s.

Locating these farms in shallow bays close to river mouths is not suitable. While this proposal is somewhat different whereby the location is more off-shore, it is not without potential for negative impact. IFI is the statutory authority tasked with responsibility for the conservation, protection, management, development and promotion of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resource. IFI has also recent additional responsibilities under the Habitats Directive.

Does IFI support finfish aquaculture?

IFI has consistently supported sustainable aquaculture. We understand the commercial motive behind salmon farming is profit but wish to ensure that the sustainable exploitation of the environment will not impact any other sector negatively in terms of environment, economics or socio-economics and is in keeping with the provisions of the Habitats Directive and precautionary principals. Our submission on the Environmental Impact Statement outlines the issues that need to be addressed regarding the environment and also ways in which they can be addressed, such as a requirement to undertake appropriate baseline research on the migratory patterns of salmonids.

IFI has also pointed to potential economic & socio-economic impacts. What do you mean?

Recreational angling in the West of Ireland is famous the world over. Ireland’s unique selling point for tourism angling is its wild fisheries, unspoilt environment and the Irish welcome. Accommodation providers (restaurants, pubs, fisheries, ghillies, guides, chartered sea angling boats, tackle shops etc) all benefit from tourism angling. These businesses will be severely impacted if salmon and sea trout stocks are decimated and inshore sea angling species are affected. If BIM’s assertions are correct, then following the precautionary approach as outlined by IFI will assure all stakeholders that a sustainable development approach is being followed.

Has IFI made a submission under the consultation?

Yes. The full submission is available on our website at http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Notices/deep-sea-fish-farm-developmentin-galway-bay-bay.html. IFI is confident that BIM, as the State agency responsible for sustainable aquaculture development, must concur with the content of this submission as a positive way forward to progress their plans, thus satisfying all legislative, corporate and environmental social responsibility requirements.

What are IFI’s recommendations regarding the EIA?

IFI has studied the BIM document, and on the basis of scientific reports has provided comments and recommendations under the headings: Fish Husbandry; Hydrography; Flora and Fauna. Where there is insufficient data we have recommended that further scientific investigation takes place. IFI would advise all interested bodies to read our submission in full.

The following is a brief summary: IFI believes there should only be a gradual build-up of smolt numbers which should only take place following a rigorous review and consent process, and that intensification should be treated as a totally separate application with all of the associated statutory consultations and reviews. In this way, an impact assessment on the environment, flora and fauna could be undertaken and would allow for mitigation measures to be developed in a more sustainable manner »» IFI recommends smolt input should be restricted to March only to reduce potential negative impact on wild salmonids »» IFI recommends a shortened harvest period to enable more effective sea lice control »» IFI recommends that a survey to identify the migration route of salmon smolts through Galway Bay is required to adequately fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment. This will provide a scientific basis on which to base assumptions regarding the potential impact of sea lice from the proposed locations on wild smolts as they migrate.

disappeared. The anglers have continued to come and to fish and the sectors have been able to live together. They don’t always like each other but they have been able to live together.

As for the argument raised by those who regard a large fin fish production unit as a major threat to the migratory patterns of salmon and trout in the west of Ireland, Maguire was confident that the BIM proposal continues to have “the very best scientific advice.

“BIM is committed to meeting the highest environmental standards, using the most advanced technology to protect the environment and improve

efficiency, and we will impose exacting regulations that will protect our waters as well as support coastal and island communities,” he declared.

Maguire is confident that the arguments against the Galway Bay proposal do not stand up and added that BIM was taking its advice from experts at the Marine Institute. ”We’re following published, peer-reviewed science, and taking our interpretation of the possible risks that could come from this proposed project.

“And that’s where we stand.

We see the Marine Institute as the leading national expert in this matter, and as a result we’re basing our position on their advice.”

Noel Carr, secretary of the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA) sets out members’ concerns to Inshore Ireland

D

espite the long established differences of opinion between anglers and fish farmers on their ‘pollute to produce’ methodology, fish farmers like John Friedriksen, chairman of Marine Harvest loves his salmon angling as much as any other sportsman and admitted that salmon cages should not be located near the estuaries where migrating smolts will be infested by sea lice.

Locating them further out to sea on their migratory path as in the Galway Bay proposal is just as damaging, but scientific advisors to the Ministers differ, so our wild salmon smolts die. The immediate solution is to locate them onshore or close-contained where waste and disease can be managed like any fish factory.

FISSTA is a network of clubs on the main salmon rivers and has opposed and objected to fin fish farming applications since their successful campaign against the ESB-owned Salmara farms in the mid-1990s when our seatrout stock collapsed.

This new fast-track application system is a blatant conflict of interest in that Minister Simon Coveney announced his intentions for ten monster fish farms and then got BIM to apply to himself for a licence - the same Government department that is responsible for regulating the activity…

Our dependence on Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to protect wild fish is now in question as BIM refused to accept a late submission on October 3 last. FISSTA has called on BIM to respond to the IFI submission immediately and before the December 12 deadline so that the public consultation can benefit from the BIM response.

FISSTA has raised public awareness by holding rallies in Cork, Ballina and two in Galway - the latest in the Galway Bay Hotel - where a large attendance heard of our fears articulated best by Dr Roderick O’ Sullivan, the renowned water quality expert with many publications to his credit.

The BIM application and EIS mentions no dangers of pollution, sea-lice or chemical cocktails, as if no such problems will occur. Nobody knows who will get the tender - not even BIM — but many believe that of the 17 companies who have tendered expressions of interest so far, the favourite is Marine Harvest.

This is the same company who recently announced the closure of fish farm sites in Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay due to the outbreak of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) caused by high water temperatures. Will Galway water temperatures be different?

The closure of Mulroy Bay to mid-2014 for cleaning out, suggests that the climatic conditions are not conducive to such unsustainable industrial salmonid production.

FISSTA questions the ability of Marine Harvest to manage further sites such as Galway Bay if they fail so badly outside of their headquarters on the shores of Mulroy Bay. Galway Bay is our Alamo and we must not fail the wild Atlantic salmon and seatrout.

Galway Bay Epitaph on Minister Coveney: ‘He Came, He Saw, and ruined it!’

14 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

2012 Review

T Cormac Mc Garry Policy Research & Development: NMCI

HE National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is on a solid research trajectory at the end of 2012. Moves to formalise research at NMCI gathered pace from early 2011 and today eleven funded projects are either underway or about to commence.

NMCI is working with great success on these eleven projects through a cross-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners with a multitude of skills

I Koen Verbruggen, GSI

NFOMAR (INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s MArine Resource, is Ireland’s national marine mapping endeavour, and is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute.

The programme is a successor to the Irish National

I Minister Fergus O’Dowd and Dr Ciaran Byrne Ciaran Byrne Inland Fisheries Ireland

nland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is now two-and-a-half years-old and is progressing through its Corporate Plan 2011 - 2015. IFI was formed following the amalgamation of the Central and 7 Regional Fisheries Boards; the organisation is now set up on a functional basis with strong regional

L Jason Whooley Chief Executive, BIM

ooking at the bare figures, 2012 was a positive year overall for Irish seafood with the processing sector benefiting from a growth resurgence and exports up 20% to €253m for the first six months compared with the same period in 2011.

BIM in partnership with industry made significant

2 Michael O’Mahony pictured with key representatives from (AQSIQ), the organisation that carries out the import controls in China

Micheal O’Mahony

Board Member, SFPA

012 was a busy year in terms of promoting and enforcing compliance with seafisheries and seafood safety requirements.

This effort has continued in the face of sustained cutbacks and resource limitations.

Much effort was placed on bringing the Electronic Logbook project to completion. SFPA led the development and installation of the technology on Irish

including highly experienced professionals, PHD students and fresh minded graduates with backgrounds ranging from engineering and defence to programming and policy.

Thanks to this diversity and dedication, NMCI has successfully secured funding on a wide variety of projects, largely down to the European context of much of NMCI’s research. This is despite obvious difficulties and fierce competition for funding that face every sector in the country. However, as a mark of the college’s success

and future potential, the European Union continues to support NMCI research, amongst others, through EU Framework 7, Interreg and Leonardo Da Vinci funding for its projects.

NMCI research also aims to deliver functional equipment and physical products. In the DARIUS (Deployable SAR Integrated Chain with Unmanned Systems) project, NMCI is helping to use unmanned systems in Search and Rescue operations to enhance first responder capabilities and intervene in

hazardous areas, while the PERSEUS project contributes to Europe’s efforts to monitor, through surveillance, illegal migration, crime and smuggling.

2012 also saw the commencement of multiple research projects which work across the board of the maritime sector. The ARCOPOL-PLUS (Atlantic Regions Coastal Pollution Response) project aims to improve preparedness, response and mitigation capabilities of local and regional responders in the

Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating a range of integrated mapping products of the physical, chemical and biological features of the seabed in the near-shore area. The programme is being funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

2012 was another milestone year for the INFOMAR

Programme: »» INFOMAR’s Seabed Mapping included as a Key Enabler in Ireland’s Strategic Marine Plan, Harnessing our Ocean Wealth »» Inclusion of INFOMAR mapping as key data in both Ireland’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive GIS and the EUSeaMap »» EU launch Green Paper on Seabed Mapping,

validating Irish approach. »» First completely New Chart of Dublin Bay since the 1800s from UKHO, including all new Irish government mapping »» Priority area of Irish Sea completed by Celtic Voyager »» Inshore mapping in Dundalk, Inishboffin, Inishturk, Killary and Cork. »» New vessel, with IFI’s Cosantoir Bradan converted

representation.

IFIs responsibilities under the Fisheries Acts continue to be the conservation; protection; management; development and promotion of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource.

Recent legislative changes (SI: 477) have also tasked IFI, via the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR), with additional

responsibilities as part of Ireland’s implementation of the Habitats Directive.

Working with other State agencies and our stakeholders, IFI’s dedicated staff have delivered on this remit in an efficient, effective and professional manner.

IFI staff are now very easily recognisable as 2012 has seen the introduction of smart and functional work-wear that has been welcomed by staff and

stakeholders alike.

Key priorities during the last 12 months include: »» modernisation of the fisheries legislation »» the Survey of Recreational Angling in Ireland »» driving efficiencies in conservation and protection by using kayaks, quads, bikes, night-sights, cameras etc »» delivery of various research projects including Interreg

progress in terms of building scale and improving route-tomarket structures. Through our Route to Market Scheme, seven collectives received assistance including companies who have joined forces to develop new brands aimed specifically at the Chinese market, and a hub established on the French west coast to increase sales of Irish shellfish to one of our key markets.

BIM also assisted seafood businesses under the Seafood Processing Scheme, resulting in investments by 21 companies on projects projected to generate over 142 new jobs and increase sales of valueadded products of nearly €44m by 2015.

To ensure we increase our raw material base, ongoing development of the aquaculture sector is crucial.

BIM has worked extremely

hard on an extensive consultation process to communicate the advantages of offshore deep sea farms.

BIM has submitted a licence application for one of these farms off the Galway coast, to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney and if successful, BIM will lease the site to a reputable investor.

As Irish organic salmon demands a premium price

fishing vessels as well as developing the national capacity to accept and transmit this data.

SFPA has obligated all vessels entering Irish waters to have operational ERS systems and also led on ensuring the necessary coordination and drive at EU level to facilitate harmonised data exchange.

ERS is a key part of SFPA’s work towards a level playing field for fishery control in all European waters.

Implementation strategies

2012. SFPA commenced implementation in autumn and that process highlighted the need for active buy-in by industry if the starting point for weighing immediately atlanding is to be avoided.

The control challenges in pelagic fisheries, including the risk posed by large-scale pelagic vessels operating in waters under Irish jurisdiction, prompted SFPA to host a seminar on the effective monitoring of pelagic fisheries last June at our head office in Clonakilty.

Various aspects of the 2009 Fishery Control regulations were also brought into effect during 2012. SFPA consulted with fishing industry representatives on the implementation strategies including engine power verification and fishery product weighing.

Ireland’s ‘Control Plan’ which merits weighing fishery products after transport from landing was approved by the EU Commission during

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 15

2012 Review event of harmful spills NMCI is also partnering in the Atlantic Power Cluster project, an ambitious move to tackle crucial challenges for the development of marine energies in the Atlantic Area.

These projects bring NMCI in to a broad European harmonization of maritime issues.

2012 saw the progression of MARTEL-PLUS, which builds on a much needed European standard for maritime communications through English. That project now features as a

product on the Maritime Training Platform (http:// www.maritimetraining. pro), itself a product of NMCI research under the IMPACT (Integrated Maritime Promotion ACTion) project. Furthermore, MARLEANET (MARitime LEArning NETwork), which links maritime training and education institutes all along the Atlantic Area, has created a unique collaboration for sharing skills and expertise across merchant marine, fisheries, navies and offshore sectors.

The success of 2012 will launch NMCI into 2013 with huge potential. 2013 will see NMCI begin major research with the SECILE (Securing Europe through Counter-Terrorism—Impact, Legitimacy and Effectiveness) and SMACS (Small Craft Emergency Response and Survival Training for Arctic Conditions) projects.

Looking towards 2013, NMCI is also a party to several project proposals which, if funded, will ensure core funding for NMCI research activities.

Relations with the broader Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) are highly positive. In 2012 IMERC has encouraged and facilitated the founding of three start-up companies and ensured a number of foreign direct investment companies to operate out of the NMCI. IMERC has set an ambitious strategy toward 2016 focused on becoming a “research and commercial cluster of world standing by realising Ireland’s potential in the global, maritime and energy markets of tomorrow” Cormac

Gebruers, NMCI Research Manager and Deputy IMERC Director is very positive about 2013 and beyond: “2012 has been a year of strong, positive growth for research at NMCI and we expect 2013 to be even better. Throughout 2013 & beyond, working together with our IMERC partners, the Cork Institute of Technology, the Irish Naval Service & University College Cork we will continue to work hard to raise international awareness of Ireland as a great location for maritime research and innovation.”

to survey use »» First ever successful trial of satellite bathymetry in Irish waters (Wexford). »» New ship wreck publication with UAU/National Monuments »» Collaborative work with SEAI, BIM , UAU/ National Monuments and Cork County Council »» Delivery of European Projects, EMODNET Geology & Hydrography.

»» Further work on EU funded MESH ATLANTIC & INIS-HYDRO projects »» Over 25 Research Projects assisted, 50% involving SMEs »» Keynote presentations including to Mareano, the Norwegian mapping programme »» Extensive outreach using vessels at Volvo in Galway, Tall Ships and ICOE in Dublin and Cork Port

Open event, with REAL 3D MAPS of Galway and Dublin produced.

»» Further outreach at key national events.

2013 is shaping up to be no less busy, with plans currently being finalised which potentially include: »» Mapping Dundalk, Cork Harbour, Dingle Bay, Shannon, Blacksod and Broadhaven, using a combination of Satellite Bathymetry and inshore

vessels. »» West Celtic Sea mapping using Celtic Voyager »» Collaborative work with a range of State agencies and departments »» Delivery of EU Projects GEOSEAS and INISHYDRO with further involvement in main phase of EMODNET »» INFOMAR Research Call building on the success of added-value projects

and LIFE projects, and increasing awareness of biosecurity issues »» education and outreach programmes such as the Dublin Angling Initiative, Angling for Youth Development , Something Fishy and Fisheries Awareness Week Similar to other State agencies, IFIs resources are reducing year-on-year and this is obviously a concern as we attempt to deliver

on our remit. Reducing resources has dictated that our focus remains with the empowerment of our stakeholders and placement of facilitation measures to ensure that the potential of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource can be further untapped(?) through all interested parties with IFI guidance and assistance.

Looking to 2013, the results of the Survey of Recreational

Angling in Ireland will provide details of angler numbers, economic benefit and opportunities to develop the sector thereby increasing the benefits of angling to the economy along with local and rural businesses, and will inform IFI and its tourism partners as to future strategies.

IFI is working closely with its parent department to modernise the existing corpus of fisheries legislation,

taking into consideration the wider suite of environmental legislation (European and National) which also impact on the inland fisheries resource.

This legislation is expected during 2013.

Fundamentally, ‘It’s about the fish’ and despite the ever increasing pressures on our fisheries, Ireland still boasts a wealth of inland and sea angling resources which greatly enhance the quality

of people’s lives as well as delivering economic and social benefits to the Irish economy via job creation, social inclusion and tourism revenue. We cannot however be complacent about the resource or our management of the environment. We must continue to build on our past successes to ensure the continued rational and sustainable usage of this natural resource.

on key markets and demand exceeds supply, this farm once in full production capacity could produce up to 15,000 tonnes of quality product annually at a value of €102m and create 500 direct and indirect jobs.

Taking advantage of fish landed by foreign vessels in the waters around Ireland is one of the recommendations in the Government’s Food Harvest 2020 report to

increase raw material base.

Large volumes of fish are being caught off the Irish coast by foreign vessels and Ireland could benefit if a share of this catch was landed and processed in Ireland.

Norwegian vessels landed over 80,000 tonnes of blue whiting into Killybegs during 2012.

BIM is working on a pilot project to facilitate processors and foreign whitefish vessels to build relationships with further

progress expected in 2013.

Ireland’s ‘green credentials’ are a key priority for the seafood sector with consumers demanding responsiblycaught, locally-sourced seafood.

BIM continues to develop expertise in this area and to build on existing quality standards for our aquaculture sector. We have developed the internationally-accredited, Responsibly Sourced Standard for

the catching sector and would encourage fishermen and processors to apply for the standard in the New Year as we intend to promote it and the members extensively in 2013.

We will also be working closely with Bord Bia in this regard as our standard is aligned with their Origin Green initiative.

Looking past 2013, we are currently developing a

five-year strategy to grow the seafood sector. To be launched early next year, this strategy will be a detailed targetdriven plan concentrating on priorities that will deliver the maximum return for the seafood industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our customers and readers of Inshore Ireland a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The seminar explored the practical challenges in verifying compliance in these operations. The role of industry in supporting good goverance and co-ordinated monitoring effort between Ireland and other countries was also highlighted.

SFPA also participated in the Irish trade mission to China in April. This trip allowed the SFPA to continue to build on pre-existing linkages with relevant authorities responsible for checks and acceptance of Irish fishery products entering

China.

Since then, the SFPA participated in a technical bilateral meeting around the visit of Chinese Vice-minister, Wei Chuanzhong from AQSIQ. A further meeting on seafood trade between Ireland and China took place in October at which the MoU was reviewed.

We anticipate challenges arising from our responsibilities to implement ongoing changes in European law in both fisheries conservation and

seafood safety. Ensuring compliance by seafood operators with their weighing, traceability and logging of discards obligations will require meaningful industry engagement.

Additional key challenges ahead will be the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and from a control perspective, measures to minimise discards. From a food-safety perspective, ongoing impetus at an EU level to re-examine bio-toxin limits and to consider putting

viral standards in place will require continuous efforts by the SFPA to ensure an appropriate fit with Ireland’s shellfish industry.

SFPA supports ambitious government targets within the Food Harvest 2020 programme.

Expanding seafood processing and exports bring commensurate increase in SFPA obligations.

The SFPA has experienced year-on-year budget cutbacks since its inception and predicts further cuts in 2013.

We are fully committed to

achieving the necessary cost savings while maintaining, if not improving, the services we provide.

Possible reductions to our operating budget will challenge the SFPA to do better with less. A key part of SFPA’s strategy is the continued implementation and maximisation of technology such as ERS and VMS. We recognise that the economic challenges facing Ireland demand we make the very best of the resources we are given.

In addition an external review of INFOMAR is being carried out that will measure our progress to date and help shape future plans while additional resources are being applied to the added-value area of the programme.

For latest updates and further details, check out www.infomar.ie

16 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Port Of Cork

Port of Cork navigates to growth in 2013 John Hearne

A

s some port companies struggle through the recession, the Port of Cork has reported a significant increase in both traffic and turnover. Commercial Manager Captain Michael McCarthy explains how they are weathering the storm, and tells why he thinks recent investments promise a sustainable future in the southern capital.

It’s been a tough year for Ireland’s ports, yet Cork posted some very decent numbers for the first nine months.

Traffic is up 4.5%, and turnover by 4%. How do you account for this performance?

We’re doing reasonably well. Like a lot of ports, we’ve seen an increase in oil coming into the country.

There’s also been an increase in animal feedstuffs and again,

that’s symptomatic of what’s happening in the country.

Adverse weather over the year has meant that farmers have had to rely on imported feedstuffs. Research estimates that the total economic contribution to the Irish economy by the Port was around €287m 2009 and the total employment linked to these operations is 1,849 full time equivalent jobs.

But profit is down – by €700,000 last year. What’s going on there?

Two issues. We have a commitment on our finances as a result of the rationalisation of the Port dock labour-force. Those outstanding borrowings represent a substantial charge on profits, which will finish in 2015. Significant investment in port handling equipment is the other element to that.

Over the last ten years, we invested €72m in improving Port infrastructure and facilities to cater for business demand. In January, we expanded the container handling facility at Ringaskiddy Deepwater Terminal. That allowed the Port of Cork and shipping company, Maersk, to launch the first-ever direct service to Ireland from South America and the Caribbean.

We’re now the only port in Ireland that has sufficient draft to take fully laden Panamax vessels. They come in and discharge a portion of cargo to lighten the ship, which reduces the draught below 10m. They then continue their voyage to Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool or Foynes. Effectively, we’re making those ships accessible for other ports.

The big disappointment this year was losing the Cork Swansea ferry service. What went wrong?

Very much so, it was the perfect storm. The service started out really well. In the first nine months of 2010, the vessel carried over 87,000 people, and over 30,000 cars.

However the service started in the deepest part of the recession, people reviewed their travel arrangements and then fuel prices started to rise – by nearly 60 per cent in the first year.

The other major problem was the lack of credit and banking facilities. No Irish bank would extend credit facilities. The ferry business is very seasonal. You need to be able to ride out the peaks and the trough, and in the absence of adequate banking facilities, a new entrant will

always struggle. But we’re not finished yet. We believe there’s still a strong business case for this service.

The big positive development this year was the launch of the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster This is very exciting.

IMERC is a hugely ambitious project, begun in co-operation with UCC, CIT and the Irish Naval Service. The aim is to provide a focal point for research in wind, wave and tidal energy for the next fifty years.

The facility is being built as we speak, and the Port of Cork Company have an additional fourteen acres of land adjacent to the IMERC and the National Maritime College, which will be the subject of a ‘Masterplan’ for the whole site.

So what do we see? In five years time I see a Maritime Energy Research Hub adjacent to the NMCI and Haulbowline, being coordinated through UCC and CIT, Naval Service as well as the Marine Institute in Galway.

In the same vein, the IMDO just published its report on Irish ports and offshore renewable energy services. This suggested

that the Port of Cork has the potential to become a hub for this sector. What do you foresee for the Port in this area?

We very much welcome that report, and the fact that it categorised the Port of Cork as a category A facility. We have a large land-bank, deep water, the adjacency of Cork Dockyard, the marine skills and so on, but I think the highlight of it is really that these offshore facilities require a lot of marine educated and trained personnel in offshore safety, in OPITO courses, in Health and Safety at sea and so on. The campus being developed between the Port, the NMCI and IMERC, makes Cork Harbour the ideal location.

Have there been any developments in your discussions with An Bord Pleanala in relation to developments at Ringaskiddy?

We’re coming under huge capacity constraints in Ringaskiddy to accommodate the different cargo modes, so we need a phased, modular approach to planning.

Discussions between stakeholders are ongoing and positive, but we’re also awaiting an announcement on port policy from government.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 17

Port Of Cork

This obviously is going to be a very important document for the country as a whole, not just the ports, or even yourselves in Cork. How do you see it fitting into the development of the sector?

Unless you’ve got a blueprint for the future direction of the ports, it’s hard for all of us to zero in on particular projects. I think it would be foolhardy to proceed with a planning application for a development that may not fit within the National Strategy.

We’re awaiting this National Strategy in order to proceed.

How was the cruise business this year compared with previous years?

Fifty-eight cruise liners called in 2012, up from 35 in 2005. Since 1990, the Port has invested over €8m in upgrading the dedicated cruise facilities at the Cobh Cruise Terminal which has allowed us to welcome the world’s largest cruise liners. There’s been a general increase in the numbers coming to Ireland, which is now seen as a ‘mustsee’ destination, and that’s very much down to the efforts of all the Ports in Ireland and to Cruise Ireland, which is the banner under which Ireland is promoted. Ports compete but Cruise Ireland sells Ireland Inc.

So you need a collaborative approach when securing this business?

Yes, absolutely. The Ports of Cork, Belfast, Dublin and Waterford have been pushing Ireland Inc through Cruise Ireland for the last 20 years.

Ireland is the destination; the ports handle the different requirements of the cruise lines in the regions of Ireland.

Dublin is always going to be the prime location because it’s a capital city and people want to see the capital. Cork would be seen as a gateway into the southern part of the country; if you want to see Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry and so on. One region plays off the other, so it’s complementary.

The most important thing to remember here is that no single port is a destination in itself — it provides access into the region. The other thing to keep in mind is that some of the liners have up to 70% repeat passengers, so the rota they choose varies depending on the number of repeat passengers. For example, if Cunard come into Cork as they did four times last year, are they going to come back to Cork next year? They may go to Dublin, they might go to Belfast. They change the rotas in order to spice up their itineraries. So the curve doesn’t always go up. There are peaks and troughs.

When you’re in the cruise business for a long time, you recognise that.

In a port like Cork, you have a huge number of interests – everything from trade to education, energy and marine leisure – all competing for scarce resources. How do you manage those varying demands?

That does happen. You can have Cobh sailing club; Crosshaven sailing club and Monkstown sailing club competing within the harbour on the same Saturday and still have commercial shipping passing them up and down the river.

At the same time you’ve rowing, kayaking, inner and outer fishing competitions etc. But the size of Cork Harbour and the width and depth available to all the communities in the harbour is so immense there’s very rarely any conflict. More importantly, it works through very good communications through the port and through our Harbour Master’s Department.

And finally, what’s big in 2013, what are you focused on?

Obviously to try and grow all sections of our business, and keep an eye on what sectors of the economy are doing better than others – right now that’s dairy produce, animal feedstuffs and

pharmaceuticals. Then there’s the offshore business.

We’ve been nominated as the supply base for Exxon’s drilling season, commencing in Q2 next year. We’re looking forward to that. The Port Company is continually

looking to new markets while consolidating existing businesses.

All opportunities are explored and evaluated to drive new business opportunities for the Port and the region.

Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager at the Port of Cork

18 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Marine R&D

Marine Institute CEO appointed to European Research & Innovation Board

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r Peter Heffernan has been appointed to the European Research and Innovation Area Board (ERIAB) by European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.

The 11 member-board advises the Commissioner on issues relating to the development of the European Research Area, including the €80 billion Horizon 2020 Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020).

Members of the ERIAB are appointed for a four-year term and the mandate of current ERIAB extends to February 2016.

“I look forward to working with Dr Heffernan as a member of the ERIAB” remarked Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn. “In the coming years, ERIAB will play a vital role in the development and optimisation of the European Research Area.

“Members of ERIAB are highly respected scientific and policy advisors who will draw on their extensive experience at national and international level, and I am delighted to have an Irish member of Peter’s calibre on board”.

Recognition acknowledged

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny noted that the appointment represented an important recognition not only of Dr Heffernan’s own contribution but also of the work of the Marine Institute over the years.

“Ireland and Europe share many objectives in supporting sustainable ocean economic activities as an important engine of growth in our recovery. I have no doubt that Peter’s contribution to ERIAB will be very beneficial in this regard.”

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD, said Dr Heffernan’s appointment not only reflected his standing in the European research community, but also that of Irish science, technology and innovation.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney noted that this appointment also acknowledged the importance of marine science, technology and innovation for the European Research Area. “This is a topic Dr Heffernan has championed both in Ireland and in Europe.”

(LtoR): Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute; Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science and An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny

Economy driver

The ERIAB plays a key role in developing, promoting and evaluating EU research, development and innovation policy initiatives and actions, including the further development of the European Research Area (ERA); implementation of the proposed €80 billion Horizon 2020 Programme (2014-2020) and the Europe 2020 and Innovation Union Strategies. Europe 2020 is a 10-year strategy

aimed at reviving the economy of the European Union through ‘smart, sustainable, inclusive growth, with high levels of employment and living standards’.

In July 2012, the Irish government, through the interdepartmental Marine Coordination Group, launched Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland, which set out a roadmap to harness the potential of Ireland’s marine resource.

This plan, which is part of the marine sectors contribution to the Europe 2020 Strategy, will contribute to the development of the Action Plan of the European Union Strategy for the Atlantic (EUSA) and will have a major bearing and influence on the topics to be supported by EU Structural, Regional, Research and Environment Funds between 2014 and 2020.

Irish scientist elected president of international marine science organisation

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he International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has elected Dr Paul Connolly as its president for a three-year term (Nov 2012 – Oct 2015).

Dr Connolly is the Director of Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services at the Marine Institute.

“This is a great honour and comes at a time of great opportunities for ICES. The ocean affects every human life and a growing public awareness of the use of the ocean is driving a demand for impartial marine science and advice,” remarked Dr Connolly.

Testament of excellence Marine Institute CEO, Dr Peter Heffernan, welcomed the appointment, saying it was a testament to Dr Connolly’s “dedication to excellence in marine science, his long standing commitment to ICES, and the key

the role of Irish and international scientists in understanding marine ecosystems”.

Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said it was a “great honour for Paul” and was well deserved.

“The appointment recognises his huge contribution to the world of marine science and underlines the high esteem that both he and his colleagues in the Marine Institute are held in the international scientific community.”

Primary scientific advisor

ICES coordinates and promotes marine research on oceanography, the marine environment, the marine ecosystem and on living marine resources in the North Atlantic. It is the prime source of scientific advice on the marine

ecosystem to governments and international regulatory bodies that manage the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas.

ICES maintains some of the world’s largest databases on marine fisheries, oceanography, and the marine environment, and its data centre is part of a global network of data centres.

“Against a changing policy landscape and a challenging economic climate, a key job in the coming year will be the renewal of the ICES Strategic Plan for the period 2014-2018. Getting our strategy right will be critical” Dr Connolly warned.

ICES is a network of more than 1,600 scientists from 200 institutes linked by an intergovernmental agreement (the ICES Convention) to add value to national research efforts.

Ireland has a long association with

Dr Paul Connolly begins his 3-year term as president of ICES ICES. Founded in Copenhagen in 1902, it is one of the oldest intergovernmental organisations.

Ireland joined in 1924 and two of its 29 presidents have been Irish: Arthur Went (1966 -1969) and David Griffith (1991 - 1994).

“A key focus of the job will be to ensure that the ICES scientific community remains relevant, responsive, sound, and credible, concerning marine ecosystems and their relation to humanity” remarked Dr Connolly.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 19

Marine R&D

New technology shines light Hard to fish areas on Donegal shipwrecks of the seabed may act as refuges for endangered skate

Flapper Skate

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survey by a Marine Robotics Team from University of Limerick (UL) using the UL built Smart ROV Latis has shed new light on two shipwrecks off the coast of Donegal — S.S. Empire Heritage and the S. S. Empress of Britain.

The survey on-board RV Celtic Explorer led by Dr Daniel Toal, UL, captured photo images as well as multi-beam sonar images at two archaeological sites. The survey planning drew on the knowledge of technical diver Dr Ger Dooley, a member of the survey team who has dived on many wrecks on the northern approaches off the Donegal Coast.

High resolution sonar imaging was used to create new images of S.S. Empire Heritage — a cargo ship that had been carrying dozens of Sherman Tanks when it was torpedoed and sank in 1944 with the loss of 113 lives.

And the passenger liner S. S. Empress of Britain was thought to have been carrying gold when it sank in 1940.

Empire Heritage now lies at a depth of 70 metres, 15 miles north-west of Malin Head. The survey captured images of the cargo of tanks, originally destined to fight in WWII, now scattered across the seafloor.

Gold cargo

S. S. Empress of Britain, a 42,000 ton, 230 m passenger liner lies at 160 metres, 40 miles north-west of bloody foreland and is believed to be the largest ship sunk by a U-boat. A salvage operation carried out on the wreck in 1995 on suspicion that the ship had been carrying a large cargo of Gold from Africa destined for America reported finding the Empress upsidedown in 500 feet of water.

The salvagers reported breaking into the strong room only to find a single skeleton and no gold. It is suspected the gold was unloaded while the Empress was on fire and its passengers were being evacuated. The high resolution sonar image taken during the recent ROV dive however shows the wreck listing on its side, not upsidedown, as reported by the earlier salvage operation.

Technology trial

The aim of the survey was to trial ROV technology developed by UL for a variety of marine applications including high resolution sonar imaging of ship wrecks for archaeological records; demonstration of ROV Latis’ precision underwater navigation and dynamic positioning capabilities to the Irish Coast Guard for Search and Rescue, as well as trialling a ‘daughter ROV’ or ‘fly-out out mini ROV’ for hull penetration and internal inspection where the larger ROV Latis cannot venture.

“In order to acquire high resolution sonar images the sonar instruments must be flown close to the ship wreck. Building a composite sonar image of a wreck with large numbers of sonar pings requires precise knowledge of the position and orientation of the ROV platform during the imaging transect.

“The ROV Latis is equipped with state-of-the-art, underwater positioning, navigation and auto pilot control systems which makes it an ideal platform for this high resolution survey work,” Dr Toal explained.

Unmanned vehicles

When poor weather conditions during the six day survey prevented operation of the ROV, the team moved to the sheltered waters of Lough Swilly where they tested a new low cost terrain referenced navigation system for unmanned vehicles developed by the Marine Robotics Research Centre at UL. The survey was supported by the Marine Institute through the 2012 Ship Time Programme as part of the Sea Change Programme funded under the National Development Plan 2007 -2013.

The shipwrecks surveyed were previously mapped from the sea surface by the Geological Survey of Ireland and Marine Institute during the INSS and INFOMAR national seabed mapping programmes.

Further details and information on the shipwrecks are available in the recently published book Warships, U-Boats & Liners (See page 27).

Photograph by Luke Aston

arine scientists working in the Celtic Sea have discovered a natural refuge for the critically endangered flapper skate.

Many elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates) are highly vulnerable to overfishing, but a new paper in the open access journal PLoS ONE shows that small areas of the seabed that experience belowaverage fishing intensity can sustain greater populations of these species.

that the discovery of a Celtic Sea stronghold for flapper skate provides a “remarkable opportunity to help save a species on the verge of extinction”.

Professor Michel Kaiser, chair of Marine Conservation at Bangor University added that some have argued that areas of little interest to the fishing industry were not worthy of conservation, “This study however clearly overturns that perception and highlights just how important some of these areas are.”

Discovery of ten species

Importantly, the fishing industry has reacted positively to the ‘win-win’ situation that an area of little commercial interest has potential as an important marine reserve.

Professor Dave Reid, Marine Institute, presented the information to industry leaders, which led to the inclusion of the area in proposed management plans for elasmobranchs in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

Eibhlín O’Sullivan, CEO of the Irish South & West Fishermen’s Organisation remarked that the fishing industry has been working with the Marine Institute for the past 18 months on developing a management plan for skates and rays.

“This new research adds valuable information to help identify potential seasonally closed areas”.

Professor Reid added this was a great model for collaboration on conservation between the fishing industry and scientists.

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement MYFISH n° 289257.

The study reveals that one remarkable area in the northeastern Celtic Sea, where uneven seabed makes trawling difficult, supports at least ten species of elasmobranch, including the rare blue skate (Dipturus flossada) and related flapper skate (Dipturus intermedia).

Dipturus was previously considered to represent a single species (D. batis), but made the news in 2009 when a case of misidentification was revealed (BBC news: Science/Nature). Both species are now listed as critically endangered but populations of the flapper skate, which can grow up to 2.5 metres in length, are considered to be under greatest threat from extinction.

Mandatory return

European Union regulations mandate that fishermen throw back any flapper skate but its slow growth and reproduction mean that even very low levels of fishing mortality are now unsustainable for this species.

Scientists from Queen’s University Belfast, Bangor University and the Marine Institute carried out the study. Lead researcher Dr Samuel Shephard suggests

Fishermen support

20 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Marine R&D

INFOMAR survey operations 2012 Eoin MacCraith GSI

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he 2012 survey season comprised a mixture of collaborative work and progress for the national mapping project. With four survey vessels at work by the end of the season on behalf of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI), bathymetric and geophysical coverage of the seafloor was significantly extended in a number of locations around the Irish coast.

Dundalk Bay was the first area to be surveyed at the start of the season as a continuation of the INISHydro INTERREG IVA project that had begun last year.

INISHydro is a 3-year programme with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK as lead partners. The project brings together 7 partners: MCA, Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI); Marine Institute (MI); the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI); the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS); the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) to conduct hydrographic surveys in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The GSI inshore survey vessels RV Keary and RV Geo were based in Port Oriel, Co Louth from April to May. Each vessel was tasked to survey specific areas according to water depth: RV Geo - a 7.5m RIB - mapped from the 5m contour inwards, while RV Keary - a 15m catamaran - focussed on the seabed between 5m and 10m depth.

Data gathering

The survey work produced a combined bathymetric dataset from three vessels covering the outer approaches to Dundalk; the shoals around Dunany Point in the south and the offshore extents of the bay.

An ADCP (Acoustic Doppler

Current Profiler) was deployed from RV Keary in Dundalk Bay to record the speed and direction of currents in a specific location.

In March, RV Celtic Voyager carried out survey work off the Co Clare coast on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

The second survey leg, from mid May to early June, involved mapping 873 square kilometres of seabed in the ‘East Priority Area’ in the Irish Sea. Eleven wrecks were mapped during that leg.

Following mapping operations in Dundalk Bay in mid-June, RV Keary transited south to the next survey area off the coast of Bunmahon, Co. Waterford. Survey work was carried out in support of the INTERREG-funded Atlanterra Project, which has designated the Bunmahon area as a Geo-park.

During this work, RV Keary was based in Dunmore East from where the vessel could transit to the survey area.

Two uncharted shoals were mapped during this survey and the information was delivered in the form of H-notes to the UKHO who subsequently issue a ‘Notice to Mariners’ alerting them to these hazards. The shoals will now feature in new editions of the relevant charts.

Following the survey off Bunmahon, RV Keary transited to Galway to participate in the Volvo Ocean Race festival.

The crew welcomed the public on board for tours of the vessel and also put to sea as part of a spectator flotilla during the in-port race of the Volvo fleet.

West coast surveying

The next survey leg took place around Inishbofin, Inishturk and Killary harbour in July and August.

RV Keary and RV Geo were based in Inishbofin harbour throughout the survey, refuelling periodically in Cleggan on the mainland.

Initially, two specific sites were mapped for BIM who were investigating the potential of locating deepwater aquaculture sites in the

area. A larger area around the islands was also mapped to provide bathymetric data for oceanographic current modelling to be carried out by the Marine Institute, along with extending INFOMAR national mapping coverage around the islands and their many reefs and shoals.

The survey data revealed very interesting underwater topography, containing extensive rocky outcrop, fault lines and sedimentary features. The onshore geology of the islands is structurally complex and some of it can now be traced offshore using the bathymetric data.

RV Keary arriving into Port Oriel at sunset after a day’s survey operations

New arrival

The final survey leg of 2012 took place in Cork harbour, beginning in early September and was the first outing for the latest addition to the INFOMAR survey fleet, MV Cosantóir Bradán.

As a fisheries patrol vessel in its previous life, the INFOMAR modified the craft to include a bow-mounted multi-beam sonar which has increased INFOMAR’s inshore mapping capability, as RV Keary and MV Cosantóir Bradán can now work together to survey a greater area in a given timeframe.

Operating out of Crosshaven the two vessels mapped the channels in Cork Harbour with RV Geo concentrating on the shoals and river banks. The larger vessels finished operations in mid-October while RV Geo continued its campaign of shallow water mapping into early November.

With the 2012 surveying season now over, the vessels are now based in Dún Laoghaire for winter maintenance before embarking on the 2013 survey season.

Northbound

Once operations around Inishbofin were complete in early August, RV Keary transited north to Killybegs, Co Donegal, where she refuelled and underwent maintenance on her crane, before proceeding up the coast to Burtonport. RV Geo was transported there over land.

As opposed to a conventional INFOMAR survey leg, this was a job involving collaborative work between the GSI and the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the Department of Heritage, Arts and Gaeltacht.

RV Keary was tasked as a diving platform for marine archaeologists carrying out an excavation on a potential Spanish Armada shipwreck off Rutland Island, while RV Geo conducted shallow-water mapping between Burtonport and Arranmore Island as part of the national mapping programme.

This inter-departmental collaboration had also been carried out during the 2011 survey season and once again RV Keary proved to be a versatile platform. RV Geo extended the bathymetric coverage collected the previous year.

From July to August, RV Celtic Voyager carried out further surveying in the East Priority Area, mapping ten wrecks in the process and 864 square kilometres of seabed. Following this work she carried out survey operations in Galway Bay and the Celtic Sea, from late August to late September.

Survey coverage by RV Keary around Inishbofin and Inishturk. The grey polygon in the centre of the image represents data coverage previously acquired by the RV Celtic Explorer

RV Cosantóir Bradán and RV Keary alongside in Crosshaven.

Note the bow-mount for the multi-beam sonar on the Cosantóir Bradán, which is in the raised position.

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 21

Marine R&D

PISCES project puts spotlight on stakeholder input Sarah Twomey and Cathal O’Mahony, Coastal & Marine Research Centre

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ncreasing attention is now being given to the potential of our marine resources to provide badly needed economic stimuli; this however will throw up the familiar challenge of sustainability which involves balancing development and use of the marine environment with the safeguarding of its ecological value.

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) sets out the environmental priorities of Europe’s maritime policy, requiring Member States to put in place a process to achieve good environmental status (GES) for their marine waters by 2020, while also calling for countries to apply the eco-system approach to managing human activities

at sea. Implementation and achieving the goals of the MSFD will be demanding and will influence how sea users perform their day-today operations.

Implementation guide

Using a unique transnational partnership, the PISCES (Partnerships Involving Stakeholders in the Celtic Sea Ecosystem) project developed an implementation guide to support the MSFD – the PISCES Guide. PISCES represents a new approach to stakeholder-led marine management by bringing

Marine habitat maps to assist EU directive incorporation process Fergal McGrath

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national stakeholders briefing workshop for interested parties on the progress and results to date of the MeshAtlantic Project took place earlier this year in the Marine Institute.

MeshAtlantic promotes harmonised production and use of marine habitat maps covering the Atlantic, to assist member states incorporate EU directives (mainly Habitats and Marine Strategy) into their policies. Themes and discussion topics included: MeshAtlantic Progress; MeshAtlantic Habitat Mapping Survey Results; and MeshAtlantic Outputs for Spatial Planning.

The day was divided into four sessions.

Session 1 (Project Overview) comprised an overview of MeshAtlantic in both a European and a national context. Expected deliverables and the progress in achieving these were discussed.

Session 2 (Data Sets) consisted of a presentation of the hydrographic, oceanographic and sedimentary data sets acquired on the MeshAtlantic survey in Kenmare River SAC by the Marine Institute and NUI Galway in August 2011.

Session 3 (Data Users) was a forum for invited experts to

present on progress of Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive monitoring in Ireland.

Standardisation of seabed classification typologies and challenges for unified reporting was discussed.

Session 4 (Discussion) identified key areas of overlap between the projected outputs of MeshAtlantic and other EU projects at a national level.

Areas where the project’s outputs could support ongoing work for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive were identified. The stakeholders meeting was successful in that it brought together experts and data users, resulting in direct, improved interaction between the MeshAtlantic project and other EU funded projects (EMODNET). Areas where the project outputs could support the delivery of EU Directives (WFD/MSFD) at a national level were also identified.

together many sea users, not only from different sectors, but also from the different countries that use the Celtic Sea. Irish stakeholder contributors to the PISCES Guide included representatives from BIM; the Irish Naval Service; Responsible Irish Fish; the Marine Renewable Industry Association of Ireland, and the Irish Marine Federation.

The stakeholders had many good examples of sustainable practices that align perfectly with the Directive’s objective of achieving GES. The step-by-step guide presents the voices of the stakeholders and showcases numerous case studies of good practice.

Collation and sharing of so many sea-user experiences

helped different sectors to identify common goals, and even target areas where they went on to pursue joint ventures, e.g. tackling marine litter.

Too often the value of stakeholder input to marine policy is missed. In the case of PISCES, the stakeholder voice – what sea users had to say about their role in marine management – was central to the success of the project.

It enabled us to produce guidance material that was grounded in real experience, and will hopefully provide a

template for similar initiatives elsewhere.

Initiatives such as PISCES really illustrate the human capacity available to support marine management.

Seeing the commitment and enthusiasm of sea users in identifying solutions makes the challenge of sustainability a little less daunting.

The final PISCES Guide was officially launched on November 13 by Lowri Evans, Director General of DG MARE in Brussels.

Further details from: www.projectpisces.eu

Location codes to aid emergency response capability

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new initiative aimed at enhancing the emergency response to marinebased incidents has been launched in Limerick.

Limerick County Council in conjunction with Irish Water Safety and Loc8 Code Ltd is to operate a pilot programme that will enable persons requiring emergency assistance at any one of 86 ringbuoy locations around Limerick, to point the emergency services to their position within accuracy of approximately 6 metres.

Ringbuoys and their holders along the Shannon River and Estuary, River Mulcair, River Maigue and dozens of other locations popular with the public have been fitted with Loc8 codes containing GPS coordinates.

The information is accompanied by contact details for the Samaritans’ support services to assist in the reduction of suicide through drowning. (1850 60 90 90).

Precise location

“Each location has been surveyed and converted into unique Loc8 codes, which feature on large stickers placed on each ringbuoy box and ringbuoy. If someone requires emergency assistance at any of the 80 ringbuoy locations, they call 999 and give the code, which enables emergency

At the launch were Brian Kennedy and Cllr Leo Walsh, Limerick County Council; Con Murray, Limerick Manager & Gary Delaney, CEO Loc8 Code.

Photo Press 22 services to determine their exact location,” remarked Brian Kennedy, Water Safety Development Officer, Limerick County Council.

A smartphone app has also been developed which allows the emergency services to ascertain the shortest route to these locations. The code is also compatible with SatNav systems and on the Web to help emergency service navigate to the relevant location.

The Loc8 codes can also be used to report missing or damaged ringbuoys. “Very importantly, the public do not need any special technology to use the Loc8 Codes, As a result they are able to communicate their exact location unambiguously,” he said.

The initiative has been

welcomed by Irish Water Safety CEO John Leech who said any initiative that seeks to enhance water safety and save lives “is very welcome”.

“We’re delighted to be able to work with Limerick County Council and Irish Water Safety in rolling out this project, which hopefully will help save lives in the future,” remarked Gary Delaney, Loc8 Codes.

The 86 ringbuoy locations are located at Castletroy; Foynes; Adare; Annacotty; Pallaskenry; Croom; Glin; Loughil; Askeaton; Castleconnell; Lough Gur; Bruree; Athlacca; Cappamore; Clareville; Montpellier; Murroe; Newcastle West; Pallasgreen; Abbeyfeale; Dromkeen; Bruff and Kilmallock.

22 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Marine R&D

Dublin conference attracts international ocean energy experts Gery Flynn

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he International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) 2012 - the largest of its type in the world which took place over three days in October at Dublin’s Convention Centre, has been hailed a major success by its host, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

This was the fourth such event of its kind to focus on the global industrial

development of renewable marine energy, bringing together almost 1,000 ocean energy experts from 40 countries, and included exhibits from 70 of the leading developers of ocean energy technologies.

Expectations exceeded

“ICOE 2012 exceeded expectations, and we’re delighted with what has been achieved here,” SEAI’s chief executive Dr Brian Motherway told Inshore Ireland.

“We had delegates travelling from as far afield as Australia, Canada, China and New Zealand, and it reflects the true global scale of this burgeoning sector and the potential it holds as so many countries are eager to move to low carbon energy sources and position themselves as the main providers of such a resource.“ Motherway added that all through the three-day event the atmosphere throughout was one of “palpable enthusiasm. There was a real

James Ives, CEO Open Hydro speaking to ICOE delegates at the company’s factory in Greenore

sense that people were keen to learn, share ideas and experiences and ultimately do business.

“And while we are at the start of this exciting journey, significant research and development work has already been undertaken, and in some parts of the world, ocean energy devices are operating commercially.”

Potential pole position

He added that Ireland has a real opportunity to be a significant player in this sector, and indeed position itself as a leader on the world stage.

“Ireland has an abundance of ocean energy resources — some might say we have the best ocean resources in the world. Plus we have the skill and expertise to advance this emerging sector. Many Irish companies are already excelling in the global ocean energy market.”

Delegates at ICOE 2012 managed to see first-hand some examples of the Irish companies leading the way in the ocean energy sector.

After the formalities finished, a technical tour was arranged to the Open Hydro factory in Greenore and MCT’s SeaGen

tidal current turbine in Strangford Lough.

This served as a positive closing to the conference to show delegates practical applications to the many technical, academic and environmental ocean energy topics that had been discussed in the previous days.

“SEAI has produced an Ocean Energy Roadmap which quantifies the potential of the marine renewables sector under different scenarios.

This shows that the energy resource off our shores is extremely valuable if properly exploited for electricity generation between now and 2050,” Dr Motherway said.

“We’ve started on this journey, and have already made progress in terms of technology development, test facilities and infrastructure planning. Maximising our ocean energy potential could create thousands of jobs by 2020, offer cleaner energy alternatives and secure Ireland’s energy supply.

“The only caveat is that countries all around the world are equally aware of the economic potential of ocean energy, so we must mobilise all our key players so that Ireland achieves the benefit that is currently open to it.”

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 23

Marine R&D

Political vision and funding the way forward says ocean energy expert Gery Flynn

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ndrew Parish has over 20 years experience in a variety of areas including energy, environment, innovation, new product development and business management. He has been a director of Tonn Energy Ltd for the past four years, and after six years as CEO of Wavebob Ltd, decided recently to step down to develop other businesses “that will serve the sector ”.

He remains as an advisor to Wavebob Ltd, and provides support and advice to small business through his company Parish Consulting.

On the final day of the conference, Inshore Ireland caught up with him for a brief ‘snapshot’ of the ocean energy sector in Ireland.

Has the ICOE conference been worthwhile?

My feelings are mixed. At one level it’s been very positive to see such a large community coming together in Dublin - 1,000 people all focused on wave and tidal energy.

It’s positive also seeing the emergence of a supply chain, as well as utilities, technology developers, and service and component suppliers.

That’s all good, and a sign that the sector is maturing.

But, there’s still no money.

We’re all here with an expectation and a passion to drive a new industry; however the missing ingredient is the financial engine which would actually allow us to do real commercial business.

Why is it proving difficult to attract investment?

Traditional forms of technology finance such as the venture capital community, investment angels etc just aren’t interested in wave energy because it’s too long, too hard, and costs too much. The kind of people who would normally invest in technology would expect a return in three-to five years but ours is a five- to ten-year play.

Therefore, it really comes back to the utilities and the large engineering and OEM companies. These are also struggling with the financial crisis so their access to capital is being constrained and they are focusing on mature technology that can be rolled out.

Is Ireland keeping pace with Scotland in the race to dominate ocean energy in these islands?

Scotland is absolutely without question seen globally as the world-leading centre for ocean energy. That’s not necessarily because they’ve invested huge amounts of money however. They acted quickly and appropriately.

What gives confidence to the

Milestone event

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peaking on the final day, Marine Renewables Industry Association (MRIA) chairman Peter Coyle said that the event marked a milestone in the development of ocean energy – wave and tidal. “It reflects in both its scale and the obvious enthusiasm of everyone in attendance, the growing importance of this still emerging field of technology”.

Coyle added that for the Irish ocean energy sector it was a “challenging time” because the technology was still emerging at a time when, even three or four years ago, “pundits in the energy industry expected wave and tidal to be at the experimental, pre commercial stage now”.

When asked why it was taking so long to get energy producing devices to work reliably Coyle replied it was because the marine environment was very tough.

“The forces and natural phenomena playing on a wave device, for example, is stretching man’s ingenuity and knowledge. And tidal - although dealing with a certainty, the timing of tides also presents huge challenges,” he noted.

Despite this he said it was “important to put matters in perspective” and to realise that Ireland’s wave resource in particular could be the source of many thousands of Mega Watts of energy.

“Estimates undertaken for the Government here are even more positive. Given our huge natural advantage in this area — Siemens estimates that Ireland accounts for one-third of Europe’s total renewable energy resource - we could in time be in a position to become a major energy exporter. Energy could be as important an employer as food is, providing 120,000 jobs,” Coyle said.

private sector is when the public sector acts decisively, appropriately, and does so quickly.

In Ireland it’s taken us five years to figure out what we’re going to do with foreshore licensing. In the meantime, companies have come here attracted by the natural resource and by the research that’s going on in the universities, and the emergence of credible technologies such as Wavebob.

But when they see how much inertia there is in the system, here they go back to Scotland.

Could the Irish government do more?

Visionary leadership is needed, and we need the confidence to say we’re going in this direction. But that’s only half the battle. Pointing the course is one thing, but making sure the boys in the engine room know how to make the machine work is another skill. The ability to work through the system - and that’s the civil service function - needs to have the same level of enthusiasm.

Despite bureaucratic

turgidity, are you still optimistic?

I think so, and this is where ICOE really sets a focus and a spotlight on Ireland. It’s been positive seeing the level of political inclusion this week.

We’ve had two ministers and all the civil servants here.

I think they recognise this is now an industry that is growing, emerging – with real commercial and employment opportunities.

That’ll help focus the attention. I do see light at the end of the tunnel. We’ve gone through five years of rationalisation and strategic development, and we’re well poised now for the next level.

But we still need the money, investment - from both the private sector and public sector - if this industry is to really move forward.

What do you want to see happen within the next five years?

We’re doing a lot of good stuff on the infrastructural level. Just look at what’s happening at the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC)

Andrew Parish and the Beaufort Laboratory in Cork. Funding the academic sector is appropriate and it gives us a solid foundation. But we really need to see progress on the availability of foreshore licensing because, at the end of the day as a technology developer, we’re developing a technology for a market.

To coin a phrase we used last year, ‘Ireland is closed for maintenance’, but the sign needs to go up now that ‘Ireland is open for business.’

Getting a foreshore licence should be a straightforward business-like process, not a four-year wait.

Expressions of Interest Commissioner – Non Executive Board Member of the Commissioners of Irish Lights The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitable candidates for consideration for appointment to its Board.

CIL is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for the island of Ireland, its adjacent seas and islands. CIL, together with the Northern Lighthouse Board (Scotland) and Trinity House (England & Wales) operate an integrated aids to navigation (AtoN) service throughout the coastal waters of Ireland and Great Britain. The GLA meet the Irish and British Governments’ responsibilities under the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention. CIL is a statutory body funded by a mix of user charges, government contribution and commercial activities.

CIL’s mission is to “provide Aids to Navigation and allied services for the safety of persons and infrastructure at sea, the protection of the marine environment and to support the marine industry and coastal communities”. CIL is proud to offer a cost effective and reliable high service level to our customers and stakeholders.

Candidates should have Board management experience together with commercial acumen, a background or keen interest in marine navigation and capability in one or more of the following areas:-

» » » » »

Business / Financial Management / Accountancy Port / Harbour Management Shipping/Fishing/Offshore Energy Industry Government Administration Tourism / Leisure / Marine Environment

The Board meets in Dublin eight times a year. Board members receive no remuneration.

For further details and an application form to be submitted by January 4th 2013 contact: Hugh Roe, Director of Corporate Services at e-mail hroe@cil.ie or by post at: Commissioners of Irish Lights, Harbour Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

24 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

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2. Swordsman (6)

6. Ray of sunlight (7)

3. Yellowish brown colour (5)

7. Tropical eel (5)

12. Flowering Shrubs (6)

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10. Weirdest (7)

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Crossword FUN 8. Indian of Mexico (5)

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Stuck for an answer?

You’ll find the solution on www.inshore-ireland.com

8. Eternal (7) 9. English Royal House (5)

15. Scolding (6)

11. Thrash (7)

17. Make hard (6)

14. Waits (5)

20. Stiff and formal (7)

16. Person who operated a farm (6)

22. Class of Indian society (5) 25. In the place of (7)

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5 Ventilates (4)

13. Tree-like grass (6)

24. Burdened (5)

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4. Lectern (6)

18. Right to enter (6) 19. Sarcastic doubter of integrity and merit (5)

Down

21. Small dabbling duck (4)

1. Informal test (4)

23. Conjunction (4)

Walt Disney meets Jacques Cousteau…

B

lack John the Bogus Pirate - Cartoon Workbook of Marine Beasts is a new ‘fun’ way of teaching marine biology and environmental care through the medium of drawing cartoons, published by Spindrift Press, Dublin. It is written and illustrated by John Joyce who began using cartoons while developing the ‘Explorers’ primary school marine education programme with the Marine Institute.

“We learn most when we’re enjoying ourselves and learning how simple it really is to draw cartoons is about as much fun as anyone can have, remarked its created, Dr John Joyce.

“Each workbook leads the budding artist through the basics of cartoon drawing before explaining how to draw simple cartoon animals such as jellyfish, crabs, sharks and whales.

Those completing the twenty pages of easy exercises and fact sheets on marine life and conservation can then award themselves the ‘Pirate’s Higher Diploma’ or PhD, having learned a new skill and a little bit more about how to protect the oceans on which we all depend.”

The books are designed to support the SESE curriculum in Ireland, as well as the UK’s Key Stages 2 and 3, as well as the US National Science Education Standards (K-4).

“Studies have shown that we choose our paths in life at a very early age,” added Dr Joyce who retired from the Institute following a long career in marine science and education last January.

“My hope is that these workbooks will open young people’s eyes to the beauty and fragility of our ocean environment, as well as being a great deal of fun.”

The workbook is available from www.spindriftpress.com via its online shop for €3.99 plus postage and packing.

Competition The author has generously provided 5 copies of the workbook as competition prizes.

Question: What is awarded to budding artists who complete the exercises?

Answers to

mills@inshore-ireland.com or 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

by JANUARY 16 , 2013

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 25

coffee break

Seine boat race, Cahirsiveen, Co Kerry

Lunchtime at Oldcourt Boatyard, Co Cork

Johnaí Dubh Clochartaigh collecting seaweed at low tide at Carna, Co Galway

Banba’s Crown, Co Donegal

Sheeps Head Peninsula, Co Cork

Ireland’s Atlantic Shores

People and places from Mizen to Malin

O

ne image in particular within Valerie O’Sullivan’s book reaches out to me on a very personal level.

The picture is that of a spectacular yacht moored neatly in the bay at Roundstone, Co. Galway.

It was on board this boat that I made my first and very exciting voyage across the Irish Sea to Holyhead a number of moons ago.

The level of personal touch and connection to her subject that O’Sullivan captures is what really makes this book great. So many times throughout this collection of photographs and short explanations - all composed from along the western coastline of Ireland - she gives the reader a strong insight into the essence of the peoples and their places.

She has gathered a series of moments-in-time from up and down the Atlantic seaboard, taking in every manner

of festival or event - from rowing races; sheep-shearing competitions; triathlons; swims etc to some more ‘leisurely’ pursuits such as seakayaking; dolphin watching; or even visiting a lighthouse.

Her images intimately portray the cultures and ways of local people going about their everyday lives - from a returning officer collecting the ballot box on Dursey Island; Arranmore RNLI crew members ready for action on their lifeboat; fishermen tending ropes and nets in Rossaveal Harbour - to the wonderful lunchtime ritual at the Ilen workshop in the Oldcourt Boatyard, Co. Cork.

We wonder what propelled O’Sullivan to compile such a compendium of diverse photos of surf; seaweed; shores; ships; rowers; tractors; cups of tea - the words roll off the tongue - to puffins; eagles; seagulls; sunsets; shrines; rocks; helicopter. This book is a dictionary in pictures with words and descriptions bubbling to the surface.

Although it is the essence of the locations that Valerie explores in great detail - old favourite landmarks such as the Fastnet, Skelligs, the Cliffs of Moher, Achill islands and the Céide Fields in Co. Mayo.

The book portrays a strong narrative of local knowledge and a warm appreciation of the minutiae of the myriad diurnal activities connected to our shores.

We witness bladderwrack bathers; silhouettes promfishing for mackerel or even Richard Foran carrying out essential maintenance on the emergency beam at Skellig.

There is a lot happening on every page.

The great richness of this collection is that people and places are so intertwined. It is a living anthropological study and yet we can re-learn so much Irish history by just glancing through the pages.

We recall Michael Collins through a classroom picture in Cork and remember the adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean

on the pages about Kerry.

The reader will be amazed by the distances covered and by the extreme lengths to which O’Sullivan has gone to engage her camera. She has climbed the legendary peaks and brings us along her journey with images from atop Mount Brandon and the pilgrimage climb of Croagh Patrick. She has also navigated the trickiest of waterways and shorelines - from Rutland sound to the

Competition The publishers have generously provided two copies as competition prizes.

Q: Which country are the two explorers from?

Answers to: mills@inshore-ireland.com or by postcard to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Closing date: January 16, 2013 Good luck!

Mizen suspension bridge.

This book is highly recommended for the sheer enjoyment of Ireland’s Atlantic regions.

Cian Gallagher Dublin Ireland’s Atlantic Shore - People and Places from Mizen to Malin

by Valerie O’Sullivan is published by The Collins Press, price €24.99.

It is available in all good bookshops and online from www.collinspress.ie.

26 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

coffee break LEFT: Of the 700 U-boats sunk during WWII it is estimated that approximately 60 were lost in the waters surrounding Ireland. 116 subs that survived the war ended up there too.

This stunning photograph from the book shows the mass of surrendered craft that were herded into Lough Foyle prior to being towed out between November 1945 and February 1946 to the Northern Approaches - 120 miles northwest of the Donegal coast - and put to the bottom. In total, between 30,000 - 40,000 mainly young German submariners gave their lives.

Warships, U-boats & liners: A guide to shipwrecks mapped in Irish waters

B

y its very nature, the work being done in coastal and ocean surveying in general in Ireland does not lend itself to easy or accurate translation for the understanding of the public at large. It can be technical and not easily translated into readily understood language.

This is unfortunate because in its short life – a mere 12 years – it has been acclaimed by people who know what they are talking about [that the project is] the finest of its type currently being undertaken anywhere in the world. Ireland’s entitlement to claim such high achievements in other disciplines must be few and far between. It is for this reason, if no other, that this quite splendid new publication is to be welcomed.

The ill-fated Kerry Head

The 13,581-ton passenger liner, Athenia

Warships, U-Boats & Liners - A Guide to Shipwrecks Mapped in Irish Waters is available from the Government Stationery Office; GSI’s online shop www.gsi.ie priced €25 and major booksellers

The Underwater Archaeolog y Unit (UAU) is an integral part of the National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and is responsible for the management, protection and recording of underwater archaeological sites and wrecks in Ireland’s inland and coastal waters. Since its establishment in 1997 the UAU has created an extensive archive of shipwrecks , with over 12,000 documente d to date. The UAU’s brief includes the quantification of the underwater cultural resource, licensing of dives on protected sites, dealing with threats to underwater archaeology and mitigating development impacts. has also undertaken The UAU surveys and excavations at previously known and newly discovered sites, adding a new layer to our existing knowledge of our island’s history.

The work of the UAU in this regard is helping to ensure that the evidence for past connection s to the sea and inland waterways is recognised and protected for the enjoyment and benefit of all.

Competition Warships, U-Boats & Liner s

A Guide to S h i pw r e c k S M i r i S h nAt i o nA Apped in iri S h wAt e r S By L S e A B e d S u rv the ey And inFo MAr MAppin G p roJ e c t S

As an island nation, Irish people are used to looking out to sea, weather patterns and watching boats following the ever-chan rising and falling on from shore are the ging the waves. What dark, cold deeps that cannot be seen pockmark Ireland’s the past – shipwreck coastline and hold s that tell of cruel secrets from wars, thwarted ambitions sunken treasures.

It is a fascinating , political machinat hidden history, filled ions and of human life and with the best and existence. This beautifull worst features shipwrecks and tells y illustrated volume a colourful tale of presents sixty of those Ireland’s maritime century to the two heritage. From the world wars, the ships’ sixteenth stories recounted here relate to important moments in our island’s are compelling and often history.

For the past 12 years Ireland’s offshore waters and coastal of the largest seabed seas have been subject surveys in the world, to one and currently being commenced by the completed as a joint Geological Survey of Ireland venture with the Marine this survey, working in conjunction with Institute. In the course the Underwater Archaeolo Monuments Service, of a database of over gy Unit of the National detailed informatio 300 shipwrecks has n regarding each wreck’s been and water depth, condition on the seafloor,compiled, containing along with a short its extent, dimension background history selection of important s and the reason for historic wrecks from its loss. This the database highlights this work importance of maritime and the conservation and recording.

Barcode here

rs

Karl Brady

Lyttleton | Lawler

Answers to mills@inshoreireland.com or by postcard to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin Closing date JANUARY 16, 2013 Good luck!

MApped in ir i S h wAt e r S

Archaeologist, Under National Monument s Heritage and the Gael

Brady | McKeon |

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), founded in 1845, is the National Earth Science Agency and a division of the Department of Communica tions, Energy & Natural The GSI is responsible Resources. for creating a broad range of products, including maps, reports and databases, and acts as a knowledge centre and project partner in all aspects of Irish geology. The GSI’s largest endeavour to date is the INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Developme nt of Ireland’s MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme , a joint venture between the GSI and the Marine Institute.

The INFOMAR programme is a successor to the GSI-manag ed Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and is involved in producing a range integrated mapping of products of the physical, chemical and biological features of the seabed in the near-shore area. Both INSS and INFOMAR have resulted in the largest systematic survey of the seabed off Ireland, and one of the largest such surveys in the world.

The data generated by these surveys is enormous benefit of to our marine cultural heritage, particularly through the mapping of shipwrecks.

A Guide to S h i pw r e c k S

MApped in ir i S h wAt e r S

The authors have generously provided two copies as competition prizes.

Q: How many wrecks feature in this publication?

Warships, U-Boats & Line

A Guide to S h i pw r e c k S

High-resolution multibeam HMS Audacious was a 23,000ton dreadnought battleship so strongly built that she was considered unsinkable. Just off Tory Island, Donegal, in 1914 she struck a mine – one of 200 or so layed across the main shipping route along the Northern Ireland coastline and went to the bottom. In this case there is a high resolution multibeam view, one of the most dramatic in the book.

We have scarcely known tragedy of how the HMS Curacoa was sliced in two off Donegal in 1942 by the great liner Queen Mary acting as a troopship. Churchill himself personally ordered silence on this one for fear of despondence among the people.

Of course the expansive courage extends to the Lusitania.

The depth is so complete; the depth of tragedy is totally compelling.

This reviewer had the privilege of attending the launch of this book in the Custom House, Dublin.

Assembled there, among many others intrigued by our maritime history and the work being done to reveal it.

They are young folk and what binds them is their huge enthusiasm for their work.

They represent a force of considerable talent with very positive views and that rare thing they love their work.

It is surely most encouraging that these talented people are enjoying substantial official backing as witnessed by two government ministers at the book launch. This book is their testament.

Tim Magennis, Dublin

Empress of Britain steaming through the Panama Canal

& Liners

400-year span The coverage is vast – from the 16th century through to WWI and WWII. References to these latter phases are

to proclaim her neutrality.

Just over a year after the war started in 1939, she was bombed by a German aircraft southeast of the Old Head of Kinsale in Cork. She managed to survive that, but two months later she was bombed again and sank within sight of Cape Clear, Cork. Her crew of 12 perished in the attack.

Warships, U-Boats

Sixty selected The joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute produced INFOMAR - this country’s first national mapping project. As a result we now have a vast catalogue of, inter alia, photographic and sonar images of 300 shipwrecks, in total some 60 of which are featured in the book, along with essays of high quality.

The book also reflects heavy input from the National Monuments Service of the Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government; the Dept. of Archaeology College Cork and an intriguing personal collection for over 15 years of ships from around the world by Dr Ian Lawler of BIM. According to Karl Brady, one of the quartet of stated authors, there are some 13,000 wrecks in Irish waters but they decided to highlight 60 of the most important that were mapped during the seabed survey so far.

particularly intriguing because security requirements at wartime prevented much, if any, reportage of major happenings.

Thanks to INFOMAR’s generous contributions from its integrated mapping programmes, the book produces graphic imagery not before seen in public of how some of the shipwrecks lie on the seafloor today – tragic in their lonely isolation.

Take for instance the saga of the liner Athenia which, according to the accompanying commentary, ‘holds the dubious honour of being the first victim of submarine warfare in World War II’. She had left Glasgow for Montreal when war was declared on that fateful Sunday September 3, 1939. Without warning, she was attacked by a German U-boat. Today, what is left of a once proud ship lies 388km northwest of Erris Head, Co Mayo.

One of Ian Lawler’s significant post cards shows her sailing under blue skies. The accompanying multi-beam sonar depiction shows what remains of her in water so deep that it challenges the most modern equipment to produce detail. How a once proud liner carrying 1103 passengers on a great adventure could be reduced to virtually nothing!

And the Empress of Britain – another passenger liner one of the most luxurious vessels of her time and the largest merchant vessel lost in WWII. First she was bombed by a type of German aircraft known as ‘the scourge of the Atlantic’ and finally sunk two days later by a German U-boat off Bloody Foreland, Donegal.

Once again, an accompanying multi-beam view of her shows her lying in 160 metres of water.

Nor did neutrality provide anything but scant protection to Irish shipping. The 825-ton steam coaster Kerry Head out of Limerick went to sea with the Irish Tricolour emblazoned on her hull, along with ‘Eire’ highlighted twice in huge letters

Crew of the sinking Audacious take to the lifeboat

Charise McKeon Marine Geologist,

karl Brady | charis e Mckeon

| James Lyttleton

| ian Lawler

INFO

Dr James Lyttleton Post-Doctoral Research Archaeology, University

Dr Ian Lawler Fisheries Developme nt E and with over 30 years’ d

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 27

Coffee Break

Fear in the Shadow

F

ear in the Shadow by Donal Maguire - perhaps better known as the aquaculture development manager with BIM - is a page-turner of a thriller, carefully researched, for authenticity and with many a twist and turn. It will keep you gripped and guessing right to the very end.

The story involves corruption at the heart of a global drugs company peddling a new anti-AIDS vaccine which is not all that it seems.

Action-packed, and by times darkly humorous, the story crisscrosses the oceans of the globe while plumbing the heights and depths of the human condition. Love, loyalty, jealousy and passion drive the story and its cast of fascinating characters along at a breakneck pace to a thrilling and unexpected crescendo.

Available from the Amazon electronic bookstore, it can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad or laptop by searching for Donal Maguire or the book title.

Alternatively visit http://amazon.com/B0091IIPAE. At just €2.99 to download Fear in the Shadow is great value for money, and a terrific read!

Spread 2 Fear Cover Full

19/04/2010

14:31

Page 2

d plunges the North of Scotlan a chemical tanker in going A mayday call from Collins of the ocean Sean Harris and Manny unfolds ex special forces friends re. An astonishing plot a hazardous adventu tug ‘Retribution’ into Caprio recover in Julia l beautifu the is revealed. Will and a terrible danger need to thwart the team his and information Harris time to provide the tion? l Multinational Corpora powerful Pharmaceutica ng characters, weaves packed read, with intrigui led This riveting and action love to keep you enthral se with friendship and adventure, and suspen from the very first page.

Fear in the Shadow

is Copyright 2010

rs Ltd.

by Avonbeg Publishe

Irish photographer exhibits in USA

D

aragh Muldowney of Dulra photography is returned to Ireland from the USA after a six-week successful exhibition of his collection: Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems – a photographic collection of rock pools from seventeen coastal counties.

His tour took him to Atlanta and through his photos he showcased Ireland’s unique coastline beauty in a variety of diverse colours, textures and light.

Welcoming Daragh to Atlanta, Paul Gleeson, Consul General of Ireland, said his work was of the “highest calibre”.

“Daragh is a superb ambassador of a new generation of creative Irish artists and photographers who are bringing our island to life in exciting ways for communities around the world.”

Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems is a collection of photographs that capture close-up detail of anenomes, limpets, barnicles, seaweeds, shells and sand formations, each telling its own story.

The book and photographs are available to purchase on line at www.dulra.com. The book is also available in bookstores around Ireland and Daragh will also be exhibiting at the National Craft & Design Fair, RDS, Dublin December 5-9.

The Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems exhibition in the USA was supported by the Consulate General of Ireland; Fitzgerald & Co; Tourism Ireland; Aer Lingus, Kerrygold and The Irishman Brands and Culture Ireland.

Competition

Daragh has generously provided two copies of Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems as a competition prize.

Question:

Which US State did Daragh visit during his tour?

Answers to mills@inshoreireland.com or to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Closing date January 16, 2013. Good Luck!

IN THE SHADOW DONAL MAGUIRE FEAR

g and full of surprises.

tely plotted, fast movin A superb first novel.

Well researched, intrica

Competition DONAL MAGUIRE

The author has generously offered two printed copies as competition prizes.

Q: What is the type of vaccine central to the story plot?

Answers to mills@inshore-ireland.com or postcards to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

ely plotted, fast moving A superb first novel.

Well researched, intricat

and full of surprises.

Closing date: January 16, 2013 Good luck!

28 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Coffee Break

The Boyne Currach

S

- from beneath the shadows of Newgrange

C

laidhbh Ó Gibne’s fascination with and meticulous research of the Boyne currach began on a stool in Bean Uí Chairbre’s public house in Drogheda whilst looking through the black and white stills of a 1930s ‘pioneering’ documentary.

The film is a recording by John Delargy, Trinity College Dublin, of Michael O’Brien from Oldbridge describing coracle-making.

O’Brien describes the recording in a later interview with a local newspaper: ‘Then a few days later he brought me up to Dublin and showed me a picture of myself making the coracle from the very beginning to the very end….You’d want to mind what you’d be saying and doing these days, with all the machines that’s going.’

Experimental archaeology

Acknowledging Ó Gibne’s ‘pioneering work’, Dr Geraldine Stout, Archaeological Survey of Ireland, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, believes it is his current journey into experimental archaeology that is shaking up the world of maritime archaeology and Ireland.

She adds in the foreword that by using ancient technology, the author has reconstructed a large traditional vessel that would have been used to transport the great rocks that went building the prehistoric tomb at Newgrange.

‘It is throwing light on a whole range of areas associated with prehistoric boat-building, such as the type of tools use, the method of tanning, the sewing techniques and the types of sail used. His menu-like approach to DIY

makes him the Jamie Oliver of boat-building.’ Ó Gibne describes the book as a voyage of discovery to learn all aspects of the craft and culture of the small handmade boat used on the Boyne. ‘In their simple design, these woven, wood and leather boats hold millennia of tradition.’

During his travels he learns the folklore and how people use the boat to fish the Boyne.

He studies the materials that went into currach making and dedicates an entire chapter in text and drawings on how to build a currach.

Evolution crossroads

Ó Gibne suggests the Boyne currach is ‘situated at the crossroads in terms of evolution of the skin boat’ having evolved from the trials and errors of past civilizations ‘preserving within its woven frame a millennia of tales of men who dared to cross the open sea in search of better futures’.

Addressing the ‘currach or ‘coracle’ debate, Ó Gibne describes the ‘little boats’ known as Boyne coracles that we kept on the Coddington estate, now home of the Boyne Interpretative Centre.

‘Drogheda, the largest town on the Boyne, has a love affair with the term “coracle” and great pride in the townsfolk, who netted fish beneath the town’s bridge for generations, allowing different traditions and customs to overlap and eventually fuse.

So strong is the bond with the term “coracle” that when asked what the little boat is called, they will tell you that

eascapes Friday December 28 will include an interview with Daniel Nolan, author of: Clippers - The Ships that Shaped the World

it is written “currach” but pronounced “coracle”. While “coracle” is the preferred term of many, it is the term “currach” that correctly describes Ireland’s distinctive vessel.’

There will be no programme on January 4 but on January 11 we will be looking back on the highlights of 2012 and previewing what’s in store for 2013....

In the meantime, wishing you all tight lines, fair winds and a very peaceful and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Mesolithic origins

Searching for the origins of Boyne currach, Ó Gibne suggests they could lie with our ancestors who arrived in Ireland in skin-covered boats during the Mesolithic, about nine thousand years ago. Baskets preserved in raised bogs, once inland lakes, are found in many parts of Ireland and would have been used for fishing.

With the passage of time, timber craft began to replace hazel rods and animal hides.

But isn’t until the mid-1400s and the arrival of monks to Ireland that alternative materials more commonly found in European started to emerge.

The final section of the book details the Newgrange Currach Project which aims to recreate the currach used by the builders of the Newgrange passage tombs to transport stones. At 34ft in length, this wicker currach represents an amazing feat of boat engineering and a piece of living history. Once completed, it will embark on a journey mirroring that believed to have been taken by the Neolithic tomb-builders traveling as far south as Spain.

This book is a fascinating read on the story of the Boyne currach, supported by drawings and photographs that bring this ancient craft to life on every page.

Gillian Mills, Dublin

Every good wish for 2013 from the team at Inshore Ireland

NaT IoNal MaRIT IME CollEgE oF IRElaNd

let’s sea what you’re made of

There are excellent employment opportunities for careers within the maritime industry - at the moment there is a severe shortage of trained personnel. Check out what we have on offer at www.nmci.ie

B.Sc Nautical Science B.Eng in Marine & Plant Engineering B.Eng Marine Electrotechnology Higher Certificate in Science in Nautical Studies

Published by Four Courts Press and grant-aided by Meath County Council Heritage Office and the Heritage Council under the Heritage Education, Community and Outreach Scheme, 2012.

ISBN 978 – 1 - 84682 – 379 - 4 Price: €17.50

Competition

The publishers have generously provided 3 copies as competition prizes.

Q: In what century did timber begin to replace hazel rods and skin in currach construction?

Answers to mills@inshore-ireland.com or by postcard to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Closing date: January 16, 2013…Good luck!

National Maritime College of Ireland Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, Ireland Telephone: 021-4970600 E-mail: reception@nmci.ie

www.nmci.ie

For further information on any of the above please contact NMCI or find us on

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 29

Crow’s Nest

Sally O’Keeffe takes to the waves nine skippers who hailed from various nautical backgrounds.

Learning the ropes

the

crow's nest Seán T. Rickard

T

he modified Shannon estuary cutter Sally O’Keeffe built on the lines of a traditional turf boat has just completed her first and very successful season.

She was built by members of Seol Sionna under the watchful eye of master shipwright, Stephen Morris and was launched at Querrin, Co Clare to 400 spectators last May. Since then she has put to sea on more than 70 occasions and tested in very rough weather but proved a very seaworthy vessel.

Seol Sionna received immense local support throughout the project. Brendan Travers of West Coast Cruising and Paul McGibney were instrumental in the prelaunch training of

Crew training continued after the launch modelled on the Royal Yachting Association structure, resulting in a core group of 24 sailors.

All agreed they had not only learned a lot from their experience but had really enjoyed the opportunity of sailing a traditional Irish vessel.

The sailing season also included some extended excursions; the first to the Seabreeze Festival at Fenit.

Despite the lack of wind the crew thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were well-received by in Fenit.

Another excursion saw Sally, as she is affectionately known, sail to Galway at the invitation of a sister organisation Bádóiri an Chladaig, the Cladagh boatmen. Here she remained for a week to be much admired at the docks while members of Seol Sionna were guests aboard the Galway Hookers. Sally then made an educational overnight return passage to Kilrush. These excursions not only serve as important training cruises but foster the kinship of sea-going communities.

Western Yacht Club. She came first in her limited class and received a cup for the best newcomer to the Shannon Estuary. It was truly a marvellous first season and she clearly demonstrated she could well hold her own.

Finally, with the sailing season over Sally was demasted to be taken out of the water at her home port of Querrin for winter stowage at Ned Griffin’s Place where she was built.

The project has proven so successful that Seol Sionna is taking the project a step further whereby the members are now building the spars for a topsail for use in light airs. Although some purists of traditional vessels may not agree with the alteration away from the Shannon hooker’s traditional rig, the advantage will certainly enhance the crew’s experience in using a gaff topsail.

More importantly, the organisation is also discussing the viability of building a second vessel whilst also organising winter boatbuilding classes and navigation courses.

Future plans will see ongoing endeavours to revive traditional boat and sailing on

the Shannon.

Overall the organisation and the Sally have the Midas touch. They stand as a prime Irish example of what communities can achieve if they unite their will, means and above all their local talent. So keep an eye out for the Sally on the water!

Winner alright!

Towards the end of the sailing season, Sally participated is some races organised by the Royal

HeLP suPPoRT ouR bRave

voLuNTeeR cRew It costs around €391,000 a day to run the RNLI’s lifesaving service.

Last year, our lifeboats launched more than 8,000 times, crewed mainly by volunteers. We rely on donations from people like you to continue saving lives at sea.

Please call 1800 789 589 to make a donation, or visit rnli.ie to find out more.

A Sherkin Island Marine Station Publication

Ireland’s Hidden Depths Explore, with nature photographer and author Paul Kay, the beautiful, intriguing and fascinating creatures that can be found in the shallow waters around Ireland's coast.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736)

Photo: Nigel Millard

ISBN: 978-1-870492-53-9 • Softback (with french folds) • 277 x 227 mm 160 pp • 200 colour photographs

Available from booksellers around the country or directly from: Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co Cork Tel: 028-20187 sherkinmarine@eircom.net www.sherkinmarine.ie Books can now be purchased online using Paypal.

Just €17.99

+ €2.00 p+p

30 inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013

Coastline News

Oct/Nov Issue competition winners Anthology for a River: Cathal O’Connor, Blackrock Co Cork Michael Twomey, Blarney Co Cork

Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems Siobhan McMahon, Greystones, Co Wicklow Ellen Markie, Bere, Co Cork

Dúchas na Mara Mary Kelly, Killybegs Co Donegal Cathal O’Connor, Blackrock, Co Cork

Fire & Ice Rose Twomey, Wilton, Co Cork Eileen O’Sullivan, Blackrock, Co Cork Pat O’Connor, Douglas, Co Cork Paul Dilger, Athenry, Co Galway Lorraine Flanaghan, Co Westmeath

Fish & Shellfish print Gery Enright

Congratulations to everyone who entered and don’t forget to enter the various competitions throughout this issue!

Photographic competition that captures the beauty of Ireland’s Coastline

T

he theme of this year’s Clean Coasts Photography Awards organised by An Taisce was ‘Love your Coast’, which attracted over 3,000 entries, seeking a share of the 4,000 prize fund. The four categories facing the amateur photographers were coastal heritage; coastal landscape; people and the coast and wildlife & the coast.

Speaking about this this third event, Annabel FitzGerald, An Taisce’s Coastal Programmes Manager noted the quality of the entries: “They illustrate the diverse character of our coastline — from the iconic Fanad Head lighthouse in Donegal to Hook Head in Wexford, to the beauty beneath the sea and the crashing waves off Loop Head. “ Professor John Sweeney, President of An Taisce said the coast was a “critically important” environmental asset for Ireland.

“Its dynamic nature and ability to respond to pressures both natural and human is excellently exhibited in these photographic entries.”

The exhibition will be displayed at various locations nationwide. Details at www.cleancoasts.org

Coastal Landscape: Courmeenoole , Co Kerry John Beasley, (1st place)

Wildlife & the Coast: Atlantic Puffin & Sandeels, Brendan Cullen (2nd place)

Coastal Heritage: Fanad Head, Daniil Koltsov (3rd place)

inshore ireland December 2012/January 2013 31

Coastline News

Up-skilling to generate additional value on premium island produce Séamus Ó Cnáimhsí, Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta.

Ireland Sailing Team-UCD wins gold at La Rochelle

N

ot only did an Irish team take line honours at the 2012 Student Yachting World Cup, they also dominated the event by consistently scoring podium places in almost every race throughout the regatta to finish on 25 points with their closest rivals, Team Canada finished on 37 points.

Fourteen teams from around the globe competed over the six days in testing weather and in various race course formats.

As the event progressed, Team Ireland’s confidence grew, bolstered by clever tactical starts by team skipper Aidan McLaverty on the start line with tactician Barry McCartin providing constant wind and tide updates to produce the most favourable angles to sail the course.

The final two days of the regatta were cancelled due to winds gusting 40 knots; however Team Ireland’s lead of 12 points secured their position and the trophy.

Ireland Sailing Team – UCD is already planning their return to French waters next year to defend their title.

Arranmore RNLI signs up youngest volunteer crew member Nora Flanagan

E

ntering into its 129th year of saving lives at sea, the voluntary ethos of the RNLI is alive and well on Arranmore, having just signed its youngest crew member, Dominic Boyle (17).

“Ever since I came to Arranmore at the age of 4 I’ve loved boats; I suppose living on an island and having to get a boat to the mainland really started my love of the sea and my training with BIM helped me decide that what I really want to do is work at sea. I’ve loved the lifeboat ever since my father became a crew member and I’m really looking forward to my training and especially my first call out.”

The family tradition of serving on the Arranmore lifeboat has continued since the first RNLI lifeboat arrived at the island in 1883. Lifeboat mechanic, Philip McCauley continues a long family tradition of service; his grandfather and great uncles were awarded silver and bronze medals for their extraordinary bravery in rescuing the crew of the Dutch vessel Stolwych in 1940.

Arranmore RNLI lifeboat is one of the few lifeboats around the Irish coast that also carries out medical evacuations and is often called upon to transfer sick patients from the many islands around the Donegal Coast.

“It’s all part of the service the local lifeboat provides and we’re happy to be able to help people at any time and at any place,” remarked their operations manager, Francis Bonner.

C

omharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta in conjunction with Hal Dawson and Taste 4 Success Skillnet organised a five-day fish filleting and handling course as part of a local food initiative on Árainn Mhór Island, Co Donegal.

The aim of the project was to enable islanders to up-skill so that they can increase work opportunities; supply fish and meat caught and produced on the island to help address the jobs challenge facing Ireland and isolated regions.

“This training and up-skilling will create additional income and eventually jobs in tourism, income for fishermen and small island farmers not to mention providing high quality, tasty food for island tables,” remarked……………

He added that the key to adding value to island produce was training and up-skilling and ultimately certification for small

local farmers and fishermen.

“This in turn will enable them to sell directly to consumers, what is already a high quality product, but get a better price.”

The island already produces quality hill lamb, crab and lobster, periwinkles and seaweeds. Certified courses in butchery and processing can often lead to a quadrupling of the amount paid to the producer.

The group is also promoting vegetables in the island’s community garden and selling locally produced jams and baked goods at a weekly market during the summer months.

“These training programmes

will increase the range and quality of foods available on the island and will reduce our dependency on imports to the island,” he added.

Ten participants were taught knife skills; hygiene; filleting; skinning; icing and presentation of fish types available in local waters. The training and up-skilling initiative is funded

by Taste 4 Success Skillnet under the Training Networks Programme, an initiative of Skillnets Ltd, and is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

Further information from: www.taste4success.ie

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