Inshore Ireland Vol 15 nr 1 Spring 2019

www.inshore-ireland.com The Marine & Freshwater Environment Publication

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18-19

Inshore Fisheries

21 Interview Dr Peter Heffernan

Spring 2019 Vol 15 Issue 1

ONLINE EDITION

You can now view the Winter 2018 issue on www.inshore-ireland.com or you can follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/inshore_ireland and Facebook www.facebook.com/InshoreIreland

Getting Brexit ready: a no-deal UK departure looms on the horizon Gillian Mills January 22, 2019: As the UK “meanders chaotically” out of the EU, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation called on government to clearly spell out mitigation measures for fisheries in the event of a hard Brexit.

The producer organisation has appealed to government “to move might and main” to ensure the best interests are “vigorously protected” for a sector that sustains 14,500 jobs and is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy.

Ireland’s two largest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops/prawns (40%) are hugely dependent on access to UK waters.

Overall percentage of stocks currently fished by

Irish fishing vessels in UK waters is more than 30%.

“We cannot countenance a situation whereby this access might stop at 11pm on March 29,” Seán O’Donoghue warned.

February 5, 2019: In a statement, deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil marine spokesperson questions the ‘lack of reference’ to the marine sector in the contingency plan: ‘With the ever-concerning lack of progress being made by the UK Parliament in terms of agreeing a final exit plan from the EU, and less and less time available to have an orderly exist from the EU by the UK., there is now an immediate urgency and necessity on the Irish government to prepare

for every eventuality.

‘It is little wonder that the marine and seafood sectors are getting edgy and nervous as there is a genuine perception of lack of planning on the part of government.

‘It is essential that the Minister and government immediately take on board the genuine concerns of the entire marine sector’ and for greater consultation with fisheries sector, he added.

February 23, 2019: While government remains focused on securing an orderly and agreed Brexit through ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK, the government’s ‘Contingency Action Plan’ published on this date recognises that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit would pose ‘unprecedented challenges’ for the UK, as well as for

the EU and Ireland.

An Explanatory Memorandum, Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019 states is would be ‘impossible in a no-deal scenario to maintain the current seamless arrangements between the EU and UK across a full range of sectors, which is currently facilitated by our common EU membership.’

This single omnibus Bill comprises 15 parts relating to matters within the remit of nine ministers and focusses on measures that protect citizens and support the economy, enterprise and jobs. The Bill is intended to be ‘consistent with and complementary to’ steps currently underway to prepare for the UK’s withdrawal, notably

Sarah Louise, Barloge, West Coast. Inshore fisheries sector to benefit from large vessel exclusion. (see pg 18-19)

regarding implementation of the Commission’s Contingency Action Plan.

Under ‘Taxation’, amendments have been made to seek to ensure that measures continue to apply to existing beneficiaries in the event the UK is longer an EU Member State or a European Economic Area State.

Section 28 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ensures that the Fisher Tax Credit remains available for work carried out on certain fishing vessels that are registered on UK registers.

February 25, 2019: Fishing representatives will meet with marine minister Michael Creed on February 25 to prepare for a no-deal Brexit and »» page 12

Photo G Mills

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INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

NEWS

Call for restoration of Ireland’s 200-mile zone Gillian Mills

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reland South MEP Liadh Ní Riada has called for the full restoration of Ireland’s exclusive 200 nautical mile zone in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

The MEP was speaking following the announcement

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wo legislative proposals by the European Commission to mitigate “the disastrous impact” that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit could have on Irish fisheries for 2019 at least, have been welcomed by Ireland’s pelagic fishing industry.

“While the reprieve is only temporary in nature, it is an important step to avoid catastrophe on the fishing grounds on March 30 next.

Maintaining the status quo for 2019 in terms of access

that the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, on which she is a rapporteur, would include financial support for people in the sector affected by Britain crashing out of the EU in March.

“It is only fair that Irish fishermen should be eligible for compensation if the British government blocks access to its fishing waters in the event

of a no deal Brexit,” she said.

“I am delighted with the change to the EMFF to include financial support to coastal communities and fishermen in the event of no deal Brexit. This is something I have been fighting for consistently as a contingency measure since the outcome of the referendum.

This contingency plan must

take effect “immediately” if the UK leaves the EU without agreeing a withdrawal deal, she said.

Ni Riada has also warned of a “mass influx” of “foreign EU fishing vessels in to Irish waters” following a no deal Brexit.

“We already have numerous problems with the foreign vessels who enter Irish waters

and quota share is to be welcomed,” remarked Seán O’Donoghue.

Optimistic that a deal can still be reached, he cautioned it was “imperative” that mitigation measures are developed in the event of no deal.

“While we have made good progress to safeguard our members’ livelihoods in a post-Brexit trade deal scenario, it is crucial we do not take our eye off the ball and continue to press Britain to maintain the current levels of reciprocal access to

waters and markets, as well as sound scientific-based fisheries management.”

During a Dáil debate in late January, marine minister Michael Creed however said the “only clarity” from the UK was that EU vessels would no longer have “automatic access” to their waters.

“Whether this means a complete shut out of EU vessels or not, remains uncertain at this stage.”

to allow fishermen and operators from EU member states to receive compensation under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund for temporary cessation of fishing activities.

The second proposal covers fishing authorisations and amends the regulation on sustainable management of external fleets to ensure the EU can grant UK vessels access to EU waters until the end of 2019 – on condition that

PROPOSALS The first proposal aims

— from illegal shark finning, to supertrawlers. Increases in such activities will destroy our indigenous industry.”

A “mutual beneficial and fair reciprocal access” arrangement must be agreed between fishermen in the north of Ireland and the south, “especially given the disputed status of Carlingford and Foyle loughs,” she added.

EU vessels are granted reciprocal access to UK waters. This proposal is based on agreement reached at the December meeting on fishing opportunities.

These contingency measures cannot mitigate the overall impact of a ‘no-deal’ scenario, nor in any way replicate the full benefits of EU membership of the terms of any transition period, provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement, the KFO has stressed.

British-Irish council symposium on marine litter

Ag Méadú Eolas Muirí Ag Soláthair Seirbhísí Mara Building Ocean Knowledge Delivering Ocean Services

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marine.ie

inister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, attended a recent British-Irish Council Symposium on marine litter which pledged to take further action to combat the problem.

The joint administrations committed to working together with industry to develop ‘a solution for the recycling of end-of-life fishing gear’. They also committed to cooperative working to further reduce loss of pre-production plastics, commonly referred to as nurdles, across the supply chain and to improve marine environmental education for young people and the fishing industry.

“I am pleased to support the actions announced today at the BIC Symposium which are in line with our marine environment policy to address this multi-faceted, transboundary problem. These actions address recycling at end-of-life with fishing nets, seek to limit the scale and impact of plastic pollution (…) and extend the reach of the important education and awareness raising activities we undertake.

“I aim to build on the successes we have made in Green Schools with new environmental training modules for key stakeholders in the marine environment, such as the fishing community,” he said.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

3

COMMENT

Slow pace issuing of new licences is strangling Ireland’s aquaculture potential

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hen it was published in May 2017, the long-awaited report by the Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review Group (IALRG) was broadly welcomed by those working in the sector who have been trapped for years in a licensing logjam, and also by IFA Aquaculture – the sector’s representative body - who hailed the report as a ‘blueprint for a new type of aquaculture industry in Ireland’.

With a degree of unusual optimism, IFA Aquaculture also speculated at the time that, ‘If the report’s recommendations are followed, Ireland could have a workable, efficient licensing regime which is acceptable

to industry, the public and the so-called system’.’

Its priority was, it said, to have ‘a working licence system that is fit for purpose, delivers an efficient decision-making process, is clearly time-lined and cost effective and is acceptable to all stakeholders – the industry’s key to sustainability’.

And while agreeing that clearing the licensing backlog ‘is vitally important’, IFA Aquaculture nevertheless emphasised it should be seen only as a means to delivering on a functioning and acceptable licensing process within the context of an active sustainable development agenda.

Now, almost two years later, we report in this issue of Inshore Ireland that when Minister Creed appeared recently before a Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, he faced some searching questions from Donegal-based politicians

as to how the IALRG report was being implemented.

Highlighting the fact that finfish (salmon and trout) make up 75% of the value of the aquaculture market overall, deputy Charlie McConalogue told Minister Creed that Ireland’s largest salmon producer, with production units in Counties Donegal, Mayo and Cork and a processing base in Fanad that can operate at only 40% capacity - despite having the capacity to process far more fish if they were available.

McConalogue blamed the government’s slow pace in issuing new aquaculture licences for this situation, and he also pointed to the serious loss of additional employment that was the result.

Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn’s revelation to the debate that Norway produces 1.278 million tonnes of farmed salmon, Scotland 174,000

tonnes and the Faroe Islands 73,000 tonnes, put the picture in perspective - especially the fact that Ireland today is producing only 17,000 tonnes while 17 years ago we were producing 23,500 tonnes.

Mac Lochlainn described as “outrageous” how a Department “can strangle the potential of an industry that could create hundreds of jobs in rural coastal communities”.

More effort by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine is required immediately to fast-track the clear mandate of IALRG. More positively, our interview with Dr Peter Heffernan (page 21) that Ireland is soon to add a new research vessel to its already very successful fleet the busiest in Europe by far, we learn - is proof positive of Ireland’s hugely important and valuable marine resource.

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Gery Flynn

Protection sought for Ireland’s ancient fisheries in next heritage plan

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public consultation on ‘Heritage Ireland 2030’, Ireland’s national heritage plan, received hundreds of submissions by the end of February deadline.

One submission, from the Heritage Net Fisheries Steering Group (HNFSG), promotes ways to preserve and develop sustainable heritage net fisheries that could be linked with artisan food tourism, educational and research opportunities and experienced through public open days.

The group is advocating ‘heritage fishery’ status for eel, salmon and seatrout fishers using tradition methods (draft, snap, loop, fyke) who will work to preserve and develop sustainable fisheries on rivers and estuaries, in conjunction with the statutory bodies and stakeholders.

‘These actions in no way support the reopening of mixed stock fisheries at sea,’

they stress.

A ‘living heritage’ would ensure these ancient methods are secured and would help protect, conserve and develop key aspects of heritage such as traditional boat building, skills, customs, place names for further generations.

HNFSG STATEMENT ‘Since the time of first human settlement in Ireland, our relationship with our inland waterways and seas has remained an integral part of our rich cultural identity.

According to authors of BiblioMara (2004), this relationship has “derived from natural, social, economic and cultural influence”.

‘It includes tangible and intangible interactions such as seaweed farms, foraging, fish traps, weirs and traditional net fisheries for species such as salmon, sea trout and eel.

The introduction of the ‘Salmon Hardship Scheme

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in 2006’, the eel fishing ban implemented from 2009 and a decline in fish stocks in inland lakes and rivers has led to the closure and suspension of many of our traditional net fisheries.

‘The loss of these traditional net fisheries to the areas that they supported was much regretted by fishers and their families.

‘Many eel fishers believe that the closure of the eel fishery has placed them in poverty, but the fact that their rich cultural heritage, traditions and knowledge is being overlooked appears to signal that maritime heritage is not considered in decision making.

‘Many salmon and sea trout net fishers believe that the move to a single stock assessment model could be further enhanced and developed, with the input of all stakeholders, to ensure substantiable fisheries exist in the future.

‘Traditional net fisheries have other values other

Editor

Features Editor

Gillian Mills

Gery Flynn

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flynn@inshore-ireland.com

01 235 4804

091 844822

than to the economic and recreational value to the communities that are associated with them. A survey conducted in 2004 by the Environment Agency in the UK has demonstrated that such fisheries were deemed to have a heritage value, not dependent on the catch or the number of people fishing.

‘A strong argument was also made that through demonstrations, interpretative material and educational opportunities had the potential to enhance local economies through tourism. For example, ‘the estimated value placed on the River Severn estuary fisheries by households within the Environment Agency Midlands region, Thames West area and North Wessex [was] £5.3m’.

‘In Ireland, the growing role of heritage continues to play an important part in local communities, and it is unsurprising that 93 per cent of respondents to a survey conducted by the Heritage

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Council (2015) stated that our heritage should be protected.

‘Much of our coastal and maritime heritage has been bolstered through ongoing initiatives such as the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, CHERISH Project and the HERICOAST Project.

‘However, much more is required in order to ensure that our now threatened net fisheries are afforded special protection for the continuance of these living heritage traditions into the future.

“

THE LOSS OF THESE TRADITIONAL NET FISHERIES TO THE AREAS THAT THEY SUPPORTED WAS MUCH REGRETTED

BY FISHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. Design

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INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

NEWS

Fish quota increase for Ireland, but scientific advice is challenged Gillian Mills

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egotiations to agree 2019 fish catch and quotas in European waters concluded in Brussels in mid-December and were described as a “very good outcome overall for Ireland” at 30%, giving increased value to €260m.

While a 32% drop in nephrops (prawns) in Area VII (west and south coasts) “is disappointing”, we managed to keep the high survivability exemption for prawns, and can carry forward 10% from this year’s quota,” Francis O’Donnell, chief executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation told Inshore Ireland.

Hague Preferences (whereby Ireland and the UK get elevated quotas for some key species when reductions are proposed) “were secured” along with significant increases for monk (25%), megrim (6%), haddock (92%), whiting (406%) and cod in Area VI remaining static at 16 tonnes.

The state of stocks in the Irish Sea is a mixed picture with cod increasing by 16% but prawns are down by 32%. Whiting however has increased by 811% from a very low base, along with common sole by almost 400% and hake by 28% in Areas VI, VII.

EXEMPTION Noting the 32% decrease in nephops in Area VII, Sean O’Donoghue, CEO Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation agreed the reduction was “somewhat mitigated” by exemption from the landing obligation.

From January 1, 2019, all species were subject to total catch limits and quotas.

Implementation, as set out in the Commission’s proposal “would have had large negative consequences for Ireland’s whitefish and pelagic sectors” as the ‘choke species’ factor [where lack of quota for some species caught in mixed fisheries force early closure of other fisheries] could have triggered the closure of many species in early 2019,” he warned.

The picture is less positive for pelagic species: herring is down 53% in Area VII and mackerel is down 20% in Areas VI and VII. Overall, pelagic quotas are down 12% across all EU waters.

Agreed in December by the EU/Norway and the Faroes, the reduction is based on “erroneous scientific advice” he said.

Since 2011, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) has advised that the fishery has been in decline.

But this is “contrary to the entire fishing industry view and is yet another major mistake in the mackerel advice” he added.

“I am very concerned that ICES does not have a fit-forpurpose quality assurance scheme in place. There have been far too many mistakes over the last number of years, and it is undermining confidence in the scientific advice.”

ICES has agreed to carry out a re-evaluation of the mackerel advice in early 2019.

O’Donoghue however said the outcome was “generally positive in the circumstances” and described the talks as “the most challenging Irish fisheries have ever faced”.

But he warned that a hard Brexit would potentially throw “everything agreed” into disarray.

It is “imperative to have the guarantees around fisheries honoured with Brexit continuing to cause major turbulence in the industry,” he said.

He paid tribute to the “role and commitment” by fisheries minister Michael Creed and his officials for working closely with the industry “taking on board our concerns and delivering a sustainable and economically viable package of measures for 2019”.

BALANCED OUTCOME Minister Michael Creed described the deal as a “balanced outcome, delivering sustainability objectives” that would ensure a “strong result for fishermen” against the Brexit backdrop.

“My primary ambition (...) was to set quotas for Irish fishermen that will support livelihoods (...) and at the same time respect the scientific advice for stocks.”

WASTEFUL DISCARDING Our Fish, a charity that works to end ‹overfishing and wasteful discarding› has however slammed EU fisheries ministers for «failing to end decades of overfishing”.

“This should have been the year in which fishing quotas finally followed scientific advice. Instead we saw another absurd all-night meeting behind closed doors where ministers haggled over fishing quotas (...),” remarked Rebecca Hubbard, Programme Director of Our Fish.

European citizens have been ignored, and all the evidence that shows ending overfishing will deliver

healthy fish stocks, more jobs and security for coastal communities, she added.

“Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2013 included a commitment to end overfishing by 2015, or by 2020 at the latest. The latest assessment shows however that over 55% of North Sea and Atlantic fish stocks are still overfished.

“Experts said at this rate the EU will not meet the 2020 deadline,” she warned.

Ireland faces infringement proceedings for non-implementation of EU points system Gillian Mills

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he European Commission has formally notified Ireland that all or part of EU interim payments relating to control and enforcement worth €37.2m may be suspended ‘indefinitely’ until Ireland complies with the requirements of the control regulation and implements the EU points system.

In March 20, 2018, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed signed into force the EU (Common Fisheries Policy (Point System) Regulations 2018. SI 89 of 2018.

In May of that year however, a statutory instrument giving effect to the regulation was revoked by Dáil Eireann, marking the first time an SI had been annulled in the history of the State.

In a recent Dáil debate (February 6), deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Leas Cheann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil marine spokesperson, asked Minister Creed to outline what consultations have since taken place with the fishing sector and others, and for a timeline to meet Ireland’s EU obligations: “Since that time [May 29, 2018], there has been no political engagement whatsoever by the Minister, despite the fact that on that evening he was presented with an alternative which I believe would have been acceptable to the EU.” In reply, Minister Creed said

the situation was “complex” and that combined with the infringement proceedings taken against Ireland by the European Commission, he had requested legal advice from the Attorney General.

“This advice has been received and I am considering the next steps with my legal advisers.”

Deputy Gallagher further asked when this advice was received: “There has been no consultation (…) the Minister must show respect for the Members of this House whose support he needs to ensure we get a statutory instrument.”

Cases must be proven “beyond reasonable doubt” and individuals must have the right of appeal, he added.

“There is no Member of this House… who does not want to put either the 2009 or 2011 regulation into effect, but we must ensure that it is fair and equitable and that there is a right of appeal. It cannot be bulldozed through the House.”

Minister Creed replied that the department was working with the AG’s advice and that it was “under consideration”.

“The deputy will also be aware that the choices* are to activate 2016 statutory instrument which has been approved by this House, or a variation of the 2018 statutory instrument. They are the matters under consideration.”

“I am fully committed to delivering on Ireland’s legal obligations in this regard, at the earliest possible date.”

* The EU Fisheries Control Regulation 1224/2009 and the European Commission Implementing Regulation 404/2011 introduced points systems for serious infringements of the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy, committed by the licence-holder of a fishing vessel and, separately, the master.

These are intended to complement sanctions and promote compliance and were required to be in place on 1 January 2012. Both regulations went through the ordinary legislative procedures at EU level, which would have included widespread consultation with interested parties, including the member states, advisory councils, NGOs and the fishing industry. The matter has also been discussed at industry liaison meetings over the years. The EU regulations are highly prescriptive in relation to licence-holders, leaving little room for further negotiation. Minister Creed Dáil Eireann, February 6, 2019

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

5

NEWS

Louder voice for fishermen on sustainable fishing methods T

he European Parliament and Council have agreed a Commission’s proposal to decentralise and simplify technical fishing rules to give fishermen a stronger say in best practice for sustainable fishing.

The new rules, in line with the Common Fisheries Policy and the Commission’s ‘Better Regulation’ agenda, streamline the technical measures guiding how, where and when fishermen may fish, as well as determining the type of gear, catch composition and ways to deal with accidental catches.

“The new technical conservation measures present an important step forward in delivering on a concrete EU commitment to a sustainable fishing sector and the protection of the marine environment,” remarked Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The agreement gives stakeholders and fishermen

a tool to determine the best measures for fishing in their area, while also safeguarding the health of the oceans, he added.

The new rules simplify the existing technical conservation measures that are highly complex. They include provisions to protect the marine ecosystem, marine habitats and to avoiding by-catches of noncommercial and sensitive species.

The regulation introduces quantitative indicators to determine effectiveness in reducing unwanted catches of juvenile fish, by-catches of mammals (whales, dolphins and porpoises marine seabirds) and indicators defining the impact on the marine habitat.

Agreement was also reached to ban pulse fishing by July 1, 2021. A phasing out period will allow the sector to adapt. The agreement also enables Member States to immediately prohibit or restrict use of pulse fishing within their coastal waters.

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada, who was a key negotiator and rapporteur on pulse trawling, said the last twelve months has been a long, hard battle: “But I think our environment, Irish fishermen and Irish coastal communities will agree it was worth the

effort,” she said.

She added however it was “slightly disappointing” that government has managed to delay implementation until 2021: “However, it is still a good result We simply don’t know the long-term effects [pulse trawling] has on stocks or

the environment. It would be highly irresponsible at the best of times to allow any such practice to go ahead unfettered without first thoroughly researching it, but with Brexit posing the biggest threat to our fishing industry in history, we must be more protective than ever of Irish waters.

National Fisheries College of Ireland February-March Schedule 2019

Skipper Full Certificate of Competency

3-day Safety Training

Surface Supplied Diver (3 weeks)

– 01 April-10 June, NFC Greencastle – 08 April-12 June, NFC Castletownbere

– – – –

– 01-19 April , NFC Castletownbere

Navigation Control (Fishing) – 17-28 June, NFC Castletownbere – 17-28 June, NFC Greencastle

3-day Safety Training – 01 April-10 June, NFC Greencastle – 08 April-12 June, NFC Castletownbere

04-06 March, NFC Greencastle 19-21 March, NFC Castletownbere 25-27 March, NFC Greencastle 26-28 March, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare, contact 087 6837134 – 15-17 April, NFC Greencastle – 16-18 April, NFC Castletownbere – 14-16 May, NFC Castletownbere

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (3-day)

Passenger Boat Proficiency – 19 March, Ballycotton, Co. Cork contact – 08-12 July, NFC Greencastle

Introduction to Fish Quality Assessment Course – 26-27 February 2019, Dublin, contact 01 2144 112

Two Day Seafood HACCP Workshop

– 17-28 June, NFC Castletownbere – 17-28 June, NFC Greencastle

– 25-27 February, NFC Greencastle – 08-10 April, NFC Castletownbere – 27-29 May, NFC Greencastle

Medical First Aid (3-day)

Advanced Fire Fighting (5-day)

NFC Greencastle +353 74 938 1068/1099 NFC Castletownbere +353 27 71230

Navigation Control (Fishing)

– 03-05 April, NFC Castletownbere – 03-05 April, NFC Greencastle

– 25-29 March, NFC Castletownbere – 29 April-03 May, NFC Greencastle

Enhanced Safety Training

Commercial Diver (5 weeks)

– 29 March, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare, contact 087 6837134 Ireland’s EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes 2014 - 2020 Co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union

– 18 February-22 March, NFC Castletownbere

– 10-11 April 2019, Sligo, contact 01 2144 112

To confirm the mobile training schedule on the west coast please contact 087 6837134 and on the east coast contact 087 2334620.

EUROPEAN UNION This measure is part-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

www.bim.ie

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INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Salmon serendipity Brendan Connolly

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ngling in Spring and Summer 2018 did not follow a normal pattern.

March was unseasonably cold with a low of -7 degrees Celsius recorded at Cork Airport and snow falls reminiscent of a Dickens novel.

The mayfly season was late, fragmented, and poor.

Then, incongruously, a heat wave started in late May that continued until mid-July, and 32OC was recorded in Shannon. Distressed fish were reported from rivers with low water levels and high temperatures. Salmon fishing was poor and even more unpredictable than usual.

Despite these conditions, one salmon angler set out to a west of Ireland river in June. Arriving at lunchtime, he assessed his

84 Irish rivers open for angling in 2019

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chances of catching a fish, and was delighted to see that, unexpectedly, rain was threatening, and most likely already falling in the hills.

Fresh water in the river was exactly what was needed to stimulate the salmon to snap at his fly. As he began to fish, the rain came, and gradually got heavier. The angler kept a close eye on the stones at the water’s edge, watching for the first signs of the river level rising.

Around 6pm he noticed that small pebbles, dry an hour earlier, were now covered. With rising excitement and anticipation, he proceeded to the next downstream pool. Starting in the fast water at the head of the pool, he cast his flies.

Keeping the line straight as he retrieved, he fished some metres downstream.

Suddenly, the line gave a heavy jerk, followed by a big splash and boil in the water. This was followed by three more strong thumps on the line that then shot out of the water into the air.

For a moment the angler stood transfixed, his heart thumping. That was a big salmon! He examined his cast and saw that the tail fly was missing; the cast had broken.

He was using 10lb breaking strain line and was surprised that it had snapped. Despite the steadily rising river, he contacted no more fish.

The following morning the river was in full flood, and luckily the water was relatively clear. A dirty flood full of peat and silt is not conducive for salmon fishing, but a clear flood is what every salmon

egulations and bye-laws governing wild salmon and sea-trout fisheries on 84 rivers in Ireland came into effect on January 1.

Forty-two rivers will be fully open with a further 42 on a ‘catch and release’ basis. Sixty-two rivers will be closed as they have no surplus fish available for harvest.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) provided management advice for more than 140 ‘genetically individual’ wild salmon stocks. This advice also formed part of a public consultation that attracted over 120 submissions.

Management advice is based on scientific assessment of the current status of all stocks, carried out by the independent Standing Scientific Committee on Salmon.

“2019 is the International Year of the Salmon and it is vital now, more than ever, that we protect our valuable fisheries resource. Environmental change and human impacts are placing salmon and other species at risk,” remarked Seán Canney, minister with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector.

“This is a global initiative which will bring people together to share knowledge, raise awareness and take action on how we can ensure the resilience of salmon in Ireland and in the entire Northern Hemisphere.

“Ireland places the conservation imperative at the heart of our salmon management and I am committed to leading our participation in IYS,” Minister Canney emphasised.

During IYS, Inland Fisheries Ireland will introduce a commemorative salmon licence that includes updated information on catch and release angling.

Carcass tags will also be rebranded to read: ‘Choose Catch and Release’.

A salmon bends the line

A fine west of Ireland salmon angler dreams about. He had learned his lesson the previous day and replaced his cast with 20lb breaking strain line.

Going downstream to a deep section of river about 1km from the tidal limit, he cast his line at an angle across the river and then retrieved it as the current swept the flies towards the bank. It wasn’t long before he felt a slight tug just as the flies reached the bank. He resisted the impulse to strike and waited a second or two before retrieving. The fish had not taken the fly.

THUMP OF A SALMON

He cast out again, and as the line approached the bank, he felt a slight tug, but again the fish let go. He cast again, and when he felt the tug and saw the line move back out from the bank, he knew that a salmon had taken the fly properly.

Lifting the rod into the air, he felt the strong thump of a salmon below the surface.

The line zipped through the water, and the rod bent in a tight arc. The fish was on and this time the angler was glad he had replaced his cast with 20lb breaking strain line.

The fish surged over and back across the river and

then ran downstream. The angler followed, keeping a constant pressure on the rod. Eventually, the salmon swung into the bank, broached the surface, and was netted. A fine 6lb grilse!

That afternoon the river was still in flood but falling.

The angler was now fishing further upstream in a pool with a strong flow through the middle. When a salmon took the fly in the middle of the river, the angler allowed it to turn before striking. The fish torpedoed across the river, sending up a bow wave as it shot into shallow water to then turn and accelerate back into deeper water.

This was a stronger fish and it took some time of applying strong pressure on the rod before the 7.45lb grilse turned on its side and slid onto a gravel bank.

By the following morning the flood had largely subsided, and with it the chances of hooking a salmon. Heading home, the angler reflected on his good fortune: In the middle of a heat wave, he had arrived at the river just as rain began to fill its banks. The result: he hooked three and landed two salmon. Such is the serendipity of salmon fishing.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

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FRESHWATER FOCUS

Rising waters, falling prices: flood risk and the Irish housing market Gery Flynn

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seminar organised

by NUI Galway’s Whitaker Ideas Forum on the relationship between flood risk and housing market outcomes concluded with four main findings.

We asked Tom Gillespie, PhD student and one of the paper’s authors*, to summarise and interpret these findings.

1. Information matters: housing prices responded dramatically to the release of flood risk maps in 2011 with an 8% discount for properties deemed at 1% risk “When the Office of Public Works (OPW) released preliminary flood maps in 2011, people buying and selling in the property market noticed that their property might be at risk - that it was possibly in a 1% or 10% flood risk zone. They would not have noticed this before.

A 1% risk zone is the likelihood of being flooded once in a hundred years – medium risk. A 10% risk zone is the likelihood of being flooded once in ten years – high risk.

Ordnance Survey Ireland had maps indicating general areas of flooding; they would also have based their information on the fact that certain areas flooded in the past, but they did not have detailed information about risk.

After 2011 however, we began to see that properties located within medium risk zones, all else being equal, incurred a price discount because people were now pricing in risk to the property.

Therefore, if you had a property inside a medium risk zone, as designated by the OPW versus a property with the same attributes but outside the medium risk zone, the one inside was roughly 8% cheaper”.

2. Flood defence work: the discount for flood risk disappears, or is dramatically reduced, after the construction of defences

“This is comparing before and after. In the past, properties were at risk of flooding but after the construction of flood defences, they were no longer at risk, or at very slight risk.

Properties sold before the construction of the defences were at risk of incurring a 14% discount, meaning these houses had to sell at a discount because there was a flood risk present.

After defences were installed however, we begin to see that negative price discounts - controlled for all different facets – disappeared. So, there is effectively no price discount, on average. This differs however depending which end of the market the property is in”.

3. Flood risk is borne unequally: properties in the lowest quartile of value suffer a 12% discount, compared to no statistically significant one in the top quartile Our model can identify which properties are in the lower end of the market, for whatever reason – for example, small or in an urban area. Either way, they’re in the lower end of the market.

We look at flood risk - what the price discount is for them, and we also look at the price discount for the other areas of the market.

The cheaper houses bore a larger price discount for being in a risk area. And it’s proportionately much more of a negative price effect for the cheaper house.

So-called high amenity houses, on the other hand, are not really affected by flood risk. The model indicates there’s a zero percent discount.”

4. The market’s memory of flood events is short: a 12% price discount for being within a flood event disappears after two years “We looked at properties that were exposed to a flood event; they were either flooded, or there was flooding nearby. For example, a year or two after properties in Cork centre were flooded,

Picture: Fintan Gillespie

they incurred a price discount of up to 12%.

A few years later however, that discount began to disappear; people forgot about it, and were no longer factoring it in.

The same was seen following the 2011 flooding in Dublin

with affected properties seeing a discount in sales figures. Our model indicates that people had forgotten about it by 2012/2013.

Nowadays, those same houses shouldn’t be affected”.

Rising waters, falling prices: flood risk and the

Irish housing market

By Tom Gillespie*, Ronan Lyons • & Thomas McDermott* *SEMRU, Whitaker Institute, NUI Galway • Trinity College Dublin & Spatial Economics Research Centre (LSE)

Only superior scientific research will improve the outlook for wild salmon Noel Carr FISSTA

T

he wild salmon and seatrout angling fraternity from around Ireland made their way to Athlone recently for the AGM of our Federation.

Overall, some very positive messages and motions passed, and a new National Executive Council was elected to implement the work plan for 2019 season.

The message from Irish salmon and seatrout anglers to government is to remove the logjam now that is delaying badly needed investment in our fisheries.

Our product is being denied the vital funding stream that once sustained the wild Atlantic salmon habitat in the natal Irish rivers. New measures recently introduced are impeding this funding, and most members are seeking a return to the system where our river managers were trusted.

HOLST HYPOTHESIS Much of the anglers’ concern centred around the predation and overgrazing of the high mackerel stock as outlined in the hypothesis put forward by Norwegian scientist Dr Jens Christian Holst in the Summer edition of Inshore Ireland.

AGM delegates were happy to acknowledge Dr Holst’s work to date, and the NEC were commended for assisting, promoting and publishing the hypothesis at NASCO in Portland USA last June where FISSTA succeeded in getting support from some members of our NASCO NGO group, including some very prominent international voices.

FISSTA was the first wild salmon NGO to explore and advocate the testing of this hypothesis and succeeded in getting the late Orri Vigfusson to renew contact with Dr Holst a few weeks before he died in July 2017.

We all know that a 30 cm mackerel can eat a 12 cm one; this has always been the case, but Dr Holst asks why mackerel populations have moved to the smolt feeding locations more recently.

The suggestion that postsmolts are in grave danger of being wiped out in the feeding grounds is being debated everywhere and has got a good airing in Ireland despite a reluctance by some scientists to advocate a testing of the Holst hypothesis.

Anglers are not scientists, but the AGM wanted urgent action and unanimously agreed to lobby all concerned - nationally and internationally (including NASCO) - to put a plan into action to have the Holst hypothesis tested without further delay.

Many at the AGM wondered why such an opportunity was apparently missed during the filming of ‘Lost at Sea’ when scientists searched for salmon post-smolt among large numbers of trawled mackerel.

Unfortunately however, it appears nobody was tasked to look inside the stomachs of the captured mackerel for salmon post-smolt.

DOCTORS DIFFER WHILE SALMON DIE Michael Viney, writing in the Irish Times, January 19, put it well: ‘Holst combines data from existing marine research with the wider experiences of professional fishermen. In the current Inshore Ireland

journal [Holst] urges a start to tests of his hypothesis.

He proposes catching 50 tonnes of mackerel this May on known salmon migration routes west of Scotland and inspecting the 150,000 stomachs for smolt.

‘He also proposes an international “thinning out” of mackerel stocks. In this, the International Year of the Salmon, a five-pound fish was caught (and released) on a Donegal river on New Year’s Day. This was one, at least, to have dodged the wall of hungry Somber scombrus (Atlantic mackerel) – a predator, says Dr Holst, scarcely met by Irish salmon north of Ireland 20 years ago.’

Many scientists were unaware of the Holst hypothesis until they read it in last Summer’s edition of Inshore Ireland, and despite some ridicule at first, the majority of the reaction advocated the prompt testing of the hypothesis by an ICES group.

FISSTA has been lobbying through our NGO Group at NASCO for such a decision for over a year now, and we are hopeful the approval for such scientific work will be announced very soon.

Many at the meeting pleaded with Minister Canney to seize the initiative and change policy to contribute part of our conservation stamp funding to support the protection of the NASF/ASF contracts to reduce the sea mortality of salmon stocks in this, the International Year of the Salmon underway throughout 2019.

Heavy spring floods followed by drought in early summer last season meant the salmon returning were faced with big challenges to reach their spawning grounds

8

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Photos credit Jonathan Mason

International treaty to conserve, protect and wisely use the world’s wetlands Gillian Mills

W

orld Wetlands Day is celebrated annually to mark the signing of the Ramsar Convention* and to promote the wise use of wetlands. This year (February 2) the theme was ‘climate change’ and focused on the many mitigating values of wetlands.

The convention entered into force in Ireland in March 1985. Ireland currently has 45 sites designated as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ with a surface area of 66,994 hectares.

“Wetlands store carbon; peat bogs and saltmarshes store huge amounts,” Coastwatch coordinator Karin Dubsky told Inshore Ireland.

“They also have many climate change mitigation

functions such as storing water to combat drought, reducing flood impact in the case of river floodplains and provide erosion buffers such as kelp forests and reed beds.”

Ireland is experiencing more extreme weather patterns of increasing storm frequency and ferocity, along with contrasting very hot spells and rising sea levels.

“While we are of course concerned about housing and infrastructure, many

important inshore habitats are also at risk. Just a little extra pressure could cause the death of an already stressed mussel bed, for example,” she warned.

BROADMEADOW RAMSAR SITE EVENT

The interplay of changing weather patterns and extra human pressure is a concern in the Malahide estuary, Co Dublin. The estuary is dissected by a railway line and a marina in the outer estuary that requires occasional dredging.

The estuary holds three large mussel beds and two seagrass Zostera beds as well as a rich mosaic sandflat habitat that hosts thousands of wintering birds.

A marina dredging permit was issued on January 4 by the EPA, the first in 12 years. Dredging by plough began on Jan 15 to agitate the silt that had built up and enable exit on the ebbing tides.

“As no official monitoring was planned apart from a mammal observer,

Coastwatch volunteers carried out a quick baseline survey to identify vulnerable features most likely to be affected if the silt did not exit the estuary but returned with the flood tide,” Karin explained.

“The field survey revealed many sensitive features not marked on the official National Parks and Wildlife Service maps. Parts of the mussel beds in the Natura 2000 site maps are no longer in the same position.

While the observers noted no major silting of any one area, “tidal channels did carry a heavy silt load with some deposits visible along the channels and in the inner estuary on the mussel banks. We reported these observations to the EPA and the marina management.”

The Coastwatch and Malahide Tidy towns volunteers recorded no mass death of organisms.

“It’s better to have data and let it be known that you are monitoring than to moan,” Karin declared.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

9

FRESHWATER FOCUS

The Convention on Wetlands, the Ramsar Convention, is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Wetlands are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems. A broad definition of wetlands includes all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs and all human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt pans.

They provide essential services and supply all our fresh water but continue to be degraded and converted to other uses.

The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Since then almost 90% of UN member states, from all the world’s geographic regions, have acceded to become ‘contracting parties’.

Under the three pillars of the Convention, contracting parties commit to: work towards the wise use of all their wetlands designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the ‘Ramsar list’) and ensure their effective management cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species Further reading: https://www.ramsar.org/about-the-ramsar-convention

10 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

AQUACULTURE

Oireachtas committee debates aquaculture licensing logjam Gery Flynn

T

he government’s commitment to address the backlog of aquaculture licence applications and renewals by the end of 2019 - 300 in both 2018 and 2019 - was scrutinised in October by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine debate.

Deputy Charlie McConalogue said that while prioritisation has been

on shellfish licences, a very significant backlog existed regarding finfish aquaculture.

Highlighting the fact that finfish make up 75% of the value of the aquaculture market overall, Deputy McConalogue said that Mowi Ireland (formerly Marine Harvest), Ireland’s largest salmon farmers with production units in Donegal, Mayo and Cork, has a processing base in Fanad that currently operates at only 40% capacity.

This is despite having the capacity to process

far more fish “if they were available, and with resulting employment”.

“This is an area of north Donegal where employment options are few and far between. I had a meeting with the company recently and looked at the list of licences it has on file that are awaiting decision.

“This company has dates of renewal applications from 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2015, with five from 2005, seven or eight that go back to 2011 and two from 2006,” he said.

Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn told the committee that Norway was producing 1.278 million tonnes of farmed salmon, Scotland 174,000 tonnes and the Faroe Islands, five times the size of Achill Island, produced 73,000 tonnes.

“Ireland is producing 17,000 tonnes while 17 years ago we were producing 23,500 tonnes. It is outrageous how a department can strangle the potential of an industry that could create hundreds of jobs in rural coastal communities,” he added.

He said that failure to adequately resource the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board was one of the main reasons for the backlog in licensing: “I am shocked at the lack of urgency in [DAFM] considering the shocking failure to develop this industry which is of real importance to rural, coastal

communities. Those statistics are irrefutable”, he said.

“In Scotland, it typically takes 18 to 22 months to deal with applications. One application has been on the board here since 2005. The process has been absolutely strangled by bureaucracy and a failure to update systems”, he added.

Deputy Thomas Pringle questioned if the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine was “the right body to be issuing the licences”. “[DAFM] is integral for funding aquaculture as well as licensing and everything else, the public does not get a mention or a look-in. That is regrettable because many of the issues that can be dealt with would involve the public as well”, he said.

The Minister should be looking at the public as being a stakeholder. There should be a requirement that they be contacted and talked to”, he said.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 11

AQUACULTURE

L

icensing procedure An aquaculture licence is required by law to cultivate finfish, shellfish and certain marine plants such as seaweed. Some aquaculture takes place on land but the vast majority takes place on the foreshore.

In Ireland almost all of the foreshore is in public ownership; therefore, activity requires both an aquaculture licence to conduct operations and a companion foreshore licence to lawfully occupy the area of foreshore in question.

Even in the rare case of private ownership of foreshore, an aquaculture licence is required to engage in aquaculture activity. The foreshore is measured from the high water mark out to 12 nautical miles and is approximately 39,000 km2 and is roughly equal in size to just over 50% of the land area of the State.

Areas suitable for aquaculture however represent a small fraction of the foreshore and, in the case of finfish cultivation, are exclusively along the western seaboard.

DAFM considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the following legislation: • Fisheries (Amendment) Act 199 • Foreshore Act 1933 • EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC • EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC • Consolidated Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU • Aarhus Convention known as the public participation directive The licensing process involves consultation with scientific and technical advisers, as well as various statutory consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.

In addition to the legislation, DAFM adheres to regulatory requirements and other legislation that impacts on the licensing process.

The Aarhus Convention emerged as a crucial factor in the roll-out of the licensing system as it applies to individual cases.

The key aim of the directive is to grant the general public specific rights in gaining access to information in governmental decisionmaking processes on matters concerning the local, national and transboundary environment.

IMTA — the back-to-front food chain!

Anna Soler Vila* and Jessica Ratcliff**

I

t was a while ago when we both got involved in an Integrated MultiTrophic Aquaculture* project with NUI Galway and decided to write a book chapter on the topic.

The IMTA concept is based on a ‘back-to-front food chain’.

Where food chains usually describe energy transfer from the bottom-up (i.e. producer – herbivore – carnivore - top predator), here, we focus on energy transfer from the topdown (fish waste – shellfish/ other invertebrates – seaweeds).

This ensures that the best use possible is made of the energy — in the form of food input to the system. In this way, we are working with natural ecological processes to enable cleaner production systems, and ideally, trying to improve the quality and quantity of what is produced.

The interesting part of the project was interviewing stakeholders in the aquaculture industry along with the general public.

We aimed to define the number of facilities that had some IMTA experience, and to evaluate if people were aware of the concept. If they were, we wanted to understand how it was perceived.

IDENTIFYING FACILITIES

More than ten years later, we are midway in the Project: INTEGRATE (20172020), which is now on a bigger scale, including the Atlantic Area (Ireland, U.K., France, Spain, Portugal).

As before, the project aims to identify existing IMTA facilities, and discuss and facilitate the development of this concept in the different countries and regions involved.

You can read more about it at www.imta_integrate.eu We have found several more projects working with the IMTA concept, and greater experimentation with species and systems.

In Ireland there are two commercial facilities that are also case studies for this project. Bord na Móna’s facility in Mount Lucas, Co Offaly, is a freshwater recirculating system where perch and common duckweed are being cultured in linked ponds/raceways; and the Bantry Marine Research Station (BMRS) in Gearies, Co Cork — an offshore marine system where Alaria esculenta is being cultured next to a salmon farm.

AWKWARD ACRONYM

During our research we noticed some confusion as to what exactly is meant by IMTA. While the acronym has become widely used in academic and aquaculture circles, and to some extent has been accepted by the industry, it means little to other stakeholder groups particularly the wider public.

As we know, scientists are not always the best communicators, and here, with our awkward acronym, IMTA, we appear to have a case in point.

If we wish to broaden knowledge about sustainable aquaculture practices we need to find tools and language that are intuitive.

Interestingly too, this point was raised at our recent ‘IMTA social best-practices workshop’ in NUI Galway.

A lot of work remains to be done, but if nobody knows what we are talking about, we are likely to struggle!

In the ‘best-practices’ workshop we had other ideas for what IMTA might be called: Integrated Aquaculture; Connected Aquaculture; Circular Aquaculture; AquaFarm; Paired system.

To publish shortly, the project report will list other suggestions, but we would be interested to hear your ideas!

Email Anna: anna.soler@ irishseaweed.com; or Jessica: waterrat76@gmail.com *Irish Seaweed Consultancy Ltd **Irish Seaweed Research Group, Ryan Institute, NUI Galway

12 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

BREXIT COUNTDOWN »» from page 1

future trade negotiations.

“We must put on the record that we have always strived to safeguard and consolidate our members’ livelihoods in a post-Brexit trade deal scenario,” Seán O’Donoghue told Inshore Ireland.

“It is still crucial we do not take our eye off the ball and continue to press Britain to maintain the current levels of reciprocal access to waters and markets, as well as sound science-based fisheries management, he stressed.

“The status quo must be maintained; any alternative position would result in absolute mayhem in British waters on March 29/30,” he warned.

“Maintaining reciprocal access to waters and resources need to be at the heart of the post-Brexit relationship in Country

fisheries given the historic ties and inextricable links between our countries and industries.

“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice and everything that we have toiled for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss albeit we have a temporary reprieve until the end of 2019.

“We must move might and mane to avoid a disorderly Brexit and the ramifications which this would have for our sector,” O’Donoghue warned.

The KFO representative however remains hopeful and shares the optimism of Tániste Simon Coveney that a deal can be reached: “But it is imperative that tangible mitigation measures

2011-15 average landings from UK EEZ

must be developed (…) lest an agreement not transpire as hoped,” he added.

Contingency measures cannot mitigate the overall impact of a ‘no-deal’ scenario, nor in any way replicate the full benefits of EU membership of the terms of any transition period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement, he stressed.

Dr Susan Steele, chair of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority which is responsible for enforcement of seafisheries law and seafood safety law, told Inshore Ireland that “Brexit of any kind” will mean a change in how business with the UK is carried out.

“Managing a no-deal or disorderly Brexit will be an exercise in damage limitation,” she said. (See interview Pg13)

Landings from the UK EEZ as a proportion of total landings

Landings from UK EEZ as a proportion of all national landings

BEL

10 875

0.9%

44.5%

DEU

65 158

5.4%

29.9%

DNK

271 779

22.3%

39%

ESP

5 833

0.5%

0.7%

FRA

97 572

8%

24%

IRL

84 850

7%

33.9%

NLD

140 077

11.5%

39.9%

SWE

28 735

2.4%

16.8%

UK

512 557

42.1%

81.1%

Total UK EEZ

1 217 436

100%

BREAKFAST INFORMATION EVENTS 2019

SAFE SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

BACKGROUND DÁIL DEBATES

T

wo Commission proposals to mitigate the impact of a ‘disastrous’ no-deal Brexit on Irish fisheries for 2019 at least, have been welcomed.

During a Dáil debate in late January, Minister Creed however cautioned that the “only clarity” from the UK was that EU vessels would no longer have automatic access to their waters: “Whether this means a complete shut out of EU vessels or not remains uncertain at this stage.”

The first proposal would allow fishermen and operators from EU member states to receive compensation under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund for temporary cessation of fishing activities.

“The aim of this is to help off-set some of the impact of a sudden closure of UK waters to EU fishing vessels in a no-deal scenario.”

The second covers fishing authorisations, and amends the regulation on sustainable management of external fleets, to ensure the EU can grant UK vessels access to EU waters until the end of 2019 – on condition that EU vessels are granted reciprocal access to UK waters. This proposal is based on agreement reached at the December meeting on fishing opportunities.

SUPPORT FUNDING

Fianna Fáil deputy and Leas-Cheann Chomchairle Pat the Cope Gallagher asked Minister Creed about a proposed amendment of EU Regulation 508/2014 on European funding: “I am opposed, and I hope the Minister is too, to the transfer of capital for this fund to provide for emergency funding. Any funds for emergency [aid] should be additional funding,” he said.

In response, Minister Creed outlined details of a €150m “low-cost scheme” and said increased funding would be available under rural and seafood development programmes.

This he said was in addition to a new €300m Brexit loan scheme introduced in 2018 for Irish businesses “either currently impacted by Brexit or will be in the future, at least 40% of which will be available to the seafood and agri-food sectors.”

A Brexit package of €78m for farmers, fishermen and food SMEs was announced in Budget 2019.

All of these measures are “useful first steps” but “additional measures, including further financing over and above the EMFF at EU level will be required.”

“Especially on fisheries, my priority [is] to maintain existing levels of access to waters and resources, to provide continuity and certainty to our catching and processing sectors.

“However, in a worst-case scenario of a disorderly departure on March 2019, reciprocal arrangements could be endangered.”

UK EEZ almost 33% North East Atlantic Waters Join us at our special Information Breakfasts for fishermen, processors and shellfish producers. Get the latest news and help on matters from quota management to food safety and trade.

Learn more about the changes taking place and have your queries answered by experts from the relevant organisations.

Plus talks on risk analysis assessment and the implications on fishery regulatory compliance from Brexit.

DATES FOR BREAKFAST EVENTS 2019:

erel

Mack

• Dublin: Hilton Dublin Airport, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, 6th March • Donegal: Abbey Hotel, 10th April • Cork: Maritime Hotel, Bantry, 29th May Further venues and dates to be announced.

For information or to reserve a place email: events@sfpa.ie

ps

hro

Nep

UK EEZ RED EU EEZ Blue Other EEZ Green

www.sfpa.ie

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS

Landings from the UK Exclusive Economic Zone »» The UK EEZ makes up 17% of the total EU EEZ. »» Ireland accounted for 7% of the total landings by weight from the UK EEZ while the UK accounts for 42% of those landings. »» Ireland lands 34% of its fish from the UK EEZ.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 13

BREXIT COUNTDOWN

Hard or soft Brexit, challenging times ahead for seafood producers and processors Gery Flynn

I

n the run up to the expected departure on March 29 of the UK from the European Union, Inshore Ireland spoke to Dr Susan Steele, chair of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the agency responsible for enforcement of sea-fisheries law and seafood safety law, about their contingency plans to mitigate the impact of Brexit on Ireland’s fisheries and seafood sectors.

Susan Steele Brexit will challenge the business relationship between Ireland and the UK. How will the SFPA help mitigate this scenario?

Brexit of any kind will mean change for how business with the UK will be carried out. Managing a no-deal or a disorderly departure will be an exercise in damage limitation and while there are many unknowns, we must prepare and be ready as much as is possible to

meet this unprecedented challenge. While ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement remains the Government’s priority, preparation for all scenarios is ongoing. On December 11, 2018, the Government decided to give greater immediacy to preparations for a no-deal Brexit. This work is ongoing and involves all government departments and agencies.

From an SFPA perspective, how is this approach working?

We are working daily on some Brexit plans in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. I have never seen such a coordinated government response, and people externally to the government might not be aware of how much Brexit-related effort has been taking place.

Is this to ensure that trade and business in general between Ireland and the UK will continue with a minimum of interruption?

For context, many contingency plans have been developed since the UK’s referendum vote in 2016.

The main aim for us, as with other government agencies, is to make every effort to keep the wheels on the bus moving during and after Brexit, essentially to keep trade flowing. Contingency planning is underway for all scenarios. This work is part of a series of measures that the government is taking, both nationally and in conjunction with the EU, to prepare for the UK’s departure.

Trade »» Irish seafood imports were valued at €335 million and amounted to 143,800 tonnes in 2017. »» 68% of our imports at a value of €228 million (64,400 tonnes) were imported from the UK »» Irish seafood exports were valued at €666 million (313,600 tonnes) in 2017. »» 13% (€85 million) was exported to the UK, while almost double that was exported to France at €170 million (25% of total exports).

Tariffs »» In 2016 the top 16 exports by value to the UK would have had an average tariff of 12.7% these ranged from 2% to 24% according to WTO tariffs.

I understand the SFPA has used ‘breakfast meetings’ to inform the fishing industry specifically about the likely challenges of Brexit. How does that work?

This is the second time we’ve run these events across the country. Change is constant within the industry on many fronts – from advances in technology and production to new EU regulations – all of which are continuing to require significant changes in fishing practices. Added to these is the uncertainty over Brexit and the potential challenges and concerns it poses.

Consequently, we decided to take the information roadshows nationwide again in 2019.They proved to be a valuable and effective way of engaging directly with the industry and will be a timely opportunity to address many of these issues with them.

These events are a one-stop opportunity for fishermen, processors and producers to learn more about these changes, and have their queries answered by experts from the SFPA as well as other organisations and regulators such as Inland Fisheries Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Institute, BIM, DAFM, Customs and Revenue, Health and Safety Authority, and so on.

For example, some people haven’t claimed their Seafarers’ Allowance, so Revenue will be there with the forms to assist them with that. Or, if someone wants information on Vessel Safety Statements, the Health and Safety Authority is there to assist them.

Where and when is the next event and will it have a particular Brexit focus?

The next breakfast event is in Dublin on March 6 and we’re really encouraging anybody from the industry to attend to hear the latest on Brexit, as well as presentations on the Landing Obligation and Risk Analysis.

The Brexit presentation is largely based on our Getting Brexit Ready leaflet which outlines the new regulatory requirements for importers and exporters of fish and fishery products in a no-deal scenario. As Brexit regulatory detail continues to evolve, we’re updating this leaflet to reflect the current state of play and will be launching this version on at the Dublin event.

Looking at the regulations in the seafood sector, what will be involved with SPS requirements?

The EU sets down specific requirements on import controls for consignments of fish and fishery products with Third Countries. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) control inspections are required at the EU/Third Country (i.e. non-EU country borders under EU law to protect animal health, plant health and food safety).

In terms of import consignments transported in trucks or containers, as a Third Country, the UK therefore will have to meet certain new requirements to continue trading with Ireland and the EU. Such controls, referred to as Official Controls, apply to live animals, plants, and products of animal including fish or fishery products - or plant origin entering the Single Market and will have to be carried out on all agri-food products traded with the UK. Annex I to Commission Decision 2007/275/EC (as amended) outlines the full scope of fish and fishery products imported from Third Countries that are subject to controls at border inspection posts and require veterinary checks.

What will be the new documentary requirements for fish and fish product exports to the UK? This is as yet unknown in a no-deal scenario. Our current understanding is that pre-notification to the

UK authorities in advance of the physical arrival will be necessary in addition to a catch certificate and supporting documents validated by the country of export.

UK port health authorities (fisheries authorities in Northern Ireland) will check these documents on imports to the UK of containerised fish by sea, air, road or rail.

(Source https://www.gov. uk/guidance/exporting-andimporting-fish-if-theres-nobrexit-deal.

As soon as we do know the requirements, we will be communicating this information to the industry.

Likewise, with intra-trade consignments transported through the UK land bridge destined for Europe, once we have official confirmation of the new requirements, we will get the message out there.

What’s the SFPA’s final message to the fisheries and seafood sectors in the runup to March 29?

The SFPA is prioritising how we can help minimise disruptions with the new certification that may be required and we’re putting contingencies in place for what might be needed in the case of a worst-case scenario. Our main role, as well as being the industry regulator, is to ensure that the marine resource is fairly shared, and that seafood trade continues to flow.

*

*

Value from the IE EEZ by each MS as a proportion of total value from the IE EEZ *

14 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

BREXIT COUNTDOWN

Minister Creed meets French counterpart on impacts of a no-deal on fishing

M

arine Minister Michael Creed and Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs have met to share concerns over the potential ‘serious impacts’ for Irish and French fishing fleets if they are excluded from UK waters in a ‘no deal’ Brexit situation.

“The meeting served to confirm our shared concerns and understanding of the serious issues that could arise in the event that the EU fishing fleet [is] denied access to UK waters.”

Irish and French fleets have a heavy reliance on fisheries in UK waters and lack of access would adversely impact both fleets.

“We both agreed that our strong desire was that the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU will be ratified and that negotiations will commence on the overall future relationship during the proposed Transition period.”

The value of French landings from the UK zone amounts to €170m per annum while Ireland’s landings from the UK zone are €85m.

The importance of an EU27 co-ordinated plan to

mitigate possible adverse impacts was discussed: “I agreed with Minister Le Drian it is essential that the impacted Member States of Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden work together with the EU (…) to prepare mitigation measures to be ready to support our fishing industry if we face exclusion from the UK zone.

“Minister Le Drian shared my analysis and assured me that France is committed to strong and proactive engagement to prepare for this scenario which we both hope can be avoided.”

UK Fisheries Bill currently ‘short on detail’ Gery Flynn

A

n investigation by British MPs of the Fisheries Bill — the legal framework that has been moving through parliament since October, designed to replace the Common Fisheries Policy post-Brexit — finds that it is short on detail and recommends that an independent advisory body is put in place to oversee fishing.

When the Fisheries Bill is implemented into law, the UK will operate as an independent coastal state and for the first time since 1973 will control who fishes its waters and on what terms. It will also give the UK the power to implement new deals negotiated with the EU and with other Coastal States and to manage fisheries more effectively and sustainably.

Commenting on the Fisheries Bill, Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations told BBC Radio that an “independent advisory body could help”.

“We think it would be healthy to have an Advisory Council with appropriate qualified people on board — industry people and scientists who would filter anything that came up from ministers,” he said.

“You don’t want to give delegated powers

that would allow for capricious or poorly thought through legislation. So let’s have a kind of filter – a counter balance - if we are going to have these delegated powers.”

Asked if he was fearful that UK fishermen would not get what they want after Brexit, he said the Fisheries Bill would give ministers the necessary powers: “With the Withdrawal Act and the future relationship with the EU, there is always a danger that fishing could be sold out again like it was in 1973. I think there would be a heavy political price to pay if any government did that because fishing is seen as totemic or is symbolic of leaving the EU and leaving the Common Fisheries Policy.

“From the fishing industry point of view, leaving the EU gives an opportunity to leave the Common Fisheries Policy, and that is of fundamental importance for the future of the industry.

“The politics at the moment are chaotic and that has to give rise to concerns about where the direction might be. But whether we’re within some kind of ‘Norway Plus’ arrangement or whether we leave without a deal with the EU, the legal situation changes the legal status of the UK in terms of fishing. Under both scenarios we’re an independent Coastal State and everything that follows from that.”

The legislation delivers on the UK government’s commitment to sustainable fishing and marine conservation as set out in the 25-year Environment Plan by: Controlling access: automatic EU rights to fish in UK water will end. In the future, the UK will negotiate and decide on the terms of foreign vessels fishing in UK waters.

Setting fishing opportunities: by proposing powers to ensure that the UK can set its own fishing quota and days-at-sea, which it will negotiate as an independent Coastal State. The UK government will continue to consult with the devolved administrations.

Protecting the marine environment: by ensuring fisheries management decisions are taken strategically for the benefit of the whole marine environment. The Bill extends powers to the Marine Management Organisation and the Devolved Administrations to protect our seas.

Irish-French discussions on a ‘no-deal’ Brexit

A

Dublin meeting (Feb 16) discussed exposure of the Irish fishing sector to the threats of a ‘no-deal’ during which Minister Creed “made clear” the serious challenges facing the industry.

“A coordinated EU response will be required,” he warned.

The Commission has brought forward legislative proposals dealing with the possible use of temporary cessation measures, quota swapping with the UK and potential reciprocal access.

“The Commissioner has already brought forward (…) proposal which I welcome, to deal with possible impacts arising from a disorderly Brexit, but more measures will be required. Commissioner Vella has a solid understanding of the scale of the potential problems facing the EU fishing industry and the Irish industry in particular.”

Outcomes of a no-deal Brexit include: loss of access for Irish and other EU vessels to the UK fishing zone, protection of fish stocks in the waters around Ireland from increased fishing activity and potential mitigation measures at EU level.

“It is imperative that the Commission continue its leading role in ensuring there will be a coordinated EU response to ensure the ongoing viability of our fleets and the long-term sustainability of the stocks upon which they rely,” stressed Minister Creed.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 15

FISHERIES

Parties must unite behind coastal communities – Ní Riada

S

inn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has called on all political parties to unite behind a series of broad principles designed to protect Ireland’s fishing industry, coastal communities and islands.

The Ireland South MEP, who sits on the EU Fisheries Committee, made the call at the launch of a fisheries rights charter in Castletownbere in January with local councillor Paul Hayes.

“This document, which sets out 24 key points of action, is the work of

numerous consultations within the fishing industry, with NGOs and with coastal communities,” she said.

The guiding principles “are driven by the people” who know the industry and the areas, she said.

“Nobody has more incentive to ensure that our oceans are managed ethically and sustainably than those whose lives and livelihoods rely on them.

“The Irish fishing industry and the coastal communities that it sustains have been badly let down by successive Irish governments and by the EU.

Liadh Ní Riada MEP and Councillor Paul Hayes meeting with fishermen in Castletownbere for the launch of The Charter for Fishers, Coastal Communities and the Island

A1_Fisheries Charter.indd 1

21/01/2019 16:02

What could and should have been a vibrant and sustainable driver of growth in our national economy, has been held back by bad policy and political neglect,” she added.

“Sinn Féin wants to work with all fishers to promote our fishing sector in a fair and equitable manner. Whether they are from the islands, Castletownbere, Dingle, Kilmore Quay, Rossaveal, Killybegs, Howth, Ard

Glass,Kilkeel or Portavogie, “I would encourage everybody (…) to read this charter and to contact your local councillors, TDs, MLAs and MEPs and urge them to adopt these guiding principles for their own.”

Endorsing the charter, Cllr called on the government “to do more” to protect coastal communities: “Castletownbere is not unique in feeling abandoned

by the government. Coastal communities right around the country are all telling us the same story; that the only time the government pays any attention to our oceans is when they are selling them off.

“Ireland needs a dedicated Minister for the Marine, someone who’s sole responsibility will be protecting, promoting and sustaining our coastal economies and communities.”

I

was honoured to be invited in my role as NIFF chair to give a presentation at a public hearing on the Future of Small-Scale Coast Fisheries in the EU in January.

In my presentation I wanted to get across several issues facing the inshore sector as well as the positives. I spoke about the establishment of the NIFF and RIFFs and the important voice that we have at the national decision-making table.

The attitude of inshore fishermen is changing for the better, with more and more becoming aware of the environment and the need for conservation and sustainability.

I highlighted the proactive changes that our inshore industry has made for the long-term sustainability of the inshore stocks, by increasing the minimum conservation size on a few species like razors, velvet crab and more recently the brown crab.

Voluntary closures of razor beds, pilot projects with iVMS for pot effort in the south east, is something that will also be very useful in marine spatial planning, (we must be seen and counted.)

On stock management, without it we have no future to sustain our livelihoods. I was delighted to enlighten the committee about all the actions the NIFF and RIFFs have undertaken over recent years to change that future.

The loss of important key fisheries to the inshore sector, such as salmon, bass and eels, has put pressure on our crab and lobster fisheries.

The knock-on effect of removing any important fishery can be devastation to parts of the coastal communities. Alternative opportunities are needed to alleviate that pressure.

Trudy Mc Intyre Fishing for litter is an example of environmental awareness that the industry is partaking in. Fishermen do care and want to do what they can to remove what they find while at sea and use social media to highlight what is caught and brought ashore.

I put it to the committee that we need to make the fishing industry an attractive career choice for young people, to bring new blood into an age-old industry that needs them to keep it going. Serious thoughts and consideration are needed to see how we can do that.

For me as a fisherman’s wife depending on the catch to keep the show going and getting help in times of extraordinary weather events is very important; all we want is the same help and aid that the farmers get for the duration of the tie-up period.

Food needs to be put on the table and the electricity, mortgage, diesel for the car, all need to be paid.

The banks will still take their payments for the boat and house, leaving many inshore families cash strapped during these times.

The profits made during good weather are mostly put back into the boat and gear to ensure safety and efficiency. There is no help, or if there is, the process of accessing it is arduous.

Look at other countries where they have systems for this very issue and see how it can be adapted here.

Seals and the untold

damage to fish stocks and fishing gear, was something I really wanted the meeting to hear. Gillnetting is like a ‘meals on wheels service’ for the seals; they swim ahead of the boats eating their way through the catch before you get it on board.

Sustainability of fish stocks in and around Europe’s coastal waters needs to be maintained, managed and to balance out the status quo. Fishermen are doing their best but common sense from the people who have jobs because of fishermen, must also do their best to help alleviate this situation. It cannot and must not be ignored or brushed under the carpet.

I feel very positive about the future of the inshore fishing industry. I see the positive changes that are happening, the want and need to have a thriving inshore sector is palpable.

The united voice of the inshore sector is leading the way to making that happen. Communication and co-operation are a key part of that being a success.

The women in fisheries Network in conjunction with BIM held two workshops on financial and legal information, assisted by Art Kavanagh and Eibhlin O Sullivan who gave expert talks on these matters.

The feedback was great, and we hope that similar workshops will happen around the coast soon.

Here is hoping that you all have a good years fishing, and may you have calm seas.

16 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

FISHERIES

Majority of discarded cuckoo rays in excellent condition when put back to sea Dr Ronán Cosgrove, Fisheries Conservation Manager, BIM

T

he 2019 discard plan for demersal fisheries in NorthWestern Waters includes survivability exemptions for several species. This means certain species can continue to be discarded under the landing obligation.

These exemptions are hugely beneficial in helping industry avoid unwanted landings of undersize or

over-quota fish, leading to inefficient use of quotas and potential ‘choking’ of fishing effort in low quota scenarios.

The exemption for skates and rays applies for three years; however, more supporting scientific information is needed for cuckoo rays. They have been given just one year; historical information for this species consists of a single 35% survival estimate derived from a 2012 English Channel beam trawl study.

SURVIVABILITY RATES Direct assessments of ray

survivability can be difficult to achieve due to species size and problems with captive monitoring. Projects are ongoing in some EU countries to address these issues and hopefully provide additional information on cuckoo ray survivability.

The condition or vitality of rays at the point of release back to sea can also provide a useful indicator of survival probability. For example, thornback rays assessed as excellent on board a North Sea Otter trawler had a survival probability of 85%.

This is corroborated by

a Dutch beam trawl study which found that without exception, vitality index scores A (excellent) and D (lethargic or dead) always yielded the highest and lowest discard survival with an estimated 84% of thornback ray in the excellent category predicted to survive.

In the above context, it is likely the vitality of cuckoo rays at the point of release provides a reliable indication of their survival probability. It is also useful to compare the vitality of cuckoo rays with other ray species known to survive the capture process well e.g. thornback ray; similarities in vitality scores between these species could provide further qualitative indications of cuckoo ray survival.

IRISH SEA TRIAL A trial led by Martin Oliver was conducted with John Lynch on board his vessel MFV Eblana to address this issue. Ray were targeted with an otter trawl under normal fishing conditions in the Irish Sea in January 2019.

Above: Vitality assessment on board the Eblana.

Right: Crew member Shane Harrington with a cuckoo ray

The vitality of resulting catches was assessed using detailed protocols developed by the ICES Working Group on Methods for Estimating Discard Survival (WGMEDS).

Blonde and spotted ray were the main species encountered with just 37 cuckoo and 26 thornback rays caught over 11 hauls during the trial. The condition of all ray species was mostly excellent and good but cuckoo rays were top of the class with 84% categorised as excellent.

This compares well with thornback ray where 63% of specimens were categorised as excellent.

Study results will be forwarded to the EC Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) to assist in building a case towards extending the survival exemption for cuckoo ray.

BIM would like to thank John Lynch and the crew of MFV Eblana for a fruitful collaboration. A full report on this work is available at www.bim.ie/ourpublications/fisheries

Commercial SCUBA & Surface Supplied Diver Training Bord Iascaigh Mhara provides a range of commercial diver training courses leading to QQI Level 6 Awards.

To work as a diver in Ireland you are required to have completed an appropriate training course. Depending on the work being carried out by the diver, a commercial SCUBA qualification or a Surface Supplied Diving qualification is required.

BIM delivers these commercial diver training courses at our National Fisheries Training College of Ireland (‘NFCI’), Castletownbere Co. Cork.

Course costs are supported by grant aid under BIM’s Seafood Training Scheme. Register for grant approval @ https://bim. flexigrant.com. For information on training and grant aid please contact BIM on +353 1 2144 100 or visit us online at www.bim.ie.

Accommodation is not included in the course fee. However, BIM can provide a list of local accommodation options.

The training programme leading to the awards is subject to QQI validation.

Ireland’s EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes 2014 - 2020 Co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union

Commercial SCUBA Diver Training The commercial SCUBA diving course is the foundation programme for all commercial diver training. It covers the requisite dive theory and practices that are fundamental to commercial diving operations.

Duration: Five-week course, full-time (includes Diving First Aid) 18 February-22 March 2019. Course Fee: €4,500.00

Surface Supplied Diver Training For most commercial diving operations the preferred method of diving is Surface Supply. As the name suggests, the diver’s air or gas mixture is supplied from the surface, unlike Scuba where the air supply is limited by the volume of the cylinder worn by the divers. Surface Supplied Diving (SSD) has many health and safety advantages providing greater protection for the diver, unlimited air supply and a fully independent back-up supply.

Divers with a Surface Supplied qualification can work on all Aquaculture works as well as inshore civil engineering projects, construction works, maintenance, rigging and almost anywhere divers are required.

Duration: Three-week course, full-time. Monday to Saturday (inclusive) 01-19 April 2019. Course Fee: €5,500.00 EUROPEAN UNION This measure is part-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 17

FISHERIES

Recycling waste plastics from the seafood sector Myles Mulligan, Technical Officer, BIM

B

IM has acquired a mobile shredding unit, funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, to process plastic wastes from the fishing and aquaculture industries.

The shredder allows items including trawl nets, salmon cage nets, mussel floats and oyster bags, to be shredded and compacted for easier transportation, storage and recycling.

The custom-built unit from Ulster Shredders Ltd, Magherafelt, Co Derry, was used initially to shred old mussel ‘barrel’ floats.

Stripped-down, fishing nets were then collected and shredded from four ports in the south east and east.

“We are delighted to be involved in this high-profile initiative. We had to make some significant modifications to the U-45 shredder to contribute to its mobility.

Once it is positioned on the quayside, it is powered by a generator on the low loader which makes the machine a ‘stand-alone’ unit,” explains Elliott Martin, managing director.

The shredder and the generator can be transported on a flatbed 4-axle truck with a remote controlled 55 tonne/m telescopic crane. The crane provides for the setting up on site and the moving of the bagged material to a closed storage point.

Just under ten tonnes of nets were processed with steel from the warps being separated and sent for recycling. Five bags of shredded nets were collected, yielding approximately 2.5 t of recyclable plastic material.

Each port has a different arrangement for recycling but usually half of the proceeds are donated to the RNLI. The shredder accepts a range of hard and soft plastic wastes such as polyethylene netting, most hard floats, polypropylene ropes, fish boxes, nylon cage net frames, hard plastic equipment, plastic boats, mussel barrel floats and oyster bags.

For example, in the case of a typical whitefish trawl, once the reusable floats and other accessories are removed, the netting can then be ‘stripped’ off the head ropes, footropes and where the selvedge has been completed with nylon or polyester twines.

The resulting clumps of

clean mesh of a manageable weight are then stored in an on-board receptacle or the BIM storage bags supplied for landing to a storage area ashore.

Interest in the recycling of industry plastics began in 2003 when BIM conducted an environmental awareness campaign. In 2006 BIM, along with the then DCMNR and PETLON UK Recycling Group, began a state-funded project in Dunmore East to develop a system whereby monofilament waste netting was collected, baled and eventually recycled.

Further progress took place in 2007 with a more permanent and economical transfer centre: Green Marine Recycling Transfer Facility in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

To date, circa 500,000kg of nylon waste material has been collected from Irish and visiting fleets.

In 2012 BIM, Green Marine Recycling and GEOLINE Lining Systems Ireland, joined forces with Centriforce to develop a pilot project for recycling polyethylene nets and related items such as rope and twine.

In 2016 the large quantities of stored polyethylenebased trawls and industry equipment was targeted in a collective project coordinated by BIM along with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Donegal County Council, Wexford County Council and the Clogherhead Development Group.

187 metric tonnes of bulk polyethylene-based gears and equipment was processed, extracting approximately 74,000kg of marketable polyethylene feedstock.

To address logistical difficulties and transport costs, BIM explored having a dedicated mobile shredder to increase the amount of material per cubic metre contributing to leaner logistics. Similar efforts were made into assessing the polymer content of the packaging and galley wastes with consideration given to the use of high density polypropylene mini balers, suitable for operation in marine environments, to compact the polymer waste streams onboard fishing vessels.

This work now forms part of the Clean Oceans Initiative launched by Minister Creed in January at Union Hall, Co Cork.

Seafood sector hard and soft plastic wastes suitable for shredding and recycling

Sample products already manufactured from recycled polyethylene pellet from the Irish Seafood sector

Shredding mussel floats on Rosroe Pier, Killary Harbour in July 2018. From left to right; Patrick Faherty (Mussel Farmer), John Bell (GreenMarine), Pat Lydon (Mussel Farmer), Myles Mulligan (BIM), Michael Murphy (Green Marine), Mary Hannan (BIM) and back right, Killian Murphy (Green Marine)

Over 60 tonne of used and abandoned fishing gears at Ros a Mhil Fishery Harbour Centre in 2014

18 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

INSHORE FISHERIES

Industry-led strategy to develop Ireland’s inshore fisheries Gillian Mills

T

he first industryled blueprint for Ireland’s inshore fisheries sets out objectives to develop the sector over the next four years and is supported by financial aid under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund.

The Strategy for the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector 20192023 follows a development process involving the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums which support coastal initiatives that seek to encourage a sustainable, profitable and well-managed inshore fisheries sector.

An all-inclusive approach involving industry and State partners identified key issues and priorities,

drawn from a workshop and a public consultation.

The strategy marks “a major milestone” in the work of the forums and is an example of how to harness Ireland’s EMFF operational fund on a sector-wide basis,” remarked Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine.

It seems to me that this strategy represents a sector coming into its own, developing its sense of identify and taking responsibility for its own future.”

For a long time in many quarters, the sector was perceived as “the poor relation, as a starting point towards other things, a stepping stone to bigger boats,” Minister Creed added.

“Now here is this strategy, there is consciousness that

the inshore is a sector people want to be in and where they wish to have a future.”

STAKEHOLDER INPUT

The initiative follows a public consultation last year and will enable the brown crab fishery greater time to reproduce. An ‘lead-in’ period will be identified, and the measure will be implemented by statutory instrument.

Pointing to the Organisation & Profile Theme in the strategy, Minister Creed said it would help the sector to recognise its strength in numbers and position itself to engage influentially across the other three themes.

“I am particularly heartened to see Managing & Planning for our stocks as a theme because it’s obvious that the resources in our marine

environment are vitally important for the sector.”

The strategy’s Infrastructure & Resources theme will help the sector “examine and shape” the infrastructure available to the inshore community.

“Many local authorities apply annually to my department for funding to develop or repair fishing piers. I think it’s an issue that the Inshore Forums can engage with early on to ensure the funds are used to deliver facilities that the fishing community has been involved in identifying.”

Business skills and market awareness “are essential for all food producers in today’s dynamic market, particularly with the huge changes in mobile technology and social media bring.”

In these uncertain times as we still wait to see what shape the UK withdrawal from the EU will take, “this makes it all the more important for this sector to build its capacity to engage on issues of key importance.

Minister Creed also congratulated the new chair of the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, Trudy McIntyre, south-east RIFF: “Trudy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role at a very important time in the Irish inshore sector and has already been instrumental in supporting initiatives… including the first Inshore Fisheries Strategy.”

Minister Creed also announced approval to increase the minimum conservation reference size for brown crab from ICES Areas VI and VII to 140mm, initiated by

members of the fishing industry in the south-east.

LONG-TERM PLANNING

Describing the strategy as a “crucial development” Ian Lawler, BIM’s Regional Development Manager said that despite the progress, the need for longer-term thinking to safeguard the future of the sector had become clear to the forums: “This is so important to Irish coastal communities,” he said.

“This strategy sets out the aspirations and objectives (…) and identifies clear actions to be delivered through an implementation plan that gives effect to the vision outlined for the sector.”

A “bottom-up” approach developed through the forums “not only maps out a sustainable future path but will inform the implementation of the Seafood Operational Programme 2016-2022, the EU legal framework to replace the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund from 2020, and a Maritime Spatial Plan for Ireland in 2019/2020.”

The “industry-led approach” contrasts against that adopted twenty years ago in Ireland’s Inshore Fisheries Sector – Review and Recommendation which was “a strategy developed in a very different time and manner”.

Engagement and participation of the inshore sector “has been paramount from the beginning, allowing the sector to take ownership of the process and the final product.

“2019 finds the inshore sector in a very different space, its importance to coastal communities increasingly recognised by the State and EU.”

Small-scale fisheries deserve special protection

S

inn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has said it is crucial that any future legislation on fisheries is drawn up with small-scale fisheries in mind. The Ireland South MEP was speaking after meeting with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation.

Ní Riada who sits on the EU Fisheries Committee, met with the groups in Brussels

where she had invited them to attend a hearing on the future of small-scale fisheries.

“Legislators and policymakers need to take into account not just the unique needs of our small-scale fisheries but the unique benefits these fisheries bring,” she said.

“Compared to industrialised largescale fishing operations, traditional small-scale fishing is much more closely

tied to the community and the cultural identity of an area.

“It is a way of life and one that means small-scale fishers are much more aware of the need to preserve our oceans. In many ways they act as custodians of the sea because it is in their own interest to ensure that stocks are maintained and the marine environment is not adversely effected by human behaviour.”

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 19

INSHORE FISHERIES

Large vessel phased exclusion from inshore fisheries begins in 2020

C

hair of the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, Trudy McIntyre, says a ministerial decision to exclude trawling by fishing vessels over 18 metres from inside 6nm from January 1, 2020, will achieve the best balance within the industry.

Speaking in a personal capacity, she thanked Minister Creed “for taking the brave decision to undertake this review in the first place. Clearly not everyone will be happy with outcome of this review; however it is difficult to argue against the rationale given by the Minister supporting the decision he has taken.”

A public consultation from April 30-June 11 2018 attracted over nine hundred submissions and represented a ‹wide diversity of views›.

Marine minister Michael Creed said there was “a compelling case” for this decision exclusion: “I am satisfied that there are sufficient fishing opportunities for these vessels

Legislation that is “skewed towards largescale industrialised fishing” was at risk of losing small-scale fisheries which are a unique part of Irish heritage and guardians of our ports and seas, she added.

“It’s therefore crucial that policy-makers bear this in mind. The top-down way in which fisheries decision-making has been mismanaged, undermined and neglected needs to end — not least for the sake of our oceans themselves.”

outside of six nautical miles.”

He added that the ecosystem, including nursery areas and juvenile fish stocks, would benefit the exclusion zone.

“I am conscious of the exclusive reliance of smallscale and island fishermen on inshore waters and the benefits this change will bring for these fishermen.”

These measures will also provide “further sustainable development of the smallscale inshore and sea angling sectors which government has committed to in the Programme for a Partnership Government.”

A transition period of three years (2020-2022) will apply for vessels over 18 metres targeting sprat. A total allowable catch of up to 2,000 tonnes, reflecting a reduction on recent years will be permitted, reducing to 1,000 tonnes in 2021.

INDUSTRY REACTION The National Inshore Fishermen’s Association and the National Inshore Fishermen’s Organisation have described the

The MEP also warned that no other sector was more at risk due to Brexit than small-scale fisheries.

“The loose regulations around supertrawlers and pulse-trawling, combined with the possibility of boats being shunted out of British waters and into Irish waters, is a double blow it may not survive.

“The Irish government must demand that the EU makes special provision for our indigenous fishing industry, recognising the unique, existential threat it faces.”

initiative as ‘undoubtedly the most significant policy decision made in the history of the State’ in terms of supporting the inshore fishing sector.

‘From a social, economic, environmental and moral perspective, this was the right decision for Minister Creed to make.

‘After decades of damaging and discriminatory policy decision by his predecessors, [Minister Creed] has at last recognised that Ireland’s fishing industry is made up of more than just 184 over 18m boats and has provided a vital lifeline for the many inshore fishermen that keep our industry, our Irish fishing heritage and our small coastal communities alive,’ a statement reads.

The restriction is expected to divide opinion across the sector, and some owners of larger vessels ‘will have understandable and genuine grievances with the inconvenience it will undoubtedly cause them.’

Acknowledging the difficulties experienced by a few large operators, the NIFA and the NIFO say some perspective can be gained on the distribution of Ireland’s fishing resources by the announcement in mid-December that quotas worth an estimated €260m have been secured for Irish vessels, the vast majority of which will ultimately be caught by the over 18m segment ‘when the rest have to survive on pitiful amounts of fish left in inshore waters’ or target some already

over-exploited non-quota species.

‘Ultimately though the disparity of wealth derived from our national quota species can’t continue to be ignored, ringfenced fisheries, generous grants and allocations of very valuable quotas to a small number of vessel owners have ensured that a chasm has opened up between the “haves and have nots” in the fishing communities around Ireland.

‘Ring fencing a small strip of our inshore waters will hopefully go some way towards redressing the balance and achieve a more fair, balanced and sustainable future for the most neglected in our industry,’ the statement concludes.

20 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

FISHERIES

Gear options for whitefish vessels Dr Ronán Cosgrove, Fisheries Conservation Manager, BIM

N

umerous studies have shown there is no one-size-fitsall solution when it comes to gear-based reductions in unwanted catches. This is reflected in the 2019 discard plan

that includes lists of gear options for vessels targeting whitefish species in the Celtic and Irish Seas.

Depending on species catch composition, a variety of codend and square-mesh panel (SMP) configurations is available to choose from, with provision to add further gears if equivalent selectivity for cod, haddock and whiting can be effectively demonstrated.

The commercially important seine net fishery off the south and to a lesser extent the east coast, is impacted by the new gear requirements: Seiners traditionally use 100 mm codends with 120 mm SMPs, but also 120 mm codends without an SMP which helps prevent fish meshing in the SMP when hauling the seine.

The latter is not included in the list of options in the Celtic Sea, so it made sense to try and prove equivalent selectivity with one of the prescribed gears.

CATCH COMPARISONS Led by Dr Matthew McHugh (BIM) in collaboration with Damien Turner on board his seiner, Róise Catríona, Castletownbere, a gear trial was conducted in November 2018 in ICES division 7j&g in the Celtic Sea protection zone.

Catches were compared from 14 alternate hauls using a 120 mm diamond mesh codend and a 100 mm

T90 mesh codend that is included in the discard plan.

The results strongly support the case for the 120 mm codend to be added to the list of gear options as very few undersize fish were caught in either gear. Less than 0.5% of total haddock and whiting, and 2% of cod catches were below minimum conservation reference size (MCRS).

In relation to market sized fish, the T90 gear caught almost twice as much haddock and three times less whiting compared with the 120 mm codend. Due to relatively low quotas, haddock is a high-risk choke species while whiting is the least quota limited fish species in the Celtic Sea. Hence, vessels in that area should have an option not to catch excessive quantities of haddock while maintaining reasonable whiting catches using a 120 mm codend. The T90 remains a useful option when haddock quota is available.

Irish anglers participate in bluefin tuna data gathering Gillian Mills

I

rish anglers are to participate in a ‘sciencebased’ catch, tag and release fishery for bluefin tuna this year, complimenting the work by the Marine Institute of a satellite tagging programme.

This international management plan for the east Atlantic was adopted at the 2018 AGM of International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

A pilot project organised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Marine Institute will involve a maximum of 15 angling vessels primarily from west and north west communities with trained tagging operators.

“This aim of the project is to build on work undertaken to date and to increase our knowledge of the behaviour and abundance of BFT in the waters off the Irish coast,” remarked Minister Michael Creed.

Prior to this arrangement, Ireland had no quota under ICCAT rules and was not permitted to target angling for bluefin tuna. There is a very small bycatch quota available to Ireland and other non quota holding Member States.

Fishermen however are noticing increasing numbers of bluefin tuna from August to November in Ireland›s 200-mile zone and particularly in Donegal Bay. “They could particularly choke various commercial species, so establishing their presence scientifically is critical,” remarked Francis O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Producers Organisation. [ A choke species is a term used to describe a species with a low quota that can cause a vessel to stop fishing even if they still have quota for other species.]

“This project is a very important development and one that should be welcomed. Knowing how long they stay to feed here and where they go after they leave the Irish coast is of immense importance.”

This project could not have happened without initial scientific working by “early pioneers BIM and more recently by Niall O Maoileidigh and his team

at the Marine Institute” and may ultimately lead to a more formal catch and release fishery in the future, he added.

PROFILE Bluefin tuna is the largest tuna, and one of the largest fish of all. It is a pelagic, fish-eating species, found from the surface to depths of up to 1,000m and in temperatures from 3o and 30o Celsius.

BFT is distributed in the pelagic waters of the North Atlantic and adjacent seas from Brazil to Newfoundland in the west Atlantic and from the Canary Islands to North Norway in the east Atlantic.

After spawning in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea in spring, many BFT migrate into the Atlantic Ocean for feeding, heading along the continental slope and into the open sea. The main routes in the east Atlantic are along the Iberian Peninsula into the Bay of Biscay and further north along the west of Ireland and as far north as Norway.

BFT are assessed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). In 2006 BFT stocks were at a very low level. ICCAT adopted a rebuilding plan that introduced various conservation measures include TAC reductions, time/area closures, and minimum closures.

In 2008, the TAC was further reduced, stricter control and enforcement in the Mediterranean, particularly in relation to capture of juveniles for cage farming.

BFT is fast growing and recruits to the fishery by age one, with maximum age of at least 20 years. Maturation occurs at four years, corresponding to fork length of approximately 115 cm. BFT attains a maximum size is 400 cm.

Juveniles migrate north to SW Ireland in summer to feed in surface waters.

Results of recent international tagging programmes indicate that movement across the currently assumed east-west boundary in the Atlantic does occur. ICCAT now recognise the need to develop quantitative knowledge of BFT mixing rates and integrate this knowledge into the assessment and advisory process

These findings also apply to the Irish Sea where Irish whitefish vessels target haddock while avoiding whiting which are predominantly below MCRS. Currently limited to a 120 mm diamond mesh codend or an eliminator trawl with enlarged meshes in the trawl mouth, the T90 gear would make an extremely useful addition to the list of permitted gears in the Irish Sea. Study results will be forwarded for assessment to the EC Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) with a view to expanding the lists of permitted gears at the earliest opportunity.

BIM would like to thank Damien Turner and the crew of Róise Catríona for a fruitful collaboration, and John George Harrington for assistance with on-board sampling.

A full report on this work is available at www.bim.ie/ our-publications/fisheries

SIGHTINGS IN IRISH WATER In the early 2000s, BFT became more visible in the waters around Ireland. Sightings subsequently abated as the stock declined in the Atlantic. In 2014 they began to reappear in large numbers as the stock recovered.

In 2018, reports emerged of large numbers of BFT in the waters around Ireland. There are no scientific population estimates, but much anecdotal information on increased sightings and interactions with commercial fisheries. Similar reports of increased BFT numbers are coming from UK, Norwegian and Danish waters for 2016 to 2018.

Ireland commenced a new BFT tagging programme in 2016 when nine BFT were tagged. This programme continued in 2017 with North American partners (Stanford University US and Acadia University NS, Canada) and a new collaborator in Queens University, Belfast. Nine fish tagged with PSAT tags and three with accelerometer tags.

This BFT tagging work, in conjunction with ICCAT, continued in 2018 when 24 fish were tagged with satellite tags and four with accelerometer tags.

The results from the Irish programme (2016 to 2018) are currently being analysed by MI and partners. Initial indications show BFT tagged off Donegal in October could migrate into the mid-Atlantic, Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean and return to the waters off Donegal Bay. Ireland does not have a quota for Blue fin tuna and accordingly may not have a commercial fishery for bluefin tuna.

Photo: Nicholas Payne

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 21

INTERVIEW

Future-proofing Ireland’s marine research capability to meet challenges on the horizon Gery Flynn

M

arine minister Michael Creed’s announcement in November at the Our Ocean Conference in Bali that a new research vessel would be added to the Marine Institute’s fleet in early 2022, has been welcomed by the marine community in Ireland.

Inshore Ireland spoke to their chief executive, Dr Peter Heffernan, about what can be expected from the as yet un-named vessel.* The decision to build a new research vessel, why now?

Looking forward to the next twenty years-plus, we have to envisage the demands required from research vessels in Ireland. The new vessel will be a sister ship to the State’s largest research ship, the 65m RV Celtic Explorer and will replace RV Celtic Voyager, Ireland’s first purpose-built research vessel.

RV Celtic Voyager has a long 21 years’ service record and has been vital in providing marine scientists, researchers and crew members with valued experience at sea, and expanding and strengthening marine science to help inform decisions affecting our ocean.

What new design features should we expect to see?

We wanted to design a new ship that would better accommodate the weather conditions in Ireland’s offshore territory and enable us to have enhanced capability beyond that of RV Celtic Voyager.

The new vessel will be 50m long and will feature state-ofthe-art technologies enabling a wide range of work including ocean monitoring, fish stock assessment and seabed surveying. She will also meet the stringent criteria of the ICES 209 noise standard for fisheries research which means this will be a silent research vessel.

As well has having dynamic positioning, she will also support the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and autonomous underwater vehicle operations that enable exploration down to 3,000m.

These additional capabilities are extremely important to meet the opportunities and challenges that Ireland will face in the years ahead. And with predictions of more intense and frequent storms,

durability and seaworthiness were major factors to consider.

A project of such complexity must have drawn on expertise from within the Marine Institute and beyond?

We have over twenty years of experience operating research vessels, and I can proudly say Ireland’s are the busiest vessels in Europe, by far. This has given us in the Marine Institute and our partners P&O Maritime, a tremendous insight into what it takes to run successful research vessels such as efficiency of turnaround and satisfaction delivered for our national and international clients and partners.

Skipsteknisk AS of Ålesund, Norway, will design the vessel. When did planning begin and why were they chosen?

We’re delighted to be working again with this company who are among the best naval architects in the world. They were also involved with RV Celtic Explorer and that was a tremendously productive partnership.

We’ve been planning this project for three years, putting in place a very detailed project proposal for government consideration. Never in my twenty-five years’ experience with the Marine Institute have we had to overcome so many hurdles in a project proposal.

What do you expect will be the final cost of this project?

We have €25 million for design and build, and we’re absolutely determined to deliver for the Irish State and the taxpayer the very best value for money, fit-forpurpose vessel. We will cut our cloth according to our means, and I’m extremely confident on the basis that we have already built and delivered two research vessels on time and on budget.

Ireland’s marine research vessels are among the busiest in Europe. Who might want to use the new vessel?

I’m glad to say it’s a long list! Along with ourselves, other users might include State agencies such as Geological Survey Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, third-level institutions such NUI Galway, UCC, UL, Maynooth University; TCD, DCU, UCD, National Maritime College of Ireland, IT Tralee and GalwayMayo IT. And of course, our international partners.

Minister Creed has shown great support for this project. Is this a barometer of government commitment to Ireland’s marine research programme?

Absolutely. The fact that the investment was announced on the international stage by Minister Creed demonstrated

the importance placed by the government in this project. It’s also a major statement of commitment to Ireland’s oceanic scientific capabilities and future-proofs our research vessel needs well into the next decade.

You said the new vessel will enable Ireland to address some of the research challenges of Brexit and the Common Fisheries Policy.

What did you mean?

We are all living with the uncertainty of the Brexit situation. Depending on the nature of the UK’s Brexit deal and the framework of its exit, Ireland could face a significant additional workload under the Common Fisheries

Policy Data Collection Framework. We may also be required to provide other scientific services to cope with any and all scenarios arising post-Brexit.

Is it too early to reveal the name of the new vessel?

I did a test poll in the Institute before Christmas and there was no appetite for Celtic Voyager Two, but there is a very strong appetite for RV Celtic….. something!

We look forward to engaging the public in how we might identify that Celtic something! * A longer version of this interview is available as a podcast on www. inshore-ireland.com

(LtoR back row) Aodhan Fitzgerald, Research Vessel Operations Manager, MI; Håvard Vollset Lien, Design Manager, Skipsteknisk AS; Mick Gillooly, Director, MI (LtoR front row) Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO, MI, Hans Ove Holmoey, MD Skipsteknisk AS.

Dr Peter Heffernan and Hans Ove Holmoey after signing the contract

22 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

MARINE R&D

RV Geo surveying in shallow water beside Hook Head in 2018

2019 survey season to concentrate on Ireland’s south coast

Sean Cullen, GSI, INFOMAR Joint Manager

P

hase 2 of INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) is now well underway, having

commenced in 2016.

Following the mapping of 26 priority bays and two priority areas in Phase 1, the aim in Phase 2 is to complete mapping Ireland’s seabed by 2026.

This includes all stretches of coastline and inshore water between the 26 bays and shelf areas further offshore in the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic.

2018 was a very successful year of operations for INFOMAR during which vessels from Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute carried out mapping operations between Carnsore Point and Kinsale and in the Celtic Sea. Coverage gains were very high, due to a combination of consistently fair weather and a greater number of active survey vessels.

CORK SURVEY AREA

During this year’s survey

season, the Geological Survey’s inshore fleet will start where they left off last year: mapping the coastline between Kinsale and Baltimore and pushing the offshore coverage out to the 30 nautical mile limit off Co. Cork.

Similar to 2018, the inshore fleet comprises four vessels: RV Keary, RV Mallet, RV Lir and RV Geo. The former two are catamarans and will mostly tackle the deeper water while the latter two are smaller, rigid inflatable vessels that specialise in shallow water mapping, although RV Lir is quite versatile and can work inshore and offshore, as required).

Meanwhile, the larger Marine Institute vessels, RV Celtic Voyager and RV Celtic Explorer will be working in the south Celtic Sea with the latter working over 100 nautical miles offshore.

These vessels are mapping Ireland’s continental shelf - a vast expanse of seabed up to 200m deep that reaches out towards the deep ocean, dropping off with a slope to the abyssal plain.

The latter was already mapped during the Irish National Seabed Survey, which was completed in 2005 from the deep ocean up to the shelf edge.

ENHANCED EFFICIENCY

RV Mallet underway at survey speed

Some developments on the equipment front will serve to increase operational efficiency.

RV Mallet has gained a Moving

Velocity Profiler (MVP), already being used to great success on RV Celtic Voyager.

While survey vessels must normally hold station while taking sound velocity profiles, a vital component of hydrographic survey work, the MVP allows the vessels to cast out the probe while still underway, and more importantly, while still actively surveying. This is estimated to provide an efficiency improvement of 12%.

Along with that, RV Mallet is currently being equipped with a multi-ping system for its primary acquisition sonar; this will allow her to travel at greater survey speed while still acquiring the required density of soundings to meet international hydrographic standards.

Over the remaining years of INFOMAR Phase 2, this will have a large impact on the survey coverage gained.

As the inshore fleet pushes west, the logistical challenges will increase. The east and

south coasts have been very convenient regarding availability of berths and access to fuel. While west Cork has some excellent harbours to avail of, the vessels will soon find themselves in more remote areas, possibly relying on anchorages when they are distant from useable ports and needing greater supply stores.

These aspects, along with higher exposure to Atlantic weather, will need to be factored into the annual survey plan and may impact the level of survey coverage that can be expected.

The Marine Institute vessels will also be operating further from port as the programme moves on, requiring very careful vessel operations planning.

All in all, however, the rewards for both the inshore and offshore fleets will be high, revealing Ireland’s dramatic underwater landscape, at a detail never before seen.

Who knows what discoveries lie ahead…

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 23

MARINE R&D

INFOMAR SURVEY PLANNING Reference grid for 1000km2 Standard Survey Units. Covers Infomar surveyed area and survey gap areas.

Survey Units that contain survey gaps below 50m have been symbolised by most common depth value (modal).

Survey Units that contain survey gaps have also been clipped to show gap area extent.

Date: 23/01/19

Legend

1000km2 Standard Survey Unit

INFOMAR Surveys

Biologically Sensitive Area

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

30nm from Coast

Standard Survey Units by Modal Depth Value for Areas containing Data Gaps Outside of 30NM only

50m to 100m 100m to 150m

150m Plus

Data Gaps by Depth Below 50m 0m to 50m

Proposed Survey Areas 2019

Proposed Survey Area CV Primary Proposed Survey Area CV Contingency Proposed Survey Area CE Proposed Survey Area GS Vessels

OPEN DAY The inshore survey vessels will be open to the public in Dunmore East on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May to coincide with the Dunmore East Harbour Festival.

0

10 20

40

60

80

100

Nautical Miles 0

50

100 Kilometers

150

200

24 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

MARINE R&D

Public opinion favours a policy-led plan and emphasis on the marine environment

A

three-month public consultation on a National Marine Planning Framework Baseline report* that sets out the context in which a marine spatial plan for Ireland is being developed, received 173 responses from the general public and stakeholder groups.

A preliminary analysis shows that the topics most frequently mentioned were the marine environment, (53%), ports/harbours/ shipping (44%) and nature conservation (41%). Other

issues included consents and licensing (34%), renewable energy (34%), aquaculture (31%), fisheries (28%), seaweed harvesting (23%), cultural heritage and assets (23%).

Climate change and how the NMPF could contribute to Ireland’s mitigation and adaptation measures was a frequently raised issue (42%).

A key decision in the development of Ireland’s first marine spatial plan is the basis on which areas might be spatially designated for particular purposes,

according to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Respondents were asked to indicate if they preferred a ‘zonal approach, policybased approach or a hybrid of both. Of the 57 respondents who expressed a preference for one approach or another, 44% favoured a policy-led plan, 40% elected for a hybrid model and 16% indicated a preference for zoning.

The first draft NMPF is expected in mid-2019, followed by a second consultation.

BACKGROUND

I

n 2014 the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted Directive 2014/89/ EU. The directive established a framework for MSP and details the main goals (Article 5) and minimum requirements (Article 6). The MSP must be in place by March 2021.

Stakeholders included: individual members of the public, coastal community groups, environmental NGOs, sports organisations, stakeholder representative bodies, fisheries organisations, energy providers, Local Authorities, public sector bodies, political representatives and parties, and higher education. * Published in September 2018, the report also describes the ‘as is’ situation in terms of existing sectoral development and activities in Ireland’s maritime area, including identification of future opportunities and constraints for each.

The report also sets out high-level objectives, questions and issues intended to prompt discussion among stakeholders.

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 25

MARINE R&D

Lough Hyne diverse sponge communities showing climate change impact Alison Donnelly, AECOM

L

ough Hyne is every marine enthusiast’s paradise. This semi-enclosed marine lake, five kilometres west of Skibbereen Co, Cork, is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecology. Since initial biological studies were carried out in 1886, the dense marine life within Lough Hyne was (and still is) considered a ‘Biodiversity hotspot’ (Bell and Barnes 2000b). This led it to be designated as Europe’s first statutory Marine Nature Reserve in 1981.

Since these initial studies over a century ago, scientific research has been ongoing to try to understand and protect the rich biodiversity within the lough.

While there are many sub-littoral communities, one of the most unique is arguably the sub-littoral boulder sponge community that has been extensively studied for more than 40 years and over 100 species identified to date.

DIVERSE COMMUNITIES

The occurrence of these sponges is believed to be due to the high number of niches available and the small sheltered area that makes up Lough Hyne (1km²) (Bell and Barnes 2000a, Bell and Barnes 2000b).

The presence of unusually dense, rich and diverse sponge communities in Lough Hyne (Lilly et al., 1953, Van Soest and Bell and Barnes, 2000b) suggests they play a paramount role in the ecosystem.

Unfortunately, in recent years extensive studies carried out by leading experts on the benthic communities suggest alarming changes, most probably as a result of changing environment.

As part of my MSc thesis in University College Cork I had the opportunity to study this fascinating sponge community. For this, I set out to identify the current sponge community compared to previous studies carried out over the past 40 years. This information is important as the sponge community has the ability to significantly affect other benthic organisms in Lough Hyne’s highly diverse nature reserve.

The results of my study suggest a significant decline in sponge biodiversity. A total of 46 sponge species were identified from seven sites of which two species (Haliclona indistincta and Cliona rubra) have not been identified previously.

I also found what appears to be an increase in uniformity regarding sponge communities compared to previous years.

As such, there seems to be no significant difference in sponge diversity between the sites. This was a surprise to me given the differences already known in sponge diversity between sites.

My results suggest that more dominate/tolerant species may be ‘out-competing’ the less tolerant species, thereby lowering the overall sponge diversity in Lough Hyne.

ANTHROPOGENIC STRESSORS

The perceived decline in biodiversity, including sponges, may be due to anthropogenic stressors including eutrophication, increased sedimentation, nitrogen enrichment, hypoxia and even direct pressure from tourists which have all been highlighted in recent publications (Jessopp et al., 2011, Trowbridge et al., 2017).

This study presents the first signs of temporal change occurring in sponge communities in Lough Hyne.

The presence of two new sponge species identified at Lough Hyne along with the perceived decline in sponge diversity may reflect changing conditions and which pose a threat to marine biodiversity at this internationally significant site (NPWS 2014).

This alarming change has led me to where I am today. I now work in AECOM Ireland Limited within the ecology team. Our ecology team has a strong understanding of ecological sensitivities surrounding protected sites.

We aim to assess if there are any likely significant effects caused by human impacts and strive to help preserve our environment.

26 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

MARINE R&D

Colourful anemones colonising the superstructure of the wreck found off the coast of Kerry.

Photo: CRIS, UL

Submarine robot investigates WWI shipwrecks

E

ngineers from CRIS (Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems) at the University of Limerick (UL) and MaREI (Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland) have investigated a series of unknown shipwrecks off the west coast of Ireland.

A team of researchers led by chief scientist Dr Gerard Dooly (UL) aboard RV Celtic Explorer used a new automated underwater vehicle, ROV Étáin to carry out survey CE2019001 in highly challenging environments.

The recently unveiled Irish National Monuments Service Wreck Viewer lists the locations of more than 4,000 shipwrecks from the 18,000 potential wrecks recorded in Irish waters, giving some indication of the available infrastructure on the seafloor.

The discovery and highly detailed survey of the sites was possible for the first time through the technological innovations that the CRIS team have been trialing.

Developed at UL and funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the underwater

vehicle control system uses artificial intelligence and high-powered computers for autonomous controls, enabling perception and the ability for the robot to evaluate situations independent of human help.

These technologies unlock a high level of safety and awareness which is essential for operating in difficult conditions such as shipwrecks and high weather areas off our coast.

“Near the wreck, we saw pots and pans and unexploded ordinance (shells and primers) scattered on the seafloor, reminding us of the human misfortune that occurred at the time of sinking,” remarked Dr Gerard Dooly.

“Every wreck has its own story, so it’s always interesting to locate long forgotten shipwrecks and then try to determine the identity of the wreck and understand something of the circumstances of the tragedy.”

TECHNICAL CHALLENGE

Close quarter inspection of these sites is technically challenging and hazardous due to the presence of abandoned fishing gear.

“The blended control and automation of the

The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), semi-autonomously controlled using novel advanced software known as OceanRINGS developed by the University of Limerick’s Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems.

Photo: CRIS, UL

ROV provided by our ULdeveloped OceanRINGS software and other UL systems allows us to safely complete these missions,” he added.

Profiting from benign weather conditions at this time of year, the survey successfully located and dived on two large wrecks (greater than 100m) thought to be that of a liner and a large cargo vessel, and one smaller wreck, found to be an operational WWI era U-boat.

A high definition camera survey of one of the wrecks revealed that intact parts of the ship were colonised by various colourful epifauna: anemones, solitary corals, oysters and brachiopods.

Subsequent multibeam mapping of one wreck — thought to be that of the ocean liner S.S. Canadian — applying a newly published protocol on imaging of shipwrecks developed by Ulster University (UU) showed a large debris field that was not visible on the original map of the wreck, suggesting a violent impact with the seabed.

“These emerging and advanced methods for surveying allow us to map and understand processes affecting shipwrecks and the ecological environments they support in an unprecedented level of detail,” explained.

Dr Chis McGonigle, School of Geography and Environmental Science, UU. This research survey was carried out as part of the National Research Vessels Ship-Time Programme, with the support of the Marine Institute and funded under the Marine Research Programme 2014-2020.

Coldwater Corals colonising the superstructure of the wreck found off the coast of Kerry.

Photo: CRIS, UL

Above & Below: Pots and pans and unexploded ordinance (shells and primers) scattered on the seafloor were visible near the wreck off the coast of Kerry.

Photo: CRIS, UL

A multibeam sonar image showing a large debris field suggesting a violent impact with the seabed.

Photo: CRIS, UL, Courtesy Oisin Callery, NUI Galway

The recently unveiled Irish National Monuments Service Wreck Viewer lists the locations of more than 4,000 wrecks from a total of 18,000 records of potential wrecks in Irish waters.

Photo: Government of Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 27

MARINE R&D

The effect of climatic factors on river-based ecosystems

T

he work of 153 researchers from 40 countries, including scientists from the Marine Institute, Newport, Co Mayo, has led to new findings on the effect of climatic factors on riverbased ecosystems.

Quantifying decomposition rates in over 500 rivers across the globe, including every continent, the study found that climatic factors, such as temperature and moisture, influenced carbon-cycling rates of river-based ecosystems.

“Staff based in the Institute’s Newport research facility

conducted the fieldwork in the Burrishoole catchment where long-term ecological research has been carried out since 1955. We carried out the work in the Srahrevagh, Fiddaunnahoilean, Fiddaunveela and Goulaun rivers, which drain towards Lough Feeagh, and are important spawning streams for salmon and trout,” explained Elvira de Eyto, Marine Institute.

DECOMPOSITION RATES Carbon cycling is critical for the functioning of systems across a range of spatial

scales —from local food webs to the global climate.

“River ecosystems play significant roles in the global carbon cycle by regulating rates of decomposition and transporting organic matter to the oceans. However, we have only a rudimentary understanding of how decomposition rates vary from river to river,” explained study leader, Scott Tiegs, biology professor, Oakland University, Michigan.

Unlike most previous studies on carbon cycling in streams and rivers, the methodology used was

identical across all field sites. The study made use of a standardised, easyto-use bioassay, which enabled a large number of researchers to participate in the study.

The paper noted that the climatic factors that govern decomposition rates are increasingly impacted by human activities. These findings will help researchers establish baselines to quantify environmental impacts to the functioning of ecosystems on a global scale.

“In addition to providing fundamental information on how river ecosystems function, our results provide baseline data that will enable future researchers to evaluate large-scale ecological responses to warming and other dimensions of global climate change” Dr Tiegs added.

The findings are published in the latest issue of the journal Science Advances where the paper can be read in full at: http:// advances.sciencemag.org/ content/5/1/eaav0486

€2.4m investment for industry-led marine projects

T

he Marine Institute is to provide twelve marine businesses (in collaboration with five universities) with investment funding of €2.4m over the next three years, to drive continued innovation in Ireland’s ocean economy — a key requirement of the Marine Institute-led, National Marine Research and Innovation Strategy (2017-2021).

The twelve grants of up to €200,000 each, which are being provided to individual companies and companyled consortia, will support novel R&D and development of new technologies in key growth areas of marine engineering, renewable energy and the blue bioeconomy.

BLUE GROWTH

Announcing the investment, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed said Ireland’s blue economy continues to grow and develop in line with the targets of the national integrated marine plan, Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth.

“Indigenous small and medium enterprises are identifying new commercial

opportunities across a range of marine sectors which can lead to economic growth and new jobs. These industryled awards provide the opportunity for companies to build their R&D capacity and to innovate towards new products and processes.

“I look forward to seeing the twelve successful companies develop and grow their businesses with the support of this significant public investment funding.”

Marine Institute CEO Dr Peter Heffernan said the Marine Institute was committed to assisting industry-led development through knowledge transfer, capacity building, research and Innovation.

“This investment in industry-led research is a key deliverable of the Marine Institute’s Strategic Plan 20182022: Building Ocean Knowledge, Delivering Ocean Services.

“Job creation in the marine sector is increasing as a result of such investment and Irish marine companies have built an excellent reputation internationally for innovation and best practice. The twelve companies receiving funding through this funding call have demonstrated the demand and capability to

fuel further growth through marine research.”

Increased economic growth and job creation from small and mediumsized enterprises based in Ireland is a key component of several national strategies and regional development plans. These awards will be carried out with the support of the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme 20142020 funded by the Irish

Government, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

A diverse range of companies applied to the Marine Institute, following the launch of its industryled call in May 2018.

Awards were approved for companies operating in a range of marine sectors.

These include: SolarMarine Energy, Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions, Subsea Micropiles, Marine

Project Title

Lead Organisation (Company)

Development of marine functional Bio-marine food to support muscle health Ingredients and healthy aging in older adults Ireland Ltd

Materials Ltd, Exceedence Ltd, w1Da Experience and Resolute Marine.

Bioresources processing company, Bio-marine Ingredients Ltd, was also awarded funding, while advanced technologies companies, Xocean Ltd and IDS Monitoring and marine engineering companies Technology from Ideas and Ocean Energy were also successful in their funding applications.

Project Partners

Total Project Funding Awarded

Main Research Theme (National Marine R&I Strategy)

Dublin City University & University of Limerick

€200,000

Bioresources: Processing for Food & Other Use

Not Applicable

€199,960

Bioresources: Aquaculture

Aquamoor

Technology From Ideas Ltd

A Morphodynamic Study of the Irish Sea

Gavin & Doherty University Geosolutions College Cork

€199,957

Renewable Energy

Development of the next generation fisheries surveys using a “swarm” of Unmanned Surface Vessels

Xocean Limited

Not Applicable

€199,739

Advanced Technologies

Floating Solar Hybrid Energy Project

SolarMarine Energy Ltd

University College Cork

€195,465

Renewable Energy

Eureka-SeaWind: A lighter, more cost-effective solution for floating offshore wind

Marine Materials Ireland Ltd

Not Applicable

€199,816

Renewable Energy

The IDS Smart buoy Project

IDS Monitoring Ltd

Not Applicable

€196,275

Advanced Technologies

OWSC - Designing for Manufacture, Deployment, Operation, Maintenance and Decommissioning

Resolute Marine

Not Applicable

€199,955

Renewable Energy

Development of Micropile Technology for Subsea Environment

Subsea Micropiles Ltd

Not Applicable

€199,902

Renewable Energy

1kW Inline Gator - aquaculture application

Exceedence Ltd

Technology From Ideas Ltd

€199,532

Renewable Energy

Engineering Advanced Materials for Marine Energy and Aquaculture applications.

Ocean Energy Ltd.

NUI Galway

€195,565

Engineering

Marine EcoPowa Project

w1Da Experience Ltd

University College Cork & University of Southampton

€198,763

Renewable Energy

Total Grant-Aid Funding Awarded

€2,384,929

28 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

MARITIME

Revived interest in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector Gillian Mills

T

he Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has published its report: IPORES 2018 - A Review of Irish Ports Offshore Renewable Energy Services which summarises information on Irish port infrastructure, facilities and management plans to meet the requirements of marine renewable energy developers.

The report also comments on preparedness of Irish ports to meet the needs of this emerging sector.

Ireland’s ORE resources are ‘among the largest in Europe but the assets are largely undeveloped,’ the report finds. To date, the only offshore wind project deployed in Ireland is the 25MW (7 turbine) demonstration project, commissioned in 2004.

‘Recent policy developments

have however stimulated a renewed focus in investment opportunities in Ireland’s offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources,’ it claims.

The study indicates that between 1500MW and 5,200MW ‘could be deployed in Ireland by 2030’, the majority of which would be offshore wind and tidal turbines.

Irish ports are “well positioned to provide the necessary services required within the timeframe associated with the roll-out of the industry in Ireland” remarks IMDO director Liam Lacey in the foreword.

“Irish ports have exhibited a capacity to respond positively to commercial opportunities and will do so again as the offshore renewable energy industry grows,” he adds.

FRAMEWORK PLAN

A Review of Irish Ports Offshore Renewable Energy Services 2018

Commercial opportunities centre on construction, assembly, servicing and device maintenance, along with

Figure 5:1: Offshore Renewable Potential Ireland West Coast (North) –

East Coast (North)

• 3000-4500MW of fixed wind • 7000-8000MW of wave (10–100m water dept) • 6000-7000MW of wave (100–200m water dept) • 750-1500MW of tidal • 7000-8000MW of floating wind

• 1200-1500MW of fixed wind

West Coast – • 500MW of fixed wind • 5000MW of wave (10–100m water dept) • 6000-7000MW of wave (100–200m water dept) • 7000MW of floating wind

East Coast (South) • 3000-3300MW of fixed wind • 750-1500MW of tidal

Shannon Estuary –

limited tidal potential

West Coast (South) – • 600-900MW of fixed wind • 500-600MW of wave (10–100m water dept) • 3000-3500MW of wave (100–200m water dept) • 5000-6000MW of floating wind Source: RSM using data from The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP)

South Coast • 1500-1800MW of fixed wind • 6000MW of floating wind

accommodating supply-chain activities on port estates.

A framework that built on the 2012 report reflects the current position in the offshore renewable market, along with existing projects and pipelines and future potential at the nation’s ports and harbours.

The study involved a detailed stakeholder consultation process and analysis of all ports around the island of Ireland, contrasted against key renewable energy services ports in the UK, Denmark and Germany.

Recommendations include establishing ‘clear targets to deliver new offshore ocean renewable projects’ to generate new investment and employment.

Seizing the opportunities offered by developing the ORE sector ‘has the potential to provide significant economic benefits for Ireland,’ the report claims.

Robust estimates of potential job creation ‘are grounded in current market intelligence derived from recent consultation with the ORE industry, a comprehensive literature review and international benchmarking.’

‘These forecasts could be used to strengthen, support and drive the agenda to develop the ORE sector, illustrating the role that ports and harbours (with capacity and interest) have to play in developing the sector and the benefits that could accrue.’

‘Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources have the potential of between 63,000 and 73,000 MW of power available for harnessing.’

Fishery harbour investment to fund safety, maintenance and disability access

A

Capital Investment Package of almost €36m has been announced for safety, maintenance and new development work at Ireland’s six fishery harbour centres: Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs.

Flagship projects include the Dinish Island quay extension at Castletownbere (€17.5m), the Smooth Point extension Phase 2 at Killybegs (€4m) and additional berthing on the Middle Pier, Howth (€4.5m).

The 2019 package “underlines the importance this government places on the ever-significant contribution of the wider seafood sector to Ireland’s economy,”remarked marine minister, Michael Creed.

The quay extension projects will provide an additional 460 metres of berthing space for increasing fishing activity in particular, but also recognises growing demand from the commercial cargo, leisure, tourism and cruise liner sectors.

This latest investment builds on the €96m invested in the Fishery Harbour Centres since 2010 and the €27m invested in local authority infrastructure. These projects are also under consideration for co-funding under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund.

“Improving the standards of facilities at our Fishery Harbour Centres and other public harbour around our coast attracts increasing and additional economic activities, benefiting a broad cohort of current and future harbour.”

Other investment includes €2.48m for safety, maintenance and disability access works at the six fishery harbours and at North Harbour, Cape Clear, and €2m for a ‘Local Authority Harbour Development and Marine Leisure Programme’ to repair and develop piers, harbours and slipways under their ownership The primary function of the fishery centres is to underpin ongoing development of fisheries and seafood processing sectors and other marine-related activities.

7 Vol n 201

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new representative organisation for the fishing industry that is being backed by the Producer Organisations has also been welcomed by key State agencies including the Marine Institute, the

Harbour Innovation Campus for Dún Laoghaire

Pages 14-16

SFPA and BIM which is acting as secretariat.

“The initiative to set up the National Fisheries Development Group came from within the fishing industry and was conceived by people who felt there was need for a new organisation a help them with their day-to- to day working lives,” Dr Peter Tyndall, the group’s chairman exclusively told Inshore Ireland.

“The NFDG is not a producer organisation and it’s not going to conflict in any way with existing organisations. It was set up by fishermen who saw the need for a body that would provide financial advice; and give advice on workers’ rights; employment law; health and pension schemes, social welfare entitlements as well as education and

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text, which ide Mills(MS) You can now view the previous page draft Pg Gillianer States ually issue on e alongs www.inshore-ireland.com act 5. part of a packagon Britain’s or you can follow us Membht were in 201tive on Twitter www.twitter.com/in two eig profitsExecu the legal treaty shore_ireland rkedly egs from the EU, and Facebook www.facebook.com out of g nethief tor sts ma Killyb ue of withdrawal oghue said the /InshoreIreland trathe le sec rec e val makinhis conof ies, ’s ord er scarmen Seán O’Don sful fisheries nom king nl the tru “T Fishe the larg n maisatio mate local eco cern key to a succes be this link: ap fue ts”.

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75 of the textt ma niti aph (KFO to ration ON mu Paragr profits there the true stimate ducer com n the contex ic Brexi accesst decla specif the GNITI states: ‘Withi l economic and includesCO coastal losses that t, undereon fish pro , ludes RE inc overal EU and which E r bes the to ort of ment “Entireastating jobs”. at a rep d s the fou OR EMFF ote the Parties ackno devg acces In sations in that the d INSHwledg partnership linkin h two risk devome and e newto hts Irelan s wit ns Thnce section refere s of organi highlig in the eriewider in inc ski pla TA 7 entire sleto fishthe of t Fisher Ruci andanquota LIFE recognised action sca OF DAthe 201 t s but 10% Impac Marcin small- icles on s. All MS ion POs e only number ume LACKIreland, notes tha (Low e) and ore Irelandtion of ent mit act s n key art by vol For For F report ustry is erie includby vessel investm sub Europ to Insh publica ission’s training. A National al, ofte and iged to scale fishal fleet t for 90% catch. le fish and the Regional Inshore STEC ing inded in rur spoke ing the Comm n Fishermen’s Register is also are oblon smallir nation es. all-sca from accoun Irish fish Fisheries Forums the fishrily bas stal areas.ived ills (RIFFs) follow ropean Europea d proposed,” he explained. t, sm ed . plans t of the Programm Fun of the st par exclud ta. n M there was a who agreed prima d, coa ome der e, the Eu al on the eries 1-2027 According to Tyndall, llia that e 16 as par tional e need Gi the mo ers areess to quo for a representativetim tor s deprive h, inc acultur propos e and Fish rs 202 who took up the role a » pag h group, d sec Opera acc Marcin inator ritim the yea Maritime ‘As suc ing, aqu fisher produc higmembers foo comprisingistwo Ma to and sea few months ago, practical g ale to fish , It -sc e of the POs cording E’s Coordrth from each from the widerimportant ” Vella ofall nment heries coverin the POs, topics like these are constant sm k e on ficiaries Ac No NIFFs and Enviroand Fis Karmenu ic and remely nomies.t the lac com and ski, LIF and only issues facing fishermen: ne fourg. It beRIFFs r Ruci Baltic tic Sea in independent is ext local ecoever tha all-scale in be who Affairs issione l Econom members “Even before I was ma ic, fundineguard nua for thein the Balle fleets aren’t aligned these s how a for sm s ean any Comm approached, fishermen had scientif ic PO.” ure for to saf ropwith the ‘An It addable dat s ‘remain y for Sea, all-sca and t’ of the econom s already talked to their POs of Eu tifiable the futfishing the sm of reli fisherieparticularltres’.

Repor cal and fisherie nt a and to the National Inshore is jusbrighten » EU page 9 in the coastal matic, n 10 mempts technimittee on ever pai llenges Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and 80% of is small over proble less tha ort atte com F) howof the cha linn, the which ploys e, as orc of vessels this rep (STECpicture tor. In Tal fleet and em s workf While stark this sec r, Vella of 135 scale of the thousandctly g. yea out ing fac 50% as for indire all t 53 a last makin Estoni hted thawere loss well ly andjobs for value highlig fleets directndent ng the coastal depe rs alo uty m , dep worke ” iordan platfor chain.

O’R LIFE Brian of the or direct

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because the UK refuses to appreciate that the issues arising are not as simple as

were thought at the start “and prospects worsened when they decided in January 2017 to leave the Single Market and the Customs union which was not required by the referendum vote.”

“The UK’s fishing industry and the Brexiteers want to ‘reclaim’ their waters, give higher quotas to fishermen within their 200-mile zone and less to others —including Irish fishermen who have shared these waters for years.

“The Irish catching and processing sectors want to retain full access to these waters and retain our share of the catches. It is not the Common Fisheries Policy

that decimated Hull and Grimsby, it was the outcome of the Icelandic Cod wars in the mid- seventies,” Ó Cinnéide believes.

He is critical of those who argue that Brexit offers a unique opportunity to renegotiate the CFP, saying would be a “serious mistake”it to see Brexit as an opportunity for Irish fishing and a reason for re-negotiating our share of fish quotas or even to leave the EU altogether.

“It is overwhelmingly in Ireland’s national interest to remain in the EU, and it would be a very unfortunate time now to pick fights with the very people whose

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FREE TRADE Nie “clear fisherietrade negr also out EU must tle on two crazy” ing This meansa the andcould UK ARRANGEMENTS ive ina widere ministe s with the l IrishMarch a bat solutely which fish er ‘crash out’ rspect annext che He says Ireland clearly rns d’s with eth ion Th “ab pe m Mi tter wa wh uss be o ma nofro securityean tor, overtal ks, Ire lan access, wants to maintain the free quota “N you’re in demersal, s his discnegotia or trade Europ in xit arrangements.” cie c, trade arrangements in Bre ure chief sector pelagi ed spe fig thehe says This, would fisheries products which he be very ustry. ding ind about ut you’re h or mix l disaster leaparticularly serious, talk g abo believes are crucial for the en Iin relation shellfisxit is a reang.” fishindand whNephrops to mackerel talkingtalking Irish industry, mindful of - Bre does wro [prawns]“An I’m not - I’m we cannots processing the high level of trade with deand if it trade, exporting, two d tra Ireland’s Britain itself and that a great trade If it doe seafoo of total linkage. over.” most significant deal of our seafood exports about fisheries. that game is continental Europe and the to break , the happen » page 21

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30 INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019

COASTLINE NEWS

Coast guard urges ALL water users to always wear a flotation device Total sign-up asked of Irish fishing fleet to marine litter initiative

Marine Minister Michael Creed with Jim O’Toole, BIM chief executive, at Castletownbere launch

M

arine minister Michael Creed has called on all Irish fishing vessels to sign up to the ‘Clean Oceans’ initiative by December 31, to achieve 100% participation in Ireland’s first coordinated scheme on land and at sea, to collect, reduce and reuse marine litter.

This scheme builds on the voluntary BIM ‘Fishing for Litter’ pilot scheme in eleven ports that has hauled over 190 tonnes since 2015.

“I recognise that coordinated action is required on land and at sea to address the serious issue of pollution of the oceans with plastics.

This threatens our fish stocks, the wider marine environment and the future of our fishing industry,” he said.

Minister Creed added he was setting “a world first” by having all fishing vessels cleaning and removing plastic every day.

“This is a challenge which I am confident our fishing industry will rise to and succeed in setting an example for other nations.”

SUPPORT FUNDING Funding under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will be available for on-board storage facilities and on-shore infrastructure for ‘environmentally-friendly disposal of all plastics, waste, ‘ghost’ fishing gear etc recovered at sea. The on-shore facility will also be available to fishermen and aquaculture operators to dispose of unwanted fishing gear and other items with a plastic element.

A team representing all stakeholders and the wider community will focus on solutions for marine litter, prevention and removal and will report quarterly to BIM, for feedback to Minister Creed by the December deadline.

Contamination of the marine environment comprises eighty per cent plastics and reached 335 million metric tons world-wide in 2016. Plastics do not biodegrade but instead photo-degrade, breaking up from recognisable items of all sizes into tiny particles that pose risk to marine wildlife and the marine environmental in general.

While research is underway into the extent of the problem “we cannot afford to delay remedial actions and must act now to promote all possible measures to prevent plastics from entering our marine environment,” Minister Creed emphasised.

Patrick Murphy, chief executive of the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation, congratulated Minister Creed on the initiative.

“We must all play our part in protecting our oceans, the fish stocks and mammals that inhabit these waters. Ireland has some of the richest fishing grounds in Europe, with a vast diversity of species. As a country we have rightly earned the reputation of producing some of the finest seafood products, which are exported globally,” he said.

He added that the ISWFPO was “committed to this challenge” to enhance the work their fishermen were already doing voluntarily, by bringing marine debris ashore at their own cost.

“We look forward to working with Minister Creed and to keeping him abreast of progress throughout the year to achieve the high standard he has set in becoming a world leader with this initiative.”

T

he capacity to raise the alarm and stay afloat is essential to reducing loss of life from drownings at sea or on inland waterways.

“If you can raise the alarm and you can stay afloat then you have an outstanding chance of being rescued by our world-class rescue service,” remarked Chris Reynolds, Irish Coast Guard director.

‘Stay Afloat – Stay in Touch’ highlights the importance of never engaging in any commercial or recreational boating activity without wearing a fully serviced lifejacket or personal flotation device, along with capacity to raise the alarm via VHF Radio, Personal Location Beacon or mobile phone.

The Irish Coast Guard’s end-of-year review for 2018 records more than 1,100 missions by volunteer units and over 400 lives saved. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Dublin processed 137 electronic transmissions the majority of which were false, arising from accidental activation or outof-date equipment no longer in service.

ICG stresses however this should not detract from their value and urges all users to be familiar with their operational and inbuilt test mechanisms.

365 SERVICE

Three rescue coordination services (Malin Head, Valentia Island, Dublin) operate on a 24/7 basis. In 2018 2,650 incidents were managed, up from 2,503 in 2017.

Helicopter services at Dublin, Shannon, Waterford and Sligo (670 missions in 2018) are on a 15-minute notice by day and 45 minutes by night. In addition to their primary role of maritime search and rescue, the ICG provides a 24-hour medical evacuation service for offshore islands.

The nationwide network of volunteer coastguard units comprising over 1,000 volunteers is an integral part of the search and rescue framework who provide rescue boat, cliff rescue and shoreline search services and support communities during local emergencies.

Volunteers are an integral part of community resilience and act as the eyes and ears of rescue services by assessing and responding to coastal emergencies, says ICG director, Chris Reynolds.

“I want to particularly acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of our volunteer members.”

The RNLI is categorised as a ‘declared resource’ to the ICG which means that each individual station can be directly requested to respond to local incidents. In 2018, the RNLI was requested to launch on 836 occasions.

The ICG attaches particular attention to ‘lives saved’ which refers to assistance provided without which would have resulted in loss of life or severe risk of loss of life or protracted

hospitalisation. In 2018, more than 400 people were classified as ‘lives saved’, compared to 340 in 2017. ​Into 2019 the Coast Guard will continue to focus on the importance of prevention as a core theme of drowning prevention and will again work with Irish Water Safety, RNLI and the Irish Sailing Association to promote water safety and to identify key risk areas. The Safety on the Water website will also be relaunched in early Spring.

If you see somebody in trouble in the water, Dial 112 or 999 and ask for the coast guard

INSHORE IRELAND Spring 2019 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

The end of paper: Fisheries control catch reporting turns electronic Brian O’Riordan, LIFE Platform

T

he European Fisheries Control Regulation is being revamped. Several recent reports, including from the European Court of Auditors, have drawn attention to the inadequacy of fishery controls in place for the needs of the CFP. A European Commission proposal to amend the Control Regulation is before the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.

Wheels turn slowly in Europe however, and there is a strong likelihood of delays due to European Parliamentary elections in May and renewal of the European Commission in September.

There is likely also to be a new Parliament, a new Fisheries Commissioner and a reshuffle of posts in DG Mare before much progress is made on the file.

Be that as it may, the fishing sector can expect a new regulation by early 2021 that must be applied two years after the date of its entre into force and may take us well into 2023.

The sector therefore has roughly five years to prepare itself for the revolution that is envisaged for vessel monitoring and catch reporting.

According to DG Mare, this should see an end to

paper. A key problem with paper reporting is the huge amount of work it generates for the control authorities.

MANDATORY TRACKING SYSTEM

The electronic revolution in catch reporting will particularly affect the small-scale (SSF) under 12 metre vessel fleet. The EC proposal specifies that ‘all vessels including those below 12 metres length must have a tracking system’ and that ‘all fishing vessels below 12 metres must report their catches electronically.’

The proposal stresses that ‘for vessels 12 metres in length it is now possible to use mobile devices which are less expensive and easy to use’ and that ‘any additional burden for small operators (small-scale fishermen) will be avoided by the introduction of easy and cost-effective reporting systems for fishery data, taking advantage of affordable and widely available mobile phones technologies.’

While the under 12 metre passive gear sector makes up over 80% of the fleet by numbers and may account for up to 50% of the fishing effort in terms of days at sea, the SSF fleet only contributes 6% by weight and 12% by value of the total EU catch.

In some countries, for example the Netherlands, it only accounts for 1% of national landings. This raises the question as to why so much emphasis is being put on electronic monitoring and

catch reporting in the smallscale fleet. Is a sledge hammer being used to crack a nut?

While this may be a valid question, digital technologies do provide an opportunity for the SSF to operate their businesses more efficiently, to plan their fishing trips more strategically, to market their catches more effectively and to engage more meaningfully in fisheries management.

In short, digital technology provides a huge opportunity for the small-scale fleet that should be grabbed with both hands.

DIGITAL TOOLS

In early December, in cooperation with Member States, DG Mare organised a workshop: ‘Digital Tools for Small Scale Fisheries’ to take a closer look at current initiatives on electronic monitoring and catch reporting. The three sessions covered electronic monitoring, digital tools for catch reporting and the use of EMFF as an EU funding mechanism.

The new EC proposal for EMFF post 2020, also before the European Parliament and Council, highlights that ‘certain obligations foreseen by the revision of the Control Regulation justify a specific support from the EMFF’ including, ‘the compulsory vessel tracking and electronic reporting systems in the case of small-scale coastal fishing vessels, and the compulsory remote electronic monitoring systems.’

The 16 presentations made at the DG Mare workshop in December and the subsequent discussions highlighted that the ‘brave new world’ of catch reporting is not just waiting in the wings but has been around for several years.

Technological solutions, including voice recognition, artificial intelligence, machine learning and drones (underwater and airborne) are already out there.

That said, however effective and easy-to-use new

mobile technologies may be, unless there is an effective application programming interface (API) between the mobile technology and the server logging the catch data, together with the required infrastructure to actually handle the data flows in the first place, then the Regulation is going to be more of a road block than a route map for effective and efficient fisheries management in Europe.

In this regard, the interconnected issues of data protection and privacy are a cause for concern, especially CCTV footage, which is a major element in the new Control Regulation but not only in relation to implementing the landing obligation.

DATA ACCURACY

Several of the presentations highlighted that automated systems of vessel monitoring, particularly when using active gears, can provide insights into vessel activity.

Providing, as they do, data on position, speed and direction of a particular vessel and changes logged in speed and direction, may indicate when gear is being set, towed and retrieved.

This can then be crosschecked with logbook information to verify the accuracy of data provided on time of setting and retrieving gear, along with

location of fishing grounds.

Several participants drew attention to the inherent danger of multi-tasking on small vessels in adverse sea conditions and treacherous currents and tides. There were calls for catch reporting to be done after entry into port, rather than making it obligatory to file catch notifications prior to landing.

The increasing age of small-scale fishers was also raised as an issue of concern. In several cases it was noted that older fishers had difficulties in adapting to computer-based and digital technologies. Related to this was the issue of errors arising in data entry, thereby invalidating catch reports.

Several practitioners drew attention to the need for adequate training and allowing adequate time for fishers to learn how to use and become adept at using digital catch reporting systems.

Inadequate training and lack of familiarity with digital tools would lead to errors arising.

Last but not least, a key take-home message was that the data generated by electronic monitoring and catch reporting for control purposes, could also contribute to many other purposes. For example, multiuse of logbook and position fixing data could greatly assist fishery managers, scientists, and the fishers themselves.

A full report from the meeting is available on the DG Mare website (https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/mare/ document.cfm?action=display&doc_id=57359), along with the presentations made at the workshop (https://ec.europa. eu/fisheries/press/outcomes-workshop-digital-toolssmall-scale-fisheries-brussels-4-5-december-2018_en).

Sledge Hammer and Nut: http://lifeplatform.eu/control_regulation/ European Court of Auditors Special Report No 08/2017: EU fisheries controls: more efforts needed https://www. eca.europa.eu/en/Pages/DocItem.aspx?did=41459

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL

WEAR ONE NEAR OR ON WATER. ALWAYS.

iws.ie