News from the coast and inland waterways
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INSHORE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT:
October/November 2011 Vol 7 Issue 5
MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE PAGES 16-18 Proposed stocks for 2012 unveiled........pages 22-23
TALE OF LOST OPPORTUNITY?
News...................................... page 2-3 New Species Discovery ............ page 4 Your View ........................... pages 6-7
pages 8-11
Fisheries Reform .................... page 12 Marine R&D ...................... page 24-25 Coastline News ................. page 28-29
Jobs bonanza forecast for ocean energy sector – but only with solid government action Gery Flynn and Gillian Mills
I
reland’s maritime sector has received a major confidence boost underpinned by the prospect of a massive jobs spin-off following the announcement that the world’s largest marine renewable energy research centre is to be built here and completed by 2013. Named in honor of the renowned Irish nineteenth century hydrographer, the National Beaufort Centre of the Maritime and Energy Research Campus and Commercial Cluster (MERC3) on a site close to the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) and the Irish Naval Service Base (INS) at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
WORLD-WIDE RECOGNITION
Increasingly recognised world-wide for the quality of its maritime-related R&D, the MERC partnership includes INS, University College Cork (UCC), the Cork Institute of
Technology (CIT) and the NMCI. News that the Beaufort laboratory will be operational by May 2013 is a clear signal that Ireland is moving centre stage in maritime research, an area that has long been ignored and often starved of investment. Dr Valerie Cummins, Director of MERC told Inshore Ireland that the Beaufort will have 135 researchers “under the one roof ” and when fully developed “there will be nothing equivalent” anywhere else. “The laboratory presents a major opportunity for Ireland to capitalise on the knowledge within the R&D community. It’s a good indicator that regarding marine research, we’re going in the right direction as a nation.” Clearly relishing the opportunities that the Beaufort project will bring to Ireland, Dr Cummins is nevertheless keen to avoid hyperbole and measures her words carefully: “I know these days we all talk about ‘centres of excellence’ and things that are ‘world-class’ so it’s important to realise that with Beaufort
on campus we’re not starting from scratch. We’re building on solid foundations in terms of UCC’s fantastic track record in research with its Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre, and the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre. There’s also the maritime college here too and
its thousand-plus personnel highly trained in areas such as diving, communications, robotics and logistics,” she explains.
DRIVING FORCE
According to Dr Cummins, the initial focus and driver of research at Beaufort will be marine renewable
energy, and she points to the “huge potential” for Ireland to harness ocean energy, particularly wave and tidal. “Not only do we have a unique resource on the west coast of Ireland in terms of the wave energy regime but we’re also very well placed by »
page 2
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny with Brendan O’Mahony (left), Chairman IFI and Ciaran Byrne, CEO IFI inspecting the upgrades to the salmon weir on the River Moy at Ballina, Co Mayo (see story inside, page 15)
DON’T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE OF
AVAI LAB L FROM E
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inshore ireland october/november 2011
INSHORE FISHERIES
Seafood landed by the fleet in Roundstone is vital to the local economy
443 tonnes of spider crab worth €600,000 were landed in 2009
» from page 9
national, management regime for lobster.
The South Wexford Lobster Co-op hatchery closed in 2001 and by then the ILA itself was in serious decline. By 2003, only nine co-ops from the original membership
after all, this was at the heart of everything they had seen in
section had its work cut out if the agency was going to
in many other countries including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
deliver.
POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
During the early years of the inshore initiative much was
scheme, and whilst some still criticise that process, it did
time), and the start of a new partnership with science.
who did not agree with the plan and even some who worked to block it, it was equally clear that the majority of inshore
CONSERVATION DIRECTIVE
through most of these early years, worked with the team and exploitation of all the key inshore stocks. While these reports painted a broadly optimistic picture, they also revealed many issues that had to be addressed as a matter
stretched around the coast from Dundalk Bay to Inishowen entirely outside that network. And so, while the and the
and the may all, sadly, be things of
conservation objectives that are part-and-parcel of Natura. of similar dangers – not least the problems that beset the east
MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
It was against this backdrop that the beginning of a formal management structure for the inshore sector began to emerge Sadly by that stage, many who had once again enthusiastically embraced the management and conservation agenda had about keeping the co-management approach alive, and with
So, for today and indeed the foreseeable future, Natura agencies, has fewer resources. This is equally true of coastal
in the
, the SAGs brought together
This structure also anticipated the formation of Local
the lobster SAG, and for the next two and a half years, the group busily set about drawing up and agreeing a new,
scheme, health & safety, and the roll out of Year.
in the New
And yet, when all is said and done, one can’t help but wonder if a golden opportunity has quietly slipped through the net?
Please send your views to the editor at mills@inshore-ireland.com before 11/11 for publication in our next issue (10/12).
inshore ireland october/november 2011
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INSHORE FISHERIES
Scientific Advice on Shellfish Oliver Tully Fisheries Science Services, MI
for various species
6,614 tonnes of brown crab were landed in 2009, valued at €14m
ANNUAL UPDATE
ASSESSMENTS REQUIRED
Landings of crayfish in 2009 amounted to 205 tonnes, valued at €500,000
Species Advisory Groups management scheme for lobsters. When the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) were established in 2005, we were assured that if we came up with a plan it New proposals for the revised CFP mention easier would be implemented. Eventually, after months rules and conditions for of hard work, a scheme the under 12m inshore was devised and we put it segment, and it would before the Department. seem overall there will be ‘The Plan will be more autonomy given to Member States. This should implemented as soon as it is approved by be a cause for rejoicing; however Ireland’s record in the Sea Food Strategy Implementation Group,’ areas where there is some we were advised... flexibility in management Our management has been a disaster for the plan was published and small boat sector. launched by Minister drift net salmon fishing John Brown in Wexford ended without the traditional, generational in April 2008, and was put before interested fishermen being adequately compensated parties at meetings hosted nationwide by BIM. Europe requested a The majority of lobster 40% reduction in the fishermen attending the eel fishery but our meetings approved the government chose to plan, and all were invited implement a 100% cut to make representations with the stroke of the and amendments in pen, Bass fishing was writing, and many did. completely closed to The response was Irish boats whilst other nations are still allowed overwhelmingly positive; the few reservations could to catch and land bass be accommodated easily. into Ireland Understandably a tiny The East Waterford minority didn’t want any Lobster Co-op and the change to the free-for-all South Wexford Lobster of the status quo. Co-op worked for many years to bring in a Pauline Simpson, Southeast
Mr & Mrs crayfish. 28 tonnes landed in 2009, valued at €1m
The SSIG wholeheartedly supported the project so what happened next? We were told the plan would be brought before the minister. Then we were told that ‘NATURA’ had reservations; that the ‘environmental lobby’ was making it difficult to implement. I asked Karin Dubskey – an energetic and enthusiastic spokesperson on all environmental issues, what these objections were. She assured me that any groupings she represented had nothing but support for the Lobster Management Plan. She had attended the launch and thoroughly approved of it! Several of the Lobster Advisory Group met the Minister in Carrigaholt and urged him to proceed with the introduction. In February 2010 a meeting of the SSIG was postponed, and since then I have heard no official word on what happened to it. Despite being assured the Plan was still alive, the Lobster Advisory Group did not meet again. At The Skipper Expo in Galway in March 2011, members of the group representing ports from
all around the coast met for the last time, and sent a letter to our chairman stating that if we did not have some positive news, or some sign of progress, we would resign en masse at the end of a fortnight. We have heard nothing since, so I guess we are now history. Ger O’Mahony, Southwest An analysis of the many problems within the Irish inshore fisheries shows that solutions are not difficult to formulate. It is, however, in the implementation of these solutions that we seem to fall down. We have seen that report after report has diagnosed the industry’s problems accurately. This knowledge and awareness are essential ingredients towards formulating a solution to developing a viable and sustainable fishery. Implementing the Shellfish Management Framework is a first step. Action is better than inaction and adjustments can be made when the ball
is rolling, through dialogue between the stakeholders. Leadership and responsibility are required from industry, science and administration to make difficult choices and wellinformed decisions. In the Irish inshore fishery, the bargaining power of buyers is very strong, as the fishers are essentially price-takers. To counteract buyers’ strength, fishers need to act collectively, and to form working cooperatives that have some control over supply. This can be accomplished by fishing to the market and withholding supply when demand or price is low. The Irish inshore fishery, however, has essentially unlimited access, since fishers can increase their fishing effort at any time. I believe that a limited resource such as a fishery cannot be managed successfully, without limiting access first. This has been a source of much disagreement within industry and government, and requires some hard choices and unpopular decisions to be made on this important issue of access.
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inshore ireland october/november 2011
FISHERIES
Aquaculture to play a major part in providing seafood security under the next fisheries policy Brendan Price of the Irish Seal Sanctuary called on the Commissioner to close the Irish Sea to trawling on the grounds it faced collapse in the absence of full regulation.
Gillian Mills
O
utlining Common Fisheries Policy reform proposals to Irish stakeholders in Dublin recently, EU Maritime Commissioner Maria Damanaki said the new policy must preserve stocks in a responsible, science-based way. She spoke bluntly about throughout European waters: at sustainable levels by 2022.” Not only would small-scale
Dr Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute CEO; Commissioner Damanaki; Minister Simon Coveney, Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and Jim Fennell, Marine Institute chairman. Photo: A Downes
‘I am tomorrow what I establish today
LOOKING AHEAD INTERCONNECTION
Also on the agenda was a roundtable on Maritime Policy in Ireland with particular focus on innovative industries and research in renewable energy, deep-sea mining and algal bio fuels. Irish stakeholders also tabled their views on the upcoming Atlantic Strategy under the Integrated Maritime Policy.
“The Commissioner claims to put the environment and people at the heart of the CFP reform. To do so she must appreciate and assess the scale of the problem. No fishery has eluded assessment and defied comprehension as much as Irish Sea,” he claims. He suggested this could be addressed by implementing special measures that could be a template for a sustainable multi-species fishery and facilitate stock recovery. “The Commissioner has warned of an automatic reduction of 25% in the Irish Sea TAC in the absence of scientific evidence and progress to MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) by 2015. This would inevitably mean a closure of the Irish Sea to all but a prawn fishery in a very few years, if not addressed immediately.” He suggested that a “fully regulated observer fleet” was required to gather the necessary data on which to establish sustainable fisheries in the Irish Sea. “This is infinitely preferable to closure or collapse,” he warned. He has welcomed Commissioner Damanaki’s commitment to end discarding which he says is worst in the Irish Sea.
THE GALWAY DECLARATION To ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of: » the crucial role of the oceans in climate, carbon cycle and Life on Earth. » the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda. » the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment. » the critical role the European Research Area / 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science & technology.
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FISHERIES
New system provides real-time snapshot of fishing activity
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n 2009, the European Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed to the phased introduction of an electronic logbook to replace paper recording of fishing vessel activity. This is known as an Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS). Implementation timetable across vessel sizes: • January 1, 2010 (24m and over) • July 1, 2011 (15m and over) • January 1, 2012 (12-15m) The decision of the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the subsequent regulations implementing this decision by the European Commission was strongly supported and welcomed by the Irish authorities. The ERS system for the first time will give the Irish fisheries control authorities real-time access to logged fish catch data of all fishing vessels operating in the Irish 200 nautical mile European Economic Zone (EEZ). It will also allow for real-time management of fish quotas. Until now, fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s EEZ but not landing into Irish ports did not have their recorded catches verified by Ireland unless boarded at sea by the Irish Naval Service. Given that 300-500 vessels can operate within this area at any one time, it is clear this system will be an essential element in ensuring a level playing field throughout Europe. include: • real-time monitoring of catches by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters • protection of valuable commercial fish stocks and vital Irish sea-fisheries interests • efficient and effective data interchange between agencies engaged in fisheries monitoring and control functions both in Ireland, the EU and Norway • elimination of inefficiencies in current data exchange mechanisms, as well as
significantly reducing the requirement of manual entry of logbook data into the central databases. In Ireland, the introduction of ERS is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group drawn from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the SeaFisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), the Department of Defence and the Naval Service.
Castletownbere, Co Cork, is a major whitefish port
BACKGROUND
The introduction of ERS commenced in late 2009 and to date, fishing vessels greater than 15 metres have been fitted with an ERS system.This onboard system comprises a laptop with specialist software, ‘ieCatch’ and a communications system for transmitting the catch and fishing information to the Irish ERS hub. The equipment was provided at no cost to fishermen other than annual running costs, e.g. transmission and maintenance. In addition, the SFPA provides a comprehensive training programme for all skippers requiring ERS. In 2010 an ERS hub was developed to capture all information sent from a fishing vessel; this information is available to the SFPA and the Naval Service. If a fishing vessel however is operating in another EU Member State or in Norwegian waters, the ERS information is made available to their fisheries control authorities. This programme of Installations and Training is continuing in 2011 with fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre bracket requiring ERS and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) from January 1, 2012. As with the previous phases, the cost of equipment, installation and training will be borne by the SFPA. The costs of transmission and maintenance will be the responsibility of vessel owners
CONTROL REGULATIONS
If fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre length category have this equipment
Vessels lying alongside at Duncannon, Co Wexord installed it will ensure they are not restricted by the new requirements set out in the recently introduced EU Control Regulations regarding duration of fishing trip and fishing outside the 12 mile limit. A potential exemption however may be sought by fishing vessels in the 1215m category if the owners commit to a fishing pattern that complies by either operating exclusively within the territorial seas of Ireland (inside the 12 nautical mile limit) or never spend more than 24 hours at sea from the time of departure to the return to port. If at a later date a fishing vessel owner chooses to alter his fishing pattern, he will then require ERS and VMS equipment. The SFPA recently wrote to all fishing vessel owners in this category to inform them of this potential exemption and offered the opportunity to apply. Not all vessels however will be granted an exemption; decisions
will be made on a case-bycase basis. The operational profile of certain vessels would make their exemption inconsistent with the control obligations on Ireland, and therefore may dictate they are required to be fitted for both systems, irrespective of their compliance with exemption criteria.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
• fishing vessels that directly target fish species under multi-annual conservation plans
Photo: G Mills
• fishing vessels operating in sea areas subject to effort control such as days-at-sea schemes, or • fishing vessels of certain fleets by virtue of likelihood that they will not always meet the qualifying criteria In February 2011, the Irish ERS system went live for fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters. Fishing vessels currently operating a live ERS in Irish waters include UK, France and Spain.
Figure 1: The Satlink FB250 Satellite Communications Hardware (SCH)
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INSHORE IRELAND October/November 2011
FRESHWATER FOCUS
Lough Swilly: Upland trout: A Living Landscape
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estled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Ireland’s most northern coast is Lough Swilly – one of the largest of Ireland’s sea loughs. Long noted for its scenic beauty, Lough Swilly is also the site of several momentous events in Ireland’s history: the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan. Written by a team of experts, this book explores Lough Swilly – from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough. Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds, the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark. The Lough’s position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history. Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be, the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade. Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks, and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana. Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Lough’s history and its maritime archaeology. The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing; fish farming; conservation; recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Lough’s value for future generations. Edited by Andrew Cooper, professor of coastal studies, University of Ulster. Lough Swilly: A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press. See www.fourcourtspress.ie ISBN: 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE: €35.00
CONTRIBUTORS
Neil Bass, Andrew Cooper (U Ulster), Paul Dunlop (U Ulster), Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT), Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council), Derek Jackson (U Ulster), Emmett Johnston (National Parks & Wildlife Service), Thomas McErlean (U Ulster), Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council), Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council), Rowena Moore (U Ulster), John Niven (UK Border Agency), Marianne O’Connor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks & Wildlife Service).
CONTENTS
Foreword by Councillor Cora Harvey Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore, Andrew Cooper, Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson Coastal and Seabed Environments: Living Habitats Emmett Johnston The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and TwentyFirst Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly - Andrew Cooper and Marianne O’Connor
Small and aggressive Brendan Connolly
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reland’s countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and poor acidic uplands. The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkaline,and rich in nutrients, or acidic and nutrient poor. The heather and gorsecovered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic, with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape. Walking on blanket bog, one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake, cradled between rough hillsides, wild and unaffected by modern development. These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery. Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age. SLOW GROWERS These lakes are home to Ireland’s upland trout. Here, small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins. If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout. Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation; the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size. Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod, an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake. This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year. The wetflies are carefully selected; two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies. The third fly is smaller
and light grey in colour. The dapping rod has a bushy, artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line, ready to scamper over the water surface. The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore, retrieving as the boat slowly moves along. The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat. On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep. The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout. It dashes around with great energy, staying surprisingly deep. It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size. It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail; the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed. ROCKY LAKE SHORE Starting the engine, the angler resumes along the rocky lake shore. A headland is coming up and, predictably, another small trout swirls below the surface. The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average; however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one. More trout were hooked, lost, and landed as the day progressed; at one stage two trout were hooked at the
DAP TEASER Eventually as the dap is close to the shore, a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly. This fish is netted and brought into the boat, but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net. The hook may be too big for these small trout. The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap, and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly. Just a couple more fish are hooked; many others rise to the dap and miss, to the angler’s amusement. Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost. This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings.
An upland trout; small but mature
Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizes: Q: What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607? Answers by November 4, 2011, with name, address and contact details to: mills@inshore-ireland.com or 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
same time on two of the three wetflies. The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay. The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface, leaving a tiny track in its wake. This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish, because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses. Immediately it rises again and misses again. It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly, and repeats the jump two seconds later. The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker.
An upland lake on the west coast
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FRESHWATER FOCUS
Above: Salmon Weir pre-works during high water, showing wear and tear on the structure Left: Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems
Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river habitats, which are part of our economic and social fabric,” he remarked.
NATIONAL HERITAGE
Shane O’Reilly, IFI
O
n September 2nd last, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) welcomed An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir, which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years. Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he structural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFI’s ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system.
SALMON STRONGHOLD
The River Moy is one of Ireland’s premier salmon rivers, producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12,000 An Taoiseach congratulated IFI; the former North Western
Regional Fisheries Board; the project management team and members of the local community on the “successful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocks”. He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region, with over 60% of the salmon licence income for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties. Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballina’s status as ‘The salmon capital of Ireland’, Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Ireland’s top salmon angling destination. a unique national treasure, and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation, development, management, and promotion. A delicate balance exists between the agri sector – with its huge potential to provide for the country – and the critical need to preserve Ireland’s unique aquatic
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO Inland Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina.
Charging IFI with the responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment, Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations: ”We want to manage this resource in the interest of our people, of our visitors and of our economy,” he stressed. As recognition increases that Ireland’s resources are key to its economic wellbeing, a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from Noting how 85% of the ¤1.1 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy, An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Ireland’s revenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole.
TOURISM GENERATOR
Despite the current economic situation, Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth, where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose: “Tourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery. With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer, it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Ireland.” Mr Kenny also emphasised the “hidden revenue” generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels, B&Bs restaurants and pubs:
“By working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer, we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs
of all potential tourists, and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritage.”
The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the
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MARINE R&D
Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland.
Photo: AB David Jones
World’s largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel County Gery Flynn
I Dr Val Cummins
reland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013. The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 the Maritime and Energy
Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highlysuccessful partnership that includes the Naval Service, University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy. Dr Valerie Cummins, Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett, the Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the
project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland. Valerie Cummins, Director, MERC
Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly, and why?
Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC – Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster, which is a closer description of what we’re doing. And emphasising
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MARINE R&D the Irish is very important because we’re now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research. A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project.
How is MERC funded, and what is your role as Director? If you’re referring to the
is a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary. My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration which of course are all funded in their own rights. The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that the research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates. There’s a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering. On the CIT side – particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland – there isn’t a track record of from a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year.
How is the MERC board of directors made up?
The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution. Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects. INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them. The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC; indeed I would say it’s our unique selling point. Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable. often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers people’s interest.
Are MERC’s four disciplinary areas, or pillars, weighted in any way?
Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy; Shipping Logistics and Transport; Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation. They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy. A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness particularly wave and tidal us a competitive advantage. A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong
and is representative essentially of the three core CIT. I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in
Professor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area.
Beyond that we’ve the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the Port of Cork and ESBI. And then we’ve the Marine Institute and SEAI as well. We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial Captain Christopher Hearn. has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together. of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors.
What is MERC’s relationship with the INS and UCC?
Researchers on transit to a test site
Credit: Vicki O’Donnell
of these are Irish and the held here. We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research
in CIT – both of whom have been very supportive – and of course Mark Mellett as the
Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory, Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects
As Director of MERC what are your goals?
Short-term goals are the ‘quick wins’ where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry. We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies. Based on the four thematic we organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants. These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland. Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself. Beaufort Laboratory should
Commodore Mark Mellett architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster. It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along
involved with MERC?
delighted about that.
at least two foreign direct investment clients – and this is already happening. We’re delighted that details
when we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed
Commodore Mark Mellett, Flag Offfiicer, INS
announced shortly. A naval
How did the INS become
or Innovation element to the enterprise. We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and
be up and running and I’m targeting seventy new research The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation – it’s about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites. Our target
It goes back to our involvement with the Cork and our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland
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inshore ireland october/november 2011
MARINE R&D
Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork. Photo Port of Cork
A Wave Energy device deployed at sea. developing seafarers really should have an R&D/ Innovation component. So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came – for want of a better description – a white knight: the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already Haulbowline Island, and gave us some advice. That created the three legs of the initial stool: CIT; INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research, development and innovation into maritimerelated activities in the thirdlevel sector.
Is such a model unusual – a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body?
Yes in this context it’s quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus. And to my knowledge there isn’t any real parallel example of this in Europe. I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand. We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however. It’s in keeping with the INS’s long-term vision of moving towards a post-
modern navy – one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society. It’s also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge facing, in a positive manner.
You say by 2016, Ireland should have the smartest, most innovative and responsive navy in the world. What does that mean, and is the target realistic?
It is realistic in the context that we’ve set it as our vision. It’s a core creative vision – it’s not a Mark Mellet vision – it’s a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself. This vision was created at a round table. And to benchmark it, we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of Honours degrees; Masters degrees and PhDs. Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016. It’s really about
Credit: HMRC
recognising that if there’s one resource we control in the INS, it’s our people. and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines, but I am going attract the best people I can Leaving Cert level or, in fact, secondary school level, to join the INS. And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating we’re actually determined to become a knowledge institution. So, creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get. The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies.
What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution?
Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge. So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use – whether it be radar or sonar or a
searchlight – or whether it’s in terms of tracking people. For example, SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the where visibility would be reduced by smoke, water or Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop unmanned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast. If we were to buy these unmanned air vehicles from the major multinationals, we would be spending millions. Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that we’ll then be able to market. Another company, Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting. Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs). We’re also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world. We are working with about thirty companies like these.
What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020? I’d like to see maritime
the massive resource it has, which is the largest marine-toland ratio of any country in northwest Europe. Currently, Ireland only derives 1% of GDP from the maritime sector; in the UK it’s 5%; Denmark 11%; Belgium 8%; and Norway 20%.
Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager
Photo: Vicki O’Donnell
I’d like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5%, and the off the west coast operating by then. I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then, and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables. I would also like to see progress in terms of offshore wind renewables, and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas.
As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change. Is government support adequate, and how does this impact on public sector reform in general?
Minister Alan Shatter is on the Dáil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT. The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this. His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general. Public sector transformation has to be three things: it can’t be just top down it has to be bottom up; it has to be collaborative; and most important of all, it has to be evidence-based. So, the political support is there and the organisational support is there. We’re now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening.
A mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland. Photo: Vicki O’Donnell
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19
AQUACULTURE
Seaweed extracts: benefits and functions By Dr Stefan Kraan, Scientific Director, Ocean Harvest Technology
such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants, stress nematodes, worms and fungi.
ver the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed about seaweed extracts, resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces. Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed, and products have to earn their mark or have at least some
Over the last two decades, the use of seaweed extracts
O
behind them. Nevertheless, seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time; popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are ailments.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
Most famous of all is Chondrus crispus or Irish moss, also known as carrageen. Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts, soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment. It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood; the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans, comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus. The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold. Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism. In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths. The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is and hydroponics. For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil; it was a logical step to start making extract from the properties in a concentrated form. The many growth hormones (e.g. gibberlins, auxins); osmoregulators (betaines) minerals, soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide
COSMETIC COMPONENT
with the French leading the way, although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland.
these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract. Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French demonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin the enzymatic proteolysis. Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and
antioxidant activity when applied to the skin. In short, there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used, concentrations applied and Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organicallyproduced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries.
With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules, Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications. For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to www. oceanharvest.ie
are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products: the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity); and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity); species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism); the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements); species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action, shampoos and shower gels. That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute, according to cosmeticians and beauticians. Mainly based on anecdotal information, one can only assume that alginates, carrageenans and agars, found in large quantities in many effect in combination with warm seawater; however, it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers. Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this, and good
Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds
appearing over the years. The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of gels through increased expression of integrin molecules. A gel formulation that included 1% of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted. There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity. In cheek skin, the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age. These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics. It was demonstrated that
Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts
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NEWS » from page 1
the fact we also have a competitive advantage. A number of the top ocean energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland. In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here. That’s why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in on.” Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required: “It’s not simply just about engineering a device, it’s about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping. Therefore, other elements such as maritime security and surveillance; shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boats.”
ALL WELCOME
As to how commercial companies - large and small - can engage with MERC, Cummins operates an ‘open door policy’ and says there are
many ways of facilitating this: “From the physical aspect of the campus, a true cluster is something where there’s an opportunity to co-locate – to a space created where companies, researchers, endusers, practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together. We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college, the Beaufort Laboratory and with INS,” she declares. Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as “second to none”. “Our wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything in Europe. In fact, certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the world”.
FUTURE CHALLENGES
Cummins’ enthusiasm and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead. When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened
expectations for this sector, she responded: the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52,000 jobs by 2030. Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables, I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didn’t look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy. “If you include these then you are not just talking about securing Ireland’s energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas. That’s very important too,” she declares.
STATE SUPPORT
Cummins warns however that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations, such as Scotland, who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland, if the necessary government support is found wanting.
Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project. “We’re very grateful to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory, along with the Higher Education Authority; Bord Gáis; and the Glucksman Foundation.” She also singles out Justice Minister, Alan Shatter, for his “clear intuition” about MERC : “Following a visit to the Naval Base some months ago, Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Dáil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sector.” And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place. Both ministers, she says, have helped the Beaufort
Laboratory in different ways “to get off the ground”. “Minister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had. Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy site.” Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector: “We don’t compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy. That approach resonates with people. We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet. “So the race is still on, and Ireland still has the potential to win that race. That’s what the politicians need to understand– and to articulate” she says.
Tallships ahead! J Ashmore Norway’s oldest and largest tallship, Statsraad Lehmskuhl, paid a three-day visit to Dublin in August, during which time she was open to the public and promoted next year’s hosting of the Tall Ship Race in the capital. Dublin last hosted this spectacle of sail in 1998; up to 100 tall ships are expected to flank the city’s quays next summer.
The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence
A
recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas. This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years. The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin, Meath and Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme, and the IFI. RemeDIAl woRks Works involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to ‘open up’ the system to migratory fish. Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years. According to the IFI, the, presence of juvenile salmon – a species that only survives in clean water – also reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river. In a further development, Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area. This will improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed. “Until 2000, Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon stock in a river within city boundaries. Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries: the Liffey, Dodder and now the Tolka! In environmental terms this is an important step forward,” remarked Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Congratulations to Padraic Nugent, Tuam, Co Galway, winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson, who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located off Co Antrim.
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SEAFOOD BUSINESS
Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a success THEME SELECTION Gery Flynn
T
he first conference of the ‘Biotoxin and Chemical Residues Knowledge Network’ has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast. Introduced by Safefood the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process – as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry, this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry – especially in relation to the impact of climate change.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Speaking to Inshore Ireland, network facilitator, Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended. Prof Elliott’s team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety. A new test developed there recently not only ensures toxins before they reach the food chain, but is likely to industry. “The aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topics,’’ he said.
Pointing out that the
aquaculture - had been “decided and determined by those within the research group”, Prof Elliott said he “would be happier” if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself. “Success or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its members,” he emphasised. “We are fortunate to live on a very clean, green island with a thriving aquaculture industry; however, aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye, and most of these problems are climaterelated. We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring. “We really don’t know, and that’s where we sit. The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topics,” Prof Elliott declared.
DISSEMINATION PORTAL
James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as “an intensive but highly “Currently, we have eight Knowledge Networks – microbiology and three under chemical – that’s chemical residues and biotoxins. The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal
Good Food Ireland
Annual conference and awards November 22nd, 2011, Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin. Guest of Honour, An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, T.D.
T
he Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar. Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers, food producers and fishermen. Good Food Ireland links the agri-food
sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities. This year’s conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing If you are an owner, manager, chef, producer, or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email info@goodfoodireland.ie or call 053 9158693.
for disseminating information. In this regard, their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in Micheál O’Mahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland, who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends, said that marine biotoxins in chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits “sit within the general food safety regulatory framework”.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
He revealed that the riskbasis for those limits “is the subject of active review at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits, with the stated objective of protecting consumers. “Environmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level, and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans. “The EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool, and not an epidemiological tool, hence not a surrogate indicator of risk. There are many forces that shape regulations, all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind O’Mahony concluded.
Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks – all featuring a unique online professional networking platform, an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletter. Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy, Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown), Dublin 15, Ireland. Contact: Geraldine.Duffy@teagasc.ie Campylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton, Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown), Dublin 15, Ireland. Contact: Declan.Bolton@teagasc.ie Listeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan, Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark), Fermoy, Co.Cork, Ireland. Contact: Kieran.Jordan@teagasc.ie Biotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott, Queen’s University, Belfast, Institute of Agri-food and Land Use, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AY. Contact: Chris.Elliott@qub.ac.uk Cryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao, Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Newfore Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX. Northern Ireland. Contact: Salmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler, School of Agriculture, University College Dublin. Contact: f.butler@ucd.ie Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker, LGC Limited, Newtownabbey. Contact: Michael.walker@lgc.co.uk To participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit http://www.safefood.eu/Professional/Networks/ Knowledge-Networks.aspx
inshore ireland october/november 2011
21
SEAFOOD BUSINESS
‘First wave’ of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their products
E
ight ambitious seafood entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM. The ‘Wexford Seafood Development Programme’ follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork. Many of these companies now have ‘valueadded’ products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas. Donal Buckley, Business Development & Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fullyprepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace: “We’re confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses. Here in the southeast, we need to look beyond offering wholesale or ‘raw’ seafood produce. The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin ‘value-added’ sector.”
SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGE He added that whilst the county wasn’t shortage on innovation, it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry. “As we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities, it’s crucial that we focus on marketing know-how. We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology. “ John Kenny, Atlantis Seafoods, is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme. Like many of his peers, he’s hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield: “We’re definitely going down the gourmet route and we’re now more confident than ever that our ‘value-added’ products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets. Over the last year, we’ve been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing – our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer. “Before the programme, we were aware we needed to
William Dwyer and Morris Glody, Dunmore East Fishermen’s Co-op
William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh, Fish Ahoy diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development. We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas, but in certain areas, we lacked a complete marketplace insight. “Over the last ten months, it’s been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops
and one-to-one mentoring sessions. At this stage, I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range; co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level. He added that while looking forward to developing his own business, it was important to enhance the reputation of Co
Wexford seafood as a whole. Aimed at both start-up and existing seafood enterprises, the New Ross-based course was coordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board. Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing.
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation. The SFPA will continue working in cooperation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable, profitable, and world class fishing industry in Ireland. The SFPA is the independent statutory body, legally charged with the State’s sea-fisheries law enforcement functions. Confidential Line: 1890 767676 Fax: +353 (0)23 8859300 E: info@sfpa.ie W: www.sfpa.ie
Bernie Walsh, Fish Ahoy; Jason White and John Kenny, Atlantis Seafoods
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FISHERIES
Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012 Gillian Mills
T
he Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea, West of Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 ‘given the poor state of these stocks.’ The agency has presented its
BACKGROUND The current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone, and is scheduled to be discussed by Member States’ fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council.
TABLE 1: STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC TAC 2012
% TAC CHANGE 2011-12
VIIB,C,E-K, VIII,IX,X,CECAF 34.1.1 (EU) 4023
9679
141%
VIIIC,IX,X,CECAF 34.1.1
1571
3300
110%
HERRING
VIIGHJK
13200
21100
60%
MELANOGRAMMUS
HADDOCK
VB,VIA
2005
2506
25%
MERLUCCIUS
HAKE
VIIIC, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EU)
10695
12299
15%
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIIE
710
777
9%
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIID
4852
5300
9%
LATIN
SPECIES
TAC UNIT
GADUS MORHUA
COD
LOPHIUS
ANGLERFISH
CLUPEA
TAC IN 2011
LEPIDORHOMBUS
MEGRIMS
VIIIC,IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1(EU)
1094
1182
8%
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
VB(EU), VI
13681
13950
2%
A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn. By splitting the proposal in this way, fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better. For some stocks, the long-term approach has already proven beneficial. For example, stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012, even with higher catches (110% increase in TAC proposed); TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141%. Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks, giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea, West of Scotland and the Kattegat. “Poor data has hampered the management of these stocks, and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years, the stocks still fail to recover. For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size, the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle, reducing the TACs by between 15% and 25% until more reliable data are available,” Commissioner Damanaki said.
More information: » See tables on these pages for details on today’s proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea » TACs and quotas: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/ fishing_rules/tacs/index_en.htm » Scientific advice: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/ fishing_rules/scientific_advice/index_en.htm » Multiannual management plans: http://ec.europa. eu/fisheries/cfp/fishing_rules/multi_annual_plans/ index_en.htm
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23
FISHERIES TABLE 2: STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC LATIN
SPECIES
TAC UNIT
TABLE 3: STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE TAC TAC 2011 2012
SPECIES
TAC UNIT
TAC IN TAC 2011 2012
CAPROIDAE
BOARFISH
VI, VII, VIII EC
33000
P.M.
IX
29585
P.M.
VIIIC
25137
P.M.
% TAC CHANGE 2011-12
LATIN
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
VIIIC
91
82
-10%
TRACHURUS
HORSE MACKEREL
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
IX AND X; CECAF 34.1.1 (EU)
303
273
-10%
TRACHURUS
HORSE MACKEREL
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VIIDE
4665
4179
-10%
OVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA / IIA AND IV / VB, VI, VII, XII AND XIV / VIIIABDE)
P.M.
HAKE
55105 49175
-11%
I TO XIV, FRENCH GUYANA, KATTEGAT, PORBEAGLE EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK, EU WATERS OF CECAF
0
MERLUCCIUS
LAMNA NASUS
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
IIA (EU), NORTH SEA (EU)
23454 20849
-11%
RAJIDAE
SKATES AND RAYS
IIA (EU), NORTH SEA (EU)
1395
P.M.
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIIIAB
4250
3755
-12%
RAJIDAE
IIIA
58
P.M.
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIIFG
1241
1060
-15%
SKATES AND RAYS
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIIHJK
423
360
-15%
RAJIDAE
SKATES AND RAYS
VIID
887
P.M.
EU WATERS OF VI, VIIA-C, VIIE-K
11397
P.M.
EU WATERS OF VIII, IX
4640
P.M.
ENGRAULIS
ANCHOVY
IX,X,CECAF 34.1.1.
7600
6460
-15%
RAJIDAE
SKATES AND RAYS
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VB(EU), VI, XII, XIV
60
51
-15%
RAJIDAE
SKATES AND RAYS
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIIBC
44
37.4
-15%
SQUALUS
SPURDOG
IIIA
0
P.M.
CLUPEA
HERRING
VIIEF
980
833
-15%
SQUALUS
SPURDOG
0
P.M.
MOLVA MOLVA
LING
IIIA; EU WATERS OF IIIB, IIIC, IIID
EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV
92
78.2
-15%
LEPIDORHOMBUS
MEGRIMS
IIA (EU), IV (EU)
1845
1568.25
-15%
SQUALUS
SPURDOG
EU AND INT. WATERS OF I, V, VI, VII, VIII, XII, XIV
0
P.M.
LEPIDORHOMBUS
MEGRIMS
VB(EU), VI, XII, XIV
3387
2878.95
-15%
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
VIIIABDE
3899
3314.15
-15%
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VB(EU WATERS), VI, XII, XIV 693
589.05
-15%
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VIIBC
78
66.3
-15%
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VIII,IX,X,CECAF 34.1.1
395
335.75
-15%
POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS
POLLACK
IX,X,CECAF 34.1.1 (EU)
282
239.7
-15%
POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS
POLLACK
VIIIABDE
1482
1259.7
-15%
POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS
POLLACK
VIIIC
231
196.35
-15%
POLLACHIUS VIRENS
SAITHE
VII, VIII, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EU)
3343
2841.55
-15%
SOLEA SPP.
SOLE
VIIICDE,IX,X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EU)
1072
911.2
-15%
BROSME BROSME
TUSK
III
24
20.4
-15%
MERLANGIUS
WHITING
VIII
3175
2699
-15%
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
VII
21759 17551
LOPHIUS
ANGLERFISH
VB(EU), VI, XII, XIV
5456
4092
TABLE 4: STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS LATIN
SPECIES
TAC UNIT
MS RESPONSIBLE
CLUPEA
HERRING
VIA CLYDE
UNITED KINGDOM
TRACHURUS
HORSE MACKEREL
CECAF(CANARIES)
SPAIN
TRACHURUS
HORSE MACKEREL
CECAF(MADEIRA)
PORTUGAL
TRACHURUS
HORSE MACKEREL
X, CECAF(AZORES)
PORTUGAL
PENAEUS
PENAEUS SHRIMPS
FRENCH GUYANA
FRANCE
MERLANGIUS
WHITING
IX,X,CECAF 34.1.1.(EU) PORTUGAL
KEY: TAC UNITS KEY: TAC UNITS
-19%
I
BARENTS SEA
-25%
IIA
NORWEGIAN SEA
IIB
SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND
IIIA
SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT
LOPHIUS
ANGLERFISH
VII
32292 24219
-25%
LOPHIUS
ANGLERFISH
VIIIABDE
8653
6489.75
-25%
IIIB
SOUND
MOLVA DYPTERIGIA
BLUE LING
INT WATERS OF XII
815
611.25
-25%
IIIC
BELT
IIID
BALTIC SEA
IVA
NORTHERN NORTH SEA
IVB
CENTRAL NORTH SEA
GADUS MORHUA
COD
ARGENTINA SILUS ARGENTINA SILUS ARGENTINA SILUS
VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT)
78
58.5
-25%
GREATER SILVER SMELT I, II EU + INT. W.
103
77.25
-25%
GREATER SILVER SMELT III,IV EU + INT. W.
1176
882
-25%
IVC
SOUTHERN NORTH SEA
-25%
VA
ICELAND
VB
FAROES
VIA
WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)
VIB
ROCKALL
VIIA
IRISH SEA
VIIB
WEST IRELAND
VIIC
PORCUPINE BANK
GREATER SILVER SMELT V,VI,VII EU + INT. W.
4691
3518.25
MELANOGRAMMUS
HADDOCK
VIIB-K, VIII, IX, X, CECAF 34.1.1 (EU)
13316 9987
-25%
MELANOGRAMMUS
HADDOCK
VIIA
1317
987.75
-25%
CLUPEA
HERRING
VIA(S), VIIBC
4471
3353.25
-25%
CLUPEA
HERRING
VIIA
5280
3960
-25%
LEPIDORHOMBUS
MEGRIMS
VII
18300 13725
-25%
VIID
EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL
LEPIDORHOMBUS
MEGRIMS
VIIIABDE
1806
-25%
VIIE
WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL
VIIF
BRISTOL CHANNEL
VIIG
SOUTH-EAST IRELAND
VIIH
LITTLE SOLE
VIIJ
GREAT SOLE
VIIK
WEST GREAT SOLE
VIIIA
SOUTH BRITTANY
VIIIB
SOUTH BISCAY
VIIIC
NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN
-25%
VIIID
CENTRAL BISCAY
-25%
VIIIE
WEST BISCAY
IXA
PORTUGUESE COAST
IXB
WEST PORTUGAL
1354.5
NEPHROPS
NORWAY LOBSTER
SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE
1260
945
-25%
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VIIA
1627
1220.25
-25%
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VIIFG
410
307.5
-25%
PLEURONECTES
PLAICE
VIIHJK
185
138.75
-25%
POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS
POLLACK
VB(EU), VI, XII, XIV
397
297.75
-25%
POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS
POLLACK
SPRATTUS
SPRAT
VII VIIDE
13495 10121.25 5421
4065.75
MERLANGIUS
WHITING
VB(EU WATERS), VI, XII, XIV 323
242.25
-25%
MERLANGIUS
WHITING
VIIA
118
89
-25%
X
AZORES
MERLANGIUS
WHITING
VIIB-K
16568 12426
-25%
XII
NORTH AZORES
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
IIIA, IIIBCD (EU)
840
520
-38%
XIVA
EAST GREENLAND
SOLEA SOLEA
COMMON SOLE
VIIA
390
220
-44%
XIVB
SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND
24
inshore ireland october/november 2011
MARINE R&D
Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field
Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Mr. Simon Coveney TD and Dr. Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork
Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent field John Joyce, Marine Institute
A
n Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – the first to be explored north of the Azores. The VENTuRE mission, led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College, Cork (UCC), together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK, NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3,000 metres below the surface of the sea, using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1. The team comprised many disciplines including marine
geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents, as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment. Hydrothermal vents, which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earth’s crust below, are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals. board the vessel in Cork, Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment:
THE DARK ABYSS within two hours of arriving descended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss. We never reached the bottom, but rising
up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water. Often the search for vents takes much longer; our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on board,” he said.
Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography
Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork, in early August, Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists: “Thanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer, Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries. Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective, and this work should be supported and welcomed.”
the Azores: “Although people have been crossing this ocean for
UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH
of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition, said the
reach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder. The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade, and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet works.” Patrick Collins from NUI who led Ireland’s marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem, is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents. “Everyone on board is proud of this Irish discovery, which we have called the
Moytirra is the name of a and appropriately means ‘Plain of the Pillars.’ The largest chimney we have found is huge – more than ten metres tall – and we have named it ‘Balor’ after a legendary giant. In comparison with other vent some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliff—a real beauty,” he said. we’ve watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys, among clusters of tiny green limpets,” said Jon Copley. “Elsewhere there are writhing scale-worms, swirling mats – a riot of life in this unlikely
BACKGROUND
The investigation was supported by the Marine Institute through the ‘2011 Ship-Time Programme’ of the National Development Plan
inshore ireland october/november 2011
25
MARINE R&D
This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor, Co Clare, who was an early inventor and builder of submarines. It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle, UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification.
Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field
Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload, numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multibeam, CTD, and nutrient sensors. Numerous spare serial and input/output ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed. The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features, including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks. The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment, including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses. under the Sea Change national marine research strategy, and by the National Geographic for inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series: Alien Deep, premiering globally in 2012. “This project clearly demonstrates Ireland’s class marine research on a created through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1,” Chief Executive of the Marine Institute. “This targeted use of research funding by our organisation, which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues, has resulted in interest that will enhance Ireland’s growing reputation
ANIMAL COLONIES
In addition to its major discovery on the Moytirra
Vent Field, the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped
counterparts, deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves, forming extensive and delicate reefs. Over millennia, these reefs build up to form ‘carbonate mounds’ on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves. Because their delicate reefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater form unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life, many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared ‘Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).’ The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral.
ROV Holland 1 on the surface
26
INSHORE IRELAND October/November 2011
MARINE R&D
Piracy, human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication
D
rawing on papers presented at Trinity College, Dublin, in 2010, Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea. International experts cover topics such as straight baselines; high seas/EEZ jurisdiction; the definition of; and jurisdiction over; piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas. The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature. These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints, along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships. In the context of piracy, issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored.
Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons, PhD – Research Associate in the School of Law, Trinity College, Dublin and Adjunct Professor, Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre, University College Galway. He has published extensively on law of the sea issues, including his latest book HistoricWaters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff, 2008).
ISBN
978 90 04 18402 2 Hardback (xviii, 360pp.) List price €121 / US$166 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers (Publications on Ocean Development; 68)
Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy, Regius Professor of Laws TCD; author and editor, Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG, Clive Symmons, and Declan Smyth, Deputy Legal advisor, Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College, Dublin. Photo: S Fennelly/Aquaphoto
Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunities
WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW
Gery Flynn
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVE YOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES:
WWW.KONGSBERG.COM
A
review of the third-level education needs of Ireland’s embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean energy, many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s, will have to be filled by overseas graduates. Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector – the review claims that ocean wealth creation impact within a decade. ‘
MULTI-BILLION EURO INDUSTRY
Quoting SQW Consultants, the MRIA puts into perspective the potential of ocean energy, stating that evidence suggests that by 2030, a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around ¤9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 2030.
NOAA Ship, Okeanos Explorer,
Examining the current education picture across the island, the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic engineering and science. It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees, with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering. The Colleges have
INSHORE IRELAND October/November 2011
27
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine & freshwater environment publication Established in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn, Inshore Ireland provides impartial news and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments. Published bimonthly, Inshore Ireland reports from Ireland’s 7000km coastline, 1000km2 of lakes and roughly 1,000km of navigable inland waterways In other words: If it’s water, we write about it!
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29,000 full-time students – a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects. ‘Ideally, in the ocean energy arena, there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise. Moreover, industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience: how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energy?’
FINDINGS
On foot of this review the MRIA states that it will: » enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora, e.g. the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers » seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Master’s module or, better still, a full Masters, designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means » explore ways of dealing with the ‘offshore experience’ issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW: » substantial capacity in engineering education on the island » supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering » concern about the overall numbers entering the profession » the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015 at least but could be very significant in the 2020s » Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a robust, core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering » Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various ‘energy engineering’ qualifications increasingly on offer » providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy » The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards » The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review
Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11,000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI). In news, feature and advertorial format, Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings:
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28
INSHORE IRELAND October/November 2011
COASTLINE NEWS
Glassilaun Beach, Co Galway
Glassilaun Beach, Co Galway
Roundstone Beach, Co Galway
Photos: Keith Currams
Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coast
Recreating history S that goes back over a Millennium
C
onstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FÁS students under the watchful eye of shipwright, Michael Kennedy is almost complete. Final work on rigging the sails, setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway, along with some minor work on the rudder. Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage, dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve. In 914 however they moved to a new settlement, Waterford City, which became a welldefended stronghold that survived and prospered. The Vikings called it ‘Vedrarfjord’, meaning windy harbour, which over time became ‘Waterford’ – the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name. The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Begun in June 2010, it is a joint initiative of FÁS, Waterford Museum of Treasures, Waterford City Council and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce.
ituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains, the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday. And whilst as the name suggests routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range, shoreline walks are also on the programme, taking in truly spectacular scenery. Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website www.maumturkswalkingclub.com nearer to dates for confirmation.
October 9 (Grade A, 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane. Meeting point: Leenane Car Park 14 Welcome meeting, Leenane Hotel, 7.30 15 (Various) All level walks. Meeting point: Leenane Hotel 16 Various workshops, Leenane Hotel 23 (Grade B, 5.5 hrs) Ben Beg, PJ Leavy, Maam Bridge, 9.30am. 30 (Grade A, 6.5 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet), Niall, Leenane Car Park
November follow the Viking Longboat project on www.Facebook.com/ vikinglongboatproject,waterford
6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking), Miko Keane, Mac’s Car Park, Cornamona.
inshore ireland october/november 2011
29
COASTLINE NEWS
Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin Bay J Ashmore
R
ingsend-based St. Patrick’s Rowing Club’s skiff Naomh Padraig under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 2:57:36 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup. Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3:3:19) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (3:16.00). Host club, St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Dún
Laoghaire, passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place. Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge – a gruelling 25km rowing race from Dún Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back. The race is held in memory of the men known as ‘Hobblers’ who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast. The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and
unloading of the cargo. The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared. The skiffs lined-up for the starter’s gun opposite the Hobbler’s Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia. It was fitting that the 107-yearold ketch Bessie Ellen – a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea – was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse.
Footfalls Wicklow walking festival
C
ounty Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken high ground in Ireland, covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc – approximately 50km long by 40km wide. It is also home to most of Ireland’s native mammals including large herds of sika and red/sika hybrid deer; foxes; badgers; hares and birds of prey. Ramblers, leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy ‘The Garden of Ireland’ at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday, 28 – Monday 31October.) The Festival programme has walks from moderate to
challenging to suit all abilities: including: » 3 night walks » A selection of day walks – offering 3 different levels - challenging, moderate and easy » Photography workshop with professional photographer, Tim Thornton » My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh » Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland » Nordic walking with
Walking above Glendalough, Co Wicklow
Michele Jameson » An Irish céilí night (29th) in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team » A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow » Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs.
Further information and booking details on www. wicklowwalkingfestival. com
J Ashmore
G Mills
G Mills
inshore ireland october/november 2011
3
NEWS
New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights
T
he new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Yvonne Shields, took up her appointment on August 22 last. Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years; most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in business and science. The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure safety at sea; underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention. CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases, along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile, which was designed in-house to carry out CIL’s statutory duties. Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations; pipeline inspections and seabed sampling. She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue; emergency towing; oil pollution control; surveying and offshore data collection.
Review of crawfish by end of year Inshore Ireland (June/July) reported that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented ‘difficulties for Irish inshore
fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European markets’. This was to be conducted having ‘regard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock; undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species …and a range of technical
conservation measures used internationally.’ BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to ‘adequately fulfil the Terms of reference’, according to DAFM. This will allow for ‘full scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions, consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures, and a second consultation with
Granuaile at anchor in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. industry following this evaluation of possible measures.’ The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review
Photo G Mills
in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place ‘as soon as possible’.
Marine Institute Foras na Mara Landings of crawfish are worth roughly €1m annually
Dublin and Cork welcome Queen Elizabeth J Ashmore
C
unard Line’s newest cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth, made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 & 11 respectively. The 90,901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October last at the vessel’s home port of Southampton. Following her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day. At the town’s S.S.Lusitania memorial monument, a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915.
Do thairseach chuig taighde mara, monatóireacht, forbairt teicneolaíochta agus nuálaíocht
www.marine.ie Your portal to marine research, monitoring, technology, development & innovation
Marine Institute Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway +353 91 387 200 +353 91 387 201 institute.mail@marine.ie
Foras na Mara Rinn Mhaoil, Uarán Mór, Co. na Gaillimhe
30
inshore ireland october/november 2011
ISLAND LIFE
News from Bere Island Economic think-tank day John Walsh
Lonehort harbour, Bere Island. A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections, supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed. Photo: G Mills
Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islands Máirín Uí Fhearraigh Dinny McGinley T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has announced grant aid amounting to €67,000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal. This is a 75% grant with the remaining 25% being funded by the County Council. Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting “is evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle. At a time when there is unprecedented
pressure on resources, I am particularly pleased to make this allocation,” he said. “Our off shore islands have a unique attraction and
these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselves.”
T
he West Cork islands’ Interagency Group applied to the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th. Jackie Gowran is the consultant, and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business; she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses. She will use an ‘island based’ approach and the event is targeting all islanders, not just business people. The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops. May Lavelle, Comhar Na nOileain, and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise. The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice.
WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE
West Cork Islands successfully applied to Fáilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website. Tender
Tráigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July
Location
Type of light
Number
Cost
Gola Island
Conventional
3
€10,500
Inishsirrer
Hybrid
1
€14,500
Rutland Island
Conventional
1
€4,000
Island Roy (Cabhsa)
Conventional
3
€9,000
(Sleamhnán)
Conventional
1
€4,000
Inishmeane
Hybrid
1
€14,500
Owey Island
Hybrid
1
€10,500
TOTAL
€67,000
sent to web developers; if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas, please let us know. (Contact details below).
ENERGY GROUP
Members from the Bere Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June, and presented their draft energy plan. Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine – one of the largest in Europe; a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use, and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate. Bere Island is the venue
for the next gathering which takes place in October. Representatives from three Danish islands, Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating. Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City. If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre. All are welcome.
ESIN
The European Small Islands Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France. Representatives from Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Scotland, Finland, France and Alland attended the event. The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed; this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty. Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion. ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members – Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe – who lobby for islanders in Brussels. Further information from www. europeansmallislands.net
DANISH IT PROJECT
On September 5, three teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michael’s national school. The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each other’s countries. The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman, school principal on Anholt Island, Denmark. Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success. The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk, Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking. For further information, contact 027 75099.
inshore ireland october/november 2011
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OUTSIDE IRELAND
Salmon farming in Chile: Wild west in Deep South? Brian O’Riordan, ICSF Brussels Office secretary
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recent New York Times editorial (‘About That Salmon’, July 31, 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere, but as it existed now in Chile — the second-largest producer after Norway — it was simply unsustainable. An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus, probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway, had devastated Chile’s salmon industry. According to that editorial: ‘What makes Chile different isn’t just the scale of its aquaculture. Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself: salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water, edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast. This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie. Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves, but none of the waters are.’ The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the ‘Salmonicultura 2’ (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector. It is also hailed as ‘the only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exports’.
SPIN-DOCTORING
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Salmonicultura 2.0 is just another public relations exercise, especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chile’s Magallanes and Antarctic regions, which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up. Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels. It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were
being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills. Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export. This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary, environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago. It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international ‘salmon gold rush’.
SEA-LICE INFESTATION
The crisis caused by the ISA virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages, resulting in losses of US$ 2,000m and the shedding of 26,000 jobs – most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA, Japan, Europe and Brazil.
SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY
The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chile’s industrial salmon aquaculture sector. Currently, 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced. Here, the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts. The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health, the marine environment and the productive activities of smallscale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filterfeeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy. Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007, reaching 36% of global production. Thanks to these policies, the industry received abundant government subsidies, with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment. This went
Salmon cages in Chile’s Xth region. Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable. The industry plans for annual production to reach 1.5 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn. The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts. hand-in-hand with weak environmental, sanitary and labour regulations; abundant and cheap labour force; direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru, as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes, rivers and estuaries. The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3,000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts, archipelagos, fjords, and bays in the extreme southern zone.
REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES
Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007, production of farmed salmonids reached 660,000 GT annually, with a value of US$ 2,470m. Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550,000 GT with exports worth US$3bn. Along with this will begin ‘the second phase of expansion’ in this mega industry in Chile where 8% of its production is
destined for export. This scenario is provoking optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia, as well as jubilation amongst lending banks, whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat, given that the objective is for annual production to reach 1.5 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn. Reaching this target will displace Norway as the world’s number one producer of farmed salmonids. The salmon ‘wild west’ is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be ‘Salmonicultura 2.0’, it may be more imagined than real.
Relevant links: About That Salmon Published: July 31, 2011 The Opinion Pages, New York Times. http://www.nytimes. com/2011/08/01/opinion/ about-that-salmon. htm?_r=1 Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus http://www.nytimes. com/2011/07/28/world/ americas/28chile.html Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish, 3rd August): http://www. intrafish.no/global/news/ article290636.ece
InshoreJuly2011215x315.indd 1
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inshore ireland october/november 2011
NEWS
New species discovered in Irish offshore waters Declan Quigley, SFPA
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new species of rabbitfish, Chimaera opalescens, was discovered in the north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003. The species was noticed by scientists while examining deepwater fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off northwest France, Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology.. Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features, the French scientists noted that specimens of C. opalescens have as C. monstrosa, the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic.
The geographical range of C. opalescens overlaps with that of C. monstrosa, which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (<200m). A juvenile specimen of C. opalescens (previously C. monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters, indicating that the geographical distribution of C. opalescens may extend to boreal regions. Chimaeras (Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks, skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor. Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group. Although only 43 living species are known worldwide, several others
Hydrolagus pallidus
remain to be described. Since 1990, at least 17 new species have been from the NE Atlantic: pale Hydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus. At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic, including seven in Irish waters. Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water
Hyddrolagus mirabilis
deep-sea biodiversity, aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques, are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species. Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Histoire Naturelle, Concarneau, France) for their permission to reproduce the photos.
Chimaera opalescens
Chimarera monstrosa
Hyddrolagus affinis
INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar Dates for your diary: November 16th-17th, 2011 Details and Agenda to follow
Location: Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway www.infomar.ie
Harriotta Raleighana
No registration fee required linda.grealish@marine.ie
Rhinochimaera Atlantica
INSHORE IRELAND October/November 2011
5
COMMENT
Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland
N
o sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response. The subject of on-site, wastewater treatment systems – or septic tanks to you and me – would cause the best of us to switch off. But, just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water, if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels when that happens, the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea. Most of the time, however, only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed: the cost of water coming through our taps. If we agree that ‘what goes up must
come down’ then in a domestic setting, ‘what comes in (treated water) must also go out.
sink and bathwater plug holes – not to mention washing the car, dog or whatever. That may, be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon, it will come back to bite us where it really hurts – the environment. Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem. How easier it would have been had his predecessor, John Gormley, to implement the charges he had been predicting. But, that’s not the way this particular political drama has unfolded. Minister Hogan’s lap, and what a headache it might turn out to be as he, along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges
when in opposition. The European Court of Justice’s ruling in October 2009 Ireland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems. Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks, or Opposition has been predictable, with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers. More cynically however, and with an eye to his electorate, Fianna Fáil’s Eamon Ó Cúiv declared he would ‘go to jail’ before he would see a charge on septic tanks. spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic wastewater charges are the norm, MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here.
Ireland, with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because 400,000 household septic tanks is, per head of population, way ahead of England and Scotland with 800,000 and 400,000 respectively. So let’s stop the dishonest political posturing, and for once have a real debate on how environmental time bomb.
FOOTNOTE
In 2006 it was estimated that 1.3 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25% of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems. If the effluent from an average single house is 250,000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems. That’s equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 24/7, 365 days a year.
comment
Gery Flynn
How kids can make your heart burst with pride
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few years ago I introduced my children, Martha and Patrick, to snorkelling – both being keen swimmers – with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival.
Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Ireland’s Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station.
The three lucky winners are:
Neil Goodwin, Co. Galway Lucy Flanagan, Co Westmeath Jim Flanagan, Co Fermanagh
Needless to say they took to they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups. Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport. When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009, I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces snorkelers. We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Roberts’s cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with ‘fungie’ the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere. Patrick working towards achieving senior snorkeler status. Recently, Mary showed me a had prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading). What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy. Patrick J Hurley, NMCI sac.
Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd
H
i my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council. Today I am going to talk about snorkelling. Snorkelling along the surface looking at the small and large creatures below .Many have not seen the strange but beautiful snorkelling for diving, they are similar. In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name. (Show snorkel). When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look. The equipment you a wet suit, booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland. To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own. Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques. You can have great experiences. My dad is an instructor. We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxter’s bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places
and slow in others, loads ranging from tiny to large. We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water many day snorkels done encountering scallops, crabs,
prawn, trout, plaice, skate, sprat, mackerel and glowing plankton at night .Snorkelling is a exciting sport, I have barely skimmed the surface. Thanks for listening. Patrick C Hurley. Junior Snorkeler Grade 2
Editor
Features Editor
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Design
Gillian Mills
Gery Flynn
Durgan Media
mills@inshore-ireland.com
flynn@inshore-ireland.com
01 235 4804
091 844822
Gillian Mills Gery Flynn
info@durganmedia.ie
074 91 94477
The publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors and advertisers. While care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained within Inshore Ireland, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or matters arising from same.
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inshore ireland october/november 2011
YOURVIEW
Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane, Co Galway.
European surveillance service finally gets the green light John Cushnahan B. Ed (QUB); MCIPR.
W
hen I proposed the establishment of a European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993, the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic. In response to my suggestion, the Commission stated: ‘No Member State has ever
proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established .......and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situation.’ Undeterred by their attitude, I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years. I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates; tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject; persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs
illegal immigration; marine air and maritime safety.
DETAILED PROPOSAL subject as an MEP came, as a member of the European Constitutional Convention, when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate. Throughout this period, my dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter
half of 1996. I persuaded the then Taoiseach, John Bruton, Presidency’s initiatives. It was then that I realised where actually lay… I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a happened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice. Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels, he congratulated me
on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would by his arrogance because he that he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further. I couldn’t believe that a in such a manner. It was, however, a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities. This happened when
inshore ireland october/november 2011 Inshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information, we do not accept responsibility for any errors, or matters arising from same. Contact the editor at mills@inshore-ireland.com.
Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard Secretariat
T
and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States.
MAJORITY VOTING
The introduction of majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs provisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments. The fortress mentality of Justice/Interior Ministries had now been permanently shattered. now is an opportune time particularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with steps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport. It is headed Photo G Mills I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues.
FINAL FORTRESS
They educated me about one harsh fact of political life: that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end. Fortunately this situation has particularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard. One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug
dynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar. He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland. But why stop there? Why not signal his intent that when Ireland takes over that one of his Department’s objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat? He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co some of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have
been the source of many of the streets of European cities). he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy. It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made.
PROTECTION SHORTCOMING
I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states. The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes. These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as: » combating international »
»
199
» commercial maritime Such a bold step makes sense. In the current economic would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member State’s national budgets. Come on Leo – he who dares, wins!
7
ransport Minister Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin. Chris Reynolds, director of the Irish Coast Guard, has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin. Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat, manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States, the EU Commission and various agencies. Shared resources would include search and rescue, pollution response, fisheries control and maritime security. Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief. Separately, Minster Varadkar has announced a €2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven
new boats, along with new vehicles and equipment: €1.5m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme €300,000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guard’s volunteer rescue teams €200,000 will be used to update the Coast Guard’s pollution response equipment to best international standards. “I’m very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment. Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard, as do their family and friends. The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs, and saves lives, at all hours of the day and night, throughout the year,” he said. One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months, according to priority.
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inshore ireland october/november 2011
INSHORE FISHERIES
The inshore fleet in Dunmore East
Inshore fisheries management: a tale of lost opportunity? Inshore Ireland by Gillian Mills
T
he inshore fisheries sector, comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the Irish fleet, is critically important to coastal communities, offering employment in remote, inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages.
The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m
‘The traditional preoccupation with the offshore sector and the lack of a clear, coherent resource management policy, is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector, coupled with the lack of State resources, both in administration and enforcement.’
Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters. 431 tonnes landed in 2009, worth €6m
inshore ireland october/november 2011
9
INSHORE FISHERIES
Michael Keatinge, Fisheries Development Manager, BIM
P
erhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the needs of bigger boats. Some would say this attention is inordinate, others a necessity.
report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector – Review and Recommendations
MAINE FISHERY
Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine II: What Is DaFM’s vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes? DaFM: The Minister’s policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices, good environmental practice and compliance with law. In the case of inshore fisheries, many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (i.e. Natura 2000 sites). In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department … is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives. II: hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD? DaFM: In respect of Natura compliance, a resource intensive multi-annual, multi-agency project has been underway since 2009 to achieve this. A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing. 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay, with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions. Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond, with Roaring Water Bay, Co Cork imminent. Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance, the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish. II: hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the ‘caWley’ report? DaFM: The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds, and inshore stocks, many of which are not subject to quota. The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management, as required under EU Regulation. In the inshore area, State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives, and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sites.Resources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations, which impact on both inshore and quota stocks, particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation; grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries, where there is a focus on inshore fisheries; the management of quotas and fishing effort. II: What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng, certIFIcatIon etc)? DaFM: BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme. This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited, third party audited, standards for wild capture fisheries.
VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION
BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing. The scheme, developed in consultation with industry, aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets. The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products. II: the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1, 2012. What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpact? DaFM: The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels, regardless of size. However, the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012. The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries, and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information. SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard.
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continued on page 10
Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast