Inshore Ireland 2.2 April 2006 by Inshore Ireland Publishing

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Spring on the seashore

April 2006 Vol 2 Issue 2

Turloughs Page 23

Wild salmon debate may become election issue Page 9

Pages 16 & 17

Gery Flynn & Gillian Mills report

A group that campaigns for the retention of wild salmon driftnet fishing around the Irish coast has claimed that its arguments are not being heard because anti drift net lobbyists acting for powerful vested interests have hijacked the media. Gerry Blain, Chairman of the Donegal Traditional Inshore Fishermen accused the Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now campaign and its chairman Niall Greene of ``manipulating the facts and putting about misinformation about drift netting'' in a bid to sway public opinion to believing that declining numbers of wild salmon is a direct result of excessive drift netting alone. Blain told Inshore Ireland: ``Niall Greene boasted at a meeting of anglers last year that his organisation had sufficient resources to enable it to remain in the media spotlight Ð local, national and international Ð seven days-a-week until they win the argument.'' Our message, on the other hand, which is actually backedup by scientific evidence, is that the decline is caused by a combination of many things, especially pollution. This message is not getting through, and our group feels very marginalised,'' he said. In answer to who was likely to benefit most from an outright ban he pointed the finger at tourism interests Ð in particular hoteliers and fishery owners who he claimed were firmly behind of the antidrift net group. ``The public should ask who benefits most

* Irish salmon fishermen gather outside DaÂil EÂireann to protest against recommendations that will see an end to commercial driftnet fishing.

by peddling this misinformation. First of all, those individuals who own rivers know that they are sitting on a resource that is of little value at present because traditional driftnet men have been fishing in the coastal regions back at least 150 years,'' he said. Blain claims that certain hoteliers who have invested heavily in developing their businesses over the past few

years now regarded angling tourism as a way of adding ``another string to their bow'' and that was why they supported a ban on all drift netting. ``I know that increasing numbers of anglers are becoming concerned about where the Stop Now campaign is leading them. They have begun to realise too that the big prize at stake here is actually control of Ireland's rivers. The ordinary tax-payer

Salmon, Trout & Shellfish Marine & Freshwater North, South, East & West

Delivering results for Aqua-Business

is being asked to pay for the removal of the driftnet men. And once we are gone from the sea the price for being allowed to fish on the rivers will go up and up. Are the anglers going to accept that I wonder?'' Mr Blain admits that his group has failed so far to persuade public opinion of his members' plight that they have a strong case to be allowed to drift net in areas where there is

little else. He says that the end of this ``traditional way of life'' has similarities with how new settlers snatched the land of the Native American Indian. ``As children we cheered whenever the cavalry triumphed over the Indians, but we didn't realise then how we were being misinformed. In reality the cavalry was leading the destruction of a traditional way of life. How wrong we were,'' he said.

10/11 14/15 18/21 30/31

Day of protest

SALMON fishermen gathered in their numbers outside the DaÂil last month to protest against the recommendations of the National Salmon Commission. The Irish Traditional Netsmen Association said the NSC's plan was ``nonnegotiable'' but had subsequently discovered that anglers had negotiated a bag limit increase from 10 fish per day to 15 fish per day (no limit on the number of anglers) and had rejected outright catch and release for the month of September. ``This bias towards the angling sector is seen as an attempt by government through the NSC to privatise the salmon resource. While there are inherent problems in the management of salmon stocks world-wide where there is a harvestable surplus (over and above spawning requirements), this should not be handed to one sector above another. The current attempt to drive commercial fishermen off the water is indefensible'' he said. * Continued on page 2

Home of The Irish Salmon Growers' Association & The Irish Shellfish Association

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

NEWS

No harbour funding for west Cork as Donegal reaps the spoils By Gillian Mills

berths for the inner harbour.

IN one of his last acts as marine minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher approved 3.5m for remedial works at Greencastle and Buncrana under the Fishery Harbours Development Programme for 2006. ``I am delighted to approve this

vital

funding

for

had recently raised the issue of harbour funding in the Da Â il, and

dustry and tourism in Donegal

County Council has submitted

and I hope this investment will

inject a new breath of life into

department for funding to con-

not only the fishing industry at

struct a second breakwater to

Greencastle but the entire local

prevent

community as well,'' he concluded Minister Gallagher.

Green-

This funding is in addition to provided

harbour has suffered very ser-

past

three

years

ious congestion and safety pro-

works at the Harbour.

blems, which put the lives and those

who

Meanwhile injection

for

over

various

second

for

the

cash

Donegal

used the facilities at significant

300,000 will go towards con-

risk,'' he said.

struction

The minister added that the

breakwater

Buncrana.

development was only the be-

This funding is in addition to

ginning of a much larger pro-

the 127,500 allocated in 2004

gramme of works commencing

at the Greencastle this year.

78,000 provided in 2005 for

carry

out

dredging

and

siltation

the

harbour south of the existing pier. ``I

believe

that

leisure

waterfront development.

Speaking

From page 1

The ITNA added it was not possible to evaluate the effect of a cessation of net fishing ``as we do not have the infrastructure to count fish in our rivers''. Se Â amus

Bu Â rca

the

Traditional Salmon Fishermen's

Inshore Ire-

Organisation told

land

that the minister's inten-

tion to end all driftnet fishing

Bu Â rca

added

that

the

knock on effect of the ban on other species such lobster, crab and shrimp would be ``tremendous and in the end may prove unsustainable as a majority of drift net fishermen will seek to exploit these stocks to make a living. ``This present policy could lead to a meltdown of the whole inshore fishing sector. Our po-

for salmon had been received

liticians have presumed we are

with ``shock and anger'' around

dead men walking. I believe

the coast ``and the silence of

fishermen

opposition parties in the Da Â il

they

has been deafening''.

loose,'' he said.

will

have

fight

nothing

because left

Recommendations for salmon management MARINE minister John Browne has adopted the recommendations by the NSC, which include reductions in the quota available to both commercial fishermen and anglers in 2006. ``I recognise the considerable efforts

made

commercial

and

i.e.

The

Eany Mor, as an example of very good returns of fish in the past number of years. Experts claim that there are more

than

sufficient

for

spawning purposes and for recreational angling. We re-

and poaching. 2. The fishermen have been

for

their own purposes.

community who preach conservation fail to comply with the tagging regulations (52% date there has been no sanction or prosecution against

salmon

tional

predators

e.g.

number,

and

there

2004).

at the end of the season, thus allowing more fish into the rivers in May and June, thus allowing more fish into the glers. 7. In conclusion our traditant to us and in the longterm

have

demon-

strated we are prepared to

(commercial) and 15,000 (an-

to make recommendations on

gling).

to manage the resource, but not in a one sided manner. 5. We would point to two reports drawn up by BIM in

* * *

towards

improving

the salmon the traditional fisherman the recreational angler

governtants to the five already com-

that

White, former chief executive

``once again despite the reports

missioned in the Farrell Grant

of the IDA and author of the de-

from his own scientists, inter-

views before general election

Sparks FGS Review of 2003

commissioning

national bodies, the EU, hotel

will take at least five months to

time next May.

Irish whitefish fleet; Prof. Tom

owners,

present advice to the Minister,

Collins, chair of the National

commission yet another report

Rural Water Monitoring Com-

mittee and John Malone, former

Ireland.

the

secretary general of the Depart-

[he

mixed

has]

stock

decided fisheries

to in

``Three entirely new consul-

consideration

will

new port, which has benefited from substantial exchequer and

Commenting on the develop-

that

report

harbours are being concen-

UNITED Fish Industries (UFI) is to develop a site at the new Fishery Harbour Centre, Killybegs, Co. Donegal. The company plans to build a state-of-the-art modern fishmeal production facility using innovative and existing process technology so as to provide an `energy efficient and environmentally considerate operation'.

tional rights are very impor-

tions for 2007 and beyond and

saying

for expenditure on regional

ered.

By John Rafferty

system for recreational an-

is a future for:

deferral

private sector will be consid-

Relocation of Killybegs fishmeal plant

fishing season for two weeks

operate with angling groups

ment's

available in my Department

Killybegs (Photo: John Rafferty)

control in their numbers by

tions the allowance is 91,367

Padraic

resources

not possible, that sale to the

* John Healy overseeing the loading of blue whiting from MV Taits at

killer

whales are much fewer in

implications of the new regula-

experts:

cur-

Seals are at the top of

stocks of fish so that there

independent

limited

their food chain, their tradi-

4. We are prepared to co-

the

The

and

recent meeting.

mate). Under the recommenda-

condemned

ownership or, where this is

received

the fishery board at its most

the

has

authority

Commission by the CEO of

dent

group comprises three

local

attention of National Salmon

work

The

rently being assessed.

stocks.

these lawbreakers.

and Seatrout Anglers (FISSTA)

been

transfer

This has been brought to the

(122,044) angling (25,643 esti-

arise,'' he said.

for transfer. This report has

their potential through their

Gallagher.

decided to appoint an indepen-

the Federation of Irish Salmon

the potential of the harbour

harbours would best achieve

harbours.

Minister

the start of the traditional

rights

versely those in the angling

any financial hardship that may

take an overall assessment of

pending the transfer of the

pared to forgo two weeks at

traditional

Edward Power, chairman of

The Policy Statement reiterated the view that these

ists,

responsibility

our

to the rivers should contribute

the options available to address

re-

the

6. Fishermen would be pre-

examine

DEHLG

trated on public safety works

interests, which want to end

17% above the scientific advice

the

authority

cant commercial traffic ex-

paganda by certain vested

have caused them difficulty.

group

Co,

local

issue of funding still remained

salmon in particular.

the past three years. Con-

commercial

In harbours where signifi-

the marine ecosystem and

aries of more salmon returning

122,305:

since harbour development had

a vicious campaign of pro-

compliance

have

that

man. This is unhealthy for

salmon was 146,823, roughly

said

and have been subjected to

fishery and that these reductions reasons

O'Keeffe

their traditional predators or

scapegoats salmon

In 2005 the total catch for all

these

Deputy

for

the

declining

fishermen to build a sustainable

``For

O'Keeffe

numbers

made

cash or in kind''

Deputy

damage

Bay

other rivers from pollution

that seals are doing untold

Donegal

available to protect this and

``whether

Skibbereen

quested the Council to under-

duced their catch by 39% in

scheme,

have proven beyond doubt

be the main economic benefici-

any

Baltimore

ance.

very small river at the head

book returns and have re-

in each case.

the grounds of good govern-

1997 and July 2001, which

from

how stakeholders who would

group

2005,

As the harbour is situated

one

returns

100% with tagging and log-

the

January

having

in the functional area of Cork

counter

examine

asked

has

authorities,

regard to local requirements

Act 1946 is unsustainable on

1. We would point to the fish

3. Fishermen have complied

Browne

launched

harbour

Submission from Donegal Traditional Inshore Fishermen's Organisation to Joint Oireachtas Committee

also

Minister

Policy Statement, which was

relevant local authorities and

provisions of the Harbours

Transport, it was ironic that the

commend that more staff be

ment of Agriculture and Food.

Ports

ally in conjunction with the

ment,'' he said.

transferred to the Department of

Inshore Ireland,

Government's

Statement

gance on the part of the govern-

ports Measure.''

marine

The

Policy

control.

negal, have enormous untapped of

2006.

Ports

[....] and to proceed individu-

transfer

ing is available under the Sea-

areas

Department

the

harbours under the outdated

budgetary constraints no fund-

the

with effect from January 1

ad-

vance the implementation of

tion of many of the regional

harbours

Re-

and

election. This is blatant arro-

and in particular those in Dospecifically

sources

Natural

works in the run up to the 2002

saying: ``Unfortunately due to

potential,

Communications, and

Heritage

Government

Harbour is a candidate for

area. regional

Marine

Local

states that continued opera-

replied

Ireland's

ment

Environment,

that was promised for remedial

indeed the entire surrounding

lifeboat.

``We still await the 2.5m

In May 2005, then marine

water

Day of protest

(See article Inshore Ireland October 2005). Baltimore.

minister Pat the Cope Gallagher

temporary mooring for the local

additional

development of the town and

fuel and mussel berth; new deep and

regard

boon to a town and drive the

A further 14,625 provided a

berths

thriving

harbour can be an enormous

four phases: a rock breakwater;

dredging.

ferry

slipway and a proposed boat

West Cork still waiting

Development will comprise

marine

My Department is working with the Department of the

transferred from the Depart-

of Buncrana harbour. Donegal application

pany.

and Skibbereen Harbour has

Deputy Jim O'Keeffe said he

with

the control of a port com-

Responsibility for Baltimore

The breakwater is the first

particular

given to bringing them under

Martin Cullen, Dept of Transport

stage of a larger re-development

all

Reply: Minister

``Our piers and harbours are

over

his proposals regarding the development of Baltimore Harbour in West Cork; and the funding that will be made available. Deputy Jim O'Keeffe TD

crucial in developing both in-

castle Harbour. For too long the

livelihoods

PQ: To ask the Minister for Transport

who may or may not accept it. ``If the FGR report is any indication

how

deadlines

have already overrun, it is likely

might

``What

not

the

have

purpose

his

having a scientific arm in the marine Minister

dept

consistently

fact

the

ignores

their advice?'' he asked.

EU funding. ``The new facility will operate 24/7 during the blue whiting season and will thus have the capacity to take volumes of fish landings, consistent with prospective Irish quotas together with fish landings from other countries. The premises will be designed to service the needs of the processing industry in Killybegs and further a field,'' he said.

ment, the company's managing

This development is a major

director John Healy said that the

boost for the Irish fishing in-

harbour

dustry and guarantees the sup-

centre

was

the

most

suitable site. ``We

ply of high quality fishmeal to detailed

the Irish aquaculture industry

business plan and this decision

sourced from indigenous sus-

is great news for our loyal and

tainable fisheries. Fishmeal is

highly motivated staff in Kill-

the exclusive protein source in

ybegs.

feeds

support

submitted

The the

[plant]

will

viability

also the

sector.

for

the

farmed

salmon

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

CORRIB GAS

NEWS

CONSENT BEFORE CONSULTATION? * Bellacorrick in north Mayo, where Bord Gais is making a new road for laying a gas pipeline from Craughwell, Galway to Shell's proposed gas terminal site. Photo: Shay Fennelly

Report by Shay Fennelly SHELL Exploration and Production plans to begin completion works later this month on five wells drilled and tested between 1998 and 2001 in the Corrib gas field in the Slyne basin. These wells were temporarily plugged in anticipation of commercial development of the field. Early in 2005, seabed inspection of the wells was undertaken and last December the seabed was surveyed to ensure safe anchoring for the drilling rig Sedco711. Shell hopes to complete the sub sea installation in 2006 and 2007. In 1998, the estimated one trillion cubic feet of gas in the Corrib field was worth over 2bn. Since then gas prices have increased and in 2005 its market value was 7 8.5bn.

Confrontation with Shell

In June 2005, five people from Rossport were jailed for contempt of court for allegedly failing to obey a temporary High Court order awarded to Shell in April not to interfere with the construction of the upstream pipeline. Their plight became front-page news, raising media interest in the project as the public tried to understand these events. Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, ordered three safety reviews of the pipeline with a view to ending a standoff between Shell and local residents in Co Mayo. Media reports in July alleged that certain works carried out by Shell, which included stringing and welding of pipes, represented a departure from the terms of the consent. An inspection by DCMNR officials at the Bellanaboy site found Shell to be in breach of a preparatory consent, and the company was

required to dismantle three kilometres of gas pipeline. In August 2005, Minister Dempsey set up a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to manage an Independent Safety Review of the onshore, upstream section of the pipeline between landfall and the terminal site at Bellanaboy. Advantica, a subsidiary of National Grid Transco, UK was appointed to conduct the Independent Safety Review. Minister Dempsey granted Shell permission to lay the 75 kilometres of pipeline from the Corrib Field to the North Mayo coastline but Shell deferred it until 2006. The five people from Rossport were released from jail in September 2005 after Shell dropped the temporary High Court injunction.

Environmental assessment

In November 2005, the Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) of DCMNR commissioned the first Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the entire offshore area, starting with the Slyne, Erris and Donegal region. The SEA-Directive which became EU law in 2001 was only transposed into Irish law in 2004. Its purpose is to ensure that environmental consequences of certain plans and programmes are identified and assessed during their preparation and before their adoption. Public and environmental authorities can give their opinion. Normal practice in Norway and the US is to carry out a SEA before opening an area for exploration and development and to consult with all the stakeholders, in the public interest. A draft SEA Environmental Report for Slyne, Erris & Donegal was due to be published by the DCMNR in hardcopy and on its website on 11 April 2006, which will also be the

beginning of a four-week public consultation process. In December 2005, Advantica published a safety review which finds that the upstream pipeline will be `fit for purpose' provided some detailed recommendations are followed. The main recommendation is that steps should be taken to `absolutely guarantee' that the pipeline pressure cannot exceed 144 bar. (Shell's proposed pipeline pressure is 345bar.) In the event that additional fields are found and are proposed to be tied into the pipeline, the review recommends a further full review before proceeding. It also recommends that a formal integrity management plan should be put in place by TAG to ensure an independent (of Shell) audit and inspection procedure. The review also recommends that the DCMNR permission/ consenting system should be reviewed so that all aspects of pipeline operation and maintenance are considered at the beginning of a project rather than on a phased basis as is currently the practice, and that Ireland should adopt a formal risk-based framework for assessing the safety of major infrastructural projects. As of March 2006, a final report including public submissions was submitted to TAG who may make further recommendations to the Minister. The president of the High Court is due to give his decision this month on how the Rossport people who, allegedly, failed to obey a High Court injunction will be treated. Justice Laffoy on May 9 is due to give a full hearing to Shell's application for an injunction against the Rossport defendants and their counter claims before ruling on whether Shell is entitled to a permanent injunction. Minister Noel Dempsey is also due to give his final consents for the project.

www.marine.ie

Foras na Mara

Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co. Galway telephone 353 91 387 200 facsimile 353 91 387 201 email institute.mail@marine.ie

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

NEWS

Next issue 22nd June 2006 Aquaculture Inshore fisheries Island living Marine Tourism Seafood processing Marketing and retailing of seafood Marine engineering & technology Support industries and ancillary services Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development * National and international legislative frameworks regulating seafood production * The issues pertaining to the commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments * * * * * * * * * *

Inshore Ireland keeps its readers updated on these and other such important matters. It's also the most costeffective means of communicating with the industry and represents the perfect opportunity for you to get your message to this hugely influential audience.

Editor: Gillian Mills - 01 2354804 / 087 2902045 - mills@inshoreireland.com Features: Gery Flynn - 091 844822 / 085 7475797 - flynn@inshoreireland.com Advertising: Roger Cole - 01 2859111 / 087 2611597 - silchester@eircom.net 35,000 copies distributed to coastal communities on an all-island basis Contact us with your editorial and ad requirements

Don't miss out

Blue whiting for human consumption Gillian Mills reports

AT the December Council of Fisheries Ministers, agreement was reached on internal EU management arrangements for its 30% share of blue whiting stocks. A five year management plan is now in place, which sees a two million tonnes Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2006. Scientific advice last October showed that spawning stocks of blue whiting was above five million tonnes. Ireland's quota for 2006 is 43,000 tonnes. The Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation (KFO) is at the forefront in developing a human

consumption processing element of the fishery. With the help of BIM, almost 12,000 tonnes was processed during 2005. According to the KFO, it will be aiming to maintain this level of processing during 2006 ``even through marketing conditions are difficult''. A joint venture between the KFO and some of its members and Norwegian fish protein company, Welcon ASA, proposes to build a state-of-the-art fish protein facility in the North West, capable of handling approximately 250,000 tonnes per annum. It is envisaged that at least 10% of the additional

landings will be processed for human consumption. According to KFO chief executive Sean O'Donoghue, the total amount of blue whiting being processed for human consumption within four years should be approximately 40,000-50,000 tonnes. ``This quantity will be equivalent to the entire Irish quota for blue whiting,'' he said. ``The proposed new factory Ă? rather than reducing the quantity of blue whiting available for human consumption processing will increase and entice blue whiting vessels from Norway and other member states to land in the North West.

Given the proximity of the resource to our coast, the capacity to handle their catch will be available,'' he said. Blue whiting is a highly migratory stock that has a range stretching from the Bay of Biscay to northern Norway. It is fished in EU, Icelandic, Norwegian, Faeroes and international waters for fishmeal and fish oils. According to the KFO there is no evidence to suggest that this industrial fishing is having a devastating effect on the marine ecosystem. ``Scientific information [suggests that] it is now in a healthier state than it was five years ago,'' O'Donoghue said.

An Taisce is calling on local communities to take part in an initiative to improve the environment of the Irish and Welsh coasts; to restore their aesthetic appeal and increase the amenity and economic value of beaches. The project is currently focussing on the Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford coastlines. The project is a two-part programme: the formation of Coastcare Groups and the Green Coast Award. The aim of Coastcare Groups is to in-

volve local people in caring for their coastal environment by promoting and supporting safe, enjoyable conservation activities such as beach clean-ups, raising community awareness and practical coastal tasks. The Green Coast Award is a symbol of excellence, given annually to acknowledge rural beaches that meet EU guidelines on water quality. Green Coast beaches are those that will not necessarily have the built infrastructure to meet the criteria for Blue Flag status.

The Clean Coasts project began as a pilot scheme between Keep Wales Tidy and Wexford County Council in 2003/4 but has been extended for the next three years to take in the entire east coast of Ireland. Success of the project is entirely dependent upon the willingness of volunteers in local communities to give time and energy to form active Coastcare Groups. The Clean Coasts Project team's invitation to become part of the project is

open to anyone who is interested in conserving the natural coastal environment. The project is part of the European Union, Ireland/Wales Interreg 111A Community Initiative Programme and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Local Authorities.

Call for public participation in clean coast project

* Further information from: Lisa Fitzgerald, Clean Coast Officer, 01 4002224 or email cleancoast1@antaisce.org.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

COMMENT

THE salmon exploitation debate is not as complex an issue as some would have you believe. In 2006, several million Atlantic salmon smolts will migrate from Irish rivers during April-May, and in the summer of 2007 the survivors, perhaps 10%, will return to the Irish coast as one-sea-winter salmon or grilse. What happens next will be recommended by Three Wise Men chosen by our Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, John Browne TD. Minister Browne is a very experienced politician Ð but he thinks we have short

memories. He was recently re-appointed to this post having already served there throughout much of 2002, 2003 and 2004. Curiously, he recently claimed that he was new to the job, and that he should be given time to ``familiarise'' himself with his brief! Minister, at this stage of the Irish salmon management game, we expect nothing less of you than to be an impact substitute for the beleaguered Minister of State, Pat the Cope Gallagher, whose move facilitated your return to DCMNR. We expect you to hit the ground running; to be a hurler with a fresh pair of legs; a forward who has watched from the

bench for the past couple of years, sized up the opposition and has learned the shortest path to goal. The Irish nation expects you to deliver a simple solution to the problem of declining Irish salmon populations. We expect you to act on conservation grounds that are based on biological realities. Socio-economic arguments no longer apply. We know that some will find your decisions harsh and that some will experience economic hardship as a result. We also know there will be beneficiaries of your actions but you shouldn't expect fishery owners to pay for attempting to undo the

Letter to the Editor . . . . . . DEAR Editor THROUGH a campaign of misinformation and downright lies put forth by the `Stop Driftnets Now' lobby-group, a lynch mob mentality has been generated. The result of this campaign of vilification is that the public at large believe that if the traditional fishermen are eliminated, the wild salmon will be abundant once more...... wrong!!! According to their propaganda, Ireland is the only country to allow open sea drift netting for salmon wrong!

There are driftnet fisheries in Northern Ireland, Sweden, Russia, Japan and the NorthEast of England. The latter fishery had a voluntary cessation package scheme 4 years ago in which those opting to give up their traditional right got an average of Stg£65,000. Crucially those who had to or wanted to stayed fishing, and have a 91-day fishing season Ð as apposed to 32 days that Irish fishermen have Ð are not constrained by a constantly reducing quota, down from 220,000 in 2002 to 91,000 fish this coming season.

According to the propaganda, angling tourism is down 50% because traditional fishermen continue to fish at sea. The facts are that all activity tourism is down between 30%50% according to Bord FaÂilte. This includes walking, equestrian, angling and even golf tourism. Let nobody tell me that it's because of a lack of golf courses or places to walk that tourists have stopped coming. Obviously the reasons are much more fundamental than the `Stop Now' campaigners would have us believe. One of the main reasons

tourist anglers will not come is that there are no `beat systems' on the majority of Irish rivers. There are too many `canny local anglers' on the rivers catching the majority of fish, and according to the Indecon Report and The Joint Oireachtas Committee Report on wild salmon, these local anglers are of no net benefit to GNP. Pollution of our rivers is a huge issue, and the finger is always pointed at the farmer. Without doubt over the past 30 years farmers have been encouraged into practices that have damaged our rivers and lakes. Little mention is made of the fact that sewage is a huge contributor to the problem. Local authorities, which are supposed to be the guardians of our rivers, built the

tnemmoC

Minister, we expect you to hit the ground running

damage done to their properties by government-sponsored pillage over the last 35 years. No Minister that would be adding insult to injury. I suggest, in this era of economic largesse, that this government should settle with the Irish drift-net sector using Exchequer funds. It would be money well spent. Every hurler on the ditch understands that this government knows how to spend Ð and sometimes waste Ð tax-payers money. Now is the time to spend the money and save the salmon.

dipping tanks for sheep beside most of the rivers Ð certainly the case in Donegal. Reducing the catch of traditional fishermen has been the only strategy envisaged to raise salmon stocks above their conservation limits in this State. According to the Joint Oireachtas Report: We believe the problem, and it is supported by good science, is poor survival of smolts once they go to sea, rather than exploitation'. It is also acknowledged that the commercial sector has `taken the most pain and made the most sacrifices to save this species'. Along with huge reductions in length of season introduced 10 years ago, quotas have reduced catches by 64% from 2002-2004, with further huge reductions envisaged for the

Ð Dr Martin Farrell

coming season. All the while angling catches have risen, according to the Oireachtas Report by an average of 14% over the same period. There are traditional fishermen, who would exit the fishery business if given a fair deal, and I would support this, but for those who live in areas where there is no other work apart from fishing, a total elimination of salmon would put intolerable pressure on other stocks like lobster and crab. So any cessation package must be voluntary as it was in the North-East of England and Northern Ireland. Yours sincerely Gerry Blain Chairman of Donegal Traditional Inshore Fishermen

Obituary Ð John de Courcy Ireland THE recent death of Dr John de Courcy Ireland has deprived the country of an extremely valuable and virtually irreplaceable source of knowledge of our maritime resources. Dr Ireland was internationally acclaimed for his contributions, as a gifted

John

Courcy

Ireland:

internationally

acclaimed

for

his

contributions

Inshore Ireland is published

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

Editor

Gillian Mills mills@inshoreireland.com

01-2354804/087-2902045

Features editor Gery Flynn

flynn@inshoreireland.com

091-844822/085-7475797

Production & imaging Irish Farmers Journal

Advertising Roger Cole

advertise@inshoreireland.com

Printed by the Irish Times, 10 - 16 D'Olier St, Dublin 2

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

linguist, to the proceedings at many international conferences on maritime affairs. As a result he was awarded the highest decorations by many maritime countries. In addition to his mastery of many languages, he was a prolific author. One

of his most valuable published works was an exhaustive history of Ireland's fishing industry. In addition to his published works he functioned for over a half a century as a Research Officer of the Maritime Institute of Ireland.

Dr Ireland was a lifelong professional teacher and was deemed to be a gifted member of the various schools at which he taught. Ð Des Branigan Founding member of the Maritime Institute of Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

NEWS

Atlantic salmon: the road to redemption?

* Pictured at the launch (l-r): John O'Connor, CEO, Central Fisheries

Board; Brian Sheerin, CEO, Southern Regional Fisheries Board; Minister for the Marine, Pat the Cope Gallagher; Peter Wilson, RAI chairman and Paddy Byrne, author of the handbook and director of the RAI.

Anglers' handbook provides essential housekeeping

Dr Martin O'Farrell asks the question EARLIER this year I wrote an article for Inshore Ireland entitled `Atlantic salmon: the rush to ruin'. As an island nation with some of the most productive salmon rivers in Europe, we have been on this road for over thirty-five years Ă? some might say, since the foundation of the State in 1922.

AS one of his last assignments

the

as Minister for the Marine, Pat

encourage young people to take

`The Cope' Gallagher, launched

Recreational Angling Ireland's

sponsored

entered

rivers

ova. Drift-net fishery exploitation rates to reach such levels that the fishery probably influenced the run timing of grilse Ă? i.e.

numerically. During this shrink-

late running fish missed the

ing phase, successive govern-

nets and successfully entered

ment reports and commissions

rivers; these fish in turn bred salmon that inherited their late-

argued for the re-balancing of exploitation

among

draft-net/snap-net

and

recrea-

tional fishermen. Then quotas

came (there

fishery

district

are

fishery

districts in the Republic of Ireland) for the commercial sectors,

and

individual

`quotas'

(season bag limits) for recreational fishermen. As the size of the salmon cake shrank, participants in the different sectors quarrelled; the blame

game

well-worn

triumphed

ideologies

and

resur-

faced. It became a `them and us' scenario Ă? with salmon the victim in the middle. The government owns every living

Atlantic

salmon

companies, etc own exclusive rights to fish for salmon on Irish rivers and lakes. The

State,

statutory major

through

agencies,

private

run timing trait.

drift-net,

legal capture. Some individuals,

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and

spawn Ă? with surviving fe-

one third of what it was Ă?

and individuals own fish after

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nets

source has shrunk to perhaps

within Irish territorial waters,

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sea-winter fish) escaped the

males producing fewer smaller

In the past 25 years, the re-

wild,

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Drift-net fishery exploitation

tional about this expanded drift-

cally

Catchment management

will

accordance with the scientifi-

various

fishery

also

owner.

Our government must decide, sooner rather than later, on how to manage Atlantic salmon in the best long-term interest of the people of Ireland.

Low survival rate We know about the current poor survival of salmon smolt at sea and the consequences for the abundance of adult salmon returning to our coasts and rivers. Would we be in our current

Scenario 1 is now probably commonplace among Irish rivers.

Drift-net fishery exploitation rates to reach such levels (up to 80% in some years) that salmon populations in our index rivers (e.g. Burrishoole)

Scientific NSC

now

Scenario 2 is also probably commonplace among Irish salmon rivers and is already playing havoc with our notion of CLs and salmon spawner requirements. Someone needs to have a hard look at the sizes, sex

ratio

and

fecundity

female grilse now entering Irish rivers. If they do this CLs may have to be revised upwards. Scenario 3 is now probably commonplace among Irish salmon

rivers;

however,

annual

variations in run timing are also influenced

environmental

conditions Ă? e.g. river flow and temperature. How often have you heard the call from commercial fishermen to extend their season into August because fish were running late and they felt that they had not caught their fair share? As we are now on the road to redemption:

Can anyone tell which road we

* *

are on?

this road will be?

this road?

Can anyone read the signs? Does anyone know how long Will we ever be able to get off Will redemption be awash with salmon or will it be a Special Area of Conservation where Atlantic salmon is seen as an endangered species?

past 35 years? I for one do not

the

Conservation Limits (CLs).

operation off our coast for the

allowed:

where salmon are below their

drift-net fishery had not been in

For the past 35 years we have

Standing

has a long list of Irish rivers

predicament if an indiscriminate

think so.

The

Committee

Unfortunately

for

some,

believe that redemption will be a

management

conservation tised

over

regime

could catch.

be The

where prioriIrish

government must now produce a road map to redemption that prioritises the conservation of

could not sustain their popula-

Atlantic salmon in Irish waters.

tions over many years. In other

This road map must put salmon

words their populations went

first Ă? all other considerations

into decline.

are irrelevant.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

* Peter Green, Central Fisheries Board sea angling advisor, presenting Mary Gavin Hughes with the Central Fisheries Board 2005 Conservation Shield at the National Angling Show, Swords, Co Dublin.

Clew Bay skipper scoops 2005 conservation award MARY Gavin Hughes, Ireland's only female charter skipper, is the winner of the Central Fisheries Board's 2005 `Conservation Prize'. The award is presented to the charter skipper who tags and releases the most species in a single angling season. Fourth-time winner in 20 years, Mary operates out of Clew Bay in an Aquastar Shamrock 1. Her conservation efforts are renowned, particularly with regard to common skate popu-

lations in the bay. Her annual average catch of this species is over 40 fish, all of which are tagged and released. Some fish have been caught and released up to four times. Of the 278 points achieved, Mary's total included 80 thornback ray and 66 common skate. Over 70 charter skippers and some dedicated anglers participated in the 2005 Marine Sport fish Tagging Programme during which more than 1,000 fish

were tagged. Since 1970, 37,000 have been tagged and released, including 17,500 blue shark. Other species in the programme are tope, monkfish, common skate and ray. This programme is now the largest of its kind in Europe and the second largest in the world after the USA. The CFB paid tribute to the participants, saying that the programme enabled them to collect important data on all marine species.

Angling body celebrates half a century

THE Irish Specimen Fish Committee (ISFC) Ð an independent voluntary body representing angling interests in Ireland Ð celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual awards ceremony in February. The principle function of the ISFC is to verify, record and publicise the capture of large (i.e. specimen) fish caught on rod and line by anglers in both fresh and marine waters. The committee comprises experts from the CFB, FaÂilte Ireland, the Loughs Agency, the Marine Institute and angling representatives. Every year since 1955, the ISFC has compiled a report on the previous year's notable catches and new records. This started life as a plain document of tables and figures (see picture below), and is included in the 2005 report to compare past trends. The 2005 season saw an increase in the number of claims ratified over 2004 at 568. This is the highest number of claims ratified since 1985 and is partly due to the high number of specimen coalfish recorded. These ratified claims include two new Irish records, pike (lake) and stone basse. The new Irish record of lake pike weighed in at 42lb 12oz, taken by Larry Kelly, Athboy, Co Meath on the White Lake in September. The new Irish stone basse record weighed in at 11.72lb for UK angler Tony Rainer from Berkshire on the 14th July fishing out of Baltimore. A first for 2005 was the `20 different species award', which was won by Terry Jackson, Kircubbin, Co Down and Noel Lane, Mayfield, Cork. Overall, 2005 was a good year for specimen fishing in Ireland; this is apparent from the records detailed in the report. Monthly reports from Met Eireann show a continuing upward trend in coastal water temperatures, giving rise to the prospect of further new species around the coast. The Gilthead

S AT U R DAY 2 4 J U N E ~ S U N DAY 2 J U LY MILFORD HAVEN • WALES

join us at the seafarer’s seafair Seafair Haven 2006 will see up to 150 classic and traditional craft from Brittany, UK and Ireland “raiding” Haven Communities, with races and expeditions and plenty of chances for shore side viewing of the craft. The three-masted barque Dunbrody will make her maiden international voyage to Milford Haven at the invitation of Seafair Haven 2006, celebrating Pembrokeshire’s maritime history.

* Dr Michael Kennedy, renowned biologist and co-founder of the ISFC in 1955 along with Dr Arthur Went (below).

Festival Office, Seafair Haven 2006, Milford Haven Port Authority, Gorsewood Drive Milford Haven, SA73 3ER UK Telephone: +44 (())1646 696178 www.seafairhaven.org.uk - info@seafairhaven.co.uk

be part of it! Bream (Sparus aurata L.) is an example; this species has been added to the specimen list for 2006 with a specimen weight set at 1.4kg. Further information from: www.irish-trophy-fish.com

2006

Milford Haven Port Authority West Wales Maritime Heritage Society

Cymdeithas Etifeddiaeth Morwriaeth Gorllewin Cymru

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

REPORT

Towards management of Ireland's waterway corridors

* Lough Ree (Photo: Heritage Council)

By Beatrice Kelly, Heritage Council SINCE 2002, the Heritage Council has co-ordinated four waterway corridor studies in partnership with relevant local authorities and Waterways Ireland.

The areas covered include the Royal Canal from Thomastown, Co Westmeath, to Clondara; the Grand Canal

* The railway bridge in Athlone looking south towards the town centre (Photo: Heritage Council)

from Ballycommon, Co Offaly to Shannon Harbour, and the River Shannon from Meelick, Co Galway to Lough Allen and Lough Key. A fifth study, currently underway, will complete the coverage of the Shannon from Meelick down to Limerick City and a report will be finished by autumn 2006. The purpose of these studies is to identify ways to manage the waterways corridor environment to the benefit of all.

In particular, the process improves understanding of an area, which in turn should ensure retention of the distinctive character of a place whilst allowing for sustainable development and evolution of a waterways corridor. This involves a multi-disciplinary team covering ecology, archaeology, landscape, planning, socio-economics and rural economy examining the study area in detail and consulting with stakeholders. Policies are then

drawn up for a range of geographic areas and topics within the corridor. The studies are supported by the local authorities in whose area the navigations pass. The policies from the corridor studies are incorporated into local area plans and county development plans where relevant. Three of the studies have won awards from the Landscape Institute: 2002: Grand Canal from Ballycommon to Shannon Harbour; The Shan-

non from Shannonbridge to Meelick. 2004: Roosky to Lanesborough and down the Royal Canal from Tarmonbarry to Thomastown, Co Westmeath, and the Longford Branch of the Royal Canal. 2004: Lanesborough to Shannonbridge, including all of Lough Ree. The studies are available from the Heritage Council and are available on the Heritage Council web site: www.heritagecouncil.ie

Planet earth is planet aqua!

RECENT exhibitions of `Plant Aqua' in Cork and Dublin attracted over 4,000 schoolchildren and as many adults to observe and learn about the planet's most valuable resource Ă? water. Among the favourite attractions was an aquaculture exhibit demonstrating shellfish farming with live mussels, oysters, scallops and abalone. Children were charged with a `scientific mission under the sea' and explored exhibits showing how we interact with water; how it benefits us and how life would be impossible without it. ``Public participation is a critical factor in sustaining marine sectors into the future. Such support can be realised through education and outreach activities and by promoting how industry uses the marine environment,'' according to the organisers, AquaTT Ă? a small training and technology organisation in the marine sector which has been rolling out this pilot project. The initiative endeavours to inspire young people to appreciate the importance of conserving and preserving the planet's water habitats and resources and aims to encourage children to minimise their individual ecological footprints. This has been achieved through the interactive travelling exhibition, a teacher's manual and website, www.planetaqua.ie. Each of these resources link key environmental messages to the primary school science curriculum. Global and regional after-

Planet Aqua in schools

THE Planet Aqua teachers' manual will be delivered to all national primary schools over coming months, and together with the website www.planetaqua.ie., aims to provide an educational virtual exhibition for students and act as a teachers' resource centre. Do you know? you can waste up to 5 litres of water per minute by leaving a tap running a washing machine/ dishwasher cycle uses up to 100 litres of water a dripping tap can waste up to 30 litres of water per week, and brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes almost 9 litres per minute a bath alone uses up to 80 litres of water flushing the toilet can use up to 13 litres of water Planet Aqua is organised by the AQUATT organisation and supported by the European Union; Discover Science and Engineering; the Marine Institute; the National Centre for Technology and Education; BIM; the Primary Curriculum Support Programme; the National Centre for Curriculum Assessment; the EPA; the Central Fisheries Board; An Taisce; Taidghe Mara Teo and the Lifetime Lab.

* *

* Children enjoy a Planet Aqua demonstration (Photo: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times)

maths of the 2004 tsunami; Hurricane Katrina and the resulting floods in New Orleans in 2005 have raised questions about human impact on climate change and the aquatic environment. ``With more than 7,500km of coastline, a seafood industry employing more than 15,000

people, the national seabed survey and the advent of the Water Framework Directive, children of Ireland have good reason to learn more about water,'' remarked Mark Norman, Planet Aqua steering committee chairman and Director of AquaTT. Planet Aqua is part of a larger

international project called Planeta Azul funded by the EU Interreg IIIB programme with partners in France and Portugal. Planet Aqua is also supported by Discover Science and Engineering; the Marine Institute; the National Centre for Technology and Education; BIM, the Primary Curriculum Support

Programme; the National Centre for Curriculum Assessment; the EPA; the Central Fisheries Board; An Taisce; Taidghe Mara Teo and the Lifetime Lab as well as contributions from institutions and companies in the marine sector. Info: AquaTT (01) 644 9008; Email: info@planetaqua.ie.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

REPORT

Coastal zone management: dead or alive?

Whatever happened to coastal zone management (CZM)? More to the point, what plan does the Irish Government have to introduce CZM in Ireland, if any?

By Rick Boelens

THE concept that coastal environments and communities warrant special consideration in planning and development achieved international recognition following the UN Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro) in 1992. Prominently, page one of the marine chapter in the conference proceedings identifies integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas, including exclusive economic zones, as a `priority'. Thus, the term Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM Ð the word zone was substituted later) was born.

During the 1990s the EU Commission embraced Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) as an area requiring co-ordinated European action given the coast's `critical value', and in the belief that many of the problems have a `European dimension'. Amongst the problems identified were habitat destruction, water contamination, coastal erosion, resource depletion, unemployment and conflicts over space and resources. A demonstration programme on ICZM initiated by the Commission in 1995 concluded that the underlying causes were lack of knowledge, inappropriate and uncoordinated laws; a failure to involve stakeholders and a lack of coordination between the relevant administrative bodies. Two Irish localities, Bantry Bay and dune systems in Down and Donegal, were part of the demonstration programme.

Community strategy

As early as 1992 the European Council issued a Resolution (OJ C59, 06.03.92) stressing the need for a community strategy for integrated planning and management of coastal zones. A brief sortie through EU files shows that the Commission remains committed to ICZM as an adjunct to established forms of environmental management. A recommendation of May 2002 requires member states to `present in 2006 the findings of a national stocktaking exercise (identifying all the main actors, laws and institutions involved), a national ICZM strategy, the actions taken and an evaluation'. So how will Ireland respond to this? Apart from commissioning a consultant report (CZM Ð A Draft Policy for Ireland, Brady Shipman Martin, 1997) and establishing an interdepartmental committee, there are few signs of progress. A recent enquiry from Inshore Ireland to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) elicited the rather puzzling response that because the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is based on principles of holistic environmental management it `gives effect to the main principles of coastal zone management'. Our request for more specific information, such as a clear statement of Ireland's policy on ICZM and its means of implementation, yielded little

more. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) tells us that work towards their objective of developing more integrated and co-ordinated approaches to ICZM would be `progressed as other priorities permit'. (see box, right) That Department also envisages links between the WFD and ICZM as well as between ICZM and the recent EU Strategy for the Marine Environment.

Poor record card

It seems hardly credible that the Government's position on ICZM would satisfy the EU requirement for a national ICZM strategy, nor is it likely to impress NGOs and local interest groups that for many years have campaigned for the introduction of some form of ICZM, particularly in areas prone to conflicts over resource use. Effective coastal management is not just about water. It must embrace all habitats, land and water uses, heritage, culture and communities Ð their livelihoods and traditions. Nor is it just about principles. It is a systematic and carefully-orchestrated process aimed at sustainable use of coastal environments. What distinguishes coastal environments from other environmental sectors is that they lie at the interface of two very different and biologically inter-dependent ecosystems and contain resources and amenities of immense national importance. They may also be subject to exceptionally high population pressures. Global experience would suggest that there is more enthusiasm for ICZM amongst international agencies and NGOs than governments. The explanation may, in part, relate to the background of ICZM. The 1992 Earth Summit dealt primarily with the serious problems besetting the developing world at the time, of which the

* Dune system at Magheroarty, Co Donegal, part of the demonstration programme. During the 1990s the EU Commission embraced Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) as an area requiring co-ordinated European action.

most extreme tended to occur in heavily-populated coastal areas where poverty, lack of education, poor governance and infrastructure placed unsustainable pressures on the natural environment. The loss of mangrove and coral ecosystems in particular Ð critical to fish food chains Ð caused worldwide alarm. Essential as it was that all UN member states subscribe to ICZM as one of several remedies to address the situation, it is far from clear that western governments considered the process to be as applicable in their own countries as in regions such as south-east Asia. Implementation of ICZM in countries with well-established

legislative and institutional frameworks for environmental protection and management is bound to be problematic. In such circumstances, governments tend to perceive ICZM as superfluous Ð just another layer of management super-imposed on an already complex administrative process designed to operate effectively in all environmental contexts Ð and one that places additional strains on the public purse. After all, many of the identified problems of coastal areas also occur inland.

1997 consultant report Ð comprising a centrally-driven, phased, comprehensive and nationwide programme Ð is not supported by worldwide experi-

ence and may be less likely to succeed than a more grass-roots (`bottom-up') approach. The failure rate of ICZM programmes around the world is high. The foremost reason for this is the absence of a strong constituency for the programme before it is initiated. It must be clear in advance that there is broad support for ICZM in the area to be managed and that the relevant interest groups agree to actively participate. Another reason for failure is that the programme is overlyambitious, attempting to cover too large an area and too many issues. Yet another is a lack of trained managers, skilled in resource management and conflict resolution, acting as programme leaders; without them no ICZM programme can succeed. Finally, local authorities and funding agencies must be willing and able to co-operate in developing and implementing ICZM plans. Ensuring the latter is perhaps the most valuable role that central government could perform. Could the apparent inertia surrounding the introduction of ICZM in Ireland reflect a perception that there are still too many unanswered questions about what it would do, how it would operate and how costeffective it might be? Or has it been overtaken by more substantive EU initiatives? We can only wait and see.

EUROPE’S LEADING INTERNATIONAL AQUACULTURE Queries from Inshore Ireland EXHIBITION to DCMNR and DEHLG

Q. Does DCMNR/DEHLG intend to issue a document that explains this position for the benefit of those who have strongly supported the CZM concept over the years?

DCMNR: It is a strategic objective of DCMNR to work, in the context of the EU recommendation in ICZM, towards the development of more integrated and co-ordinated approaches to coastal zone management. This work is to be progressed as other priorities permit.

Q. Is it the intention of Government/DCMNR to develop a separate, definitive CZM policy or to introduce mechanisms for the preparation and/or implementation of CZM plans at local level?

DCMNR will, in the context of its work on ICZM, be reviewing the interaction of ICZM with other policies and strategies being developed at EU level, namely the EU Strategy for the Marine Environment and the forthcoming EU Green Paper on Maritime Policy. The development of appropriate bridges with the work being undertaken for implementation of the WFD will be a key issue for any ICZM strategy that may be developed. Q: Are there plans in place to provide special (dedicated) funding, technical or administra-

Grass roots approach

There are differing views on how ICZM should operate. The model recommended by the

tive assistance in support of locally-based CZM initiatives?

DCMNR: There are no such plans in place at present. DELHG: DELHG is currently engaged in full implementation of the WFD in Ireland, which covers estuarine, transitional and coastal waters to a distance of one nautical mile from the shore. The principles of holistic environmental management underpinning the WFD give effect to the principles of ICZM. DEHLG welcomes and encourages the active participation of all interested persons in implementation of the WFD. This participation is being facilitated by the establishment of River Basin District Advisory Councils in each River Basin District [RBD] in the country, and will be further facilitated by a programme of public consultation on key implementation targets. Consultation will be invited in each RBD on a Draft Timetable and Work Programme to be published in 2006; on an overview of Significant Water Management Issues to be produced in 2007; and on Draft River Basin Management Plans in 2008.

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www.heighwayevents.com

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

WATER QUALITY

Environmental agency on target for WFD timetable By Jim Bowman

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the River Basin Districts (RBDs) and other State Agencies, is in the process of drawing up a monitoring programme for surface water, groundwater and protected areas that will comply with the monitoring requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The programme will establish a

comprehensive overview of water status within each RBD and will allow the classification of water bodies into five classes: high, good, moderate, poor and bad, consistent with descriptions of each class contained in the directive. For protected areas, the programme, in addition to the above monitoring, will include the specifications contained in the legislation establishing the individual protected areas. The overall monitoring programme

will contain surveillance, operational and if necessary investigative monitoring programmes. Surveillance monitoring will describe long-term changes due to natural conditions and anthropogenic activity and to help in the design of future monitoring programmes. It will be carried out at a network of sites to provide an assessment of the overall surface water status, including water bodies where the flow or volume

is significant, within the RBD. Operational monitoring will establish the status of water bodies identified as being at risk of failing to meet their environmental objectives. It will also measure any change in their status resulting from the programmes of measures, to be implemented in the RBD management plan. Investigative monitoring is to be carried out where the reason for a water body not achieving the environ-

mental objectives is unknown or to determine the magnitude and impact accidental pollution. The EPA is tasked with preparing this monitoring programme by 22 June 2006 specifying the nature, frequency and the extent of monitoring to be carried out by public authorities and to specify the public authorities by whom the monitoring is to be carried out. The monitoring programme is to be operational by 22 December 2006.

First maritime festival for north coast

SIX tall ships are the main attraction of the Celtic European Festival of the Sea and will sail from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co Donegal to Cushendall in Co Antrim, calling into Portrush, Coleraine, Ballycastle, Derry, Greencastle and Moville from May 22 to June 4. The vessels will be available for day sails or alternatively can be hired for team building exercises. Mini Festivals are planned along the route and will include the 25th anniversary of the raft race at Portrush, the French markets in Ballycastle and the GP14 International Championships at Moville Boat Club. Speaking at the launch, Sean Scott, festival director said the event would be the first mar-

itime festival on the north coast and included a range of activities for both sea and land lovers: ``There will also be an innovative `walk the plank' theatre ship, which will host workshops designed specifically for children. The festival also has a strong international appeal with visitors expected to attend from Norway, France, Canada and Argentina,'' he said. Welcoming the initiative, Pat Toal, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that working in partnership with other organisations, ``we are developing a festival that represents the rich past, present and future maritime heritage of the northwest''. The festival will culminate

in a parade of sail along the River Foyle from Derry City to Moville in Co Donegal on Sunday June 4. An anticipated 100 boats of all shapes and sizes will participate in the finale. The Celtic European Festival of the Sea, managed by North West Rural Development, is supported by the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme for Ireland/Northern Ireland through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Border Action and the Irish Central Border Area Network. Additional funding has also been secured from the Loughs Agency and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Further information from: www.maritimefestival.net

* Pictured at the launch are (l to r) Sean Scott, festival director; Pat Toal, DARD permanent secretary, and Ciara McCallion, living history co-ordinator, Derry City Council.

Funding secured to research noxious algae at beauty spot

* The popularity of scenic spots such as Courtmacsherry Bay is threatened by noxious smelling algae.

By Stefan Krann, Irish Seaweed Centre

INPUTS of biodegradable organic matter and inputs deriving from fertilizer run-off have many effects on the quality of receiving waters, and are a primary cause of eutrophication due to increased availability of nutrients. In estuaries and shallow coastal embayments, this can lead to the proliferation of vast green algal mats, known as `green tides' (See Inshore Ireland vol 1, no 4: 22/10/2005) These green tides predominantly comprise the green alga Ulva and can accumulate in astonishing quantities of up to 27kg wet weight per square metre, which are cast up on shore or left drifting in shallow water. Aesthetically unpleasant, noxious-smelling agglomerations of algae can influence local fisheries, tourism, and can persist for years and may pervasively and fundamentally alter ecosystems. A recent EPA Small Scale Study (2004-SS-25M1) highlighted the scale of the problem in the Courtmacsherry area on the south coast. The primary cause of these macroalgal blooms is increased inputs of nutrients in particular those derived from land-based activities. A variety of causes have been suggested as the major contributing factors, including agricultural runoff, sewage and natural environmental nutrients. Source identification is a primary step toward a successful remediation plan in an area

affected by increased nutrient loads. The Irish Seaweed Centre is grateful for the funding obtained from the EPA to carry out a small-scale study titled `Using Stable Isotope Analysis to trace nitrogen sources in areas affected by macroalgal blooms, to pinpoint the source of nutrient input in Courtmacsherry Bay'. Using the Isotope analysis technique, the ISC will be able to clarify the source of nutrient enrichment in Courtmacsherry Bay and enable us to make recommendations to tackle the problem of nutrient enrichment and to minimise the blooms to acceptable levels.

* Ulva can accumulate in astonishing quantities of up to 27kg wet weight per square metre.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

WATER QUALITY

Alien species don't have to be intergalactic

* Johnny Walker's Regina Ann fishing for oysters in Blacksod Bay. Photo: Shay Fennelly.

Spring oyster harvest in Blacksod Bay By Shay Fennelly

By Gery Flynn

MANY boat-owners continue to move unclean boats and equipment from one body of water to another, despite being aware of the threats posed to the entire inland waterway network by alien aquatic invasive species, a seminar entitled `Zebra Mussels and Other Alien Invaders' was told.

Organised by `The Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative', and sponsored by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the one-day event in Claregalway brought together anglers, environmentalists, consultants, regulators and public representatives to plan a framework of action to prevent any further spread of exotic species throughout Ireland's inland waterways. A motion passed unanimously called on government to fund a public education programme for AIS and for legislation to be enacted quickly to prevent their further spread. Dr Aoife Thornton, zebra mussel education officer with Galway Co Council and seminar co-ordinator, said that since no effective means currently exist to eradicate infestations, it was vital that waterway-users took responsibility for their actions. ``Angling activity is set to intensify over the coming months when boats will be transferred from infested waters such as the Shannon-Erne waterway to western lakes. We recommend that anyone who has used a boat [in these waters] does not move it to uncontaminated lakes. ``Such boats should be left to dry out prior to launching on un-infested water or else cleaned thoroughly using hot water to ensure that tiny mussel larvae are killed. Boats on which adult mussels have attached should not be launched onto other waterways,'' warned Dr Thornton.

Stopping the spread

Dr Thornton added that any plant life caught on machinery, boats, trailers or other objects should be carefully removed as this may help prevent the spread of invasive weeds like the African Curly Leaved Waterweed which is in Lough Corrib. ``Juvenile and adult zebra mussels can also transfer to new sites when attached to plant

life,'' she said. Dr Douglas Jensen, Minnesota University Sea Grant Institute, outlined measures employed in the United States to combat AIS. He emphasised that behavioural change Ă? especially among boat users Ă? was key to controlling the spread. `Òur experience with the Great Lakes shows that society tends to be reactive when it comes to dealing with AIS, and I guess it will be no different in Ireland. But it's very important to realise that you have to be pro-active on several fronts. It takes a whole different philosophy change and different management schemes to become pro-active,'' he added. Jensen stated that his ``bottom line message to the seminar'' was that `à well-defined communication and public awareness campaign tied to a comprehensive programme of monitoring, watercraft inspection, regulations and enforcement seem to be making a real difference in the United States.'' He commented that this was being achieved through educational campaigns backed by appropriate legislation. And he emphasised that legislation was needed because it encouraged people to adopt new practices. Dr Jensen also presented the results of research that demonstrated it was possible to protect waterways from the introduction of zebra mussel. He said it was important to realise that the focus should not be just on zebra mussels, but should include a range of potential exotic species. `Ìf you don't care enough about what you have heard so far, think about the other species that are out there. If we don't address the pathways and fail to take action, what will be the next species to come into Ireland and cause devastating impacts?''

Upsetting the balance

Dr Robert Rosell, senior scientific officer at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in Northern Ireland, provided proof that zebra mussels can alter an established population balance of different fish species in lakes. He explained that surveys, which he had carried out in the Erne system, showed that Zebra mussels had been introduced there in 1996. ``Within three years their numbers in the lower lough had reached saturation levels.

Zebra mussels have the potential to affect fish populations by filtering algae from the water column. This in turn alters food webs by creating new habitats and food sources on the grounds they cover. Their proven effects are reduced plankton numbers and increased water clarity. Increased water clarity favours the growth of water weeds, which then provides a new habitat for fish preferring weed cover,'' he explained. According to Dr Rosell this dramatic change of environment now means that perch is the fish species that has benefited most from the zebra mussel invasion. ``Perch numbers have increased dramatically with the one-year-old group in 2004 being the strongest observed since surveys began and are double the abundance of any prior annual brood. There are clear links between perch and zebra mussels,'' he said.

Control and containment

Dr Joe Caffrey of the Central Fisheries Board outlined the problem of the African Curley Leaved Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) in Lough Corrib and outlined the various methods of control and containment currently being investigated. (A Lagarosiphon Task Force has been established involving the Western Regional Fisheries Board, Galway County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Office of Public Works and the Central Fisheries Board.) Angler Con McCole welcomed the motion requesting the necessary legislation. ``While we are fully supportive of the education and awareness campaign being spearheaded by the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative, we believe that the introduction of zebra mussels into the Great Western Lakes (Corrib, Mask, Carra and Conn) is inevitable unless its efforts are backed up by legislation.''

Further details

Dr Aoife Thornton, Zebra Mussel Education Officer, Galway Co Council, Prospect Hill, Galway. Tel: 091-509063 or Email: athornton@galwaycoco.ie. See www.galway.ie for details of infested sites in Ireland.

FIFTY-ONE tonnes of native oysters were landed in a sevenday fishing season from oyster beds in Blacksod Bay in March. The first day's fishing yielded 10 tonnes, grossing 45,000 for 52 licensed fishermen. Blacksod Bay is a sandy shallow bay 16km in length and 8km wide at its mouth in north Mayo near the market town of Belmullet. According to Tom Bohan, honorary secretary of the North Mayo Oyster Co-op, the fishery was ``brilliant'' this year with 51 tonnes landed at 4,250 per tonne. Local shellfish buyers Goldens, McGrath, Mulloys and Moran offered 4.25/kilo. The oysters were large and deep cupped in quality. According to Bohan, the future of the fishery hinges on the willingness of the fishermen to adhere to conservation. Since the 1980s, marine biologist Aidan Murray of Resources Development Ltd in Galway carried out stock assessments and spat monitoring programmes in Blacksod Bay.

Conservation strategy

Murray says the Co-op followed a successful conservation management strategy and the tonnage landed was due to the commitment of the members. Several areas in the bay are exclusion areas for oyster broodstock and mussel shell was spread over several years to encourage oyster spatfall. Boats vary from two men in currachs to half-deckers with three crewmen, including the first Polish crew to fish oysters in Blacksod bay. The oysters are believed to have been imported by the Carters Ă? a landlord family who planted near Belmullet town. In the early 1980s, Minister for Fisheries, Paddy O'Toole helped bring in a Public Fishery Order following a public hearing and the North Mayo Oyster Co-op was formed in 1983. In 2005, Blacksod Bay was classified as a designated bivalve production `A area' for oysters. Ireland's eight major native oyster beds are in Lough Foyle; Blacksod Bay; Clew Bay; Achill; Mannin Bay; CillciaraĂ&#x201A;n; Clarinbridge and Tralee all along the west coast. Only three of these beds: Tralee, CillciaraĂ&#x201A;n Bay and Blacksod bay are producing substantial quantities of oysters and are managed by co-ops. The latest national figure from BIM show 300 tonnes of native oysters were harvested at a value of 1.35m in 2005.

* Achill currach fishermen Liam Cattigan, Christy Gallagher, John Boyle and Michael T Gallagher take a break from dredging. Photo: Shay Fennelly

STOP ZEBRA MUSSELS! ATTENTION WATERWAY-USERS

ZebraMussels: - ! Description: 2 " ( & ; Infested waters: & Shannon-Ern (; (

YOU CAN HELP! Any boat that has been in a Zebra Mussel infested waterway must not be launched onto un-infested waters unless it has been allowed to dry for at least 1 month

BEST ADVICE:Leaveyourboatathomeandrentlocally

Before you leave a Zebra Mussel infested waterway you must: 3 INSPECT & CLEAN ! 3 REMOVE " 3 DRAIN 3 IMMERSE # $ % "

A person who introduces a Zebra Mussel contaminated vessel orequipment onto un-infested waters may be liable to prosecution under the Wildlife Acts 1976 - 2000.

& Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative ' ! " ( An action of the Galway County Heritage Plan 2004-2008.

For Further Information Contact:

) * + , - ( . " &

/ * 0 1 2

3 4 5 3 ( 1 6 7 ( 6 89 : 8 #(

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

Defining and profiling inshore fisheries INSHORE FISHERIES

By Oliver Tully, BIM inshore fisheries co-ordinator

Increased focus can be traced

back to a report published by BIM in 1999 that reviewed the Increased

funding

to-

wards research and monitoring has been allocated through the NDP since 2001, and output from this funding is now reaching a point where it is usefully informing management and policy.

But

how

this

sector

defined? Does it have a particular

identity?

its

profile

changing and what is its future? A

number

jurisdictional, operational

stocks or the internal competi-

sarily based on economics but

tion

also for social, traditional and

industry.

`way of life' reasons.

THOUSANDS of people in the coastal zone around Ireland make a living, to varying extents, from inshore fisheries, and the sector continues to receive attention from policy makers, scientists and managers. sector.

may make decisions not neces-

geographic,

biological

difficulties

and arise

Outdated perception

necessary

private businesses operating in and

relying

access

tional,

resource.

diverse,

small-

for

Fishing vessel operations are

words

commonly-owned

scale,

renewable

Balancing

the

need

for these private enterprises to

coastal and seasonal way of life.

operate

Examples of changes include

secure

environ-

the loss of species or fisheries

ment, with the need to protect

that traditionally were part of

all stakeholders in an industry

the mixed bag of options avail-

that has thousands of partici-

able on a seasonal basis. This is leading to increased specialisation, with fewer species being

* Inshore vessels increasingly rely on shellfish Ð mainly crustaceans Ð as decline of whitefish stocks has

pants, is a critical objective.

reduced the options for small boat trawling and line fishing inshore.

only work where the operators

of effort to fewer vessels, longer

salmon, coupled with internal

working days and more fishing

competition

effort. Inshore vessels increasingly

whitefish

sea

the

shellfish Ð

stocks

options

decline

has

for

mainly of

reduced

small

boat

for

shellfish

grounds, static fish prices and opportunities elsewhere in the economy, can explain declined participation in inshore fisheries in some coastal areas. Reduced diversity of options available to

close to the coast; who lives in

trawling

the community close to the port;

shore. The traditionally impor-

who returns to port daily; who

tant salmon fishery is also in

nomic risk, discourages partici-

fishes different species season-

decline

pation

ally, based on availability and

reduced.

and

line

annual

fishing

quotas

in-

are

This decline in whitefish and

Fisheries

management

can

are facilitated to take a long-

targeted, increased aggregation

man as somebody who goes to

behaviour of stocks and who

view

sustainable development.

than descriptions such as tradi-

crustaceans

fishes

term

least part of the sector rather

We think of an inshore fisher`small' boat;

all

rage people to take the long-

increasingly used to profile at

rely

are

lack

environment that would encou-

out-

tion, specialisation, professional full-time

and overall does not provide the

dated. Aggregation, capitalisaand

creates

the

turn leads to lower catch rates

nostalgic and traditional view is increasingly

also

within

ment in fishing gear, which in

ever, suggest that this perhaps becoming

results

security and provokes invest-

Some trends in the sector, how-

when defining inshore fisheries.

that

Management structure

minimal State or EU interven-

Can the inshore fishing sector

tion

be managed or moulded to fit a particular traditional or modern vision, or is the future direction

with

the

CFP

generally

term view rather than `fishing for today'. If, through the co-

adopting a hands-off approach

operative inshore management

to the inshore sector. National

framework now in place we can

policies, in common with other

bring forward a more appropri-

EU member states, have been

ate policy environment, long-

slow to fill this gap.

term visions can be nurtured

For

example,

inshore

fish-

and

planning

for

sustainable

destined to follow the trends

eries

development can begin. Policy

currently evident?

operate on an open access basis.

can be used to marry the best

While

the

aspects of tradition in inshore

the

diversity of options for those

fisheries with the needs of those

element in the decision to stay

modern Ð have largely taken

involved it does not sufficiently

stakeholders in a modern econ-

in or leave the sector.

place against a background of

recognise the implications for

omy and society.

inshore vessels increases ecoand

significant

To from

date, the

these

changes

traditional

Ireland

this

may

continue preserve

* Live prawn emptying: The best wat to ensure that live prawns from a creel do not fight and damage each

* Vivier tank: If the flow of water through a vivier tank is sufficient, crab can be held successfully at very

other is to empty them into water where they separate unlike the dry tray shown here.

high densities

Proper handling a prerequisite for human consumption of crustaceans Gery Flynn reports

Expo, Dr Ian Lawler, inshore

have a basic understanding of

``Once this happens the ani-

from Galway

fisheries executive with BIM,

the physiological changes that

mal begins to suffocate, and this

said that despite having a coat

are

very toxic ammonia begins to

of external armour that often

removed from the sea.

CONSTANT awareness;

observation and

attention

detail

and above all, basic common sense are required if live shellfish are to arrive in the marketplace

perfect

condition,

seminar on live-handling was told.

made crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters look rather robust ``they should not be regarded as live rocks, and must be handled and stored with care as soon as they are captured.'' Lawler

said

that

anyone

handling live sea creatures for

Speaking at the Irish Skipper

THE

second Irish Skipper

human

1.3m

consumption

worth

should

business

triggered

once

they

are

build up internally, often with

Toxic ammonia

disastrous

consequences,''

explained.

``Taking any animal out of the

He described having seen a

40% mortality in a shipment of

unfamiliar environment aboard

live velvet crab after they had

a fishing boat can be the start of

been badly stored and had not

major problems,'' he said.

been given adequate water on

sea

and

putting

``Unlike

into

mammals

that

get

the way to market.

rid of their waste as relatively

``On the other hand, I have

non-toxic uric acid, crabs and

also seen a situation where 11

lobsters

tonnes of the same species were

excrete

ammonia

often across the gills. This is a

packed

extremely

densely

Expo, Ireland's only show-

transacted over the two-day

very toxic chemical indeed and

case dedicated to the inshore

show with further potential

but properly stored Ð aboard a

must not be allowed to build

vivier vessel.

sector, was a major success

business worth in excess of

up. Out of water, crustaceans

``The difference was that 30

according to managing direc-

1.5m.

cannot get rid of this ammonia,

cubic meters of seawater was

and so they begin to poison.''

being pumped through the sto-

tor, Hugh Bonner.

``Small inshore boats were

by a third to almost 3,000 and

with one firm alone receiving

Delicate appendages

despite the arctic conditions,

orders for four 21ft models.

Lawler

and

this cargo docked, only 45 kilos

the 65 firms exhibiting re-

Interest was also expressed in

lobster gills were ``very deli-

of crab were dead. That's 0,4%,

ported brisk trade. Final fig-

larger potter/netters such as

cate

col-

and it shows what proper care

ures revealed an approximate

the 33ft Cygnus,'' he said.

lapsed by as much as 99% out

and handling can achieve,'' he

of water.

said.

``With visitor numbers up

probably

the

biggest

seller

said

that

appendages''

crab that

rage

tank

via

network

pipes. The result was that when

* On deck crab storage: A simple system run off the deckwash pump to keep brown crab or lobster in top condition without a vivier tank. Stability issues MUST be be considered carefully though.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

INSHORE FISHERIES

Ireland's cockle fishery: the future A judgment by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in 2004 after it had assessed the likely environmental impact of certain proposed infrastructure projects, has implications for the Irish cockle fishery, a Marine Institute report notes.

nificant effect on the site. Under Article 6(3) of Directive 92/43/ EEC, before a plan or extraction is approved all aspects of it must be identified in the light of the best scientific knowledge available, and its approval can take place only where no reasonable doubt remains that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site.'

Cerastoderma edule

Obligations

By Gery Flynn

Entitled The Dundalk Cockle fishery in 2003-2004 by Edward Fahy, Jim Carroll and Sean Murran, the report cites the Wadden Sea case from the Netherlands, which examined the impact of mechanical harvesting of cockles in an area designated under the Habitats Directive. The report states that the ECJ findings àre directly relevant to the future existence of a cockle fishery in Dundalk Bay in the context of the conservation status of the area'. But more importantly for anyone involved in the Dundalk Bay fishery, the report notes that the ECJ finds this activity ìs authorised only to the extent that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site'. It adds: Ìf such an activity is likely to undermine the site's conservation objectives, it must be considered to have a sig-

The report states that the ECJ judgment imposes added obligations on the managers of a fishery such as Dundalk Bay, and lists these as: * an annual assessment of the cockle biomass

* an estimate of the number of birds likely to over-winter there, and * the determination of a Total Allowable Catch which reserves an adequate spawning stock biomass from potential landings.

According to the field analysis by the report's authors, some 4,500 hectares of Dundalk Bay yielded between 10.8 and 40.9 cockles per square metre, which translates to an estimated standing stock of 143 million cockles, and a biomass of more than 1,500 tonnes. It also finds that the growth rate of cockles there `is relatively rapid'.

* Marks of cockle dredgers on the intertidal sands of Dundalk Bay. The report states that the over-wintering bird population of the area Ð mostly oyster catchers Ð `might consume 1,400 tonnes of cockles in Dundalk Bay' and adds that this is an astonishing figure in the context of whatever plans there might be to develop the commercial development of the species. The Marine Institute Stock

Book refers to the Dundalk cockle fishery as `a low-density shellfish producer [that] appears to be heavily fished' and advises that the fishery `urgently requires a management initiative which recognises the inherent restrictions on exploitation imposed by European conservation legislation'. The stock book also highlights the need to cap fishing effort for cockle in the bay, and notes that juvenile cockles are being damaged as a result of `serial discarding' during harvesting via suction dredging, and calls for a close season to be `put in place by regulation, and enforced'.

Cockle is the common name of the heart-shaped, marine bivalve (two shells) molluscs, belonging to the order Eulamellibranchia. The spherical shells have distinct radiating ridges, or ribs, which aid the animal in gripping the sand. Cockles live in sand and mud in shallow water, often in brackish inlets. They burrow until only the siphons project, pulling in water from which the animal strains the minute planktonic organisms on which it feeds. Several cockle species are edible. Great numbers of cockles are taken annually for food from densely populated beds. These beds have been known to migrate in units, probably in response to changes in currents. Protothaca staminea, the rock cockle, is among the best known and most widely used for food. It usually does not exceed 3in (7.5cm) in length. Rock cockles are poor diggers and inhabit packed mud, or gravel mixed with sand, usually 8in (20cm) below the surface. They are found on the Pacific Coast near the rocky shores of bays and estuaries. Those inhabiting the open coast during the summer months should not be eaten because they may be infected with toxin-producing organisms. P.semidecussata the Japanese littleneck clam, is smaller but considered to be better-flavoured than the rock cockle. The shell is more elongated, with a brownish to bluish banding on one end. It inhabits an environment similar to that of P. staminea and is widespread in Puget Sound, Wash.; British Columbia; and San Francisco and Tomales Bay, Calif. Unlike the genus Protothaca, the basket cockles (Clinocardium nuttalli, or Cardium corbis) are good diggers and have a large foot. Lacking siphon tubes, basket cockles burrow only slightly beneath the surface and inhabit sand flats, particularly along the Pacific Coast. They are considered good eating clams but are too few in number to be widely marketed. They are most abundant in British Columbia and in Puget Sound, Wash., with fewer found south as far as Baja California and north as far as the Bering Sea. The hard shell cockles, genus Chione, are found from San Pedro, Calif., S into Mexico. The giant Atlantic cockle, Dinocardium robustum (Cardium magnum), reaches 5 in. (12.5 cm) in diameter and is found along the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Brazil. It has shells with toothed margins, strikingly colored in yellowish brown with spots and transverse stripes of chestnut or purple. Cockles are classified in the phylum Mollusca, class Pelecypoda or bivalvia, order Eulamellibranchia.

BIM Fisheries and Market Development Divisions wish to invite you to the

Lack of policing threatens lobster stock FINE Gael marine spokesman John Perry has called for additional funding to ``prevent the eradication of lobster stocks'', saying that catches are being ``wiped out as Government sits idly by''. He said that the vast majority of lobster fishermen strictly abided by the regulations by returning berried and undersized lobsters. ``But a few fishermen are ruining it for the majority. If this continues they will pose a serious threat [to] future catches. Illegal landing and selling of undersized and berried lobsters is a huge problem and instead of this practice diminishing it seems to be on the increase,'' he said. Responding to a query from Deputy Perry on the number of prosecutions brought forward in 2005, the marine minister John Browne said there had been none. ``This is ridiculous. Fishermen know this practice happens. While the Department may be spending millions on v-notching and restocking, very

2006 Lobster Conference at the Galway Bay Hotel on 26th May, 2006 The conference will cover: ■ The Irish Lobster Fishery and its Management ■ The Management of European and North American Lobster Fisheries ■ The European Lobster Market

* Fine Gael's John Perry says that lobster catches are being `wiped out as Government sits idly by'.

little is being done about policing. If fishery officers were seen to be out and about, this would deter many offenders. ``I have been told that the Department is currently recruiting fishery officers. This needs to be done as a matter of

urgency. Also, the management plan currently being drafted by the Lobster Committee must be completed and published as soon as possible. We cannot run the risk of losing such a valuable resource,'' Deputy Perry emphasised.

■ Long-term Holding of Lobster A full programme will be available on the BIM website closer to the conference date.

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

Renewable energy: Into the future ISLAND LIVING

By Majella Nõ Â

Chrõ Âocha Â in, CoE IT was the oil crises in the 1970s and the early 1980s that prompted the people of Cape Clear in Cork to investigate the possibility of generating their own energy, using a resource that was available in abundance Ð wind.

* The cast of Sive from the Bere Island Theatre Troupe

In what was to become the first

integrated

system

its

Irish playwrights revered in island performances

kind in Europe, in 1986 the community started to use windmills to generate energy, batteries

store

Theatre

ious performances. In addition,

where they performed the play

Troupe was formed in 2003 to

writing workshops have taken

to a packed hall.

system

bring live theatre back to Bere

place

Island, to encourage local wri-

troupe

ters

and

THE

diesel

generators for back-up. For

provided island's

years up

the

70%

electricity

the

needs.

Bere

and

Island

document

visited

July

2004

and

the

Newfoundland as

part

the

recently

presented

their

the

troupe

production

Sive by John B Keane. The

history.

Defence Ð who have a training

ship where they performed their

tended by over 200 people and

base on the island Ð provided

version of The Tinker's Wed-

the general consensus was that

the ideal venue of an old army

ding by John Millington Synge.

they were a great success. Over

church with good acoustics and

Since its formation the troupe

100 Leaving Cert students from

``They were not interested as it was too small to be commercially viable.'' What were then rather unsophisticated turbines wore out after

decade

and

with

national grid in 1997, the sense of urgency around alternative, locally-generated power faded somewhat. What MõÂchea Â l John is interested in now is to explore possibility

the

island

becoming self-sufficient by integrating wind, solar and wave power.

Wind and water in Inis MeaÂin It

was

the

shortage

of fresh

late 1990s that drove the people Inis

Mea Â in

look

guaranteed

for

alternative methods of generatwind

from Synge to a more modern

Council from whom they re-

generated a great deal of inter-

writer and performed the award-

ceived

recalls the noise of the electri-

the generation of green energy.

est, both on the island and on

winng

production. The play will be

city

Brian Friel. The Troupe subse-

performed again on April 29

quently travelled to Cape Clear

and 30.

the

resource

turbines

quiet

and

clean by comparison.

that

plentiful

supply on Bere Island!

Elephant grass on Bere Island

Solar panels and wood in Inis OõÂrr

For the domestic user looking

gues at the abalone farm on

to cut their fuel bills, Eugene

Bere Island are currently investigating the possibility of grow-

Houlihan and his colleagues in Â irr Comhar Chaomha Â n in Inis O

ing, harvesting and burning a

suggest that a combination of

type of elephant grass known as

solar panels and wood pellet

micantus to reduce their heating

burners are possibly the best

bills.

option.

Abalone

feeds

seaweed

the

two

weeks.

seaweed

Harvesting

bad

Following

months

re-

search they made a proposal to Â amon O Â CuõÂv to Minister E

fund a feasibility study whereby

Cumann IascairõÂ ChleÂire Organic Cumann was founded in

There is a dedicated office

1999 to redress the trend in the

and meeting room in the har-

fishing industry toward larger

bour area where Pat is based.

THIS

boats which had contributed to the decline of the island population

fishermen

and

their

families left to base themselves in mainland ports. The group (approximately 20 members) seeks to develop new forms of sustainable fishing in local waters; provide cost-effective fish handling facilities from its members and seeks added value for local catch.

from Comhdha Â il Oilea Â in na Â ireann's National Rural DehE velopment Programme to carry out a study into the availability and the type of fishing techniques needed to provide a more sustainable industry. The research sought to re-

solar panels would be installed

be covered by generating heat

in one home and a wood pellet

To date, the Cumann has pro-

advent of trawlers and larger

through burning the grass.

burner in another, in order that

vided an ice machine and re-

boats. More specific informa-

their

frigerated unit on the island and

tion

has designed and commissioned

areas

an insulated transport container

important if line fishing is to

mounted on wheels suitable for

be considered commercially vi-

the ferry service. They are in the

able. Line fishing was seen to

project

process of developing a smoke

be a more sustainable method of

house.

fishing as there is no waste or

tenance.

This

hybrid

grass

grows

respective

performances

would

without fertilizer for 23 years

could

destroy the natural beauty of

without needing to be reseeded.

sessed.

the

including

Growing to a height of between

local poet Dara Beag o Â Flathar-

10 and 12 feet, it is harvested

eann

ta, see it differently. Dara likens

once a year in the spring and

trans-national

the three turbines, standing on

yields up to eight tons per acre.

for islanders interested in both

the southern side of the island,

Farmers would be paid 300

energy conservation and renew-

to ``feathers in the hats of ladies

per acre and would also qualify

able energy. Contact Maire Â ad

at the Galway races''. Â Fa Sea Â inõÂn O Â tharta,

for organic REPS payments.

monitored

and

as-

Â irComhdha Â il Oilea Â in na hE is

currently

planning

training

who

The energy generated would

O'Reilly at 099 75096 maireaÂ d@oileain.ie or Se Â amus O

and

yield sufficient hot water to heat

CnaimhsõÂ at 07495 21593 sea-

maintenance of the windmills

homes nearby and could be fed

mus@oileain.ie.

of local conditions lost to the current generation through the

Pat Con O'Driscoll works for the

group

under

the

Rural

Social Scheme as well as devot-

Harbour,

for

small

island

(Name) ____________________________

(Address) _________________________________________________________________ (Telephone/ e-mail address) ____________________________________ I wish to book the Singles weekend on 9th, 10th & 11th June 2006, for _______________________ person(s) _____________________ per person (full payment),

I enclose

_________________ per person

DEPOSIT(E40.00)

Cheque to be made out to "Clare Island Torurism"

Applications MUST be returned as soon as possible and marked for the attention of : MR DONAL O'SHEA, CLARE ISLAND TOURISM, CLARE ISLAND, WESTPORT, CO. MAYO Please specify coming by car Yes:__ No:__

Please specify coming by train Yes:__ No:__

Please let us know if you require Vegetarian meals Yes:____ No:____

This

Contact: Pat O'Driscoll, Cu-

for

support

gathered.

shoaling

fin and scale damage. mann

fishermen.

local

discard and the fish sustain less

ing voluntary hours to lobbying

Clare Island Tourism Application Form

regarding was

growing on Bere Island HARRIET

The Cumann received funding

Progress so far

ciated high cost of drying could

I enclose

Funding

cover the traditional knowledge

system and to cover its main-

operation

the

dred people attending the var-

that the Department would part-

the

towards

the mainland, with several hun-

store it for feed and the asso-

supervises

grant

Asia, needs rain to thrive: a

the

available in abundance and to

others,

The grass, which is native to

and

repay the capital costs of the

island,

Translations

dirty

generators

grid, thus generating income to

they

play

smoke they emitted, and finds

the island. It was finally agreed

that

Kenmare

The troupe is very grateful to

burners in existing houses on

grounds

and

saw a preview of the play. the arts section of Cork County

solution is to dry it when it is

the

Castletownbere

In 2005, the group moved away

can, however, be dangerous. A

objected to the installation on

aforementioned

and In the Shadow of the Glen.

which is sold via the national

While there were those who

with

the

staging

install solar panels and wood

extra

involved

Synge

at-

different plays, which have all

energy

generate

been

plays

short

were

bought back at about six cent

weather

also

Up to 25 people to date have

two

performances

been very successful and have

every

three

per

staged

two

scheme aimed at encouraging

desalination

tion

The

7.2c

has

partner-

per KWh under a Government the

collected at spring tides once

plant.

a large seating capacity.

Ireland/Newfoundland

system,

and

ing energy to power a desalinaturbines installed on the island

price

KWh. Electricity could then be

Jack O'Sullivan and his collea-

water during one summer in the of

Island Living articles compiled by Gillian Mills

the

connection of the island to the

the

back into the national grid at a

island

eventually take over the running

* Wind turbine on Inis MeaÂin (Photo: Majella NõÂ ChrõÂochaÂin).

Department

the

was hoped that the ESB would of the system but as MõÂchea Âl Â Ce John O Â adaga Â in recalls:

The

island

IascairõÂ

Chle Âire,

Oilea Ân

North

Chle Âire,

Co.

Chorcaigh. Phone: 028 41976

Roach and Da-

vid Andrews are committed environmentalists and members of Comhdha Â il Oilea Â in Â ireann's Organic Horna hE ticultural group, GarraõÂ na nOilea Â n. The couple have adopted a low impact lifestyle and have received funding from the National Rural Development

Programme

struct

con-

greenhouse

produce organic horticultural

produce.

(They

not

have a connection from the grid to their home; all power is generated by small wind turbines and solar panels.) Harriet carrying

and out

David

are

small-scale

pilot study into using solar panels to generate electricity for their greenhouse. Contact: Lowneys,

Harriet

Roach,

Greenane,

Bere

Island. Phone: 027 75987; email: cattapilla@iol.ie

Scheme to boost island employment Â CuõÂv, TD, Minister for EÂamon O Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has launched a new enterprise scheme for non-Gaeltacht islands. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage entrepreneurs to develop enterprises that will promote long-term sustainable development of the islands. The County Enterprise Boards will administer the scheme and the DCRGA will provide the funding to a maximum of 100,000 over a three-year period for any one project. This assistance may cover capital and employment costs as well as feasibility studies. Projects in a range of sectors will be considered such as manufacturing, natural resources, island services and tourism. Assistance may be pro-

vided for projects that would not normally be eligible for grant aid by CEBs, due to their type, the numbers employed or by the scale of the total investment required. ``For too long the non-Gaeltacht islands have lacked incentives, which are so necessary for sustainable development. At the end of the day it doesn't matter how much money we spend on infrastructure. If there isn't employment of some sort then people can't live there. ``Islanders have a right to a satisfactory standard of living, and I am certain that this scheme will help to achieve that Â CuõÂv. goal,'' remarked Minister O Details of the scheme can be obtained from the relevant County Enterprise Board and DCGA at www.pobail.ie

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

ISLAND LIVING

Tourism marketing campaign for islands

A nationwide marketing campaign is being planned for the inhabited islands for the coming tourist season. Tourism is an important part of the local economies and islanders have argued for years the need for a dedicated marketing campaign to advertise the attractions of island holidays. In a report compiled for the Department of Rural Community and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2004, estimated tourism spend in the islands was approximately 12m and supports approximately 275 jobs. The

season however is very short and many islands report a high season in July and August only. The marketing campaign is twofold: It will seek to attract visitors out of season and will encourage islanders to develop niche holiday packages, such as bird watching, walking, sailing, fishing, diving, island culture and the Irish language/music. As those involved in the tourist industry know that it takes time to realise the benefits of marketing and both the Department and FaÂilte Ireland plan to run the campaign initi-

ally for three years. As with all FaÂilte Ireland campaigns, only those who are approved by FaÂilte Ireland will be listed on the new website and this poses a challenge for those who, for a variety of reasons, decide not to register for approval. The campaign is a joint initiative of the Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs and Ireland West Tourism, and is jointly funded by the DCRGA and FaÂilte Ireland and will be launched at the end of May.

* AÂrainn MhoÂir (Photo: SeÂamus OÂ CnaÂimhsõÂ)

Nature'sWeb * Inis OõÂrr (Photo: Seamus Bonner)

Match-making in Clare (Island)

ISSUE... Seafood Recipe Migrating Birds Whales Hibernation Autumn Leaves Life as an Underwater Photographer

* Clare Island: one of Ireland's most remote and scenic islands

WHETHER solitude or socialising is your fancy, Clare Island's singles weekend in June offers a break from routine and the opportunity to soak up some memorable days on one of Ireland's most remote and scenic offshore islands. Now in its 11th year, the island's `singles grand master' Donal O'Shea says the event is going from strength to strength, and attracts visitors from all walks of life with as many different stories to tell. The weekend begins on Friday June 9 with an `ice breaker' dance to the music of the Sunset Band. Following breakfast on Saturday a guided walk around the island takes in the 15th-century home of renowned pirate queen, Granuaile, (so widely feared was Granuaile that she was received with full honours at the Tudor Court of Elizabeth I. She maintained her dominance into old age and was buried in 1603 in the tiny abbey on the island); the fulachta fiadh (Bronze Age cooking sites); the 19th-century Napoleonic watch tower; the island's lighthouse and a 5,000-year-old cairn.

Following lunch the afternoon is free to explore the island on foot or by bike, to relax on the beach or to do a spot of yoga. The main event of the weekend is a blind date at the ballroom of romance, where computer and speed dating competitions for the most eligible single man/woman and match-making will take you into the small hours. For those who are still awake, a walk on the beach to watch the sun rise from the east is a must. ``The singles weekend on Clare Island has been one of the most successful singles' festivals of the last 10 years, with people coming from all over Ireland, the UK and even the USA,'' says Donal O'Shea proudly. Music and craic on Sunday from noon will entertain you until you leave the island at 1pm. A fee of 269 covers all train travel (within Ireland); accommodation in the many B&Bs (two nights, two evening meals, two lunch) and entertainment. Full details: tel/fax: 098 26625/087 9004128; email: cliaracdp@eircom.net

NEW ARRIVALS!

INSIDE THIS

Environmental Work in Your School Nature Experiments More Information

t's that time of year again when seal pups are a common sight around the secluded areas of our coast.

There are two main types of seals around Ireland, the grey seal and the common seal. Grey seal pups are born from September to October and are covered in white fur to keep them warm. They weigh about 15kg at birth but after about 2-3 weeks of drinking their mothers fatty milk they can weigh as much as 45kg. Around this time the pups begin to lose their fur and gradually spend more time in the water. The mothers will stay with them for a few weeks until they are strong enough to look after themselves. Common seal pups are born in the summer and lose their fur before they are born. Their skin is a dark shade of grey at birth and they learn to swim almost immediately. Never approach a seal pup if you see one alone on a beach. Mother seals rarely abandon or travel far from their pups and will keep a watchful eye even when they are in the water. If you get too close the mother seal may attack to defend her young and the pup may bite you or become distressed and may injure itself getting away from you.

Grey Seal Pup

Adult Grey Seal

Foreign Read about life as an

Correspondent's Report Crabs Up Close Fun Page Conservation & Recycling Our Place In Space Nature's Calendar for Autumn 2005

All in a days Work...

Underwater Photographer with Pete Atkinson. He spent some time working at Sherkin Island Marine Station and then

sailed

the

Pacific

Ocean taking photographs of creatures like this Reef Shark. He now lives and works in Australia. In each issue we hope to introduce you to someone that has made the environment a

* Nature's Web environmental newsletter is produced by Sherkin Island Marine station and a trial issue is available on www.naturesweb.ie. A DVD version and the newsletter will be launched on May 16 and distributed to all primary schools in Ireland.

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

COASTWATCH SEASHORE SURVEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INSHORE IRELAND

Spring on the seashore others which you may discover. THINK of an interesting shore near you. What hap- * Your local survey report will contribute to information on pened to it over the winter Ireland's biodiversity and and highest spring tides? Who key species and habitats prolives here? Who is just arrivtected internationally. With ing? If finding out, please take >5000km of shore it would be this questionnaire with you and report back to us.

Brown seaweed

Four good reasons to participate in the survey and rope others in

Ringed plover * A fresh look at your shore Ă?

whether that is to revise for exams, or have family fun over the holidays, or help protect it. There are thousands

of different species on a typical Irish seashore, but most people cannot identify more than five and are not even aware of the existence of fascinating creatures right under their feet.

Pipefish * Alien invasive species are being brought into our waters and are spreading, or being spread by people unaware of the threat to both native species and our own uses of the sea. Prevention and early control require information. At present we only have a very sketchy picture. If enough people contribute to this survey, the results should give a snap shot view of one `invader' Japweed Sargassum muticum and may alert to

Sargassum

very costly to have officials only looking after every part. It is more effective to do joint work. Your information can also be valuable for local authority biodiversity action plans which are now being

prepared for the first time. * Climate change is manifesting itself in lots of subtle changes on our shores. Your observations may be important in finding and tracking signs of change.

Survey notes

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

SEASHORE SURVEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INSHORE IRELAND

Where to survey? Any coastal or estuarine area. When? April 13th - May 15th How much?

Try to cover a `box' of shore, or `survey unit' 500m wide along high tide mark in one go. Include the whole shore from hinterland down to low water. Include rock pools and tidal channels en route to low water.

Preparation

Chose a shore from a detailed map or if you are Coastwatcher you may have a coded map. As fall back or if not sure which area to cover, take extra paper with you to sketch the shore covered with landmarks to pin point your location. This is particularly important for Japweed and Eelgrass findings. Plan your survey around low tide. Put the survey form and 2 pens onto a clipboard, or into transparent folder. Take suitable clothes, 2 bags for samples and a phone with you. Useful extras: notepad, camera (battery/film), magnifying glass, Guidebook.

Survey

Complete the questionnaire while walking your shore. Look for life in pools, under seaweeds and stones. Always put stones back as you found them.

Your survey findings Return information as well as any plant samples and photos

to Coastwatch no later than May 18th. If you are willing to input data, email us at Coastwatch@eircom.net and ask for standard input form. Results will be analysed and selected points highlighted during European Green week. Results and acknowledgement will be printed in the June edition of Inshore Ireland.

Coastwatch at Civil Eng. TCD Dublin 2 Ð 053 9425843 or fax 053 94 25046 Mobile: 086 8111 684 or email coastwatch@eircom. Net Web www.coastwatch.org

feeds and moves when the tide is in. As the tide goes out and the water no longer covers a given spot in the intertidal, life virtually stops. In contrast to musical chairs, there is a rhythm so everyone is prepared. Limpets have returned home and are sitting stuck tightly to their rocks; seaweeds floating in the water column with their little buoyancy aids lie limp on the ground at ebb tide and form protection for animals waiting for the water to return. Others like the lugworm sit tight in their U shaped burrow in the sand.

of saltmarsh or mudflat. Some Spartina swards are rich habitats themselves, in other areas, the change to Spartina is a loss of Zostera bed and open mudflat bird feeding area. It can choke tidal channels and reduce channel value as fish nursery.

Splash Zone

Splash zone is the area above the mean high tide mark, which the sea only splashes in high waves, or covers in spring tides. Habitats in this area include saltmarsh. On rocky shores you might see colourful bands of lichens above the seaweeds and on sand or shingle shores you might see a drift line with plants just starting to grow among dry seaweeds and debris marking the highest spring tides.

Plants

If not familiar with the plants (locally you may use different names) read the description carefully. You could also look up a plant guide, or on the web.

Glasswort Salicornia

Green waxy, ankle high, stays upright when the tide goes out, `cactus from a distance' shape. Where? Upper intertidal/splashzone, on mud/sand, or in patches between lower saltmarsh grass Appearance: A green waxy little shoot emerges in spring, then pairs of branches from the stem, sometimes with reddish tinge. It's the only plant in this area made up of waxy tube segments. Notes: Glasswort was used for early glass making and helps stabilise mudflats as silt settles around it. You often find snails on it. We have several similar annual species in Ireland. One very rare (perennial) Glasswort has a more creeping habit and woody looking stem in saltmarsh pans. Glasswort is listed in the EU Habitat Directive as `Salicornia flats'. Lovely to eat, but don't cut too much.

Brown and red seaweeds/algae

Many different kinds, shapes and sizes. Most browns are leathery while reds are more delicate. They need to hold onto something firm like a stone. On a rocky shore you can see lovely zonation as you go down towards low * Barnacles magnified. water, where at spring low tide you another shore. Information on your might see a kelp forest Ð our `trees of findings is very valuable. the sea'.

Japweed Sargassum muticum

This is an invasive alien brown sea weed species from the Pacific which was introduced into our waters only 20 years ago. Our survey will be an important snapshot of where it has got to in spring 06. As we are planning a special report Ð please look particularly carefully for signs of it, both growing and swept up. If you find it, take a piece and send it to us to confirm its ID.

Notes on Habitats, Animals and Plants

THOSE for which a special report is planned are described in most detail.

ment indicators like nettles on land.

* Above: Spartina (March/April). Below: August.

Eelgrass Zostera

This is one of the few flowering plants that grow in the sea.

Where: grows from midshore down into the sublittoral, base attached like our brown seaweeds. Appearance: Brown to greenish brown tough leathery thin stem with many alternative branches coming off. Branches carry what looks like little leaves and knobs. Feathery appearance in the water. Flat on the ground or over other seaweeds when the tide goes out. If you pick up the main stem and hold it at both ends, the side branches flop down like wet nylons on the cloth line. May be just establishing in an area and overlooked between other brown seaweeds, but can grow to >1 m and form floating mats once well established. Notes: It can be a good fish habitat, grow between other seaweeds or become a serious problem out competing native smaller or slower growing seaweeds, fouling surfaces and getting into boat propellers. It loves sheltered warm water.

Where? From midshore down into shallow water, on mud, sand and gravel Appearance: Green grass that lies down when the tide is out, like a lawn after heavy rain. Contrast with green algae as it has proper veins in grass blades. Notes: For dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltii use a magnifying glass to see veins in the blades. It grows with the bigger Zostera angustifolia on mud in estuaries. The biggest Zostera maritime, grows from low tide down on sand and gravel. Eelgrasses are valuable hiding ground for animals and a high calorie food source for Brent geese and other grazers. Zostera areas have become much rarer in recent years. We would be delighted if you * Rare Honeycomb worm reef Sabellaria. found some.

Animals

Of special interest

It's bird nesting time. You may notice

upset birds telling you to get lost or leading you away with a pretend broken wing. Terns and Ringed Plovers lay their eggs between shells and stones in the splashzone and can easily be trampled or nest positions given away to a gull or fox.

If in a nesting area, move away quickly until the birds stop acting worried, confine the survey to the intertidal only, or just leave and try

The Shore

Tides

Cordgrass Spartina An invasive plant that can really alter a local upper intertidal and saltmarsh.

Where? On sheltered sand and mudflats including saltmarsh channels. Appearance: Straight hard, wellielong, grass, new shoots now coming up in spring between the old dead stems. Look for (i) an `island' on mudflats or (ii) a `field' like barley on land, or (iii) a band running through a saltmarsh along or occupying a tidal channel. Notes: It was introduced to reclaim land over 100 years ago. Two types of Spartina hybridised (married) and the Intertidal hybrid spread outside the areas first Intertidal is the area between low and planted. It is now making its way into high tide. Think of it like an area of almost every estuary in Ireland and the eternal musical chairs. Everything UK, sometimes taking over large areas

Tides take just over 6 hours to go out and again just over 6 hours to be fully in. Times change slightly depending on the moon and earth alignments, which is why you need tide tables for exact times. Rainfall and wind direction can also influence sea level. As a rough guide, low tide will be an hour later every day. Spring tides, with highest and lowest tides, occur on full and new moon.

Green seaweeds or algae

Many different types from bright green film to long strings. Where: Anywhere on the shore, depending on type. Appearance: Green, either thin film, or grassy, or long bubbly strings, or like lettuce leaves that have just been covered with hot water. None are upright like Glasswort and Spartina and none have veins like Zostera. Notes: Some grow year round Ð like sea lettuce Ulva, others die off in winter, but grow rapidly in spring/ summer to form large mats in the intertidal. These are nutrient enrich-

Inshore fish nursery

Like human nurseries, these are sheltered, warm and rich in food. Fish may have spawned here or young fish have moved in, from far off spawning sites, like the Sargasso Sea. Look in saltmarsh channels, pools, or puddles on mudflats, where thousands of flatfish transparent, thumbnail sized flat fish might wriggle. Young eels burrow themselves into muddy stream beds. Young butter fish hide under boulders in the intertidal. We know far too little about these nursery areas and what is happening to them with increasing water temperature in recent years and with infill of many saltmarsh and wetland areas. Please help to find out. If there is a stream in your survey area, dig in muddy banks (sharp stone will do) to look for baby eels.

Otters

* Pretty Macoma shells love mud.

Ireland is the European stronghold for this amazingly agile animal which is protected under EU law and lives in fresh and coastal saltwater. You are unlikely to see it on your survey, but perhaps it's marking? Or you might have more background knowledge? Any otter info welcome.

Wetlands Ð cradles of life

Wetland can also be important for flood alleviation. Climate change is bringing a raise in sea levels, stronger storms and longer rainfall events. Intact estuarine wetlands can accommodate flooding and divert water from low lying houses and roads. We have lost huge areas of these wetlands to infill and land reclamation. Irish waste law was recently changed so it is unlikely that people will be granted permits to infill wetlands in future and stipulating that any illegal infill must be reversed. So any observations of recent wetland infill are very important and can hopefully lead to restoration. More on the Coastwatch website.

Acknowledgments This survey is sponsored by: Coastwatch Ireland

Galway County Council

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

High value niche markets to challenge Chilean expansion Report by Gery Flynn

THE Irish mussel sector will not succeed if it attempts to go head-to-head on price alone against the Chilean mussel sector, a report warns. The report, by Donal Maguire, aquaculture development manager at BIM, was compiled in the wake of a recent factfinding visit to Chile's mussel producing area around Chiloe Island. The report finds that the Chilean mussel sector is in a league of its own, with almost limitless room for expansion, and it predicts huge growth in production in the next 5 years. The report states that in Chile growing conditions [for mussels] are ideal. The country is politically stable and there is an enthusiasm to invest in the sector based on the very positive experience that investors have enjoyed [...] by the salmon farming industry. Mussels are the next big thing in Chilean aquaculture, and the sector is set to grow very rapidly.'

The report notes that in 1990 the natural fishery accounted

for 81% of Chilean mussels. By 2003 however that figure had slumped to 5%, and farmed mussels were contributing 95% of all mussel production.

Production explosion

By 2002 Chile was producing 30,000 tonnes of mussels a year, but by 2005 that figure had exploded to 75,000 tonnes. The report predicts that within five years, annual production will top 150,000 tonnes. This surge in production is also impacting positively on Chile's economy with the export market for mussels US$370m in 2004, and US$420m in 2005. The report notes that longline production in Chile `is exceptional, in comparison with Irish norms, with the output per dropper ranging from 200 to 450 kilos.' It adds: The output per 100 metre long line, on average being 40 tonnes, with a growout time of 12 to 14 months. [...] When fully mature they expect the droppers to yield 500 kilos each on average per cycle and the long lines to yield 60 tonnes

12 reasons for interregional cooperation AquaReg is a co-operation between the regions of Trondelag (Norway), Galicia (Spain) and Border Midland and Western (Ireland) in the area of marine resources. The AquaReg Programme 2003-2006 provided â&#x201A;Ź2.7 million funding to 12 projects across the three regions.The AquaReg forum - Galway 23rd and 24th May 2006, presents an opportunity to see the results of these projects and provides a platform to facilitate discussion on future interregional cooperation. For further information please contact the regional co-ordinators: Geir Tevasvold,Trondelag, Norway. Email: geir.tevasvold@stfk.no Alan Drumm, BMW Region, Ireland. Email: alan.drumm@marine.ie

North East South West

INTERREG IIIC

Gabriel de Labra Chas, Galicia, Spain. Email: glabra@cetmar.org

per cycle. A rule of thumb is that about 95 tonnes per hectare of licence per annum.'

First thinning is carried out after four months and the entire crop is harvested within 12 to 14 months of the initial seeding. Meat yields averaging 28% are also high, the report finds.

Good health & safety record

As regards biotoxin monitoring and public health, Chile would appear to have nothing to worry about. The report finds that while enforced closures do occur, `these were not prolonged, and there was no discernable seasonality to the occurrence of the biotoxins in the shellfish'.

Product forms exported from Chile are IQF (individually quick frozen) meats, frozen half shell, canned meats and a relatively small, but growing, volume of food service type frozen vacuum packed mussels. Virtually the entire harvest is processed and exported, with only a couple of thousand tonnes being sold as fresh,

whole in shell, for immediate consumption on the home market in restaurants.

Direct competition unwise

The report notes that the Irish mussel sector will not succeed by competing directly on price with mussels from Chile. It warns that `The Irish mussel

sector must develop strategies to slipstream it, rather than stand in its path. The lessons learnt from the salmon experience must be taken on-board and acted on quickly while there is still time. `We must urgently begin to create a highly valorised image around our production and to begin selling the message that Irish mussels are a premium product, different from the rest. If this can be achieved, then the momentum created by the Chilean expansion should allow the Irish sector to find a higher value niche within a much bigger market place. `It will be crucial to seek to place the Irish output in a higher value niche. We do have

* The factory at Torrala. a head start, as an industry, the Irish players are used to dealing further along the value chain and to producing more sophisticated branded products. It will be necessary to leverage these advantages to the maximum extent,' the report finds.

The report concludes by call-

ing for `a cooperative approach amongst the producers such that the overall image of Irish mussel, as a premium higher value product that consumers will pay more for, is supported by all of the players in a determined and concerted manner.'

INSHORE IRELAND

Mussel sector review Emerald Gratia received as `robust joins mussel and practical' fleet THE

April 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

latest mussel dredger to

receive rived

state

funding

Ireland,

has

ar-

Emerald

Mussels Ltd, Westport, and is described as the `world's largest and

one

the

safest

boats

operating in the Irish fleet.' Built by Padmos in Holland, the 3.8m Emerald Gratia is the seventh mussel boat to receive grant aid by BIM. It incorporates

state-of-the-art

features

that adhere to a design specification offering maximum protection

against

harsh

vessel

and

weather

crew condi-

tions.

Technology Hi spec technology supports a deck-mounted

washing

and

sorting system to provide superior quality product. The technology

# Gillian Mills

* Mussel lines in Killary Harbour.

analysis of Ireland's 7m

rope mussel sector which was launched at the Irish Shellfish Association's annual gathering last

month

delegates

was

received

positive

by step

forward. Introducing the report at the Ennis conference, ISA executive secretary, Richie Flynn said it was a ``robust and extremely practical piece of work which the

industry

would

study

depth''. He added that having called for

this

having

review

prepared

2004

the

and

ground

with a preliminary paper, ``the ISA very much welcomes its publication. We are committed to implementing its recommendations with the Minister, his

the

standards of environmental and

* Senator Liam Fitzgerald; John Browne, TD, Minister of State at the

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; Hugh Byrne, Chairman, BIM and George Golden, Emerald Mussels Ltd.

mussel seed sustainability. Speaking

the

launch

tonnes were harvested at a first

process of bottom mussel farm-

sale value of nearly 26m. We

ing in Ireland.

The report states that despite

Howth by marine minister John

industry's structure and perfor-

`a number of major challenges

Browne, BIM chairman, Hugh

have

mance

facing the mussel sector' which

Byrne

sing and marketing level. He

require a State response if they

Mussels

added that it was an appraisal of

are to be solved, `there are a

Irish

current and prospective market

wide range of issues within the

was a success story.

trends, threats and opportunities

direct control of producers and

and competition for live, fresh

processors to act on.

the

report

reviewed

production,

proces-

Impediments identified

mendations under 12 core development themes:

Flynn welcomed the fact that the report also contained detailed recommendations on strategies

that

would

address

impediments and would avail of opportunities at the marketing, processing and production stages.

brief,

the

report

identifies the key issues facing the rope mussel sector as:

* *

Regulatory related Ð

most

notably bitoxins and licensing. Industry related Ð most notably the interrelationships and operating modes that exist be-

Agencies and the shellfish pro-

tween the production and pro-

cessing sector.''

cessing

segments

congratulated

quality

product

for

Emerald

which there is a strong market

Ltd

saying

that

demand.

bottom

mussel

industry

the

``In 2005 more than 30,000

``This vessel and the others

``Emerald more and

Gratia

will

make

better

weed

Feamainne'

Treatment

the

industry.

launched

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Issues relating to biotoxins Issues relating to licensing

fleet are set to revolutionise the

mussel resource,'' he said.

a nutreco company

Producer/processor relations Processor/processor relations Buying arrangements Production efficiency Processing efficiency Improving quality Marketing and Sales State support agencies/infrastructure Areas for further development

Compiled by analysts PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) the Review of the Irish Rope Mussel Industry was cofunded jointly by BIM and Enterprise Ireland.

unique

balance

cellular

energy.

Rich

has

in amino acids, vitamins and

pamper

minerals, these marine nutrients nurture the body as it is envel-

with

oped in this uniquely soothing

innovative holistic

technology.

treatment

uses

formula. The goodness infuses

fresh seaweed Ð renowned for its healing and soothing abilities for arthritis, backache and skin conditions

from

innovation

behind

Using

whereby

new

heat

applied

and

create

refresh

the

seaweeds were remarkable in that

technology not

skin

Speaking at the launch, Do-

the

during the production process,

glow

nal Maguire of BIM said that

treatment is the seaweed paste itself.

the

radiant body.

Ireland's

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INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

AQUACULTURE NEWS

An effective lobster restocking strategy is a step closer Ronan Browne, Martin Ryan Institute, explains

THERE have been many recorded attempts with varying successes and failures in rearing clawed lobsters since the 1880s on both sides of the Atlantic. Many serious questions remain unanswered, however, about the viability of producing lobsters for release into the wild, and a number of these are currently being addressed by an Aquareg project featuring co-operation between Spain (IGAFA, Galicia), Norway (NINA, Trondelag) and Ireland (MRI Carna, BMW). To date, lobsters only meet two criterions for successful cultivation, namely they have a high retail price and they are indigenous to Ireland. Unfortunately, our clawed lobsters have a high cannibalistic tendency, slow growth rate and a lack of knowledge exists as to their precise physical and nutritional requirements. Despite these limitations, however, a decline in catchper-unit-effort in Europe, strong consumer demand, and political pressure over the last century have given impetus to the search for cost effective methods of restocking fisheries with hatchery produced juvenile lobsters referred to as early benthic phase lobster (EBL).

Cultivation systems

This Aquareg project focuses on several key components, namely reduced production costs and improvement in the quality of the small lobsters that are produced. Lobsters require different physical cultivation systems

* Juvenile rearing results during this Aquareg project showed that survival to a size thought to be suitable for release (4-5 cm total length) was between 89% and 75% in sea cages and some 28% in communal culture.

for larval (free swimming in the plankton) and post larval stages (settled on the seabed) of their life cycle. The economic viability of lobster culture is dependent upon efficient and economic methods of husbandry. To date, intensive culture units tend to be more capital intensive and require more labour than other forms of aquaculture with less antagonistic species, (Aiken and Waddy 1980). The lobster hatchery structure, designed and constructed during this project, was based on a system of 90 litre tanks,

which were vigorously aerated. A species of phytoplankton (Isochrysis galbana) and Artemia with a known high level of PUFAs were provided in each hopper. This combination provided adequate food, separation of lobster larvae and maintenance of water quality. Every second day, larvae were transferred to fresh hoppers. This was repeated until Stage IV post larvae was reached, providing a simple cost effective system for routine bulk production of these post larval animals with survival rates ranging from 14 to 93 per cent.

This methodology was based on work undertaken in Maine USA and refined at the MRI Carna Research Laboratories (SRL and Taighde Mara Teo.) With on-growing post larval lobsters, the highest survival rates are generally obtained by placing individual lobsters into separate compartments, thus preventing fighting and reducing cannibalism. The capital and maintenance costs of these systems, however, are generally high. In an effort to reduce costs, novel techniques pioneered by other researchers were examined.

`Swallowing the anchor' Ð Capt Charlie Lunny MY sea career started in 1957 at 16 when I attended the Navigation School at the Royal College of Science and Technology in Glasgow. Until then my schooling at St Aloysius College Glasgow and Our Lady's High School Motherwell produced little achievement, save a Religious Knowledge Certificate, won by nothing more than good attendance. The Cadetship at Glasgow was both a shock and a saviour. A shock when being asked could I swim: `If not you have two weeks,' and a saviour insofar as what I found boring at school suddenly took on a reality. This lesson was to repeat itself throughout my career, culminating in being employed by BIM as principal of the Regional Fisheries Centre Castletownbere. Fast forward to late 1998: In dry-dock in Aberdeen, making permanent repairs to my ship, which had sustained damage during the first Gulf War. A phone-call from my wife alerted me to a possible vacancy as an instructor at Greencastle, where I had trained fishermen before assisting Bill Kavanagh to open up the new RFC Castletownbere to radio and Certificates of

land, Norway and Denmark coming to view demonstrations in the RFC. There has also been very good relations with the community in Beara and West Cork. Local community groups including Mna na Mara, and Beara Groups regularly use the RFC for meetings and lectures. In September 2001, marine biologist Dr Susan Steele joined the staff followed by Michael O'Donoghue, shipwright and marine engineer in December 2001, replacing Cormac McGinley and David Kerr.

* Charlie Lunny in his hme in Castletownbere.

Competency courses. Bill Kavanagh left the following year and I was appointed to head up RFC Castletownbere, very ably assisted by Della O'Sullivan, Shane Begley, Cormac McGinley and David Kerr. By this time, Sea Survival and First Aid courses had been added.

Mandatory training

Following the recommendations of the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group, 1996, and the Task Force on Training

and Employment 2001, legislation was introduced in 2002 requiring all fishing vessel crewmembers to complete a 3day mandatory Basic Safety Training course and to wear Personal Flotation Devices. Some research carried out at RFC indicated a serious relationship of drownings to boats with a history of poor stability. As a result, precise scale model trawlers were purchased from Canada to provide stability training for fishermen, which has proved highly successful with visitors from France, Eng-

Highest student numbers

Last year, the RFC had a record year of 599 students through our doors. Our attitude is that even for one day a student walks out with greater skill and knowledge than when they had walked in. Students have come from the Coastguard, RNLI, Naval Service, European inspectors, customs officers, not forgetting university graduates, early school-leavers and all ages from 15-74 have passed through our doors. The diversity has been both fascinating and challenging. I pay great tribute to the RFC

Stock enhancement

Communal rearing of post larval lobsters is thought to offer intriguing potential for stock enhancement purposes. The systems used are less complex and cheaper to run than intensive individual rearing, and the lobsters produced should be better adapted to life in the wild when released. The second methodology investigated concentrated on rearing post larval lobsters in mesh cages suspended below mussel rafts. Within these cages the small lobsters were protected CHARLIE Lunny's innate modesty never allows him to acknowledge that as well as being a skilled navigator, he also plays the tin whistle, flute, bodhraÂ n, guitar and the accordion. He and his wife Maura, who is an accomplished sailor and journalist in her own right, have fully engaged with the cultural and social activities of Beara and Inishowen, which explains their popularity. Charlie's ability to relate to people and motivate staff and students alike to achieve their true potential is probably his greatest skill. He has applied this talent to the management of the RFC Castletownbere, which has resulted in a doubling of course attendances during his tenure to 600 staff Ð all of whom are lateral thinkers and combine the practical and academic, laying great emphasis on the practical, and to BIM for the privilege of leading such a dedicated and efficient team. Finally from myself, it is strange yet comforting that of all or most of my life experiences, in the final days of my career, the threads all came together meaningfully in helping to make the RRC the

from many potential predators but could feed on naturally occurring plankton and encrusting organisms. Juvenile rearing results during this Aquareg project showed that survival to a size thought to be suitable for release (4-5 cm total length) was between 89% and 75% in sea cages and some 28% in communal culture. The growth rates for both sea cage culture and communal rearing were comparable to previously used intensive methods, even though lobsters held under these conditions do not receive any artificial feed. In addition, the lobsters produced have normal colouration and appropriate claw differentiation (scissor and crusher). It would appear therefore that the developed methodology now represents a more cost-effective way of producing viable lobster juveniles for re-establishment or enhancement efforts, since expenses such as labour, construction and feeding is minimised and the production efficiency is high. It is hoped that the project will be extended by another year in order to:

* Evaluate locations and the timing of lobster releases to obtain optimal survival in the wild. * Refine the methodology for future up-scaling of the juvenile production. * Develop the best practice methods for tagging, transport and release of juveniles. * Assess the adaptability to the wild of juveniles produced with different on-growing methods.

In such a short piece it is impossible to name all those that have contributed to this work, but we would like to acknowledge their help.

students in 2005 Ð an impressive achievement by any standards. Though he departs the RFC at the end of April, he does so knowing that he has left behind the enduring legacy of an excellent team that will build on the solid foundations he has laid. He also leaves with the best wishes of the board, management and staff of BIM and I am sure that his many friends throughout the Beara and Inishowen Peninsulas will all join in wishing Charlie and Maura well on the occasion of his retirement from the post of principal of the RFC Castletownbere.

Ð Richard McCormick, Marine Services Manager, BIM

success it is, and will continue to be so. I hope we have succeeded to fulfil the expectations of BIM and the Beara Community, including Margaret Downey-Harrington, former BIM board member, who fought so hard for a fisheries and aquaculture training school to be located in Castletownbere. Through the efforts of its excellent staff, this training school has been transformed into a mini-centre of excellence.

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

FRESHWATER FOCUS

From mushrooms to fish A Co Sligo couple who last year turned their mushroom production unit into a fish farm are this month preparing to harvest their first crop of Arctic Char, one of Ireland's least-known freshwater fish. Gery Flynn reports

* Bill Carty oversees construction work at the new fish farm at Cloonacool, Co Sligo which will produce 60 tonnes of char a year.

* In production for eight years the 5-house Cloonacool unit turned over of 300,000 a year from over 90 tonnes of mushrooms.

COOL Springs Arctic Charr Ltd of Cloonacool in the foothills of the Ox Mountains near Tubbercurry is the brainchild of husband and wife team Bill Carty and Mari Johnston, who together plan an annual harvest of 60 tonnes of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from a purpose-built freshwater recirculation unit. Now, instead of producing 200,000lbs of mushrooms a year from a five-house unit on the family farm, the couple will be supplying shops and restaurants in the west and north-west with this little known but increasingly popular native fish Ð a member of the Salmonid family and closely related to trout and salmon. ``Mushrooms went well for us for about five or six years and we managed to make money. But for all the effort involved it just wasn't worth it in the end. People said we were daft to be getting into fish farming, and that we'd be killed working. But so far anyway it's going really well and we are looking forward to our first harvest of char this month,'' Bill told Inshore Ireland.

Mushrooms to char

Listening to Bill you soon realise that his move from mushroom producer to freshwater fish farmer is not really that strange when he reveals that having completed a certificate in food science at the Sligo

Institute of Technology in 1988, he went on to study for a Batchelor's Degree in Environmental Science. `Ì suppose I was always interested in science, and I find now that my background is very relevant to what I'm doing as a fish farmer operating a closed recirculation unit. At Sligo IT I learned an awful lot about the issues surrounding water and waste water treatment, and that stands to me now,'' he explained. Bill says that he and Mari discussed the pros and cons of becoming fish farmers, and they researched the idea for over a year before finally making the break. At the time, Bill was working as a supervisor for the animal vaccines manufacturer Fort Dodge in Sligo, and Mari was a midwife. `Àfter we married in 1996 we began to find it increasingly tough to leave here every morning at seven for work, and often not getting back until seven in the evening. So over time we began looking for other ways of making a living from the family farm,'' Bill says. As to why they decided on Arctic char, Bill said it was Mike Murphy of the Dundalkbased Crossborder Aquaculture Initiative who first put the possibility to them. `Àt that time BIM was making a big push towards perch farming but I didn't really fancy the species at all. But as soon as Mike Murphy mentioned char I

* Preparing the ground for the installation of concrete tanks alongside one of the mushroom tunnels seen on the left.

* Fish tanks in a former mushroom tunnel. Char feed when the lights are on.

knew that it was the right one for us, and we took it from there,'' he said.

Recirculation systems

By the middle of 2004 Bill had been in contact with Dr Mark Rigby, whose company, Llyn Aquaculture Ltd of Pwllheli in Wales specialises in the design, supply and installation of freshwater and marine recirculation systems. Mark was hired to design a unit to suit conditions at the Cloonacool site. ``Things moved fairly fast after that and we eventually gave up the mushrooms last April to begin building the fish farm. By doing most of the building ourselves we must have saved up to 200,000. And having built it ourselves we really know the run of it,'' Bill added. Without the encouragement and technical back-up from Mike Murphy and Damien Toner of the AI, Bill stressed that the project might not have gone so smoothly. ``Mike Murphy has been on site nearly every week from the start making sure that everything is going according to plan. His input here is way beyond what we might have expected. And as for the technical help from his colleague Damien Toner, I'd say it is the best available,'' Bill added. He also praised BIM for partfunding the initial feasibility study and for paying for the

* Concrete tanks constructed under cover of a former mushroom tunnel. Each tunnel is 33.3 metres long, 8.84 metres wide, and 3 metres high in the middle

Edited article from BIM's Aquaculture Newsletter, Issue No 54, November 2005 (Author Lucy Watson) AN industry-led strategy for the development of the Arctic Char farming sector in Ireland was launched at a special meeting of the promoters, stakeholders and BIM in the Hodson Bay, Hotel in Athlone on the September 30. The document entitled, Arctic Char in Ireland, A Proposed Strategy for Production and Marketing was written by Peter McGovern, Stofnfiskur Ireland Ltd (SIL), Liam Roche, LMR Management Service and Valerie Dujardin of the ISPG.

This initiative sets out the production strategies, some financial analysis and site details of the promoters, SIL and Cool Springs Arctic Charr Ltd, and six third-party identified stakeholders. An analysis of the market is also presented. The promoters and stakeholders operate a mix of site types, specifically spring water gravity/ pumped, ambient water gravity/pumped and recirculation. The majority of stakeholders are existing freshwater farmers and there is one pro-

from two on-site boreholes Ð one from a depth of about 10 metres, and a second deeper borehole at 90 metres. ``At this time of year we are using only about one litre per second, but at full production through the summer we expect that to more than double to about 3.5 litres. Char have to be kept cool, and they do best when the watero temperature is between 10-14 C.'' First harvesting starts this month, and according to Bill, these fish will average 750g. Marketing will be handled initially by Mari who has taken temporary leave of absence Boreholes from her job in order to get The farm's water is supplied the business up and running. on-going R&D work on site. The first fish Ð 20,000 fingerling char averaging 35g weight Ð were delivered to the new fish farm on November 20 last by Stofnfiskur (Irl) Ltd from its hatchery near the north County Galway village of Corandulla. A further 40,000 were delivered this January. Bill realises that apart from the necessity to provide the best possible husbandry to his fish, it is the quality of the water that will ultimately determine their progress and long-term wellbeing.

prietary built recirculation system. The European market for char is relatively specialised and is comparatively small. It is serviced largely from Iceland and to a lesser extent from Norway, Sweden and Germany. Ideally, Arctic char needs to be niche marketed as a lifestyle type product with associated product quality accreditation into high end restaurants, both for export and in the home market. ``We've also teamed up with Mick O'Donnell of Albatross Seafoods in Killybegs who supplies 350 shops and restaurants, mainly in the west and north-west, but also as far a field as Meath.''

Farmers' markets

The couple also have plans to do some small-scale processing at the farm site and to target nearby farmers' markets in Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo. So now it's all hands on deck for Bill and Mari and their four children: Kate (7), Tara (5), Eoin (3) and Liam (2) as they get used to producing fish instead of mushrooms.

INSHORE IRELAND

Turloughs: producing food, nature, or both?

April 2006

FRESHWATER FOCUS Figure 1

Karstic: what is it?

* Skealoghan turlough, Co Mayo (Photo: James Morgan)

By Dr Marjolein Visser

MARGINAL land Ð farmers want to farm it and conservationists want to `protect' it. This brings controversy, not least because both parties ignore each other's expertise. The only solution is better communication. This is the main message from a case study on turloughs completed recently at NUI Galway.

Many types of marginal farmland in Ireland have risen to the status of EU Natura 2000 Priority Habitat. Turloughs acquired this status mainly because of their uniqueness as a karstic wetland (see Fig 1). A turlough is flooded in winter but dry in summer. Conservationists agree that summer grazing is key to `maintaining a favourable conservation status' of turloughs. And that's where farming comes in.

Conservation versus production thinking

An average `turlough farm' includes only 15% of turlough land. This means that farmers graze their turlough area as part of a broader grazing plan, which depends in turn on CAP and Natura 2000. But we know that these policies are mostly driven by non-farmers. To describe perspectives on turlough grazing it is tempting to oppose turlough users (farmers) and non-users (non-farmers) among all people having a stake in turlough management (fig 2). This opposition became the starting point for interviewing a range of turlough stakeholders. The main observation is that non-farmers and farmers are in agreement more than they think. Both groups daily appreciate nature and agree that Ireland's environment is a farmed environment. Neither group wants scrub invasion

and they both agree that farm- that farmers have a better opiing is key to preserving Ire- nion on turlough grazing than non-farmers. This difference land's nature. points again to a communicaCommunication tion gap but now in the opposite sense: non-farmers lack inforproblem about farming realities The communication gap be- mation that go along with turlough comes apparent on issues of grazing. Farmers still know best policy and designation of how to use marginal land, but SACs. Farmers express a strong this knowledge is getting lost. feeling of losing control over the land to `outsiders in offices'. Pathways to improve Uncertainty also exists over the communication fate of farming under CAP reform and frustration is evident Overall, it appears that misunabout mounting paperwork. derstanding each other's experNon-farmers disagreed with tise better explains the difference between users and those feelings. than `opposition'. Clearly, better communica- non-users pathway to remedy this tion is the only remedy. Com- One would be to munication would also help get misunderstanding the farming press, as most rid of some persistent miscon- use are regular readers. ceptions. The idea that Irish interviewees pathway is the input of nature thrives where there is Another at local level; for no farming is still widespread ecologists at the planning stage among farmers. And non-farm- example, a REPS-contract. A third ers still fear agricultural intensi- ofpathway is to pay higher prices fication more than decline. for animals reared on marginal Another perceived difference is land. True, this approach would need research on how to best farm marginal land; to deliver quality produce and innovative marketing (better money for better quality food). But it might deliver more durable results than a purely conservationist approach. Further information: www. eco-innovation.net Dr Marjolein Visser

The author completed a Marie Curie Post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre for Environmental Science, NUI, Galway on turlough grazing. She is currently a member of the board of directors of Eco-Innovation, a R&D charity committed to innovation for sustainable agriculture. Phone 091/ 58 38 37.

Picture abundant rain falling on a gigantic Emmental cheese floating in the ocean and imagine what happens with that rain: The water enters through surface hollows, travels to where hollows link and forms passages. If the passages are large and downhill, the rain drains towards the sea straight away. Over time, the hollows will get larger and larger because the water will have a dissolving effect. If there is a lot of rain and/or passages get clogged, water will build up. As all passages become saturated, pressure will build up and water may rise above ground again, into the hollows. In winter (more rain) it will be dotted with shallow lakes but in summer (less rain) these lakes will have drained underground again. Emmental cheese conveys well what we know (and don't know) about the fate of rainfall on turlough country. This is a band of karst limestone extending from Mayo through Galway to Clare, dotted with extremely variable wetlands that are also connected underground. These connections are very difficult and expensive to study and are therefore poorly understood. Karst is an indication of limestone that was originally solid but has been eroded by acid rain over time. This erosion process gives rise to a landscape where most rainwater is quickly drained away through increasingly porous bedrock and becomes groundwater. A considerable part of this groundwater goes straight to the ocean without ever resurfacing. Hence a strange dryness of many karst landscapes is evident despite abundant rainfall. Our most famous karst highland displaying all this is The Burren. But because it's a highland, The Burren does not feature all ecological variations of turloughs. The best examples are located in the karst lowlands east and north of The Burren where groundwater is more likely to re-surface. This is real turlough country.

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INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

COASTLINE NEWS

Private development pressure on unique natural amenity Gillian Mills reports from Dun Laoghaire

``IF you have any doubt why thousands of people have objected to private development of the old Dun Laoghaire Baths on the sea front, just take a look outside,'' Richard Boyd Barrett said as he pointed to a scene of uninterrupted crystal blue clarity that stretched from Killiney to Howth head. Boyd Barrett, Save our Seafront campaign, was addressing delegates at a one-day seminar: Dublin Bay Ð Protecting our Coastal Environment and Public Amenities. The day began with an insight into public-private partnerships (PPPs), by Dr Kieran Allen, Dept of Sociology UCD who drew on Irish and UK examples. Joe McCabe, Clontarf Residents Association, opened a session on campaign experiences. For 25 years the CRA has been fighting a proposal by Dublin Port Company to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay: ``The infill will have a devastating effect on what is left of the inner bay,

* Private development threatens open space and the foreshore.

and runs contrary to the full classification of the bay as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive. ``We believe the boundaries of the SPA were changed to facilitate this infill, and our concerns are being

investigated in Europe,'' he said. Bob Waddell, Sandyford Residents Association said that not all council proposals were bad and gave an example of lighting installed on the seafront, which secured 90% local agreement. The problem however is

Sailing spectacular set for Welsh port

THIS second book in a trilogy on traditional boatbuilding on the west coast is deceptively simple in its presentation. Step by step, black and white photographs with Irish and English explanations describe the building of a wooden currach in Connemara by shipwright Michael MhairtõÂn JimmõÂ Donncha. Tucked inside the cover sleeves of this A5 handbook are A2 scale drawings and a DVD in full colour, depicting superb detailed cinematography we have come to expect from the author, Cian de ButleÂar. Building by eye off another currach, Michael demonstrates the techniques and materials used with the confidence gained working alongside Ireland's best traditional boat builders. Any aspiring boat builder would gain good insight into such a project through the video

Film makers Eamon and Cian de BuitleÂar are renowned for their documentaries showcasing the raw beauty and magic of Connemara and its people. From his summers as a child staying in his mother's family home in An CheathruÂ Rua, to working with his father on wildlife farms, Cian developed a deep passion for the traditional working boat, the Galway Hooker. Fate would dictate that he would meet one of Ireland's

* Chiranga (ketch) in the Upper Reaches MHW.

* Alliance of coastal communities

across Dublin Bay

* Dissatisfaction at the public con-

sultation process

* Requirement for `real' access to

council meetings

* Public attendance at area meet-

ings

* Reinstatement of height and scale

controls

* To seek time lapse (length unde-

cided) between individual serving in public and private office * Proper integrated coastal zone management * Ratification of the Aaarhus Convention * Environmental education as part of primary school curriciulum The meeting agreed to hold a summer carnival to highlight the plight of Dublin Bay.

and the additional references in the book's text. The drawings would have to be augmented with some more hands-on references as explained in the DVD; however, model makers, historians, sailors or just the plain curious would appreciate the fine lines and seaworthiness

of the wooden currach. The trilogy is meticulously presented and a must for anyone with an interest in traditional boats, especially of Irish design

* ISBN 0-9549023-1-9 SeaÂ n Cullen - wooden boat enthusiast.

* Footage shows Michael Mac Donnacha taking the lines of a currach. finest wooden boat builders, Johnny Healion (the man at the centre of the Galway Hooker revival), whom he commissioned to build a hooker. This collaboration between film maker and shipwright resulted in some unique footage and important archival material, and encouraged Cian to continue making films about how boats are born and about the men who were born to build them.

Other titles in the series Na Saora BaÂd Ð Shipwrights: * HuÂiceÂir na Gaillimhe/The

Galway Hooker

* An Churach CanbhaõÂ/The

Canvas Currach

Limited editions of the books are available from bookshops in Galway, or can be ordered from Cian and Bairbre de BuitleÂar at ciandebuitlear@eircom. net.

Training unit to improve safety at sea

Contact details

Emma Heard, Festival Office c/o Milford Haven Port Authority, Gorsewood Drive, Milford Haven, SA73 3AF, 01646 696178, info@seafairhaven.org.uk, www.seafairhaven.org.uk Dunbrody Visit: Richard James, Celtic Maritime Connections, C/o Milford Haven Port Authority, Gorsewood Drive, Milford Haven, SA73 3AF, 01646 696371, cmc@mhpa.co.uk, www.dunbrody.com Seafair Haven 2006:

Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2006: 01437 776168 Kate.mor-

gan@pembrokeshire.gov.uk; * Dunbrody www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ 2005. fishweek.

Proposals tabled and agreed:

`An Churach Adhmaid' (The Wooden Currach)

* The Milford Haven Waterway.

CLASSIC and traditional craft from the UK, France and Ireland will gather in Milford Haven Waterway to celebrate the maritime heritage of Pembrokeshire during Seafare Haven 2006, June 24 to July 2. Large sailing vessels, sail/oar craft and kittiwakes will spend the week exploring the 22 scenic miles of the waterway and will carry out friendly raids on Dale, Llangwm, Neyland and Pembroke. Atlantic Challenge gigs will also race around the islands and tall ships Kaskalot and the Earl of Pembroke will add to the spectacle. Ireland's tall ship Dunbrody will lead the parade of sail on Friday June 30 as part of her maiden international voyage. Carrying over 10,000 sq. ft of sail, Dunbrody is a replica of the ship that carried thousands of Irish emigrants to the new world between 1845 and 1870 to escape the Famine. During her visit, activities will include historical performances by the Dunbrody Players, day sails, corporate and civic events. The celebration also includes Fish Week Ð an action-packed seven days of events including cookery and speed filleting demonstrations with celebrity chefs; fresh local fish and shellfish tasting; seaside crab lunches and a shellfish BBQ; gourmet fish and wine tasting evenings, and a jazz and seafood brunch.

lack of communication in the first instance. Residents must be consulted from the outset,'' he said. Evelyn Cawley, Save Greystones Harbour Campaign, gave an update to the proposed harbour/seafront development. ``We object to the sale of the foreshore and the scale of the plan,'' she said. [Full report next issue.] Nicola Sarratt, Save our Seafront, stressed the lack of public consultation in the planning process and said that public amenities should not be handed over to PPPs ``to run, own and control. Also, there is no zoning to protect the foreshore; the public must have access to the bay,'' she said. Under `Environment and Heritage', Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch, said that Dublin Bay was invaluable as a national resource and amenity. ``No other capital city has such a variety of scenery, natural habitats and geology, which is being slowly nibbled away.'' The afternoon also heard presentations on `campaign strategy and tactics', and local politicians/councillors from across the party divide attended for a Q&A session.

leads out Tall Ships

IRISH fishermen work in an industry where risk of an accident is two and a half times greater than other in sectors, visitors were told at the launch of BIM's new Coastal Training Unit in Dun Laogahire. The CTU is part of the organisation's ongoing initiative to deliver mandatory safety training to more than 4,000 Irish fishing vessel crew members and aquaculture personnel. Speaking at the launch, former marine minister Pat `The Cope' Gallagher said that since the initiative was launched in 2002, over 1,200 people have completed the programme. At a cost in excess of 300,000, the unit houses state-of-the-art IT infrastructure featuring multi-media technologies to support multiple computer terminals, radio and safety demonstration equipment, including a stability

training model and a separate fire demonstration trailer. The unit also has video link capabilities to enable contact with training centres across the globe. Safety training aims to reduce the number of accidents and loss of life at sea by training personnel in survival techniques, first aid, fire prevention vessel safety and occupational health and safety. BIM chairman Hugh Byrne said that Ireland had a good record with regard to safety training but added that all industry members must take responsibility to ensure their safety at sea. ``Safe fishing really is no accident. This new unit will literally bring safety training right into remote coastal communities that are so dependent on fishing and aquaculture for employment and income generation,'' he said.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Freemantle Purse Seine Fishery * Australian pilchard (Photo courtesy of SeaFIC).

* MFV Triumph. A typical vessel for this inshore fleet.

By Ciaran O'Donnell

THE Australian pilchard (Sardinops sagax) is found in temperate coastal waters along the southern Australia coast, extending south to Tasmania. Species lineage extends to the African, Chilean, Peruvian and Californian sardines, which are also S. sagax. The Australian pilchard is a close relative to our own European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus).

The Australian pilchard or sardine, known as `mulie' in Western Australia (WA), inhabits bays and coastal waters between nine and 21ëC. Mulies form large schools as they filter the water for planktonic organisms on which they feed. The warm Leeuwin current brings oceanic water in a southward direction along the west coast where it converges with the colder Capes current and produces a wealth of phytoplankton growth for the organisms

inhabiting western coastal fringes.

Spawning season

Mulies reach a maximum size of 21cm FL (fork length) in Australian waters and have a maximum longevity of nine years. Spawning takes place in the summer months (October to March) when ambient water temperatures reach 14ëC. A four-year-old female can produce up to 50,000 planktonic eggs over a spawning season. The west coast fishery for mulies began in the 1950s when almost the entire catch was sold as angling bait. As the WA rock lobster fishery developed, mulies were used as a cheap bait source for lobster pots. By the 1970s the fishery had developed sufficiently to support a full-time dedicated purse seine fleet. Growth of the WA and larger south coast fisheries was further bolstered in the 1990s due to increased demand for feed by south coast bluefin

tuna ranching operations.In 1995, a mass mortality event occurred throughout the entire Australian range, spreading rapidly from the southeast. In total, 10% of the SSB (spawning stock biomass) was lost over a relatively short time period. Investigations later revealed that a herpes virus was to blame, possibly influenced by sudden temperature fluctuations from deep upwelling water. Stock recovery was positive in the proceeding months; however, a second mass mortality event in 1998/1999 decimated the remaining stock and removed up to 65% of the SSB. The effect was to quash market demand and force many small operators out of the fishery.

Management system

Today, the west coast pilchard fishery is managed by input controls. A limited entry licence system operates, with 14 licences granted to the west coast

fishery centred on the port of Freemantle. A TAC (total allowable catch) of around 1,500t per annum (approximately 160,000 or 100 per tonne at 2004 prices) is taken mainly during the winter months. Vessel size is restricted to a maximum of 12m. Gear size is restricted to a maximum purse length of 350m of 18mm mesh and a drop length of 60m. Vessels leave Freemantle to target pilchard schools during the hours of darkness. Vessels have a basic electronic fish detection package including a high frequency (150 KHz), short-range search light sonar or similar, and an echosounder. When a school of a suitable size is located Ð bearing in mind the hold capacity is commonly 10t wet weight Ð the purse is shot and the school encircled. The purse is then drawn closed. A favourite method employed by the fleet is to use a short length of scaffolding bar attached to the rail and reaching into the water. This is then struck repeatedly with a lump hammer, sending sound waves into the water causing the fish to school even tighter and allowing the purse to be drawn closed before the fish escape. Large purse seiners commonly use an acoustic device or small explosives, known as cherry bombs, to achieve the same effect. This is also much kinder on the crew's ears! By-catch species include, scaly mackerel (Sardinella lemuru) a close relative to the pilchard; Australian anchovy (Engrualis australis) and Perth herring (Nematalosa vlaminghii), a shad-like species.

* Pilchard fishery distribution in WA (courtesy Dept of fisheries WA).

Dry-hold storage

All vessels operate a power block system to retrieve the gear, with bulk dry-hold storage the most common method employed. During the 1999 season, only one vessel used a fish pump at sea Ð a system commonly associated with modern-day pelagic fishing. Catches are therefore hand brailed into the hold, which can take anywhere up to six hours, depending on the weather. On landing, the fish are

pumped ashore and boxed before heading to the factories. Landings are bulk frozen for the angling and lobster pot bait, pet food and aquaculture feed. An increasing portion of the catch however is sold fresh or is processed for human consumption (canned and breaded fillets) as a healthy food option, adding value to the overall catch. *

Ciaran O'Donnell is a fisheries acoustician with the Marine Institute

EU/Mauritania Fisheries Agreements Ð a case of oil and troubled waters

By Brian O'Riordan, International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF)

IN the previous edition of Inshore Ireland, the changing nature of Europe's fisheries agreements was discussed, with particular reference to Mauritania. Attention was drawn to the fact that in future, all EU flagged vessels fishing in the waters of a third country having a fisheries agreement with the EU will have to be part of any new (or renewed) agreement. This raises particular problems for one of Europe's largest freezer trawlers, the 144m Atlantic Dawn, and for the EU negotiators who are pressing Mauritania to include this `not ideal-sized' vessel in the new agreement, currently under negotiation and due in July 2006. Last year Atlantic Dawn was banned from fishing in Mauritanian waters after several infringements inside the exclusion zone, and after reportedly being fined almost $100,000. It seems that the Mauritanian authorities are now

reluctant to allow it back. The Fisheries Minister is reported to have stated that the Irish supertrawler is not welcome in Mauritanian waters because of its history of alleged infringements.

Mauritania's over-exploited cephalopod (octopus) and shrimp stocks, and were proposing compensation (including licence fees) of 83m. The Mauritanians were demanding 150m.

Oil producer

Artisanal fishermen

Another factor in the negotiating equation is the dramatic change in Mauritania's economic prospects since becoming Africa's newest oil producer. In February, the Chinguetti offshore oil field in the Atlantic Ocean, about 70 kilometres from the capital, Nouakchott, started pumping oil and is expected to produce 75,000 barrels per day for the next 10 years. Already this would seem to be impacting on Mauritania's negotiating stance in renewing its fisheries agreement with the EU, where the annual compensation of 86,000 pales into insignificance compared to potential future petrodollar earnings. Thus, on February 21 the Mauritanian paper Nouakchott Info announced that the authorities had rejected an EU proposal for a Fishery Partnership Agreement (FPA). The Europeans reportedly had wanted to have access to

The same newspaper carried an earlier story about the storming of the Ministry of Fisheries building by Mauritanian artisanal fishermen protesting against the EU fisheries agreement. The leader of the artisanal section of the National Fishermen's Federation (FNP) stated that such an agreement would cause the end of artisanal fishing: ``There would only be sand left for us,'' he said, adding that ``the government may get some crumbs today, but tomorrow it will be desolation for everybody''. This view was endorsed by the representative of the 7,000-odd fish merchants who depend directly on artisanal fishery production: ``There is a lot of hypocrisy in the European attitude,'' he said. ``On one side they talk about respecting the environment; on the other their trawlers destroy everything in their passage.''

The demands of the artisanal fishermen are put forward in an eight-point declaration. These include reserving exclusive access to shrimp and cephalopod stocks for the national fleet whilst reserving access to deeper water stocks (hake and pelagics) for the EU fleet. They also call for any future compensation payments to be invested in the development of the local sector; in research, surveillance, training, infrastructure, artisanal coastal fisheries development and adding value to processed fisheries products. Encouragingly for Mauritania's artisanal fishermen, the future prospects for the 55 Spanish octopus trawlers and for the pelagic supertrawlers licensed to fish in Mauritania's waters up to 31 July 2006 seem rather dismal. Meanwhile however, the EU is exploring the possibilities of establishing an agreement with Peru for tuna, cephalopod and small pelagic fishing, which could go some way to accommodate the fleet that may be displaced from Mauritania. This agreement has already been strongly rejected by Peru's Artisanal Fishermen's Organisation, representing 6,000 seagoing fishermen.

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT

Dun Laoghaire: steeped in history and sailing into the future This month the harbour's key By Jehan Ashmore anchor-tenant, Stena Line, celeMaritime brates its 10th anniversary opcorrespondent erating the HSS (High Speed-

DUN Laoghaire Harbour has it origins as a `harbour of refuge' Ð built to provide essential shelter for sailing ships using Dublin port. Captain Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame regarded Dublin Bay as one of the most dangerous in the world.

Built of granite from a quarry in nearby Dalkey, the harbour took 25 years to construct. Once completed in 1842 it acquired the accolade of being the largest artificially-built harbour in the world. Dun Laoghaire, or the `fort of Laoire' was also known as Kingstown for a while when the town was renamed in honour of a royal visit in 1821. It was also an important base for the Royal Navy's `guard ships' during the 1800s. The harbour has also known tragedy, and unwittingly has a place in history for all the wrong reasons. In 1918 the City of Dublin Steam-Packet's RMS Leinster was struck by U-Boat torpedoes during WW1 and sank with 501 lives lost off the Kish Bank. The event is recognised as the greatest sea tragedy in Irish history. With its all-embracing arms the harbour juts majestically into Dublin Bay, offering the mariner a myriad of uses for both commercial and leisure activities. The harbour is a port for the ferry service to Wales and is also a very popular boating centre and general recreational amenity.

Marine gateway

Development of the harbour as a marine gateway is the responsibility of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company Ð a statutory commercial body also responsible for general operations and management. Commercial interests support the long-term maintenance of the harbour. Apart from shipping sourced revenues, the company accrues funding from shore-based activities that go towards refurbishment and upkeep. One such project nearing completion is the resurfacing of the East Pier, which provides one of the most popular walks for Dubliners.

amendment to an existing planning permission by the harbour company for phase two of the marina (to extend capacity by 200 berths at a cost of 3m). This has been appealed to An Bord PleanaÂla by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Service) to Holyhead. Introduced in 1996, the route became the first to operate the world's largest multi-purpose fast ferry catamaran, Stena Explorer.

Activities and services

Guiding lights

Dun Laoghaire is also home to the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) who are responsible for providing navigational aids throughout Irish waters. The authority maintains coastal buoys, automated major floating aids and lighthouses. The CIL vessel Granuaile is seen regularly in the outer harbour where a tug brings back and forth small buoys from the marine depot. A major re-development of the CIL's marine engineering maintenance depot is underway with the construction of a headquarters built on the existing site. The existing office premises in Dublin will eventually relocate to Dun Laoghaire. The project is contracted to Bowen Construction Ltd and the building designed by Scott Tallon Walker Architects is to have a low profile to minimise visual impact in the harbour. In order to prevent disruption to the marine depot, the project will be conducted in three phases and is expected to be completed by July 2007. Plans by the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company to re-develop the Carlisle Pier site remains an unresolved issue. In March 2003 the winning tender was awarded to Dublin-based heneghan.peng.architects and project company Urban Capital. Failure by the consortium to submit additional plans as set by the conditions of the planning process has brought a halt to the project. The design comprises a hotel, apartments, retail, leisure uses and a `floating stage' positioned at the end of the pier with public access. A central planning condition stipulated the inclusion of a cultural component, which the company proposed would be a national marine life centre. Considerable opposition was voiced over all four short-listed

* CIL's Granuaile and tug-tender Puffin in the harbour (Photo: ShipSnaps).

* LE Aoife in Dalkey Sound (Photo: ShipSnaps).

plans on the basis that they were unsympathetic to the Victorian design of the town and were heavily weighted towards commercial rather then `popular' benefit. A 10-hectare site on Crofton Road comprising workshops and stores has been sold for a mixed development of offices, apartment, retail units, car-parking and will include a public plaza. Work on this project at Harbour Square is expected to be completed in two years. As a condition of the development, states that the listed headquarters of the harbour company, which is beside the site, is to be restored.

Major boating centre

Dun Laoghaire is Ireland's leading boating centre and the harbour's strong sailing tradition is reflected by the four waterfront clubs sharing a combined history of over 800 years. The yacht clubs have a proud record of sailing accolades and last year hosted a combined four-day Dun Laoghaire Championships Regatta. The event was described as `Dun Laoghaire Week' with 500 boats participating. The organisers are to continue with the regatta on a bi-annual basis and will promote it as an

international boating event. The marina of 500 berths has been a huge success since its inception in 2001, according to the general manager, Hal Bleakley. ``We have a waiting list for over 130 boats,'' he said. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council granted an

Two sailing schools on the West Pier operate from the Marine Activity Centre alongside the Dun Laoghaire Sea Scouts. Other activities include diving; skiff rowing; sea-kayaking, power boating and boat-angling charter activities. The harbour has two public slipways at the Coal Harbour (beside the public boatyard) and at Rogan's Slip at the East Pier. These slipways are possibly the last remaining public access points into Dublin Bay and are heavily guarded by the general users of the harbour. Dun Laoghaire is also the base for the Irish Sailing Association, the Irish Underwater Council and the seafood development agency, BIM, which overlooks the local inshore fishing fleet berthed at the Coal Harbour. Most importantly to all seafarers is the RNLI-station, which is one of the busiest in the country and is located at the East Pier. No commentary on Dun Laoghaire Harbour or indeed things maritime would be complete without reference to Dr John de Courcy Ireland, the distinguished maritime historian and former Honorary Secretary of the lifeboat station. Among his vast range of activities he was a leading founder member of the Maritime Institute of Ireland (and its maritime museum) in the town.

The death of John de Courcy Ireland occurred as Inshore Ireland went to press. See obituary page 5.

IRISH SEA MARINE SECTOR Marketing & Business Development Programme We are a joint initiative between the East Coast of Ireland and North Wales, with the aim to help stimulate the development of the marine leisure industry, on both sides of the Irish sea.

To find out more, come and talk to us at the Lombard On the Water Boat Show, in Malahide, Co Dublin from April 28th until May 1st. We’ll be delighted to see you. 2 Lower Glenageary Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Ireland Tel: 01 284 6002 Fax: 01 284 5873 Email: info@irishsea.ie Web: www.irish-sea.org

* Inshore vessels in the Coal Harbour (Photo: G Mills).

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT

Dedication of Mariners' church to lost Irish seafarers An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has approved 1.5m to restore the fabric of the Mariners' Church in Dun Laoghaire for dedication to the memory of Irish seafarers lost in World War II. One hundred and sixty seven merchant seamen and fishermen paid the ultimate price to protect Ireland's viability as a sovereign state in a highly-volatile environment. To date, this sacrifice has been acknowledged in dignified but low-key events and religious services. ``This decision is a vindication of the efforts of a succession of highly-motivated individuals associated with the institute who have been led in recent years in their efforts by the indomitable Des Branigan,'' Michael Prior, MII president told Inshore Ireland. ``Now that the future of the church as a permanent memorial to these volunteer seamen has been secured, the institute can look to its many other objectives, inspired by the spirit of these men and their families.'' The Maritime Institute of Ireland was founded in 1941 during one of the bleakest periods in the history of this state. Throughout WWII, Ireland as a neutral state was highly vulnerable and depended for essential supplies on a much depleted merchant fleet crewed by volunteer merchant seamen.

From the mountains to the sea

DuÂn Laoghaire-Rathdown Visitor Week' Festival. Discover the treasures of

the county Ð a week's activities to suit all the family

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown Visitor Week (11-18 June 2006) is a festival for all the family, with events highlighting both rural and urban elements within the County. The event offers a wide range of marinebased activities to suit everyone, as well as guided house and garden tours; literary and historical heritage pursuits and sporting events. On Saturday, June 17 (10am5pm), the Irish National Sailing School is offering the opportunity to go sailing free of charge; pre-booking is essential, tel: 01 284 4195. Also available from Fingal Sailing School (at Monkstown) will be free-starter lessons in windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing on June 17 and 18 from 2-5 pm. For further information on equipment and securing a place, phone (01) 845 1979, pre-booking is essential. On Sunday, June 12 and the following weekend, the Mari-

Joint programme to develop marine-leisure industry THE Irish Sea Marine Sector (ISMS) is an EU-Interreg IIIA Programme jointly between Ireland and Wales with total funding of 800,000. The Irish side of the three-year programme which started last year (based in Dun Laoghaire) is primarily to stimulate development of the Irish Sea into a leading European marine leisure market. The Irish lead partner is the Irish Marine Federation and fellow partners are the Marine Institute, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, Irish Sailing Association (ISA) and the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board. The Irish footprint covers most of Leinster and Co. Waterford. The Welsh lead partner is North Wales Water Sports and four county councils covering north Wales. As part of the programme a Cruise In Company of leisure craft, accompanied by a Yachtmaster, will sail from Wales and to Dun Laoghaire in June. The `cruise', according to a spokesperson for the Irish Sea Marine Sector, is to ``generate a greater level of activity and interest for those who have not visited both sides of the Irish Sea, as well as having a social dimension''. Welsh visitors will participate in a Dublin Bay Mini-Cruise from Killiney Bay to Malahide; in turn an Irish Cruise-In Company will visit the attractions of Anglesey and north

Wales. An Irish-Welsh Watersports for All directory, which includes `cruising routes', has been published as part of the programme. Following a conference organised by the ISMS last year to discuss issues in the marineleisure industry, a business training programme was instigated. ``This gives companies a grounding in business skills that they may not necessarily have had before and is aimed at all within the industry Ð from junior level up to senior management,'' explained a ISMS spokesperson. The course is a Certificate of Management in Marine Industries in which 10 marine businesses have participated so far. Another issue is the very low level of female participation within the marine-leisure industry. There are proposals to establish a sailing course for women and to identify areas to assist more women to enter the sector. It is hoped that irrespective of gender, all persons would undertake professionally recognised courses to enter the industry. In conjunction with the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) the programme also aims ``to provide sailing courses for inner-city children who wouldn't have any access to the water normally''. The sailing scholarships will be held during the summer at Skerries and Sutton, and run until 2007.

Reduction in light dues on merchant ships

BY way of the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Order 2006, the Department of Transport has announced a reduction in light dues levied on merchant shipping collected from vessels calling to ports within the State. With effect from April 1the rate reduced from 56c per ton to 52c per ton. The order also lowers the tonnage ceiling of 40,000 net registered tonnage (NRT), to 35,000 net registered tonnage (NRT). This will reduce the maximum charge from 22,400 per voyage to 18,200 per voyage. The Order also states it is no longer necessary to record departure dates of vessels for collection purposes and to re-

move the current ballast exemptions so that vessels arriving or departing will now attract a single payment. This will simplify the collection process. This Order revokes and replaces the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Order 2002. Under existing legislation, management of all lighthouses, buoys and beacons in Britain and Ireland is vested in three General Lighthouse Authorities. The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) is the authority for all of Ireland. The entire system of lights is administered as a single financial unit. Expenditure is met from the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF) which derives its

income principally from the collection of light dues levied on commercial shipping at ports. Light dues are levied on ships to fund lights and aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland. Payment is charged per voyage, up to a maximum of seven voyages in any one year commencing on April 1. Where a ship has paid light dues in respect of a voyage, no further payment is required for subsequent voyages within that month. The structure and level of light dues in the State, though generally the same as in the UK, is determined by the Minister and is reviewed annually.

* Lighthouse at the head of the east pier (Photo G Mills).

time Museum on Haigh Terrace (situated in the former Mariners Church) will be open to the public between 1-5 pm. The Naval Services L.E. Aoife will be berthed at the East Pier that weekend and will be open to the public. An historical exhibition of Marconi & Home Entertainment Systems from the early 1900s will be held in the Pavilion Theatre on June 17 (10am - 6pm) and June 18 (1-5 pm). The Irish-Italian, Guglielmo Marconi, made the world's first outside sports broadcast from DuÂn Laoghaire when covering a regatta in Dublin Bay in 1898. An Exhibition of Pre-His-

toric/Early Christian Monuments will take place in DuÂn Laoghaire Shopping Centre Monday, June 12 Ð Sunday, June 18 from 10am Ð 5pm. For landlubbers, Visitor Week starts off with a Rural Day on Sunday, June 11 at Marley Park & Regency Gardens. Macra na Feirme's Field Day and an Agri-Farm Exhibition will take place, in addition to sheep dog trials and sheep shearing demonstrations. On Sunday, June 18, Cabinteely House will be open with guided tours from 1-5 pm. The annual Bloomsday (June 16) celebrations of readings and dramatisations of Ulysses will be held in the Joyce Museum in

Sandycove, Glasthule village and in the Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre Tel: (01) 285 8366. Historical/Literary Walks and half day bus tours of Archaeological/Historical sites will be a feature of the week. For Golf enthusiasts there is a Men's Open on Friday, June 16 and Women's Open on Thursday, June 15 at Edmondstown Golf Course and a Par-3 competition at five different courses throughout the week For other events and information throughout `Visitor Week' and tourism in general visit DuÂn Laoghaire-Rathdown Tourisms website: www.dlrtourism.com

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

MARINE R&D

On the crest of a wave: Ireland leads on ocean energy technology By Gery Flynn

A site in Galway Bay has been designated for entrepreneurs and engineers to field test prototype ocean energy generators as part of a national programme sponsored by Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Marine Institute Ð a move that could see Ireland becoming a world leader in ocean energy technology.

The 37-hectare site Ð 2.5km offshore from the village of An SpideÂal Ð has been leased for 10 years from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Wavebob Ð the first in a series of wave energy generators scheduled for testing in the coming months Ð was deployed last month. To date, the MI and SEI have invested 300,000 in university-based research and a further 850,000 in industry-based re-

search of ocean energy technology. T he Wavebob was unveiled at a media briefing at Galway Docks prior to its installation. Owen Sweeney, programme manager for wave energy at the MI, said that Ireland was particularly wellpositioned to become a leader in developing the technology to convert wave energy into electricity. ``Ireland has the most energetic wave climate within Europe, and we are right on the edge of what is effectively the most intense and accessible wave resource in the world,'' he explained.

Wave energy atlas

Sweeney revealed that last year the two agencies had commissioned consultants ESB International to produce a wave energy atlas which was nearing completion. So far this work has indicated that Ireland has an

Harland and Wolff According to Lawrence Cobain of Harland and Wolff, the yard is hopeful that successful trials and verification of the Wavebob's performance will mean full-scale commercial production next year. As builders of this prototype, H&W is conscious of the potential this technology has in terms of generating renew-

able power: ``While we will have to compete for the production contract if the trials are successful, we are very pleased to have worked with Wavebob Ltd to date.'' He added that the two companies ``have the potential to play a leading role in exploiting considerable commercial opportunities in the renewable energy sector''.

Maritime Ireland, connecting Irish industry with the Global Market Place

www.imdo.ie Ireland Rotterdam

Roscoff Dublin

Holyhead

Shannon Galway

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accessible offshore wave energy resource of 20 Terrawatt hours per year. Sweeney emphasised that development of the technology to extract usable energy from waves would ``be a long and complex process'', and he confirmed there were many prototypes which ``were going to try to crack this. ``What we are putting in place in Galway Bay is a benign test site. It's not fully openocean with the complete wave spectrum that you'd get, say, off the Clare coast or off Belmullet for example. Instead, it's a kind of interim site which will enable the developers of devices like Wavebob to take their designs through the modelling stage and tank testing to the interim stage between that and a full openocean commercial production device.'' Outlining the enormity of the energy resource available to be harnessed by such devices, Graham Brennan, Renewable Energy RD&D Programme Manager with SEI said that from a geographical point of view, Ireland could not be better positioned: ``The average energy hitting Ireland is 76Kw per metre of wave front, and around Europe there's nothing to match that. For example, if you placed a wave energy device off Ireland, and another off Norway, the Irish one would generate twice the revenue and therefore profitability would be far greater here,'' Brennan said.

* The new Wavebob, Ireland's first wave-energy generator harnessed in a Marine Institute / Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) initiative to open a wave energy test site a mile and a half off the coast of Spiddal, Co Galway (Photo: Andrew Downes).

perspectives. SEI's primary area is to ensure increased uptake of renewables to meet the Kyoto climate change protocol. The MI is not an energy agency in any way Ð our interest is in the potential for ocean energy technology. ``We are looking to identify new technology niches in the marine area where Ireland can be a world player.''

potential European market, Brennan estimated Ireland could sell 320 gigawatt of wave energy product. Putting this figure in perspective, he said that Ireland's current peak demand was about 4.6 gigawatts. Owen Sweeney said the roles of SEI and MI were quite different: ``Although this is a joint MI-SEI strategy, we come to the project from different

First ashore

Putting a timescale on the project, Brennan said that the drive to be the first to bring wave energy ashore was now in full swing. And he added that it would be reasonable to expect that by 2020 up to 5% of Ireland's electricity could be coming from devices similar to the Wavebob. He speculated that the first devices would become available between 2010 and 2015. ``There's a big race on now to be the first nation to be associated with the first producer of commercially-viable wave energy, and that's the big prize for Ireland,'' he added. Looking further afield to the

* William Dick, Wavebob and Yvonne Shields, Marine Institute, with the new Wavebob.

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UdaraÂs na Gaeltachta welcomes initiative

MEITHEAL Oibre Fuinnimh Athnuaithe (Renewable Energy Working Group) of UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta has welcomed the initiative. `Ìt reinforces the role of existing marine research and development activities in Galway Bay by the Marine Institute and the National University of Ireland Galway, with the added support of Sustainable Energy Ireland,'' Frank Conlan told Inshore Ireland. `ÙÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta has been aware of the progress made by the promoter of the Wavebob, William Dick, since the inception of the project. He has a long association with the region and his work in the field of renewable energy includes a significant contribution to the Connaught Regional Energy Study, undertaken by UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta in the early '90s, and a number of other projects in the region in the intervening period. We look forward to a successful outcome to the trials which have now been launched.'' Mr Conlan added that the test site was a valuable contribution to future marine energy developments. `Ìt has the potential to provide employment in the scientific and technical fields where prototype devices are undergoing tests and modifications. This kind of project calls for the pooling of knowledge and skills-based expertise that are inherent in the marine and mariculture research traditions in the region. ``The test site provides an opportunity for synergy between the agencies supporting this and future prototype projects in wave energy to establish Galway Bay as a centre for research and development in this field. UÂdaraÂs na Gaeltachta will continue to support these developments.''

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

MARINE R&D

Unusual features on the Irish seabed By EibhlõÂn Doyle, Xavier Monteys; David Hardy, Geological Survey of Ireland

AS regular readers may appreciate, Ireland's offshore area is vast; ap- * Figure 1: Iceberg `ploughing' the proximately 10 times the size of seabed. Ireland. Many features in our marine environment are every bit as beautiful and intriguing as those that Ice plough-marks we enjoy onshore. The only difference is in `seeing' A commonly observed feature on the

these. Analyses of data from the Irish National Seabed Survey help to reveal some of our offshore `landscapes'. Much of the Irish landscape was shaped by glaciation during the `ice ages' that ended approximately 14,000 years ago and which produced distinctive and easily recognisable features such as drumlins and u-shaped valleys (e.g. Glendalough). In the same way our seabed has also been shaped by glaciation. In this article we describe one of these glacial features, which was identified by the Geological Survey of Irelands' team and which provides evidence that glaciation not only affected our island but also the seabed.

seabed is iceberg plough-marks. These are meandering channels or furrows. The gouges most likely were created by keels of large icebergs being transported through the water by the ocean currents. The keel of the iceberg dug into the seabed as it drifted, creating troughs (Fig 1). The pit-like features, commonly observed in conjunction with these plough-marks, are likely to be related to times when the icebergs temporarily came to rest on the bottom and then lifted off (e.g. sudden changes in the draft produced by storms). Numerous examples of these features can be observed in Irish waters, occurring in water depths ranging from 150m to 590m. Their principal dis-

* Figure 3: Ice plough-marks off southwest Ireland indicated by their acoustic variation reflecting different sediments in the ice plough marks to the surrounding seabed.

* Figure 2: Image of iceberg ploughmark and cross section. This iceberg plough-mark is 7.6km long, 250-300m wide and 10-12m deep.

tribution is over the Rockall Bank, Porcupine Bank and along much of the western seaboard. To date over 40,000 such features have been recorded.

A general orientation of north-south is observed in many examples of these iceberg plough-marks. A range of widths, from 50 to 400m, are observed Ð with depths of up to 10m commonly recorded. Impressive examples, observed in Ireland's offshore, can be tens of kilometres in length. Figure 2 shows an image of one of these extensive features from the Porcupine Bank. Detailed analyses of the data collected also reveal that the sediment in some of these plough-marks may be

different to that on the surrounding seabed (Fig 3). Similar features have also been described from other areas of the world Ð in Antarctica, off the Alaskan coast and Canada's East Coast. Iceberg plough-marks are not only interesting from a geological and geomorphologic point of view, but in some cases have implications for seabed habitats. For example, in the Grand Banks area off the Canadian coast there is a correlation between shrimp population and iceberg plough-marks, with shrimp observed to concentrate in the mud lined iceberg plough-mark. In Alaskan waters, small Pacific halibut have been found more frequently in sediment free iceberg plough-mark Ð presumably due to the higher prey abundance. In contrast, large Pacific halibut have been found more frequently on soft substrates such as sediment-filled iceberg ploughmarks where they could bury themselves and ambush prey. There may well be similar examples in Irish waters. The GSI is currently compiling an extensive database, comprising locations and characteristics of iceberg plough-marks in Irish waters as an aid to future research. In the next edition we look forward to describing some more features on our seabed.

Sustainable tourism initiative for Cork Harbour By Cathal O'Mahony CMRC

COASTAL areas are often the favoured locations for visitors, evidenced by full beaches and thronged waters in the summer months. The coast is also an activity amenity where angling, bird watching, walking and boating draw people to the seashore throughout the year. As tourism as an industry continues to grow, it is increasingly important that corresponding development is carried out in a sustainable manner with respect to the environment. Recent attention has turned to monitoring the impact of tourism, and measuring sustainable tourism at coastal locations. One traditional method for acknowledging good practice, environmental or otherwise, is the application of labels or awards which signify that certain standards are being met by a tourism provider or operator. Researchers at the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre of UCC are currently investigat-

* Aghada Pier on the eastern shores of Cork Harbour

ing the possibility of Cork Harbour being assigned an international quality label for sustainable tourism. The label in question Ð QualityCoast Ð is currently under development through the Coastal Practice Network (CoPraNet), and is funded under the European INTERREG programme. The QualityCoast label for tourism destinations can be defined as the willingness of a region to highlight natural and cultural

heritage aspects of sustainable tourism in its marketing programme targeting domestic or international visitors.

Information indicators

How is sustainability measured through the QualityCoast label? It is determined using a series of indicators, tourism quality milestones (TQMs), which reflect the quality of information avail-

able to visitors. This information can relate to environmental quality, local services and cultural aspects. Thus, the focus of QualityCoast is on the data available to visitors to allow them to assess the quality of the environment as opposed to a direct measurement of environmental quality. The use of indicators is dependent upon having the data in place to measure the indicators. Using some of the TQMs as a starting point, researchers at the CMRC undertook a study to investigate the level and quality of information available to visitors to Cork Harbour. The study revealed mixed results for the different parameters; for example, extensive data were available on the location of areas of ecological importance whereas data on visitor numbers specific to the region were less available. While not possessing the golden strands of the Mediterranean, Cork Harbour attracts a high number of visitors on an annual basis. Tourism is largely centred on water-based recreation, maritime heritage and historical sites. Water-based activities include boating, angling charters and yachting; the International Deep Sea Angling Festival and the bi-annual Cork Week are two of the most notable events. Much of the harbour's history and heritage is tied to the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania liners and the military installations from the 19th century that are dotted around the harbour.

International workshop

* Crosshaven on the western shores of Cork Harbour (Photos: Cathal O'Mahony).

The results of the exercise and those of comparative studies undertaken elsewhere in Europe will be the focus of discussions in the upcoming CoPraNet meeting, to be hosted by the CMRC in Cork this month. The meeting will give CoPraNet partners from across Europe an opportunity to provide feedback on the application of TQMs in other coastal environments Ð from high-density tourism des-

tinations to remote islands. More information on the Coastal Practice Network and Cork Harbour can be found at http://www.coastalpractice.net or by contacting Cathal O'Mahony (c.omahony@ucc.ie) or Valerie Cummins (v.cummins@ucc.ie). By the time of publication, a workshop will have taken place

to address public perception of changing coasts for improved integrated coastal zone management. In particular the workshop will have discussed beach management and coastal erosion using case studies to demonstrate effective methods for addressing public perception.

will have a full report in our next issue. Inshore Ireland

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INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

MARKETING/RETAIL

Independent seafood companies to benefit from training network AT the annual conference of the Irish Association of Seafood Companies (IASC) last February, a business network training initiative was launched for the seafood sector.

Skillnets Ltd Ă? the statesponsored body dedicated to promote and facilitate enterprise-led training networks Ă? has approved over 178,000 in funding to the IASC Skillnet whose membership comprises fish producers, processors, wholesalers and retailers. Additional funding in excess of 70,000 to support the training programme will come from the 70-member companies, thus bringing total training investment to 250,000 for 2006/ 2007. The training modules cover areas such as cultural diversity in the workplace, English language courses (for integration of non-Irish nationals within the industry), customer service and

* Former marine minister Pat the Cope Gallagher with Martina Clarke, network manager, IASC, and Mick McHugh, programme manager with Skillnets. retail management. According to Skillnet Ltd, the training model differs from traditional courses in that it is tailored to the specific needs of member companies and will

take place at times and locations agreed by individual companies and their employees. Speaking at the launch, Martina Clarke, network manager, IASC Skillnet emphasised the

need for sectoral specific training within the industry. ``The industry is constantly evolving and new areas of business are opening up as people become more aware of the health benefits associated with eating seafood. We are also seeing an increase in demand for fresh fish and fresh fish retailers coming from new ethnic communities, all of whom appreciate seafood and hold it central to their diet,'' she added. Mick McHugh, programme manager at Skillnets Ltd, added that by coming together, organisations worked together to devise the most suitable training programmes for their collective needs. ``By joining forces, member companies of the IASC Skillnet have increased their buying power, reduced training costs and have subsequently accessed forms of training that might otherwise be too expensive or specialist for one company to oversee.''

Irish companies head west and east on seafood road show LAST month, 12 seafood companies from the Republic and Northern Ireland participated in two of the world's leading food trade fairs: Foodex Japan, (March 14-17) and the Boston Seafood Show (March 1214). The participating companies were supported by BIM as part of its targeted marketing approach to develop markets in the US and Japan. ``This is the first time that Irish seafood was represented at Foodex Japan,'' commented Helen Brophy, BIM's marketing development manager. ``Attendance at both shows is an integral part of our seafood marketing campaign for 2006. ``We were also targeting Japan as a potential consumer of organic smoked salmon, added-value crab and mussel products. This is part of BIM's long-term sales strategy in partnership with Enterprise Ireland,'' she added. The Japanese market imports almost 12bn worth of seafood annually and has a strong tradition for herring and mackerel. In 2005 Ireland exported approximately 14m worth of seafood to Japan. Growing consumer interest in shellfish is reflected in exports, which increased by 91% to No-

seafood market is 15bn. This year, the Boston Seafood Show attracted up to 750 leading global and American seafood companies. ``The main focus for Irish exporters was organic salmon, including smoked product, and high value shellfish. Participation was on an all-island basis in partnership with the Sectoral Development Programme and involved three Northern Ireland companies,'' Helen Brophy explained.

* (l-r) Simon Burke, executive chairman Superquinn, Pat Keogh, BIM chief executive with Tom McGrath, Superquinn Waterford. FOR the second year running, Tom McGrath, Waterford, has scooped the title of Superquinn Seafood Champion. The initiative is designed to reward and recognise staff that set the highest standards of excellence in seafood retailing. The award also aims to improve retail sales of fresh and prepacked seafood while maintaining a focus on motivating staff members. The competition pitched the group's 19 seafood counters against each other to find the overall winner. Stringent criteria were applied to the judging, such as knowledge and promotion of BIM's Quality Seafood Programme (Superquinn is currently the main stockist of salmon certified under BIM's Quality Seafood Programme), seafood display, food safety

controls, labelling and customer service. Pat Keogh, BIM chief executive congratulated the winners on their ``outstanding'' efforts to provide their customers with the best in-store seafood experience. ``It is a tribute to the seafood team in each store as well as to Superquinn's overall emphasis on staff training and commitment to selling quality Irish seafood. BIM advocates that people should eat fish at least twice a week (about double the current consumption level) and that one of these servings should be oil-rich fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring to benefit from Omega-3 and reduce the risk of heart disease.'' Runners-up were Cyril O'Connor, Superquinn Sutton and Elizabeth Brennan, Superquinn Carlow.

Dublin outlet voted premier seafood retailer

Foodex Japan *

The Ireland stall at Foodex Japan, the country's top food and beverage industry trade event

vember 2005 and were worth 3m. Foodex Japan is the country's top food and beverage industry trade event. It attracted over 2,000 exhibitors from 76 countries and regions and more than 90,000 professional visitors. Boston show

The potential value of the American

Atlanfish Ltd, Co Donegal Connemara Seafoods, Co Mayo Kinvara Smoked Salmon, Co Galway Fastnet Mussels Ltd, Co Cork Shellfish De La Mer, Co Cork

Boston Seafood Show

Atlantic Fare, Co Galway Bantry Bay Seafoods Ltd, Co Cork Cloughmore Shellfish Ltd, Co Down Fastnet Mussels Ltd, Co Cork Irish Seaspray Ltd, Co Galway Rockall Shellfish, Co Down Rooney Fish, Co Down

Winning theme serves as (sea)food for thought

STRANORLAR Vocational School, Stranorlar, Co Donegal, and their counterpart, St Peter's High School, Foyle Hill, Derry, have scooped the 2005/6 Cross Border Seafood Education Programme for their joint project: `The Fishing Industry on the Island of Ireland'. The project focused on marketing fish at home and abroad and the cause and effect of pollution on the sea. St Malachy's College, Belfast and Lurgan Junior High School, Armagh were runners-up. The initiative, organised by BIM and Northern Ireland Seafood, is part of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Regions of Ireland (PEACE II). The objective is to heighten awareness of the seafood/fishing industry and to encourage the consumption of seafood among 13and 14-year-olds. ``BIM is proud to co-ordinate this programme,'' remarked Pat Keogh, BIM chief executive. ``Each year the programme never fails to uncover a very impressive line-up of highly creative and original projects. This year students highlighted the importance of all of us sharing respon-

Southeast seafood retail champion

* Back row (l-r): Catherine O'Brien, Nicole McCafferty, Stranorlar Vocational School, Donegal; Front row (l-r): Jamie Shields, Eamonn Quigley, St Peter's High School, Foyle Hill, Derry. sibility for protecting a sustainable environment. This is a core issue on which BIM will also focus from 2006 and beyond.'' The winning team beat off stiff competition from more than 14 paired schools. During 2005, the teams participated in seafood/fishing industry-themed field trips

at a variety of marine locations including: the CMAR Marine Laboratory in Portaferry Co Down, the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, BIM's National Fisheries College, Greencastle, Co Donegal, and the Fish Hatchery in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal.

* Helen Brophy, BIM market development manager, with Jimmy Smith, shop manager, and company director Fedelmia O'Meara. KISH FISH of Bow Street, Dublin has won the BIM Retailer of the Year Award. The new scheme, developed and organised for members of IASC (Irish Association of Seafood Companies), recognises and rewards retailers who sell quality seafood in a professional, knowledgeable manner. ``This is a tremendous honour for all the staff,'' remarked Tadgh O'Meara, director of Kish Fish. ``The whole team works tremendously hard at maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene and customer service. To win this first award is an amazing achievement.'' Mr O'Meara added that quality was central to everything at Kish Fish: ``No effort is spared to ensure that every item we handle enters and leaves our premises in premium condition. We've been in the business for 40 years and have seen a great decline in the number of in-

dependent specialist fishmonger retailers during that time. ``Recently, however, we've seen renewed growth and resurgence in the business. I believe this is partly due to public information campaigns by organisations such as BIM highlighting the healthy food option provided from seafood as well as an overall improvement in standards in the trade, which is helping to drive increased demand for seafood by consumers and the food service industry. ``While we have a long history of processing and wholesaling, we saw the opportunity to establish a retail arm of the business some years ago. Over time this has gone from strength to strength and is now an important part of our business,'' Mr O'Meara said. BIM's seafood and promotions advisor John Hackett said that the overall standard of the participants was extremely high.

INSHORE IRELAND

April 2006

MARKETING/RETAIL

Chile plant: no cold shoulder to Irish mussel industry By Gery Flynn IRISH been

mussel producers have

assured

that

they

have

nothing to fear from the revelation

March

that

Ireland's

biggest mussel processor, Bantry Bay Seafoods, has teamed up with Spanish seafood giant Mascato to target North American

markets

with

mussels

Trophy cabinet

farmed and processed in Chile. Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Denis Minihane, sales and marketing director with Bantry Bay Seafoods described the 4 million investment in Chile as ``a success story to be proud of''.

He dismissed as ``untrue'' the suggestion might

that

wind

opera tion,

the

company

down

its

Irish

co nfir ming

that

``Bantry would continue to be

Irish Exporter of the Year

Award 2003.

port Award 1996.

AIB Capital Markets ExWinners of the Sunday Business Post Small Busi-

the epicentre of anything we do

ness of the Year Award

in the future.'' Explaining

the

decision

said the nature and volume of Chilean mussels would allow a North

penetration American

into

Awarded the Irish Food & Drink Award in the Fish

to Chile instead of Ireland, he

greater

1995.

direct this particular investment

the

Category and.

co Ireland 1998.

Best New Product by TesWinners

marketplace

the

IFEX

1990.

* Workers are on hand at all stages of the production process.

Ă? a strategy that would not be possible

the

same

extent

using only mussels processed in Ireland.

substantially

here. And with a fixed-cost base

cur-

shorter than in Europe, and it is

of 3 million per annum, we

rently produces vacuum packed

a country that will see huge

can't afford to keep the plant

and sauce-based products, but

mussel production expansion in

closed very long. But the vast

we don't have half-shell and

the short-term. They have come

majority of the 6,500 tonnes

meats. It's not feasible to pro-

from having almost no mussels

that we process annually are

duce these here for two reasons.

Firstly,

production

``Our

Irish

you

volumes

operation

need

substantial

mussels

the

Chile

years

also

annual

Irish

today

75,000

continue to be the case.''

ago

mussels,

and

that

will

Minihane dismissed the no-

water, and secondly, from a cost

producing 150,000 tonnes with-

tion that Chilean-farmed mus-

perspective,

in the next five years.''

sels might some day replace the

probably

wouldn't work out.'' He

confirmed

tonnes.

They

expect

Commenting on the mussels

that

processed

the

company's

Irish variety at the Bantry plant. ``Any suggestion that we are

19,000 tonnes of mussel meat,

Irish plant, Minihane confirmed

going to

frozen half shell product and

these come from producers on

Ch ile

canned mussel meat would be

the western seaboard Ă? from

through the facility here is an

produced

at an

8,000

square

bring mussels from

and

r epr oce ss

them

Donegal to Roaringwater Bay.

impossibility, and it wouldn't

metre state-of-the art plant in

that

work. Apart from that, we have

Chile and would employ 200

occasionally it has been neces-

responsibilities not only to this

within three years.

sary

else-

area but also to the farmers who

the

supply us. Anyone who thinks

Minihane

confirmed

that

other strategic options were also

admitted, to

where

however,

source in

order

mussels to

keep

that we'll be buying less Irish

Bantry plant operating.

considered, but the final deci-

``We've had to source mus-

mussels is wrong. The fact is

sion had been influenced by the

sels outside Ireland sporadically

that we'll be buying more,'' he

fact that ``no matter what way

in the last 18 months, purely on

confirmed.

you look at it, the raw material

the basis that we didn't have

Minihane agrees that as Eur-

in Chile is of superb quality.''

mussels available for the facility

ope's number one mussel pro-

Bantry Bay Seafoods

fectly in a model situation. In

production here in the past few

real terms, however, when we

for

years, Minihane is unequivocal

want

dependent on just one species.

mussel farming in Ireland and

in describing the national bio-

product it doesn't work so well.

He believes, however, that this

worldwide, Minihane is clearly

toxin monitoring programme as

risk is lessened by the fact that

optimistic,

``unquestionably the best one in

Therefore, if it slows down, or

the

government action is required

company

puts

huge

recognised as a supplier of

amount of effort into product

Bay Seafoods employs 120

top quality products to Eur-

development in the race to stay

full-time staff in a purpose

opean markets.

ahead of competition.

built,

in 1990, Bantry

state-of-the-art

manu-

facturing facility in Bantry, Co Cork. The company has patented an

innovative

method

for

processing shellfish and employees at BBS have extensive expertise in the areas of product research and development, product innovation, marketing, planning and production. The

company

currently

Turnover in 2005 was 16 million. The company's main overseas markets are Britain, France, Germany, Italy; BBS plans to double sales to these markets by 2009. Freshly

harvested,

top-

quality, mussels are purified, vacuum packed and frozen with

all

the

natural

juices

retained within the shell. This process enables the

* Final check before vac-packs go into the cooking tunnel. which has impacted on shellfish

cessor there is a danger in being

FOUNDED

* State of the art mussel grading machinery.

He added: ``The growth rate

significant Looking

the

but

future

believes

that

the world. ``Quite frankly, from a sales

that

perspective, people don't really

aquaculture is a huge benefit

ask us about toxins anymore.

to the Irish economy and not a

They take it for granted that

blight on the seascape. Aqua-

there must be a superb toxin

risk in the sense that if some-

culture

monitoring regime in place in

thing negative was to happen

terms of the jobs it creates but

Ireland or we, as a company,

we could be in serious jeopardy.

also in terms of the social fabric

wouldn't be brave enough to be

The flipside to that, however, is

that allows people to work in

offering

that

their locality if they so choose.

toxin-free.''

``Sure, a single-product-single-species

other

company

because than

mussels

high-

nothing we

have

the world's expertise here

``We

need

benefits

realise

not

only

``If this is to be sustained the government

must

adopt

the

product

that

Minihane warns nevertheless

approach seen in many other

system,

ment and quality control people

countries

refined and improved.

are mussel experts. They don't

good, and therefore they must

know a little bit about salmon,

accelerate

and a little bit about oysters Ă?

cess.''

of mussels annually, and is

available throughout the year.

they are experts in mussels, and that gives me, as a sales guy,

the

biotoxins

that the

aquaculture licensing

thorny and

pro-

subject

public

health,

wasn't

that no matter how good the

Bantry. Our product develop-

company's

when

in some key areas:

produces over 6,000 tonnes

mussels

credibility

talk to customers.''

can

always be

``We have to be cautious that

produce

and

supply

even sometimes stops the expansion of this industry, then I think we have a problem that has to be addressed.'' Minihane concludes by praising

the

scheme

independent that

BIM

quality

introduced

some years ago and continues to monitor. ``When the consumer in retail markets across Europe and in the United States picks up a Bantry Bay Seafoods product and

sees

that

independently

has

assessed

been for

quality assurance by the BIM

despite having the best biotoxin

quality

monitoring system in the world,

huge confidence. And to me,

that is the way forward for Irish

must

ensure

that

isn't

simply the case it works per-

scheme,

mussels.''

transmits

INSHORE IRELAND April 2006

From coast to counter, we know where they've been. In these days of increasing consumer awareness, it's vital to give reassurance about product origin, quality and freshness. BIM's Quality Seafood Programme has been designed to do just that, introducing a system of traceability from farm all the way to the shop or supermarket shelf. This valuable programme already applies to salmon and mussels, and will soon be extended to other seafood products. For more information on our Quality Seafood Programme, visit www.bim.ie/qsp.

T H E

S O U R C E

O F

E X C E L L E N C E