Bimonthly
incorporating
News from the coast and inland waterways
Aquaculture Ireland
Report
Interview
Page 9
Page 14 & 15
Freshwater Focus
FIO chairman LorcaÂn OÂ CinneÂide
EU maritime green paper
Pilot study of Avoca River Page 26
June 2007 Vol 3 Issue 3
Island living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Aquaculture News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 23 Marine R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 - 33 Seafood marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 - 35
Government fails to protect Ireland's shellfish waters As Council
Questions for the Minister
plans leachate disposal into Clew Bay
THE European Court of Justice (ECJ) has found that Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations under the Shellfish Waters Directive 79/923. The Directive's purpose is to protect the quality of shellfish waters designated by member states as needing improvement or protection in order to support shellfish life and to contribute to the high quality of shellfish products, reports SHAY FENNELLY.
Niall O'Boyle poses a question for the Department of the Marine: ``Ireland has had three attempts at getting the QSW legislation right from the Directive Ð in '94, 2001 and 2006. The '79 Directive specifies, that `the measures taken pursuant to this Directive may, on no account, lead either directly or indirectly to increased pollution of coastal or brackish waters'.
The ECJ ruled in June that the Irish Government failed: * To designate all shellfish waters requiring designation * To set values for potential contaminants which could be injurious to human health * To take all the measures necessary to establish pollution reduction measures in designated shellfish waters.
The case followed a complaint from the Irish Shellfish Association (ISA) in 2002 concerning the situation of shellfish waters in Ireland and the Government's lack of action to protect those areas where shellfish are grown from water pollution. Last December the shellfish sector was alarmed when Mayo Co Council (MCC) obtained an emergency licence from the EPA to discharge 2,346 tonnes of partially treated leachate contaminated with dangerous substances from Derrinumera landfill into Clew Bay. In May, MCC asked the EPA
*
Âe Ireland joined the International Hydrographic Organisation on World Hydrographic Day (21 June). The IHO is located close to the Muse
Âanographique (pictured) in Monte Carlo. Oce
to review the water licence for Derrinumera landfill, Mayo's main landfill site. The Council is proposing to build a sludge hub centre and a leachate treatment plant at Derrinumera and a new sewage plant in Newport. The leachate, which is currently discharged into the Castlebar river, will instead be
Photo: Sean Cullen
pumped from Derrinumera, after treatment, and join an outfall pipe from a new sewage plant in Newport before being finally discharged into Clew Bay. These proposals are outlined in two Environmental Impact Statements published by MCC (see more details on www.may-
Strength in Unity for all Aquaculture Producers Join to-day - call 01-4508755 or visit our web site www.ifa.ie
coco.ie).
One EIS is for the sludge hub and leachate treatment centre and the other is for a new sewage plant in Newport. MCC applied to An Bord PleanaÂla for approval for both EISs on 15 May. Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Niall O'Boyle of Coastal Zone Services, and former develop-
ment manager of the Clew Bay Marine Forum, said that in the EIS, Mayo Co Council states that the leachate was discharged via the Westport waste water treatment plant `as though it was the norm'. ``They did not say that it was licensed by the EPA as an emergency measure, * To page 2
Statutory Instrument 268 replaces `on no account' with `the Minister shall, where practicable, take all action to ensure that implementation of a programme will not lead directly or indirectly to increased pollution of coastal or brackish waters.' It's the difference between `on no account' and `where practicable' where Irish legislation could find itself in trouble. To me, the two mean quite different things. The point is this. Is it going to be practicable to protect the quality of shellfish waters? That's the question that we have asked of the Minister. If the answer is yes, it is practicable and on no account will there be increased pollution, then this proposal shouldn't really be going ahead.''
Home of The Irish Salmon Growers' Association The Irish Trout Producers' Group & The Irish Shellfish Association
2
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
NEWS
* Castlebar sewage treatment plant (above) and Clew Bay (right).
* From page 1
not that there was considerable opposition from shellfish producers to it at the time, and that they were required to stop,'' he added. O'Boyle added that he had received written assurances from Minister Browne that MCC had been reminded of its responsibilities under the Quality of Shellfish Waters legislation, and was advised to make alternative arrangements in the future. ``From the meeting we had with MCC, they seemed to make it fairly clear that they didn't have any alternative, that they hadn't made any alternative arrangement, and that they still thought they could continue to discharge leachate via Westport again during the estimated two to four years construction period of the leachate treatment facility at Derrinumera landfill.''
Background
The same leachate from Derrinumera landfill has polluted the Castlebar River, a designated
salmon river and tributary of the Moy River Special area of Conservation. From 2000, the leachate from Derrinumera has been transported by trucks at a cost of 500,000 by MCC to the Castlebar sewage treatment plant at Knockthomas and discharged into the river after partial treatment. According to O'Boyle, the NWRBD advised them that part of their brief was to protect the water quality in Clew Bay in particular when it relates to native oyster beds. ``Since the proposed discharge is within 200 metres of an oyster bed, is it appropriate for the NWRFB Ð an agency entrusted with safeguarding Clew Bay's water quality Ð to suggest that leachates be discharged to these waters?'' ``What recommendations will the NWRFB make to the EISs to ensure that Clew Bay's water quality is maintained and that Clew Bay's oysters remain fit for human consumption? As the objective of the 1979 Quality of Shellfish Water Directive is to protect human health through monitoring waters that support
shellfish for human consumption, is it not `very short sighted' to suggest that leachates can be discharged to these waters unless research shows it is safe?'' The Derrinumera EIS published in May 2007 states: `The overall biological rating of the stretch of river below the retired outfall has shown general improvements in water quality, as the Q ratings have improved since biological sampling by the EPA began in 1971.'
The EPA has confirmed to that currently no environmental quality standards exist for coastal waters but are due to be set in future by the EPA. Inshore Ireland
Sewage scheme
The EIS for the Newport sewage scheme concludes that the Newport River and Clew Bay candidate SAC will not be negatively impacted upon in terms of amenity value. Water quality will be improved as a result of an improved treatment of the wastewater and leachate that is to be discharged to the bay. The impact of the dis-
charge of treated leachate is also considered to be insignificant, subject to the implementation of the mitigation recommendations set out in the EIS. ``We accept that having a waste water treatment plant in Newport will improve the quality of the sewage effluent going into Clew Bay. That's a given,'' says Niall O'Boyle. ``However, leachates from landfill and leachates from the new sludge hub centre are not currently being discharged into Clew Bay. Not only is it incorrect, it is a blatant falsehood for MCC to specify that their introduction of a new pollution source Ð which is in fact what leachate is Ð will contribute to water quality improvement in Clew Bay. It's absolutely false, and I can't emphasise that enough.'' The public have until 4pm on June 29th, 2007 to make written submissions and observations to An Bord PleanaÂla on the EIS for the Derrinumera sludge hub centre, the leachate treatment facility and the EIS for the Newport Waste Water Treatment plant and their likely effects on the environment.
* An Daingean Harbour.
Photo: Ted Creedon
An Daingean Harbour passes to State control AN Daingean Harbour has become the sixth Fishery Harbour centre under the direct control of the Department of Transport and the Marine, when it was officially handed over by the Dingle Harbour Commissioners on 15 May. ``The end has come and this is an historic occasion. We're handing over the harbour and we don't owe one penny in debts,'' remarked chairman Tom Fitzgerald at the final meeting. The first commissioners were appointed to Dingle in 1885 under the General Pier and Harbours Act of 1861, along with north Sunderland and Plymouth that year. That Act was replaced by the Irish Government's 1946 Harbours Act and a new board of commissioners was appointed. The official name
given to the body, in 1946, was Coimisiu neirõ Chuain Daingean Uõ ChuÂis. Noel Dempsey, then Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, said the Government was committed to upgrading all of the Fishery Harbour Centres, to make them as ``modern and as safe as any international harbour''. He added that any infrastructural projects for An Daingean would receive 100% capital funding and that 1.3m had already been allocated this year. ``This is further concrete evidence of the Government's commitment for a vibrant and sustainable future for the Irish seafood industry and will ensure that all harbour users in An Daingean have access to a safe and efficient harbour.''
Commission goes softly on Mediterranean breaches, but Ireland must pay AT the Fisheries Council in Luxembourg earlier this month, John Browne Ð then Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Ð voted against a plan for blue fin tuna management, that ignores illegal fishing by several Mediterranean countries. While Minister Browne supported the need for a recovery plan, he deemed the plan ``unacceptable'' because it did not require the payback of illegally
caught tuna. He argued that the plan was unacceptable to Ireland on the grounds of conservation, and because it applied different rules to that implemented by the Commission in respect of undeclared landings of mackerel by Irish and UK vessels into Scotland. ``The principle of payback should apply equally to all. I want to see rules agreed and implemented within the EU so that all can have confidence in equality of treatment.''
He added that Irish fishermen would find it difficult to accept that they should be subject to pay back requirements for illegal fishing, while at the same time no such requirement was being made in respect of illegal fishing of blue fin tuna. ``It is absolutely essential that the EU Commission ensures fair and equal treatment so that fishermen throughout the Community have confidence that the Common Fisheries Policy is being fully implemented in both
the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. There must be a level playing field at both control and management levels.'' In response, the Council and the Commission committed to applying the normal principle of payback across all fisheries in the future.
Discards
The Council also held preliminary talks aimed at reducing and eliminating discarding of unwanted fish at sea. Up to 60%
of the fish caught at sea is discarded; market considerations and quota restrictions are just two of the reasons for high discard levels. In support of the objective, Minister Browne said that urgent action was needed: ``In Ireland we have worked to promote the use of more environmentally Ð friendly fishing gears which have the effect of reducing the catch of undersized and uneconomic fish that are normally discarded.
During Ireland's EU Presidency, we held a major international conference on this issue and since then much research has been undertaken. ``This work must be stepped up and progressed with the full support of operators. We urgently need to engage with stakeholders to introduce measures that progressively reduce discards with a view to introducing a similar ban to that which has been implemented in Norway.''
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
3
NEWS
Illegal baiting of juvenile shrimp * The channel at Bunbeg estuary where juvenile shrimp are found. Inset: Bait collector continues to remove juveniles in full view of the camera.
COMMERCIAL shrimp fishermen are outraged at the lack of intervention by the authorities in the northwest to reports that small shrimps are being taken from nurseries grounds at low tide during the closed season for salmon bait, writes JOHN RAFFERTY.
Fishermen are calling for this practice to be stopped altogether as it ruins the commercial shrimp fishery later in the year and also diminishes catches the following year. They have highlighted this activity over the last couple of years but claim nothing has been done to stop the practice. Most salmon anglers also want shrimp collecting banned and bait fishing made illegal on all Irish rivers as they feel fishing with shrimps/prawns for salmon is poor sportsmanship and just another form of poaching salmon. Salmon anglers will and do pay considerably more for the egg-carrying shrimps. On average, 10 to 20kg of shrimps are caught daily by each bait collector during the spring tides. This may not sound like much
but if they were left to mature, they would weigh five to 10 times more. In addition, a large percentage of those killed are eggcarrying shrimps; this, without doubt, also has the effect of wiping out a large segment of next season's stock. Undersized bait
Speaking to Inshore Ireland, Pat McGarvey, senior manager with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, said he was aware of the situation and would be keeping it under observation in the months ahead. A number of fishermen appear to collect these shrimp, cook them and then sell them for bait. This happens at low tide in the Dungloe/Burtonport and Ballyshannon areas. Statutory Instrument, S.I. 235 of 2006 Shrimp [Fisheries Management and Conservation], Regulations 2006 prohibits: to fish or attempt to fish for shrimp; to have in possession; to have on board a sea fishing boat, or attempt to land shrimp between the 9 May 2006 and
the 1 August 2006, and between 1 May and 1 August in each subsequent year. This brief closure is the only management measure for shrimp. ``The newly established SFPA is responsible for the enforcement of these regulations. In that regard we will be paying particular attention to the areas mentioned above for evidence of fishermen operating in breach of the regulations. Appropriate enforcement action will be taken where non compliance is detected. The Marine Institute has completed some work on shrimp on the south and west coasts and has recommended that the closed period be extended''. The Marine Institute advises that this fishery should be closed from the end of January to the beginning of September each year. Irish shrimp pot fishermen catch approximately 400 tonnes of shrimps annually and prices reached 16/kg. Most fishermen know that enforcement must be put in place to help preserve fisheries such as shrimp, which are a valuable commodity to many coastal communities.
Ireland joins IHO on World Hydrographic Day Objectives include: ON World Hydrographic fils an obligation under the Day, June 21, Ireland became Safety Of Life At Sea (SO- * adoption of reliable and efficient methods of conductthe 79th member of the Inter- LAS) Convention. The IHO adopted June 21 ing hydrographic surveys and national Hydrographhic Organisation which is based in as `World Hydrography Day' using the information to proto highlight its work and urges duce accurate nautical charts Monte Carlo. Commenting on the event, all States to work with them to and documents * coordination of the activMinister for the Marine, Noel promote safe navigation. The IHO is an intergovern- ities of national hydrographic Dempsey, said he looked forward to the Maritime Safety mental consultative and tech- offices to ensure greatest posDirectorate working with the nical organisation established sible uniformity in nautical IHO in developing a National in 1921 to support safety in charts and related documents Hydrographic Service for Ire- navigation and the protection * development of the science land. ``This will be of major of the marine environment. It of hydrography and the techimportance to Ireland as a performs similar to an `Ord- niques employed in descripmaritime nation and also ful- nance Survey' of the sea. tive oceanography.
Photo: John Rafferty.
4
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
NEWS
calls for devolved BIM decentralisation to IFPEA fisheries quota management West Cork a step closer Cork native takes up CEO position in July JASON Whooley, former chief executive of the Irish South & West Fishermen's Organisation, takes up his new position as CEO of BIM on July 1. A native of West Cork and a graduate of UCC (B.Comm. in management and marketing), Jason Whooley brings with him ``tremendous experience of the sea fishing industry which he has gained over recent years representing fishermen in the south west,'' remarked the marine minister, Noel Dempsey.
Recommendations
According to Tom Geoghegan, IFPEA national secretary, a very important element of the Association's ongoing work will be to address the core recommendations of the seafood industry review group
Commitment
Both Ministers thanked outgoing CEO Pat Keogh for the ``dedication and commitment'' he devoted to the
report ``in the best interests of the Irish fish processing industry''.
Stakeholders
He explained that this would be achieved through the Association's representation on the implementation group under the chairmanship of Dr Noel Cawley and in the consultation process with other key stakeholder interests. ``One of the core recommendations under active discussion between the Association and the Federation of Irish Fishermen is the implementation of a new
devolved fisheries quota management regime,'' he added.
Objectives
In line with the `Cawley Report', this would having among its key objectives ``the promotion of catch plans that take greater account of shore processing and market requirements involving the promotion of better continuity of supply, which is critical to the viability of shore processing and employment,'' Tom Geoghegan explained.
Peadar Quinn Ă? a tribute
Well respected
Junior minister with responsibility for fisheries, John Browne, added that Mr Whooley was well-known at national and European level and was ``well respected''. ``Mr Whooley faces a challenging task. However, I am confident that he will provide excellent leadership in delivering the reform programme necessary to ensure a longterm sustainable and prosperous future for coastal communities.''
ANDY Molloy of Connemara Seafoods Ltd was elected chairman of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association at the organisation's AGM in May. He succeeds Brendan Minehan, Eironava Fisheries Ltd, Castletownbere.
* Pic Designates: Jason Whooley (left) BIM and Gerard Flynn, IS&WFPO. Photo: The Irish Skipper organisation during his two five-year terms as CEO of BIM. ``Pat leaves behind a number of significant accomplishments and has placed BIM on an extremely sound footing. ``We wish him well in what ever endeavour he chooses to pursue.'' Announcing his appointment last month, BIM chair-
man Rose McHugh said she looked forward to working with Mr Whooley in implementing the seafood strategy.
Chief executive
Former Irish Naval Commander and associate head of the National Maritime College in Cork, Gerard Flynn, has been appointed chief executive of the IS & WFPO.
PEADAR Quinn, one of BIM's highly respected Dingle ice plant operators died after a brief illness on 12 May 2007. The esteem in which Peadar was held was reflected in the very high turnout for his funeral, with people travelling from far and near to pay their respects. Peadar started work in the Dingle ice plant in 1993, having retired from his former trade as a plumber. This was the peak year for BIM's ice sales in Dingle where 3,210 tonnes of ice were shovelled manually and when an ice plant operator required stamina and endurance, as well as a sense of humour and guile to persuade crews to use a shovel to lighten the workload. When BIM decided to build a
* Dingle ice plant operator Peadar Quinn died last month.
new ice plant in Dingle, Peadar and his long time friend, Noel Brosnan, monitored every aspect of its construction from the foundations upwards, deploying his exceptional plumbing skills to minimize the snag list and ensuring smooth operation from
its opening in 2001. BIM had already introduced computerised accounting and had provided computer facilities on site which Peadar and Noel readily adapted to operating a fully automated state-ofthe-art ice plant. Peadar's naturally inquisitive nature and his desire to learn and willingness to help others endeared him to many in the fishing industry and elsewhere, earning him a wide circle of friends and all that had the good fortune to know him will sadly miss this larger than life and extremely generous character. Ar Dheis De go raibh a ainm dilis.
* BIM June 2007
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
5
COMMENT
THE agencies responsible for the marine waters programme of the Water Framework Directive is divided between two agencies, one of which, the EPA, is funded to monitor transitional and coastal waters; the other, the Marine Institute, is not. So only half of the WFD sampling has started. Shellfish classification sampling throughout the country is ineffective in many areas, and classification decisions are being made based on inadequate or missing information. A nationwide sampling classification regime has not been implemented, despite the fact that the Government is responsible for ensuring that it is carried out monthly
in each classified area. County councils should be monitoring waste water treatment plant marine discharges to ascertain the improvements that new treatment plants are having on the environment. Carrying capacity studies have started in selected areas; however, historical data either does not exist or is so fragmented between Government departments, agencies and research institutions that few really know the type of data that is available. And those who do have difficulty obtaining it. Clew Bay Marine Forum took the initiative as long ago as 2000 to co-ordinate and integrate many of the aspects of environmental marine monitoring in Clew
tnemmoC
Marine `diluted' between departments again Bay. This was the first and only regime of its type in the country. Unfortunately, the initiative ceased at the end of 2006 due to lack of financial support from the key Government departments and agencies whose work relies on the sampling and data that was being supplied. Ireland's response on Integrated Coastal Zone Management was due in February 2006 but has still not materialised. In fact, funding for ICZM remains in the realms of academia. State funding is not available to the private sector or does not reach practitioners who work on behalf of resource users. In fact, ICZM projects in Clew Bay area have served to reduce the cause of
integration rather than enhance it. With the disintegration of the Department of the Marine ongoing, it is not hard to understand how this woeful state of affairs is being allowed to flourish. Marine, yet again, has not been allocated its own Ministry and has been diluted between three departments, with entire sections being shipped in boxes to Clonakilty with no one at the other end to open them.
Ð Niall O'Boyle
* Note: Integrated Coastal Zone Manage-
ment and Aquaculture Licensing is to remain within the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
`injection of Better hygiene Ð not DCMNR: more chemicals common sense needed' DEAR Editor
hygiene and compounded by excess sugar in the
DEAR Editor, THANK
about
when the herrings don't oblige
you for the excellent
these things and they live ac-
us by coming inshore where the
The
fishermen
know
would like to endorse the sentiments expressed
diet. We need the emphasis on dental health to be
article in Inshore Ireland (April)
cording to the rules dictated by
small boats can catch them, are
by Diarmaid Mulcahy, where he calls for more
placed on such non-chemical methods of redu-
Entitled `Weighing and landing
local conditions. Obviously, the
we
public
cing
procedures explained'.
small boat skippers need to be
According to this rule, we are
I
debate
on
the
fluoride
issue
(Inshore
dental
decay,
instead
of
adding
more
The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association
Ð Dr Elizabeth Cullen,
is a small group of doctors and health profes-
Secretary,
sionals who are deeply concerned at the addition
Irish Doctors' Environmental Association,
of fluoride to our drinking water. Dental
decay
is
not
caused
Thomastown, by
a
of
Kilcullen,
dental
Co Kildare
lack
Netsmen should complain instead of blaming others fluoride.
It
is
DEAR Editor, I
note
with
Molloy's
caused
by
inadequate
letter
in
Adrian
your
April
issue. Mr Molloy is well-known as one
of
the
best
charter
recreational we
go
angling.
again,
highly
is
knowing
hundred
in
the
same
must
a
fishing
when
steer. pair
This
trawling
a
life
a
themselves
to
see
the
da-
ones
bad
name,
kicking
up
and a
stink
mage they are doing. How
can
the
majority
tackle, etc., r e to
vessels.
Agricultural
Farmers Journal and the Irish Field, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12
Editor
Advertising manager Roger Cole
cole@inshore-ireland.com
Designated
deteriorate
quickly
on
a
of
Ð Johnny Woodlock
Printed by the Irish Times, 24 - 28 Tara Street, 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.
a
minute.
We
are
stocks in the Celtic Sea!
other
pelagic
fishery
taking
place on our doorstep, should we perhaps steam up to Donegal? In any
conclusion, connection
I
fail
between
to
see
these
cast iron rules and conservation. The
small-boat
fishermen
very supportive fisheries
and
are
of sustainable
fully
understand
the need for rules that work to protect fish stocks. I am only dealing with two rules here but there are many
Now, since we have no `track
season?
Trust, publishers of the Irish
Irish Farmers Journal
the
can
Inshore Ireland is published
Production & imaging
reach
herring
always
all good book stores in July.
091-844822/085-7475797
us, have
are catching the fish but then it
as
Cork and will be available in
flynn@inshore-ireland.com
of
would
netsmen themselves should be
hard-working,
a n g l i n g
Gery Flynn
we
are
to hire sea
Features editor
to
that
question is: Will we be refused
sea
01-2354804/087-2902045
irresponsible
weather may be fine while they
tails on what methods, baits,
01-2859111/087-2611597
boat
course
the
and where
mills@inshore-ireland.com
occa-
of
at
Gillian Mills
several
while the vast majority of them
also gives comprehensive de-
the
on
record'
and
Sea Angling in Ireland is
by
estuary
weather. The problem is that the
Donegal
published by Mercier press in
bimonthly
the
tonnes of fish in reasonably fine
in
on the best places to fish. It
local
We
herrings
These are the `boys' who are
netsmen
knowledge
of
caught
getting the whole netting way
I have met with and spoken
cific areas,
plenty
conditions.
have
of
Port.
sea
provides
winter
which
herring can carry two or three
fish in spe-
and
sea
a
sions, but that would have been
being asked.
to
alike
was
a remote civil servant dictating
the
novice
could
that
within the sheltered waters of
season? This without questions
Rafferty,
anglers
extreme
Donegal?
quired
and
Desig-
ermen.
they still use natural fibres in
a r e
experienced
the
aware,
everyone else for their plight.
aimed
of
herring
indeed the safety of these fish-
for
a
because
from
nated Ports rule. As everyone is
winter night. A sudden shift of
angling enthusiast.
precluded
dark
book for Irish waters by John
is
fishing
It is a total nonsense to have
wait
Since we are unaware of any
was given to the livelihood or
about them instead of blaming
contributor
to
Last season, we found our-
no
whatsoever
trying
coast. selves
consideration
only
make a living here on the south
luted set of rules was drawn up,
the
month sees the pub-
book
convo-
are
to steam for two hours in the
lication of a new sea angling
The
whole
rule puts lives at risk.
Skerries
and
this
Rule 1.The Designated Ports
Co Dublin
Ireland
When
grabbing as much as they can
the ways of the past or those
Inshore
ing.
there are a few too intent on
He says no value is placed on
a
small
here
heritage, culture and tradition.
THIS
other
about
Yet
crying
and
boats take part in herring fish-
We
for
and
of
half-deckers
boats
boat
value
allowed to pursue other pelagic
unaware that
recipe for disaster. These small
an alternative to salmon netting the
Port?
they were
several
to
well
but
vious
they
use
skippers in the country. He has knows
pots, crab pots or gillnets.Ah,
land their catch in the nearest
couldn't
skipper
do
hands?
by the DCMNR, it seems ob-
Why
and one or two individuals use
or
our
not allowed to haul our shrimp
fish.
netsmen in an area use 50 tags
nets,
on
their
live by them. Is he
monofiliment
sit
left to decide where best to land
talking about the netsmen who
who still
interest
just
tions, and the answers provided
Reading through your ques-
chemicals to our already polluted world.
Ireland April 2007).
to
for
last
licences The
season, for
likely
the
the next
answer
is
more lying in wait to trap the unwary. The
DCMNR
injection
of
needs
common
a
big
sense
shoved somewhere.
`yes'.
Ð Trevor Simpson,
with the
Rule 2. If you are booked in
turn of the tide, can make many
for herring fishing then you are
Fisherman,
areas, like the Hook and Crea-
not allowed to fish for whitefish
Kilmacleague,
dan
or shellfish in the Celtic Sea.
wind,
Head,
coinciding
for
example,
denly turn lethal.
sud-
So, being practical about this,
Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
6
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
NEWS/REPORT
Pot fishermen under pressure in DuÂn Laoghaire `harbour of refuge' THE livelihood of 12 fishermen in DuÂn Laoghaire, Co Dublin, are under threat since the introduction by DuÂn Laoghaire Harbour Company (DHC) of `pay and display' parking on Traders Wharf quay, writes Gillian Mills.
Study on extra marina berths
Since the mid 1980s, pot fishermen working from 15m boats chasing whelk, lobster and crab on the east coast have parked their cars on Traders Wharf whilst at sea from early morning to sunset. Under a seven-day-a-week scheme throughout the Harbour and now extended by 25 bays on Traders Wharf, however, fishermen face being clamped unless they pay upwards of 200 per week in parking fees. Not only do they dispute the fee, finding a free bay in competition with short-term users will also be a problem: ``Because of the nature of our business and the unsociable hours, we have no alternative but to use private transport,'' a spokesman for the DuÂn Laoghaire Fishermen's Association (DFA) told Inshore Ireland.
Du n Laoghaire Harbour Company has appointed consultants to undertake a study to evaluate the potential future demand and location for additional berths in the marina harbour. This study is separate to the expansion already underway of 240 berths, which on completion will make DuÂn Laoghaire marina the largest in Ireland. According to the DHC Spring 2007 newsletter, the study is driven by the `significantly increased demand for marine leisure activities in recent years'.
Inadequate facilities
For generations, the fishermen have also had to store and repair their gear on Traders Wharf as no covered facility is provided. They must also use the public facilities at the harbour office some 1000m away since the toilets on the quay were closed `for health and safety' reasons. Their harbour dues include landing and berthing entitlement along the quay. No electricity is provided and there is one tap, which is metred to the tonne of water used. Entitlements elsewhere for harbour dues include safe berthage; parking; toilet and shower facilities; access to quayside power; freshwater; and access
Marine tourism is estimated to be worth 631m and forecasts suggest that the sector could grow by 30% by 2008. According to the newsletter, the 13-week study
* Tony Pluck (right) and George Duncan unload the catch. to a boat yard and slipway for ongoing maintenance. In an article (Southside People, 9/05/07), the DHC contend that pay parking was being introduced on Traders Wharf `in the interests of safety. There is no organised parking down thereand it's fairly chaotic'.
According to the DFA, however, the `chaos' only started when demand for parking space by various harbour users and
the public recently intensified. The DFA say that an additional problem concerns the lorries that pick up their catch on a daily basis, as they will no longer be able to negotiate the quay: ``If lorries cannot get clear access to our boats then we've no way of getting the catch collected for onward distribution. We're open to discussion with the harbour authority and
other relevant groups. We must find a solution to this situation so that we can continue to fish from DuÂn Laoghaire,'' he said. The Association also highlighted the small fish shop in the disused ice plant on Traders Wharf, and believes the fishmongers will also be affected. Richard Boyd Barrett of `People Before Profit Alliance' suggested to Inshore Ireland that the real agenda behind
these tactics was to move fishermen altogether from the quay, to facilitate further expansion of the marina. (see sidebar) ``I support these fishermen who are calling for continued free access to their boats and for storage space for their equipment. As with all stakeholders, they must be involved in an open and transparent consultation process on the future of the harbour,'' he said.
on 3 May 2007 with a contact address in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow. On 11 May 2007, the DHC received a letter from the Association seeking a meeting to discuss `problems for the fishing industry on Trader's Wharf and any other relevant issues'.
Harbour and six fishermen are currently being pursued by the Company's solicitors for nonpayment of dues. The DHC is of the view that other harbour users already heavily subsidise the fishermen. Two un-seaworthy fishing boats were abandoned and sank in the harbour in the last 12 months and had to be salvaged at a cost to the Company of approximately 25,000. The DHC would be happy to meet with the DuÂn Laoghaire Fishermen's Association and conveyed this in a letter of reply to the Association on 18 May. The Company also indicated in this letter that any meeting would require an open agenda
and the Company would only be prepared to meet members of the Association who are in good financial standing with it. The Company is not is a position to meet with individual members of the Association who the Company is pursuing through the courts for outstanding mooring charges and other costs owed to the Company. To date, no response has been received by the Harbour Company from the Fishermen's Association. In summary, the Harbour Company is willing to work with the fishermen to improve the Harbour and facilitate their operations in it.
DuÂn Laoghaire Harbour Company responds DuÂN Laoghaire Harbour Company intends to extend its existing pay and display parking scheme in the harbour area to include Traders Wharf. The principle reason for this is in the interests of safety where the currently unregulated parking and storage of materials is unsafe. Up to now, parking has been haphazard and a mixture of fishermen's vans and vehicles belonging to the general public visiting the fish shop on the Wharf or sight-seeing. The introduction of marked out spaces will bring greater order and greater safety to the area. Approximately 25 parking spaces will be created.
The DHC is in regular contact and consultation with a wide range of harbour users and stakeholders. Earlier this year, an extensive consultation process was part of a major study the Company commissioned to evaluate the potential future demand for marina berths in the harbour. At the time of this consultation, there was no representative body of fishermen and no fishermen had requested any meeting in connection with the study or any other matter. The DHC first received a letter on 10th May 2007 from the DuÂn Laoghaire Fishermen's Association stating that the Association had been formed
Registered boats
Approximately three to five boats fish regularly out of DuÂn Laoghaire Harbour and less than a dozen registered fishing boats based in DuÂn Laoghaire have used the Harbour in the last 12 months. A further number of boats are also laid up long-term in the
`will include an extensive consultation process with harbour stakeholders and other interested parties.'
Michael Hanahoe, chief executive of DHC said the study would allow them to consider future developments ``in an integrated and planned way''.
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company is a commercial State company charged with the responsibility for `maintenance and development' of the harbour as a marine tourism gateway to Ireland, and for `maintaining and enhancing the recreational and amenity value of the Harbour and promoting investment and commercial development to support the historic Harbour's longterm maintenance.' The Harbour was built between 1817 and 1842 and is widely recognised as one of the finest artificial harbours in the world. The Harbour Company was established under the Harbours Act of 1996 and was formally established in March 1997.
8
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
REPORT
‘Resource constraints’ cause Ireland to miss habitat and wildlife report deadline By Shay Fennelly IRELAND was due to deliver a major report in June to the European Commission on the conservation status of 60 habitats and 70 wildlife species but due to ‘resource constraints’ will miss the deadline. Ireland’s biodiversity report will consider the conservation status of habitats and species across the island not just in designated areas. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is co-ordinating the collation of reports, which will include threatened habitats in Ireland from blanket bogs to sandunes and frogs to whales for the period 2001-2006. Due to lack of resources, the NPWS
has commissioned outside experts to carry out two-thirds of the work. Under Article 17 of the EC Habitats Directive, Member States are required to report on the implementation of the directive and give an assessment of conservation status for the habitats and species listed in the Annexes. The overall aim of the directive is to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. Judgments on the different parameters will be made on a traffic light scoring system, namely: favourable (green), unfavourable poor (amber) and unfavourable bad (red). Ireland has submitted a list of 424 sites of community importance (SCIs), known as Special
Areas of Conservation (SACs), to the European Commission. Four of these are offshore SACs, designated for cold water coral reefs located on the Porcupine Bank west of Ireland. Eighty SACs have a coastal component and the remaining 340 are inland SACs. Irish environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) expect the report will have many red lights, which will reflect on the government’s poor stewardship of our environment.
Meeting refused In 2005, five environmental groups: An Taisce — the National Trust for Ireland; Birdwatch Ireland; Coastwatch
In 2001, Environmental Ecological NGO Core Funding Ltd was established by several Irish NGOs as a result of the UN asking Ireland why there was so little civil society participation in UN environmental processes. Membership has increased to 25 and is coordinated by an Environment Secretariat comprising board members nominated by its member NGOs. In 2002
the first successful application was made to the Minister for Environment and Local Government and €65,000 was allocated. In 2004 the Department provided core funding totalling €80,000 which met just 5% of the annual running costs of these organisations. The level of grant aid remained the same from 2003 to 2005 and increased slightly to €115,000 in 2006.
NDP Marine Research Sub-Programme Advance Notice Call for Research Proposals Over the coming months the Marine Institute will launch its’ research and innovation funding programme under the Marine Research Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan. Research proposals aimed at addressing the objectives of Sea Change: A Marine Research, Knowledge and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 will be sought from industry and research institutions. The first call for proposals will be targeted at the following areas: . . . . . .
being carried out on possible damage. For example, the pearl mussel is only found in rivers with pristine water quality. It can live for 100 years but is now facing extinction in Ireland because the boundaries of SACs for pearl mussel found in rivers have been reduced from 30-100 metres to 2.5 metres. Unless a management regime controls external activities that affect the protected sites the pearl mussel is doomed. Management plans have been published for only 10% of the 424 designated sites.
SAC appeals process Sarah Malone, conservation officer with the Irish Peatland Conservation Council told In-
shore Ireland that the IPCC wished to be informed about the completion of the SAC appeals process and if the appeals result in a change to the SAC boundary. For example, she noted that the designation of SACs for the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly was insufficient; that a national survey was needed to determine the true extent of heath and upland blanket bog, and that insufficient SACs have been designated for several peatland habitats. According to a Commission source, the government’s failure to put in place the correct management regime to protect Ireland’s SACs may soon see Ireland before the European Court again.
Observing mermaids’ purses
State funding GOVERNMENT core funding to environmental NGOs amounts to less than the average TD’s income, which ranges from €115,000 to €175,000 minus expenses. Irish environmental NGOs will receive core funding of €155,000 in 2007. Prior to 2001, the environmental sector in Ireland received no core funding grants from government.
Ireland; the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and the Irish Wildlife Trust complained to the Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, over a refusal by then Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche, to meet them to discuss fundamental flaws in nature protection in Ireland. These NGOs were concerned that the boundaries of designated SACs submitted to Europe, which had been selected for their exceptional wildlife and habitats, were being changed in an informal appeal process. Anja Murray of An Taisce told Inshore Ireland that local authorities were rezoning designated SACs for development, without any proper assessment
Fisheries Aquaculture Seaweed Marine Environment Seabed & Resource Mapping Knowledge and Information Management
In addition, companies may apply for research funds under the Industry Research Programme to address their specific research requirements.
Further Information Further information on Sea Change is available at www.marine.ie/seachange. Further information and supporting documents relating to the call will be posted on the funding pages of the Marine Institute’s website: www.marine.ie/home/funding/.
PURSE Search Ireland is a new educational fisheries conservation project that is seeking public input. The aim of the project is to encourage people to report their observations of mermaids’ purses, which are the eggcases of sharks, skates and rays, writes Dr Sarah Varian. These purses are laid by adult females in a suitable habitat on the seafloor, with the young embryo developing within the eggcase for up to 15 months. The baby shark or skate then hatches out of the purse and swims away, leaving the discarded eggcase behind. Scientists are hoping that observations of mermaids’ purses on the seashore (and underwater) may provide valuable information on the location of their nursery areas. The sharks, skates and rays are a vulnerable group of fish; their slow growth and late reproductive maturity reduces their ability to recover from intensive fishing. For example, the male Common Skate, Raja batis, does not mature until it is over 10-years-old. Improving our knowledge of their nursery areas is therefore crucial for effective fisheries management. In Ireland, several inshore skate and ray species are classified as being rare or endangered, with the Common Skate being of particular concern as it is currently classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. A previously common fish species in the North East Atlantic, the Common Skate is now, ironically, absent from the southern and central North Sea, the Irish Sea and most of the British coastline. Only small localised populations remain in Ireland and Scotland. The Common Skate’s large size (up to 2.9m in length) makes it particularly vulnerable to fishing and it is highly prized by recreational fishermen. In an effort to protect the animals in Ireland, the Irish Specimen Fish Committee has removed the species from listings, thus encouraging recreational fishers to return specimens to sea. Agreements between commercial fishers and chartered recreational fishing boat operators have also increased protection in some areas, with the return of commercial catches benefiting sea angling tourism. Indeed, long-term tagging studies conducted by the Cen-
Lesser Spotted Dogfish eggcase, Scyliorhinus canalicula, washed up in Naylor’s Cove, Bray, Co Wicklow. Photo: Sarah Varian
*
Spotted Ray eggcase, Raja montagui, washed up on Carratigue Beach in north Mayo. Photo: Sarah Varian.
*
tral Fisheries Board suggest that the Common Skate may be recovering in some areas, with individuals being extremely localised, returning to the same areas year after year. The co-operation of commercial fishermen with recreational fishing operators is encouraging and may well be contributing to this positive result. With no legal protection measures in place, voluntary agreements set up by the fishing industry are obviously vital for the recovery and sustainability of this species. Nevertheless, effective management of skate and ray species is still very much hampered by lack of adequate information on commercial catch returns, as skates and rays are generally only recorded as a single group by size, without any records for individual species. Improved monitoring of vulnerable species in catches is now essential in order to clarify the threat to various populations around our coasts. Enhanced protection measures could then be consid-
ered on the basis of adequate information. Purse Search Ireland is keen to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of skate and ray nursery areas. Please pass on any information online at www.marinedimensions.ie. Eggcase samples should also be sent on to Marine Dimensions, the project organisers, so that the scientists can identify the Purses to species level. The project website includes information on eggcase identification, with prizes and competitions for kids. A copy of the Seashore Code on the website emphasises the importance of safety and environmental care for beach excursions. Purse Search Ireland is being funded by BIM, Discover Science and Engineering, Forfás and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with support from The Shark Trust.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
9
REPORT
Ireland places the environment centre stage of EU maritime policy Towards a Future Maritime Policy for the Union, states that a healthy marine environment `is essential to the continued development of the European marine economy' and `strongly advocates' that its protection should form the `cornerstone' of any policy, writes Gillian Mills Ireland's response to the EU Green Paper,
INCORPORATING points
of
the view-
stakeholders
in
the
A vision for
marine and maritime sectors, the
Europe
Irish position adds that such a policy `must not prejudice the sovereign
rights
An all-embracing mari-
Member
time policy aimed at devel-
States in their respective mar-
oping a dynamic maritime
itime zones under national jur-
economy in harmony with
isdiction, and in particular their
the
rights
supported by sound marine
over
of
natural
resources
marine
environment,
(including non-living and mar-
scientific
ine genetic resources) located
technology, which allows
therein.'
human beings to continue
research
and
It adds that this policy must
to reap the rich harvest
comply with international law
from the ocean in a sus-
and, in particular, the United
tainable manner.''
Nations Convention on the Law of
the
Sea
international for every
(UNCLOS), legal
Joe Borg, Commissioner for
the
Fisheries & Maritime Affairs
framework
aspect of the
uses
recognised in emerging policies
and resources of the seas and all
and strategies. `EU citizens will
ocean activities.
be
Regarding an EU-wide coastguard
service,
convinced
Ireland
that
it
is
not
would
add
by
policies
European
viding space for diversity'.
within and outside the EU:
Lack of seafood input
`Would it have a civilian or (naval)
served
consolidate
unity, while respecting and pro-
value to existing arrangements
military
better
which
structure;
Ireland
believes
that
`insuffi-
should it be a European service
cient' importance has been gi-
or a co-ordination of Member
ven to sea fisheries, aquaculture
State coastguards; what would
and seafood processing sectors.
be the role of Member State
`The success of Irish measures
naval services; what would be
relating to fishing effort, man-
its scope and would it include
agement and conservation will
search
salvage,
require parallel measures and
pollution control, fisheries mon-
equal responsible action at EU
itoring, custom duties and inter-
level
ventions at sea?'
states'.
and
Ireland must
be
rescue,
believes `over
the
policy
arching
On
and
diversity
in
terms
by
other
member
and
develop-
research
ment, Ireland is `committed' to
strategic in nature', to accommodate
and
continued exploration and map-
of
ping
economic status and individual
of
its
seas
areas
and
believes it is essential not only
member states' priorities.
for continued economic devel-
And it notes that `excessive
opment, but for `the wellbeing of
regulation and intolerance of
our society'.
diversity in economic and ad-
Skill and infrastructure defi-
ministrative models will be an
ciencies also need to be ad-
impediment to competitiveness'.
dressed to ensure that barriers to education, training and lifelong
Key drivers
learning are removed.
Ireland's submission was coordinated by an inter-departmental steering group comprising the Departments of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; Tr ansport; E nvironment, Heritage and Local Government and Defence. The Marine Institute provided the secretariat.
Stakeholders believe that success will ultimately be judged on the degree to which the policy
On innovation, it states that
Such initiatives `will strength-
the policy must focus on en-
en the competitiveness of the
mework,
proposals
The principle of subsidiarity,
sustained economic growth by
abling relevant sectors to engage
existing
should be `focused, proportion-
`delivering power to the level
creating the requisite conditions
in innovative activities `to max-
support services, and will both
ate
with
most able to deliver', should be
for such activities' and how it
imise
of
add value and ensure that out-
other policies' and it suggests
placed at the heart of a new
addresses
con-
existing companies and tradi-
puts are balanced with envir-
that a prerequisite of an effective
policy. A `one size fits all' policy
cerns and develops coastal and
tional sectors, and facilitate the
onmentally
policy should be a `real and
is `clearly neither appropriate
island communities.
emergence of new research....'
practices'.
significant reduction in regula-
nor
`facilitates greater trade activity, enterprise development and
environmental
the
competitiveness
marine
industry
and
responsible
Regarding a regulatory fra-
and
any
new
cross-compliant
Stakeholder viewpoints guidance
was
needed
on
the
must
be
Concerns for the
mands,
conference from a tourism per-
that stands up to international
problems.
spective, Paul Keeley of Fa Ă‚ ilte
benchmarking. Effective man-
Ireland said the `single biggest
agement of coastal zones and
ar e
se m i -s t a t e
Birds Habitat, the Water Frame-
driver' why people choose to
leveraging of assets is critical in
bodies with a commercial man-
what the tourism industry needs
date. We require a better under-
work Directive and other reg-
holiday in Ireland is the `physi-
REACTING
cal beauty' of the environment.
to achieve. It is critical that we
standing of port issues such as a
ulatory controls associated with
stakeholders, Karin Dubsky said that from an environmental
``The challenge is how can we
manage the interface between
balance between economic, so-
dumping.
perspective, this amounted to a large resource that more than
protect and utilise that asset?''
land and sea and that we make
cial and environmental issues to
sure
stake-
the extent there is sustainable
of Integrated Coastal Zone Man-
holders have a shared agenda,''
development and that the bias is
agement,
he said.
not towards the environment.
the
Whilst supporting the notion he
raised
concerns
that
the
various
Irish
and
cally deliver the kind of quality
at
particular
desirable'
Dublin
SPEAKING
were
tion and bureaucracy'.
implementation of existing en-
``It is worth remembering we co m m e rc i a l
All we ask for is a level playing
over the ``regulatory environ-
Brendan Keating of the Port
ment'' and, in particular, the
of Cork company said that as an
Foreshore Act as well as the
island economy, ports played a
He added that the maritime
absence of cumulative impact
very significant role and were
sector is ``bedevilled by a range
assessments on projects.
the `lifeblood' of Irish trade.
of policies'' that are ``incoherent
field,'' he said.
He added that within any zone
He said the key challenges
and inconsistent. The interface
existed a unique set of circum-
were providing new port infra-
between environmental policy
stances that required flexibility
structure as well as maritime
and
and not a `one size fits all'
access and hinterland infrastruc-
quirements
solution. ``The actions of all the
ture.
inefficiencies,
relevant sectors impact what it is we have to promote and sell overseas. Coastal counties criti-
cracy
vironmental
legislation,
e.g.
``The unintended effects of the application of environmental
environment to the `great vision' referred to by many of the
ever was capable of being exploited. ``I believe the green paper as it stands now does nothing to
legislation on port investment
halt
projects is contradictory to the
commitment. So, if we already have an existing commitment
policy
and we don't have one mention of it [in the green paper] how is
objectives
of
creating
adequate maritime infrastructure
biodiversity
loss
by
2010,
which
is
a
clear
EU
that cross compliance going to be met?''
to avoid congestion. The IPA is
She gave examples of existing marine Special Areas of
anxious that the proposed policy
Conservation (SACs) and noted a lack of management plans:
would
greater
``As long as we have a lack of knowledge of why places are
regulation, further bureaucracy
not
result
protected and as long as management plans are made behind
and
closed doors and left to sit, we can't hope to understand the
administrative
in
demands.
re-
Policies should facilitate ports
to
and allow them to act as gate-
``This trend of `use orientated' is reflected in the green paper.
de-
ways to national trade, econom-
Phrases such as, `unexplored', `a wonderful huge, green
absence of government funding,
lays and lack of competitive-
ic growth and for the efficient
environment' look at the potential for exploitation. Look at the
excessive
ness,'' he said.
movement of goods and peo-
potential for damage,'' she said.
He
also
and
noted
regulation,
that
the
bureau-
administrative
de-
operational
Keating
has
transport given
rise
operational
stressed
that
clear
ple,'' he said.
wealth and value of the resource.
10
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
WATER MANAGEMENT
Spoil heaps: monuments to arterial draining programmes AS you drive north past the village of Ballinalack, Co. Westmeath, on the DublinSligo road, you cross the River Inny. Spoil heaps adorn the river corridor downstream of the road bridge. Arterial drainage operations involve widening and deepening channels throughout river basins. In schemes completed by 1973 under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act, excavated material was stockpiled in spoil heaps parallel to the channel. After 1973, spoil was levelled out on riparian lands that were then top-soiled and reseeded. Since the completion of the Boyle scheme in December 1995, however, the Office of Public Works has not initiated any new arterial drainage schemes in Ireland, writes MARTIN O'FARRELL. The topic of spoil heaps has
featured
in
many
humorous
Da  il debates. In 1970, for example, parliamentary secretary to the Minister
for
Lemass
Finance (FF)
Ð
Ð
Noel
T.
commented:
``The drainage works are done primarily
for
the
benefit
of
farmers, to improve their land. Because
of
the
dumping
of
spoil and so on, some interference is unavoidable. It is not possible to make an omelette without breaking eggs.'' James
Tully
(Labour)
re-
torted, however: ``But it is not necessary to pile up the shells on the dining-room table?'' L e mas s:
``Un fo rt u na t el y,
spoil is unavoidable in drainage
drainage
work. Normally it is deposited
Bonet rivers, which was carried
as tidily as possible and where
out during the years 1982-1992,
possible the wishes of the land-
has a section that deals with
owner
spoil deposition and rehabilita-
are
instance,
consulted
whether
as,
he
for
would
prefer a narrow high heap or a wide low one. ``Arterial costly
and
drainage I
am
work
is
advised
it
would become an uneconomic proposition and might even be phased
out
obligation
if on
it
became
the
an
Commis-
sioners of Public Works to take away all those spoil heaps. The point is that it is not our purpose to leave the country unsightly with spoil heaps. We will keep the matter under review to do as much as we reasonably can to clear those spoil heaps away.'' The
Report
Fisheries
the
Inland
Commission
of
(1975)
had the following to say about
The Commissioners of Public Works have informed us that they have not been provided with funds to enable them to dispose of the spoil resulting from drainage work which in earlier years was usually piled on the river banks. The environmental shortcomings of former schemes still persist and we recommend that the Commissioners be empowered to deal with some at least of these, in the course of its maintenance work following consultation with the rating authorities.
spoil heaps:
The
1997
report
of
the
Comptroller & Auditor General
(CAG) on Value for Money Examination of the arterial
of
the
Boyle
and
tion.
It concluded: The general spoil rehabilitation policy operated by the OPW in carrying out the two schemes was to remove topsoil from adjacent land, spread the material excavated and re-cover with top soil. The landowner was subsequently compensated for the cost of re-seeding the area. In two cases, major rock quantities excavated were taken off site. Smaller rock volumes were piled on banks and farmers compensated for the loss of land. Post-project appraisal to assess the environmental effects of the spoil deposition practices is in this case difficult because of the lack of documented information about the pre-drainage status of the flora and fauna of the river banks and the adjacent land where spoil was buried. I do not know how many kilometres of Irish river corridors are currently blighted by the
presence
of
spoil
heaps.
According to the 1997 CAG report, a total of £7.9m was spent
on
maintaining
arterial
drainage schemes in 1996. Perhaps the Office of Public Works should consider directing some of its annual drainage maintenance
budget
towards
removing unsightly spoil heaps that are a major blot on the landscape.
The 1999 PriceWaterhouseCoopers report on the arterial drainage maintenance programme (report on measurement of return on investment) lists the following schemes as having been completed by 1973 (an additional 13 minor schemes are listed as having been completed by 1973): Arterial drainage scheme
such as this one outside Ballinalack, Co Westmeath.
Duration of work
Brosna Glyde & Dee Feale Corrib - Clare Maine Inny Deel Moy Corrib - Headford Nenagh Ballyteige-Kilmore Broadmeadow-Ward Killimor-Cappagh
* The Office of Public Works says ``environmental issues would arise'' from the removal of the spoil heaps
`No plans to remove blots on landscape'
1948 Ð 1955 1950 Ð 1957 1951 Ð 1959 1954 Ð 1964 1959 Ð 1963 1960 Ð 1968 1962 Ð 1968 1960 Ð 1971 1967 Ð 1973 1955 Ð 1960 1959 Ð 1961 1961 Ð 1964 1962 Ð 1968
INSHORE Ireland
put the following question to
the Office of Public Works: In all arterial drainage schemes carried out under the 1945 Arterial Drainage Act and which were completed before 1973 (Brosna, Glyde & Dee, Feale, Corrib- Clare, Maine, Inny, Deel, Moy,
Corrib-Headford,
Nenagh,
Cappagh-Kil-
crow etc), spoil dredged from the river bed was heaped on river banks. These unsightly spoil heaps have been in place for decades and continue to blot the landscape in many parts of the country.
Q: Has the OPW any plans to remove these spoil heaps? If not, does the OPW consider that their continued presence is acceptable?
The OPW do not have any plans to carry out remedial works to remove or rehabilitate the spoil heaps due to cost and environmental considerations. The cost of the works would be significant and it would be difficult to quantify benefit arising from same. Environmental issues would arise in relation to the removal of the spoil, as many spoil heaps would now have significant vegetation, tree growth etc. A:
EPA launches strategy to protect Ireland's environment to 2020 every organisation and that their
citizens.
these
everything we do will be mov-
duals and other organisations in
is moving us beyond identifica-
climate change'; `protecting our
vision
goals, we consulted with many
ing towards achieving them. An
this important work. The focus
tion
water resources' and `integra-
must happen for that vision to
people
in-
implementation plan with mea-
is
towards
tion and enforcement' are key
become reality.
cluding
`LIMITING
and adapting to
clearly
identified
what
``In
and
framing
organisations,
strongly
on
the
external
of
environmental the
active
issues
resolution
vast
surable outcomes has been de-
environment and on how the
of the root causes,'' she said.
goals identified by the Environ-
``We have also specified what
majority of those who sent in
veloped alongside the strategy.''
EPA can continue to improve
mental Protection Agency in its
the EPA must do in the shorter
comments as part of the con-
term, between now and 2010, to
sultation
Download
ensure that the longer-term vi-
and endorsed the goals we have
Focus
the delivery of positive envir-
strategy,
sion will be fulfilled,'' she said.
set out today.
2020 Vision: Protecting and Improving Ireland's Environment.
the
public.
process
The
agreed
with
their
``The goals we have selected
general, said that strategic plan-
environmental goals were `fun-
will inform our organisational
ning was a vital exercise for
damental
strategy over the coming years;
Dr Mary Kelly, EPA director-
Dr
Kelly
added
rights'
of
that all
Irish
onmental outcomes. We want to
Dr Kelly noted, however, that the
EPA was
one
of
many
players who must act to achieve these environmental goals. ``We want to engage indivi-
build on our scientific expertise by acting as a proactive, forceful
environmental
champion
with a key focus on environmental management. This focus
2020 Vision: Protecting and Improving Ireland's Environment can be downloaded from the EPA website: http://www.epa.ie/NewsCentre/ReportsPublications/CorporatePublications/
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
11
WATER MANAGEMENT
Poor public awareness of WFD implications By Gery Flynn IRELAND’S performance in implementing the Water Framework Directive over the past three-and-a-half years appears to have been adequate so far, but improvements are needed if the 2015 deadline is to be met, a conference has heard. Avril Doyle, MEP and vicechair of the Fisheries Committee at the European Parliament told an international Water Framework Directive Implementation (WAFDI) conference in Dublin that since it was transposed into Irish law in December 2003, ‘‘steady progress’’ had been made in terms of our administrative obligations towards the Directive.
Work to be done ‘‘While we are good at reporting on time to the Commission, and we get marks for the way we have presented reports, a lot of work needs to be done to
improve the detail and above all our performance. Essentially, we get eight out of ten for theory but three out of 10 for practice,’’ Doyle declared. The key deadlines met so far are: * the report outlining the competent authorities for Irish River Basin Districts — submitted to the EU Commission for the 22 June 2004 deadline * the Characterisation Report for the Irish River Basin Districts — submitted to Brussels on 19 November 2004 * the Report on the register of Protected Areas — submitted in March 2005
Inadequate definition On the negative side, however, she revealed that Ireland’s failure to ‘‘transpose a definition of ‘water services’ left us with a ‘‘very narrow interpretation’’ of the term that only covers drinking water and waste water treatment.
Crucially, according to Doyle, flood defence, navigation and drainage are not included in the definition. ‘‘This has an effect on the reporting of the environmental and hydro-morphological impacts resulting from these various other water services which are not to date addressed in our reporting,’’ she declared. She added that the European Parliament, Commission and Council had ‘‘worked hard to produce a satisfactory policy’’, but that it was now left to us Ireland to implement the WFD. Emphasising the importance of protecting our water she concluded: ‘‘With the awareness of climate change increasing, there has been a lot of emphasis on oil and fossil fuels, but it is rarely recognised that clean water will become ever scarcer as global temperatures rise by two to three degrees. ‘‘We all need to have clean water now but we also need to ensure that there will be water
left in the well for future generations. If we continue to fail to value water, can we ever know its worth?’’
Obscuring the real costs Sue Scott, head of the Environment Policy Research Centre at the Economic and Social Research Institute, told the conference that the real cost to Irish consumers of domestic water and sewage services was being obscured. She said that Irish people were unaware of what they were paying for water services, or even how they were being charged for them. ‘‘We all know how much we pay for our groceries, but when it comes to the cost of domestic water and sewage services most of us haven’t a clue,’’ she declared. She said that the annual bill for water services in Ireland currently topped €1,316.4 mil-
lion. Breaking down that figure she pointed out that it comprised €678.6 million for capital costs, together with a current expenditure of €637.8 million, based on the 2006 estimates. ‘‘Even allowing for the €132.8 million approximately that the industry pays annually for its water and waste-water services, the level of expenditure in Ireland is quite high. It actually means that every employed person in the state is being charged €580 a year in income tax for water services, regardless of how much they use,’’ Scott explained.
Poor leadership Ray Earle of Dublin City Council and manger of the Eastern River Basin District who chaired the three-day conference, told Inshore Ireland that ‘‘frustrations with the WFD were already being noted by many people’’, who he said felt it was being treated like a ‘Pan-
dora’s Box’ that the Department of the Environment seemed to be afraid to open in order that the public might ‘‘really engage’’. He added that despite the fact that the ethos of the WFD was to have a totally inclusive, bottomup approach involving public participation, ‘‘it is still perceived as being top-down, very centralised, and even paternalistic. There’s no point saying otherwise’’.
Impetus He conceded that ‘‘a major impetus’’ was now required to educate the public on how the Water Framework Directive would impact on their everyday lives. ‘‘We haven’t scored highly enough in getting our message across. Huge investment is now required for a national awareness campaign by the media to champion what we are trying to do,’’ he concluded.
State bodies deny programme behind schedule Two of the state agencies responsible for monitoring coastal and transitional (estuarine) waters as required for under the WFD have played down concerns that the programme is already behind schedule, writes Gery Flynn. IN separate but identical written responses in places to questions from Inshore Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Marine Institute reveal that since 2006, they have been in discussions with Departments of Finance, Marine and Environment, ‘on the provision of the resources and staffing which are required by the Marine Institute to carry out the Monitoring Programme for the Transitional and Coastal Waters’. Both statements concede that ‘as these discussions are ongoing the Marine Institute component for the marine waters programme has not yet commenced’. The MI statement adds however that ‘it looks forward to taking up its monitoring role in the WFD in the near future.’ This statement also notes that the MI is designated to carry out the following four key programmes: * Phytoplankton Monitoring in Transitional and Coastal Waters * Benthic Macro Invertebrates in Transitional and Coastal Waters * Physico Chemical elements in Transitional and Coastal Waters * Hydromorphological quality element Both statements also confirm
THEQUESTIONS 1. Which individuals/consultants/agencies have been tasked with carrying out the programme? * 2. On what date did sampling for the programme begin? * 3. Where is the monitoring schedule posted? * 4. Where are the results of monitoring to date posted? * 5. Identify where monitoring to date has been undertaken. * 6. Are the results to date in line with Ireland’s obligations under the WFD timetable? * 7. Is the sampling regime for the programme running to schedule?
*
that the EPA’s monitoring programme of transitional waters began in January and is ongoing.
Monitoring programmes The EPA statement notes that this programme involves the monitoring of phytoplankton and associated physico-chemical parameters such as nutrients, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen. It adds also that an additional programme based on monitoring composition of marine algae (seaweeds) and angiosperms (saltmarsh and seagrass) commenced in May. It lists the 39 transitional waters that have been monitored
to date, and states that marine algal monitoring has commenced in eight locations. Stating that seagrass monitoring will begin later this year, the EPA statement declares that its component of the programme is on schedule. Responding to the availability of the results from its monitoring programme, the EPA statement confirms that these are reported at the end of each reporting cycle, and that the first cycle will end in 2009. Their statement ends by pointing out that the results of its existing monitoring programme are available on an annual basis, and are reported as part of its annual water quality indicators report. The MI statement notes that
the results of the initial EPA monitoring have not been completed or posted to date and therefore it is not possible to state at this early stage if the results are in line with Ireland’s obligations.
EPA responsibility In its written response, the Department of Environment notes that the EPA co-ordinates monitoring at national level for the purposes of the WFD and states that a monitoring programme was prepared in 2006 by the EPA for the purposes of the Directive. ‘‘The programme indicates the type, frequency, location etc of monitoring to be carried out over the period 2007-2009 and the various agencies by which it is to be carried out. It is the statutory duty of the relevant agencies to carry out the monitoring functions assigned to them by the EPA.’’ The statement concludes by suggesting that queries regarding the carrying out of monitoring programme should be addressed to the EPA as monitoring co-ordinator or directly to any of the agencies in question. The Department of the Marine did not acknowledge or respond.
The Eastern River Basin District Project implements the Water Framework Directive in all or part of 12 counties: Cavan, Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Kildare, Meath, Offaly, South Dublin, Westmeath and Wicklow plus small portions of Louth and Wexford. The co-ordinating Local Authority is Dublin City Council and further information on the project or the Water Framework Directive can be obtained from: Ray Earle, Project Co-ordinator, Dublin City Council, 4th Floor, 68-70 Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8. Email: ray.earle@dublincity.ie Visit the project website at www.erbd.ie
12
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
Management of fisheries in a changing climate INSHORE FISHERIES
By Oliver Tully, BIM, Inshore Fisheries Co-ordinator IT
is increasingly certain that
the world, including the marine environment, is now entering a period of climate change. In the marine
environment,
this
change is forecast to result in increases
in
temperature;
in-
creased storminess; changes in salinity
and
increased
ocean
acidity
currents;
of
seawater
although
This
formation used in forecasting is,
will be further complicated by
unpredictable.
however, contained in historic
changes in the diversity, abun-
data; time series of information
dance and species composition
show what was done in the past
of plankton and fish and the
and what this resulted in. Even
resulting changes in competi-
short-term
prediction,
tion between species for food
such as the total allowable catch
and habitat.
of fish of a given species that
Insidious effects
may be taken next year, is using information from the past Ð for
Some of these responses may increase production in commercial species; increased temperature
will
reduce
larval
instance,
on
the
relationship
between stock size and recruitment
for
that
species,
which
may have been collected over the previous 20 years.
* Whitepark Bay Co. Antrim. Climate change will result in temperature increases, storm frequency and
changes in salinty and ocean currents. Photo: Anne Magee cular management actions. The
Nevertheless,
there
no
stock
and the reference point has now
available and understanding of
been abandoned.
biological
Learning to forecast in a new
recruitment
are
forecasts have not been useful
process
recruitment
of
functions controlling
snow
crab
is
haps more biologically-centred
processes
cruitment was, to be lost. In a
approaches
climate
framed within a set of reference
pragmatic approach may be to
ability to forecast is not a pre-
food
mean more
points that indicate where the
begin to rely more on monitor-
requisite
seasons
in
stocks are in relation to what are
ing to evaluate the current state
fisheries if the current status of
a fishery point of view, could be
lobsters, crabs and shrimps and
perceived to be critical points.
of stocks, rather than advising
the
negative or positive. Tempera-
increased
com-
The critical points themselves
on harvest strategies based on
precisely and there are agreed
ture increase in Irish latitudes
mercial
fish
come from the experience of the
past experience.
responses to particular indica-
will favour some species over
for instance.
water column. The response of fish stocks to climate
change
Individual
is
species
uncertain. will
have
different responses, which from
development times and mortality
in
crustacean
supply will
protracted
moult
larvae
variability
quality
of
in
these
for
past,
our
Do these physical and biolo-
species are at the northern end
gical changes have any implica-
others
because
some
of
of their range in Ireland (Palae-
e.g.,
advice
the
is
also
percentage
of
spawning biomass that has led to maintenance of recruitment.
tions for fisheries management?
The important question for
shrimp, spiny lobster, spi-
The job of fishery managers is
scientists and managers here is
der crab) while others are at the
to control the removals of fish
whether it will continue to be
southern end (cod, salmon).
so
appropriate to use data collected
mon
that
future
recruitment
to
will
stocks is not affected and the
favour southern species. Over
commercial take of future gen-
the past 40 years, a 1,000km
erations is not compromised i.e.
northward shift of warm water
to
plankton has occurred, which
sustainable.
Temperature
increases
also has implications for fish
ensure
fishing
activity
is
Monitoring is used to assess
distribution.
the current state of stocks and
The biological response of each
this is followed by forecasting
species to increased temperature
and recommendation of a har-
is
vest strategy. Most of the in-
recruitment
likely
and
to
be
significant
in the past (in one set of stable climatic conditions) to forecast the response of fish stocks to
- prioritised suite of integrated marine mapping surveys - delivery of integrated knowledge, products, services and competencies
Monitoring
of
an
management
can
be
of
measured
a
set
of
stock
size,
benchmarks
are
even
if
any future state of those stocks
limited ability to forecast may, however, increase the chance of getting it wrong. This increased uncertainty should be explicitly acknowledged in management and development of the industry. The changes, of which the above examples are probably a few of many to be expected,
a trend of increasing tempera-
agreed co-operatively by both
ture and resulting complex eco-
industry and managers in the
industry or at least in the early
system changes.
absence of any useful prediction
Adaptation
the
current
reference
be
predicted.
Future
on the stock response to a given
points be useful under a differ-
catch
ent set of climatic conditions?
response could be used to re-
There are already some exam-
adjust
ples of where a lack of corre-
level
spondence
approach.
between
reference
but
monitoring
the in
a
There
of
next
agreed
`one
step
the
catch
behind'
will occur within the life time of people who are already in the stages of their careers.
of
the
necessary,
need rather
to
adapt,
than
if
living
with a memory of past condiare
examples
changing
what
normal
climate,
it
will
rebe
more difficult to define `normal' and there will be a need to be
more
cautious
with
long-
term investments in specialised fisheries. tively
The
rapid
sponses
need
and
goes
for
rela-
adaptive
right
into
rethe
marketplace in persuading consumer choice where new products
from
may
be
different
species
introduced
more
quickly than in the stable past. Co-operation in the management process between fishery scientists, environmental modellers, industry and managers offers
the
possibility
of
an
incremental increase in understanding the responses of fish stocks to climate change. Notwithstanding,
to
protect
stability that may result from
The industry needs to be mindful
of
the industry from potential in-
where
tions and expectations. There
experience has lead to conflict
the `one-step-behind' approach
are examples of how memory
in management. In the Amer-
operates and achieves a level of
and expectation of industry and
ican
climate change and a reduced capacity to forecast stock response,
increased
emphasis
should be placed on high quality monitoring programmes in which
industry,
science
and
management have a higher de-
although
stability in industry and stocks;
scientists may lead to a false
gree of confidence than is the
egg production has been below
Canadian snow crab fisheries,
premise that things will always
accepted critical limit reference
working in an environment that
be so; the expansion in round
points for some years, recruit-
has changed biologically since
fish stocks and fisheries in the
ment to the stock and landings
the
North
have continued to increase since
changing with respect to tem-
response to a period of high
about 1990. This is mainly due
perature, uses only monitoring
recruitment (the so-called ga-
to
based
doid outburst) lead to intense
A summary of forecasts of climate change for the marine environment can be read in the UK Marine Climate Change Impacts Annual Report Card 2006 (www.mccip.org.uk).
lobster
fishery,
collapse
of
cod
and
is
Sea
in
the
1960s
in
case today.
Technical workshop with emphasis on fishermen's input environmental
effects
on
on
industry
and
state
recruitment rather than to parti-
funded intensive surveying.
OVER
the
twelve
nised by
the Killybegs
e r m e n 's
O rg a n i s a t i o n ,
the
European Association of Fish
banner
coming
capitalization that could not be
months, nine workshops under of
the
European `profet
Producers
Organisations
and
on
place on September 13/14 in
a
thematic
and
covering
fisheries
regional and
important change and
of
forum
for
views
European
of
the
ex-
national
policymakers
and stakeholders:
Scientific support `Their
active
participation
takes
the Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport. Prominent names in fisheries today Ð from policy-makers in Brussels to local gear technologists Ð will be on hand to discuss theory and the results of their
recent
work.
Participant
feedback will be a key element of in
these events will provide the Commission with clear recommendations for scientific support to policy.'
and
the
IFA
basis,
Aquaculture,
Fish-
policy' initiative will take place
sion, these workshops are an
www.marine.ie
as
indicators rather than an absovaluable
stock
of
indeed
catch levels may need to be
According to the Commis-
www.gsi.ie
that
to the current state of stocks,
lute value
to
effects
or
Relying on monitoring with
programmes
even
the
tors.
provide certainty with respect reported
or
change
cannot
aquaculture.
Galway Bay lidar coverage
A
ecological
longer stable but where there is
Commission-funded
Bantry / Dunmanus entry
modelling.
Benchmarks
points, forecasts and industry
Mapping Ireland’s inshore territory:
to
of
fishing in a climate that is no
Will
long
memory,
nal variation in temperature and
the
sufficiently
understanding
Management
of
was
(1964 to early 1980s) for the
limited. This demonstrates that
may also occur: reduced seaso-
stratification
The period of strong recruitment
be incremental, requiring per-
instance. More insidious effects
thermal
back to normal levels.
set of climatic conditions will
Reference points
and changes in the timing of
supported when recruitment fell
The Irish workshop, `Technical Conservation Measures Ð the need, the impact, the future for both marine fisheries and aquaculture Ð is being orga-
the
workshops
and
will
provide the opportunity for fishermen to speak directly with representatives from across the sectors.
Further details from Norah Parke, Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation. PH: 087 9055414, e-mail: norakfo@eircom.net or see PROF E T P o l i c y w e b - s i t e * A fish-eye view of an inclined separate panel. www.profetpolicy.info
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
13
INSHORE FISHERIES
Lobster v-notching programme in Cork THE Cork Harbour Lobster Association was founded after a meeting of interested parties last April. The BIM inshore development officer convened the meeting after individuals in the area expressed an interest in the lobster v-notching programme, writes Bridget Lehane, BIM. The Association will represent the area from the Old Head of Kinsale to Youghal inclusive (Fig. 1). Lobsters are v-notched in conjunction with BIM within this area and returned to sea. Additional measurements such as length, weight, condition of shell and eggs are recorded as part of the v-notching process. The information collected will be made available to the national lobster data collection programme carried out by BIM and the Martin Ryan Institute, to inform lobster Species Advisory Group on the state of the lobster stock. The importance of the vnotching programme and details of the annual release of vnotched lobster nationwide over recent years was presented at the meeting. In 2006, over 9,000 lobsters were v-notched and released. The number of v-notched lobsters in the stock declines rapidly, however, if v-notching is discontinued because the notch repairs during moulting. It is imperative therefore that co-ops nationwide continue to v-notch and re-notch at sea to protect the lobster resource. Over 6,800 lobsters were vnotched and released in Cork
Beara lobster association
INTERESTED fishermen were contacted and invited to a meeting at the Bord Iascaigh Mhara Regional Fisheries Centre, Castletownbere during April 2007 with the view to forming a lobster v-notching group in the Beara area. The BIM Inshore Development Officer convened the meeting, after individuals in the area expressed an interest in the lobster v-notching programme.
* Fig. 1: Cork Harbour Lobster Association area covered.
during the years 2002-2006 (Fig. 2). A total of 454 lobsters were v-notched by the end May this year from the following areas: * 378 from the South West Cork Lobster Co-op * 65 from Cork Harbour Lobster Association and * 21 from the Beara area. To further protect the lobster fishery, it is illegal to land, possess or sell lobsters smaller than 87mm carapace length. It is essential that fishermen, buyers, retailers and consumers alike comply with these mea-
sures if Irish lobster fisheries are to remain viable. As with other programmes around the coast, the v-notch programme in the Cork Harbour area is 50% funded by industry and 50% by grant aid provided under the national V-notching programme. This programme has operated for the past six years under the EU FIFG and State-funded programme: Sup-
porting Measures for Sea Fisheries Development.
Further information on the lobster v-notching programme is available from BIM inshore fisheries devel-
Interested parties
opment officers and, locally in Cork, from Bridget Lehane, 13 North Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Tel: (028) 23519 or (087) 9093274.
Unfortunately, the meeting wasn't well attended and it was agreed to commence v-notching in the area with interested parties with a view to forming an association in the future. Again, the v-notch programme in this area will be 50% funded by industry and 50% through the Supporting Measures for Sea Fisheries programme under the National Development Plan.
Further information from Bridget Lehane, 13 North Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Tel: (028) 23519 or (087) 9093274.
Supporting Measures for Sea Fisheries Development Towards Innovation and Sustainability in the Fisheries Sector Bord Iascaigh Mhara wish to announce that applications are now being sought for a further tranche of grant aid under the Supporting Measures for Sea Fisheries Development as part of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Since the programme’s inception in 2001, ninety seven projects have been approved with a total investment of over »23 million. Building on the success of the programme to date, BIM now invites proposals for the next round of aid under the following headings: N E-Trade and other IT Policies N Small Scale Coastal Fisheries N Producer Organisations N Quality Certification, Added Value, Traceability and Working Conditions N Collection of Basic Data for Fisheries N Improved Knowledge and Transparency N Sustainable Fisheries Management N Experimental Fisheries/Technical Conservation Measures
On this occasion priority will be given to projects where the applicant bears a varying proportion of the costs – those projects categorised as ‘private’ – and those considered to best support the aims of the programme. Private projects, that meet the mandatory requirements of the scheme, can receive grant aid of up to 40% of total eligible costs. It should be noted that all projects must be completed by 31st December 2007. Full details are contained in the programme brochure “Towards Innovation and Sustainability in the Fisheries Sector” which is available on the BIM website www.bim.ie or by contacting: An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Fisheries Development Division PO Box 12, Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin Tel: 01 2144100 • Fax: 01 2300564 • E-Mail: fisheries@bim.ie Or by contacting your local BIM Area or Inshore Officer. Completed application forms should be returned to BIM Head Office at the above address. Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources An Roinn Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní
This measure is part-financed by the European Community under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
14
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
INTERVIEW
L
OÂ CinneÂide slams Government's `weak' marine policies
ORCAÂN OÂ CinneÂide's has always been close to the heart of Ireland's seafishing industry whether as a fisherman, development executive, business man, or more recently as one of its most senior representatives at home and abroad. A native of Ballydavid near Dingle, OÂ CinneÂide began fishing his own boat there soon after completing an economics degree at Trinity College Dublin in 1989. It was during this time that he became involved in the politics of sea
Q&A
WHY do you criticise the government for regulating the sea fishing industry through the Criminal Justice & SeaFisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bills? The Criminal Justice Bill and last year's Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill are based on a huge strengthening of criminal sanctions for transgressions of policy or rules in fisheries. My argument is that the use of the criminal justice system as the principle instrument for enforcing and managing a business like ours is completely inappropriate. The issues are a combination of social, economic, and biological. They need to be treated in a far more broadly-based context. I find it terribly insulting for this concentration on the use of
fishing, and where his negotiational and representational skills were honed. By 1999 he was working for BIM as the local Inshore Fisheries Development Officer, and in 2002 he was appointed chief executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation. When the four main Irish fishing organisations joined forces last year, as the Federation of Irish Fishermen, OÂ CinneÂide became the organisation's inaugural chairman. In this key position he has become the increasingly recognisable voice for
criminal sanctions as opposed to taking a more realistic and a more honest view of the way things should be developed.
WHAT is your reaction to the Cawley report's reference to `poor quality data' from the fishermen to the scientists?
There are inherent weaknesses and faults in the way the system is, which are a combination of, and involve the participation of the state, the EU, and fishermen, and scientists. There is a widely held belief that there is a lack of credibility in the systems of management. In medical parlance, the problem is being misdiagnosed, so therefore, a cure is very hard to find. There is a widespread acceptance in the industry now that the days of going out and catching whatever you can, and to hell with the consequences, are over. People are prepared to accept management and restrictions on their behaviour provided that there is a logic and sense behind it. That is not entirely apparent. The ills of the industry are being dumped at the feet of fishermen despite the fact that there were other parties who were just as much involved as fishermen. That's not excusing it, but it is to explain it.
WHAT is wrong with the Common Fisheries Policy? It's a well known fact that the degree of control and enforcement of the CFP varies extremely widely, and that puts our industry at a tremendous disadvantage. If we are going to have rules, let us have rules for everyone. We had an example recently where in relation to the mackerel over-fishing alleged by Irish boats in Scotland, a 35 million penalty was applied. But no penalties were imposed in a similar case where overfishing was admitted by the French government in relation to bluefin tuna in 2005 and 2006. How can that be a common policy?
more than 90% of the `offshore fleet'. In the run-up to the publication of the Seafood Review Group's report on the future of the Irish seafood industry, OÂ CinneÂide will be remembered for his articulate and unflinching demand of government to value and develop the Irish sea fishing industry. He is scathingly critical of successive governments for weak policies in relation to marine development in general. He cites the ``lack of joined-up-thinking'' for the current malaise
affecting the Irish seafishing industry, saying that it is ``in crisis because of Byzantine and complex regulations''. ``The complexity of the systems that have built up over time, both on a national and EU sense, are completely counter-productive, contradictory, and impossible, either for fishermen to adhere to, or for administrators to enforce.'' In conversation with Inshore Ireland, OÂ CinneÂide discusses the issues and obstacles facing the seafood industry.
management. The scientists recognise the weakness in their analyses, but I believe that there are very few fishermen who have anything other than the continuation of the resource at heart. We have a small number of very greedy people whom you could never satisfy, but the vast majority have a genuine interest in the maintenance of the resource because most of them have made fairly long-term commitments to it. It's not in their interests that resources be depleted. They are very frustrated though by the type of prescription that is being applied to their problems.
law for me not to discard them. I don't think there will ever be an elimination of discards, I think it's unrealistic, and probably not desirable. But it has to be done in a way that recognises the realities. How are we going to dispose of the non-marketable fish we bring ashore? We can't just dump them off the end of the pier. The whole application of this approach needs to be very carefully considered. There are technical measures that can be applied to reduce discards, but there needs to be a sensible debate.
therefore, damaging stocks. First of all, it needs to be understood that a lot of discards are the result of regulations which the EU itself has brought in. For example, it is illegal for me as a fisherman to land fish below a certain minimum size. If I catch those fish it is against the
submissions to it. And while it doesn't reflect our views to the degree we would have liked, we do feel that the report has the keys to all the major change that we require. It has set the agenda, and what's more important is that the Implementation Group is now chaired by the report's author, Noel Cawley. The scale
ARE you satisfied that the HOW shouldtheEUdealwith way the Cawley Report (`Steering a new Course') the issue of discards? deals with the issues which Borg in particu- impact on the seafishing secYOU claim that fishermen Commissioner has set his sights on the tor? often know better than the lar of discards. He is scientists when it comes to elimination it almost as a moral We sought this review process, managing the resource. What treating issue that we are killing fish and were very actively involved do you mean? which are not marketable, and in preparing for it and in making In general fishermen do know better than the scientists, but there is a growing awareness that we must have better collaboration with science. As science is the basis for policies and the management decisions that are taken, unless we are aboard that train, we are going to have inappropriate
of the change is massive, and it's going to be a huge challenge for us all. The scale of the money involved is massive as well, but I am optimistic that as a result of it we will have a smaller, more effective, better managed industry. The key to the whole thing however is going to be what happens as regards decommissioning, quota management and licensing in the next 12 to 18 months.
WHAT will be the result of Cawley's recommendations?
We still have the potential to have a very fine fishing industry in this country Ð not a basket case, but as a real generator of economic wealth and social benefits. That means getting our act together here. It means also getting our act together at a European level. There's a huge
In general, fishermen do know better than the scientists, but there is a growing awareness that we must have better collaboration with science''
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
15
INTERVIEW/REPORT
Research on marine functional foods By Gery Flynn A Marine Functional Foods Research Initiative funded jointly by the Marine Institute and the Department of Agriculture and Food aims to establish Ireland as a leader in the $74 billion worldwide market for functional foods
*
`The complexity of the systems that have built up
over
time,
both
completely
on
a
national
and
counter-productive,
EU sense,
contradictory,
The 5.2 million initiative, announced in April, invites `all
are
research institutions anywhere on the island of Ireland' to form
and
a research consortium focusing on marine functional foods and
impossible, either for fishermen to adhere to, or for
food ingredients research.
 Cinne Ân O administrators to enforce' Ð Lorca Âide'
This announcement is in line with the recommendations of
Sea Change 2007 to 2013, and also takes into account the recommendations of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation; the report of the Seafood Industry Strategy Review Group and AgriVision 2015. It also comes in the wake of a workshop attracted
in a
January
wide
hosted
by
cross-section
the of
Marine
food
Institute
companies,
that food
ingredients suppliers, seafood processors, biotechnology firms and researchers.
Dairy model The one-day workshop identified four key areas as potential sources of marine functional foods:
*
the
sustainable
harvesting
of
fish
species
not
currently
targeted as food for human consumption
* seaweeds * farming of fish and shellfish * discarded materials from fish processing plants Dr Dermot Hurst told the 2nd International Congress on Seafood Safety and Quality that the international reputation that Ireland had in dairy research, which had provided it with the expertise to derive value-added materials from fresh milk, was likely now to be the model that would put it at the forefront of marine functional food research: ``With a solid international reputation
in
marine
science
we
have
an
opportunity
to
similarly develop opportunities for marine-origin value-added products,'' he said. Defining functional foods as ``providing a health benefit in addition to meeting a basic nutritional need'', Dr Hurst said that the ``underlying concept of a functional food is that of a food, or food component, having the ability to contribute beneficially to human body functions by way of improving the state of wellbeing and reducing the risk of disease''. He pointed out that some common examples of functional foods included light or low calorie products; food with low salt levels; cholestrol-lowering spreads and beverages; foods that are
specifically
low-glycemic
and
products
that
carry
an
antioxidant claim such as some teas and juices. ``In the past, foods were recognised as being nutritious based on the content of essential nutrients: a combination of fat, protein, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins being present to support normal metabolic activity and bodily function. Now, biologically active components that impart health benefits or desirable physiological effects in foods are sought,'' he said.
Diet and health He added that concerns worldwide over health were now driving developments in functional food research, and he stated that there was ``conclusive evidence'' proving the relationship between diet and health. ``Consumer demand and scientific discovery contribute to the proliferation of functional consumer foods and functional
involvement and a huge responsibility on the State to treat the industry as something that is a significant
economic
and
re-
source issue. I believe that its potential is not given the degree of support or understanding that it requires. I'm concerned however that the financial levels that are being talked
about
at
the
moment
won't be sufficient to incentivise people.
WHY didfishing it takeorganisations so long for the main to unite under the FIF?
food ingredients,'' he declared. and we have a long way to go.
How do we define a bay's
A lot of people, especially on
carrying capacity; how do we
the
small
side
of
it,
are
not
represented, and we have ways
I cant understand why it wasn't
in which we could better repre-
done 20 years ago, it's mad. We
sent the commercial fleet. We
have far too much fractionalism
have got a lot better, and I think
in
that we are more effective. We
this
industry,
and
it
hasn't
served our cause. I
believe
that
box way above our weight at a in
terms
of
organisation and representation of
the
sector
we
still
remain
capable of huge improvement,
juxtapose wild
the
species
conservation and
oxidative
will, the brain power and the
physiology; cognitive and mental performance and physical
resources to solving these pro-
investment decisions.
pressures
level.
But
people
given
are
the
under,
there's going to be a lot of pain here; there's a real obligation on us
as
representatives
to
do
a
better job for our members.
DO you think that the aquaculture and the sea fishing sectors can work more closely together? The
adversarial
situation
ture and sea fishing was completely unnecessary. A lot of it arose from a complete absence of policy. Value judgments must no w
be
ma de
as
to
wh a t
proportion of a bay is appropriate to set aside for an aquaculture,
leisure
commercial
sea
people to
make long-term
WHAT is your verdict on the government decision to move BIM and the Department of the Marine to Clonakilty? That
decision
is
a
disaster.
purposes fishing,
what should remain fallow.
or and
It
doesn't make sense with regard
of
basic
metabolic
processes;
defence
against
stress; cardiovascular physiology; gastrointestinal
performance and fitness.'' Dr Hurst said that the core themes for new consumer foods were low calorie; the provision of multiple benefits and foods that reduce diet-related health risks for children. ``Foods that specifically target children and aim to provide them with `healthier options' head the list in new products launched in 2005 in the USA. By providing greater variety, making it easier to eat a healthy diet, food companies responded to the health problems facing the `at-risk' category of children in
the
US.
In
doing
so,
they
provide
fortification
whilst
retaining the taste. Other groups were also targeted by offerings of fortified products include sports people, pregnant and lactating women and the aged.''
to public policy or providing a service. The result will be that a lot of people and their knowledge will be lost to the industry. I think it's absolutely mad.
that
once existed between aquacul-
that
regulation
for
sentative
health
simply a matter of applying the
a European level, and I think we European industries at a repre-
human
for functional foods include early development and growth;
vague as to make it impossible
are very highly regarded among
of
aquaculture?
happy at the level of our input at
an
Aspects
This is not rocket science. It is
industry, and I would be very
as
diseases.
potentially could be improved through diet and are targets
blems. The criteria in this are so
level
communicable
of
Irish
European
``A healthy diet is recognised as a major contributor in the prevention of cardio-vascular disease and some other non-
There's a huge responsibility on the State to treat the industry as something that is a significant economic and resource issue.''
Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation SERVING THE NEEDS OF IRELAND’S INSHORE AND OFFSHORE FISHERMAN SHOULDN’T YOU BE A MEMBER? 77 Sir John Rogersons Quay tel: +353 1 640 1850 fax: + 353 1 6501851 mobile: 087 629 9522 email: ifpo@eircom.net
16
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
ISLAND LIVING
COMPILED BY GILLIAN MILLS
Eleven steps to long-term viability Islands federation identifies key policy areas to sustain communities COMHDHáIL Oileáin na nÉireann (CoE) has identified 11 policy areas that fundamentally impact on the quality of life of islanders and on the long-term viability of island communities. A document is currently before Government, which identifies key areas of access and transport, agriculture, childcare, education and health, housing and planning, waste, enterprise and employment, fire and emergency services, the environment and the marine. According to CoE, implementing these policies will require ‘‘cooperation between islands and local and statutory agencies, and a flexible and imaginative approach to addressing the needs of small island communities. Our experience has been that a partnership approach, where islanders are centrally involved in policy and project development has produced workable and sustainable solutions’’.
Access and transport Impacts on health and welfare, education, employment, social and family life and business. Affordable, frequent, safe transport services (sea and air) and safe piers and airstrips are vital to island communities. Island viability increasingly depends on access to the latest technology and services.
Agriculture Farming is important for sustaining rural communities and caretaking the environment. Where farming has ceased in islands in Scotland and France, the land soon returned to scrub and brush. Island farmers however, experience additional costs to that of their mainland counterparts when transporting animals to market and on goods at the point of purchase and onward freight, which incur double VAT. Support is sought so that island farmers can either continue to work the land or to diversify into new crops and/or other land-based activities.
Childcare Island populations and demographics often do not provide the critical mass sought by funding agencies when assessing applications. Similarly, the number of potential users will often not warrant the development of separate, purpose-built childcare centres. Providing childcare on islands presents particular challenges that require innovative and flexible responses from funding agencies and services providers.
Education
Island schools are subject to all the disadvantages of small, isolated rural schools. The effects of closure or of limited subject choice has however, far more devastating effects on island communities. If schools close or children have to go the mainland to school, families may follow and island populations will fall. The provision of island education requires an innovative and flexible approach.
Enterprise & employment To sustain permanent island populations, island-based micro enterprises, the self-employed and potential entrepreneurs must be supported to create and maintain opportunities, such as small businesses with links to the mainland.
*
ABOVE: Rough seas off Árainn Mhór. BELOW RIGHT: Sorting crabs to take to market. Photos: Séamus Ó Cnáimhsı́, Árainn Mhór
Environment Island environments are special and important to islanders, who are the primary custodians of the land and inshore waters. Islanders’ place in, and interaction with their environment, must be recognised in environmental policies.
Fire & emergency services Islands present particular challenges when dealing with emer-
gencies. Properly trained personnel should be based on all islands, and the relevant services should be governed by the principle of minimising response time.
Health Access to essential services, including health services, is vital to the sustainability of island communities. Islanders must be afforded such services on a par with their mainland counterparts.
Housing and planning Housing and planning issues should be governed by the principles of facilitating islanders to remain on an island, while protecting the environment and preventing over development. Islanders must be consulted and their concerns incorporated into local authority planning policies.
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Marine
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The income from fishing is an important part of the economies of most islands and as a practice, is an important part of living island heritage. Threats to fishing livelihoods impact severely on island communities who have little alternative employment. The ‘one fits all’ approach take in EU and national fisheries legislation is inappropriate for small-scale island fisheries. Funding is required for harbours and piers, cold storage and basic processing facilities. Island fisheries should be award organic or be specifically branded in order that their produce achieves a higher price. Fishing vessels should be awarded dual licences (fishing and tourism) to facilitate off seasonal work in both sectors. Islanders should also be consulted in integrated coastal zone management and establishment of spatial planning policies.
Waste Waste management must be planned according to individual island needs but collectively should be governed by the principles of minimising volume, maximising recycling, controlling disposal (including visitor waste) and an end to dump, burning and burying of waste.
5 Minute Crossing Running all through the day 7 am to 9 pm. Available for chartering 24 hrs a day. Bookings Taken for Sightseeing Tours. Group Bookings Available at times to suit you.
Tel. 087 3171810
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
17
ISLAND LIVING
Island must attract visitors outside of ‘tourist season’ By Majella Nı́ Chrı́ocháin, Comdháil Oileáin na hÉireann HOLIDAYMAKERS these days are looking for more than a two-week break away once or twice a year. Research carried out by Fáilte Ireland shows that increasingly tourists are taking a number of short holidays per year and with each destination, are looking for a particular ‘experience’. They may want the excitement of a city break, the adventure of an activity holiday or simply the chance to relax and enjoy the local food and wine. In order to develop destinations that satisfy the touris t, Fá ilt e I reland has embarked on a series of innovative projects where they work with local accommodation and activity providers to generate ideas for creating a particular experience. Islands have a particular place in our culture, heritage and history, and Fáilte Ireland is currently working with islanders from Inishbofin, Inish Turk and Clare Island on a plan for developing the culture and heritage attractions of the islands.
Workshop At a recent workshop in Westport, islanders provided ideas for building on existing attractions and spoke of the need not only for properly marked walks and signage but also for guides and maps with basic information about walks, flora and fauna and local birdlife.
Gerry McCluskey of Connemara Safari who organises island hopping walking tours in the west spoke of the unique geography of the islands, while archaeologist Michael Gibbons identified the signs of ancient island communities scattered all over the islands. The landscape itself tells stories of habitation from Neolithic times through to the days of piracy and the rule of Gráinne Mhaol, the horror of Cromwellian defeats and the ‘prı́osúin’ or prisons on the islands where Catholic priests were kept right up to the peaceful times of today where visitors are welcomed. All agreed that the major challenge was how to attract visitors outside of the short summer season, and how to ensure there are adequate facilities and services in place when visitors do come. Fáilte Ireland is now drawing up a plan for the development of cultural and heritage tourism on these islands and it will be presented to the islanders at the end of the month. If this pilot project is successful, it is planned to extend it to all islands. They are also now inviting applications from tourism providers everywhere for capital grants for the development of tourist attractions and activities.
Promise Fine Gael promised to improve transport; provide enhanced broadband connections; provide
equal access to health and social care services; and target investment at job creation. Sinn Féin, the Greens and the Progressive Democrats did not respond, nor to CoE’s request for a general commitment to continue to support island communities. While the Labour Party’s manifesto did not mention the islands, when asked if it would commit to having a minister with specific responsibility for the islands, maintain a dedicated islands division and continue with the investment promised in the National Development Plan, it replied in the affirmative. Comhdháil expressed disappointment at the failure of the other parties to respond and said it was clear they needed to do more work to raise awareness amongst politicians of the importance of maintaining living communities on the islands.
— Majella Nı́ Chrı́ocháin
Realt na Maidne will also operate as a sightseeing vessel when not on a run to the mainland.
Photo: John Rafferty
New multi-purpose vessel for Donegal island ARRANMORE Island, on the north-west coast, has just commenced a 24/7 fast ferry service, operated by Seamus Boyle and Martin Gallagher. Realt Na Maidne (Star of the morning) is a state-of-theart Redbay Stormforce 11 vessel that can deliver a top
History
Comhdháil seeks island policies from politicians PRIOR to the general election, CoE contacted each of the political parties asking for their policies on the islands. Fianna Fáil said its policy provided for broadband throughout the islands; continued investment in infrastructure and tourism industries; play facilities; improved health and social care services (telemedicine) and incentives for communities to produce renewable energy. The party also promised to commission a study on a cost of living comparison between the islands and the mainland to inform future policy, and undertook to change the law that would enable Údarás na Gaeltachta provide development services on a contract basis to nonGaeltacht islands so as to deliver parity between Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht islands.
*
*
speed of 40 knots, which will cut the crossing time between Burtonport and Arranmore Island from 20 minutes to just under five minutes. Seamus’s family have always had a traditional connection with the Arranmore ferry service; his great-grandfather
Tory Island: the round tower, located in west town.
ran the first motorboat service to and from the mainland, in 1908. Realt na Maidne will also operate as a sightseeing vessel when not on a run to the mainland. Sightings of whale, seal and dolphin are a regular occurrence around the island.
*
Another service provided by Realt na Maidne is bringing golfers who are visiting Arranmore to nearby links courses on Cruit Island and Portnoo, Co Donegal. Contact Seamus Boyle, 086 812 5037 or at www.arranmorecharters.com
Fishermen happy with their catch.
Tory: the jewel in Ireland’s crown By John Rafferty OUT in the wild Atlantic nine miles off the coast of Donegal lies a rocky sliver of land that has no trees and little employment; in fact, Tory Island doesn’t have much of anything, apart from rocks, lots of ocean views and high winds. It is described by many day trippers as desolate, barren, isolated, secluded and the most windswept of any island you can visit. But as you step from the ferry you can see why the islanders have remained there for generations; there is a mysterious beauty about this place that makes you wonder why you haven’t come here sooner. Some say Oileán Toraigh means the island of pirates or outlaws while others say it derives its name from the high cliffs on the north-east side. Your attention is quickly drawn to the sea walls that protect the harbour and to the houses on the shorefront; the high sea-beaten cliffs and the almost barren landscape to the north and east. I can only imagine what it must be like here during the annual winter storms. The island is regularly cut off from the mainland or ‘the country’ for up to six weeks at a time due to severe winter storms and it is this isolation
that has led to a fiercely independent streak instilled in the islanders. The population of roughly 100 survive through farming and fishing; most of the fishermen rely heavily on shellfish catches, especially brown crabs and lobsters during the summer months. This has been their way of life for thousands of years. But what this season will mean for the island is unsure. With the ban on commercial salmon fishing now in force, effort is being redirected to lobster, which is driving down the price as the market is being over supplied. When legislation and regulation is introduced into a fishery, surely the main aim should be to look after the fishermen that will be affected, so as to ensure employment for them within the industry and to guarantee top prices for their catches? Regulations in the inshore sector have had a detrimental effect on coastal communities and Tory Island is no exception. There is little other means of generating an income there. Young men are once again facing emigration as the island’s centuries-old way of life is slowly being eroded. This for many is hard to take as they look out to ‘the county’ that is ranked one of the wealthiest on the planet.
Tory Hotel AFTER returning from England to Tory Island in 1994, Pat Doohan decided to build the only hotel on the island and called it Óstan Thóraigh. This is a modern and comfortable 14bedroom hotel; prominently overlooking the island’s fishing fleet below in the sheltered harbour. Pat also owns the vessel Toraigh Na dTonn, or ‘Tory of the waves’. It’s an Interceptor 42, class 6 passenger vessel and is powered by twin Caterpillar 385hp engines and can achieve a maximum speed of 28.5kts. Built for dual purposes, Toraigh Na dTonn is primarily used as a passenger/ferry vessel between the mainland and Tory, bringing visitors to Pat’s hotel.
In between journeys it is also used for sightseeing trips, bringing enthusiasts around the island to view the local whale and bird population. The boat is also used as a platform for scuba diving and sea angling. Tory is steeped in history and its islanders like Pat have fought hard to retain their way of life and refuse to leave their home even though they can be cut off for months at a time. Through his endeavours and sheer determination, Pat is now the main employer on the island and like most of his neighbours relies heavily on a good tourist season. Everyone should visit Tory island even if it’s just to say you’ve been there — after all it is the jewel in Ireland’s crown.
MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER COURSE The IWDG would like to establish a panel of MMOs in Ireland. To progress this we are organizing two one-day MMO courses on 20 and 21 July 2007 Attendance on this course will part-fulfill the requirements of the new NPWS Mitigation Measures for the protection of marine mammals during acoustic seafloor surveys within Irish Waters
For more information and bookings contact Simon.Berrow@iwdg.ie
or phone 086 8545450 Courses will be held at the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre, Kilrush, Co Clare
18
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
INSHORE IRELAND/HERITAGE COUNCIL
19
INSHORE IRELAND/HERITAGE COUNCIL
Jellyfish thriving in our coastal seas * The
leatherback sea turtle swims all the way from the Caribbean and west coast of Africa to feed on
Ireland's abundant supply of jellyfish.
* Sunfish in Tralee Bay.
Photo by Ronnie Fitzgibbon.
* Blue jellyfish.
Photo by Ian Slevin.
Photo by Matthew Slightam.
* Common Jellyfish bloom.
Photo by Michelle Cronin.
* Lifecycle of a jellyfish.
Surce: vincenthyland.com
* Jellyfish diversity and variations within species. From bottom left in clockwise order: aequorea (not a true jellyfish but looks like one), compass, blue, blue, compass, blue, and common jellyfish. Photo by Tom Doyle.
Are jellyfish increasing globally?
* Portugeese man of war.
Photo by Rowan Byrne.
* Common Jellyfish.
THERE is growing concern that jellyfish are becoming more abundant in our coastal seas. In the Bering Sea off Alaska, scientists documented a ten-fold increase in jellyfish abundance during the 1990s. Other examples include the Gulf of Mexico and the Sea of Japan. Nevertheless, very few longterm datasets exist to help determine why jellyfish populations are on the increase. In some areas, extensive over-fishing has removed many of the top predators (e.g. large fish species) thus leaving a `niche' for jellyfish to fill. In other areas, recent shifts in climate may have driven these
Photo by Sarah Varian.
OUCH! How many of us have Jellyfish are some of the most creatures all the time, we have surveys, and pioneering new felt the pain of a jellyfish sting? We see them washed up on our beaches and most of us avoid them with a shudder. But have you ever stopped to look at them? Have you ever wondered what are they made of? What is their function in the seas that surround the island of Ireland?
abundant and noticeable members of our coastal marine fauna. Individuals can grow to one metre in diameter and weigh as much as 200kg. Jellyfish blooms (or swarms) can extend for kilometres and contain millions of individuals. Even though we see these
only a basic understanding or appreciation of their diversity, ecology and life history. Until very recently, jellyfish have been neglected by researchers worldwide. This is largely to do with the difficulty in studying these delicate and often transparent animals. Novel techniques such as beach
technologies (deep-sea submersibles, scuba diving and even observing jellyfish from aircraft) however, are beginning to provide a new appreciation of their diversity. Once considered unimportant, jellyfish are now known to play a large role in the dynamics and functioning of coastal marine environments.
Composition
They are composed almost entirely of water (up to 96%) and use the muscles of their body wall to push against this fluid inside, to create a pulsating swimming movement. The adult jellyfish or the medusa is
typically bell or domed shaped, very large, short-lived (months rather than years), and swims. Jellyfish however, are present throughout the year in another form Ă? the polyp. Shape
The polyp is shaped like a minuscule vase (a few millimetres in height) with tiny tentacles attached around the rim. It looks something like a tiny sea anemone and normally attaches onto rocky substrates or shells in shallows coastal environments, and can live for many years. Importantly, the polyp produces the adult jellyfish. (see life cycle figure)
IRELAND has five indigenous jellyfish species: Barrel; Blue; Common (Moon); Compass and Lion's Mane. A sixth species (Pelagia noctiluca) also occurs but is an oceanic species that is carried here by currents. Contrary to common belief, jellyfish are not carried at the whim of ocean currents and tides onto our beaches. Many jellyfish maintain their positions by swimming down when the tide is going out, and swimming up when the tide is coming in. In this way they can stay in their preferred habitats. For example, the Barrel jellyfish forms enormous blooms every year off Rosslare and
Wexford Harbours, yet is rarely found elsewhere in such numbers. The Lion's Mane jellyfish prefers the cooler waters of the Irish Sea and especially the waters off Dublin. Even the Common jellyfish, which is the most widespread species, seems to have a preferred habitat. It is most often located in harbours and estuaries and at times can form the densest blooms. The Blue jellyfish and in particular the Compass jellyfish, are found in highest numbers off the south and west coasts, and at times can be found throughout the entire Celtic Sea.
`Jellyfish as food'?
the Caribbean and west coast of Africa to feed on Ireland's abundant supply of jellyfish! It is not entirely clear how such large animals (they are the size of a cow) can survive on a diet of jellyfish? One thing is for sure; they have to eat an awful lot of jellyfish, maybe as much as 100kg daily! Another animal that feasts on jellyfish is the ocean sunfish. Sunfish have a really weird shape and are sometimes called swimming heads. Every summer they can be observed in our coastal waters feeding on jellyfish. See
Living on a diet of jellyfish may not seem like a clever thing to do as they have few nutrients and are full of venom! Yet many marine animals feed entirely on jellyfish. The leatherback sea turtle swims all the way from photo.
Floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee
What are jellyfish? Irish varieties JELLYFISH belong to a group of animals called Cnidarians (pronounced nigh-dare-ree-annes), which also includes sea anemones and corals. They have a very simple body plan (e.g. no heart, bones, liver, brain, or lungs); they don't have a left and right side, and have `stinging cells' that they use for food capture and protection.
unprecedented increases in jellyfish abundance. In Irish waters it is impossible to say whether we have experienced any increase in jellyfish. The closure of beaches in Dublin in 2005 because of the Lion's Mane jellyfish, may suggest that this is true. At present however, there is insufficient data to support this view.
An initiative of
The Heritage Council Text by
Tom Doyle and Ailish Murphy.
*
Juvenile fish have been ob-
served to find shelter under the bells of jellyfish. This one is a Compass Jellyfish Photo by John Collins
ALL jellyfish have stinging cells that they use for protection and to stun and capture their food. These stinging cells are unique in the animal kingdom and only jellyfish and their close relatives (corals and sea anemones) possess them. The stinging cell is probably the most complicated single cell found in any animal, although very few of us appreciate this marvel of evolution when stung! A stinging cell is like a tiny balloon with a miniature harpoon coiled up inside it. When the balloon bursts upon contact with an object, the harpoon is fired and injects venom into an unsuspecting animal (or person). Luckily for us, our skin forms quite an effective barrier
against most of these `harpoon' attacks. For example, the stinging cells of the Common jellyfish rarely break our skin and so have no effect. All stinging cells however, are strong enough to sting the more delicate tissues of our body such as eyes and lips. Some jellyfish, most notably the Lion's Mane, possess stinging cells that are much sharper and have no problem piercing our tough skin. Jellyfish and fisheries
As highly efficient predators, jellyfish blooms can consume large quantities of fish eggs and larvae to such an extent that they may influence the number of fish available for capture. Furthermore, because jellyfish
feed on fish food (i.e. plankton) they are also in direct competition with fish for the same resources. On the other hand, jellyfish may also be beneficial to fish and the fishing industry. For example, juvenile fish have been observed to find shelter under the bells of jellyfish (see main photo). Indeed, if you imagine a bloom of jellyfish with approximately 10,000 individual jellyfish, each with 20 juvenile fish underneath, then you could have approximately 200,000 juvenile fish finding shelter under this floating jelly habitat! So at certain times, jellyfish blooms actually provide an important habitat for juvenile fish in a vast ocean.
Lifecycle of jellyfish DURING the height of the summer, adult jellyfish produce gametes (sperm and eggs), which are released into the water column where they fuse to form larvae. After a few days of swimming, the larvae settle on rocky substrates and shells and then transform into polyps. The polyps undergo a remarkable transformation during
winter and early spring. They begin to horizontally divide, i.e. they clone themselves! This is a pretty unique way of turning one animal into many. Each clone (ephyra) is released from the polyp and begins to pulsate immediately like a jellyfish. After many months of feeding and growing, this juvenile jellyfish will develop into a fullygrown adult.
Where to find jellyfish? ONE of the best places to see jellyfish is at your local beach. The photo on top left illustrates the diversity of jellyfish and the variation
within the same species on an Irish beach. To learn more about jellyfish and to help scientists to carry out their research visit the website www.turtle.ie.
20
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Galway risks court case over Clarinbridge development SHELLFISH producers in the world-famous Clarinbridge fishery are being supported by the ISA in their call for common sense to prevail in a rezoning battle that threatens the pearl of the European oyster industry. A rezoning decision taken by Galway County Council, under the Clarinbridge Local Area Plan, will greatly increase the size of the village; no provision has been made for adequate wastewater or sewerage treatment facilities.
THE DECISION
Having taken the decision, the council now risks a direct breach of EU regulations Ð and major fines at a cost to all Irish taxpayers Ð from Brussels for neglecting to protect shellfish waters, if it proceeds to grant planning permission in the rezoned area without first having taken care of the increased effluent. The Irish Shellfish Association is extremely con-
cerned for its members in the area. ``This historic fishery must be protected from poorly planned development. Galway city and county earn over 50 million a year from festivals associated with the oyster fishery in inner Galway Bay. That may now come to an end with this short-sighted proposal. It is senseless to throw away this unique seafood and tourism product, which directly supports over 60 jobs.
THINK TWICE
The Council must think twice before dumping a housing scheme on the fishery without adequate waste water treatment facilities,'' Richie Flynn told Inshore Ireland. He added that the ISA supported the Clarinbridge Oyster co-op in their efforts to have a reasonable buffer zone away from the sea and full sewerage treatment facilities for any new development in the area. ``Galway County Council and the devel-
opers must realise that due to a European Court case taken by the ISA, the inner Galway Bay area is protected from increased pollution by law, because it produces oysters and mussels for public consumption. The Council will be held directly and financially responsible for any deterioration in water quality by the EU as a result of any development in the area, and must therefore use the public's money responsibly in preventing any such damage before development begins.'' The ISA successfully brought the Irish Government to the European Court of Justice in 2001 for its failure to implement the 1979 Protection of Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EC). This means that over 80 bays around the Irish coast, including Clarinbridge, must be kept up to a minimum water quality standard for suspended solids such as e.coli, chemicals etc., and each local authority is responsible for keeping the bays up to that standard, regardless of cost.
* A housing development proposal for Clarinbridge village is threatening the oyster beds due to a lack of adequate waste water disposal.
Photo: Shay Fennelly
First meeting for NI fisheries minister with RAC representatives
* The IWWE/IRWM exhibition attracted professionals from the Irish water industry.
Innovative products showcased at Irish water and waste event MORE than 2,000 representatives from the Irish water industry attended a joint exhibition by Irish Water Waste & Environment (IWWE) and Irish Recycling & Waste Management (IRWM) in March to view the latest in innovative products on the Irish market. A concurrent seminar organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) entitled Waste-toEnergy heard presentations on policy, trends, opportunities and developments in technologies to treat existing and liquid biomass, from the Irish Bio Energy Association (IrBEA), TEAGASC, SEI and the EPA. A second seminar organised by the Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland (ESAI) in conjunction with the Sensors for Water Interest Group (SWIG) featured presentations on water metering, potable water and waste water treatment. The conference attracted pro-
fessionals from the Irish water industry and was complemented by exhibitor presentations including hot topics like solutions to keep drinking water clean of cryptosporidium run by Analytical Technology. The Spanish company CEASA introduced a new technique using UV for disinfection of Water for commercial use, e.g. in swimming pools. Exhibiting companies from Ireland, the UK and Europe showcased products including solutions to keeping water clean of cryptosporidium and a new technique using ultraviolet to disinfect water for commercial use such as in swimming pools. IWWE & IRWM will be held again on 5-6 March 2008 at the RDS in Dublin at which the latest in new products, technologies and services to the Irish market will be presented. Further details from Oonagh Colligan: +44 (0) 20 8651 7068.
* Minister meets with members of the North West Waters Regional Advisory Council (L-R): Helen McLachlann; LorcaÂn OÂ CinneÂide; Bertie
Armstrong; Daniel LeFeÂvre; Hugo Crisanto GonzaÂlez Garcia; Michelle Gildernew (Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development); Sam Lambourne and Andre Le Berre.
NORTHERN Ireland fisheries minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA recently addressed members of the North Western Waters Regional Advisory Council and local fishing representatives in Belfast. Welcoming the Council members on their first visit to Belfast, Minister Gildernew noted that fishing was the mainstay of the economy in the coastal communities of
south Down and that many jobs in processing and support industries depended on the activities of the catching sector. ``As the local Minister for Fisheries I will strongly support the needs of our industry in dealings with Defra in London and with the Commission,'' she said. Local fishing representatives expressed concern about cod recovery measures in the Irish Sea. In response, Minister Gil-
dernew said that the Commission's review of the Cod Recovery Plan provided an opportunity to develop more suitable fish stock management arrangements that in turn would rebuild stocks to sustainable levels. ``This will be a considerable challenge, but the department, fisheries scientists and the industry must all work together to achieve the positive outcome
we want,'' the Minister said. Acknowledging the Regional Advisory Council's role in bringing forward the idea of an `Irish Sea Data Enhancement Pilot Project', she said that the project not only had the potential to influence the way in which fisheries were managed but would unite everyone with a shared interest in seeing development of sustainable fisheries in the Irish Sea.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
21
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Turning water-borne waste nutrients into a cash crop AN aquaculture process that combines the rearing of finfish, shellfish and seaweed is likely to boost earnings for farmers as well as having positive spin-offs for the environment around sea cages, reports Gery Flynn. In tegr ated
capacity is poorly understood and,
culture
ciency tion,
is
studying
quences
of
diversifica-
ensuring of its
the
the
conse-
activities
to
maintain the health of coastal
Centre,
IMTA
develop
responsible
and create while
remediation
Declan Hanniffy, a researcher who
``to
and
practices that optimize its effi-
ries-old tradition. Seaweed
industry
innovative
Multi- Tr ophi c
west but in Asia it is a centu-
Irish
to
The review calls on the aqua-
a relatively new concept in the
the
prone
Balanced ecosystem
Aquaculture, or IMTA, is still
at
consequently,
being exceeded.''
waters.''
de-
It declares that a balanced
scribes it as the ultimate exam-
ecosystem
ple of recycling.
approach
provides
``IMTA combines fed aqua-
nutrient bioremediation capabil-
culture like finfish or shrimp,
ity, mutual benefits to the co-
with
cultured
organic
culture
extractive
such
as
aqua-
shellfish
and
organisms,
diversification
by
economic producing
inorganic extractive aquaculture
other value-added marine crops,
such as seaweed. The idea is
and increased profitability per
that waste products from finfish
cultivation unit for the aquacul-
are
ture industry.
a
food
resource
for
the
extractive shellfish and seaweed
``By
adopting
aquaculture industries.''
[multi-trophic]
Natural cleansers
aquaculture
niffy, this means that certain
* Seaweeds located close to finfish cages mop up the dissolved and water-borne waste nutrients and turn them into a saleable second crop.
shellfish and seaweeds are positioned close to finfish cages and actually mop up the dissolved
IMTA systems in operation in
aquaculture by recycling nutri-
R&D and demonstration level,
cially the case where activities
ents into extractive aquaculture
in land-based systems or at sea,
systems. This method of nutri-
Hanniffy is quick to point out
crop. This process manages to
ent
that Asian fish farmers Ă? who
rid the environment of nutrient
tally-friendly,
build-up.
balanced
and water-borne waste nutrients turn and
Hanniffy weeds
them
saleable
reveals
grown
in
into
a
second
that
sea-
onmental
load
recycling
from
is
finfish
environmen-
Europe
today
are
all
still
``often monospecific practices''. This, writes Chopin, is espe-
then
a
already account for two-thirds
approach
of the world's aquaculture pro-
to aquaculture as well as a cost
duction Ă? have been practising
and
provides
ecosystem
nutrient-rich
effective
means
for
reaching
it for centuries: ``The civilisa-
waters can remove up to 90%
effluent
regulation
compli-
tions most successful at devel-
of the nitrogen and 60% of the
ance,'' he declares.
phosphorus, while filter-feeding
oping
He says that Canadian studies
shellfish remove large amounts
show
of
matter,
extractive aquaculture systems
such as feed waste and faeces.
leads to mutual benefits of the
``Despite improvements in re-
co-cultured species.
particulate
organic
cent years, for each tonne of
that
the
``Mussels
integration
grown
of
integrated
aquaculture
systems are the ones that treat waste as a valuable resource,'' he says. ``And since the late `80s and early `90s, Israel, Canada and
close
to
Chile
have
developed
salmon cages in Canada were
systems, integrating fish, mus-
35kg of nitrogen and 7kg of
found to be 50% bigger than a
sels, abalone and seaweed.''
phosphorous is released into the
control
environment as uneaten feed,
while kelp grown in proximity
Chopin
undigested
feed
and
faeces.
to the salmon cages had 46%
shows that the rapid develop-
These
lead
to
problems
sample
1km
away;
A
review
by
Dr
published
in
ment of intensive fed aquacul-
samples.
benefit
ture (e.g. finfish and shrimp)
algal blooms may develop and
from improved water quality,''
throughout the world is asso-
cause
he explains.
ciated with concerns about the
explains.
Hanniffy
social
accept-
The
salmon
Despite the fact that the only
are ``highly geographically con-
de ve lopme nt
centrated
coastal
or
located
in
sub-
optimal sites whose assimilative
of
integ rate d
management
frame-
works,'' the review states.
DEPURATION SYSTEMS FOR BIVALVE MOLLUSCS. SMALL SCALE TO INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS ALSO RE-CIRCULATION & SHELLFISH HOLDING LOW TEMPERATURE LOBSTER HOLDINGS
2001
greater biomass than the control
zones,''
and
ability and become a full and
Thierry
such as eutrophication, where dead
economic,
IMTA
farmed salmon produced, about
can
the
should
sustainable partner within the ``IMTA alleviates the envir-
at
valuable
industry
find increasing environmental,
In practice, according to Han-
and
integrated
practices,
environmental impact of such
PLUS NEW HOMARSTORE LOW TEMP LOBSTER HOLDING
DEPUR SYSTEMS LTD MONEYCARRAGH FISH FARM PHONE: +44 (0) 28 43751860 60 DROMARA RD, DUNDRUM, FAX: +44 (0) 28 43751940 CO. DOWN, N.IRELAND, BT330NS E.MAIL: depursystems@yahoo.co.uk * Seaweeds grown in nutrient-rich waters remove up to 90% of nitrogen and 60% of phosphorus build-up.
WEB SITE: depursystems.com
22
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Lobsters hold peak condition at Christmas Depur Systems Ltd Ă? who design, manufacture and install tailor-made cold water recirculation units and provide water purification solutions for the aquaculture and fishing industries, is now offering a purpose-built facility for live holding lobsters and other shellfish, writes Gery Flynn. ``WE have been looking at low temperature
shellfish
holding
systems for some time now,'' Depur
Systems
founder
and
chief designer, John Smyth tells
Inshore Ireland. ``These more
units
and
have
more
become
popular
in
recent times. For lobster fishermen in particular, they are a huge
advantage
because
they
allow them to hold their catch alive
and
in
peak
condition
right through to the Christmas period when demand and prices are at their highest.'' Smyth dismisses outright any suggestion that by entering this niche market, Depur Systems will be up against strong competition
from
Canadian
American
manufacturers
and who
had a head start in getting their systems up and running here: ``Of course it's a relatively small market but as a familyrun
company
based
in
Dun-
drum, County Down, we can be on site within a few hours to solve
any
technical
problems
that may arise with our equipment down the road. I firmly believe that this puts us at an advantage and should be a key decider for anyone thinking of buying one of these systems.''
First installation Without going into the details, Smyth
confirms
that
Depur
Systems is about to undertake the installation of its first live storage unit: ``We have three systems in the pipeline already for clients in Donegal, Kerry and Galway,'' he reveals. ``These are all in the three to four
tonne
storage
capacity
range and are designed specifically for holding live lobster. But of course we can provide much bigger holding capacities if
that's
what
the
customer
wants.'' Now in his mid-sixties, John Smyth started out as a government
auditor
but
very
soon realised that a desk-bound
* Cold water recirculation units can hold lobsters in peak condition until Christmas.
Photo J Rafferty.
job was not for him. Abandoning the security of the
public
farming
service
he
freshwater
began
rainbow
trout in 1970, and claims now that this was a career choice he has never once regretted over the past 30 years. Aquaculture, he says, became his passion. Along the way, soon after he expanded his business to processing of crab and other shellfish, Smyth began to appreciate the importance of depuration. Seeing the process in action he decided to design and build his own depuration system, and a business idea was born. After exhibiting one of his tanks at the Aquaculture Expo in Glasgow in 2001, the orders began to flood in and ever since D e p ur
S y st e ms
ha s
ne v e r
looked back: ``In the past five years
we
from
Kerry
have to
sold
systems
Shetland
and
everywhere in between, including Iceland,'' he says proudly. ``Up until recently our customer base has been mainly in Britain and Ireland but we are
* Left & above: Water sterilizing unit for depurating mussels operated by Warren Point Harbour Authority.
now finding that more and more enquiries
are
coming
from
countries like Bulgaria and India via the internet.'' Never one to miss a business opportunity,
Smyth
has
following the Galway
poridium
been
cryptos-
issue closely.
He admits to being puzzled at the
way
the
problem
was
tackled by the local authorities
surface water and nearly always
Ireland,''
he
poridium: ``These cities use UV
Ă? in particular that more use
with the protozoan
understand when it was picked
queries. Smyth argues that as a
sterilisation exclusively to ster-
up first why within a period of
treatment
water,
ilise domestic water so if they
two months the problem with
ultra-violet
been
are confident that it's the way to
like
go, I don't understand why it
was
not
made
sterilisation
to
of
ultra-violet
eliminate
the
idium.
In America,
cryptospor-
cryptosproidium
he
says.
``I
cannot
was
being
i n s t a l l e d , ''
for
drinking light
has
parasite: ``The depuration pro-
was found in 97% of surface
Galway's water wasn't knocked
proved
cess aims to get rid of E-coli
water, so I don't see how it
on the head using UV Ă? even
New
bacteria
should be any different here in
temporarily while the new plant
means of inactivating
which
are
found
in
in
York
major and
cities
Atlanta
as
a
cryptos-
was not seen as the first solution in Galway,'' he says.
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
23
AQUACULTURE NEWS
Notice-board . . Notice-board. .
IFA meets on Water Framework Directive IFA Aquaculture has met with the Western River Basin District to discuss the implications of the Water Framework Directive for the finfish aquaculture sector. Consultant, Ivar Warrer-Hansen, who is currently carrying out a short project for IFA on the WFD, co-organised the event with Paddy Kavanagh of ESB International, representing the
RBDs. Members were given an overview of the Directive, in terms of timeframe and the potential interactions with aquaculture. The RBDs emphasised that in the scheme of other developments and uses of water, aquaculture was a very minor concern. The WFD is mainly concerned with the maintenance of water quality in distinct catch-
ment areas or ‘River Basin Districts’. The objectives of the RBDs are to: maintain ‘high status’ of waters where it exists; prevent any deterioration in the existing status of waters and; achieve at least ‘good status’ in relation to all waters in the Western River Basin District by 2015. The scope of the Directive
FEAP meets UN food organisation
Greenore Pier
THE Federation of European Aquaculture Producers met recently with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome to establish a formal understanding by both groups and to ensure that the FAO has the
AT a recent Carlingford CLAMs meeting in Newry, IFA Aquaculture executive secretary, Richie Flynn advised local shellfish producers on the best approach to the planned development of Greenore pier as a major infrastructural hub for ferry transport. He said that in terms of planned developments near aquaculture activities, local CLAMs groups and producers should insist that Environmental Impact Assessments are taken into account in terms of both construction and operation of the development. Flynn added it was important that CLAMS groups ensured that developers have in place an emergency plan to deal with any impact on local aquaculture stocks including an amelioration plan and a compensation plan for any damage on a ‘no quibble’ basis.
most up-to-date information on aquaculture in Europe so as to feed into its global policy statements. The FAO produces reports that are highly influential at Governmental level and used as references by all leading financial institutions.
Cawley group moves ahead THE Seafood Strategy Implementation Group had held its second meeting, to examine progress on the various recommendations in the Cawley report. On the main recommendations dealing with aquaculture (6.1, 6.2 & 6.3) IFA Aquaculture executive secretary, Richie Flynn, reported that much depended on the NDP being in place to begin the communications programme (6.1) and the devel-
opment programme (6.3). He identified however issues relating to regulation and licensing that could be acted upon immediately, including policy changes, introduction of the appropriate assessments and improvements in customer service. IFA Aquaculture is now drafting a ‘Charter of Aquaculture Customer Service’, based on previous charters agreed between IFA and the Department of Agriculture.
relates to water quality in rivers, lakes, canals, groundwater, transitional (estuarine) waters and coastal waters out to a distance of at least one nautical mile. Work to date has been to map each Distract, identify users and identify the quality of groundwater in individual areas, to feed into the Significant Water Management Issues
(SWMI) document to be published in June this year. This document will inform the first River Basin Management Plan which will be finalised in 2009. This Plan must be included in the County Development Plan. IFA emphasised the desire of the industry to collaborate with the RBDs in a constructive manner and to ensure that
the sector knows well in advance what is expected under the new Directive. IFA gave a commitment to work closely with the RBDs, to respond to the SWMI document and to be available to the RBDs to advise on any matters of interest concerning aquaculture. Further information from www.westernrbd.ie
IFA make submission on maritime policy document COMMENTING on the EU maritime policy green paper, IFA Aquaculture executive secretary Richie Flynn said it was important that the European Union recognises the important role of aquaculture, its scope for development, the need to protect aquaculture sites from both onshore pollution and the effects of development of other sectors putting pressure on a limited coastal resource. ‘‘The Maritime Policy is a serious document demanding professional input so that the
European Commission realises that Ireland and Irish businesses are not represented by the embarrassing and inaccurate inputs from singleissue anti-aquaculture State agencies, which have appeared on the Commission’s website. ‘‘Instead the seafood community who have a real stake in the future of the marine resource should show the Commission their commitment to maritime issues by dealing with the real issues impacting the future use of the
resource, describing the true potential to rebalance the deficit in fish production in Europe and the high quality products than can be available to the European consumer year-round with the proper sustainable use of our marine resource.‘‘ The IFA Aquaculture submission on the Maritime Policy Document can be viewed at www.ifa.ie. The deadline for all submissions to the European Commission is 30 June.
Workshop on carrying capacity A one-day workshop on carrying capacity, organised by Aqua TT on behalf of the Clew Bay Marine Forum, the South East Shellfish Co-op, and La Tene Maps, takes place in the Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin, on July 11. The event is aimed at individuals who have no prior knowledge about carrying capacity, defined as meaning the ability to maintain animal and plant life within a discrete area in such a way that the ecosystem remains in equilibrium. Applied to aquaculture, it is about the ability of a particular area to support shellfish and/or finfish production in a sustainable way. Participation is open to anyone who is interested in the coastal zone and wants to find
out more about carrying capacity studies, single bay management or an ecosystem approach to bay management. Target audiences include users of the marine such as fishermen and aquaculturists, and those involved in environmental and water monitoring, coastal zone modelling and planning. The workshop is particularly relevant in light that the State is now planning and implementing carrying capacity studies for most of the major bays in the country. The agenda contains three major sessions: * tools for carrying capacity studies * results from carrying capacity studies, and * aquaculture users perspective
Speaker panel to date Aad Smaal: Netherlands Institute for Fishery research (RIVO) Netherlands Maarten Kuipjer: Stichting Waterloopkundig Laboratorium, Delft, Netherlands Ana Sequeira: IMAR, Portugal Thom Nickell: Scottish Association for Marine Science Dennis Gowland: NBS Scotland, Coordinator, Keyzones Project Speaker: BIM Speaker: Marine Institute Speaker: Clew Bay Marine Forum Speaker: L. Creran (Scotland) Shellfish Producers Speaker: Netherlands Shellfish Producers Registration: Call Aqua TT to reserve your space: 01 644 9008 or email aquatt@aquatt.ie. Registration by Friday, 6th July. Registration is free, however the workshop is limited to 50.
*
Jason Whooley.
IFA welcomes new BIM chairman IFA Aquaculture has welcomed the appointment of Jason Whooley as CEO of Bord Iascaigh Mhara from July 1 2007. Jason is wellknown within the aquaculture sector due to his close work in the IS&WFPO at national and EU level on behalf of the seafood industry and his family links with the rope mussel sector through his brother Colin in Roaringwater Bay. IFA wishes Jason all the best in his new role and looks forward in particular to co-operating on the implementation of the Cawley report and the NDP 20072013 for the aquaculture industry.
The RNLI and the Crew Training Campaign • • • • • • •
There are over 1,000 highly trained, volunteer crewmembers in the RNLI in Ireland. When we recruit a volunteer, they make a major commitment – which could ultimately include risking their life. Our commitment to them is to provide the equipment and training they need to help them save lives as safely and effectively as possible. Only training can turn someone who’s willing to save lives at sea, into someone who can. The RNLI Crew Training Campaign needs to raise ?14M over the next five years to keep our volunteer crews trained. Each year it costs over ?1,460 per crewmember to keep them trained and ready for action. Please support the RNLI Crew Training Campaign
To find out more about the RNLI Crew Training Campaign, visit www.rnli.org.uk/crewtraining RNLI Ireland, Airside, Swords, Co Dublin, Ireland. Tel 01 895 1800 Email lifeboatsireland@rnli.org.uk The RNLI is a registered charity CHY 2678
24
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
REPORT
Seismic explorations awaiting approval
THE National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has published draft guidelines for the protection of whales and dolphins during acoustic seafloor surveys in Irish waters but have yet to officially approve them, reports Shay Fennelly. The guidelines have been circulated to the industry for consultation. The Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) of the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources is advising seismic operators of the draft guidelines but has not yet written them into the 2007 rules and procedures for licensing seismic surveys. The measures include placing marine mammal observers on board vessels, and operational protocols to try to monitor the impact of seismic surveys in Irish waters. (Seismic surveys use extremely loud sound pulses to record the geology under the seafloor in the search for oil and gas deposits.)
Inadequate data collection
* Marine mammals such as this fin whale live in an aural world where sound impacts on all aspects of their lives. Photo: Shay Fennelly
Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and IFA Aquaculture invite you to the
PROFET Policy Technical Conservation Measures Workshop Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport 13/14 September 2007 An information platform for researchers, policy makers and the fishing industry where your views count. Further details, including Early Bird discount registration, may be obtained from Norah Parke, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Killybegs, Co Donegal, phone +353 74 973 1089, Mob +353 87 9055414 or e-mail norakfo@eircom.net and from the PROFET Policy web-site www.profetpolicy.info
The NPWS guidelines, however, may not go far enough to meet the requirements of a judgment by the European Court of Justice in January 2007, which found that Ireland has failed to gather the necessary information on whales and dolphins to effectively implement a system of strict protection. The Court found that these species are not covered by an appropriate monitoring system, and lack of information on their breeding sites, resting places and threats to which they are subjected, prevents implementation of the system of strict protection required by the Habitats Directive. Ireland’s first offshore marine Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Erris Slyne and Donegal Basin in June 2006 identified a threat posed to
>>
Twenty four species of whales and dolphins have been identified from sightings or stranding records collected by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
whales and dolphins and spawning fish from seismic surveys. Very little is known about the distribution and conservation status of whales and dolphins in Irish waters because few surveys have been undertaken due to lack of resources — despite it being declared a whale and dolphin sanctuary in 1992. Twenty four species of whales and dolphins have been identified from sightings or stranding records collected by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. All whale and dolphin species are protected under European and national Legislation from interference and deliberate harm.
Seismic surveys set to double According to PAD, seismic survey activity is set to double that of the 1970s. In the Erris Slyne and Rockall area, this will amount to 100 days during 2006/2007 and 250 days from 2008 to 2010. Last year, eight seismic surveys were undertaken in Irish waters by Shell, Providence Resources and Fugro MCS. Whales and dolphins (cetaceans) live in an aural world where sound is key to all aspects of their lives including finding food, navigating and social interactions.
Cornell University (New York) researcher Christopher Clark who has been using old US Navy hydrophones to track singing blue, fin, humpback and minke whales from their calls says that these animals are highly acoustically oriented. ‘‘Their consciousness and sense of self is based on sound, not sight,’’ he said. Exposure to loud sounds in the marine environment can lead to a reduction in hearing ability, which may seriously compromise the viability of individuals, and therefore, populations. Such loud sounds may also displace cetaceans from important feeding, and migration or reproductive sites.
Specific research required Dr Simon Berrow of the IWDG believes that specific research is needed to show that the impact of seismic surveys on these marine mammals ‘‘is not a threat to their conservation status’’. PAD recently commissioned a SEA of the Porcupine Basin. Environmental experts, ERT Scotland Ltd and Aquafact (Ireland) Ltd have been appointed to conduct the assessment, data gathering, analysis and preparation of the Environmental Report for IOSEA2. A technical steering group will manage the assessment, which has membership drawn from governmental and nongovernmental agencies, environmental agencies, industry and the research and university sectors. The steering group is expected to publish a draft environmental report later this summer after which a six week public consultation process will take place and will be followed by a final report taking into account the issues raised during the public consultation phase.
A-Z of ship management under one roof FOUNDED in 2002, Maritime Management is a leading supplier of services to the marine industry in Ireland. For new builds, the firm can assist with the ship design, yard selection, building supervision and commissioning. Maritime Management also prepares repair and conversion specifications and conducts repair and dry-dockings for a range of ships, large and small. The firm’s experienced surveyors carry out condition surveys, damage, sale and purchase surveys. The company also assists with MSO finding solutions and has its own stability programmes to conduct incline testing, and publishes stability booklets aimed at fishing boats and passenger vessels. Maritime Management Ship Management Service is ISM accredited. Its management system integrates operation, budget and cost control and has a targeted maintenance spending. This results in reduced planned and unplanned down-time for vessels. Maritime Management
>>
Maritime Management also prepares repair and conversion specifications and conducts repair and dry-dockings for a range of ships, large and small.
keeps up-to-date with the topical issues of the Paris MOU to ensure that all vessels are on due notice and compliant with areas under inspection from the Port State Control. Equipped with expert financial and economical knowledge, Maritime Management can prepare business plans and has extended its service to include economical and financial advice to help their many clients to secure their objective.
Whitefish boats in Howth. Maritime Management provides a range of services to fishing boats.
*
*
Justin Delaney working on Saturnus in Howth. Photos: Maritime Management
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
25
FRESHWATER FOCUS
* Glenda Powell will give a one-day introductory fly fishing course on 21 July at the Annamore Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow in aid of Action Breast Cancer.
Ladies fly casting course THE Slaney River Trust in conjunction with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is organising a one-day introductory fly fishing course on 21 July at the Annamore Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow in aid of Action Breast Cancer. The instructor will be Glenda Powell, holder of the top casting qualification in Ireland and Europe. The event is aimed at beginners, and spaces are limited to a maximum of 16 participants. The course will consist of casting theory and practice and fly casting with one-to-one supervision. There is no entry fee; however participants might agree to make a donation to Action Breast Cancer. Skills learnt will be put to the test during the second half of the day when participants will
try catching rainbow trout in Annamoe Fishery, Co Wicklow. All fishing gear will be provided and each participant will be presented with a gift of Irish trout flies. Glenda is an instructor and fly-fisher, and runs the Blackwater Lodge Fishery in Cork with her husband, Ian. Glenda's uncle was the reason she became interested in fishing. She was only nine-years-old when he died and left her his fishing tackle. Glenda is the first female fly-casting instructor to achieve the APGAI accreditation.
Information
TEL #ONFIDENTIAL %MOTIONAL 3UPPORT
7E CAN HELP YOU SEE THE WAY FORWARD
For further information contact Hazel Dobbyn, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board on 01 2787022 or hazel.dobbyn@erfb.ie by July 6 latest.
UK anglers to defend 20 species record at south east festival The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board would like to remind all small boat anglers about the upcoming 22nd Annual Rosslare Small Boats Festival taking place on Saturday 8th September until Saturday 15 September in Rosslare, Co Wexford. The 22nd Annual Rosslare Small Boats Festival takes place from 8 to 15 September and is set to attract more than 100 anglers from the UK and Ireland.
Hunt
Sponsored by Sea Angler magazine and Daiwa Sports Ltd, UK and supported by the Central and Eastern Fish-
eries Boards, the four-day competition out of Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford (weather permitting) is as a species hunt for coalfish; cod; conger eel; dogfish; flounder; gurnards; ling; plaice; pollack; pouting ray; smoothhound; tope; whiting and wrasse. Steve Mills (Gosport and District Sea Angling Club) and Dave Timms from Portsmouth are the defending winners for a second year with 20 species recorded and a total weight of 10.54kg. For further information, visit www.rosslaresmallboatsfestival.co.uk, or contact Phil Hallsworth + 44 7702 748472; Phoenixtwo@aol.com
WWW SAMARITANS IE JO
SAMARITANS ORG
26
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
FRESHWATER FOCUS
Avoca study highlights contamination issue By EibhlõÂn Doyle and Gerry Stanley
THE Avoca mining district is located in Co Wicklow along the Avoca River, just north of Woodenbridge. The old mine workings lie on either side of the river, and the tailings facility at Shelton Abbey is located 8km downstream from the mine. Copper, lead, zinc and sulphur were won from the volcanic rocks in this area. The mines operated intermittently over a long period starting in 1720 and finally closing in 1982. During that time, 16 million tonnes of ore were extracted; this operation was
* The old tramway bridge located on West Avoca, built in the 19th century,
Training available at BIM’s Regional Fisheries Centre, Castletownbere
BIM’s Regional Fisheries Centre is a one-stop-shop for training fishermen, fish farmers and seafood processors and others interacting directly with the Seafood Industry. If you are looking for a career opportunity in fishing or in aquaculture or simply want to improve skills in these industries, then look to the Regional Fisheries Centre. The centre is situated on the pier in Castletownbere, and runs over 30 specialised training courses. Since opening in 1999, the Regional Fisheries Centre has grown from strength to strength. As well as providing fulland part-time courses, staff in the Centre respond to the needs of industry and can deliver training where and when it is required. BIM has formed strategic alliances with other training providers to increase the range of available courses. Training is provided to those intending to diversify or seek alternative employment outside the industry.
Who provides the training? The team under Principal Captain Shane Begley includes Aquaculture and Business Training Executive Dr. Susan Steele, Marine Engineer Michael O’Donoghue, Nautical Skills Instructor Captain Fergus O’Driscoll and Administrator Della O’Sullivan, as well as highly qualified part-time staff, who are all dedicated to helping the development of the Irish seafood industry.
Some courses offered by BIM’s Regional Fisheries Centre: Basic Safety Training
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Marine Engineering
L
GMDSS Radio Communications
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Net Mending Skills
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Aquaculture Training
L
Seafood Processing Training
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Business and Information Technology (IT) Training
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Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Certificates of Competency
Spoil heap legacy
The legacy of mining at Avoca however, has not been totally positive. In addition to decaying buildings and potentially unstable spoil heaps, it has also left the area with large open pits, underground workings, adits, shafts and tailings impoundments, from which water discharges into local streams and into the Avoca River, resulting in contamination of waters that enter the sea at Arklow. This year, a holistic feasibility study for the management and remediation of the Avoca mining area commenced. The Geological Survey of Ireland, on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey TD, is managing this
study in close association with the Exploration Mining Division of the Department; Wicklow County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency. Work has commenced and is scheduled for completion in May 2008. This study will take into account the unique character of the Avoca site with respect to human and animal: health & safety, the environment, the Avoca River and tributaries, natural habitats, material assets, heritage, tourism and potential future developments in the area. International consultants Camp, Dresser and McKee (CDM) have commenced work on the project in association with GWP Consultants in the UK. Initial field evaluations have taken place already. These are being used to plan and schedule the more detailed field surveys and sampling that will take place during the summer and autumn of 2007. The study will lead to costed proposals for remediation and long-term management of the Avoca site. As part of the study, information meetings are envisaged to keep local residents and other stakeholders informed and to facilitate their participation. We are entering a new phase for the Avoca mining district, which will prove challenging but in the long-term beneficial for the local area and its community. We look forward to keeping Inshore Ireland informed on progress made on this important survey.
Celtic copper heritage
What is BIM’s Regional Fisheries Centre?
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an important feature of the local economy and culture, and brought prosperity to the Avoca area. During the 18th century and up to the mid-nineteenth century, small-scale underground mining of narrow highgrade copper veins took place. This resulted in many interconnecting shafts and levels in the area. Later, from 1969 to 1982, both underground extraction and open pit methods were employed. Given this long history of mining at Avoca, it is not surprising to find a rich legacy of industrial architecture, including Cornish-style engine houses and chimneys, tramways and other structures that have become part of the local landscape of which local people are proud.
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Commercial Diver First Aid Training and FETAC Commercial Diving Supervisor Module
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Passenger Boat Proficiency Module
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Work Boat Handling
FORMER environment minister Dick Roche launched a report in May on pilot treatment plant trials at Avoca, Co. Wicklow. Celtic Copper Heritage is an Ireland/Wales Interreg Project, the purpose of which is to harness the historical copper mining heritage in Avoca and Amlwch in Wales, as a means of generating economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits in both rural communities. One of the project's objectives is to address protection and environmental enhancement of the river due to the impact of discharge pollution from the mines. The study, which was commissioned by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and Wicklow County Council in 2006, was undertaken by
Unipure Europe Ltd whose terms of reference was to establish whether it would be possible to treat acid mine drainage from the former mines into the river on a small-scale and what the parameters of a full-scale active treatment plant would be. The findings show the trials were successful in demonstrating active treatment would reduce average total metal concentrations downstream of the mines by 66% to 72% and this reduction would result in significant improvement in river water quality, and the trials demonstrated that active treatment will enable the Avoca River to achieve salmonid fishery EQS standard for all metals except zinc. A year's continuous dataset is required to complete the study.
For more details on the courses listed above, please contact the Centre. Details on FETAC accreditation and timetabling are also available. We look forward to hearing from you.
www.bim.ie
BIM Regional Fisheries Centre The Pier Castletownbere Co.Cork Office Phone: (027) 70450 Fax: (027) 70858 Email: rfccastletownbere@bim.ie
* Remains of engine houses from historic mining activities.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
27
FRESHWATER FOCUS
`International waterpark' receives mixed reaction Rick Boelens & Dan Minchin
commercialised play-ground. As one commentator remarked,
FEW things spawn greater aggravation than the spending of large amounts of public money on local area projects without adequate research or consultation. Such is the situation along the Tipperary shore of Lough Derg, where Shannon Development in partnership with the county council have been carrying out so-called `amenity enhancements' at lakeside facilities. This is part of a multi-million Euro investment to increase tourism in the Shannon region. Many of the enhancements could be described as expensive tinkering with already adequate facilities. They include lengthy urban-style footpaths where previously there was grass, rebuilding of perfectly adequate slipways, and in the case of Dromineer, the imposition of a vast concrete structure in the middle of Lough Derg's finest bathing beach and the replacement of the remaining beach sand with gravel! At the latter site, an existing pathway leading across a grassy area to the public marina was filled in and a new one created barely 20 yards away. Changes to landscaping include planting of trees and shrubs, many of which are non-indigenous, contrary to the advice of the Heritage Council (Conserving
find in a major resort in Florida
and
Enhancing
Wildlife
`it sounds like something you'd
in
Towns and Villages: a Guide
which fosters native biodiversity. for Community Groups)
Reactions
Not surprisingly, these activities have caused mixed reactions from outright mirth to consternation, sometimes bordering on anger. Many individuals query the necessity and/or benefit of the changes and whether the expense is justified. Some feel the impact to be detrimental rather than beneficial, more likely to negatively impact on tourism. All the sites on the Tipperary lakeshore affected by this programme (Ballina, Garrykennedy, Dromineer and Terryglass) are historic centres of the Shannon Navigation and possess great character. If change was needed, it would be to improve the management of existing facilities rather than build new infrastructure. Inadequate consultation with local groups and individuals familiar with recreational pursuits around Lough Derg has caused much resentment. An element in this story is the apparently unilateral declaration by Shannon Development that Lough Derg is now an `International Water Park'. There is no recognised definition of a `water park' and there is nothing international about Lough Derg, except perhaps the presence of invasive non-native species (zebra mussels, water-weeds etc.) that are causing significant ecological impacts. The title does, however, convey the idea that the primary use of the lake is for entertainment and recreation Ă? some kind of
that
offers
water
sports
and
funfair rides instead of tranquil-
(Inland Waterways News, Vol. 30, No.4). And tranquillity and natural beauty are what Lough Derg is all about. It is a superb natural resource, part of our heritage to be cherished and protected for all time. lity'
Ineptitude
Describing the International Water Park concept as nothing more than a `marketing strategy' reveals ineptitude in promoting tourism. The title downgrades Lough Derg to the point where many discerning tourists will avoid it. But what can we expect from an administration that justifies the project with the words `Lough Derg Needs a Facelift'. For a resource endowed with so much natural beauty, this is the one thing it will never need and no human can provide. The programme has backfired in another sense too. Whereas the various projects were to have been completed over the winter period, nearing mid-summer the sites are still fenced off, parking is restricted and building materials are strewn around. The beach in Dromineer and the harbour in Garrykennedy are unusable. For these areas, the 2007 tourist season is now in jeopardy. There are important lessons to be learned here. The need to invest in tourism development is not an issue Ă? correctly done it can bring real benefits. But getting it right requires a good understanding of the effects, as well as the requirements, of the particular activities and facilities concerned. Questions to address include: what do people want? What are the options, their respective costs and benefits? Are they environmentally sustainable? What standards and criteria should apply? What are the technical and financial implications? Which agencies have related responsibilities? What are the long-term management and maintenance requirements? Who should be consulted? A means of assessing effectiveness should be part of each project and the agencies concerned accountable for the outcome. An assumption that a natural resource can absorb any amount of human activity without damage is wrong. Preparatory research is vital. In the case of Lough Derg we need to know the types and levels of activity the lake can support without deleterious side-effects. This should extend to access points, roads, parking facilities, jetties, slipways, toilets and waste disposal as well as activities on the water. It should take into account seasonal variations, vessel traffic, water quality, habitat conservation, health, safety and maintenance issues. These are basic to estimating carrying capacity, an essential tool in resource management. Infrastructure is not the only
* Garrykennedy April 2007: Jetties closed for refurbishment since October 2006.
Many of the enhancements could be described as expensive tinkering with already adequate facilities. >>
aspect of amenity enhancement that warrants funding. Existing problems should not be overlooked. Lough Derg has its share Ă? hazardous blue-green algae, cuts to feet by zebra mussels, decomposing plants on beaches, illegal berthing and irresponsible use of vessels (i.e. contravention of by-laws) to name but a few. For many, improved management of existing activities and facilities deserves greater priority. This issue highlights once again the lack of a cohesive management framework for Lough Derg involving local authorities, relevant agencies and user groups. This would enable preparation of a longterm strategy for the conservation, protection and use of the lake encompassing research, planning, regulation (e.g. supervision, enforcement) and so forth. Such a management regime would balance tourism and other interests and identify funding priorities. Its success would depend on the involvement of suitably trained and experienced individuals who understand the environments and activities to be managed. When might we evolve an administration with the vision to introduce such arrangements for managing precious resources such as our scenic lakes and coasts? Considering the present piecemeal administration of Lough Derg, we may have a long time to wait.
* Domineer beach being ripped apart.
Photos: Rick Boelens
Shannon Development response Ireland invited Shannon Development to comment and received the following response: INSHORE
lands, and as Shannon Devel-
scaping, walkways, footpaths,
opment and the local autho-
and these developments were
rities surrounding Lough Derg
not judged to be in conflict
are
with the environment.
public
bodies,
planning
Within the Shannon region,
permissions would have been
There are no trading activ-
we believe the River Shannon
applied for all the develop-
is one of the region's most
ments which are either com-
ities proposed at any of the
important
attributes
pleted
is
necessary
and
natural
Lough
Derg
a
key
or
u n d e r w a y. permissions
All were
element of the River Shannon
in place prior to commence-
Corridor. Its importance as a
ment of any works.
prime tourism area is recog-
As part of the process, plans
nised nationally and interna-
were placed on public display,
tionally, and is recognized as
planning notices were erected
such by Government in the
and advertisements giving full
announcement
2007
details were placed in local
Finance Act of a series of
newspapers. Submissions re-
Tax
stimulate
ceived by the relevant county
development
councils were evaluated by the
in
Incentives
tourism
the
to
related
planning
along the River Shannon.
authorities
and
The purpose of the projects
amendments were made fol-
is to provide modern visitor
lowing points put forward by
and
local people.
tourism
facilities
and
to
with
infrastructure
meet
All
of
the
projects
were
rising expectations of visitors
required to satisfy the plan-
and holidaymakers that
sites. The standards and designs are as per the plans and the agreed design standard for visitor facilities around Lough Derg. These are on display and are open to the public in the
planning section of the
councils. The Councils already maintain and have responsibility for the sites, and have undertaken to maintain and upkeep the facilities to a high standard. Shannon Development works in partnership with the Councils and wishes to acknowledge
the
positive
role
that the Councils play in both
are
ning guidelines including en-
providing
visiting Lough Derg and the
vironmental issues. The works
also in the long-term manage-
the
facilities,
River Shannon.
carried out, in the majority of
ment,
planning
cases, relate to the provision of
hancement of visitor facilities
permission], developments are
visitor facilities, such as picnic
around Lough Derg and the
all
spots,
River Shannon.
[With
regard
sited on
to
local authority
BBQ
facilities,
land-
maintenance
and
but en-
28
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
COASTLINE NEWS
Connecting communities to build the future DELEGATES from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Spain, France, Nederlands, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Britain and the Republic of Ireland belonging to the Aktea network gathered in Annalong, Co Down to discuss activities for the next two years. (Aktea is a European network of women in fisheries, which began in 2003 as a social science research project (Femmes) to establish links between fisheries and aquaculture social researchers/natural scientists and other womens organisations.) The theme centred on how to build and sustain communications and exchanges at transnational level, and further research into training programmes and exchanges. Liam McKibben, DARD (Dept of Agriculture and Rural
Development Director of Fisheries for Northern Ireland) presented a paper, Socio-economic
regeneration of Fishing Villages-the Northern Ireland Approach.
Alan McCulla, Anglo-North Irish FPO, followed with a paper entitled Hair of the Dog, which discussed women's contribution to the fisheries sector. A Q&A session with Marie Helene Aubert MEP, debated the European Directive 86/613, which concerns the legal status of `collaborative spouses'. Ms Aubert defined and discussed the principle of subsidarity (Maastrict Treaty) and how this was implemented within EU/national law. Different opinions regarding intepretation and application of `gender equality' was a core issue during the session. The need for skills analysis, access,
* Katie Frangourdes, AKTEA, with Trish Slater (left) and Lou Henning, Northern Ireland Women in Fisheries.
support for education and for training across all groups was discussed within the context of the European Fisheries Funds 2007-2013. Concensus centred
on the type of help available and where the aid for further development would come from. Global issues in fisheries at international level was the sub-
ject of two workshops, with input from Professor Barbera Neis, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Brian O'Riordan, ICSF Brussels.
Ghost of a Dublin Ship
MacAlister report
IN 2002, DG Fish published a report commonly known as the MacAlister report, which was commissioned to evaluate the role of women in fisheries across the EU and to examine two particular and interlinked EU priorities: the promotion of equal rights and opportunities between men and women, and the promotion of social and economic cohesion through lessening the developmental differentials between EU regions. The research found that while differences in culture and economic diversity within the EU existed, commonalities for women in fisheries was evident. Ireland has been to the forefront in the early activities of Aktea, through individuals and through informal support groups such Mna na Mara, established in 2004. The women in fisheries groups have representation on a range of projects including the North Western Waters RAC and North Sea RAC, with particular interest in socioeconomic issues of coastal communities. It is an objective of both WIF network that their shared experiences will be a foundation of a European-wide federation.
* Viking exhibition begins on June 28; August 17-19 Sea Stallion of Glendalough will be centre stage in the Clarke museum.
AFTER a gap of 900 years the Vikings are coming back. Well, almost! In the guise of an exact replica of a Viking warship longboat, Sea Stallion of Glendalough is set to arrive into Dublin Port in mid-August having sailed from Denm a r k w r i t e s Jehan Ashmore.
The journey begins in Roskilde on 1 July when the vessel sets sail for Dublin via the North Sea. Enthusiasts can keep track of the voyage on the website www.seastallion.dk.
Visitors
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks is to open a `Viking Ireland' Exhibition starting on 28 June where
the Sea Stallion of Glendalough will be the centre exhibit. Prior to the Viking boat's arrival, visitors can learn about the discovery of the original vessel and construction of the replica warship. The event is being heralded as of the most important and exciting exhibitions to be held on Ireland's Viking Age, and will vividly trace the history of these sea-faring people from Scandinavia. Sea Stallion of Glendalough's much anticipated arrival
will be celebrated by a welcoming ceremony on 14 and 15 August at the Custom House Quay on the River Liffey before she is transferred to Collins Barracks. During the weekend of 17-19
August, the warrior warship will be on display in all its glory above the 30-metre long exhibition display in the museum's Clarke Square. The longboat will remain as part of the exhibition until early summer 2008.
Replica
``We are the central welcoming place for the homecoming of Sea Stallion of Glendalough. The replica ship is like a ghost of a ship that left Dublin in the 1060s. It is the largest warship known from the Viking Age, and to think Ă? built in Dublin!'' exclaimed Dr Patrick Wallace, Director of the National Museum of Ireland, to Inshore Ireland.
``She would have been part of the mercenary fleet belonging to the King of Dublin. The boat was seldom used in Irish warfare but was loaned out to English Kings. In fact, King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings hired the fleet. It was in this war that his children fled to Dublin after losing the disastrous battle of Hastings and we think that one of his children, a princess, was taken back in the 1060s from Dublin on that ship.'' Sea Stallion of Glendalough
is a replica of the Viking longboat, Skuldelev 2, which was discovered fifty years ago near the town of Skuldelev in the Roskilde Fjord and is believed to have been built from Wick-
low oak in Dublin in 1042. During the excavation, five Viking long-ships were also found with the Skuldelev 2 being the largest. The significance of Skuldelev 2 led to the project that began in 2005 by the Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde. The longship was constructed using Viking shipbuilding methods to replicate the sails, ropes and pulleys.
New information
The voyage will take seven weeks and will be a trial to test the replica ship's sea-going characteristics in the very same waters of her predecessor. Performance of the boat's slender hull will also be closely examined and recorded to pro-
vide valuable new information on Viking long-ships. A mixed crew of 65 will sail and row their way in what will prove to be a physically challenging expedition as the Sea Stallion of Glendalough is an open-decked craft that also lacks modern onboard facilities. In addition to the `Viking Ireland' exhibition, a permanent `Viking Age' exhibition is on display at the National Museum on Kildare Street. This exhibition focuses in particular on the daily life of Dublin from c.800AD to c.1150AD, depicted through the artefacts excavated at Wood Quay. Both exhibitions are open to the public and admission is free.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
29
OUTSIDE IRELAND
High use of antibiotics in Chilean salmon farming raises health and safety concerns A SEMINAR on the use of antibiotics in Chilean salmon faming organised by Ecoceanos criticised multinational companies for their lack of corporate social and environmental responsibility, citing massive use of antibiotics and health and safety abuses at work. On 16 May, in Puerto Montt, Chile, Ecoceanos organised a seminar on the `Use of Antibiotics and the Health of Salmon Workers'. The event was hosted by the international Pure Salmon Campaign and the Health Authority of Chile's Los Lagos Region. The main unions representing fishing industry workers and salmon farm workers participated and keynote speeches were made by leading national and international authorities. The seminar noted that in the US and EU, the use of antibiotics in general is highly restricted. But, in Chile, such chemicals are used in massive doses, particularly in salmon farming. According to Ecoceanos, Chile uses 75-100 times more antibiotics per tonne of salmon than Norway. Impacts include rising infection rates from antibiotic resistant bacteria and contamination from antibiotic residues in salmon destined for human consumption. Whilst the use of these substances in Chile for human
* Trusal salmon farm in Chile's Xth Region.
medicine increased from 5 to 18 tonnes between 1988 and 2005, over the same period imports of antibiotics for veterinary medicine have increased from 60 to 160 tonnes. Lack of information
But there is no information available on the absolute quantity or the form in which antibiotics, daily administered to farmed salmon, are used Ð not from the State, the companies or scientific research institutions. The seminar made an urgent call for banning the use of the
Photo: Patricio Igor Melillanca, Ecoceanos, Chile.
latest generation of antibiotics such as quinolones and fluoroquinolones in the production of salmon and other animals for direct human consumption. In the EU and North America, use of these chemicals has been banned for many years, in line with the World Health Organisation's strategy for combating microbial resistance to antibiotics. The Head of the Working Environment and Conditions Unit (UCYMAT) of Chile's National Labour Directorate provided statistics on the high levels of labour infractions in
the salmon sector. These have increased by 70% in recent years, where the most violated norms are those dealing with health and safety and `the right to know'. Many workers are ignorant about the risks that they are exposed to in carrying out their tasks, let alone from handling antibiotics or other noxious chemicals. He stated that transnational companies operating in Chile must comply with national laws and adhere to global standards such as the OECD guidelines and the ILO rules governing multinationals.
Over the last 27 months, 38 workers have died in this multimillion dollar industry, where 40% of the production comes from multinational companies. Currently, judgment is pending against two senior executives at the Chamiza plant of the Norwegian-owned multinational company Marine Harvest for involuntary homicide. Judgment pending
The family of the worker, Javier VelaÂsquez MillaÂn, who died aged 24 on 14 December 2005 in an accident at work at the plant, are pursuing a compensa-
Inshore Ireland is a marine/freshwater newspaper compiled by journalists, Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and distributed by the Irish Farmers Journal. In news, feature and advertorial format, Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the following headings:
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tion claim against the company. Industrial salmonid farming in Chile has grown spectacularly over the last 15 years to become one of the most dynamic sectors of the Chilean economy. But plans to triple salmon production by 2013 have received a major setback. For the last three years, there has no been no increase in production and recent reports describe how salmon companies are struggling to cope with disease outbreaks and parasite infestations. This is a crisis that the sector has brought upon itself. It has shown a high disregard both for the environment and for the sustainable and equitable social development of the areas where salmon aquaculture has been introduced. The answer must not be more of the same in Chile's most southern XI Region, where the industry plans to move to take advantage of the pristine marine environment. This model of intensive aquaculture is clearly not sustainable, it is damaging to the environment and to the health and safety of the workers. * First published in Samudra News Alerts (25/05); compiled by Brian O'Riordan, ICSF. * Ecoceanos is a non-governmental and non- profit organization in Chile that promotes the protection of the oceans, sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture.
Maritime industry reflects economic confidence 30
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT
BY JEHAN ASHMORE, MARINE CORRESPONDENT
THE Irish shipping industry continued to show strong growth in 2006, according to the fourth annual volume of
The Irish Maritime Transport Economist, launched by the
Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) in May. The report highlighted in particular the strong growth in the shipping industry's container /unitized trade sector to record levels. The Director of the IMDO, Glenn Murphy, highlighted that unitised trade was buoyant in the roll-on roll-off (Ro/Ro) sector and in the load-on loadoff (Lo/Lo) sector, which surpassed the 1 million TEU containers (twenty foot equivalent unit) mark for the first time. The report reflects the positive state of the Irish ports and the shipping industry, which has a direct workforce of 8,300 and recorded a turnover of 1.7 billion in 2006. ``Maritime transport continues to be the most environmentally sustainable and costeffective means of moving large volumes of goods. We believe the performance of the sector is clearly reflected in this year's report. ``I have no doubt that good international transport systems help to increase economic efficiency, support deep and pro-
* ICG's Irish Ferries' Ulysses approaches Dublin Port. Aker Finnyards, who built the vessel in 2001, in April surveyed the 50,938GT 'Flagship' with a view to lengthening by inserting a 30m mid-ship section.
ductive markets, and allow businesses and participants to reap the benefits of the global marketplace. Indeed, 158 bil-
Photo: Jehan Ashmore/shipSNAPS
lion worth of merchandise goods were transported by the Irish supply chain in 2006.'' The Irish economy experienced further headline growth
with GDP increasing by 6% and GNP growing at 7.4%. This is the 13th successive year that Ireland has recorded above average GDP growth, represent-
Ireland leads the way on maritime safety MEMBERS of the international Martins Project have recently completed the first in a series of trainers' training courses, in the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. For the past 18 months, five maritime training academies have been working closely to advance the understanding of harmonised marine education and training within North West Europe.
Safety concepts
``Our work is concerned with safety and the practical transfer of safety concepts into the training of our seafarers,'' John Clarence, head of the
college, told Inshore Ireland. ``A number of initiatives are being supported within the Martins project, which for the first time brings together training organisations from Holland (ROC Zeeland); Belgium (VDAB); France (Ecole de Maritime Nantes); UK (South Tyneside College) and the National Maritime College here in Ringaskiddy. We are looking forward to raising the already high stan-
dards of marine safety within Europe,'' he added. As part of the project, a group of students and staff recently attended a consultation seminar held by one of the Martins members Ă? NAUSICAA (An Ocean awareness centre in Boulogne sur mer). Outcomes from the seminar will be forwarded to Brussels as an additional contribution from active mariners from Ireland.
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ing the fastest growth rate in six years. It also remains the highest in real terms of all OECD member states. This places Ireland's GDP at current values at just over 175 billion.
Million milestone
On an all-island basis, 1.3m TEU were shipped overseas, representing an increase of 12% on the same period last year. This figure represents a doubling of throughput over the last decade. TEU growth at Dublin increased by 15% and Cork by 11%, while the Foynes/Rotterdam route almost doubled its throughput, by 98%. A new container terminal at Belfast resulted in 18% growth; whilst increased frequency by C2C and Eucon operators boosted Warrenpoint's turnover by 81%. In the ro/ro sector, 873,000 units (trailers handled) in the Republic resulted in an increase of 8% on 2005. In Northern Ireland ports, there was a 4% drop to 854,000 units. The total all-Ireland volume in growth for 2006 was 6% at 1.72 million trailers with the market split almost 50/50 between jurisdictions.
Global boom
The indicators of market confidence within the economy were also validated at the briefing by Dan McLaughlin, chief economist with the Bank of Ireland, who noted that the global boom has entered its fourth consecutive year, with world growth still expanding at a pace of 5% per annum, marking an unprecedented trend in the post-war era. ``The Irish economy is likely to grow by 6% this year and 5% in 2008, driven by consumer spending. However, external trade will remain an important contributor to the economy where exports have grown by 33% since 2000, against import growth of 32%. This is hardly evidence of a loss
of competitiveness,'' he added. Irish ports handled 32 million tonnes in bulk cargo, representing a modest 1%. The ports of Dublin, Cork and Shannon/ Foynes showed static throughput levels for 2006
Upward climb
Despite a declining passenger market, the opposite applies to freight with P&O, Irish Sea and Celtic Link Ferries adding tonnage on the Dublin/Liverpool route and Stena Line placing a second ship on the Holyhead route. The IMDO estimates that the booming central corridor has seen an additional 32% in freight capacity. Stiff competition from lowcost carriers (LCC) and escalating fuel costs have attributed to a consistent drop in loads. This downward trend in passenger traffic saw a decline of 25% in 2006 at 3 million travellers compared to 3.5 million in 2005. These influencing factors were most apparent on the DuÂn Laoghaire/Holyhead route where Stena Line reduced sailings last year to cut costs of fast ferry HSS Stena Explorer. Consequently, passenger numbers fell by 10% and ro/ro freight dropped significantly to 19,000 units compared to 31,000 units or 39% in 2005. Since Stena introduced the freight-only Stena Seatrader last September, this has freedup passenger capacity, thus increasing passenger numbers for fleet-mate, Stena Adventurer passengers by 22% on Dublin/ Holyhead route.
Cruising comfortably
The Irish cruise-sector has doubled in growth over the last five years, achieving a turnover of 60 million last year from Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Waterford. Passenger volumes grew by 15% and vessel numbers by 21%.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
31
SHIPPING SPOTLIGHT
*
Flags of convenience flagged ro-ro vessel Merchant Bravery approaches Rosslare on a regular sailing from Le Havre in April. Photo: Jehan Ashmore/shipSNAPS
Not a `flagging' Issue Spotlight (vol3/2 April) reported on the issue of flags of convenience (FoC) and implied that both ro-ro freight vessels, Merchant Brilliant and Merchant Bravery no longer remained on charter on Norfolkline's Irish Sea routes. It transpires that only Merchant Bravery was taken out of service and now runs on the Rosslare/Le Havre route. The ship is chartered to O'Toole Shipping after a contract to import Renault vehicles was taken over earlier this year by SHIPPING
the Arklow-based shipping agency from previous operators, United European Car Carriers (UECC). Merchant Bravery continues to operate under a flag of convenience and is registered at Montego Bay, Jamaica. Interestingly, the first vessel to operate on the O'Toole Shipping route, Elise, was impounded by French authorities due to breaches of health and safety regulations and was duly replaced by Merchant Bravery.
Celebrating 25 years of port state control THE 25th anniversary of the Maritime Authorities of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) was celebrated in Bonn in May. Attending the event, marine minister John Browne said that the Paris MoU has been ``a great success'' in improving maritime safety and that Ireland has contributed to its development since its foundation. ``I am very pleased that Ireland now chairs the Paris MoU. The importance of the organisation in protecting our valuable coastline from sub-standard shipping and in safeguarding the living and working conditions of seafarers is now more important than ever.'' The Paris MoU was founded in 1982
after the loss of the oil tanker Amoco and 14 crew. The sinking caused wide-scale environmental pollution off the coast of Brittany. The disaster proved to be a catalyst in raising critical issues within the shipping industry. The vessel was Spanish-built, owned in the United States, flew a Liberian flag and had an Italian crew and captain. The tanker's sister ship, Haven, also exploded and sank in the Bay of Genoa in 1991. ``In the past 25 years, many changes have taken place. Growing from 14 to 25 members has closed most gaps in the region. It is expected that Bulgaria and Romania will become members shortly, adding coverage in the Black Sea,'' Cadiz
Sea Change: what's in it for you? SEA Change Ð A Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007Ð2013 is an inclusive national
plan.
While
it
is
managed by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State, it
is
in
fact
a
far-reaching
collaboration between various stakeholders, marine to
sector
and
to to
benefit
knowledge-based
enable
the
contribute from
the
economy,
explains John Joyce, Marine Institute.
Researchers can apply for assistance with projects that support the Sea Change objectives through a number of public calls. Those already active include: Beaufort Awards These awards allow existing research groups to recruit new researchers from abroad and young Irish researchers to work overseas. 20 million will be provided over seven years to establish five new research teams covering ecosystem approaches to fisheries management; marine biodiscovery; sensors and communications systems for the marine environment; fish population genetics; and economic and social research related to the development dynamics of the Irish marine sector. These awards were launched in April this year by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in association with the Marine Institute and closed at the end
of May. Thirty three applications were received and the awardees are about to be announced. Strategy for SSTI The Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (SSTI) Awards is a joint initiative between the Marine Institute and the Department of Agriculture. It will provide 5.2 million over seven years to develop a new research capability and create new additional capacity in marine functional foods and ingredients research, enabling future Irish participation in an expanding global food opportunity. Applications for this award closed on the 30th May and it is expected that contracts will be signed in September. Ship-time Programme Integrated marine exploration Ð Ship-time Programme: Sea Change highlights the need to further develop national capacity in marine exploration. In response, the Marine Institute secured funding under the SSTI for three novel initiatives to: * enable higher education in-
stitutions to provide dedicated training to young researchers onboard the national research vessels, Celtic Explorer and Celtic Voyager. * encourage research-intensive organisations (private and public) to engage in collaborative multidisciplinary research surveys, led by third level research groups, onboard the Celtic Explorer and Celtic Voyager, allowing access to all facilities and instrumentation. * mobilise a small team to integrate large disparate data sets gathered on survey programmes, through the use of high performance computing facilities and information services. SSTI Training Ship-time will be made available for special training programmes. The first round of these awards has been completed and further calls will take place in August this year for the 2008 season. Climate change SSTI Marine Rapid Climate Change: this programme will
integrate existing Marine Institute data sets to detect climate change factors; focus future scenario model studies for use in the Irish area and examine climate change in terms of phytoplankton; the impact of increased atmospheric CO2 on ocean chemistry and ecosystems; climate and catchment environment; salmonids and eels and the effects of climate change on fisheries. A final deliverable is to produce a National Ocean Climate Change Research Plan 2009 to 2013. Bright Sparks Awards The Marine Institute is pleased to offer students who are interested in marine research the opportunity to undertake a research survey in Irish waters on board the Celtic Voyager for up to five days, plus up to 5,000 costs (total value 35,000) between 29 August and 2 September this year. Sub-Programme Marine Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan: a call for research projects will issue during the third quarter of 2007 subject to approval by the Board of the Marine Institute and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Further information on Sea Change can be found online at
www.marine.ie/home/Sea-
Change.htm
or
in
the
Sea
Change report, available from the Marine Institute.
commented Richard Schiferli, general secretary of the Paris MOU. ``We now look forward to a bright future for the Paris MoU. We are moving ahead with new initiatives in consultation with industry, seafarers, and administrations, to achieve the common goal of safe and secure ships that are environmentally friendly and which provide good working conditions for seafarers,'' remarked Brian Hogan, chairman of the Port State Control Committee. In Ireland, more than 400 ships are inspected annually by surveyors from the Maritime Safety Directorate of the Department of Transport on behalf of the MoU.
32
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
MARINE R&D
* Argo Delos, merchant vessel.
* Two large iron barges, unnamed.
* Lusitania.
* Shipwreck sites.
* Empire Heritage.
Ireland's shipwreck heritage IRELAND'S location at the eastern edge of the mighty Atlantic Ocean ensures that we have a high exposure to marine tragedy. The seabed surrounding the coastline is littered with the wreckage of several thousand ships and boats that made their final,
tragic journeys in these waters over the last century and a half. Countless other journeys met similar fates in preceding centuries but the bottom of the sea is an unforgiving place and no traces remain of countless older accident-stricken vessels, writes
STCW 95 Short Courses Personal Survival Techniques Personal Safety & Social Responsibility Elementary First Aid Fire Prevention and Fire fighting Advanced Fire fighting Medical First Aid Aboard Ship Medical Care Aboard Ship Shipboard Security Officer
Enda Gallagher of the Geological Survey of Ireland.
A project under the framework of the State's marine mapping programme Ð INFOMAR Ð is attempting to shed light on the existence of some of these wrecks. INFOMAR is the current phase of Ireland's
marine mapping programme and is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute. Planned over the course of several years, the project finally came to fruition in 2006 and delivered a comprehensive re-
New Available courses Bridge Resource Management (Pilots) Marine Pilots refresher / updating Certificate in Seamanship
Major Irish Maritime Event to be held at the College November 2007 - come and meet with the international shipping companies For futher details and availability Tel: 00 353 21 4970643 Fax: 00 353 21 4970696
Admissions Office National Maritime College of Ireland Ringaskiddy Co.Cork
The National Maritime College of Ireland is a constiuent college of Cork Institute of Technology
port early this year, researched by Stuart Bennett of GSI and Trinity College as a co-operative effort between GSI and the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Section (NMS), at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Stuart explained how he analysed data from INFOMAR and its preceding sister programme INSS Ð the Irish National Seabed Survey Ð then mapped the wrecks before comparing his findings with wrecks databases operated by NMS and the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The accompanying map displays the mapped area that fell under the scope of the project and the precise locations of 233 wrecks or possible wrecks. ``The project has revealed the existence of an additional 71 wrecks previously unknown to any wrecks databases covering the project areas. These wrecks have been identified using sophisticated acoustic technology employed in both INFOMAR and INSS programmes.'' Stuart explained that multibeam sonar data are collected along parallel survey lines from a number of beams laid out in a fan arrangement. These provide a swath width on the seabed of approximately three times the water depth. ``Once the data have been acquired, grids can be generated to study the seafloor contours and it becomes possible to interpret features on the seabed as being due to sunken vessels (wrecks).
``Sometimes a further scoping of certain locations is required to confirm that the indentation/incline on the seafloor is in fact fashioned by a wreck and not by an outcrop of rock for instance,'' he said. The use of other techniques such as sub-bottom profiler, sidescan sonar and magnetics data can now be used to investigate the considerable number of possible wrecks identified at precise locations in this project. Once Stuart had identified a probable wreck from analysis of the multibeam data, he then matched and identified it in name where possible with wrecks from the UKHO and NMS databases. Out of the 233 records currently in the database, he was able to confirm the names of 64 wrecks and said that many more wrecks are confirmed but their names were uncertain. For each location, he has prepared high resolution imagery of the wreck as it lies on the seafloor. According to INFOMAR Project Manager, Koen Verbruggen, as INFOMAR mapping continues, they would expect to reveal the locations of many additional wrecks and that further research may be required for their identification. ``We plan to publish the findings from this project in due course. The project partners are now examining potential options to further publicise this dataset, including a possible TV documentary,'' he said.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
33
MARINE R&D
Communication needed on climate change Buckland lecture at the Marine Institute. He said that despite the fact that the impact of climate change was less detectable in the marine environment than on land, its impact was clearly noticeable. ``The Atlantic Ocean provides us with a buffer and therefore we're not experiencing the more rapid changes that are happening near the European continent,'' he explained. ``Nevertheless, we are seeing a sustained and gradual warming of our waters, by about a third of a degree centigrade every ten years. On land, the growing season is extending each year and we might expect something similar in the sea.'' He said that the climate can affect all aspects of the foodchain by changing the supply of nutrients from the Atlantic. It can also change the growing season of phytoplankton and how the phytoplankton and zooplankton drift around our Impact seas. ``Climate can change the Dr Turrell made his remarks while delivering this year's food that is available to fish A prominent marine scientist has called for a strengthening of the links between conservationists and fishing communities to ensure the sustainability of commercial sea fishing and to combat the impact of climate change, writes Gery Flynn. Dr Bill Turrell Ă? programme director of the Fisheries Management Programme, Fisheries Research Services Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen and an expert on the physical oceanography of Scottish waters and its interaction with demersal and pelagic ecosystems Ă? believes that the rift between scientists and fishermen in Scotland is growing. ``The great challenge is to get these groups to talk. In Scotland, they are becoming more and more entrenched in their positions, rather than trying to talk with each other. Climate change sets a time scale and we haven't got for ever to do this.''
* Ken Whelan, Marine Institute, Dr Bill Turnell and Dr Richard Shelton, research director of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, at the Buckland lecture.
and shellfish and can also change which species of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish and shellfish that can live healthily in our waters. Climate change can alter our harvests and hence could change the Scottish fishing industry.
Food chain reaction
He said that many aspects of the
Survey reveals variety of seafloor ecosystems OVER the past two months, the INFOMAR (INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland's MARine Resource) programme has focused on surveying the seafloor off Dingle and north Kerry. Scientists from the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute aboard the national research vessel, Celtic Exp l o re r, ha ve s u rv e y ed 2,133km2 of seafloor resource between 20m and 203m depth for the first time since the 1800s, writes Jonathan White, Marine Institute. Using high precision multibeam sonar, recovering grab samples for biological, chemical and geological analyses and measuring gravitational and magnetic variations, this extends the coverage achieved during 2006, 2005 and 2004 building knowledge on the Biologically Sensitive Area*. Surveying is conducted to the International Hydrographic Organisation standard S44, Order 2 and data will update navigation charts of the area. The survey is revealing new discoveries including a major glacial moraine and a large trench just 300 to 400 metres off the Dingle coast. A series of ten seafloor regions has been identified, suggesting the presence of a variety of seafloor ecosystems from which almost 350 sediment samples were gathered for geochemical, biology and particle size analysis. The region is dominated by coarse sediments (pebbles to
boulders) alternating with sand features, with a gradual transition to finer sediments deepening to the west. In shallower waters to the southeast, the sea floor consists mainly of bedrock gullies infilled with soft sediments. The eastern area is characterised by sands and the southwest features coarse shelly sands. In the north, a large area of sand waves were found, possibly composed of till material deposited during the last glaciation, overlain by shelly sand ribbons. The direction of the sand wave crests (aligned northeast to southwest) and their asymmetry with northward facing scarp (front) slopes indicates a dominant northwest current. A 10km ridge was discovered extending in a north-westerly direction north of the Dingle peninsula, five metres high and one km wide. This notable discovery is believed to be glacial in origin, possibly a terminal moraine (the front of a glacier from the last ice age where rock debris was deposited by melt water run-off). The ridge has been dubbed the `Slava Ridge' by offshore scientists after Slava Sobolev, the scientist who first noted its existence. Also prominent is a 500 to 600m wide trench-like feature, dubbed the `Brendan Trench' after St Brendan the Navigator who sailed from Brandon Creek across the Atlantic in search of the Promised Land, a fabled place of plenty, and discovered `St Brendan's Isle', which some
* A northward looking view over the rock out crops in the INFOMAR
survey area CE07_02, west of the Dingle Peninsular. Sand waves are visible in the background.
now believe was the American continent. Orientated east-west and parallel with the shore, the trench is between 15 and 25m deep stretching over 40km in close proximity with the shore. It has been interpreted as seafloor traces of a geological fault zone; movement along this line has not occurred in recent history and is not likely to do so. Meanwhile, magnetic data that must now be analysed in detail, indicate a potential extension of known volcanic centres at Clogher Head and the Blasket Island, Inishvickillane. The new findings may be linked to these geologically old volcanic centres, representing areas where magma was extruded. Initial observations of biological samples show a good collection of worms, tube forming animals, echinoderms (urchins), cup corals and molluscs. From coarse sands, low numbers of molluscs and tube dwelling worm species are being found, while muddy substrates show higher biodiversity and faunal numbers. While samples are sieved onboard, identification and enumeration is a time intensive, skilled exercise that will take place in Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) before analysis can be made to better understand the ecology of the BSA. Additional datasets from airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and smaller vessels will extend coverage inshore over the next 12 months. INFOMAR continues later in the year surveying the Kish Bank off Dublin, Galway Bay and Waterford Bay. * The area surveyed is within the `Biologically Sensitive Area' (BSA) as designated by the EU Commission in 2003 following lobbying by the Irish government, fisheries scientists and industry. As such, international fishing effort in the area is restricted to a pre-specified effort as a form of protection. The survey will provide more detail on the nature and resources of this important natural area.
plankton that form the bottom of the food-chain, supporting Scottish fisheries, have already altered as a result of climate change. According to Dr Turrell, such changes have lead to an increase in plant growth of up to 30%, while overall production of fish has decreased by 15%. ``It looks as if the excess annual primary production now settles to the seabed rather than being consumed in the water column. This, coupled with the reduction in predation by demersal fish, has resulted in the marked increase in production of animals that live on the seabed,'' he explained. Proof of this, he said, is the increase in shellfish landings. All the results point to a fundamental change in the structure of the North Sea food-chain
since the 1970s, towards shorter food chains, linking primary production to plankton-eating fish (herring, sprat, sand eels) and sea-bed animals. Fishing has played a role in this major alteration of the food-chain by removing the predator fish: ``Modelling shows that the North Sea, even given the climatic conditions we have experienced since the 1980s, is supporting a sustainable cod spawning biomass of about 260,000 tonnes, which in turn could be supporting a sustainable fishery of 180,000 tonnes each year. The reason that we do not have this size of stock is due to the high fishing pressure we have subjected the stock to. ``Cod is not moving north; rather we are fishing out the southerly components of the stock. There still remain large areas of potential habitat for North Sea cod at suitable temperatures and we can not blame climate for the decline of North Sea cod.''
Warming effects
Dr Turrell claimed that it was difficult to predict what effect the continued warming will have on ecosystems, but he added that the growing season for phytoplankton may continue to expand in duration. ``Warm water plankton species will become more common, and cold-water species more scarce,'' he contended. ``We may expect complex changes in the North Sea food-
chain, compounded by the effects of fishing. For the next 50 years at least however, temperature conditions will not become so different from now that major species change would be expected. The changing climate does not give any reason why we should not be able to manage our marine ecosystems so that they become healthy and productive.'' Given the best-guess we have for changes in sea temperature, we estimate that the west coast of Scotland and North Sea could provide a suitable habitat for cod Ă? if only determined by temperature, up to at least 2100. ``Hence, if cod are allowed to repopulate the North Sea, they could sustain a fishery for the next 100 years. Global warming will extend the range of Atlantic cod into the far north and increase its overall productivity.'' Dr Turrell claimed that it was a golden age for conservationists and that now was the time to get their message across. He is fearful however that instead of coming together, both sides ``had become more entrenched in their own ideologies. Now is the time for us as scientists to forge strong links with the industry. In Aberdeen, we focus on putting resources into educating MSc students, but I think we should put a little bit of resources into educating the industry so that the modern skipper understands the basics of oceanography and the food chain.''
34
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
SEAFOOD MARKETING
Visual emphasis as global expo showcases best of Irish THE new look Irish Pavilion, The Best of Irish Seafood, at the seafood showcase in Brussels in May focused on a visual market area where exhibitor products were merchandised alongside a centre-state cookery display area where four chefs prepared and cooked seafood. Pat Keogh, in one of his final public roles as BIM chief executive, said that an event such as ESE was a vital platform for Irish seafood companies: ‘‘Demand for seafood is outpacing consumption growth for most other protein products. Irish seafood companies are well regarded the world over and I am confident that this fresh customer-focused approach will lead to bumper sales for participating companies.’’ Twenty-seven of Ireland’s leading seafood companies participated in ESE 2007, competing for business against 1,600 exhibitors across 80 counties, from an estimated 20,000 buyers who attended the threeday event.
Product launches The event also marked the launch of an innovative new seafood brand, the result of a strategic alliance between two fish co-ops, Foyle Fishermen’s Co-op and Union Hall Fisherman’s Company and leading seafood processor, Atlanfish of Cardonagh. The Cashelmara range of whitefish products and its exist-
ing shellfish range is caught by small local fishing communities and frozen at sea or within minutes of being landed. ‘‘Cashelmara has developed strong relationships with its suppliers and uses only local fishing enterprises. With Cashelmara, customers can audit the product, factory, fishing vessels and the sustainability programme as part of a one-stopshop,’’ remarked Gareth Gallagher, Atlanfish managing director. The Cashelmara range is available in two collections: whitefish (monkfish tails and medallions, sole, haddock, whiting, brill and plaice) and shellfish (crab, crab claws, mussels, langoustines and king scallops). Also showcasing at ESE was Fastnet Mussels Ltd, Bantry Bay, who launched its new brand, The Fishmonger Murphy for the foodservice and retail sectors. A variety of shellfish products were presented in easy-to-prepare, chilled seafood dishes. Speaking at the launch, managing director, John Murphy said that the new brand was as a result of extensive research and was focused on the upmarket retail stores and specialised delicatessen: ‘‘While evoking a sense of fun, the new-look is firmly based on the fact that we source these natural healthy ingredients from local producers.’’
Dunn’s Seafare, established in 1822 and one of Ireland’s oldest fish companies specifically targeted the French market at ESE ’07 as part of its export development programme. Its range includes smoked, ready-to-eat, fresh and frozen seafood; the company is also focusing on organic products, popular in Germany where sales are growing. According business development director, Ken Ecock, the company’s mission is to be continually one step ahead in terms of quality and innovation. ‘‘This has been consistently achieved across our product ranges. Our organic products have seen significant growth and we plan to extend this into the French market in 2007. Our new product branding is just the first step in Dunn’s market expansion,’’ he said. Another launch for ESE ’07 was by Rooney Fish of Kilkeel harbour who showcased a new range of cooked whole prawns, along with other house specialities of whole crab, crab claws, winkles, lobster and whelks. Speaking at the launch, Andrew Rooney said that supplying the retail and restaurant sectors with the highest quality fresh and frozen fish and shellfish had been key to their success: ‘‘Satisfying the requirements of the most demanding consumers with superior quality products is our focus.’’ A recent capital investment has allowed the company expand its product range. Rooney Fish sources its daily requirement directly from local boats and is currently supplying retail and restaurants in Italy, France, Spain, Slovenia, Russia and Croatia.
New crabmeat pack
Irish Association of Seafood Companies
The Irish Association of Seafood Companies (IASC) develops, promotes and represents the interests of independent seafood processors and retailers in Ireland. If you’re interested in joining our ever-expanding network, contact Martina Clarke for further information. iasc 70B Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth t 042 938 6977 / 087 202 6420 f 042 939 5566 e martina@iasc.ie w www.iasc.ie
Training Networks Programme
A first for any Irish company and launched at ESE ’07 was a 500g pack of frozen crab meat, produced by Shellfish de la Mer, Castletownbere, with the consumer in mind, according to Peter O’Sullivan Greene, managing director. ‘‘Frozen crab is becoming increasingly sought after, particularly by Europeans, who demand convenience and quality. This new products augments our already significant range of 140 products, with the core product being crab or more specifically crabmeat whole and dressed crab, spider crab and crab claw.’’ As part of its development programme, which focuses on new prepared food product development and productivity improvements, Errigal Fish, Donegal, launched Pasteurised Cooked Whole Spider Crab and Pasteurised Cooked Whole Lobster at ESE ’07. ‘‘The key to ensuring success in this sector is to maintain a very strong commitment to customer service and high quality, coupled with ongoing marketing-led product and process development,’’ remarked Aodh O’Donnell, managing director. Marketed under the brands of Donegal, Donegal Krabba, Tuskar Rock and Celtic, Errigal exports chilled crab, whelk and winkle products to Sweden, Gemany, France, the UK and
*
Michelle Barry demonstrating her filleting skills.
Eastern Europe, and to Japan and Korea. Connemara Seafoods took the opportunity at ESE ’07 to launch a new range of products under the La Mouliére brand. Mussels in Mediterranean Sauce, and Mussels in Creamy Mariniere Sauce were developed specifically for the French market, and highlight the links between the seafood culture of Connemara and the French seafood harvesting tradition, according to Andy Molloy, managing director. ‘‘We continue to push ourselves, to innovate and to adapt. The award last year of Seafood Exporter of 2006 was testimony to the determined focus we have placed on understanding our customers’ needs to overseas and on constantly delivering a quality Irish producer,’’ he said. Atlantic Fare, a leading supplier of farmed and organic salmon, Arctic char and organic sea reared trout, launched Curraun Blue (Irish organic sea reared trout) and announced a November launch date for its Irish organic sea reared cod, at ESE ’07. According to Richard McNamara, managing director, the demand for high quality organic seafood is increasingly rapidly throughout the EU. ‘‘Every year this show exhibits more impressive and varied seafood products that reflect this demand.’’ Frozen at Sea Prawns, a new product for Clanawley Kilmore International, was also launched at ESE ’07. The prawns are fished in the Atlantic and frozen within an hour of being landed. CKI supplies shellfish to markets across Europe but has a particular focus on Mediterranean countries. ‘‘Kilmore Quay is one of Ireland’s largest scallop and prawn production centres, meaning both products are a natural focus for CKI’s export markets,’’ commented Mairéad Roche, managing director.
John Browne, marine minister; Ian Mannix, BIM and Shane Horgan, Irish rugby international
*
* A variety of shellfish products were presented in easy-to-prepare, chilled seafood dishes.
INSHORE IRELAND
June 2007
35
IRISH ASSOCIATION OF SEAFOOD COMPANIES
First meeting of the new IASC committee * Helen Brophy presents IASC member, Birgetta Curtin, with the much coveted `Seafood Circle' award.
Fish smokehouse is landmark visitor centre in the Burren By John Hearne
SOME 30,000 visitors a year make their way to the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, to Birgitta and Peter Curtin's unique family-run business. Just eight kilometres from the Cliffs of Moher, the visitor centre has become a landmark in Clare's tourism product. Specialising in smoked salmon, trout, mackerel and eel, Burren Smokehouse products are sold both locally and across the globe via the internet. The visitor centre also showcases a range of locally available crafts and food products, and allows tourists a rare insight into the production of high quality smoked salmon. Having recently expanded to employ twenty-two people, Birgitta explains that the smoking process is central to the company's success: ``Our process is very very important to us Ă? we have actually managed to patent it. For the cold smoked product we use traditional oak shavings to give it taste, although we also do traditional hot smoked. At
the visitor centre, we sell directly to the public and also give guided tours, presentations and demonstrations.''
Niche markets
Focused very much on the higher end of the market, Birgitta says that speciality food shops are a vital market for the business. ``We distribute to neighbouring counties like Galway and Limerick as well as Clare. We have distribution channels to independent supermarkets and we also sell directly to speciality food shops all over Ireland; places like Donnybrook Fair, Mortons of Ranelagh, and McCambridges and Joyces in Galway.'' Always on the look-out for new markets, the internet is now vitally important to the business, while food fairs and exhibitions provide a showcase for the company's product range. The visitor centre also allows the Burren Smokehouse to leverage its marketing effort in a way that's not open to most comparable businesses. ``It's a combination of tour-
* Brigitta with a Burren Smokehouse hamper
ism and wholesale and retail business,'' says Birgitta who also works with FaÂilte Ireland to bring tour groups to the visitor centre. ``We do about 35% of our production for Christmas. In one four-week period we ship a huge amount of product to both private customers and speciality food shops all over the world.''
A taste of the Burren
Local production and high quality methodology isn't all about market positioning however. A member of the slow-food movement, there's an ideology at the heart of the business. ``It's always been very important to us that we're making a product that's sourced and supplied locally. We started off with local hotels and restaurants; then we widened it a bit more, but it's still Limerick and Galway. I also buy in local cheeses, jam and even wine. We have a fantastic wine producer in Killaloe; so anything local that I can get my hands on, I showcase in our visitor centre. The whole idea is you come to the Burren and you taste what is produced in the Burren.'' In a highly competitive market, keeping costs under control is a central challenge. Moreover, with cheaper product coming in from Scotland, Norway and Chile, the Burren Smokehouse has to work hard to keep its product competitive in the premium space. Despite the challenges, Brigitta says that the company plans to keep focused on that same niche. ``We'll keep working on our web sales at the high end of the market because that's where we can get our margins, and also the speciality food shops, the places where people recognise quality and are prepared to pay for it.''
The Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Tel: 065 7074432 Fax: 065 7074303 Email: sales@burrensmo kehouse.ie www.burrensmokehouse.ie
THE first meeting of the new IASC committee recently took place in the Clarion Hotel, Dublin airport. The agenda focused on further structuring of the national committee, following agreement of the proposal at the AGM.
Sub-committees will be developed in the core areas of processing, smoking and retailing. With the membership currently standing at over 80 companies, it was decided that each member of the committee will target and recruit new
members in their region. The members examined the ongoing projects with FAS, Skillnets and the FSAI. Agreement was sought on the follow-up from the recent BIM traceability workshop and meetings on the launch of the BIM Seafood Circle later this year.
COMMITTEE 2007/8 Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer PRO North-East East South-West Mid-West West North-West
Martin McLoughlin Arthur Morgan John Boyle Noel Holland Priscilla Diamond Joe Morgan Tadgh O'Meara Martin Shanahan Birgitta Hedin-Curtin Noel Holland Conal Molloy
Nickys Plaice, Howth Morgans Oceanfresh, Omeath Albatross Seafoods, Killybegs Galway Bays Seafoods, Galway Renvyle Fisheries, Connemara Morgans Oceanfresh, Omeath Kish Fish, Dublin Fishy Fish Shop, Kinsale Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna Galway Bay Seafoods, Galway Fish Sales Killybegs, Killybegs
Irish seafood businesses welcome long-awaited alignment of fisheries with Department of Agriculture IRISH seafood processors and retailers welcome the news as an improvement that their fisheries portfolio is to move to the Department of Agriculture, resulting in the new Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. ``This is in line with many other EU states and suggests the Government's confidence in the sector, on the back of the new strategy, Steering a new course, which is hoped will ensure a long- term sustainable and prosperous future for coastal communities,'' Martina Clarke, Irish Association of Seafood Companies, told Inshore Ireland. ``As a native of Donegal, it is hoped that Minister Mary
Coughlan would be fully aware of the issues facing the fisheries sector in coastal communities. The members are optimistic that her passion for the agriculture community will be shared with her new additional fisheries portfolio,'' she added. Chairperson of IASC, Martin McLoughlin, Nickys Plaice, said that the member were happy to see the strategic change in the government departments, given that the title marine had been initially dropped from the Department in the previous election. ``We welcome Minister Coughlan as our new Minister and hope she will bring her understanding of the issues
facing peripheral counties. Seafood companies are of critical socio-economic importance to remote coastal communities. They support employment where there are few, if any, other economic alternatives,'' he said. IASC members also welcome the appointment of Jason Whooley as CEO of BIM and look forward to working with him when he takes office next month. IASC would also like to thank outgoing CEO Pat Keogh for the dedication and commitment he devoted to the organisation and the industry during his two five-year terms at the helm of BIM.
The Irish Association of Seafood Companies (IASC) is an association of over 80 independent Irish seafood companies, ranging in size from micro businesses (2-9 employees) to small businesses (10-50 employees). The companies are Irish owned, operating in local markets, the majority of which are long-established family businesses. IASC develops, promotes and represents the interests of independent seafood processors and retailers in Ireland. It provides a professional focus for the sector and assists its membership in the continuing development of their businesses. For further information, please contact Martina Clarke, on 042 9386977.
36
INSHORE IRELAND June 2007
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5IF 8PSME 4FBGPPE $POHSFTT $SPLF 1BSL $POGFSFODF $FOUSF %VCMJO *SFMBOE 4FQUFNCFS JT BO FWFOU OP TFBGPPE QSPGFTTJPOBM DBO BGGPSE UP NJTT 5IF UISFF EBZ $POHSFTT XJMM DPOTJTU PG B DPOGFSFODF BOE BO FYIJCJUJPO EFEJDBUFE UP UIF UIFNF PG ´*OOPWBUJPO JO UIF 4FBGPPE *OEVTUSZµ
IPTUFE CZ
%FMFHBUFT BOE FYIJCJUPST DBO SFHJTUFS XJUI UIF $POHSFTTµT SFHJTUSBUJPO GBDJMJUZ ! XXX XPSMETFBGPPEDPOHSFTT DPN SFHJTUFS IUN UP CFDPNF QBSU PG UIJT LFZ EJBSZ EBUF GPS UIF HMPCBM TFBGPPE JOEVTUSZ 5IF 8PSME 4FBGPPE $POHSFTT PSHBOJTFST MPPL GPSXBSE UP DP PSHBOJTFE CZ
XFMDPNJOH ZPV UP %VCMJO GPS BO FYDFQUJPOBM EFMFHBUF FYQFSJFODF
XXX XPSMETFBGPPEDPOHSFTT DPN
