Inshore ireland Vol 12 Nr 4 autumn 2016

www.inshore-ireland.com €1.90/£1.50 Bi-Monthly

The Marine & Freshwater Environment Publication

National seafood awards page 4

Law and the environment page 15

Autumn 2016 Vol 12 Issue 4

ONLINE EDITION

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

Maritime spatial planning to energise Ireland’s blue economy Gery Flynn

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Maritime spatial planning brings together multiple users of the marine space to make informed and co-ordinated decisions about how to use marine resources in a sustainable way through the production of a comprehensive plan,” is how Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney defined what he believes to be the single most important

government legislation for the past fifty years.

The minister was addressing this year’s SeaFest in Galway prior to announcing that he had signed regulations to transpose the EU Directive on Maritime Spatial Planning into Irish law – a move that heralded major implications for Irish marine law.

Harnessing our Ocean Wealth recognises that managing our ocean requires an over-arching MSP, underpinned by an efficient and robust planning and licensing framework,” he told SeaFest 2016.

“Such an approach will provide a governance

structure and a blueprint for, regional and local planning of our ocean resources. I believe that implementing MSP will provide competitive advantage in our marine sectors and help realise the full benefit of our ocean wealth and assist with managing our resources effectively and sustainably. And ultimately that’s what this is about”.

Getting the sequencing right

Minister Coveney said that the various reports produced in the run up to this country having a functioning MSP had called for the same things:

»» a lead department to be responsible at a national level for marine spatial policy and legislation »» the national maritime spatial plan to cover Ireland’s marine waters to a broad strategic level, with more detailed plans being prepared subsequently at a sub-national level as required »» the maritime spatial plans to aim for sustainable and efficient use of marine space by maximising multiple uses and potentially zoning for preferred uses »» to have meaningful and

early participation in the process by all stakeholders – including the general public is essential “And we know what happens when that doesn’t happen.

We know that people get suspicious and think there are agendas that maybe aren’t there. And then we get a whole frustrated process around confusion, lack of understanding, and ultimately objection, and in many cases, the projects are prevented that would otherwise have gone ahead.” »» page 16

Whaler Charles W Morgan at New Bedford, Massachusetts, on the eve of departure for her maiden whaling voyage in the Atlantic and Pacific, September 5, 1841. Painting by Austin Dwyer, Ships to Remember 1400 Years of Historic Ships, reviewed on page 28.

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Budget 2017: Seafarers Allowance extended to commercial fishermen

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Seafarers Allowance of €6,350, amounting to a tax credit of €1,270, is being extended to workers on board fishing vessels under Budget 2017.

The decision has been welcomed by the fishing industry and comes after many years of lobbying for its introduction to remove the anomaly they claim exists in the Taxes Consolidation Act where fishing vessel workers were

excluded from claiming the allowance. An independent review of marine taxation by Indecon consultants in 2015 recommended the change.

“I am pleased that Minister Noonan followed through on his commitment in last year’s budget to establishing the feasibility of their implementation in future budgets. I would also like to recognise the support from Minister Creed and his officials and Pat the Cope Gallagher for all their work

in bringing this measure finally to fruition,” remarked Sean O’Donoghue, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation chief executive.

He added this change would be a “significant boost” to mainintaing employment, encouraging new entrants and enhancing viability and safety throughout the sector.

“As with all these measures, the devil is in the detail” he however warned.

“I hope when the Finance

Bill is published it will not contain any surprises.”

Francis O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, also thanked Minister Creed, and recognised Minister McMcHugh and Pat the Cope Gallagher, “both of whom kept [the issue] on their agendas during a series of meetings with the IFPO over

14% mackerel quota increase for Irish fishermen Gillian Mills

I Minister Joe McHugh (second left) and IFPO representatives in Killybegs prior to Budget 2017 announcement

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Our Ocean - A Shared Resource Ár n-Aigéan - Acmhainn Comhroinnte Ireland’s National Agency for Marine Research and Innovation An Ghníomhaireacht Náisiúnta um Thaighde Mara agus Nuálaíochta

the last twelve months”.

The Seafarers Allowance is described as a taxable allowance for seafarers who are at sea on a voyage to or from a foreign port for at least 161 days in the tax year. It also applies to seafarers on vessels which service drilling rigs. The allowance was introduced 1998/99.

reland’s mackerel fishing industry will increase by more than 10,000 tonnes in 2017 to a quota of 86,429 tonnes. The increase was secured by marine minister Michael Creed at recent international fisheries negotiations between the EU, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland on the €1bn annual mackerel fishery in the North East Atlantic.

“Mackerel is our most valuable fishery, and allied to the fact that we are the second largest EU quota holder, these negotiations are of crucial importance to the Irish fishing industry”, worth over €10m directly to catching sector with further addedvalue through the processing factories in Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Cork, Minister Creed outlined.

“The quotas agreed for 2017 are consistent with the Long term Management Strategy agreed by the parties last year to provide sustainability and stability in this hugely valuable fishery in line with the scientific advice. Industry representatives, in particular, Sean O’Donoghue (Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation); Patrick Murphy, (Irish

South & West Fishermen’s Organisation) and Francis O’Donnell (Irish Fish Producers Organisation) were very helpful to the Irish negotiating team throughout the negotiations,” he added.

Commenting on the outcome, Sean O’Donoghue said it was “good news” for pelagic fishermen and reflected not only the scientific advice but also the reality on the fishing grounds of a very large stock that continues to grow. “I expect we will continue to see a very large mackerel stock given the recruitment coming into the fishery,» he said.

The current sharing arrangement was agreed in 2014 between three parties: EU, Faroes and Norway, and an amount is held in reserve to accommodate other parties.

This agreement expires in 2018 and negotiations on a new agreement will commence in 2017.

“This affords an opportunity to renegotiate the 20% reduction in our share that occurred as part of that agreement. This reduction has been masked over [recent] years given the very large mackerel stock, but should the stock decline in the long-term, the reduction of 20% in our share would mean significant losses of mackerel fishing opportunities for Ireland,” Sean O’Donoghue warned.

www.marine.ie Killybegs, Co Donegal, Ireland’s pelagic stronghold

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Is maritime spatial planning off to a good start in Ireland?

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n 2014 the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted Directive 2014/89/E which establisfhed a framework for maritime spatial planning and details the main goals and minimum requirements. MSP must be in place, where applicable, by March 2021.

In June of this year, Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney transposed the Directive into Irish law and in so doing effectively sounded the death knell for Ireland’s Foreshore Act of 1933 which had been the bulwark of marine law here for the past eighty-three years.

It’s not before time therefore that Ireland made the move from old legislation that had less relevance to a modern economy and had lost its effectiveness in policing marine issues in the twenty-first century.

So far the government - the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning - has done a good job deploying an effective public awareness campaign designed to inform Irish people about maritime spatial planning.

In short, MSP is a new way of looking at how we use the marine resource and how best to use it in future. The government says MSP will try to balance the different demands for using the sea while also having regard to protecting the marine environment.

MSP is all about planning

when and where human activities take place at sea. It’s about ensuring these activities are as efficient and sustainable as possible, and it involves stakeholders in the planning process - in a transparent way.

MSP simply reinforces the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive that obliges EU Member States to ensure their waters reach ‘good environmental status’ by 2020. It also requires us to establish a coherent network of Marine Protected Areas, and it specifically refers to maritime spatial planning as a key tool to make that happen.

This is important because Member States need to cooperate to create the network of Marine Protected Areas.

MSP applies from the high water mark in Ireland’s coastal

waters, territorial seas, exclusive economic zone and in designated parts of the continental shelf.

Ireland’s marine area is the largest in Europe totalling over 488,000 square kilometres.

And with the demands that are expected to come on this area during this century, there was no time to lose in getting clear, effective and fit for purpose legislation in place.

Minister Simon Coveney now finds himself in charge of the lead department responsible at a national level for marine spatial planning and legislation.

His five years as an effective Marine Minister should ensure there will be no learning curve.

For Ireland’s blue economy it could be said that maritime spatial planning is off to a good start!

comment

Gery Flynn

Discard ban top item on December Fisheries Council

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reland’s marine minister Michael Creed has told the EU Fisheries Council that a solution must be found for mixed fisheries in the context of the discard ban.

Mixed fisheries in waters around Ireland (Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and off the northwest coast) will create “difficult challenges” for fishermen as the discard ban is rolled out, he said.

All species subject to quota must be landed from 2019, effectively ending the current practice of discarding whitefish that are over quota, undersized etc.

The new discard policy means that vessels may be required to stop fishing early in the year, once

Ireland’s quota for the most limiting stock on mixed catches is exhausted.

“This situation is not acceptable to me. We must find solutions within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) framework that will support the continuation of fisheries while protecting vulnerable stocks.”

This he said would require “intensive work” involving Member States in the region, fishermen, stakeholders and the Commission over the next two years.

“We must support fishermen to make use of more selective fishing gears and practices.

We must also find solutions that practically support the discard ban and make use of all available flexibilities.”

Minister Creed also held

bilateral talks with his French counterpart, Alain Vidalies, ahead of the December Fisheries Council.

Ireland has many shared fisheries with France, such as cod in the Celtic Sea which is facing a 67% cut proposed by the Commission.

“This cut would have serious socio-economic implications for both countries. We agreed [to examine] all options that may allow us to make a scientific case for a more modest cut in the quota, including [whether] additional conservation measures may be appropriate to help re-build this stock.”

The bilateral also discussed the scallop fishery in the English Channel where Ireland has a small but

important interest. Both sides agreed to promote “increased engagement”

by their fleets to implement conservation measures, at EU level if necessary.

Happy Christmas & A Peaceful New Year from all at Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Inshore Ireland is published by IIPL Ltd

www.bim.ie

Editor

Features Editor

Gillian Mills

Gery Flynn

mills@inshore-ireland.com

flynn@inshore-ireland.com

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Martin Howley receives posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award Gillian Mills

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hirty-eight finalists shortlisted across Skills, Sustainability, Innovation and Competitiveness were recognised at the inaugural BIM National Seafood Awards in Dublin (17/11)/ Twelve winners received awards for their ‘outstanding contributions to the fishing, fish farming, seafood processing and retail sectors’ at the ceremony officially opened

by Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Establishing leaders in the sector is a key priority for the seafood development agency, recognised by the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to the family of the late Martin Howley.

“Martin exemplified everything you need to be a great leader.

He led by example, starting as a fisherman in Killybegs in the 1970s, rising to become a pioneering mackerel skipper then a successful businessman and a great leader in the fishing industry.

“His passion, energy and innovative spirit were a unifying and driving force,” remarked BIM chairman, Kieran Calnan.

BIM’s chief executive, Tara McCarthy, said the rationale behind the awards was to celebrate the positive contribution that the seafood industry makes to the Irish economy, worth €1bn in gross domestic product and

employing over 11,000 people, predominantly in coastal regions.

“The awards provide us with the opportunity to recognise excellence and leadership across this diverse sector. It is an exciting time to work in seafood, and the high standard demonstrated by our winners and all of our finalists, bodes well for the future as we collectively aim to achieve growth as set out in the Government’s FoodWise 2025 plan.”

The winners come from nine counties: Donegal; Cork; Dublin; Kerry; Kilkenny; Louth; Mayo; Waterford and Wexford: two young fishmongers - Stephen Hurley, The Fish Shop, Union Hall, Co Cork and Eimantas Zvirblis, Donnybrook Fair, Malahide, Co. Dublin who won the title of BIMYoung Fishmonger of theYear (Independent Seafood Specialist) and (Supermarket Seafood Counter) respectively.

BIM also introduced a new brand identity, reflecting the agency’s plan to progress the seafood sector under its four key priorities: skills, sustainability, innovation and competitiveness.

This new look underpins the agency’s vision for Ireland to become ‘The international leader in high value differentiated seafood products that satisfy growing domestic and international demand for nutritious, safe and responsibly and sustainably produced food.’

Skills »» (1)Student of the Year: Barry Shaw (Killybegs, Co. Donegal) »» Young Fishmonger of the Year (Independent Seafood Specialist): Stephen Hurley, The Fish Shop, Glenmar Shellfish, Union Hall, West Cork »» Young Fishmonger of the Year (Supermarket Seafood Counter): Eimantas Zvirblis, Donnybrook Fair, Malahide, Co. Dublin Sustainability »» Responsible Fisherman of the Year: Jim Connolly, Supreme II, Clogherhead. Co Louth »» Aquaculture Environmental & Social Responsibility Award: Blackshell Farm, Newport, Co Mayo »» Green Processor of the Year: Island Seafoods Ltd, Killybegs, Co Donegal »» Innovation »» Best New Fishing Practice: Foyle Warrior Ltd, Greencastle, Co Donegal »» Innovation in Aquaculture: Dungarvan Shellfish Ltd, Dungarvan, Co Waterford »» Innovation in Seafood Processing: Oceanpath/Dunn’s of Dublin (Howth, Co Dublin) & Goatsbridge Trout Farm (Thomastown, Co Kilkenny) Competitiveness: »» Fishing Enterprise of the Year: DC Fish Ltd (Union Hall, Co Cork) »» Aquaculture Enterprise of the Year: Kush Seafarms Ltd, Kenmare, Co Kerry »» Seafood Enterprise of the Year: Sofrimar, Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford

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Role of the Irish Naval Service

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Irish poet defines ship’s character and spirit Gillian Mills

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he Irish Naval Service has welcomed LÉ William Butler Yeats to its flotilla, marking another milestone for the service.

Launching the ship in Galway, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the choice of name rekindled a strong link between the poet – the first person from Ireland to receive a Nobel Prize - and the INS. In 1948,

the first foreign mission of an Irish Naval Ship, LÉ Macha, was to repatriate the poet’s remains to Galway, for burial in Drumcliffe churchyard in Sligo.

“Our Naval Service asserts the integrity of our territorial waters and they protect both the waters of the country and the European Union. Continuing success of the Naval Service in fulfilling the roles of fishery protection, their support in marine search and rescue, and its many other tasks, including the hugely

important humanitarian work carried out by its ships in the Mediterranean Sea in the last two years, saving thousands of lives, has resulted in a more widespread public appreciation of the important roles played by the Naval Service.”

Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett said LÉ William Butler Years offered a “significant upgrade” in capability and would enhance capacity of the INS to support the government’s Defence and Maritime Policy.

“2016 has been a significant year in the history of Óglaigh na nÉireann. From the numerous ceremonial events associated with the State Centenary Programme to our ongoing operational deployments at home and overseas, Óglaigh na nÉireann continues to deliver measurable outputs on behalf of the State on a daily basis.

Acknowledging and thanking the project team leaders and all associated with delivering the ship, Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon said that a ship was an empty hull without its crew.

“It has been a great pleasure serving with this outstanding crew, who from the outset proved themselves to be excellent ambassadors of the defence forces, their country and their families.

Together as a unit that is founded upon the finest ethos and values of the defence forces, we will endeavour to make this ship an exemplar of public sector efficiency.”

he INS is the State’s principal seagoing agency maintaining a constant armed presence 24/7, 365, throughout Ireland’s rich maritime jurisdiction, upholding Ireland’s sovereign rights. It is an integral part of Óglaigh na hÉireann as the maritime component of the Defence Forces.

Taking into account the extent of the seabed area, Ireland is the third largest EU State in the North Atlantic, with a seabed territory of almost 1 million square kilometres, representing an area roughly 10 times the size of Ireland’s landmass.

Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction, where the State enjoys exclusive sovereign rights, contains natural resources with a potential value in excess of several trillion euros, including mineral deposits; fossil fuels; marine life; fisheries and some of the richest wind, wave and tidal renewable energy on the planet.

Ireland’s location on the western frontier of Europe is also a strategic gateway between two of the world’s largest economies: t he USA and the EU. LÉ William Butler Yeats replaces LÉ Aisling which was decommissioned from operational service early this year.

I wish to extend personal congratulations to the INS and my sincere thanks to Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon and crew for a thoroughly informative and enjoyable trip onboard LÉ William Butler Yeats.

specifications Builder: Babcock Marine Appledore Laid Down: 15 April 2015 Float Up: 10 March 2016 Delivered: 23 July 2016 Class of Ship: Offshore ore Patrol Vessel Displacement: 2,226 tonnes Length: 90.0m Beam: 14.0m Draught: 3.8m Propulsion: 2 x shafts powered by

2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines @

10,880 kw or 2 x Power Take In Motors @ 710 kw Speed: 23kts (Max Speed) Complement: 44 personnel Armament: 1 x 76mm OTO Melara

2 x 20mm RH 202 Rhienmetall Cannon

2 x 12.7mm Browning HMGs

4 x 7.62mm GPMG’s

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YOURVIEW From initiative to legislation: a roadmap through the corridors of Brussels Dominic Rihan, Fisheries Development Manager in BIM

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ost Brexit, considerable discussion has followed about the influence of Europe on policy and legislation.

How is legislation developed in Europe, who is involved and what are the time frames for agreement?

Any piece of legislation emanating from Brussels starts out as a proposal developed by the European Commission.

Only the Commission may put forward such proposals.

In the case of fisheries, these are primarily developed by DG MARE (DirectorateGeneral for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs). Most are negotiated under the ordinary legislative procedure or ‘co-decision’ as it is commonly called, whereby the European Parliament and

Council must jointly agree on any legislation brought forward by the Commission.

The notable exception to this procedure is the annual TAC and quotas, which are agreed solely by the Council.

Development of legislation under co-decision is a lengthy process. From inception of a proposal to agreement can take 4-5 years to agree and involve the Commission, 28 Ministers, 751 MEPs and countless stakeholders.

When developing a proposal, the Commission is required to undertake an extensive consultation process with interested parties, as set down under the Lisbon Treaty.

This includes an obligatory impact assessment, based on reports and consultations with experts, key stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and the general public. For the majority of proposals, this process takes a minimum of two years to complete and can be considerably longer in the case of complex legislation.

For instance, work on the new Common Fisheries Policy began in early 2008.

The Commission proposal was finally adopted in the middle of 2011, and in addition to the mandatory public consultation, upwards of 500 meetings with different stakeholders were held during the preparation process.

Following the consultation and development phase, opinions of different Commission departments are sought (inter-service consultation). In the case of fisheries, DG Environment as well as the Commission’s Legal Services and Secretariat-General - who ensure the overall coherence of the Commission’s work in shaping European policy - are the key departments..

Once this is completed, the Commission’s proposal is formally adopted by the College of Commissioners.

The proposal is sthen sent to the European Parliament and the Council, to all EU national parliaments and, where applicable, to other European institutions such as the Committee of the Regions (CoR)

and the Economic and Social Committee (ESC).

Then and only then, do the negotiations start and the fun really begins!

In parallel, the Parliament and the Council begin to exam the Commission proposal. In Parliament, this process is managed through sectoral committees. For fisheries this is carried out by the PECH Committee.

A rapporteur and ‘shadow rapporteurs are appointed at an early stage to coordinate the collection of opinions from concerned parties and from the other MEPS in the committee.

Once these opinions are gathered then the rapporteur produces a report which details proposed amendments to the Commission proposal.

These are voted on by the committee and in turn those agreed are submitted to the plenary of the Parliament.

Once endorsed by plenary they constitute the official position of the Parliament.

The Council’s position is prepared within specific working parties comprising representatives of the Member States and is chaired by the representative of the country holding the sixmonthly rotating presidency (currently Slovakia), assisted by the Council’s secretariat.

Fish trilogies

For fisheries, these discussions take place in the Internal and External Working Party for Fisheries.

The working parties report to the Committee of Ambassadors (Coreper), which prepares every Council decision. This is then put to ministers for formal ratification.

The Commission’s role is to defend its proposal but at a certain stage the Commission will take a formal position on the proposed amendments of the Council and Parliament.

This is agreed by the College of Commissioners. This position can change during the process depending

on how the negotiations are progressing while the Commission may also decide at any time to withdraw or alter its proposal based on the negotiations.

To speed up agreement, informal meetings or ‘trilogies’, are organised during the negotiations.

These are attended by Parliament representatives (rapporteur and shadow rapporteurs); the Council (chair of the working party and/or Coreper) and the Commission. The aim is to ensure that the Parliament amendments adopted in plenary are acceptable to Council. The Commission plays a mediating and editorial role in the trilogies.

Negotiation goes back and forth between the Council and Parliament’s to try and reach an agreement on a compromise text. If there is deadlock then a Conciliation Committee, composed of MEPs and Council representatives is formed, which tries to broker a deal (only 1 or 2 proposals a year go to Conciliation). If this fails, then the proposal is effectively dead and the procedure is ended.

This is extremely uncommon. Assuming that agreement is reached, it is jointly signed by the Presidents and Secretaries General of both institutions.

After signature, the text is published in the Official Journal and the legislation enters into law.

This whole negotiation process takes on average three years but can be a lot longer depending on how far the positions of the parties differ.

The resulting legislation is a compromise, reflected in the content and wording that is often open to interpretation.

The fact that it takes so long to agree means the ability and willingness to change legislation among the institutions once adopted is limited and perhaps this inertia is the major weakness in the system.

Dominic worked as seconded national expert in the European Commission on fisheries issues including the landing obligation and technical conservation measures.

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 Inshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information, we do not accept responsibility for any errors, or matters arising from same. Contact the editor at mills@inshore-ireland.com.

Proposed Shannon water pipeline deemed a ‘white elephant’ and waste of tax payers’ money River Shannon Protection Alliance responds

I Gillian Mills

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rish Water has published a Final Options Appraisal Report that identifies the ‘Preferred Scheme’ for a new source of water supply for the Eastern and Midlands Region.

Parteen Basin on the Lower River Shannon has been identified as the ‘emerging’ preferred abstraction option with a ‘2km wide least constrained pipeline corridor’ between the basin and Peamount in south County Dublin.

A report commissioned by the River Shannon Protection Alliance however says the project is a ‘white elephant’ and a waste of money (see below).

While ‘significant progress’ has been made to water savings from leakage reductions and water conservation issues, the savings alone will not meet the long-term needs of the region that will require an additional 330 ml of water per day by 2050, it says.

‘The maximum sustainable production of treated water from existing water sources and infrastructure within the Region do not have the capacity, resilience or connectivity to meet future demand.’

The Water Supply Project will deliver ‘secure and sustainable

water’ for over 40% of the country’s population up to 2050.

‘It will stimulate and facilitate new home developments and new job creation enabling construction and investment across the Eastern and Midlands Region.’

The project comprises ‘sustainable’ water extraction on the eastern shore of the Parteen Basin, Co Tipperary with water treatment at Birdhill.

Treated water would then be piped 170km to a termination point reservoir at Peamount in south county Dublin.

During public consultation in late 2015, Irish Water examined options before proposing the preferred scheme, including seawater desalination from the Irish Sea at Fingal.

This proposal was rejected on the grounds at almost double the estimated costs; would require very high energy use, and have significant negative environmental impacts.

In addition, desalination would not benefit towns and communities throughout the Region, states Irish Water.

Irish Water is holding a fourteen week public consultation (ends 14/02/17) for feedback and on the scope of what is being proposed for consideration in the Environmental Impact Statement.

Details: www.watersupplyproject.ie

rish Water has signalled its intention to apply for planning permission to divert River Shannon water to Dublin for domestic, commercial and industrial consumption. It proposes to construct a 172 kilometre pipeline from the Parteen Basin to Dublin at a cost of €1.2bn, to transfer hundreds of millions of liters of water per day.

The River Shannon Protection Alliance and other organisations, stakeholders

and interested parties are pledged to strongly oppose this extravagantly priced, and needless mega scheme, and are determined to expose it as a reckless, high risk and outmoded method of providing water to consumers.

In a forensic examination of Irish Water’s plan, the Kennedy Report found that the project will almost certainly prove to be an unnecessary White Elephant and a huge waste of Irish people’s money.

Gerry Siney

Summary of the Kennedy Report compiled by Emma Kennedy, solicitor Full report at www.shannonprotectionalliance.ie For some time Irish Water has been proposing to spend up to €1.2 billion (€724 for every Irish household) on the Shannon project - an ill-conceived scheme to pump water 172km from the Shannon to Dublin. This project will almost certainly prove to be an unnecessary White Elephant and a huge waste of the Irish people’s money – at which point the many errors made in this process will come into sharp focus and those individuals who (explicitly or implicitly) rubber- stamped the project will be answerable to the Irish public.

Irish Water predicts that, by 2050, Dublin will have a water deficit of 214.7Ml/d (million litres per day) but the report on which this is based contained basic and fundamental errors, inappropriate methodology, and flawed assumptions. In fact, by 2050, there will almost certainly be a raw water surplus of over 100Ml/d without having to increase existing raw water supplies at all.

Dublin has no shortage of raw water.

Its problems (and its recent water crises) have been due to Victorian-era water infrastructure with a history of underinvestment resulting in insufficient capacity to treat/deliver water.

Irish Water is finally investing in Dublin’s water infrastructure – recent upgrades at two water treatment plants have drastically (and inexpensively) improved their water treatment capacity and more improvements are underway. Dublin has a total leakage rate in its water network of over 40% (comparable to Mexican cities) so for every litre of precious treated water put into Dublin’s water pipes almost half of it ends up in the ground.

Leaks are now infinitely easier to

identify/fix post the introduction of meters. Water savings as a result of Irish Water’s ongoing First Fix programme have far exceeded expectations, for a fraction of predicted costs.

Focus needs to remain on improving Dublin’s ability to treat and deliver its plentiful supply of raw water: this scheme to source extra water from the Shannon is an unnecessary waste of money.

If, at some point in the future, Dublin does need more raw water then local groundwater is the best option.

Groundwater is inexpensive, can be developed incrementally as needed (whereas the Shannon project is “all-ornothing” - not a drop of water can be delivered until the €1.2 billion ten-year mega-project is completed), reduces contamination risk (sources are diversified, rather than all coming from one source as with the Shannon project) and drilling wells is something in which we have hundreds of years of experience.

Even the Geological Survey of Ireland (Ireland’s main authority on groundwater) made a submission during consultation for this project that “the use of groundwater should not be overlooked…it has a number of advantages over the use of surface water.

It is a viable and widely available resource that would be relatively inexpensive to develop at a local level” and yet during this process groundwater was dismissed as an option without a single test borehole having been drilled and Irish Water’s review of the groundwater report contained basic mathematical errors that rendered its main conclusion wrong by 33%.

The Shannon project needs to be put on hold immediately and re-assessed on the basis of a correctly framed “demand” prediction taking account of improvements to Dublin’s water infrastructure and thorough, accurate investigation of groundwater.

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reports

‘No improvement in Ireland’s water quality in past six years’ – EPA report Foreword

Directive and the Habitats Directive. Ireland also faces open EU complaints or infringement proceedings in relation to drinking water and urban waste water treatment.

This is not about the EU imposing unnecessary or unreasonable demands on Ireland – it is about making sure as a minimum, for example, that the water we drink or swim in will not make us sick.

These are all areas where significant investment is Gery Flynn needed to bring Ireland into compliance. Meanwhile, the

‘environment’ has to compete with many other policy areas such as health, education and policing for scarce resources. This is one of the reasons why it is so important that environmental considerations are fully factored into other policy areas as a clean and well protected environment helps support public health, food production, industrial development, tourism and gives an overall sense of civic pride about where we live, work and play.

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o improvement has been measured in Ireland’s river water quality or

This report and its many online supporting materials, provides the public, policymakers, non-governmental organisations, community groups, companies, teachers and students with the evidence base about Ireland’s natural environment to help them make informed decisions about what they can do to help both protect and improve our natural environment. The underlying data is available online and we will be keeping this information up to date on the Ireland’s Environment website. I hope that you find the report useful and informative and that it can help you play your part in protecting our environment.

transitional and coastal water quality over the past six years, and lake Laura Burke water quality has Director General declined by 3% in the number of monitored lakes at satisfactory status, a report by

20 Years of State of the Environment Reporting 1996-2016 Natural Heritage Areas (designated & proposed)

Household waste generation

Municipal waste generation

1996 1,250

Car ownership

1996 2016 0.98 Mt 1.52 Mt

1996 2016 1,060,000 2,000,000 Total waste generation

Household waste per person

1996 2016 1.85 Mt 2.73 Mt

1996 2016 270 kg 331 kg

Operational landfills 1996 2016 125 6

Bathing water standards compliance 1996 2016 100% 93% NOx emissions

Municipal waste recovery rate

1996 2016 133,000 t 75,000 t

1996 2016 7.4% c.80%

Population 1996 2016 3.64 M 4.71 M

1996 2016 10.5 Mt 11.9 Mt

2016 1,351

Household waste recovery rate 1996 1.4%

2016 c75 %

1996 2016 244,000 t 305,000 t

SO2 emissions 1996 2016 150,000 t 25,000 t

Serious pollution of rivers

Cattle numbers

1996 77 km

1996 2016 7.4 M 6.4 M

2016 6 km

National rivers with “high status”

Highest quality river sites

Discharges of untreated sewage(sites)

1996 25.5%

1996 4.8%

1996 2016 95 43

2015 17.6%

2015 0.7%

Greenhouse gas emissions 1996 2016 62.3 Mt 58.3 Mt

Hazardous waste generation

Current Situation

7

Overall assessments show significant challenges ahead in bringing all waters up to a satisfactory level and to protect waters already in good condition.

The quality of Irish groundwater and surface waters is among the best in Europe2 (Figures 5.2 and 5.3).

the Environmental Protection Agency concludes.

Ireland’s Environment - An Assessment 2016* is the sixth in the twenty-five year old benchmarking series which provides the national evidence base for the condition of our natural environment, and highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with its protection and management.

The report outlines at a strategic level the current state of Ireland’s environment and provides an update on environmental challenges that we face both nationally and globally.

Figure 5.2 Proportion of Classified Surface Water Bodies (Rivers and Lakes) in Different River Basin Districts Holding Less Than Good Ecological Status or Potential (Source: EEA, 2015)

Substanti river sites

Irish aquaculture faces challenges but is ripe for growth have ‘important future food potential and is central in addressing food-security concerns in many countries’ study by the the report highlights the National ‘limitsDIVERSE to Egrowth within the95 Economic and CONOMIES FOR DEVELOPMENT sector across Europe where Social Council aquaculture production (NESC) which examined been stagnating fortonnes Ireland’s aquaculture world was around 2 million tonnes. Irelandhas produced around 15,000 the past decade’. industry, finds compared to 1.1 millionthat tonnes in Norway, 515,000 tonnes in Chile and 155,000 Despite that, it recognises despite challenges tonnes in themany UK. Ireland’s global market share in salmon production is less than 1 per 2014)ripe (Figurefor 5.1). that Ireland’s ‘rich and varied it cent is a(FAO, sector marine landscape, and a sustainable growth.

In parts of the North-West and South-West, salmon farming was initiated by long coastline, although The Dynamics of individual entrepreneurs who were more often science graduates than farmers or one which is very exposed’ Environmental Sustainability fishermen. A different pattern emerged in Connemara, where Údarás na Gaeltachta offers potential to develop and Local Development: encouraged local involvement in the industry by financing the acquisition of cages in theproducers comingtodecade.

Aquaculture study for and smolts. Small A producers were paired with larger help them access lack of natural NESC* by and Dr Patrick export markets ensure a balance between ‘This local, family-owned salmonshelters farms as loughs or fjords Bresnihan TCD was and the largerofinvestors who brought the such necessary economies of scalebrings and financial investment.as Údarás helped to develop therisks Irish Salmon benefits and to commissioned partnaofGaeltachta alsoboth Producers (Phyne, 2009). Originally to market farmed Irishestablished aquaculture.

Combined NESC’sGroup work(ISPG) on sustainability salmon and other fish products producers, ISPG became largest Ireland’s greenthe image - or anyone looking for for Gaeltacht with exporter farmed salmon into Ireland in the 1990s. and reputation for quality a quickof introduction foods, the opportunities are the issues impacting Irish evident for developing the aquaculture today, this report the report is a good to start.and Pumps Feedsector’, Figure 5.1: Aplace Barge Monitors to Salmon in Net Pens observes. at Marine As to translating that Noting Harvest that aquaculture Farm in Norway potential into numbers, the worldwide is considered to

A

Source: Marine Harvest ASA

report directs readers to BIM which estimates that by 2025, total seafood value to the Irish economy will be €1.25bn per annum and that it will employ an extra 250 full-time equivalent jobs.

It also highlights recent national policies including the Seafood Development Programme and a National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture (NSP).

Ecosystem approach

As for how this potential might be realised, the report suggests that the ‘ecosyetem approach has emerged as a fundamental delivery mechanism for sustainable development’.

Such an approach, it states, ‘strives to balance diverse societal objectives, by taking account of the knowledge and uncertainties of ecosystems, including their interactions, flows and processes, and applying an integrated approach within ecologically and operationally meaningful boundaries’.

That said however, the report is alert to the reality that developing an integrated approach to meeting Marine Strategy Framework Directive goals ‘will be critical’, and that ‘balancing environmental protection for the marine with economic and social commitments is a challenging policy task’.

The most obvious example of such a challenge, the

Prelimina overall im river basi

Rivers

Figure 5.3 Percentage of Groundwater Bodies in Poor Quantitative Status in 2009 per River Basin District (Source:EEA, 2015)

Gery Flynn

However, t to bring al waters alre such good European is very dep position. W be most u that are se

Under the number of to determi key eleme found with assessed in macroinve in the asse enables tre over the la Report cov 2015b) a w of unpollu improvem unpolluted 2007 and period ove since the b improvem polluted ch 2013 to 20 and 2012

costly. There are currently government commitments While ove remained to review and reform the loss in the licensing process, which is recognised by the industry as river sites a critical area for the future recent mo progress of the sector’. classified a In its conclusion, the report compared makes the point that fish between 2 farmers themselves are largelyeffort is re responsible and responsive to their environments but are notquality rive always enabled to do more back to th than is minimally required, Further as given limited resources.

Despite this, it suggests therestatus of r may be a set of incentives, including capacity- building, networkingassessmen and other supports that could Ireland rep be effective in enhancing Statutory agencies 2 www.eea.europa.eu/themes/water environmental protection, It points out too that in alongside sustainable Ireland, aquaculture licensing growth for the sector. is currently administered And it suggests there is through the Aquaculture much to learn from recent and Foreshore Management experience: on the one Division of the Department hand, avoiding some of the of Agriculture, Food and difficulties outlined in the the Marine (DAFM). The research in terms of licensing Minister for Agriculture, Food and environmental protection; and the Marine provides on the other, building on the final determination innovative practice, such as on applications, after the Bantry Bay Charter for they have gone through stakeholder engagement. an in-house technical examination and been put The Dynamics of out to consultation with up Environmental Sustainability to 14 statutory agencies. and Local Development: ‘Critics of the current Aquaculture A study for NESC licensing system, both in the

by Dr Patrick Bresnihan industry and among NGOs, Assistant Professor of point to lengthy delays in Environmental Geography some cases as well as limited No. 143 April 2016 public consultation. Public is available from:http:// notices are only required to be files.nesc.ie/nesc_reports/ published in one local paper, en/143_EnvSus_and_ and the appeals process is LocDev_Aquaculture.pdf

report notes, is what it benignly refers to as ‘difficulties regarding licensing’ – and the reason why so very few licences have been issued or renewed in the past few years.

‘A key factor in this’, it says, ‘was a ruling by the European Court of Justice in 2007 that Ireland had failed its obligations under the Birds Directive by not conducting appropriate assessments before granting aquaculture programmes in Special Protection Areas for birds in coastal areas’.

inshore ireland Autumn 2016

9

reports Preliminary results for 2013-2015 and other key findings in the EPA water quality report (2010-2012): »» There has been a gradual decline in high-status river sites across Ireland. Numbers halved in the 22-year period between 1987 and 2015 with the most dramatic losses occurring in the highest quality sites. These sites represent the best-quality rivers across Ireland, and therefore their continuing loss is a very significant concern. »» Seriously pollution of rivers has fallen to just over 6 km compared to 17 km in 2010-2012 and 53 km 2007-2009. »» Reported fish kills have declined to an all-time low of 70 between 2010 and 2012. »» Water quality in canals remains very high, with over 90% of canals rated satisfactory in 2012. »» The south and south-east of the country continue to have the largest proportion of groundwater and rivers with elevated nitrate concentrations over 10 mg/l NO3.

This contributes to eutrophication in certain downstream estuaries. »» In 2012, 18% of monitored rivers and 27% of monitored lakes were less than good status due to sh status.

Preliminary assessment suggests that barriers to sh migration and physical deterioration of habitats may be partly to blame. »» In 35% of designated shell sh waters with elevated faecal contamination, additional measures to improve quality and achieve higher objectives are required.

Before identifying the key ‘drivers and pressures’ impacting our aquatic environment, the report sets things in perspective with the observation that Ireland, compared to other European countries, remains relatively unpolluted because of its location ‘in the Atlantic Ocean on the edge of the European continent’.

Nevertheless, it warns that the level of stress from both internal and external sources has increased, and that coastal development and industrialisation particularly during the 1990s - has increased the range and magnitude of pressures that have the potential to impact negatively on the quality of our tidal waters.

Nutrient enrichment

Other environmental pressures include the intensification of agriculture and commercial fishing as well as the application of inorganic fertilisers and the fact that changing farming practices have caused nutrient enrichment of inshore surface waters.

The also report makes clear that ‘the continued release of untreated sewage into the marine environment from several large towns is a major cause of concern for coastal communities and ecosystems’ , while ‘the impacts of climate change pose a significant and not yet fully understood threat to this environment’.

Noting the slow progress that has been made in improving the ecological status of surface waters, the report says that ‘new approaches’ are now needed.

‘The target of 13.6% improvement in ecological status for surface waters from the 2009 baseline by 2015 included in the first cycle River Basin Management Plans has not been achieved. Instead, the overall situation has not changed during the first river basin planning cycle.

‘A radically different approach is required to target management measures to where they are needed. There is an opportunity to improve implementation under the new water governance structures recently put in place and by using the integrated catchment management approach supported by better evidence and science.’

Water Framework Directive

As to the impact that the WFD is supposed to be having in Ireland, the report blames ‘weaknesses in governance arrangements’ for impeding progress during the river basin management cycle.

Nevertheless, it finds that recent changes to ‘governance arrangements’ around the directive are resulting in ‘greater clarity on the roles and responsibilities of public bodies and that improved implementation can be expected in the future’.

As for the political hot potato of domestic water charges, the report says this recent controversy serves to highlight the need for a mature and rational public debate with regard to how we want to manage our national water resources for future generations ― not just from the narrow perspective of domestic drinking water and waste water treatment provision, but taking into account all services that are gained by all sectors. *‘Ireland’s Environment 2012 - An Assessment’ is available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/indicators/ irelandsenvironment2012.html

The Abhainn Bhui (Yellow River) has dropped below its conservation level and will be closed for angling in 2017, similar to 90 out of 145 other salmonoid rivers

Coastline to change under Minister Creedon’s watch Noel Carr, Federation of Salmon and Seatrout Anglers (FISSTA)

T

he battle over the Galway Bay cages and the attempt to subsume Inland Fisheries Ireland into the Marine Department may be over for while but the war against our wild Atlantic salmon habitat continues under a new government.

FISSTA’s proposal that the Marine Institute should change departments or at the very least, for it to be answerable to a non-Fisheries Department, has fallen on deaf ears.

By now all vested interests, including our wild Atlantic salmon lobby, have had an opportunity to get a word in the ear of Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine.

Our Federation reminded him of his responsibility to maintain a clean marine while creating new jobs while protecting and consolidating the jobs already created.

Technology advances

He will read and be advised on the major advances in onshore aquaculture technology, and on how best the farmed salmon industry can now deliver the new 30,000 tonnes salmon target

three years earlier than his strategy forecasts by 2019.

He can do this by ignoring the outdated open-sea netcage method that is still polluting our once pristine marine in a very worrying way that the EPA has reported.

We are grateful to Minister Simon Coveney for reviewing the open-net salmon cages policy and for introducing new size guidelines last June that put BIM’s plans for a 15,000-tonne offshore salmon farm in Galway Bay in doubt.

We are also indebted to BIM chief executive Tara Mc Carthy for her responsible leadership in withdrawing the plan last Christmas, and we wish her well as she departs to her new post in the food sector.

Last year the Marine Institute recommended that offshore salmon farms should be capped at 7,000 tonnes production, with an initial peak biomass of 5,000 tonnes as part of new draft plans for aquaculture development to 2022. This sounded like an improvement, but many pointed out the pitfalls that may even increase the overall tonnage in the long term.

Minister Creed will now have to consider all views and make the enlightened choice of licensing what will be sustainable and clean.

BIM continues to process a

licence for a 5,000 tonnes farm off Inishturk in Co Mayo while the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board delays a decision on the Marine Harvest application in Bantry Bay until next Spring.

Last January, Minister Coveney said a decision would be made “as soon as possible”, and forecast “significant progress” this year in progressing some 600 aquaculture licence applications which means that these same applications are now on the desk of Minister Cree.

Meanwhile, IFA President Joe Healy seems to believe in no change at all, and that his members would be better served by continuing to enrich a mainly foreign owned salmon farming industry.

The jobs created by signing in new salmon farm licences will be minuscule compared to the impact on the current 15,000 jobs in the angling tourism sector that are sustainable and support repeat business every season for our economy to the tune of of over €1bn.

If Minister Creed wants to succeed as much as Minister Coveney did, he should remember that sometimes a very good decision can be not making any decision at all.

Anglers have to be like that.

You have to wait until all the conditions come right.

10 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

freshwater focus

Fishing turned sightseeing Brendan Connolly

P

art of the fascination of angling is that every trip is different and you can expect the unexpected.

This was definitely the case for two anglers fishing Donegal Bay on an autumn day in October.

The skies above Mullaghmore were dotted with light clouds that were gently wafted along by a light southerly breeze.

The anglers deeply inhaled the fresh sea air as the rib motored slowly out of the harbour and turned into the sheltered waters behind the headland. Once they cleared the headland they stopped and put down mackerel feathers.

Where earlier in the summer a bucket full of mackerel would have been caught in less than half an hour, now they contacted no fish. Leaving the mackerel feathers down, they trolled slowly away from the shore to cover more area.

It took some time before they caught just a couple of small mackerel. They concluded that while mackerel were still in the bay they were scattered, as it was the second half of October.

So they decided to head out across the bay, past St. John’s Point and Killybegs, towards Teelin and Slieve League.

Half an hour’s cruising saw the rib off Teelin. They stopped and scanned the horizon with binoculars. They were looking for flocks of seabirds: gulls and gannets. After a short while they spotted a group of gannets dropping like brilliant

white arrows into the sea, surrounded by a whirling cloud of seagulls of various types.

The anglers quickly started the engine and sped towards the birds. As they arrived they slowed down, but while the gannets had been dropping in numbers just a few minutes previously, they were now sitting on the water along with many gulls and guillemots.

The anglers immediately let down the mackerel feathers, but again didn’t contact any fish.

By and by the birds lifted off and flew away, disappearing across the vast expanse of sea, and the anglers took some time to admire the rugged sea cliffs of Slieve League.

The Atlantic swells bashed into the cliffs with white foam exploding up and seemed to hang interminably in the air before slowly falling back into the sea. The swells off Slieve League were at least five metres high and wider than a football pitch. Millions of tons of water, lifting up and down, as the majestic swells rolled by. It was an impressive sight, demonstrating the power of the ocean.

As the boat lifted up on the crest of the swells, the anglers once more scanned the skies looking for birds. After a short while they again saw gannets plunging into the sea from great heights accompanied by gulls - this time further away from the coast.

Quickly they motored south and approached the congregation of birds.

Again, as they drew near, the feeding stopped and birds rested on the surface before, one by one, flying away.

The anglers were in over 70 metres of water, and while the mackerel feathers did not contact any fish at shallower depths, when the feather eventually hit the bottom, they caught a few small pollack.

Riding up and down on the big swells, the angler spotted more gannets feeding closer to the coast and a little way east towards Teelin. Again they set off in pursuit. This time, as they arrived, there was more activity and agitation in the water.

Suddenly they saw white shapes, glistening in the sunshine, rising up out of the water and falling back with a big splash. Again and again, they saw the splashes. Motoring slowly, they approached the splashes to find dolphins just below the surface riding the bow wave of the boat.

The dolphins leaped into the air again, and this time right beside the boat. The anglers had a ring-side seat for this fantastic display. They were Common Dolphins, recognisable by their white and yellowish sides shining in the sunshine. The dolphins followed the boat, coming up for air on all sides. Then, suddenly, they were gone.

As the anglers gazed about, still recovering from the excitement of the dolphins, they saw a broad black back with a small curved fin sliding through the surface a short distance away. Again the wide shining back came up to the surface a second time, followed immediately by a thin curved scimitar-shaped fin rising and disappearing right beside where they had seen the black back.

The black shape was

certainly a whale, a minky whale they guessed, although they did not see its pectoral flipper which has a white tip if it was a North Atlantic minky. They speculated that the thin curved fin must have been a large tuna, and that the tuna, whale, and dolphins had all taken part

in the feeding frenzy of small food fish on which the birds had also been feeding.

Thrilled, the anglers returned to Mullaghmore after a day that changed from fishing to sightseeing. And although they caught few fish, it turned out to be an unexpectedly fascinating trip.

Tellus surveys north of Ireland collated in new publication

U

nearthed: Impacts of the Tellus surveys of the north of Ireland showcases outputs from ‘the

most significant geoscience project ever conducted across the island of Ireland’.

Published by the Royal Irish Academy and produced in partnership with the Geological Survey of Ireland; the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the British Geological Survey, the book presents findings from the first two stages of Tellus: Tellus Border and the Tellus survey of Northern Ireland - the largest collaborative cross-border programme of geoscience surveys on the island of Ireland to date.

Named after the Roman Goddess of Earth, Tellus, the survey seeks to map and

understand the qualities of the island of Ireland’s terrain holistically (soil, stream water, stream sediment and rock).

How geoscience data helps to identify prospects for mineral exploration, is explained, stimulating inward exploration investment while assessing and managing environmental impacts from historical naturally occurring radioactivity as an opportunity for geothermal energy, alongside public health risk posed by radon.

Also at a time of increasing agricultural productivity competing with the need to protect the water environment,

Tellus data outlined in the publication helps inform ‘smart agriculture’ to balance both objectives.

Speaking at the launch, Sean Kyne, Minister for Natural Resources, said the publication showcased the value of “state-of-the-art geoscience data” to Ireland’s economy and society.

Acknowledging that Tellus was the outcome of more than a decade of crossborder collaboration, Koen Verbruggen, Director of the GSI noted that following the completion of this EU-funded project, the GSI planned to extend the survey nationwide.

“This project looks back

on key impacts of the Tellus Border and Northern Ireland Tellus survey and explores how similar benefits will be realised nationwide in future.”

Congratulating the agencies for their “world class work” Professor Mary Daly, RIA president, said the publication set a benchmark for all-island collaboration.

Under the direction of the GSI, Tellus aims to complete surveying 50% of the country by end 2017. The airborne survey is currently active over Co Galway and a geochemical team is collecting soil samples in Co Mayo.

Available online at www. ria.ie/unearthed

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 11

freshwater focus

Commission adopts first EU list of invasive alien species Gery Flynn

A

European Commission decision to adopt a list of invasive alien species that require immediate action will be seen by those battling the spread of Lagarasiphon weed in Lough Corrib as a welcome move and an important step towards halting biodiversity loss. The list contains 37 species that cause damage on a scale that justifies

dedicated measures across the EU. There are currently over 12, 000 plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms in the EU that are classed as alien to their natural environment.

Some 15% of these species are invasive, and their numbers are growing rapidly.

By competing with and crowding out indigenous species, invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, and have major economic consequences.

Launching the initiative

Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, said that some species of plants and animals are potentially so damaging to property, crops and livelihoods, they need to be kept out if possible and under control if not.

“This needs to be done at EU level as invasive species don’t stop at borders”, Commissioner Vella said, “We are acting on a problem that cannot be ignored as it costs us over €12 billion every year. This first list, generated

with the help of Member States, will be kept under review and work is already ongoing to update the list to consider other strong cases.”

Species on the list will now be subject to the restrictions and measures set out in the EU Regulation on invasive alien species.

These include restrictions on keeping, importing, selling, breeding and growing.

Member States will also be required to take measures for early detection and rapid eradication of these species, and to manage species that

are already widely spread in the territory of some Member States. The Regulation also includes special provisions to deal with the specific needs of pet owners, traders, breeders and other stakeholders.

It is expected that the list will be updated regularly to include further species likely to have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.

The restrictions will start applying 20 days after publication of the list in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Background

T

he EU Regulation on invasive alien species entered into force on January 1, 2015. At its core is a list of invasive alien species of concern that has been drawn up on the basis of strict criteria and scientifically robust risk assessments, and approved by a Committee of Member State representatives.

In total, 37 of the species proposed complied with all criteria. Examples include the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus; the slider turtle Trachemys scripta; Eastern Baccharis, Baccharis halimifolia and the grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis, all native to Northa America, as well as the yellow legged hornet Vespa velutina from South East Asia; the water hyacinth Eichornia crassipes and the coypu Myocastor coypus from

South America. Species like the curly-leaved water weed Lagarosiphon major or the Indian house crow, Corvus splendens, are also included.

Meanwhile, the decision to suspend the Lagarosiphon eradication and control programme on Lough Corrib (see Inshore Ireland, Vol12 nr3, 2016, pg8) due to a funding shortfall has been reversed temporarily and will continue until the end of this year at least.

A spokeswoman for Galway County Council told Inshore Ireland that nothing yet has been put in place but confirmed that efforts were being made to resume tackling this water-based invasive alien species.

“No long-term arrangements have been made yet, but it’s really looking positive.

And it seems there is a commitment at a high level to try to put a long-term

arrangement in place.

Obviously Galway County Council will be supporting that and we see this decision as very positive”.

She confirmed that Galway County Council would continue to provide a financial contribution to the programme.

“We have provided €40,000 every year for the past five or six years,” she said.

And she confirmed there had been a lot of goodwill between the agencies involved in the programme. “It has been a pleasure to work with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Office of Public Works”.

For more information: Questions & Answers on the EU list of Invasive Alien Species IAS website:http:// ec.europa.eu/environment/ nature/invasivealien/ index_en.htm Audiovisual material can be downloaded from tvlink.org

Curly-leaved waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) in Lough Corrib

Dense infestation of curly-leaved waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) in Rinneroon Bay, Lough Corrib

Recognition of audit of traditional heritage boats of Ireland

W

Nicky Marr, event host; David Mitchell, Director of Conservation at Historic Environment Scotland - the Guardian Award’s sponsors - present the award to Cormac Mc Carthy, Waterways Ireland Environment Officer

aterways Ireland has been awarded ‘The Guardian Award’ at the 2016 World Canals Conference for Traditional Heritage Boat Survey (Ireland) of the Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow Line Canal and Barrow Navigation.

The survey is the first-ever systematic audit of traditional heritage boats on Ireland’s inland waterways. A team of boat experts, maritime archaeologists, academics and artists captured the historic vessels on the waterways – from iron canal boats and World War II amphibious vehicles – to fine wooden sculling boats.

Undertaken under the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan launched, the project was led by Environment Officer, Cormac McCarthy.

Delegates attending the conference (Inverness, Scotland, Sept 19-22) included international waterway experts, business leaders and global professionals who explored innovation in sustainable tourism, regeneration, engineering and heritage management of our waterways.

‘The Guardian Award’ is sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland and celebrates outstanding work to safeguard the heritage of the world’s waterways.

Waterways Ireland’s Heritage Plan 2016-2020; www.waterwaysireland.org.

12 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

freshwater focus

Experts on WFD contradict EU Commissioner on water charges Gery Flynn

I

rish Indepenedent MEP for the Midlands-Northwest constituency, Marian Harkin, has accused the EU Commission of issuing confusing messages and misrepresenting the position governing water charges in Ireland.

“The European Water Framework Directive lays down the rules on charging domestic consumers for water,” she says. “[The Directive] contains a derogation put there specifically for Ireland that, in line with ‘established practices’, a member state may decide not to impose water charges for certain users including for domestic purposes.”

She refers to a Commission response to a question which indicated that the ‘established practices’ were in fact decided when the Directive came into force as far back as 2003.

“In 2010, the Irish government signalled its intention to introduce water charges in its first River Basin Plan, and charges were subsequently introduced in

Marian Harkin, MEP

2014. However, in a recent response from the European Commission, the goal posts were moved and they now say that ‘established practice’ in fact relates to 2010 when the government introduced its plans,” she claims.

Contradiction

Ms Harkin says the Commission’s response contradicts its first reply which she believes was clear and unequivocal about the timing which is 2003.

“This unfortunately shows us that that the European Commission has learned nothing and are trying to force water charges on Ireland by making it up as they go along,” she says.

The Independent MEP stresses that the Commission ‘should know better’ as it lost a case in the European Court of Justice when it took the German Government to court for not charging for water.

“That judgment clearly states that the Directive gives Member States the flexibility to charge or not to directly charge for water,” she says.

“Furthermore, and most importantly, Ireland still has to submit its second River Basin Plan in which it can

activate the derogation for water charges. This has been confirmed by the Commission which stated: ‘Should Ireland wish to rely on the provisions of article 9 (4) in the second River Basin Plan a justification needs to be included in the plan.’

Crucially, they also state that this needs to be reflected “in the draft plan so that the public can effectively comment thereon,” Ms Harkin says.

There is an immediate need to focus on this issue, she believes, because as of now the Government is refusing to avail of the derogation and is “erroneously saying” that the European Commission would not allow it.

“This is the European Commission and the Government being two-faced and, if the Government doesn’t act now, we could find ourselves in a situation where water charges will be imposed with the Commission entitled to say that the Irish Government did not seek a derogation.

“In this situation, there would not be any justification for the Irish Government attempting to blame Brussels when the power to implement policy existed in their own

hands. It’s a matter of use it or lose it,” Ms Marian Harkin concludes.

Argument bolstered

Marian Harkin’s argument appears to have been bolstered by remarks made

by Ray Earle - an expert on the Water Framework Directive working with the Hague-based International Water Association who told RTÉ’s ‘This Week’ programme there was no basis for Ireland being fined for not introducing domestic water charges under the WFD. “There’s absolutely nothing in the WFD that says Ireland has to apply a direct billing scheme to individual people. That is a decision for the member state,” Ray Earle told RTÉ.

“The Irish government has to decide how to do cost recovery. In other words, will it be done as a tariff, a price, is it a tax, a general tax, or is it a transfer from the Exchequer on another budget line,” Earle said.

“There is nothing in the Directive that actually says you must completely internalise that cost to an individual person who then has to pay a particular amount. People on water schemes have been

Ray Earle, International Water Association

paying electricity bills for years for their own wells to pump their water, and none of that is specifically mentioned in the WFD. These are all internal matters for the Irish government and their advisers.”

EU fines

As to the notion that Ireland could soon be facing millions of Euro in fines imposed by the Commission for breaching the WFD, Earle was unequivocal: “The legal people that I’ve been speaking with refer to the case that was taken by the Commission against Germany. Article 7.3 puts a very big onus on whoever is going to produce or process drinking water that they must do so at the absolute minimum cost, with the least use of energy, least use of chemicals, so that we have the least carbon footprint and the most ecologically sensitive manner of producing that water.

“The whole idea of that is to drive down the costs. It doesn’t say however that no matter how much you drive down cost that you have to actually apply a direct tariff – that is, a price, a billing system to individual households or people. It just says that water charges - in some measure – let it be tariff, tax or transfer – has to be addressed in terms of cost recovery.”

And as to the question that by offering in 2010 to introduce water charges Ireland had established a precedent from which the government could not retreat from, what does the WFD say about that?

“To my mind, that’s a little bit misleading because the River Basin Management Plans that were adopted on the July 6, 2010 by Minister John Gormley, did not specifically mention the setting up of a national water utility or a pricing structure.

That idea resulted from our negotiations with the Troika. Austerity measures were being brought in at that time and one of the items on the table was to introduce a revenue stream that would include billing and charging people directly for water. It’s not fair to say you could never revert on a precedent,” Ray Earle said.

Inshore Ireland will be seeking a response from the Commission regarding water charges and the WFD. Their response, if received, will appear on www.inshore-ireland.com

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Ne t Euro throuis cast wid ghou on inpean M m t thee to find th ForuPOST T econ vestme aritime Irish eries BREXIT: implications for eries Da nt in omy seafoe best Fish new fishIreland’s fishing industry ’ t the ‘by focuss od sel Inshore la ’s n nd lopme es lue Ire I ona cto deve witrh Nati 16-17

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he first seafo ‘dedicated focus od awards, ’ sing peop le as innov sustainabi on skills and help possible , lity, comp ation and the truly us ackno to apply celeb etitivenes wled excep unde s, will ge acros fishe rate the best indus rtaken in tional work inclu s the indus procermen, fish McCa try,” remathis vibra Pract de the Best try will throu ssors and farmers, execu rthy, BIM rked Tarant ice Awar New in Aqua seafo ghout Irelaretailers Fishin call fortive, anno chief cultu d, Innov the Innov organ od sector nd’s uncin ation g re ised in Reco entries. g the Proce ation Award and

by BIM.an even “The impo gnising ssing in t the comp Irish seafo rtanc Awar Seafood Seafo and deve e of entre od leade d. intere rises some od secto lopin upskilling path pren r be recog ga eurs rs and drive sting, innovof the most in the also name n peop secto career comp nised will also life. BIM le in ative and for Year etitiv the r, BIM will busin the Fishin is delig creat e edge their ess Fishmas well as Student of Year, g Enter through celeb e an occas hted to the onge r 2017 Young the The of the Aquacultu prise of prom rate, highl ion to umbr ‘sustainabi . ote the the ight Entre Year and re Enterprise and enter excel and Respo ella will hostlity’ prene Seafo lent peop the Year this secto prise ur/ Enter od Year, nsible Fishe the s work Awar le r. I urge prise The ing ds.

Envir Aquacultu rman of of as manyin anno Awards will onme re Socia the unce the Green ntal be l and on Nove d at ProceAward and Celeb mber a gala Clayt ssor ratin on Hote 17 in theevening g ‘inno Award.

Dublin. l, Balls vatio n’ bridg Closi e, Frida ng date y Septe for entri mber es 16, 2016is .

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t his ‘Brex first com it’ meeting issues stakeprising agen volati were the cies, hold for Agri the Mini ers and with lity and to exchange mana rate and the culture, assist ster and reduc ging that trade Food stand Mari Cree to the ards ing their volati rs ne, “con d, welcome Michael “Whi and the UK mark expos lity The on its le the UK EU budg ure on thestructive d the discu Committeet, he said. inpu use thenext steps, deliberateset. for the challenge t” such ssed other e also Irish s to best time at we must and fishe agri- ahead contr as trade andchallenges positi effect so our disposal food follo ries requi ols and certif tariff issues on ourse that the best reme deciswing the sectors, lves we can ; nts; regulication UK’s ion best outcocase and to prese “I believ to leave atory agri-f me for achieve nt the EU. way to e the the Irish the from ood and fisher challe deal withmost effect these nges ive the agri-f negot ies secto that we many ood and iation in will face s.” r fisher the Irish of the following ies secto to workUK refere the result r ndum as we together , is can to as of impo ident closely ify agree rtance to us, issues migh on how these and to t best be addre issues “My alread Departmen ssed. y been the secto worki t has r in consi ng with areas in risks maywhich the dering great the arise, Cons ultati and the est will help ve Com us take mittee forwa rd that by discu ssion facilitatingwork the negot and regul iation analysis as ar The Minis s evolv and meas e.” ter ured said a calm requi appro futurered, and noted ach was would EU-UK that on the ultimatelyrelationshithe negot outcome depend p of the were iations, which exit he said unde unlikely to r way “for formally In the mean some time”get time, the key .

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Killybegs Fishermen’s met with lengt the fishin active of ime s and nal , has of the Marit ble, Creed nal chair 80% of minately Under current arrangements, Organisation.

Natio cal miles availa the NIFF.European ned s of the Forum, six regio nauti are predo attai “With Fund now ies to chair n six . e ries vice- re Fisheries re I) has cil withi shore established nt r. , futur Fishe are opportunit e insho nd (MHhip Counits sites was developme r Insho ss the the secto the Irish of there e sustainabl enhance ards rd est Irela The NIFF ent of there was to discu re secto tate the Harv re Stew for two arna lopm s secur and [to] and deve pleased ng ssion to facili rent insho cultu standard and Inisf arine rural uragi discuss fisheries on “I am in the discu e a es in of a cohe ry Bay the Aqua to ensur e for ’ by enco incom ) salm a focus ties to ‘voice re fishermen rate futur al (ASC eg in Bant www.b term rnment ation ards in on priori insho s and to generted at Ahab gove st intern ive longity stand ditation r. This issue only-suppo nabil are Bay.of the highe nal inDusim.ie/ou posit ous accre this secto commtives. . ― one social sustai in Kenm six Regio s ws previ Kerry try-aw r-serv initia ork of Forum , The markntal and r ―follosite in Co brand andand secto ish to A netwFisheries Irish coast ices/ onme our ng arDs envir farmi re nt of Deen y aspire on Insho ) around the sals to -2016/ stentl ditati is the fish company’s endorseme consi accre (RIFF forward propoindustry for the is a great that we particular WWF whicha future bers bring for wider “This standards This than the building e,” , nal mem ing. other natur in rmen the NIFF reach the high ss. Regio fishe ony withtor. ed in by none a benchmark discu de inshore interests; succe ted lly as met in harmging direc to the iers inclu onmental globa are was initia mana over €15m suppl d. nised envir recog human needs tra, MHI ibute 800 Irish Irelan the d contr and over ne Harvesta €22m whererked Jan Feens ing of , Irelan meet Mari have years rema ations in my annually, his first ess with ver, we next five a Oper econo busin ly howe e d hosts m stic over the creat dome ntly doingsignificantIreland ael Cree ries Foru , could workforce we ter Mich re Fishe are curreaps more arked for This alone our Minis nal Insho “Perh t earm renewal. st doublingtoday is that . stated e Natio licenc t jobs almo we face ct,” heMHI is investmen ct to produ by d; subje 250 direc biggest issue our ced Polan company for furtherThe single demand of fish produ um; Italy; the here. meet the per cent any; Belgi Last year, operations d from ard cannot st ninety e; Germ and Asia.

Almo to Franc ; Canada m in Irelanrn seabo ted of €72.2 the weste expor erland; USA sales ncil Switz ated total ons along cou h Ship gener ed at 16 locati Ard IDH (Dutcre situat Stew and cultu e WWF t notthe Aqua enden ’s Acultur by .

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“In future, I will be sitting opposite Barry Deas because the UK would be a Coastal State. The UK has made it clear - and I would do the same in their shoes - they will be looking for a larger share of these stocks. If that happens, the big losers will

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14 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

conference

Sea louse (Lepeophtheirus salmons)

Dr Dave Jackson, Marine Institute and Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources Seán Kyne TD

International event gathers new information on the life cycle of sea lice Frank Kane Marine Institute

T

he 11th International Sea Lice Conference hosted by the Marine Institute was held in Westport over three days at the end of September. One hundred and twenty three international scientists from the UK, USA, Chile, Norway, Australia, Canada, Faroe Islands, France, Germany and Ireland presented the results of cutting edge research to an audience of some 300 delegates.

Topics ranged from the effects of sea lice on wild fish to identifying the key molecules involved in host recognition.

Other areas covered included topics on general sea lice biology; pest management; physical and chemical control mechanisms; epidemiology and hydrographic modelling of the dispersion of sea lice larvae. Results of the research presented will be published as peer reviewed scientific papers as conference proceedings in a special issue of an international journal.

Seán Kyne, Minister for State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, opened the event and welcomed the delegates. He emphasised the importance of the aquaculture industry, especially in the west of Ireland, and noted

that the issues of sea lice and their impacts on both farmed and wild fish can be divisive, and stressed that the work of the delegates in finding solutions to these problems was of utmost importance.

Major forum

This biennial conference is the major forum of sea lice research, and provides a central focus for discussion of sea lice issues and research developments.

Sea lice are marine parasites that occur on most species of fish. They are small crustaceans that feed on fish mucus and can harm the fish by their feeding behaviour, but are not harmful to humans.

The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is of most interest in Ireland; however other species in the genus Caligus which affect salmon and other species are problematic in other parts of the world.

The conference opened on sea lice and wild fish interactions. Aspects of sea lice biology were the subject of a number of talks and a session was devoted to the increased understanding of the genome of both the sea louse species and their host. New findings in this emerging field of research were presented, including genomic and proteomic studies that focussed on the mechanisms of adaption in sea lice to treatments used to control them.

Professor Tor Einar Hornberg, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, is presented with the Kanata Award by Dr Dave Jackson, Marine Institute

The session on the use of cleaner fish to control sea lice was particularly interesting with results presented on families of fish that can live with the salmon and effectively remove the parasites by feeding on them.

Other non-medicinal control methods discussed included ‘snorkel’ cages technology; breeding sea lice resistant salmon, as well as functional foods to enhance fish immunity to infection. The research displayed the enormous diversity in approach to controlling this parasite and the determination to find suitable solutions.

New management approach

There was an emphasis on Integrated Pest Management and using the information to optimise strategies to effectively manage the parasite within the industry and the wider ecosystem was discussed with suggestions for framing a new management approach.

A highlight on the final day was the workshop on sea lice bioassays. The prestigious Kabata Award was presented to Professor Tor Horsberg from the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science in Oslo, for his outstanding contribution to sea lice research. The Award is in honour of the late Dr Bob Kabata, eminent parasitologist. The 2016 award was created by the Irish sculptor and

‘Sea lice’ was created by Irish sculptor John Coll marine scientist, John Coll.

The presentations at Sea Lice 2016 not only add to our knowledge, but give a better understanding of these parasites and their relationship with their hosts and their environment.

The event was well attended by researchers and scientists, as well as business, industry, environmentalists and regulators with 300+ delegates in attendance, making it the largest sea lice conference to date.

The event was supported by sponsorship from Fáilte Ireland, industry and academia. Working closely with Fáilte Ireland and the local hoteliers group the Marine Institute also put together an interesting calendar of events, including excursions to local attractions for the visiting delegates and their families. It is estimated that the conference gave rise to approximately 1,000 bed nights over four days in town of Westport and locality.

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 15

conference

Changes to the environmental impact regime in Ireland

Alison Hough BL, Athlone Institute of Technology

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he Amending EIA Directive 2014/52/ EU will take effect on the May 16, 2017. It will substantially change how Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted in Ireland.

This article outlines some of the changes it will make to the existing EIA regime in Ireland.

The Directive attempts to introduce smarter and more integrated decision making in environmental impact assessment, and to implement Aarhus Convention 1998 UNECE obligations.

Definition of EIA

The Directive introduces (in Article 2) a definition of EIA for the first time. It is defined as the preparation of an EIA report by the developer; the carrying out of public consultations; the examination by the competent authority of the information presented in the EIA report and any supplemental information or information received through consultation.

This is a process based definition, which sets out a clearly structured four part procedure: »» The Report Phase – Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the Developer. »» The Consultation Phase – Consulting with the public, relevant national authorities, and transboundary consultation.

»» The Assessment Phase – assessment of the above by the planning authority. »» The Decision Phase - issuing of reasoned decision that must include the mitigation and monitoring measures and a description of how the results of public consultation were taken into account.

This clearly distinguishes between the EIS preparation stage and the Consultation stage. It is interesting to note the positioning of the Consultation phase after preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement by the developer.

This potentially conflicts with the obligations set out in Article 6(4) of the Aarhus Convention to provide for “…early public participation, when all options are open…”.

If the Environmental Impact Statement has already been prepared by the Developer and the application submitted, presumably at that stage, a course of action has been determined from which it would be difficult to deviate. Alternatives have been considered and dismissed at that stage.

The COWI Report “Study concerning the report on the application and effectiveness of the EIA Directive” from 2009, indicates that 16 EU member States provide for scoping as a separate procedural stage with mandatory public participation, and 9 EU member States provided for mandatory public participation in screening.

Agustín García-Ureta in his article “Directive 2014/52/eu on the Assessment of Environmental Effects of Projects: New Words or More Stringent Obligations?”, from 2014, states on this issue ‘…no

matter how significant the assessment of environmental effects may be, if a decision has already been taken (at a political level) as to the need to execute a project, the former procedure is likely to have only a minor impact on obtaining development consent, save as an inconvenience that must nevertheless be overcome.’

Article 6(5) of the Aarhus Convention requires that the Parties should encourage applicants to identify the public concerned and to enter into discussions with them before applying for a permit.

This is clearly phrased in non-mandatory language, but is perhaps indicative of what is meant by early, effective participation.

There are currently no provisions in EU, or Irish law that could be said to achieve this level of early participation.

The new definition of Environmental Impact Assessment contained in the 2014 Directive is broader than the Irish definition, which described EIA as an examination carried out by the deciding authority, that identifies, describes and assesses the impacts under the headings of human beings, flora and fauna, soil, water, air, climate, the landscape, material assets, cultural heritage, and the interaction between these factors.

The 2014 Directive has also broadened the range of factors to be considered in EIA including biodiversity in relation to the Habitats and Birds Directives; effects on human health and vulnerability to major accident/hazards.

Clearly the Irish legislation will have to be amended substantially to reflect these changes.

to be developed for joint assessment in relation to EIA and Habitats/Birds Directive assessment.

Simplified application procedures are provided to assess impacts under other legal measures where they coincide with EIA such as Industrial Emissions.

In “Better Regulation in Environmental Impact Assessment: The Amended EIA Directive”, Kalina Arabadjieva points out that it is the lack of a definition of ‘appropriate assessment’ and other matters mean that this amendment may lead to greater uncertainty about the boundaries of EIA, Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive and SEA.

New requirement

The Directive, in Articles 8, 8a, and 9, places greater emphasis on giving reasoned decisions for both grant and refusal of permission. In particular a greater degree of detail regarding how submissions and observations were used in arriving the decision will be required.

The new obligation is to ensure the decision “Includes the summary of the results of the consultations and the information gathered pursuant to Articles 5 to 7 and how those results have been incorporated or otherwise addressed.”

It is clear that the requirement is an attempt to enhance the quality of public participation under Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Aarhus Convention, as is evident from the ACCC’s comments on the area in

Art 5(3)(a) of the 2014 Directive mandates that the developer must ensure that the environmental impact assessment report be prepared by competent experts. This was likely to address concerns raised regarding the variation in quality of the environmental reports being produced across the Member States.

Maria Lee, in “EU Environmental Law, Governance and Decisions Making”, 2nd Ed., 2014, posits this could involve a national accreditation system or professional regulatory body for those who wish to work on the preparation of environmental statements.

Integrated decision making

Article 2(3) of the 2014 Directive provides for a one-stop shop approach

Changes to screening procedure

Developers requiring a screening decision on Annex II projects now require a specific information set to be submitted for screening determinations, including a description of the characteristics, location and likely impacts of the project (Article 4 of the 2014 Directive). A maximum time-frame of 90 days for the making of a screening decision is set down.

Information regarding the development consent application and the EIS will now have to be made available electronically. It is likely that information being more easily available will result in much wider participation and a greater level of objection to applications.

Increased reasongiving obligations

their guidance document “The Aarhus Convention: An Implementation Guide”.

Time-frames for Public Consultations have been increased to 30 days. The current Irish framework provides a 20 day (4 week) period in most cases.

Obligation to consider ‘reasonable alternatives’

The standard regarding consideration given to alternatives by the developer seems to have been raised. The developer will presumably be required to actually demonstrate this.

Criminal penalties

Member States will have to set down criminal penalties for breaches of the provisions of the implementing legislation, which will be a new departure in this area.

Conclusion

It is arguable that the new Directive does not fully implement the obligations of the Aarhus Convention, particularly in the area of public participation opportunities. Genuine public participation would involve consideration of all options and alternatives, including what John Glasson (in “Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment”, 2012) refers to as the ‘“no action’ or ‘business as usual’ option.

While the new EIA Directive will certainly strengthen public consultation once the application is filed, it does not provide for the type of early participation envisaged by the Aarhus Convention.

It seems that difference between “consultation” (passive involvement) and “participation” (active involvement) has not yet been recognised in the legal framework or accepted at EU level. Many of the ‘public participation’ measures introduced in this and other legislation are actually transparency measures.

It seems likely, given the ongoing problems with transposition of the old EIA Directive in Ireland, that next year will see the introduction of yet more problematic legislation, and further litigation on the issues of bringing national legislation into line with EU law. If the current piecemeal implementation by way of amending Statutory Instruments continues to be utilised, this is an area of law that is set to become ever more byzantine.

16 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

marine spatial planning »» from page 1

Minister Coveney confirmed that the government had taken the first step last January to get this sequencing right when it approved the designation of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government as having lead responsibility to implement the MSP. “This move underpins the necessary legal and policy framework and involves the supporting role of the Marine Institute in terms of technical and

scientific analysis” he said.

An EU Directive establishing the framework for the MSP was adopted in 2014. All coastal Member States were obliged to transpose the Directive

by September 2016 and to establish marine spatial plans by 2021.

Transposition into Irish law

Minister Coveney confirmed he had signed the necessary regulations to transpose the Directive into national law, and the regulations to establish the

necessary legal authority and broad framework.

“Transposition is being effected by regulations at this time to satisfy the Directive’s deadline. It is anticipated that further underpinning of MSP in primary legislation will be required at a later stage, and we will prioritise that in the next year or so.

“We have been trying to do that through zoning and planning on land. It’s extraordinary we haven’t done this with our ocean resources. For this reason, the Marine Co-ordination Group established the

Enabler’s Task Force to examine the development of a marine spatial plan framework for Ireland”.

Minister Coveney added that work was also “progressing” on the preparation for a national planning framework that would essentially replace the National Spatial Strategy in Ireland.

“That, in my view, is arguably the most significant piece of work that this government will do,” he said.

“Essentially we will be drawing up the rules and priorities around what

Ireland might look like in ten, twenty, thirty or forty years’ time. For the first time, we are going to integrate our marine resource in that planning to ensure we have maritime consideration as part of our national planning framework, in terms of developing cities, towns and industries, job creation, recreation and resource allocation.

“A very real opportunity now exists for the marine sector to be factored into mainstream thinking and planning and designing of what Ireland might look like in the future.”

UAVs for coastal zone mapping, risk management and maritime spatial planning Ronan O’Toole

2

016 has been an interesting year for operators and enthusiasts of one of the world’s most controversial, rapidly developing and potentially useful technologies.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS); Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA); Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or simply Drones this disruptive technology has already had significant impact on industries such as agriculture and film making.

With built in on-board intelligence, an evolving regulatory landscape and numerous compelling use cases, UAVs may also be set to revolutionise the surveying and land mapping industry.

Although it is still early days, several inherent benefits of UAVs are contributing to the change in the perception of UAVs - from fancy toys to powerful data collection tools. These benefits are largely related to availability and cost of deployment; however developments in automation, on-board position and motionsensing along with everimproving computer software, hardware and data processing solutions, have allowed their advocates to make compelling cases for their use.

An example of this happened within Ireland’s National Seabed Mapping programme: INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) when in September 2015,

a strong case was made for their use in mapping Ireland’s intertidal zone, providing a means of stitching terrestrial topographic data into INFOMAR’s bathymetric (below sea-level) datasets acquired using vessel borne sonar.

Since 2006 the INFOMAR programme - a joint venture between the Marine Institute and Geological Survey Ireland building on INSS (Irish National Seabed Survey) datasets - has been mapping Ireland’s near-shore and most economically significant waters.

Coastal mapping using UAV technology The programme, scheduled to run until 2026, is now into its second phase and has maintained a commitment

UAVs (Drones) may also be set to revolutionise the surveying and land mapping industry

Credit: Eoin Mac Craith INFOMAR

towards remaining on the cutting edge of technology.

Development work undertaken during 2016 in determining the feasibility of UAV technology for coastal zone mapping continues in this vein.

The feasibility study was the result of a successful collaboration between Greenlight Surveys Ltd, a specialist marine geoscience consultancy and NUI Maynooth who have extensive expertise in UAVs and remote sensing. The feasibility study received funding from the Geoscience short call initiative and carried out an agenda that quantified the training, regulatory and licensing requirements necessary in order to operate a UAV safely and legally on the INFOMAR programme.

Resulting data is impressive. Photorealistic 3D (xyz) point clouds of 5cm accuracy can be generated repeatedly and reliably. One twenty five minute flight will result in the mapping of more than one square kilometre at this ultra-high level of detail. As well as producing intuitive and realistic terrain models for effective visualization, the level of accuracy represents a significant step forward for GIS analysts placing quantitative values on geomorphological features such as dunes, drumlins and slopes at risk of failure.

So how can the development of this capability in coastal zone mapping be leveraged to ensure maximum benefit to INFOMAR stakeholders and to our broader society?

As we have seen, UAVs

have a significant edge in terms of availability and cost. This means that the technology can be deployed for coastal monitoring purposes rapidly and inexpensively. Coastal areas most at risk from erosion, pollution and environmental change may be effectively mapped and changes monitored. Repeat surveys can be conducted as often as necessary. The unprecedented level of detail available from 2D orthomosaic (1.5 - 3cm) imagery and advances in automated image segmentation mean that small-scale features such as seaweed and even plant species type can be effectively mapped at a level of detail previously impractical.

As a means of validating and ground-truthing coarser regional scale maps and models, the technology holds significant potential and the incorporation of UAV workflows into pre-existing earth observation methods such as satellite and aircraftbased mapping is an area for future development.

In 2014 the EU adopted Directive 2014/89/EU making maritime spatial planning a statutory requirement for all Member States with the aim of promoting the sustainable growth and management of coastal and marine resources.

The coastal zone by its very nature is the area where maximum human competition and pressure is exerted on the marine environment. Successful implementation of the Directive will require good cooperation between

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 17

marine spatial planning decision-makers and stakeholders across all sectors.

High accuracy, readily available datasets such as those provided by the INFOMAR programme can provide a common starting point - facilitating transparency; improving consensus building and ultimately simplifying collaboration between stakeholders and decisionmakers.

The MSP directive calls for the use of best available data to support decisionmaking. High accuracy datasets such as those acquired using UAVs represent the current state of the art.

The availability of these data will allow decisionmakers to have high confidence in their spatial planning decisions but when visualised correctly, also allow stakeholders to increase their spatial awareness and engage more fully in the process.

Ultimately, the successful implantation of the MSP directive would result in cleaner seas, sustainable fisheries, a thriving maritime economy and a range of benefits to society across all sectors.

With this in mind the clichéd adage: ‘Better data equals better decision’ rings true. Ireland should continue to lead the way on this.

EPA report makes recommendations for maritime spatial planning in Ireland Gery Flynn

I

reland’s maritime spatial plans should be prepared in a staged and integrated way in order to ensure that consistency is applied throughout the plan-making process, a report from the Environmental Protection Agency suggests. *‘Towards an Integrated Policy Framework for Maritime Spatial Planning in Ireland’, is a synthesis report prepared for the EPA by researchers from the Dublin Institute of Technology; the School of Planning Architecture and Civil Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast and Dublin planning consultants, MacCabe Durney Barnes.

The report recommends that an integrated approach to the preparation of maritime spatial plans not only ensures a full understanding of the maritime environment, but also allows for appropriate objective-setting and strategy development, as well as providing a framework for drafting the plans, resolving conflicts, and allows for adoption and monitoring.

As spatial planning is an ongoing process within plan-making cycles, there is a review process that allows for revision and updating.

Integration of plan-making, environmental assessment and consultation promotes broader acceptance by stakeholders, ensures a legally robust plan and effectively integrates environmental considerations and the ecosystem-based approach into plan preparation, the report recommends.

As for Irish maritime policy

and the current lack of an integrated regulatory system for MSP in Ireland, the report notes that our foreshore is still governed by the Foreshore Act of 1933 while the Planning and Development Act 2000 governs only the terrestrial area, generally up to the high water mark.

Some progress is noted however with the publication in 2013 of a ‘General Scheme for a Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill’ with the aim of aligning the foreshore and terrestrial planning consent systems and provide for a single EIA assessment of strategic infrastructure projects.

In addition to this step forward, the report envisages that An Bord Pleanála will be the single consenting authority for such strategic infrastructure development, thus reducing duplication and potential issues associated with split authority.

In addition, the scheme sets out a coherent mechanism to manage development in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on the continental shelf. It is proposed to de ne in Irish law an Irish Maritime Area, which would encompass the foreshore, the EEZ and designated parts of the continental shelf’, the report states.

Acknowledging the Harnessing our Ocean Wealth (HOOW) strategy as an integrated plan that sets out 39 actions and an implementation model, which includes a number of integrated government delivery mechanisms aimed at supporting an integrated system of policy and programme planning for marine affairs, HOOW also sets out a

series of early actions that will form the basis of a 2012–2014 roadmap.

[HOOW’s] vision highlights the economic benefits of developing marine resources in a planned and co-ordinated manner. Three high-level goals are established: to promote a maritime economy, to achieve healthy ecosystems, and to enhance maritime identity and engagement with the sea, the report notes.

Defining maritime spatial planning as a process by which state authorities analyse and organise human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives, the report also highlights the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) for the EU (EC, 2007) as its legal framework.

The IMP promotes integrated management as a means of

addressing the difficulties that arise from competing uses in the marine environment. It regards MSP as a fundamental tool for the sustainable development of marine areas and coastal regions in the EU.’ According to the EPA, other relevant policies impacting on maritime spatial planning include The Europe 2020 Strategy (EC, 2012a) and the related Commission communication: Blue Growth: Opportunities for Marine and Maritime Sustainable Growth (EC, 2012b), which acknowledges the role of MSP in supporting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. These EU directives provide the legal framework for member states in relation to environmental and sectoral issues.

Member states are legally obliged

to transpose these directives into national legislation, which is usually done through a combination of primary and secondary legislation’ the report declares. *Research 174 - Towards an Integrated Policy Framework for Maritime Spatial Planning in Ireland: Recommendations for Preparing Maritime Spatial Plans in Ireland Authors: Conor Norton, Jerry Barnes, Deiric O’Broin, Wesley Flannery, Cillian Adamson and Sybil Berne Can be downloaded from: http://www.epa.ie/ researchandeducation/ research/ researchpublications/ researchreports/ researchreport174.html

Government / Minister

Statutory Environmental Authorities

Other Departments

MSP Body Marine Coordination Group

Transboundary Consultees Public Consultation

Steering Group

GIS & Data

Project Manager

Scientific Advisory Panel

Project Team

Stakeholder Panel

Planning & Drafting

Consultation

SEA & AA

18 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

marine spatial planning

The team at Inshore Ireland wish readers and customers a

HAPPY

CHRISTMAS & The Very Best For 2017

Maritime spatial planning and its potential role in Ireland Dr Anne Marie O’Hagan* Centre for Renewable Energy (MaREI) at the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork

M

aritime spatial planning (MSP) is advocated internationally and at EU level as a way to improve and integrate marine governance.

At EU level its origins can be traced back to the publication of the Integrated Maritime Policy in 2007. At that time, MSP was stated by the Commission to ‘help public authorities and stakeholders to coordinate their action and optimise the use of marine space to benefit economic development and the marine environment’.

MSP therefore seeks to improve decision-making, with the over-arching objective being to balance sectoral interests and achieve sustainable use of marine resources. It must apply an ecosystem-based approach and promote the coexistence of activities and uses. MSP has now got a firm legal basis through the entry into force of Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for Maritime Spatial Planning.

This requires Member States to establish a maritime planning process ultimately resulting in a maritime spatial plan/s.

This planning process should take into account land-sea interactions and promote cooperation among Member States. The Directive does not impose any other new obligations and does not replace sectoral planning but rather aims to contribute to delivery of those policies through a strategic planning process.

Administrative framework

Member States are responsible for the development of MSP for their marine waters as well as the format and content of such plans, including the applicable administrative framework and any distribution of maritime space to different activities and uses. Under the provisions of the Directive, the maritime spatial plans referred to should be established, at the latest, by 31 March 2021.

The provisions of the MSP Directive have been transposed into Irish law through the European Union (Framework for Maritime Spatial Planning) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 352/2016) published in June of this year.

The Regulations provide that MSP will apply to the ‘maritime area’ which comprises the foreshore, the Exclusive Economic Zone and any areas designated by Order under the Continental Shelf Act, 1968, but not to coastal waters or transitional waters that are subject to the planning provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.

The competent authority for MSP in Ireland is the Minister of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, although other public bodies can be designated to perform certain actions relating to MSP. It is expected that the Marine Institute will provide technical and scientific advice, for example.

The Regulations also provide that a single MSP can be prepared for the entire maritime area as a whole or, if considered more practical, can be prepared for different parts of the maritime area.

As an initial step, maritime spatial plans will identify the spatial and temporal distribution of existing and future activities and uses in the maritime area covered by the plan, to enable where and when activities at sea can be planned. To comply with the

provisions of the Directive, the Plans must be reviewed by the competent authority at least once every 10 years.

There is also a requirement for public participation in terms of establishing the means by which the public can be involved as well as consultation at an early stage of plan development.

While the exact format MSP will take in Ireland is currently unknown, Ireland has been active in many forms of preparatory work relating to its forthcoming implementation. Action at Government level to date has primarily been through the Marine Coordination Group and the Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth policy and specifically the work of the Enablers Task Force who recommended an appropriate MSP framework for the country in 2015.

At research level, EU and nationally-funded projects have focused on various aspects of MSP implementation, including possible frameworks of application, data requirements and transboundary considerations.

UCC, for example, is currently coordinating an action on MSP in the North East Atlantic - Supporting Implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning in the Celtic Seas (SIMCelt project), funded by the Commission.

SIMCelt concentrates on promoting the development of transnational cooperation to support implementation of the MSP Directive in transboundary zones of the Celtic Seas. The project consortium comprises marine spatial planners and researchers from seven partners representing a mix of governments, authorities and academic institutions from Ireland, France and the UK. MSP represents a new way of planning and managing activities at sea and should be complemented by an appropriate consenting framework for all marine activities.

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 19

aquaculture news

Seaweeds combat diseases in farmed animals by stimulating natural immune reaction Dr Stefan Kraan Ocean Harvest Technology

P

roducers of farmed animals - be they pig, shrimp or salmon farmers - have to deal with very specific and often costly issues associated with growth and disease. Viral and bacterial diseases adversely affect feed conversion ratio and weight gain because the animal diverts energy in a bid to combat infection.

The key of course is to prevent such pathogens gaining a foothold in the first place, allowing them to become established and infectious. One system that helps is the innate immune system; in other words, the body’s own basic defense mechanism which operates besides the adaptive or acquired immune system that is dependent on vaccinations etc.

The trick therefore is to stimulate the animal’s own innate immune system at quite a low-level without triggering a full blown immune response.

Farmers realise that full-blown immune responses are to be avoided because they cost the animal a lot in terms of the energy that they divert from growth and weight gain.

Innate immunity

The innate response should

always be the first line of defence against pathogens because it can be activated immediately and can act very quickly on the pathogen. It will be the same whenever the body encounters that pathogen. The mechanism of this type of immunity consists of recognising the unique molecular patterns shared by numerous pathogens.

The innate immune system controls the expression of molecules that fight against infectious agents.

The elements associated with the innate immune response can act on the pathogen directly or indirectly, by producing effector cells (cytokines etc).

These subsequently trigger the adaptive immunity by activating the animal’s own T and B cells - small lymphocytes that actively seek out and kill pathogens.

A whole range of specific cells and molecules steer the innate immune response, ranging from substances such as mucosal agglutinins; lectins; pentraxins; lysozyme; complement proteins; antibacterial peptides and immunoglobulins.

In recently years, sulfated polysaccharides have generated huge interest particularly to immune mechanisms of the innate immune system. Algal polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates thatdo not occur in terrestrial plants.

They are supposed to influence the immune system by a vast number inadequately understood pathways.

which are chains of monosaccharide residues joined together by glycosidic bonds. Fucoidan - a sulphated polysaccharide found in the cell walls of brown algae - is one such molecule that has been effective as as an immunostimulant in many different animals from livestock to shrimp.

These products have been shown to be successful against pathogens like viral and bacterial diseases. In shrimp for example, experimental administration of fucoidan mixed in the diet has resulted in a 93% increase in survival compared to controls.

Another example is Ulvan a water-soluble polysaccharide found in certain green seaweeds. In addition, these polysaccharides can also act as strong pre-biotics, capable of modulating the microflora towards a favorable composition and favoring the development of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting potentially pathogenic micro-organisms. The latter strategies have the advantage of being easily applicable to large feed volumes at the feed mill and thus avoiding having to make major and costly adaptions to production protocols at farm level.

Feed solution applicaiton

Regular intake of sulphated polysaccharides from

marine algae for a general stimulation of the animal’s state of defence enables it to strengthen its defence system.

Repeated use stimulates the ‘basic’ immune system and boosts the defence condition of the innate system. The use of polysaccharides

upstream or downstream of a prophylactic programme may be an asset in enhancing the level of immune protection of farmed animals and in contributing to a better control of the infectious pressure on mono cultures such as salmon farming.

Sampling brown seaweed: OHT R&D team member inspecting the shore for specific brown seaweeds that have a high polysaccharide content

Sulfated polysaccharides

Polysaccharides contain repetitive structural features

Various browns: Large biomass available of specific brown seaweeds for extraction of valuable compounds for immune stimulation

Interesting green seaweeds: A specimen of Codium tomentosum, a green seaweed with interesting bioactive molecules.

20 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

fisheries

Increased minimum mesh size for Nephrops substanially reduces undersize catch Dr Ronán Cosgrove, Fisheries Conservation Manager, BIM

R

esults of the latest BIM gear trial on a dual codend with net separator panel in the Nephrops fishery demonstrate how it is possible to optimise size grades and quality of Nephrops and fish catches, greatly reduce catch sorting times, while also meeting legislative discard restrictions.

Clockwise from top left: The catch from a normal codend, illustration of the dual codend with net separator, and resulting separated catches of fish and Nephrops

BIM Training Schedule November 2016

Second Hand Full Certificate of Competency1:

GMDSS Short Range Radio Proficiency Module 21:

– 03 January to 31 March NFC Greencastle

– 23 November Newport, Co. Mayo (M: 087 6837134)

– 09 January to 29 April NFC Castletownbere

Three Day Basic Safety Training:

Navigation Control Systems (Fishing):

– 22 to 24 November NFC Castletownbere & Greencastle

– 28 November to 09 December NFC Greencastle

– 06 to 08 December NFC Castletownbere & Greencastle

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Aquaculture:

– 13 to 15 December Cobh (Tel: NFC Castletownbere) & Portmagee, Co. Kerry (M: 087 6837134)

– Closing date for applications: 16 December GMDSS Short Range Radio Proficiency Module 1 & 21: – 21 to 23 November NFC Greencastle – 22 to 24 November Newport, Co. Mayo (M: 087 6837134)

Enhanced Safety Training: – 29 November NFC Greencastle & Newport, Co. Mayo (M: 087 6837134) – 15 December NFC Castletownbere

– 29 to 01 December Newport, Co. Mayo (M: 087 6837134)

For information on our courses visit www.bim.ie or contact:

– 05 to 08 December Portmagee, Co. Kerry (M: 087 6837134)

– National Fisheries College (NFC) Greencastle on 074 9381068

1

Department of Transport, Tourism and Certificate of Competency

www.bim.ie

– National Fisheries College (NFC) Castletownbere on 027 71230

A range of measures have been tested by BIM and the Irish fishing industry to reduce unwanted catches and provide options to address landing obligation requirements in the Nephrops fishery.

An increase in minimum mesh size from 70 mm to 80 mm was found to substantially reduce catches of undersize Nephrops in main target species. A new regulation is due to come into force in January 2017.

For fish species, a 300 mm square mesh panel, SELTRA panel, and rigid sorting grid have all been shown to substantially reduce catches of whiting and haddock while retaining Nephrops. The latter gears however are not size selective, i.e. they reduce catches of big as well as small fish, nor are they species selective whereby valuable catches such as flatfish can also be substantially reduced.

Tested in early October on board MFV Stella Nova at the Smalls ground in the Celtic Sea, the dual codend with separator panel proved an effective solution to these issues.

Designed by Mike Montgomerie, Seafish, in collaboration with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, the gear works by guiding fish to the top codend while Nephrops pass through the net panel into the bottom codend.

BIM sought to build on these trials by optimising selectivity of the separated species in the two codends.

Based on previous BIM research on Nephrops and whitefish selectivity, we used 80 mm diamond mesh in the bottom codend, and 90 mm T90 mesh in the top codend.

Coordinated onshore

by Daragh Browne with operations at sea lead

by Pete Tyndall and Matthew McHugh, the trial produced some excellent results.

Separation of key retained fish species by weight into the top codend ranged from 82% of flatfish, 83% of haddock, 90% of cod and hake, 94% of whiting to 98% of monk. Catches of undersize whiting and haddock in the test gear were reduced by 72% and 49% respectively, compared with a standard trawl. Aside from a 37% reduction in marketable whiting, marketable catch was not affected for any other species in the test gear compared with a standard trawl.

Automated species separation in the dual codends greatly reduced catch sorting times, and greatly improved catch quality, by minimising contact between the jagged edged Nephrops and soft skinned fish. Effective catch separation also means that selectivity can be altered for different species, e.g. a larger mesh size could be used in the top codend for even greater reductions in catches of undersize whiting, haddock or other species.

In situations where fish quotas are very low, the top codend can be removed to allow most of the fish catch to escape from the trawl while retaining Nephrops.

Many thanks to Mike Montgomerie; Niall and Seamus Connolly, the skipper and crew of Stella Nova and Ger Dougal for their assistance with the trial.

Full report and BIM’s gear trials are available www.bim.ie/our-publications/ fisheries or for further information contact BIM’s Galway office on 091 564318.

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 21

fisheries

FLAGs secure funding for local community projects

C

oastal communities are to receive €12m to support local fisheries and aquaculture initiatives identified within the Fisheries Local Area Groups initiative.

Announcing the funding for the seven FLAGs, Michael Creed, minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said projects to 2021 with a strong interest in fostering coastal community development would be eligible.

Tara McCarthy, BIM chief executive, has welcomed the “significant increase” in funding that has already contributed €1.5m in direct and indirect investment in coastal initiatives.

“Each of the FLAG

FLAG Coastal areas

groups represents seven coastal communities where the importance of the Irish seafood sector from our fishermen to seafood processors and retailers, in paramount. The increase in funding will enable BIM to assist the FLAG groups to develop strategic plans that will enhance and in some cases diversify their existing marine-related resource and enterprise.”

FLAGS were selected as part of a competitive process under the communityled local development element of the €240m European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme, co-financed by the EU. Administrative and technical supports are provided by BIM.

€

Southwest Kerry 1.53m West Galway, Clare 1.80m Northwest Mayo, Sligo 1.50m North Donegal 1.95m South Cork 1.98m Northeast Louth, Meath, Dublin 1.56m

Pictured at the launch of the Launch of FLAGs (Fisheries Local Area Groups) programme are Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Tara McCarthy, chief executive, BIM with FLAGS representatives: WEST FLAG, Paddy Crowe, Inis Oirr, Co. Galway; SOUTH WEST FLAG, Kevin Flannery, Dingle Co.Kerry; NORTH FLAG, Gerry Gallagher, Co. Donegal; SOUTH FLAG, Finian OÕSullivan, Bantry, Co. Cork; SOUTH EAST FLAG, Noel McDonagh, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford and NORTH WEST FLAG, Gerard Hassett, Achill, Co. Mayo

T

he ‘EMFF Operational Programme’ was launched in January 2016, and provides €240m funding for the seafood sector (fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing) over the period 2014 -2020. The Programme is cofunded by the Exchequer and the EU. Following an Expression of Interest Process in early 2016, Minister Creed announced the seven successful FLAG groups on 30 August 2016. The FLAGs initiative is similar to LEADER under the ‘Rural Development Programme’; however the EMFF initiative focuses development funding specifically on fisheries and aquaculture areas.

Under the programme, the aim of the FLAG initiative is to ‘focus on promoting innovative approaches in fisheries and aquaculture areas to create growth and jobs in those areas, in particular by adding value to fishery and aquaculture products and diversifying the local economy towards new economic activities, in particular those offered by ‘blue growth’ and the broader maritime sectors.’

These seven FLAG groups are currently drafting their Local Development Strategies and will be approved later shortly. FLAGs will award grants in their respective areas consistent with their respective FLAG Local Development Strategies.

Allocations were calculated using a methodology that took account of the relative importance of fisheries and aquaculture to each FLAG area, but which ensured a minimum level of funding to each FLAG area.

From the €12m budget available, an initial €1m was allocated to each FLAG. The €5m was distributed on the basis of 50% (€2.5m) according to relative share of total inshore fisheries vessels, and 50% (€2.5m) according to relative share of total employment in fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing. Allocations were rounded to the nearest €10,000.

BIM assists FLAGs to deliver this programme by administering supports via grant-aid, training and on the ground facilitation, along with dedicated regional FLAG coordinators in each region.

To date, the programme has delivered over €1.5m via direct and indirect investment to coastal communities, funding more than 186 projects.

Further information visit www.bim.ie

Irish albacore tuna fishery worth €6.4m annually

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reland’s albacore tuna fishery of 2,367 tonnes quota (2016) closed at the end of September.

Spain continues to be the main market, accounting for 88% of exports valued at €5.6m in 2015, while France accounted for 9% of exports, valued at €500,000. Total exports increased by 29% on 2014.

Ireland’s albacore tuna fishery began in 1990 when vessels steamed to the Bay of Biscay. Vessels now wait until the albacore migrate closer to the Irish coast, thereby using less fuel and applying a more sustainable approach. Irish boats land into Castletownbere, Baltimore (Co Cork) and Dingle (Co Kerry); the vast majority (88%) are landed into Castletownbere.

A rich source of complete protein, selenium and Vitamin B12, albacore tuna grow to 140cm and can weigh up to 60kg. While one of the smaller tuna species, its pale coloured flesh with firm meaty texture is moist and delicate and is a highly sought-after product.

As a very seasonal fishery, supply can be an issue for seafood processors and retailers. To overcome this challenge, Irish seafood companies, such as Shine’s Seafoods, have developed value-added products.

“I was a fisherman for 20 years and have lived in Killybegs, Co Donegal, for the past 30 years. As a result, I am more familiar with the variety of fish caught in our waters. Irish albacore tuna is

in my opinion Ireland’s best kept secret,” remarked John Shine, managing Director.

To create greater awareness on the domestic market, Shine’s Seafood has developed a tuna product preserved with olive oil and salt, Shine’s Irish Caught Tuna.

“This allows us to sell this amazing and highly nutritional product all year”, available in SuperValu nationwide and in selected gourmet food stores and restaurants. Ireland’s albacore tuna fishery is an example of lesser-known fisheries highlighted in BIM’s Business of Seafood - a Snapshot of Ireland’s Seafood Sector. Irish seafood is a €1bn GDP industry where mackerel and prawns are the most valuable fisheries.

22 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

fisheries

Ros a Mhíl fishermen are fishing for litter Eel migration routes to the Sargasso Sea

Eels from Irish waters found in Sargasso Sea

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rish researchers from Inland Fisheries Ireland have contributed to EU-funded research that has helped solve the little known oceanic migration and behaviour of the European eel. An international team led by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), tracked more than 700 eels on their annual migration from Europe to the Sargasso Sea. Over 200 tags were recovered, allowing scientists to map more than 5,000 kilometres of the migration route.

Between 2006-2012, eels released by scientists from Sweden, France, Germany and Ireland (Shannon, Corrib, Erne and Burrishoole catchments) were mapped from Europe to the Azores region - approximately half the distance to where by spawn in the Sargasso Sea. Forty-four eels fixed with pop-up satellite tags were successfully tracked from Ireland; one tag registered a journey of 6,982 kilometres and 273 days at sea.

Dr Cathal Gallager, Head of Research and Development, IFI, says the life cycle and mitgration of the eel continues to puzzle scientists given they are born and spawn in remote areas of the ocean.

“While previously it was understood that eels travelled to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, we did not understand the duration and the dangers our eels are exposed to during this migration.

We now know more also about their behaviour patterns as all eels exhibited diel vertical migrations (swimming through deeper water during the day and moving closer to the surface at night). This understanding of eel biology will help manage and conserve their population across Europe and beyond more effectively.”

Empirical observations of the spawning migration of European eels: The long and dangerous road to the Sargasso Sea, Science Advances

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ishermen operating out of Ros a Mhíl, Co Gaillimh, have joined the growing initiative to collect marine litter at sea for appropriate disposal and recycling on land.

Developed by KIMO, a Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation and funded under the ‘European Maritime and Fisheries Fund’, the Fishing for Litter programme has 75 member authorities.

Launching the latest member, BIM’s CEO Tara McCarthy said that sustainability was the “key driver” and priority for the agency: “Participation in this initiative can gain recognition for member vessels and their crews as Fishing for Litter contributes to BIM’s certification and sustainability programmes and Bord Bia’s ‘Origin Green’ sustainability charter.

“Ros a Mhíl has already

set a very high standard in driving environmental responsibility and I would like to congratulate and recognise the members of Galway and Aran Fishermen’s Co-op and Harbour Master Captain Connolly for their achievements to date.”

Thirty-four vessels are signed up for the programme in Union Hall, Castletownbere, Ros a Mhíl and Clogherhead, with Killybegs port also coming on board.

Ros a Mhíl is the key fishing port on the west coast, landing 3,637 tonnes of seafood, predominantly shellfish, worth €12m to the economy. Members of the Galway and Aran Fishermen’s Co-operative are involved in environmental initiatives including BIM’s ‘Fishing Net Recycling’ programme where nets are dismantled into components for recycling, diverted away from landfill. To date, the port has recycled roughly 11 tonnes of fishing nets.

In close co-operation with the Harbour Master

SAFE SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

FISHING INDUSTRY INFORMATION BREAKFAST EVENTS (November 2016 - March 2017)

These events will provide fishermen, processors and shellfish producers with information and assistance on the latest industry developments from organisations including the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine; Air Corps; BIM; FSAI; Marine Institute; Naval Service; Inland Fisheries Ireland; National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Workplace Relations Commission amongst others.

Register now for your local event:

15th November 2016 Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

7th December 2016 Dingle, Co. Kerry.

25th January 2017 Ros a Mhil, Co. Galway.

22nd February 2017 Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

22nd March 2017 Killybegs, Co. Donegal.

For more information and to reserve a place visit www.sfpa.ie or contact events@sfpa.ie EUROPEAN MARITIME AND FISHERIES FUND

Pictured at the launch of BIM’s Fishing for Litter initiative in Ros a Mhíl port are; Catherine Barrett, BIM; Michael Connolly, recently retired Harbour General Operative, Skipper/Owner of Star of Hope Mike O’Flaherty , Captain John Connolly, Harbour Master and Galway and Aran Fishermen’s Co-op Manager Sean Griffin

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and BIM, all 10 vessels of the cooperative have set ambitious targets both on-board and onshore, to improve waste separation to reduce landfill waste by 10% annually, and are contributing to targets in the Waste Management Plan for the Connacht-Ulster Region.

With all this work underway and the participation of Ros a Mhíl in BIM’s Fishing for Litter programme; the Co-op have achieved membership of Bord Bia’s Origin Green Charter this year.

“We are collectively working together in Ros a Mhíl to improve the overall sustainability and efficiency of the port. We have a good working relationship which is allowing us to progress major projects for the harbour and BIM’s assistance in a number of these projects including ‘Fishing for Litter’ has been instrumental in our success.

“There is a pride among fishermen and the local community in Ros a Mhíl and this pride will continue to drive our focus on environmental responsibility protecting our livelihoods and the local environment for many years to come,” remarked Sean Griffin, manager of Galway and Aran Fishermen’s Co-op.

The co-operative is also gathering baseline information on the volume of vessel waste going to landfill through the waste receptacles in the port. The material includes kitchen waste, plastics and other recyclable materials.

Vessels are segregating waste on-board using smarthanding techniques especially adapted for restricted space and a higher conformity rate with the harbours colour coded bag campaign.

arine litter includes plastic, metal, wood, rubber, glass and paper.

Although the relative proportions vary regionally, clear evidence points to plastic litter as by far the most abundant. In some locations, plastics make up 90% of shoreline marine litter. A similar predominance of plastics is reported from sampling at the sea surface and on the seabed. Most plastics are extremely durable materials and can persist in the marine environment hundreds of years.

Marine litter is not only an aesthetic problem but incurs socioeconomic costs, threatens human health and safety, and impacts on marine organisms. It is broadly documented that entanglement in or ingestion of marine litter can have negative consequences on the physical condition of marine animals such as birds; seals; turtles; porpoises and whales, and can lead to death.

Ingestion of micro plastics is also a concern as it can provide a pathway to transport harmful chemicals into the food web. Marine litter is known to damage and degrade habitats. (OSPAR 2014).

(Source: Fishing For Litter South West - Final Report 2011 – 2014)

http://www.fishingforlitter.org.uk/marine-litter

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 23

seafood desk

Dedicated website for inshore fishermen

Richard Donnelly, BIM; Tom Conneely, Failte Ireland, Constance Cassidy, Lissadell House and Charlie Kelly, Wild Atlantic Shellfish

Oyster farming on the northwest coast

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n exhibition showcasing oyster farming in the northwest has opened at Lissadel House, Sligo, where the tradition goes back to the 1850s.

‘Taste the Atlantic - a Seafood Journey, follows the ‘Surf Coast’ route of Taste the Atlantic launched in June - a dedicated seafood trail developed by BIM and Failte Ireland.

From Donegal town to Erris in Co Mayo, the trail aims to educate visitors how seafood is caught and farmed. Five seafood producers and 14 seafood restaurants join six producers and 28 restaurants of the ‘Bay coast’ route from Erris to Galway Bay. Richard Donnelly, BIM’s aquaculture business development manager explains that provenance and quality are showcased along the trail: “We’re delighted to partner with Constance Cassidy and Eddie Walsh of Lissadell House to develop an informative oyster exhibition that will educate both Irish and international visitors on the provenance and superior craftmanship involved in farming quality Irish oyster.”

At first point of sale, Irish oysters are worth €38m.

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he Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has created a dedicated website for the network of six inshore fishery forums around the coast of Ireland. Launching www. inshoreforums.ie marine minister Michael Creed said the website was a ‘vital tool’ for sharing information and to foster interaction and discussion.

“Getting inshore fishing communities involved in decision-making is the key aim of the forum initiative.

I hope the website will become a regular port of call for all interested in developing a sustainable future for this sector.”

At a recent meeting of the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, the Budget 2017 introduction of the Fisher’s Tax credit (based on the seafarer’s allowance model) and changes to the Fish Assist Scheme were highlighted as important income support mechanisms for inshore fishing communities.

Maintaining jobs and attracting new entrants have been identified by

stakeholders as key challenges for the fishing industry, including the inshore sector.

“This annual tax credit specifically for fishermen of €1,270, which mirrors the value of the Seafarer’s Allowance, is an important recognition for their contribution to Ireland’s ‘blue economy’,” Minister Creed added.

Proposals to revise conservation measures for lobster and to introduce technical conservation measures for the velvet crab fishery were also tabled at the NIFF meeting on October 25.

Blas na nEireann southeast winner

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tlantis Seafoods, a family-run business close to the fishing port of Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, were awarded the ‘Seafood Innovation Award’ sponsored by BIM at this year’s Blas na hEireann Awards in Dingle, Co Kerry.

The company received the award for their Kilmore Quay haddock goujons, developed to meet a growing consumer demand for fresh local and convenient seafood that is easy to cook and is gluten free.

‘We’re absolutely thrilled to win the Seafood Innovation Award. We have worked closely with BIM in their Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty and the expertise and assistance from their team has been instrumental in the success of our new Kilmore Quay range,” remarked John Kenny, managing director.

To company identified a gap in the retail market for fresh, not frozen, convenient, gluten-free and locally -sourced seafood. “We used innovative techniques to develop a gluten free breaded crumb that would not only retain its shelflife but most importantly - its taste.”

Other projects in the

Kilmore Quay range include seafood sausages (awarded an Irish Quality Food Award last year) and healthy fish products for children, all stocked in all major retailers.

“Atlantis Seafoods represents a forward thinking seafood enterprise that has successfully moved from wholesale to retail and has done so by diversifying and embracing innovative technology and support,” remarked Tara McCarthy, BIM chief executive.

“We’re looking forward to enabling Atlantic Seafoods to further drive their innovation agenda through our Seafood Development Centre in the months ahead.”

Atlantis Seafoods will benefit from €4,000 worth of services from the SDC in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. The centre is a purpose-built innovation centre with world-class technology facilities and a team of expert researchers, seafood technologists and business development personnel to assist the Irish seafood sector to drive innovative thinking and new product development.

Over the last two years, the centre has assisted 50 companies and more than 80 projects.

Left to right: Paschal Hayes, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); Minister Michael Creed; Roni Hawe, DAFM, Alex Crowley, Chair of the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and Eamon Aylward, DAFM

24 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

marine r&d

Atlantic seascape by Tomazs Szumski, Marine Institute

Ireland recognised as international leader in marine technology

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he Marine Institute and IMERC have been presented with the International Maritime Partner Award by the Maritime Alliance. The Irish organisations received their award from San Diego-based non-profit industry association The Maritime Alliance (TMA) at the annual Blue Tech & Blue Economy Summit in San Diego earlier this month.

The agencies were awarded for their work in developing Ireland’s marine technology cluster. The Entrepreneur Ship was recently launched as part of the IMERC cluster at its campus in Cork, which provides space for companies involved in, big data; biotechnology; power generation; cyber security; unmanned systems and power storage, as they relate to our ocean and energy systems.

The Marine Institute’s National Marine Technology Programme and associated SmartOcean initiative promotes the development of highvalue products and services

by creating a critical mass of research and development activities in marine information, communication and technology, by developing a marine technology innovation cluster.

Dr Edel O’Connor,Marine Institute, gave a keynote address on Ireland’s national ocean economy strategy at the five day event of more than 400 professionals, investors, educators, and government officials, who gathered to collaborate on issues, engage in key topics and develop partnerships that promote blue tech, blue jobs.

“Ireland has been gaining a reputation in Europe, and internationally for its marine research and innovation, and for driving collaboration in this area. This award by the Maritime Alliance shows the high regard for the work we are doing in Ireland with our colleagues at IMERC to bring together marine innovators and create an environment that promotes collaboration to develop BlueTech solutions for a global market,” remarked Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute chief executive.

Presentation of TMA Award: L-R John Breslin, Smartbay Ireland Ltd., Rebecca Skeffington, IDA Ireland, Michael Jones, President US Maritime Alliance, Dr Edel O’Connor, Marine Institute, Cian Walsh, CEO MUX, IMERC. This is the second award the Marine Institute has received for international collaboration in recent months. The Atlantic Project Award for International Cooperation was presented to Peter Heffernan and Margaret Rae, Horizon 2020 funded Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Co-ordination and Support Action (AORA-CSA).

Strategy, innovation, implementation, results and relevance to the Atlantic Strategy all

formed part of the award criteria. Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries presented the award at the Atlantic Stakeholders Conference in Dublin on the September 7.

The Marine Institute is the lead partner in the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Co-ordination and Support Action project to implement the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean

research cooperation.

This initiative aims to promote better collaboration on research activities and sharing of marine data and ocean observation infrastructure, and has already delivered results, particularly in Atlantic Ocean mapping, including ocean transects between St. John’s Newfoundland and Galway on Ireland’s national research vessel, Celtic Explorer in June 2015 and May 2016.

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 25

marine r&d

Marine Research & Innovation Strategy 2021

Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute: “Significant progress has been made in marine research and it has become clear that marine research in Ireland has moved from being what was considered by some as a niche field, to a theme that is integral to the development of many sectors such as energy, transport, food, and biodiversity”.

Ireland’s marine innovators win EU H2020 funding

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number of Irish marine businesses have been successful in winning EU research funding to develop disruptive technologies that will help achieve energy and food security ― key societal challenges in the EU’s research and innovation programme Horizon 2020 (H2020).

Recent research awards through the H2020 SME Instrument include Kerry based Brandon Products Ltd for a blue biotechnology solution for bio oil production; Connemara -based EireComposites for a project to develop smart, efficient tidal-turbine blades and offshore wind-turbine blade structures at an affordable cost, and Dare Technology based at the IMERC cluster in Cork.

OpenHydro Group Ltd will receive € 2.9m through the Fast Track to Innovation Scheme. The company is leading a group of European researchers in a project called OCTTIC (Open-Centre Tidal Turbine Industrial Capability).

Their project looks at wave energy and aims to find ways to make it as cheap as wind energy so that it is more practical to use in the electricity grid. (The project which his being led from Dublin, involves partners from Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.)

The Fast Track to Innovations Scheme is a bottom-up measure promoting innovation activities at the close-to-the-

market stage. It supports mature innovative concepts that have already been tested.

Supported activities include systems validation in real working conditions; testing; piloting; validation of business models and standard setting and pre-normative research.

EireComposites in partnership with EnerOcean has secured €2.7m funding under the Fast Track to Innovation Scheme for their SEAMETEC project. Their project aims to increase the availability of secure, lowcost, low-carbon electricity from ocean and offshore energy. These objectives will be achieved by using a novel but commercially -proven, patented, composites manufacturing process, and by adding sensor technology that reduces maintenance costs and improves reliability.

The project aims to play an important role in creating a new European industry, (the production of tidal stream turbines) while also giving Europe a competitive advantage in offshore wind. Offshore wind is an established multi-billion euro market, while tidal stream energy is an emerging market that will create up to 120GW of electricity and a €400bn industry. The project will contribute to the Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge ‘Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy’.

Brandon Products Ltd is collaborating with UKbased SME Glenside on the Sea-More-Yield project, which will receive f€0.9m under the H2020 SME Instrument. The project will run from December

2016 to November 2018 and aims to commercialise a disruptive blue biotechnology solution, using seaweed to address a bio-oil crop productivity challenge.

Dare Technology, based at the IMERC cluster in Cork, was recently awarded a Phase 1 award to develop innovative renewable technology on ships. Dare Technology’s first product is a marine grade, portable wind turbine for commercial marine vessels (Hi-GEN).

The Hi-GEN will provide renewable power for a ship’s system and reduce reliance on diesel powered generators, thereby reducing operating costs and emissions in the fishing and shipping industry.

SonarSim Ltd in Limerick also received Phase 1 funding under the H2020 SME Instrument for the SINANN project to develop solutions that increase efficiency in coastal zone seabed survey operations by 10-15%.

“Success of these companies winning EU funding for innovative marine projects shows the growth of Ireland’s research capacity, driven by a national focus through Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, Ireland’s integrated marine plan, and progress made during the implementation of Ireland’s previous marine research and innovation strategy, Sea Change 2007-2013.

“These Irish businesses are developing new technology that has the potential to be a game changer for how we source and harness our energy,” remarked Dr Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute chief executive.

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he importance of the ocean to the economy cannot be underestimated. According to the Socio- Economic Marine Research Unit, the Irish marine sector has an estimated turnover of €4.5 billion and supports over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

But the significance and potential of the marine sector is far greater. The Government has set a target to double the value of our ocean wealth to 2.4% GDP by 2030. In order to harness potential and grow our marine industries, continued investment in research and development is critical.

A new plan setting out Ireland’s Marine Research & Innovation Strategy 2016 - 2021 was made available for public consultation in November.

The draft strategy, prepared by the Marine Institute, provides a unified view of the marine -related funding requirements across a range of societal challenges such as transport, food, energy and biodiversity. It aims to build on the significant progress made during the implementation of Ireland’s previous marine research, knowledge and innovation strategy – Sea Change 2007-2013.

The strategy has been developed following a detailed review of marine research performance in Ireland, as well as a review of the major policy and sectoral drivers. A key aim is to provide a guide for government and funding agencies to identify the gaps in marine research, in order to meet the needs of society as stated in national strategies such as Innovation 2020, the national research and innovation strategy.

“Significant progress has been made in marine research and it has become clear that marine research in Ireland has moved from being what was considered by some as a niche field, to a theme that is integral to the development of many sectors such as energy, transport, food, and biodiversity,” remarked Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute chief executive.

The strategy aims to raise the research capacity across a number of identified themes and to ensure that funding is targeted to match requirements highlighted in state policies and sectoral plans.

“A high degree of coordination exists in the State’s approach to research funding, as we have seen through the national research prioritisation exercise and more recently in Innovation 2020. We hope the Marine Research and Innovation Strategy will contribute to that coordinated approach, by providing important insights to funding agencies as to how best to target their resources in the cross cutting area of marine research.”

Speaking about the public consultation, Dr Heffernan said the agency chose to make the document available to “as wide an audience as possible through public consultation in the spirit of engaging with the sea a key goal of Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, Ireland’s integrated marine plan.”

The public consultation aimed to collect views and opinions on the strategy, scope, objectives, and expected impacts of the Strategy.

The draft Marine Research and Innovation Strategy, as well as background briefing documents can be reviewed on www.marine.ie.

The consultation period closed November 22; feedback is currently being analysed and considered by the Marine Institute before the Strategy is finalised.

26 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

coastline news

Green light for restricted cruise berth terminal in Dún Laoghaire harbour Inspector’s report DECISION

Refuse planning permission for the proposed development based on the reasons and considerations set out below: REASONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Gillian Mills

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n Bord Pleanála has decided by a 4:1 majority to grant permission for a cruise berth terminal in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, subject to a restriction on vessel size of 250m length overall.

The decision however overrules the board’s own planning inspector’s report to refuse permission on the grounds, inter alia, that the application failed to have adequate cognisance to the MARPOL Convention wherein at 3 nautical miles from shore, i.e. within the boundary of the Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC, the cruise ship operators may discharge their treated sewage.

The EIS and NIS as submitted did not provide data on the impact of such discharge upon the Conservation Interest of this SAC, the Harbour Porpoise. …

In such circumstances, the Board is precluded from granting approval. (See sidebar) The Dún Laoghaire combined yacht clubs (Royal St George; Royal Albert; National; Motor, Yacht; Royal Irish and Dublin Bay Sailing) say the decision not to grant permission for a 435m quay to accommodate cruise ships up to 340m, was welcome.

‘Removal of the threat of supersized cruise ships secures the future of this premier location for the benefit of all Dún Laoghaire residents, watersports users, walkers and all those visitors and locals who value this historic amenity.’

But it regrets that the Board overruled its inspector’s conclusions that the proposed development was contrary to the National Ports Policy ‘and that the economic case for the development

was not sustained.’

The combined ‘clubs look forward to working with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council [the future owners of the harbour who have included a similar limitation in their Development Plan] to develop a National Watersports Centre ….as specified in the DLRCC’s Development Plan for the benefit of all.’

Save our Seafront - a voluntary organisation involving individuals and bodies concerned with issues affecting Dún Laoghaire seafront and Dublin Bay - is disappointed that permission has been granted but welcomes the restrictions.

It adds however that ‘serious issues’ arise over the inspector’s decision being overruled, which refused the development on the grounds it was contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.’

‘Together with other concerned organisations we are considering the issues, including the possibility of a judicial review of the outcome.’

SoS also contends that many other questions remain unanswered.

‘The project has not been costed. Estimates for the construction alone range from €18m to €40m – not to mention on-going running costs for dredging, maintenance, staffing etc, with possible impacts for the tax payer.’

SoS welcomes recognition

by ABP of the harbour’s longterm future being in marine leisure, cultural amenity and urban development.

Cruise tourism boost

Reacting to the outcome, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company says the decision will allow the company to

accommodate up to 80% of cruise ships that currently visit Dublin Bay. It contends that at least 30% of the additional expenditure and resultant employment that the berth will generate ‘is estimated to accrue to the Dún Laogahire area’.

The company also estimates 50 cruise calls from May to September, averaging two per week, ‘each with an average of 2,000 cruise visitors who will disembark to spend money in the area’. Over a season, the income generated will amount to €10m, the company believes.

Eithne Scott Lennon, chair of DLHC, said development of cruise tourism was recognised in the County Development Plan, the Harbour Masterplan and the National Ports Policy, in terms of marine tourism, marine leisure, cultural amenity and urban development: “The Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance recognises that Dublin should benchmark itself against Copenhagen in trying to treble the number of cruise calls coming to our capital city over the next five to 10 years.”

In 2016, Copenhagen attracted 306 cruise calls and Dublin recorded 104, (96 via Dublin Port and 8 via Dún Laoghaire.)

“The really important aspect of the Copenhagen model is that it facilitates ‘peak days’, whereby up to seven cruise calls per day can be facilitated. Dublin needs to be able to cope with a similar demand,” she suggested.

To realise this potential, a Stakeholder Collaboration Group will be set up, comprising the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance; Dublin City Council; Dublin Business Improvement District (BID); Dún Laoghaire BID; DLR CoCo; Dublin Port Company and DLHC.

1. The proposal as submitted to the Board failed to have adequate cognisance to the MARPOL Convention wherein at 3 nautical miles from shore, i.e. within the boundary of the Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC, the cruise ship operators may discharge their treated sewage. The EIS and NIS as submitted did not provide data on the impact of such discharge upon the Conservation Interest of this SAC, the Harbour Porpoise.

In addition, avoidance measures in the form of adequate waste facilities have not been provided for in line with Marpol 73/78 in Dun Laoghaire Harbour and thus mitigation measures are inadequate. A stated mitigation measure of the EIS/NIS as submitted, is the employment of Marine Mammal Observers during the dredging/piling works in the Harbour.

The Board consider this mitigation measure to be ineffective where dredging and piling are proposed to operate on a 24 hour basis i.e. during night time hours where visibility will be reduced. In light of the foregoing, the Board are not satisfied that the proposed development individually, or in combination, with other plans or projects would not affect the integrity of the Rockabill to Dalkey Island SAC, in view of the site’s Conservation Objectives.

In such circumstances, the Board is precluded from granting approval. As such and as currently proposed and on the basis of the information provided the Board considers that the development does not meet the requirements for approval under the provisions of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and this therefore is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

2. The Board are not satisfied with the quantum of information provided in relation to the Navigation Analyses in the EIS. The failure to incorporate all winds and tides into the Moffat and Nichol-Navigation Analyses, in tandem with an investigative survey as to the composition of the Roundheads, located at the end of the east and west piers at the harbour mouth, has provided a degree of uncertainty as to the ability of cruise ships to navigate safety through the harbour mouth to the berth and to the impact of the cruise ship’s thrusters upon the stability of the roundheads, which are identified as Protected Structures in Dún LaoghaireRathdown’s County Development Plan 2016-2022.

The Board notes the Applicant’s stated intention to carry out further studies in the event that the project proceeds, however, these studies would not be subject to public review. The Board consider that the proposal with its supporting documentation has failed to provide certainties that a cruise ship can safely navigate the dredged channel and through the harbour mouth without a detrimental impact upon the roundheads and therefore consider the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

3. The proposed development of a new pier and quay berth measuring over 430m in length within Dun Laoghaire Harbour to facilitate the Freedom Range of cruise ship, which is at the higher end of the scale of cruise ships and which is capable of carrying circa 5,000 persons, conflicts with the vision as set out in the National Ports Policy plan (2013) issued by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, wherein Dun Laoghaire Harbour was assigned to Tier 3 (out of 3) as it was considered a port of regional importance alongside Galway, Wicklow and Drogheda.

It is therefore considered that the proposal would not be in line with national policy and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Fiona Tynan, Senior Planning Inspector with An Bord Pleanála since 2005

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 27

marine r&d

Tapping into data and products

Deirdre O’Driscoll & David O’Sullivan Marine Institute

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NFOMAR is a twentyyear programme to map the physical, chemical and biological features of Ireland’s seabed for the sustainable development of enterprise, tourism, aquaculture and the environment.

With the first ten-year phase now complete, we are beginning to see how this knowledge has the potential to offer incredible benefits for the island of Ireland.

The primary workflow through the first ten years (Phase I: 20062016) focussed on data acquisition and integration as the programme worked towards mapping 26 priority bays and 3 priority areas originally identified through stakeholder consultation.

The resulting successful surveys has resulted in less expansive geographic targets over Phase II (2016-2026) and the opportunity for the INFOMAR programme to expand the value-added aspect of its data delivery schedule, developed in line with the exciting array of data already freely available.

A major objective is to facilitate data integration with the key objective of developing the capability to integrate both general seabed environmental data and specialist stakeholder datasets, in order to facilitate the development of specific products and data services for the public and private sector.

INFOMAR already hosts an online data, products and downloads page (www. infomar.ie) that includes access to a number of popular and novel datasets.

Online data

INFOMAR employs several web mapping viewers which allow the data to be viewed and interrogated through an internet browser: The newest INFOMAR Data Viewer displays the entire INFOMAR datasets including bathymetry, backscatter,

seabed classification, grab samples and shipwrecks. It also contains measure and swipe tools and allows the user to draw a line and extract a profile of elevation values along that line (Figure 1).

The Dynamic Webmapping viewer (http://maps.marine. ie/infomarbathymetry) displays the bathymetry data only. It allows the user control of the depth ranges displayed in order to highlight potential areas of interest and to increase bathymetric resolution; provides depth by clicking on any location, facilitates geolocation and works within smart phones and tablets.

It is also possible to make measurements, upload point files and print maps, making the webmapping viewers an invaluable tool in assisting research and creating images and graphics for a range of reports (Figure 2).

A new guide on how to add INFOMAR bathymetry data into Avenza PDF Maps for Android and iOS mobile devices to enable access to offline data is now available from our website (http://www. infomar.ie/data/Apps.php).

You can also search our datasets by location using the ‘Find Data & Maps by Bay’ link. Each map displays all the data available for specific locations using a series of tabs.

Numerous downloadable PDF charts are produced for each of the 26 priority bays and 3 priority areas as soon as the data is made available following extensive quality control. These include a bathymetry (depth) chart with colour scale raster and contours; a backscatter chart which gives an indication of sediment type, and shaded relief charts that highlight seabed features, using light and shade.

KML/KMZ files containing merged survey datasets have been created for all areas.

This format is recognised by Google Earth and the data can be easily viewed at home as a shaded relief image with the relevant colour scale embedded. KML files can also be brought into some offshore navigation systems but as images only and without depth values embedded in the file.

The Interactive Web Data Delivery System (IWDDS) allows the download of multiple data including geotiffs and point xyz files for use in various mapping software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These can be accessed by opening the Data Access – Data Viewer (http:// maps.marine.ie/infomar), zooming to the area of interest and easily downloading relevant data type and format.

Location-based

Story Maps are a recently developed, easy-to-use tool that can perfectly capture any story using location based information and featuring relevant imagery and videos.

For example, it is possible to view the historic Admiralty chart for Galway Bay from 1849 overlaid with current high resolution multibeam echosounder data, as provided by INFOMAR. A digital spyglass provides a novel and engaging user experience while visualising the differences between old and modern seabed mapping techniques (Figure 3).

Further online examples include INFOMAR story maps for Kerry; Kilkieran Bay; Waterford; Louth and Meath. In the near future, the team will include a ‘How to make a story-map’ feature which will allow users of all ages to let their imagination take over and tell their own stories that can be shared with family and friends.

Recent advances in 3d technology have allowed dramatic visualisation of our maritime heritage, namely shipwreck data through an animation tool, Sketchfab (see Figure 4). INFOMAR hosts 36 high resolution shipwreck datasets which can be accessed through our website and are also featured as weekly tweets (@ followtheboats) and facebook posts (https://www.facebook. com/followtheboats/).

Our data also includes a number of 3d models of bays and two priority areas but at a low resolution due to their larger scale. These are accessed through www.digitalocean. ie under the 3d Models layer; this viewer also includes observational datasets from Marine Institute wave buoys, weather buoys and tide gauges.

Figure 1. Bathymetric profiles via INFOMAR Data Viewer https://jetstream.gsi.ie/iwdds/delivery/INFOMAR_VIEWER/ index.html

Figure 2. Dynamic Webmapping Viewer allows user-defined depth ranges to target areas of interest http://maps.marine.ie/ infomarbathymetry

Figure 3. Creative and informative Story Maps paint a thousand words http://www.infomar.ie/data/StoryMaps.php

Technical advances

At this halfway juncture, some products may be phased out in light of technology advances that favour novel and more practical data-sets in keeping with the evolving requirements of our data users.

We would therefore welcome your feedback on this important issue.

If you are a regular or even casual user of INFOMAR data, we would appreciate any feedback you may have of your experience viewing and accessing our data.

Please email us at info@ infomar.ie and using the subject heading INFOMAR Data and Products.

The INFOMAR team is committed to continued production of high quality and applicable datasets through the next ten years of its operations

Figure 4. Sketchfab allows high resolution shipwreck data to be viewed in exceptional 3d detail. http://www.infomar.ie/ data/ShipwrecksMap.php and values your opinion.

We are also taking this opportunity at the half-way point to reboot our website which holds a huge amount of vital geospatial data.

Following an thorough review, stake-holder consultation and user feedback, the website will be streamlined, updated and simplified to allow faster, easier access to data downloads and products.

We hope to publish the

new website in the New Year and look forward to seeing you there.

The programme is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and delivered by joint management partners the Geological Survey and the Marine Institute and has placed Ireland centre stage as the global leaders in marine stewardship, mapping and development.

28 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

book review

St Brendan and fellow peregrini pro Christo landing on an Atlantic island from their leather naomhóg

The Royal ship Vasa, ready to sail from Lodgården Quay, Stockholm, 10 August, 1628

Ships to Remember

W

hen we think of the idea behind building a boat for sailing - for transport or adventure - we often like to leave it there, concentrating on the latter as opposed to the former aspects.

Anything else might well constitute a headache!

We don’t automatically consider engines being assembled; hulls drilled and placed together then all disassembled into 2,766 pieces, boxed and shipped across the Atlantic from London, to be hauled by over 100 miles (161km) inland to Lake Titicaca, bordering Peru and Bolivia at an altitude of almost 4,000ft (1219m) and launched more than nine years after contract signing on the other side of the globe.

While such details are rarely considered, this is how the first ‘steamer at the roof of the world’, the Yavarí, came into being.

The above is only barely an outline sketch of the detailed minutiae about historical and famed vessels, voyages, and events that we glean from Rorke Bryan’s latest book, Ships to Remember, published by the History Press, and colourfully illustrated with both personal photographs and bespoke artwork painted by Austin Dwyer.

This compendium of 25 shorter stories is a wonderful follow-on of Bryan’s excellent study on Ships of the Antarctic, Ordeal by Ice, published in 2011 to great acclaim. Encompassing some extensively researched previous material along with a larger breadth of historical knowledge here, 1400 years to be precise!

Bryan condenses the key facets of 25 vessels and more into bite-sized pieces

for a coffee table gem that readers will savour at their own chosen pace.

In this work we are presented with extensive knowledge of a multitude of vessel types from the maritime world in context of sailing, endurance, skilled navigation, and a military perspective. This work covers a gamut of extremes - from the humble and adventurous voyages of Saint Brendan and his comrades sailing in their basic naomhóg with her sails made of pliable hides from stag, wolf, pine martin or fox seeking out the Promised land of the Saints, the Land of Paradise, or Hy Brasil on their Navigatio and likely ending in New Foundland all the way from 6th Century Ireland.

Or in another chapter we read of how Vice Admiral Nelson, struggling with the sluggishness of his cautious commanding officer, ingeniously used the seemingly small gift of a recently caught turbot to warm relations.

We learn that this act was so well received that it paved the way for Nelson’s more visionary tactics to make victory possible during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

Bryan describes the battle stages in full dramatic detail; vessels running aground, broadsiding, steering by topmasts, cables cut by gunfire, replacements being continuously rowed out from Copenhagen.

The action is palpable.

There are chapters covering Irish connections such as the famine ship Jeannie Johnston, famed for delivering timber and passengers to the New World; or the ill-fated Lusitania, and sunk by submarine off the old Head of Kinsale in 1915 during the First World War Navigational prowess beyond Saint Brendan can be read in the tales of Shakleton on the James Caird or of Captain Bligh traversing the Pacific from Torfua to

Timor to complete the greatest open boat voyage then known.

The ships of earlier times are a far cry from our modern carbon masted, injection moulded, multihulls or speed machines of the Volvo Ocean Race or Vendée Globe. The background to these races however - their heroics and pig-headedness, precision navigation and route management - are brought to us vividly by Bryan in his accounts of the famed China Tea Clippers competition between Thermopylae and Cutty Sark as they raced around the globe beating records crossing the capes delivering their wares.

While he covers tea clippers and steam cruisers, Bryan also gives us brilliant and insightful histories of the other great industry vessels: tall ships; whalers; tugboats; sternwheel steam paddlers along the Yukon, and mighty ice-breakers, to name only a few. The vessel type is broadranging and the factual details immense. There is no element of maritime experience left untouched.

In compiling this excellent collection for Ships to Remember, Rorke Bryan has given us an enlightening work with great knowledge of global maritime matters.

The reader is transported around the many ports, seas, and trade routes of the world, and the reading makes the farther reaches of our globe seem a much closer together place.

Cian Gallagher

Ships to Remember THE HISTORY PRESS ISBN 978 0 7509 6590 3

Lieut. Bligh with his fellow victims of the mutiny on HMS Bounty sets a course for the Dutch settlement of Coupang on the island of Timor, May 1789

British Antarctic Survey research/supply ship John Biscoe unloading stores off Base E Stonington Island, February 1963

COMPETITION The publishers have generously offered two copies as competition prizes.

Q: What fish did Nelson send to his Commander in 1801?

Answers on a post card to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin or by email to mills@inshore-ireland.com Deadline: January 6, 2017

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 29

book review

Poacher’s Pilgrimage an island journey

A

laistair Mcintosh’s book relates, in fascinating style, a 12-day journey the author made on foot, in all weathers, from the southernmost point of Harris to the Butt of Lewis.

The language of the book is almost poetic, reflecting the writer’s artistic gifts and his understanding of Celtic and pre-Celtic culture.

The scenery, history and culture of the Hebrides is described in attractive detail, along with the spirituality of its people, and their folklore. Its intriguing title combines local traditional attitudes towards the land and its produce, which have been regarded with disdain or tramped on by arrogant landlordism and its rapacious attitudes.

Inshore fishers and small farmers, both Scots and Irish, will relate to the way their communities regard local land and fishing grounds as the traditional property of the artisans who use them and harvest them. There is an abhorrence of the privatisation and commercialisation of these assets previously owned and managed by the traditional harvesters.

McIntosh describes well the change that took place when landlords began to treat the natural resources as their personal property and established greedy control of all of the produce, whether salmon, fish, deer, rabbits, pheasants or even the natural springs of fresh water. Some greedy landlords were known to pollute wells with dead sheep rather than permit free access to locals or to travellers.

The author’s journey follows a trail of ancient sacred sites, ‘temples’, wells, and ‘bothan’ - many of which are now reduced to a few stones scattered around the grass or buried in the heather.

Throughout the trek and its numerous stops, the writer pauses to reflect on life and on issues of war, politics, and human behaviour. These reflections range from general observations to consideration of ethical and mystical matters which the author approaches from his background as a

Day 3, entering the glen on my way to Loch a’ Sgàil, using fragments of Sammy’s stalker’s path. This whole ‘country’ is now community owned in a partnership for people and conservation with the John Muir Trust.

Quaker and a pacifist.

In that latter role he has regularly been called upon to lecture to senior UK military staff to help them understand the morality or otherwise of military actions. In his conversations with military officers, Free church ministers; Gaelic-speaking crofters; devout Hebridean ladies and atheists, Mcintosh relates to each in a non-judgmental yet challenging way.

He is remarkably sensitive towards former Celtic beliefs in faeries and sithean sprites that are or were a big part of the folklore and myths of the highlands. Tales of spiritual experiences or encounters with the ‘sith’ are mentioned seriously - whether from local people or from academics.

The writer traces literary and historical connections between beliefs in the faerie world, sacred sites and living nature, particularly the deer.

The reflections on characters and movements cover a wide swathe of history and folklore - from St Augustine to Martin Luther to John Calvin - who left their imprint on Scottish Presbyterianism, and on to Margaret Thatcher and American right-wing politicians and press barons such as Donald Rumsfeld; Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch (some of whose forefathers hailed from Harris or Lewis).

Every paragraph of the ‘Island Journey’ is written in Alastair’s unique style of poetic prose and is a delight to read. The 21 chapters are brim-full of spiritual ideas and observations. And lest any suspect the book is too

religious in character, this is how McIntosh describes himself : ‘My writing can be too pagan for the Christians, too Christian for the pagans.’

Quoting from a Welsh writer, he says: Nature, in the end, humbles all the work of human hands. . . . As our city ways grow weary, ‘people are becoming pilgrims again, if not to this place, then to the recreation of it in their own spirits’. We must remain kneeling. Hush! Remember! These very seas are baptised. The parish has a saint’s name time cannot unfrock.

Referring to his pocket compass and ‘Explorer Map’, McIntosh muses: As our city ways grow weary, ‘people are becoming pilgrims again, if not to this place, then to the recreation of it in their own spirits’. There’s something stirring in a lot of us that feels the urge to place that compass on the map, to let its needle swing - the wider and the wilder, the better.

That, says Alastair, at the deepest level, was the force that pulled me north to make this island pilgrimage.

There is a useful two-page list of Gaelic words and terms, together with their meaning and pronounciation. There are also 19 pages of end-notes, packed with explanations and additional information.

David Thomson David Thomson, former Scottish fisherman from Morayshire and former development worker in over 50 countries, under the UN agencies and bilateral programmes.

Poacher’s Pilgrimage, an island journey 2016 Birlinn Ltd ISBN 978/1780273617

COMPETITION

The publishers have generously offered two copies as competition prizes.

Q: How many chapters are in the book?

Answers on a post card to 3 Hillview Cottages, Pottery Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin or by email to mills@ inshore-ireland.com Deadline: January 6, 2017

Photos: Gillian Mills

The Leenane Inspector

I

f you have never visited Leenane on the Galway/Mayo border, stick it on your bucket list. It is a small community filled with a certain magic and charm with a couple of pubs - one of which is also the grocery shop, the post office and probably the undertakers as well.

On arrival you are sucked into a different world - a world that sees the meeting of the local community with the visitor - be they passing through on a coach tour or down to take in the scenery and the quietness of the rural setting by the fjord.

The Leenane Inspector tells the story of one such visitor except he is based in Leenane for work. His predecessor disappeared without a trace while working there…

This visitor - James Wyatt - is a Dubliner with no experience of rural living, having been born in the city, educated in England and Trinity College Dublin.

And yet he is transferred ‘to do his boss’ dirty work’ and to investigate allegations of water pollution violations.

Having been to Leenane a few times I felt, while reading this book, I could identify various places: the hotel, the pub and of course the outlying areas. I have also spent time in other parts of the west of Ireland and can certainly say that the author, Brian Grehan, is a master at capturing the locals and their ways. As I got into the book, I began to read what certain characters were saying with certain accents with which I believe they would speak.

Nowhere else in Ireland have I come across disagreements, of both a small and large degree, as in the West; more often than not these arguments can carry on through generations

and result in bad feelings and retribution being sought – by various means.

The book starts out slowly – presumably to set the scene and to introduce the various characters. About halfway through, the story of intrigue and greed gathers pace, and I found myself sitting up to finish it in one night. It is gripping, with its violence and mystery while also being quite touching when describing James’ relationships with some of the Leenane locals.

I also found the author expressed with such accuracy, how rural communities are slow to trust visiting people, displayed beautifully by James’ relationship with Tommy Joe - a local fisherman.

The inspector also finds love - but there is a twist in this tale as there is love with the local girl and love with a visitor who wins out in the end…

What I particularly admire is the knowledge the author has about the area - the prospect of gold mining and the protests that ensued.

While it is a fictional story, a lot of truth and real life events are mentioned throughout.

I also really liked how he included poetry and lyrics.

For example, when James’ mother dies, he mentions one of her favourite songs, Eileen Aroon and while contemplating his mother’s life, he identifies certain aspects with certain lines from the song.

Earlier in the book, James is visiting Sligo with a friend and they pass an area where sally trees are growing for basket making. The friend told him to take life easy.

This may not appear to be an unusual episode but it is taken from the poem - Down by the Sally Gardens, by W B Yeats who is buried in Sligo.

It is an ingenious moment where a piece of poetry »» page 30

30 inshore ireland Autumn 2016

coastline news »» from page 29

or song is intertwined.

Brian Grehan’s way with words is masterful.

At one particular point, James speaks about the harm that gold mining will cause the community: The environment is a giant jigsaw of inter-related parts. When someone does something here, it affects someone else there, and so on.

Profound words indeed and within the story it becomes evident how greed can affect the environment and the small communities who depend on nature and the environment.

The inspector – James Wyatt - has some likeable qualities.

At times the reader will worry for his safety but equally there are times when you would just love to shake him and

ask him what he is doing?

As I read the last page I found myself asking one major question: What happened to the main characters - hoping beyond hope the author might consider a sequel…

In writing this review, I am mindful not to give away any elements of the story as it would be unfair to potential readers.

What I will say with certainty is that this is a page-turner that is beautifully written. The author is very knowledgeable about the area, the local people, rural life and its traditions, and has written a dramatic book that I highly recommend.

All proceeds are going to the Sightsavers charity.

Simone Rapple

Competition The author has generously offered two copies as competition prizes:

Q: What is the name of the local fisherman that Wyatt befriends?

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

Deadline: January 6, 2017

Haulbowline Lighthouse centenary commemoration

A

six-week project that began on July 30 to illuminate Haulbowline Lighthouse at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, marked the centenary year of a disaster described as ‘the worst in living memory’.

A heritage trail from Kilkeel through Mourne into South Armagh and the Cooley Peninsula culminated in a major programme in Newry on November 3.

The legacy will be the creation of the heritage trail, improved cross community and cross border relations and raising awareness of the tragedy, according to the Newry Maritime Association.

On Friday November 3, 1916, two ships – SS

Wild Swimming in Ireland Dominic O’Toole [waiting for address] Ellen Markey, Bere Island

At Swim Cathal O’Connor, Cork Linda Harnden, Dublin

Congratulations to all our competition winners

Retriever on her port stern, blowing her directly into SS Connemara.

Prototype wave energy test to follow successful small-scale trial

I

rish company, Sea Power, is preparing to test their prototype wave energy device at the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test site, following successful small-scale trials.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Marine Institute are collaborating to develop Ireland’s ocean energy testing infrastructure at the Lir National Ocean Test Facility in Cork; the quarterscale test site in Galway Bay and the Atlantic Marine Energy full-scale test sight off the Mayo coast.

CEO Jim Gannon said it was encouraging to see

SUMMER COMPETITION WINNERS

Retriever and SS Connemara collided with the loss of 94 crew and passengers and one survivor, James Boyle from Warrenpoint.

SS Retriever, a Newry registered collier had departed the Port of Garston on Merseyside at 0425 hrs, bound for Newry with coal, while at 2000 hrs that evening, SS Connemara – a passenger/livestock ferry operating between Greenore and Holyhead – had slipped her moorings in Greenore and had swung towards the channel and the Irish Sea. The navigation channel just past the Haulbowline Lighthouse, known as ‘The Cut’, is narrow at just 300 yards wide. On the ill-fated night, a rogue sea caught SS

Irish technologies progress to this stage where ocean energy was creating “huge potential” in job creation and energy security in this emerging sector for Ireland.

“With some of the most energy rich ocean resources in the world, located off our west coast, Ireland has the potential to become a market leader in this sector. Developing our sustainable energy resources allows us move away from our reliance on imported fossil fuels which cost our economy billions of euro a year.”

Peter Heffernan, Marine Institute CEO, remarked

that Sea Power Ltd was a “great example” of an indigenous Irish company developing novel technology to harness the power of the ocean.

“Having brought their device through various small scale prototypes, it is exciting to see this new technology being prepared for testing in the sea at quarter scale. We look forward to working with our partners SEAI and Seapower to make a significant contribution in the evolution of ocean energy as an environmentally friendly and cost effective source of power for Ireland.”

inshore ireland Autumn 2016 31

outside ireland

Rites of Passage: Low Impact Fishers of Europe celebrate their III Congress in Warsaw Brian O’Riordan, LIFE Platform

A

round 50 delegates from 23 organisations across 11 countries, representing around 4,000 fishers, gathered in Warsaw on 29th October for the III Congress of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE).

The event was officially opened by Marek Gróbarczyk, Minister for Maritime Economy and Inland Waterways, who welcomed attendees on behalf of the Polish Government. In his speech, the Minister recognised and applauded the work of LIFE; the need for specific support mechanisms for the sector and the importance and value of small-scale fishers in the Baltic to coastal communities.

Since LIFE’s last Congress, organised in November 2013 in Santiago de Compostella, LIFE has come a long way. It has established an office in Brussels with three staff to forge links with the European Institutions and has appointed coordinators for the Baltic and North Sea, and for the Mediterranean. LIFE membership is set to double in size; members participate in five Advisory Councils and include organisations from the periphery of the Arctic Circle (Finland) to the 35th parallel (Cyprus).

LIFE’s trajectory may have been swift – its office in Brussels was only set up in June 2015, but discussions highlighted that when it comes to fishing access and associated rights, there is a still huge gap to bridge between the ‘haves’ in the larger scale sector and the ‘have nots’ in the smaller scale sector.

For 40-years, European

Low Impact Fishers Of Europe

Common Fisheries Policies have been blind to smaller scale fisheries, and has enabled organisations that cater to meeting the needs of larger scale fisheries to dominate the policy narrative. This has left little room at the negotiating tables - whether at national, regional or EU level - and has seen the access rights of the smaller scale progressively eroded. Catching up these lost years, lost opportunities and lost rights whilst demonstrating that smallscale fisheries are a solution to the current race to the bottom, are the tasks that LIFE has taken on.

The III Congress was a meeting of both hearts and minds in the sense that in small-scale fisheries, the human dimension is very much to the fore. Smallscale fishing is as much about families, communities, and seafaring traditions as it is about work on the water-face, catching fish, commerce, and adapting to complex and ever-changing legal and environmental contexts.

A particular case in point, as we shall see below, has been the use of historic catch records to allocate quota during periods that favour larger scale fisheries ― be it for Baltic cod or Bluefin tuna.

Prejudice against smallscale fisheries prejudices livelihoods, local economies, families, and communities.

Small-scale fisheries tend to be overlooked in policy decisions that are tailored to the needs and problems of larger-scale fisheries, putting them at a distinct disadvantage.

Organisations that claim there is a natural balance between the fleets, and that they represent both small and large scale sectors, have been responsible, time and

time again, for overlooking and effectively marginalizing the small- scale sector.

Remedying this entrenched situation requires establishing strategic alliances and joining forces with like-minded groups.

In this regard, LIFE and the Aktea European Network of women’s organisations in fisheries and aquaculture, agreed to establish a section in LIFE for the women who work both as professionals and as helpers in the fisheries sector - roles that are often overlooked, undervalued, and poorly remunerated, but without which small-scale fisheries would not be viable. This new project in LIFE aims to do its part in the struggle to obtain justice, recognition and respect for women working and otherwise engaged in the fisheries sector.

The Congress also saw LIFE resolving to end its exclusive focus on marine fisheries and to open its doors to membership from small-scale fishers from inland waters. Whilst inland fisheries, with notable exceptions, are not covered by the CFP, small-scale inland fishers and their communities face similar problems to those on the coasts, such as isolation, difficulties to organise and to gain access to resources, markets, information and support.

LIFE directors also observed that the organisation has outgrown its constitution and that this needs to be fundamentally revised. They therefore resolved for LIFE to adopt a cooperative management structure and for the constitution to be redrafted along cooperative lines with a clear demarcation of roles and responsibilities between

directors and members.

To redress the injustices of being Europe’s forgotten fleet for over four decades, LIFE is developing a 10-year strategy for the period 2017-2027. This will guide its activities up to the end of the prevailing CFP; cover the next reform and take LIFE into the first five years of the next CFP; it is being designed to bring smallscale fisheries from the periphery to the centre of policy-making and decisiontaking.

From Finland, the Kesälahti Fish Base Cooperative - LIFE’s first member organisation from a wholly inland fishing community highlighted how fishers are on the front line of climate change and from the impact of human activity on the planet. They described how their winter fishing season has been halved due to the increasingly late onset and early ending of winter, making it unsafe to fish on the frozen lakes.

They advocated that the experiential knowledge garnered by fishers in their daily lives and work should be valorised by scientists and policy-makers and that their traditional and local knowledge should be combined with scientific data in policy making.

The Swedish Fishermen’s Association, SYEF, described how the Swedish government plans to introduce an ITQ system, which is seen as the only solution to the problem of ‘choke species’ thrown up by the landing obligation.

Although small-scale fisheries will not be part of the system, they face being put at a considerable disadvantage in the allocation of quotas.

Instead of fixing the reference period for quota

allocation prior to the introduction of the cod plan in 2007, it is to be set from 2011 to 2014 when smallscale landings had been severely curtailed. A similar case was highlighted by the Cofradia of El Hierro in the Canary Islands with regards to bluefin tuna access.

A recent European Commission regulation for a multi annual recovery plan for Bluefin tuna has frozen the tonnage of vessels allowed to catch bluefin tuna to the tonnage fishing during the period 2007 – 2008. This was when the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna’s (ICCAT) bluefin tuna recover plan was initiated. Under this plan, the activities of small-scale fleets in Spain were severely curtailed; taking this as the reference period puts them at a serious disadvantage.

Reports from member organisations underlined the real need for a structure like LIFE to provide a voice for and take up the cause of small-scale fishers across Europe. In particular, with LIFE support, smallscale fishers resolved to engage effectively in the Advisory Councils (ACs).

It was pointed out that so long as these advisory bodies are dominated by representatives of the largerscale industrial fisheries and the large quota owners, the AC agenda will be driven by these interests, to the detriment of smaller-scale fishers.

Up to now, small-scale fishers have been reluctant to commit time and energy to the ACs because they feel that these don’t deal with issues of interest to them. But if they want this to change, they need to get involved – the sooner the better.

Marek Gróbarczyk, Minister for Maritime Economy and Inland Waterways; and Katarzyna Wysocka, founding Director of LIFE, and the Secretary of the Utska Fishermen’s Association (Srodkowopomorska grupa rybacka z ustki).

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