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The Marine and Freshwater Environment Publication
SUMMER 2020
Voluntary ‘tie-up’ scheme slammed by fishermen as not fit-for-purpose
WELCOME
Welcome to our second digital edition of Ocean Focus!
CONTENTS
news
marine r&D
seafood
fisheries and seafood
coastline news
climate change / ocean energy
aquaculture
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ocean Focus | Summer 2020
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News
No licence for mechanical extraction of kelp in Bantry Bay
COMMENT
04
Offshore wind energy sector must earn widespread buy-in to succeed
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Comment No licence for mechanical extraction of kelp in Bantry Bay EU Commission accuses Ireland of breaching key environmental law Voluntary ‘tie-up’ scheme slammed by fishermen as not fit-for-purpose
EU Commission accuses Ireland of breaching key environmental law
comment
Our interview with Dr Valerie Cummins follows publication of the two-year EirWind project, and outlines the prospects for a viable and rewarding wind energy sector. Despite having one of the best offshore resources in the world, Ireland is coming late to this sector but is now ‘open for business’. That optimistic phrase reminds us of our article on wave and tidal energy in 2011, when the outlook was decidedly more dismal and Ireland was ‘closed for business’. That pronouncement was made by a senior manager of the Swedish utilities giant, Vattenfall, who in partnership with Bord Gáis was backing the wave farm development company, TONN Energy. After a few years battling with Irish officialdom and a grossly inadequate marine licensing system, Vattenfall was throwing in the towel because of the frustratingly slow pace of progress and an apparent lack of government commitment. Vattenfall was leaving Ireland, and would instead concentrate on its Scottish renewable energy interests. That decision meant Ireland lost out on a projected income of €10 billion and as many as 52,000 jobs, projected to be delivered by 2030. Blue future That article also quotes the Marine Renewable Industry Association’s Peter Coyle who crystal-balled that Ireland could become the world centre for a job-intensive new industry ‘if political will and urgency are shown’. Outlining the necessary administrative steps required, he said it would be necessary ‘to set up modern consenting procedures, hold an initial leasing round, plan grid development, and put civil service resources into the area of marine renewables’. These words and memories echo through the Cummins interview, and you can but wonder where we would be now had they been heard in 2011. Nine years on however, Ireland stands again at the dawn of a new renewable energy source – offshore wind. The Ireland of today is a much different place: it’s a fertile ground where the seeds of wind energy and carbon dioxide-free green hydrogen gas are being sown. And they have every chance of coming to fruition, driven by climate change directives that underpin targets outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2019, ‘Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth’, the EU Strategy on Hydrogen ― and the long overdue overhaul of an antiquated foreshore licensing system. As Val Cummins says, ‘things are aligning in a really exciting way’. Communicating the story Another critical element will be public support and confidence, without which offshore wind energy projects could spend more time in suspension from appeal after appeal, than time spent suspending the blades that will ultimately gather this renewable source. Companies, agencies and departments must not make the same mistake of ‘pushing the open door’ of peer-to peer talking or through the numerous reports that circulate at ‘inhouse events’. For offshore wind ― and the renewable energy sector as a whole to succeed – must start to push ‘the closed door’ by communicating with those who are skeptical and those who are outright opponents. It is public consent that will be needed just as much as any State consent. It is the smallest of coastal villages where the impact might be highest who must be part of the story if Ireland is to reach the lofty target of becoming not alone self-sufficient but an energy exporter by 2050. Lessons learnt Let this fledgling sector not forget but learn from the early days of Ireland’s aquaculture industry of the mid-1980s. Aquaculture came with a fair wind of public support as a new and worthwhile way of farming the ocean and creating much-needed local employment. But its image - in particular the finfish sector – became quickly and unfairly sullied, and was dragged through a mud of negativity, innuendo, misinformation and fake news for years. But instead of actively engaging with a mostly sympathetic public, which understood its economic potential, the sector battened down the hatches and lost the media battle. Today the sector has not yet fully recovered and has had many a steep hill to climb, but is winning back that early public support. The renewable energy sector will have to work hard to keep the public on its side. The industry must control and tell its own story. No matter how strong the wind might blow, if the sector fails to inform and involve the public, the fair winds it currently enjoys will not be enough.
Gery Flynn & Gillian Mills
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Justice Deirdre Murphy determined that no licence has yet been issued, due to Government’s failure to comply with all the requirements of the 1933 Foreshore Act. The Foreshore Act includes a provision requiring the Minister of the day to publish his/her decision to grant a foreshore licence in the official State gazette, Iris Oifigúil. The decision has yet to be published and therefore ‘the Licence Agreement which was executed in 2014 is not yet operative or effective’, Justice Murphy ruled.
The High Court ruled (May 20) that no effective licence is in place to permit the mechanical extraction of kelp from Bantry Bay. In 2009, Tralee-based biotechnology company, BioAtlantis Aquamarine Ltd, applied for a foreshore licence to harvest kelp from over 1,860 acres, representing the largest mechanical extract ever proposed in UK and Irish waters.
In April 2018, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine granted an aquaculture licence to grow seaweed on longlines on an area that overlaps with the proposed kelp extraction licence area
Referring Ireland’s statutory obligations under the 1998 Aarhus Convention, Justice Murphy held that the public have a right to be informed of and to challenge government decisions regarding environmental matters. ‘The determination of every relevant [foreshore] application must be published…and the public must be informed of the right to question the validity of the determination as provided. Until those provisions are complied with the licencing process is not complete.’
Aarhus Convention
While the Minister can publish his decision now, this would allow the public to challenge the licence in its entirety, going back to the 2009 application. In April 2018, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine granted an aquaculture licence to grow seaweed on longlines on an area that overlaps with the proposed kelp extraction licence area. ‘If the minister was to try to give legal effect to the kelp extraction licence now, he would effectively be to trying to put it on top of a pre-existing licence area,’ contends Bantry Bay – Protect our Native Forests. The group has welcomed the Court’s decision and its ‘strong stance in favour of the public’s right to be informed regarding activities which could significantly impact the local environment’. Thanking their supporters for their time, effort and resources, this has been a massive community effort, they said, but noted: ‘Even through this is a huge victory, it is unfortunately expected that the Minister will appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.’
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The July 2020 Infringements Package, which indicates the EU Commission’s intention to pursue legal action against Member States for failing to comply with EU law, states Ireland is failing to implement two key pieces of environmental law.
Under this Directive, Member States are required to carry out an assessment of the environmental impacts of projects likely to have a significant negative impact on the environment – including peat extraction projects. According to the Commission, Ireland has had numerous problems with the transposition and application of the EIA Directive for this category of projects over the years. The Court found in case C-392/96, Commission v. Ireland, Ireland had failed to correctly transpose the original EIA Directive 85/337/EEC with regard to peat extraction activities. And while the legislation was amended and the case closed, the Commission subsequently received complaints that it was still not being applied to peat extraction activities in practice. Given the significant peat extraction that has continued in Ireland since the EIA Directive was required to have been transposed and applied in 1988, the Commission raised these concerns in a ‘letter of formal notice’. As a result of Ireland’s failure to answer these claims, the Commission has now taken the next step by issuing Ireland with a ‘reasoned opinion’. Ireland has three months to bring itself into compliance with this Directive, otherwise the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the EU.
The Commission has referred Ireland to the European Court of Justice over its persistent failure to implement EU conservation law and to designate Special Areas of Conservation more than five years after the deadline expired. Under the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC), Member States must designate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), with specific conservation objectives and corresponding conservation measures to maintain or restore a favourable conservation status of the species and habitats present. These steps must be carried out within six years after the sites are included in the EU list as Sites of Community Importance (SCI) In Ireland's case, 154 SCIs (out of 423) have not yet been designated as SACs in the Atlantic bio-geographical region, despite the deadline expired more than five-and-a-half years ago, in December 2014. Site-specific conservation objectives have not been established for 87 sites, and the necessary conservation measures have not been established at any of the 423 sites.
Habitats Directive
Special Areas of Conservation
SACs are prime wildlife conservation areas that are important on a European as well as Irish level. Most SACs are in the countryside, although a few sites reach into town or city landscapes, such as Dublin Bay and Cork Harbour. SACs are selected and designated under the Habitats Directive transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011), as amended. Ireland's total SAC area covers approximately 13,500 sq km, almost the size of Northern Ireland: 53% is land and 47% is marine or large lakes. Across the EU, over 12,600 sites have been identified and proposed, covering 420,000 sq. km of land and sea, an area the size of Germany. Following a reasoned opinion, the EU Commission decided to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice on the grounds that the authorities have failed consistently to implement all of the require conservation measures on time.
The Infringements Package also shows that the Commission requests Ireland to respect its obligations under the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU which applies to a wide range of private and public projects and aims to ensure • a high level of environmental protection • environmental considerations are integrated into the preparation and authorisation of projects
Environmental Impact Assessment
Gery Flynn
OCEAN FOCUS
Four fish producer organisations have described the ‘Covid-19 Voluntary Fleet Tie-up Scheme‘ announced in May as ‘completely unfit for purpose’ for an industry that is “fighting for its very survival.” The industry is “unequivocal in our rejection of a botched and ultimately useless scheme” that does nothing to provide reassurance to fishermen during this pandemic,” remarked Seán O’Donoghue, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation. “Instead of achieving the key objective of matching current supply and demand, the scheme will do the reverse with very little voluntary uptake, as almost all vessels will continue to fish, thus making an already over-supplied market worse. “Crucially, not one single cent of new financial support is being made available to the industry.”
Discussions
Representatives from the IFPO, ISEFPO, ISWFPO and the KFO met with former marine minister Michael Creed in April to outline what they describe as a ‘workable and effective temporary tie-up scheme’ that would try to match supply to demand. They recommended a three-month scheme (April to June) to be reviewed at the end of May, and suggested financial support for temporary tie-up should be based on 30% of a vessel’s total gross for the same period in 2019. ‘Force majeure’ should also be taken into account for this period, along with a tie-up period of 7-10 days. The producer organisations have also “successfully lobbied” at EU level for an amendment to the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EU Regulation 2020/560) “to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak,” he added.
Demand for seafood has fallen to such an extent that some fishermen are not receiving any bids “they have risked life and limb to catch”. Closure of restaurants, markets and other outlets has also seen prices plummet by up to 70% for some species. “This has created a serious and unprecedented crisis for Irish fishermen. As an industry, we’ve never faced anything like it,” Mr O’Donoghue added. Capitulation in demand and prices combined with vulnerability and complexity of the supply chain, is making the sector a “loss-making exercise. Nonetheless the industry is doing everything in its power to ensure consumers continue to have access to essential nutrition in the form of high-quality sustainable seafood.” As the fishing industry must find a safe passage through Brexit and its consequences, Mr O’Donoghue said he has never witnessed such anger in the sector: “I implore the Minister to review the scheme, and deliver the very basic support that we need to survive. We are more than willing to meet him halfway and continue to operate, thereby providing a sustainable and very important food supply.”
Seafood demand
A spokesperson for the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association confirmed to Ocean Focus that take up of the scheme has been “very low” across the sector: “A few of our members did apply but were turned down on the grounds that sales notes didn’t exist to verify landings in excess of €5,000, as required. “These guys say they have declared these landings to Revenue yet the SFPA has no ‘official data’ on them. It's fairly clear the sales notes legislation, which is in place since 2007, is neither being complied with by some fish buyers nor enforced by the SFPA. “As result, the inshore sector is being undervalued in terms of landings and economic output. We need accurate inshore landings along with economic data – that’s what informs the scientific advice used to manage inshore stocks. Sustainability is at stake here.”
Inshore sector
In a statement to Ocean Focus, the SFPA said as vessels under 10 metres are not required to complete a log book, the sales notes that buyers are required to complete ‘are the only official data available to the SFPA, to indicate that a vessel has been fishing and its level of activity. ‘The onus is on buyers to complete these notes and while the majority are compliant, some are not actively submitting sales notes as required.’
SFPA responds
Most fishermen in the NIFA have tried to return to fishing “having given up hope of any meaningful government support. They will just try and plod away as best they can. Prices are poor but at least they can sell what they catch now,” the NIFA spokesperson said. Fear is ever present however that things could deteriorate again should a ‘second wave’ materialise. “This has already happened in parts of SE Asia and is beginning again in Spain. These are important markets for inshore produce. Morale and sentiment are probably at an all-time low within the sector.” The anticipated stimulus package announced by the new government “isn't offering much hope either. Commentary to date suggests the package will focus on similar horizontal measures such as those already in place, such as the wage subsidy scheme and working capital loans. “These are of very limited benefit to most inshore operators who are self-employed, especially crews, who don't have the repayment capacity to take on a further debt burden.”
Return to fishing
During the Covid-19 Pandemic for the months of June, July and August, safety net supports are available through the EMFF Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for inshore fishermen who choose to tie-up their vessel for up to two months. The Scheme supports the fixed costs of these vessels based on the official data on such costs obtained from the fleet through the Sentinel Vessel Programme and economic survey data provided by inshore fishermen through the grant aid process. Supports of €800 per month are available for vessels 10-12 metres; €750 for vessels 8-10 metres and €500 for vessels under 8 metres. These supports complement the income supports separately provided by Government. Some 66 vessels are availing of the Scheme in June 2020, with 52 of these vessels under 12 metres. It is encouraging to see that a relatively modest number of inshore vessel owners see the need to rely on safety net supports and that the majority are instead choosing to fish. Fishing vessel owners whose trading income has ceased due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, or crew members who have lost their job or been temporarily laid off, may be eligible to avail of income supports under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week (where their prior earning were €200 or higher per week), while vessel owners with salaried crew members who instead maintain those crew members on the payroll may be eligible for a subsidy of up to 85% of the crew member’s salary through the Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.
DAFM responds
Information
The NIFA and NIFO have outlined their concerns to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (see sidebar above). Ocean Focus invited DAFM to respond to these concerns who said a ‘broad range of supports were available to the inshore fisheries sector through their European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme and more generally from Government. (see sidebar above)
Department meeting
GILLIAN MILLS
The SFPA is encouraging vessel owners to remind their buyers of the added importance at this time of returning completed notes ‘continuously and promptly. [We] urge vessels owners to ensure they are using a registered buyer only.’ The SFPA is also contacting registered buyers to remind them of their obligations regarding sale notes.
Roundstone
Howth
Further details are available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and from the Revenue Commissioners respectively. Supports of up to 80% of investment costs are available through the EMFF Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme for a wide variety of business activities, including:
capital investments ashore focussed on adding value to catch advisory services / consultancy concerning business planning, marketing, environmental sustainability, and feasibility studies innovation in new or improved products, processes, techniques and management systems support for the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums design of conservation measures and fishery management plans v-notching of lobsters
• • • • • •
Supports have until very recently been available through the EMFF Sustainable Fisheries Scheme for investments on board inshore vessels in relation to health, hygiene, product quality, energy efficiency, value adding and engine replacement. BIM has temporarily closed this scheme to new applications pending its review.
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Will the new ‘green tide’ wash out the marine this time?
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Many in rural Ireland may be holding their breath as they brace for the impact of the Green sweep that farmers have long feared: the 7% red line on emissions that may ruin their income.
The wild salmon conservation lobby, and anglers in particular, have long embraced the Green Party policy for cleaner food and improved water quality that can only lead to higher quality food production and improved prices for the farmer. Farmers with a lake or river running through their land, have positive contact with the anglers who frequent their lands to access waterways. Indeed, most farmers are themselves members of angling clubs who have traditionally enjoyed the odd salmon or seatrout for the pot to complement their own produce.
Noel Carr
FISSTA
BACK THEN, Ryan was already well known to FISSTA as an avid salmon angler around Donegal where he also operated his cycling safari’s summer business
Resource efficient
For many years, the Green Party have assisted our Federation’s campaigns to protect Ireland’s wild Atlantic salmon in their natural habitat. But we have yet to succeed in our campaign against sea lice and pollution from salmon farming cages that we believe have decimated wild salmon migrating in and out of Irish estuaries. The Federation has become better at political lobbying than angling, mainly because we spend more time at it! Every angler has, at some time or other, paid a visit to their local councillor, TD or Senator on behalf of our Federation, to explain the dangers that we believe salmon farm cages are having on the marine environment. Protest after protest have also been mounted at IFA county meetings and at the annual National Ploughing Championship in a bid to get our message across. All political parties give us a good hearing and promise to digest and act on our presentations. The exception however has been the Green Party who have often received a hostile press ever since the election of their first TD, Roger Garland in 1992, followed by Eamon Ryan TD when he entered the Dáil in 2002. Back then, Ryan was already well known to FISSTA as an avid salmon angler around Donegal where he also operated his cycling safari’s summer business. As the Green Party spokesperson for Natural Resources in 2003, Eamon Ryan was instrumental in getting the then Fianna Fáil government to end driftnetting through his ‘salmon bridges’ campaign which anglers participated in with our local clubs around the rivers of the country.
Salmon leap on the Glen River near Carrick Co Donegal where returning salmon can be seen clearing the waterfalls every season.
Driftnet buyout
The Irish Aquaculture sector complies with obligations outlined in a number of environmental laws such as: Habitats Directive 92/43/EC; Birds Directive 2009/147/EC; Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC; Consolidated Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2014/52/EU as well as Fish Health Directive 2006/88/EC that oversees obligations related to fish health and welfare. Under the current aquaculture licensing system, the Irish aquaculture sector also complies with a number of monitoring programmes namely: Benthic Monitoring Programme; National Sea-Lice Monitoring Programme; National Residues Monitoring Programme (EU Residues Directive 96/23); along with DAFM’s Water Column Monitoring Protocol. The Irish aquaculture sector is required to comply with more environmental legislation than any other sector in the marine space, thereby ensuring the healthy and sustainable use of Ireland’s seas. IFA has spoken with members of FISSTA over the past 12 months and has met with them during the National Ploughing Championship at the IFA stand last September, in what could be better described as an amicable discussion with the then IFA President. Since then, IFA has offered to meet FISSTA members on more than one occasion, to discuss their concerns regarding salmon farming practices; this offer has yet to be accepted. IFA Aquaculture welcomes the commitment of the incoming Government to develop the aquaculture sector in a sustainable way and to implement all recommendations of the Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review, as outlined in the Programme for Government endorsed by the Green Party, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. IFA Aquaculture has continuously sought a clear commitment from Government with regard to an implementation plan that prioritises and gives clear timelines for each of the recommendations outlined in the review – such an implementation plan is long overdue. The Irish aquaculture sector needs the support of policy in order to achieve any realistic sustainable development of the industry.
IFA Aquaculture responds to FISSTA
As Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the 2007 Fianna Fáil/Green Party government, wild Atlantic salmon came under his remit. It therefore fell to Minister Ryan to implement and oversee the buyout of driftnet licences - paid from a €5m budget that bought out almost 1,500 net licences. This action alone saved thousands of wild salmon by enabling them to return unhindered to Ireland’s rives to spawn. The 2008 financial crisis however intervened just before the licence ban for open sea net cages might have been implemented, and the Greens were wiped out at the 2011 election. This ‘open net cage in the sea’ issue has been the main target of FISSTA for many years but it has failed to make any progress with the two main parties as we fought against the power of the Irish Farmers Association lobby on behalf of salmon farmers. Throughout the tenure of the Fine Gael / Labour government of 2011 and the Fianna Fáil-supported Fine Gael government of 2016-2020, our lobbying fell on deaf ears until once again the Green Party gave an unambiguous assurance in their manifesto: ‘The Green Party will support an end to the licensing of offshore salmon farming’. So, after 25 years campaigning for Ireland’s wild salmon habitat to be protected, we welcome this statement that will put an end to the environmental damage at a time when our wild Atlantic salmon stocks continue to head south below their safe conservation limit. We shall continue to advise and assist the ministers and the new EU Food Commissioner to implement guidelines that will finally eradicate the pollution and pesticides from the marine environment.
State funding to support fifteen aquaculture enterprises
Fish vaccines – a major success story in modern salmonid aquaculture
State funding to support aquaculture enterprises Fish vaccines – a major success story in modern salmonid aquaculture Growing together to benefit all – the future of Aquaculture Combining knowledge in aquaculture research to support industry and coastal
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Growing together to benefit all – the future of Aquaculture
Combining knowledge in aquaculture research to support industry and coastal
Two support schemes are available to the aquaculture sector to help achieve the aims of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development to sustainably grow production by 45,000 tonnes. The Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme supports capital investment by licensed aquaculture enterprises that also reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture. The Knowledge Gateway Scheme promotes and supports innovation, technological development and disease management in the sector. Grant approvals – Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme
Name
ORGANISATION
Killary Fjord Shellfish upgrades to continuous longline system under the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme
Fifteen aquaculture enterprises are to benefit from €1.2m State aid under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to support over €3m investment.
Announcing the package, Barry Cowen, Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, said funding would boost production at oyster, mussel and salmon sites around the coast: “While recent months were challenging for many aquaculture businesses, the overall trend has been one of growing world demand for our seafood products.” As SMEs, most of the businesses received grants of 40% towards the cost of their investments. One non-SME received 30%, and 50% was awarded to a new entrant and to an investment in organic certification.
State aid
Over the past two decades, there has been an alarming fall off in the number of children, in Ireland and the UK, being vaccinated against serious illnesses such as measles and mumps.
While this article does not seek to address the pseudoscience that has led to this decline, the outcomes are nevertheless both interesting and relevant to the health of animals as well as humans, particularly from a group perspective. The spread of infection in any population is influenced by a number of factors including the transmissibility of the pathogen and the density of the host population. Of additional importance is the immunity of individuals within the population to the infection. Where natural immunity in the population is low and vaccination is absent, as is currently the case with the coronavirus, the infective agent is free to replicate and move between hosts with ease.
Chris Mitchell
Herd immunity
In a naïve and susceptible population, the measure used to describe the movement or the spread of infection is referred to as R0, the ‘basic reproductive number’. If R0 is > 1 then each primary case will produce, on average, more than one secondary case. Generally speaking, the higher the R0 value the harder it is to control an epidemic. Examples of R0 values in human health range from Ebola (R0 2); SARS (R0 4); through to measles (R0 18). The impact of R0 for any infectious agent can be modified through vaccination programmes which is why this intervention is so important as a mechanism of disease control both in human and animal populations.
Gone are the days of the late 1980s where Oxytetracycline and Oxolinic acid were routinely used in great quantities to treat harvest-sized salmon in the sea
This modification is mediated through the concept of herd immunity - the number of individuals in a population that must be immune or resistant to the disease in order to prevent it spreading. Based on an estimated R0 between 1.3 and 2.5 for Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA), for herd immunity to be achieved, at least 75% of a population must be vaccinated. Relatively few R0 values are known in fish disease. In the case of Furunculosis (albeit in Chinook salmon) an R0 of 3.25 has been estimated, higher it seems than the R0 estimated for Infectious Salmon Anaemia (Ogut et al 2004)
Of course, furunculosis – one of the most commercially significant diseases in salmonid freshwater and marine aquaculture - can be treated successfully with the use of antibiotic under prescription from a vet. Nowadays though, this should be necessary only in affected fish that are too small to vaccinate. Gone are the days of the late 1980s where Oxytetracycline and Oxolinic acid were routinely used in great quantities to treat harvest-sized salmon in the sea. This practice has been rendered entirely unnecessary following the introduction of efficacious vaccines in the early 1990s. Indeed, it has been one of the major success stories in modern salmonid aquaculture in the northern hemisphere where escalating production has been matched by plummeting use of antimicrobial compounds. Today, producers of animal protein are under intense pressure to keep the use of antibiotic to an absolute minimum, and rightly so. Fortunately, the vaccination of Atlantic salmon against furunculosis has been shown to be a highly effective alternative, one which everyone should deploy in order to keep fish healthy and to help prevent the transmission of this disease and others such as Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) and Salmon Pancreas Disease (SPD) which cannot be treated. *Chris Mitchell works in the aquaculture vaccine industry
Vaccine success
marine r&d
Finding sustainable food sources and reducing the environmental impacts of these food sources are key challenges facing the aquaculture sector as it continues to grow globally.
s the demand for seafood has increased, technology has made it possible to grow food more efficiently in coastal marine waters and the open ocean.
Developing innovative technologies and processes in aquaculture will ensure farming seafood responsibly and sustainably is the solution to feeding the planet’s ever-growing population. The Marine Institute is coordinating an EU-funded project that uses IMTA - Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, which may offer a promising solution for sustainable aquaculture development. Aquaculture is the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish and shellfish in water. In Ireland, marine aquaculture produces salmon, mussels and oysters. In 2019, Ireland’s aquaculture sector produced 38,000 tonnes, valued at €172 million and employs over 1,900 people, mostly in coastal communities. Production often firstly involves raising fish in hatcheries, where eggs are hatched and larvae grow to juvenile stages before being transferred to tank systems to grow into adults. Saltwater fish are supplied with food and farmed using ocean pen systems that allow for the free exchange of water between the farm and the natural environment. Shellfish are contained in specialised units, allowing them to feed on natural plants and materials in the water until they are ready for harvesting.
Aquaculture production is incredibly resource efficient, with seafood having a very efficient feed conversion to weight gain ratio compared to other proteins such as beef, pork or chicken. Aquaculture also has lower carbon emissions than other types of farming, but fish do produce organic waste that could potentially be released into the surrounding waters. Finding sustainable food sources and reducing the environmental impacts of these food sources are key challenges facing the aquaculture sector as it continues to grow globally. IMTA involves farming multiple, complementary species from different levels of the food chain together for their mutual benefit. The by-products from one aquatic species are used as food for another species. The fish are fed, the shellfish filter out microscopic plants and organic content from the water, and seaweeds absorb the minerals in the water. The natural ability for these species, shellfish and seaweeds to recycle the nutrients or waste present in and around fish farms can help improve the environmental performance of aquaculture production sites. This approach also maximises the use of space and the diversity of species and provides extra economic benefits.
Growing together IMTA IMPAQT
In 2019, Ireland’s aquaculture sector produced 38,000 tonnes, valued at €172 million and employs over 1,900 people, mostly in coastal communities
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IMPAQT project
IMTA is being trialled at the Marine Institute’s aquaculture research site in Lehanagh Pool in Connemara, Co Galway, where salmon are reared on site, with scallops and seaweed growing alongside to help remove the organic inputs in the surrounding water. The trial is part of the EU-funded project, IMPAQT, being co-ordinated by the Marine Institute. IMPAQT (Intelligent Management System for Integrated Multi-Tropic Aquaculture) aims to promote aquaculture production based on the IMTA method.
This year, World Oceans Day (June 8) explored the theme of ‘Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean’ to grow globally.
IMPAQT is developing a computerised, artificially intelligent, management platform that analyses the environment, fish behaviour, and data from satellites, image analysis, as well as inputs from the farmer on site. This platform will provide information on fish welfare and water quality, and real-time operational feedback and advice to the farmer on the management of their site.
The IMPAQT system incorporates new sensors, wireless communication systems and state-of-the-art software. The system is being designed and tested at the research site in Lehanagh Pool, the Keywater Fisheries IMTA site in Sligo, as well as other aquaculture sites in Europe and China. This year, World Oceans Day (June 8) explored the theme of ‘Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean’ which is the focus of the Marine Institute’s ‘Oceans of Learning’ series of videos, interactive activities and downloadable resources on the latest infrastructure, advanced equipment and innovative technologies used in marine research.
For more information on Oceans of Learning visit www.marine.ie and follow the Marine Institute on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The IMPAQT project has received funding from the European Union’s ‘Horizon 2020’ research and innovation programme.
reland’s aquaculture sector supports coastal communities, providing employment opportunities for many in these regions.
RAS are a proven technology increasingly employed in the freshwater phase of Atlantic salmon production. The system enables the fish farmer to completely control parameters, such as water temperature, oxygen levels, and light, thus providing more stable and optimal conditions for the fish. In recent years a number of countries have used RAS for the freshwater phase and have produced smolts of a larger size in order to shorten the time fish have to spend at sea. A new state-of-the-art freshwater RAS at the Catchment Research Facility is being used as part of a major research project that addresses the needs of Ireland’s aquaculture sector. The four-year research project, SALMSON smolt, is investigating the potential of RAS technology to produce larger Atlantic salmon pre-smolts. The aim is to produce smolts that are more robust and also reduce the grow-out time at sea to one year. The SALMSON Project is funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Knowledge Gateway Programme and is administered by BIM.
SALMSON
The RAS in Newport consists of eight 5.5m3 tanks with a capacity of 44,000 litres and is capable of producing up to 12,000 Atlantic salmon pre-smolts at a time. By linking up with the Lehanagh Pool Marine Research Site at Beirtreach Buí Bay, Co Galway, the SALMSON project will follow the performance of the smolts after they are transferred to sea and will be compared with smolts grown in conventional flow-through tanks. A key objective of the project is to ensure that this type of production is compatible with organic certification standards, as Atlantic salmon in Ireland are exclusively produced to organic certification standards. “In many ways, Atlantic salmon farming has incorporated a range of technological advances; however the production model in Ireland is still based on traditional methods,” explained Neil Ruane, Aquaculture Manager at the Marine Institute. “Adoption of new technologies and innovations will be vital for Ireland to remain competitive, and reinforce our position as a producer of quality organic farmed Atlantic salmon”.
The aim OF SALMSON SMOLTS PROJECT is to produce smolts that are more robust and also reduce the grow-out time at sea to one year
I
The term aquaculture broadly refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled aquatic environments for any commercial, recreational or public purpose. Aquaculture research is an important element of the work carried out at the Marine Institute’s Newport Catchment Research Facility, Co Mayo, with multi-disciplinary research undertaken on both the freshwater and marine phases of Atlantic salmon production. The salmon lifecycle begins in freshwater, as thousands of eggs are laid in the gravel beds of fast-flowing clean rivers by adult salmon. After one to three years, they reach the smolt stage where they move downstream and begin their journey in the ocean. Atlantic salmon farming mimics this cycle, where the early phase of production begins on land in freshwater facilities for up to a year before the salmon smolts are transferred to sea for rearing in pens for up to eighteen months.
Satellite tracking
The Catchment Research Facility and the Lehanagh Pool Marine Research Site will provide an opportunity for collaboration on a variety of potential research projects, and form an integral component of a marine research cluster involving third-level institutes, BIM, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the aquaculture industry. The Newport facility has a long and distinguished record of conducting important scientific work that helps our coastal communities.In recent years, advanced technology has been used there to satellite track bluefin tuna in order to understand their migrations off our coast. A new project on pollock, is also examining the size and extent of the stocks off the west coast to see if quotas could be increased to benefit coastal communities.
The Marine Institute’s ‘Oceans of Learning series’ highlights Ireland’s Coastal Communities. Oceans of Learning offers videos, interactive activities and downloadable resources on the coasts and seashore. For more information on Oceans of Learning, visit www.marine.ie and follow the Marine Institute on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Recirculation Aquaculture Systems
fisheries & seafood
TV Dinners – surveying the Dublin Bay prawn populations in Irish waters
Crab claws: the delicious taste of summer but do you know where they come from?
From the quay wall
Restaurants urged to source Irish seafood to re-start hospitality sector
TV Dinners – surveying the Dublin Bay prawn populations in Irish waters From the quay wall Restaurants urged to source Irish seafood to re-start hospitality sector Crab claws: the delicious taste of summer but do you know where they come from?
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Over their life span, Nephrops rarely move more than a few hundred metres from where they settled
Nephrops - an orange-pink lobster commonly known as the Dublin Day Prawn - are one of the most valuable shellfish landings in Europe. Scientists at the Marine Institute assess populations by carrying out Underwater TV Surveys – a unique surveying technique that has been in use for almost 20 years.
Once settled on the seabed after a juvenile stage during which they drift around, adult Nephrops spend a great deal of time in burrows in muddy sediments. Over their life span, Nephrops rarely move more than a few hundred metres from where they settled. Underwater TV surveys track the burrows in these habitats to estimate the population. An underwater camera is mounted onto a purpose-built sledge that has lights, navigation sensors, lasers and CTD units (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth). The sledge is towed behind a marine research vessel at about 0.8 knots to allow detailed examination of the seabed.
ICES working groups
The Marine Institute has been developing underwater TV survey methods and technology since 2002. Our scientists have shared their expertise with scientists in the UK and Scotland, and have also been involved in the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) working groups to establish ‘best practice’ for underwater TV surveys.
Marine Institute Nephrops
The Marine Institute has also collaborated with the French Marine Institute (IFREMER) to transfer technology and knowledge on this survey methodology to the Nephrops resources in the Bay of Biscay. Nephrops are a vital resource for the Irish fishing industry, and the underwater TV survey programme is a key to assessing this resource, worth over €40m per annum to the coastal economy. These surveys helps assure consumers that Nephrops - a valuable food from our ocean - are harvested sustainably. The Marine Institute’s Oceans of Learning series on ‘Food From Our Ocean’ offers videos, interactive activities and downloadable resources on assessing fish stocks, aquaculture, phytoplankton and the work undertaken at the Marine Institute’s Newport Catchment Research Facility.
The camera collects high-quality images and data from the seabed. Scientists review the images and identify and count the Nephrops burrows, and also record other species seen on the seabed such as starfish and crabs. Sampling data such as sex ratios, weight, mean lengths and other biological details, is also collected by fishing vessels to inform the size structure of the Nephrops population. Scientists use the data collected to accurately estimate the number of Nephrops burrows. Additional data from samples, is used to calculate the average weight of the Nephrops. These data sets are combined to calculate the size of the stock and what can be sustainably harvested (i.e the Total Allowable Catch for the year).
At the outset, industry representatives worked for weeks, sometimes seven days-a-week, to get a deal that would keep vessels viable. Unfortunately, what we wanted and what we got were two very different things
Unity is the key, unity as in one voice, not several voices saying the same thing. Actions speak louder than words. I’m thankful of my experiences and for all that I have learned and experienced.
Image caption if required
Over recent years, I have reported a view in this column of what I have seen, heard and experienced in a fishing port from my own perspective of everyday life. Even with the other roles I have within the fishing industry, I have only ever spoken on my behalf. Chatting recently with a colleague about how I viewed our industry, I told him I had two very distinct views of it. The first, is as a business, the ‘fishing industry’, where we are all out for ourselves, to keep the show on the road and to stay viable. My second view, and it is at its very best, is the ‘fishing community’ whereby when it is needed, we put everything aside and come together for the greater good. It is through my voluntary work with LAST (Lost At Sea Tragedies) that I see the best of our community. It’s the unspoken words of what needs to be done, gets done. It’s the downing of tools, putting aside disagreements, and pulling out all the stops to achieve a common result, the only one that matters. Doing what is necessary to bring comfort to those who need it. I guess it’s that side of the industry that for me is the very best, and if I’m honest it has kept me doing what I have done for so long. I always try to see the good in all. If we could put a fraction of that greater good into the ‘industry’ side of things, who knows what we could collectively achieve!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Gillian and the team the very best of luck with the change to digital and the new branding to Ocean Focus.
From the Quay wall
Trudy McIntyre
Pandemic fallout
When Gillian asked me in March if I would be making a contribution to the Spring edition, I couldn’t physically bring myself to write anything. We had just got word that the factory that bought our crab was closing due to COVID-19. Everything was up in the air with lots of uncertainty. Much has happened since the first edition of Ocean Focus and to be honest what has unfolded over the last few months has saddened my soul. If ever there was a time for pulling out the stops and supporting the industry, it was when this pandemic took off. The only support measure I have seen to support the fishing industry is the COVID-19 pandemic payment. It is the same payment received by every person in this country who has lost their job because of COVID-19. This is the first time that the fishing industry has qualified for support. What it is not, is a support measure for keeping vessels viable. The horizontal measures announced are not suitable for many of the inshore fleet, as borrowing money to keep viable is not an option. Any good bank manager/ accountant would advise against borrowing money in this situation. At the outset, industry representatives worked for weeks, sometimes seven days-a-week, to get a deal that would keep vessels viable. Unfortunately, what we wanted and what we got were two very different things. I feel very aggrieved that we were treated so unfairly, most especially in light of the announcement for the beef farmers and their €50m package. It really left a bitter taste in my mouth. After all the submissions and the advice the industry gave, why did the scheme fail so miserably? The only advice I see that was taken into consideration was that we got a disdainful tie-up scheme instead of a storage scheme that would exclude 98% of the inshore sector.
This is the first time that the fishing industry has qualified for support. What it is not, is a support measure for keeping vessels viable. The horizontal measures announced are not suitable for many of the inshore fleet, as borrowing money to keep viable is not an option. Any good bank manager/ accountant would advise against borrowing money in this situation. I feel very aggrieved that we were treated so unfairly, most especially in light of the announcement for the beef farmers and their €50m package. It really left a bitter taste in my mouth. After all the submissions and the advice the industry gave, why did the scheme fail so miserably? The only advice I see that was taken into consideration was that we got a disdainful tie-up scheme instead of a storage scheme that would exclude 98% of the inshore sector.
United voice
To the women and fishers I have spoken to by phone, some of whom I have never met personally but who called me out of frustration, despair and not knowing what was going to happen to them or their businesses, I hope that things have improved for you and that you will come out the other side okay. We are an industry that puts the head down and carries on. We have survived two recessions, have employed people who lost their jobs in those recessions, have kept our coastal communities going and have come out the other side. And we will do the same again, albeit a bit harder now because of the global pandemic, but we will do it all the same.
A good lesson learned is that we need to help ourselves and not to depend on anyone to make the changes for us. We need to be proactive in achieving change, even when all we want to do is switch off and let someone else do it. Help yourself make that change. So, for me I am making the change and helping myself. But no matter what I do, I will always have the best interest of the industry front and centre. Take care, safe fishing, and hopefully some sort of normality will happen sooner rather than later. Over and out!
As restaurants and gastro pubs prepare to re-open, Achill Oysters on Ireland's west coast is urging outlets to include local oysters and seafood on their menus to help offset the impact of the coronavirus. Supporting local business, particularly in remote coastal areas, is crucial at this time, says Hugh O'Malley who has grown his business from 50kg of stock in 2014 to a farm ten times that size today. He also has a processing facility in Ennis, Co Clare, and an online shop to sell his oysters worldwide.
Until then, we have an opportunity to work with restaurants to grow the domestic oyster market and in doing so, directly and indirectly support Irish business.
Our oysters take three and a half years to reach market size. Like a fine wine, their taste is defined by how well they are tended to and the quality of their environment
West coast location
Five generations of the O'Malley family have made a living from the sea at Achill which he describes as an ideal location. "We're proud to be part of this community, employing local people on our farm. We're also very grateful to our Irish customers and fishmongers who have continued to support us." If the coronavirus has taught him anything, he says, "it is to continue to appreciate what we have in this country, including fantastic seafood right on our doorstep".
Achill Oysters produces premium Irish rock oysters for the domestic and international market. "We're exporting over two tonnes of oysters to China every week, on top of orders to Singapore, Taiwan, the UK, Iceland and the Netherlands." While exports sales have dropped by 80% since the start of the pandemic, O'Malley is confident the sector will recover: "Until then, we have an opportunity to work with restaurants to grow the domestic oyster market and in doing so, directly and indirectly support Irish business."
Global markets
Irish oysters are renowned worldwide for their quality, achieving premium prices particularly on Asian markets. The majority of oysters grown around the coast are exported to meet international demand. The domestic market for seafood however is growing year-on-year; 2019 figures estimate the sector is worth €496 million. The main growth is in the food-service sector with seafood becoming increasingly popular in our restaurants and gastro pubs.
Hugh O'Malley, Achill Oysters
Brown crab is marketed as both a live and processed product, both of which have specialised routes to market and fill different but complementary niches in domestic, European and ever- growing Asian markets. However, and unfortunately, the practice of clawing crab (pulling off the claws and throwing the body back in the sea or landing it for other uses such as whelk bait) is on the increase in some areas.
Brown crab continues to be one of Ireland’s most valuable and versatile fisheries with a unique spectrum of stakeholders. The year-round supply of brown crab - a key element in the commercial success of this industry - is ensured by a fleet of dedicated offshore vivier crabbers and smaller inshore dayboats.
nora parke
KFO
While this certification scheme expects compliance with many aspects, such as stock management and up-to-date data collection, eliminating crab clawing remains the single greatest challenge to the reputation and successful marketing of this species
If this awareness could be applied to the crab salad in the local restaurant, for example, and consumers start asking the question: ‘Did this crab meat come from a whole crab, processed in an approved premises?’ or ‘Can we be sure these claws come for a crab above the minimum landing size?’ - the crab clawing issue could be a thing of the past in a short time
Poor legislation
Brown crab are found in all the waters around Ireland but the most important and productive fishery is located to the northwest from north Mayo to the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal. This is the hub of brown crab activity where several large processing plants and specialised live transport companies are based. Several smaller, artisanal-style operators supply crab meat mainly to the Irish food-service sector. Despite the importance of this species (Cancer pagurus), there is relatively little regulation controlling the fishery. There is, of course, a minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) of 140mm in all Irish waters which is extremely important as it ensures female crab reach maturity and produce sufficient eggs to protect the stock from being fished down over time. Restrictions, referred to as KWdays-at-sea, also apply to the number of days the larger (>15 metre) vessels can fish for crab each year in ICES Areas 6 and 7. In the Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA) which is a prolific breeding ground for many species located off the south and west coasts of Ireland – KWdays-at-Sea effort restrictions for crab fishing apply to all vessels over 10 metres.
Brown crab hub
A Consultative Committee to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority drawn from fishing interests and expert opinion has drawn attention to the threat posed to the crab stock of clawing. It is hoped that the advisory role of the Consultative Committee can be harnessed to persuade the regulatory authorities to revise the legislation and bring about a more effective legal framework to deal with crab clawing. The industry hopes Ireland’s newly-elected government will engage with the brown crab industry to address current issues and promote this very valuable species which ranks highly in Ireland’s seafood exports. In the meantime, consumers have a major role to play. Demand for crab claws is high, particularly in the food service sector where the majority of claws come from completely legitimate sources. Today’s consumer is increasingly aware of sustainability, good environmental status and healthy food and is not afraid to ask the provenance of the seafood they are buying.
Action plan
For many vessels it may not be possible to keep brown crab alive until they land; the market for a box of crab claws may be more accessible and lucrative than that for certified, legally-caught and properly handled product. Clawing can also be a ‘cover’ for undersize, poor quality crab and in some instances, a genuine complete lack of awareness on the part of the fisherman. Whatever the reasons, stakeholders throughout the brown crab industry feel this practice must be stopped. Brown crab has been identified as a species that benefits - particularly in new and emerging markets - from the development of a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP), whereby the long-term objective is to achieve Marine Stewardship Certification (MSC) or equivalent – an increasing ‘must have’ standard in the marketplace. The combined forces of Bord Bia and BIM have focussed on the task of achieving certification, and brown crab is now accredited by the prestigious international Fishery Progress organisation.
This practice is prohibited by EU Regulation No 724 of 2001 but for administrative reasons has proved inadequate. It may appear to be a practice with little benefit to those who do it but unfortunately there are short-term rewards.
The next generation of ocean mappers
DNA surprises surface in the Atlantic
Wet wipes and sanitary towels: their role as a source of microplastic pollutants in the marine environment
INFOMAR resumes 2020 survey season
DNA surprises surface in the Atlantic Wet wipes and sanitary towels: their role as a source of microplastic pollutants in the marine environment The next generation of ocean mappers INFOMAR resumes 2020 survey season
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the study involved drawing seawater twice monthly for two years and testing it for genetic material (DNA contained in cells sloughed off the slimy, gelatinous outer coating of a fish as it swims, for example) in excretions, in tissue fragments shed in combat with a predator or after death or injury
Brazilian cownose ray: never known north of the Gulf of Mexico, found off New Jersey shore
Dr. Mark Stoeckle: bottling evidence of new marine life migration patterns in the Atlantic
Gulf kingfish: never before recorded north of Chesapeake Bay, VA
By ‘fishing’ for DNA in the water, the researchers found Brazilian cownose rays and Gulf kingfish – never known north of the Gulf of Mexico and Chesapeake Bay respectively – off the New Jersey shore, a 2-hour drive south of New York City. Co-author Mark Stoeckle and Director Jesse Ausubel (Director Program for the Human Environment) believe the two-year study ‘demonstrates an accurate, inexpensive way to detect long-predicted marine life range changes’. Bioinformatics expert and co-author Zachary Charlop-Powers who detected bony fish species in consistent seasonal patterns, says just a few species account for the great majority of DNA obtained.
Scientists from the Rockefeller University (New York) investigating shifting Atlantic Ocean migration patterns have bottled the genetic traces of species far north of their normal homes.
Genetic testing
After water is drawn it is filtered to concentrate the DNA for extraction. The target segment of the DNA is amplified in a laboratory and the sent for ‘next generation’ sequencing, the result of which – a record of all the DNA sequences in the sample – is fed into computer software that counts the number of copies of each sequence and searches for matches in an online public reference library.
Published in Frontiers in Marine Science, the study involved drawing seawater twice monthly for two years and testing it for genetic material (DNA contained in cells sloughed off the slimy, gelatinous outer coating of a fish as it swims, for example) in excretions, in tissue fragments shed in combat with a predator or after death or injury.
“DNA degrades and disperses within a few days of an animal’s departure, but lingers in the water despite currents and tides, long enough to detect a species’ passing presence,” explains Dr Stoeckle. In 2010, a Census of Marine Life programme – the Future of Marine Animal Populations (FMAP) – forecasted changes in diversity of marine species, based on available habitat and anticipated changes in water temperature. “The Brazilian cownose ray (Gulf kingfish) far north of its known range fits FMAP’s prediction,” believes Jesse Ausubel.
But other examples remain possible,” she adds, “The animal may have simply evaded new Jersey trawl nets for years.” Changes in ocean behaviour due to climate change, chemical pollution, debris, noise and night-time illumination are other factors: “This study further establishes aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) as an innovative, inexpensive, low-impact way to monitor marine life migrations, changing ranges, diversity and distribution.” Dr Stoeckle, who has worked with high school and college students, adds that the collection process in “simple enough for supervised schoolchildren or citizen scientists” to help monitor the changing ranges of marine life.
Oisín Ó Briain
eaders of Ocean Focus will be aware of the magnitude of microplastic pollutants in the Earth’s oceans, and their disruption of the natural function of marine organisms through ingestion.
To date, most studies report an abundance of multi-coloured microplastic fibres in the environment, understood to derive principally from clothing fibres released from domestic washing machine cycles via wastewater treatment plants into near-shore water bodies. As each wash cycle releases thousands of synthetic fibres, wastewater treatment plants are considered a key point source of microplastic pollutants. While studies show they retain up to 95-99% of microplastics in sewage sludge, the sheer volume of microplastics makes release through outflow into the marine environment inevitable.
R
As all product packaging failed to identify base materials, we used Raman Spectrometry to ascertain its composition. We determined that wet wipes are principally manufactured with non-woven white PET fibres - the same plastic type used to make beverage bottles
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Mutton Island sediment sample
Blockage
Yet to date, no microplastic studies have attempted to quantify these products in their fragmented form, either in the water column or in marine sediments. This may be a function of accepted scientific methodology, as microplastics are commonly extracted from both the water column and sediments through filtration. The microplastics are visually identified against the background of white retaining filters, making clear identification of white fibres against a white background difficult. In an attempt to work out the potential impact of these products as a source of microplastic pollution, we purchased a range of wet wipes and sanitary towels from the high street.
Flushing wet wipes and sanitary towels down toilets, resulting in blockages throughout the sewage network are a global phenomenon, causing serious technical and financial headaches to water utilities. Heavy precipitation events frequently overload sewage systems capacity which then overflow, releasing untreated water and whatever else is lining the sewers, directly into the sea. Wet wipes and sanitary towels are then washed ashore, intact and partially intact. Over one million tons of textiles are produced for these products annually in Europe alone, giving some idea of the volume of individual wipes and sanitary towels entering water bodies.
As all product packaging failed to identify base materials, we used Raman Spectrometry to ascertain its composition. We determined that wet wipes are principally manufactured with non-woven white PET fibres ― the same plastic type used to make beverage bottles. Sanitary towels are primarily manufactured with non-woven white polypropylene fibres, which is the same plastic material found in standard fishing ropes. Significantly, of the wet wipes we analysed which were labelled as ‘flushable’, 50% contained white PET plastic fibres and thus are available for release as microplastic fibres into the aquatic environment.
Storm debris
Following a south westerly storm front, a large deposit of largely intact wipes and sanitary towels intertwined with seaweed was deposited along the shoreline adjacent to Galway City’s waste water treatment plant at Mutton Island. We collected samples of this debris and on analysis, confirmed they comprised the same non-woven white PET and polypropylene fibres as our shop bought wet wipes and sanitary towels. In an attempt to find these products in their fragmented fibrous form in the marine environment, we spend ten months collecting core samples of the intertidal sediments around Mutton Island. For rural comparison to the urban centre of Galway City, we gathered intertidal sediment samples at Bell Harbour on the north Clare coast and inshore of Achill Island, Co Mayo, both far from wastewater treatment outlets.
Wet-Wipe
Sanitary towel polypropylene
To accurately extract white fibres from our samples, we did not filter the sediments as per convention; instead we oven dried the sediments, separating sediment particle sizes into Petri dishes and visually extracted microplastics under microscope against a black background. To our surprise, of the 6000+ microplastics in the sediments from Mutton Island, we identified 91% as white microplastic fibres. This ratio was unexpected as no previous studies has identified anything near this percentage of white fibres, to our knowledge. At our rural sample sites, Bell Harbour had four times less, and Bellacragher had eighteen times less microplastics than at Mutton Island. Both had a ratio of white fibres far below those adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant. We spent three months painstakingly analysing the white fibres under Raman Spectrometer. We ascertained that the white fibres from Mutton Island were overwhelmingly composed of both PET and polypropylene fibre, and thus are directly comparable in composition, colour and size to the wet wipe and sanitary towel fibres contained in the products we purchased and those collected as intact debris along the shore. Understanding source elements of the ocean plastic crisis is key to effective pollution reduction management and policy. Our study quantifies a previously underestimated and potentially major source element of the microplastic pollution in the Earth’s oceans. Policymakers now have a scientific basis on which to act. Oisín Ó Briain is co-author in collaboration with Ana Mendes and Dr Liam Morrison of a paper published in the international journal Water Research, ‘The role of wet wipes and sanitary towels as a source of white microplastic fibres in the marine environment’.
Mutton Island, polypropylene sediment sample
Aileen Bohan
GSI/INFOMAR
Along with gathering and compiling existing bathymetric data, GEBCO also provides technical support and guidance
GEBCO Grid from gebco.net
Alumni class at the IHO, Monaco
Countries from which participants of the training programme have originated from
GEBCO map showing where modern seabed data exists. Black indicates no data available
Since its initiation in 1903 by Prince Albert I of Monaco, GEBCO (General Bathymetric Chart of the Ocean) has had one overarching aim: to produce a bathymetric chart covering the entire ocean. In 1905, GEBCO released the first bathymetric grid, and the work is ongoing today. In 1973, following the death of the Prince of Monaco, GEBCO was handed over to the International Hydrographic Bureau. These days, GEBCO falls under the auspices of both the International Hydrographic Organisation and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Along with gathering and compiling existing bathymetric data, GEBCO also provides technical support and guidance.
Seabed2030
In the early 2000s GEBCO, as the world's leading authority on ocean mapping, partnered with the Japanese Nippon Foundation to begin the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Training programme, as a capacity building initiative. In 2017, GEBCO and the Nippon Foundation announced a joint project, Seabed2030. It aims to bring together all available bathymetric data, to produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor by 2030 and to make the data available to all. As of 2020, GEBCO has reached nearly 20% of its goal (quite an increase from the 6% in 2014!) The other 80% of the GEBCO grid has been derived from satellite derived altimetry, producing the familiar image of our seabed. Since 2004, six scholarships have been awarded annually to representatives of coastal nations around the world. The students are brought to the Centre for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire, for a yearlong postgraduate course in Ocean Bathymetry. Following successful completion of the course and work placement, NF-GEBCO Alumni of the training programme are awarded a FIG/IHO/ICA recognised, Category A Certificate in Hydrography. In addition to being qualified hydrographic surveyors, the Alumni join a network of 96 ocean mappers from 43 different coastal nations.
In 2017, following three years of working with Ireland’s seabed survey INFOMAR, I became the first Irish scholar to participate in the NF-GEBCO training programme, followed by Mekayla Dale in 2018. This involved moving into dormitory style accommodation on an American university campus, learning how to code, and working in a tight-knit group with my classmates to successfully earn our certificates. Following an intense year of study, I then completed my work placement on board E/V Nautilus, operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. Our mission was to map an APEI (Area of Particular Environmental Interest, designated by the International Seabed Authority) in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in the Pacific Ocean. We sailed from Honolulu in early October 2018, collecting depth data, sub- bottom profiles and camera footage as we transited to San Francisco. This September, INFOMAR’s Padraig Cronin will be representing Ireland in the NF-GEBCO Training Programme. Padraig is currently working as a hydrographic data processor with INFOMAR at the Geological Survey Ireland and is currently preparing to join R/V Mallet and the inshore fleet for this year’s survey season.
After the course, Padraig will join a global network of 102 ocean bathymetrists all dedicated to seeing the goals of Seabed2030 completed. To better support Seabed2030, the Alumni have organised themselves into an organisation appropriately named 'Map the Gaps'. Hopefully, with industry, academia and government cooperation, we can reach the goal of having 100% of the ocean floor mapped by 2030.
Ronan O’Toole
One area that has come to the fore during this ‘restricted period, has been the use of remote communications techniques during mobilisation work in advance of the vessels returning to operations
East coast survey area
South coast survey area
INFOMAR, the seabed mapping programme jointly run by Geological Survey Ireland and Marine Institute, has been dealing with the unprecedented challenge this year of the global restrictions due to COVID19.
Data processing continued while the team worked from their home offices but now that national and international measures are easing, the INFOMAR programme is becoming fully operational with vessels from both inshore and offshore fleets resuming survey work. Due to their larger size, RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager were in a position to commence operations ahead of schedule but with widespread mitigating measures in place. These included self-isolation, social distancing and reduced scientific crews were put in place to protect the crew and support staff. Great credit is due to the crews of these vessels who, following these procedures, have already completed a number of surveys to date.
For the smaller vessels comprising the INFOMAR inshore fleet, extensive measures have also been put into place to enable the resumption of survey operations. Strict procedures relating to onsite hygiene, social distancing and the use of masks, temperature checks and self-isolation have been implemented, and a phased approach has been taken to get these vessels underway and back to the pressing business of mapping all of Ireland’s marine territory by the end of 2026.
Onboard procedures
While the global situation continues to be monitored and operations are governed at all times by the latest advice from government through adherence to the Return to Work Protocol, the INFOMAR team is committed to making use of good weather windows, equipment assets and technologies at their disposal for the remainder of the 2020 season. One area that has come to the fore during this ‘restricted period, has been the use of remote communication techniques during mobilisation work in advance of the vessels returning to operations. While these methods were in limited use during previous seasons, necessity has created an environment of innovation among the team, enabling effective sharing of knowledge through remote control of systems and hardware from shore-based personnel in support of reduced vessel crews on site. While it is still early days and there is no substitute for real experience on site, results from these efforts have been promising, and the INFOMAR team has been able to maintain high standards of technical expertise onsite using these methods. The lessons learned from the experience will no doubt be far reaching and may present unanticipated benefits in terms of future efficiencies, training and knowledge exchange. For now however, the team remains focused on carrying out the job in hand safely and to the high standards for which the project is known.
CLimate change / ocean energy
Ireland gears up to total self-sufficiency in green energy by 2050
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Ireland gears up to total self-sufficiency in green energy by 2050 Seven offshore renewable energy projects approved for grid connection offer Developing a sustainable blue economy to safeguard coastal communities From gas to wind energy production at former Kinsale platform Targeted innovation to drive large-scale deployment of ocean energy Dutch investment in Irish offshore wind sector Global warming to trigger massive human migration Storm profile: natural variations or climate change? Why green hydrogen?
Seven offshore renewable energy projects approved for grid connection offer
Climate change - ocean energy
Valerie Cummins
The EirWind project conducted over two years by a team of researchers at MaREI, offers the first comprehensive blueprint for offshore wind in Ireland. The report notes that Ireland, despite having one of the best offshore wind resources in the world, has been a slow entrant to the sector. Nevertheless, and better late than never, the report is optimistic and says ‘things are now progressing rapidly’ and that Ireland is very much on track to be totally self-sufficient in green energy – even becoming an energy exporter – by 2050! Ocean Focus spoke to Dr Valerie Cummins, a Principal Investigator on the EirWind project, about how Ireland’s pathway from being a renewable energy laggard to a significant energy exporter, might progress over the next thirty years.
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Launching the EirWind report, why did you say that despite having one of the best offshore wind resources in the world, Ireland was coming late to this sector? Firstly, Ireland has been playing catch-up, we’ve been responding to the European Commission in terms of developing national targets for renewable energy. In relation to environmental issues, we’ve responded to the leadership shown by the European Commission but weren’t necessarily taking leadership in relation to the opportunities for offshore wind. Secondly, in Ireland the marine has been the poor relation for quite a while, and we’ve taken a long time to sort out planning issues for the marine environment. However, publication in July 2012 of ‘Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth: an Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland’, was not only an important milestone it was a wake-up call to recognise Ireland’s potential and the vast marine resource that we have. There were also major blockages: not having a clear, up-to-date and modern consent system, for example. We have been stuck with the foreshore legislation which meant developers couldn’t invest in Ireland with any degree of confidence because the policy signals and the processes just weren’t there. But now we have a situation where Ireland is ambitious and is not just responding to Europe, we’re really ironing out all the wrinkles in terms of marine planning, and offshore wind is now attracting investment. What are the issues around consent? Consent for any kind of development is currently restricted to just our territorial sea. You can apply to the relevant department for a foreshore lease to access the seabed, or for a foreshore licence to install an offshore wind turbine, but because the legislation is so out of date, you can only do that to within 12 nautical miles. That meant there was a concentration of effort and interests around the Irish Sea for bottom-fixed offshore wind. In the last couple of years however, floating wind has come into the mix as an emerging marine technology that has been proven and demonstrated in different parts of the world such as Portugal and Scotland in Europe. Floating wind needs deeper water so you might want to go out beyond 60 meters to maybe 120 meters, or even much deeper. There are projects being proposed in Asia for water depths of 1,000 meters. That pushes you much further offshore, and beyond the 12 nm territorial sea boundary. This is what is changing now in terms of the legislation that is pending regarding the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, which basically overrides everything that went before in terms of consent. But really, what’s important is it extends the area for permitting beyond 12nm out to 200 nm.
You referred to major changes at government policy level especially in terms of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2019. How is that impacting on the pace of progress? Climate Action Plan 2019 has been absolutely pivotal. When it was published, Ireland had for the first time a target for offshore wind of 3.5 GW. It also set clear targets across a range of measures regarding where Ireland needed to be going. These were really important signals to industry - that government was now thinking seriously about offshore wind and wanted to see it progress and develop. The Plan has also been hugely important as an instrument for setting absolute clear targets as to where Ireland needs to be going. The new Programme For Government has expanded that target from 3.5 to 5 GW by 2030 for the Irish Sea and the south coast, and indicates an ambition for 30 GW off the west coast. Climate Action 2019 has also inspired confidence and has signaled that Ireland is ‘open for business’ in terms of renewable energy. But it was really just the first step; the Programme for Government is going to be even more ambitious. It will continue to use the Climate Action Plan as an important vehicle to be updated on a yearly basis. It’s an opportunity for new targets to be set and for policymakers to get a better handle on all of the pieces of the equation that need to be brought together to develop this sector in a sustainable way and with the community on board.
EirWind points to ‘route to market’ as being critical. What is meant by that? Route to market is absolutely critical, and the EirWind Project has a dedicated work package. The fundamental challenge is the fact that Ireland is a small island nation with a relatively small population and a relatively limited demand for electricity, but with a massive offshore wind resource. We have the potential to produce a lot more energy than we can consume. The trends modelled by EirGrid indicate there will be increasing demand for electricity, in particular over the decade ahead, and a lot of that demand is going to be driven by data centers, which will be critical in an Irish economic context. But beyond that, where does the energy go? Once we’ve reached saturation point where can we export surplus energy to and how? The existing infrastructure is via the four inter-connectors that connect Ireland to the UK and France, and there needs to be a discussion around investment in more inter-connectors. But it’s not about converting all of our wind energy to electricity; there is another opportunity which essentially uses electricity to split water through the process of electrolysis to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen can be used for transport; it can be used as an alternative to methane for heating and it can be used for maritime transport. But the industries that currently use hydrogen like petrochemicals and refining industries use either ‘grey’ or ‘blue’ hydrogen.
‘Green’ hydrogen contains no carbon; in other words, you use the offshore wind to produce the electricity to do the electrolysis to produce the hydrogen. We have been excited about the hydrogen idea from the start of the EirWind Project. Incidentally, Dr Eamon McKeogh (UCC) who had an article in the Irish Times in 2000 about hydrogen as an important vector for energy, has been hugely influential in the whole EirWind project. Now, fast forward twenty years, and the EU Strategy on Hydrogen has just been published. So, I think things are aligning in a really exciting way with regards to thinking about hydrogen production from offshore wind in an Irish context, being a whole new market and economic opportunity.
You have said that government resources will need to be doubled within the next two years to cope with the extra workload for the Irish Sea projects. Is that a realistic time span to be working towards? That’s a good point. What’s really interesting about that study is that it was one of EirWind’s smallest, but for me, one of the most significant and important reports. EirWind looked at how adequately resourced were Ireland’s key departments and agencies. We can have all the energy resource in the world, we can figure out the engineering, we can figure out the route to market, but fundamentally, nothing is going to move or shift unless we have the resources in government to help evolve the policy and the decision-making that’s required to cover the whole spectrum. We’re going to need twenty-five to thirty new personnel in key government departments and agencies in the next 18 to 24 months – just to move on the relevant projects for the Irish Sea. An Bord Pleannála, doesn’t have any in-house marine expertise, and there is a real need to increase the number of inspectors to deal with the strategic infrastructure applications that will be coming from the Irish Sea projects. There’s also a shortage of personnel in key agencies such as the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland). But we understand that the Marine Institute is about to appoint eight marine and computer scientists to help with the work that’s going on at a national level around marine planning. That’s absolutely fantastic and another signal that things are going in the right direction.
Is that very specialist skillset available in Ireland? We say Ireland has been slow to the party, but the advantage of moving now is we can potentially reap the benefit of what has been learnt by many other countries. And in order to be able to do that it makes sense to ensure we have the right strategic connections with the UK or Norway, or wherever else it might be, to make sure there’s an opportunity for knowledge transfer. Whether that’s about recruiting personnel into government departments and agencies from the UK or elsewhere, or having people seconded or simply just having processes and mechanisms to make sure there’s engagement so that knowledge can flow. There are many different ways that it could happen. But it needs to be done. So, the short answer to your question is we will probably need to import expertise as well as relying on what can be developed at home. What have you sensed so far regarding the public’s perception of these plans? It will be important to win and maintain their support for wind energy projects of such scale and visibility. EirWind conducted the first national survey of public perception of offshore wind about 12 months ago and found that 87% of the general public were in favour and would support the idea of offshore wind. When you drill down into the reasons why, most people do see the positive link between offshore wind energy and climate change. People are very much on message in terms of understanding that climate change is the crisis that needs to be dealt with now. People also understand the opportunities that may emerge regarding employment, and the results also showed that the public understands the connection with energy security. In terms of the data that came back, climate change jumps to the top of the page, indicating there is a strong awareness and appreciation of the fact we need to take action to deal with its issues. People may be sensitive to issues around visual impact if the turbines are going to be built very close to shore. But that can be mitigated by having buffers and a certain distance from shore. Floating technology naturally lends itself to deeper waters and so more likely will be over the horizon and ‘out of sight’. But again, what’s really important is helping the public to understand the different options that are available. We know that a wind turbine or a wind farm being developed in the Irish Sea may have different implications and a different public reaction to a development off the south or the west coast for example. And that can be linked to the difference between having to be close to shore for certain types of conditions: bottom-fixed versus floating further offshore. So, at the end of the day, it’s about informed decisions, it’s about informing perception, and I think, goes back to the government’s White Paper on energy.
Port capacity will be crucial, where will the investment come from? It’s important to identify that different ports can serve different purposes. There are very large ports such as Green Port Hull in the UK where the turbine blades are manufactured and where Siemens Gamesa opened a factory that delivered 2,000 jobs. But not every port is going to get a manufacturing facility. It all depends on the scale of what’s being planned in terms of offshore development and the companies coming in and thinking about a strategic opportunity linked to that supply chain. If you’re thinking about a manufacturing opportunity for Ireland, you might think about Shannon Foynes and the opening up of the Atlantic coast, which is extremely strategic regarding the potential for a western economic development corridor. But first you have to demonstrate there’s an opportunity for technology to survive and to be techno-economically viable in the kinds of conditions that you get off the west coast of Ireland. We might not see a scenario like that unfold at any meaningful scale until after 2030. Nevertheless, we need to start planning for it now, and it’s really encouraging to see Shannon Foynes Port Company doing exactly that. In the context of EirWind recommendations, we flagged Shannon Foynes Port and the potential for a manufacturing hub, in time. There is also the need for a port for installation and assembly such as Rosslare to have very special characteristics such as water depth, length of the quay, cranage etc. All of these parameters are really important for offshore wind and usually, they require significant investment. Firstly, manufacturing is the golden ticket; secondly, installation and assembly possible in Rosslare, Cork, Shannon Foynes and Killybegs. The third tier is operations and maintenance – O&M. And almost any port or harbour around the country has an opportunity to play a part as a port for O&M with regards to offshore wind. You said that the foreshore legislation will be dealt with by the end of 2021. Do you expect that deadline will be met? That was an assumption we made on the basis of discussions we had with policymakers, and I’m glad you brought it up, because the Programme for Government has been published, and there’s a commitment to that now. One of the commitments is to have the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill enacted within the next 9 months.
The Atlantic OSW production zone for FLOW
Hydrogen storage linked to offshore wind farms_EirWind Dinh and Leahy, 2020
Existing interconnectors
Common types of support structure technologies for bottom fixed and floating offshore wind turbines_Source adapted from Principle Power
Modelled wind resource relative energy density_data source global wind atlas 3.0 2019
CCS Carbon Capture Storage_source adapted from Gasunie
Climate change / ocean energy
RV Keary bow view of the Arklow Bank during 2016 INFOMAR survey
Seven offshore wind projects that applied for or have already been granted a lease under the Foreshore Act 1933, are eligible to be processed to receive a ‘valid grid connection offer’. Announcing the details (May 19), Minister Damien English and Minister Richard Bruton said these companies have been designated as ‘Relevant Projects’* Ireland’s Climate Action Plan commits to increasing offshore wind capacity to 3.5GW as part of its overall ambition to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030. This transition phase means companies can continue to work and to update aspects of their projects, and be in a position to apply under the new marine planning regime that will be introduced by the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, 2020. This Bill is set to provide ‘a modern, up-to-date regulatory and marine planning framework for offshore renewable energy developments’ beyond the limits of the foreshore (12 nautical miles). The Bill is described as an ‘important foundation for investment’ in the offshore renewable energy sector, as well as providing a more ‘transparent, participative system for all marine stakeholders’. Minister Damien English said that a way forward for offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects will now be determined under the planning regime to be introduced in the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, 2020. “Under this new marine planning regime, these projects will apply for final development consent to An Board Pleanála [who] will provide further opportunities for public consultation on the individual projects.” Richard Bruton, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, added that the announcement was a “clear development path” for these offshore wind projects that will play a “key role” in decarbonising Ireland’s electricity system: “This is a clear example of the Government’s determination to deliver on our climate and renewable energy ambitions to deliver 70% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030.”
Approved projects • Oriel Wind Park • Innogy Renewables, (2 projects Bray and Kish Banks) • Codling Wind Park, (2 projects, Codling I and Codling II) • Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta, (Skerd Rocks) • North Irish Sea Array Ltd, (North Irish Sea Array)
Ireland’s landmass is roughly 70,000km2 and its sea area is approximately seven times that size, at 490,000 km2. Recognised as having one the best offshore renewable energy resources on planet, significant potential exists to utilise these resources to generate carbon-free renewable electricity. Renewable energy will enable Ireland to enhance security of supply by substituting imported fossil fuels with indigenous renewable resources. It also provides business opportunities to potentially develop an export market in green energy. Offshore wind is also set to play a key role in decarbonising Ireland’s electricity system and to meet climate and renewable energy ambitions. While some initial applications were made under the 1933 Foreshore Act for ORE projects as early as 1999, the government of the day decided not to support offshore wind due to the high support costs necessary at that time. Since then, development of larger and more cost-efficient offshore turbines, combined with climate and energy targets in the Climate Action Plan, has changed the economic, social and environmental policy drivers. In January 2020, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, developed a Transition Protocol that would give guidance regarding the treatment of legacy projects in the context of the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, 2020. The Transition Protocol sets guidelines regarding the treatment of certain offshore wind projects (‘Relevant Projects’) that complement existing and on-going extensive dialogue with the project developers.
Background
(a) offshore wind projects that applied for (and substantially advanced) or were granted a lease under the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended (the Foreshore Act), in respect of which material changes are proposed to that which was originally applied for and assessed under the Foreshore Acts, which changes require further assessment; and/or (b) offshore wind projects that have a valid connection agreement from Eirgrid or are confirmed by Eirgrid as eligible to be processed to receive a valid connection offer. Given the progress made by certain ORE projects and the need for the State to develop offshore wind resources by 2030, the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill will include a legislative provision for a transition route for these projects. This transition route gives ‘Relevant Projects’ a Planning Interest within the meaning of the MPDM Bill 2020, subject to the terms and conditions that will apply. That would allow these Relevant Projects to: • continue environmental scoping exercises • continue site investigations and surveys • interact with Eirgrid on grid connection studies • prepare and finalise environmental reports to accompany a planning application The DHPLG received five applications for Relevant Project status covering seven projects: • Oriel Wind Park • Innogy Renewables, (2 projects Bray and Kish Banks) • Codling Wind Park, (2 projects, Codling I and Codling II) • Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta, (Skerd Rocks) • North Irish Sea Array Ltd, (North Irish Sea Array)
*Relevant Projects (DHP&LG & DCCAE)
Every offshore renewable project must complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for consideration by the planning authority. Large offshore wind projects, such as these, will be decided by An Board Pleanála. Working with stakeholders, the government departments will develop statutory marine planning guidelines to support ‘best practice’ throughout the planning process, and include a specific ‘visualisation assessment’ in relation to design and layout.
The report gives input to assessing the potential of oceans and coasts as strategies are developed at all levels of governance, to deliver more sustainable economies.
Visiting cruise ships to Dublin Port expected to fall by 50 per cent in 2020 as Dublin expands freight capacity to cater for continental containers post Brexit (pre coronavirus estimate)
The latest EU Blue Economy Report records an 11.6% increase in jobs compared to 2017 most notably in the offshore wind energy sector. Other new technologies (tidal and wave energy, hydrogen generation, floating wind farms and solar panels) are also emerging on the back of €420m investment (2019) in ocean energy research and development. As the world leader in ocean energy technology, the EU is ‘on track’ to produce up to 35% of its electricity from renewable offshore sources by 2050, according to the European Commission. Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, described the report, which profiles new sectors and technologies, as the ‘reference to understand past developments, trends and future opportunities’. This third edition focuses on climate change; new sectors such as submarine cables; enablers (Maritime Spatial Planning) and analysis (Ecosystem Services and Multi-purpose platforms). It aims to support policymakers and stakeholders in their quest to sustainably develop ocean and coastal resources in harmony with initiatives under the European Green Deal which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support investment in the latest research and innovation. The report gives input to assessing the potential of oceans and coasts as strategies are developed at all levels of governance, to deliver more sustainable economies.
Emerging sectors
Developing a sustainable blue economy to safeguard coastal communities
It focuses on all activities of the blue economy (marine-based or marine-related): traditional, emerging technologies (for which reliable data are still developing) and innovation (new opportunities for investment and development of coastal communities). ‘Our seas and oceans are such an important part of our life. We rely on them for food and tourism, for transport and renewable energy. They are a source of rich biodiversity and valuable eco-system services. At the same time, they also face a unique set of challenges, from depleting fish stocks to increasing environmental pressures, Commissioner Sinkevičius added. Healthy oceans and coastal areas ‘are vital for societies and the future of the plant,’ remarked Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. ‘They are the lungs of our planet, producing half of the oxygen we breathe. They are a source of healthy food, contributing 16% of the animal protein we eat and provide the basis for numerous economic activities that generate growth and jobs.’ Research, innovation and education will contribute to the transition towards a European blue economy (Horizon Europe programme) and it specific mission for healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters, she added. “This will contribute to deploy European solutions for the reduction of marine pollution including plastics, mitigation of climate change in the ocean, sustainable use and management of ocean resources, development of new materials including biodegradable plastic substitutes, new feed and food systems, coastal and maritime spatial planning and ocean governance.’
According to most recent figures, the established sectors (marine living resources, marine non-living resources, marine renewable energy, port activities, shipbuilding/repair, maritime transport and coastal tourism) employed close to five million people and generated ~€760bn in turnover and €218bn in GVA in 2018. Emerging and innovative sectors (marine renewable energy (ocean energy, floating solar energy and offshore hydrogen generation), blue bioeconomy and biotechnology, marine minerals, desalination, maritime defence and submarine cables) offer ‘significant potential’ especially renewable energies where the EU is ‘in the lead’ hosting 70% of global ocean energy (wave and tidal) installed capacity in its waters. The maritime defence sector accounts for over 177,000 jobs and the algae sector (blue bioeconomy) generated an estimated turnover in excess of €350m. The report is based on data collected by the European Commission through Member States and the European Statistical System. Fisheries and aquaculture data were collected under the EU Data Collection Framework.
Gross value-added
The European Fund for Strategic Investments has invested over €1.4bn in offshore wind projects and supports port development and clean shipping. The BlueInvest platform provided grants of €22m in 2019 to innovate starting blue economy entrepreneurs.
Investment
The project will help reduce dependence on ‘foreign fossil fuel imports where a large portion of our current electricity production comes from
Early stage developer in floating wind, wave energy and aquaculture projects, Simply Blue Energy has lodged a foreshore licence application for site investigation work to construct a 1GW wind farm on the site of the old Kinsale gas platform in the Celtic Sea. The application, which seeks consent to conduct surveys to establish the potential for offshore wind development, is not an application for windfarm development. If the survey work, desktop studies and stakeholder engagement indicate the feasibility of bringing the project to the next step, ‘that step will need to be progressed in accordance with the National Marine Planning Framework and other relevant legislation,’ SBE explains. A new single State consent regime for the whole of Ireland’s EEZ and continental shelf is currently being legislated through the Marine Planning and Development Bill . (The Bill when enacted will amend the existing Foreshore Act and enable a legal basis for An Bord Pleanála and coastal authorities to consent to offshore developments while retaining existing foreshore and planning permission provisions for aquaculture and sea-fisheries-related development.) A general scheme of the bill was approved by government in December. Using Floating Offshore Wind technology, which can operate in waters deeper than 60m and thus reduce visible impact, the Emerald Project ‘will generate enough electricity to power 47% of households in Ireland’. The project will help reduce dependence on ‘foreign fossil fuel imports where a large portion of our current electricity production comes from. ‘Offshore wind energy is a clean, sustainable and renewable energy source that will help the country reach its targets on greenhouse gas emissions.’ Once operating, the wind farm has the potential to replace 16.5% of current fossil fuel derived electricity in Ireland and has ‘huge potential for job creation over the lifetime of the project.’
EirWind webinar
From gas to wind energy production at former Kinsale platform
Gillian Mills
Sam Roch-Perks, co-founder and managing director of Simply Blue Energy, speaking at the EirWind webinar in June acknowledged the work of government in progressing Ireland’s wind energy sector and tackling many of the key issues that were holding it back: “We need to acknowledge the work that Ireland’s government departments and State agencies have taken on over the last two years; they have had to grasp really hard nettles,” he said. “The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Marine Institute, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and the Department of Housing have grasped the Marine Spatial Plan, and I thank them and their teams for that. Now is the time to finish out that work because this is our opportunity.” Roch-Perks added that being in Ireland on the day of the EirWind webinar and thinking about the potential there was for green ocean energy, “it felt a bit like Aberdeen in the 1960s looking east, or Ålesund on the west coast of Norway looking west, and now, Ardmore [Co Waterford], looking south”. He also praised the EirWind project and team: “One of the things that jumped out at me whether working with individual researchers one-to-one or even in our consortium meetings was their enthusiasm and passion, not just for the EirWind project but for the marine and for marine renewables,” he said.
A consultation (June 10-July 1) invited feedback to inform on a grid development policy for offshore wind. Under Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, 70% of electricity will be generated from renewable energy by 2030; at least 3,500 MW of which will come from offshore wind to power over three million homes. “This consultation, along with ongoing reforms of our marine spatial planning regime and the forthcoming Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, is an important step towards establishing a clear policy framework for offshore wind in Ireland,” remarked Richard Bruton, former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The new programme for government published midway through the initial consultation period. “Given the increased ambition of offshore wind in this, now ratified, policy document, the consultation period was extended until July 22 and therefore remains open,” a spokesperson for the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment confirmed to Ocean Focus. “We have received about a dozen submissions so far but we expect the majority of responses to be received as we approach the new closing date.” Following the consultation, government will decide on the appropriate offshore grid model for Ireland, which will be aligned with the National Marine Planning Framework or job creation over the lifetime of the project.’
(The Bill when enacted will amend the existing Foreshore Act and enable a legal basis for An Bord Pleanála and coastal authorities to consent to offshore developments while retaining existing foreshore and planning permission provisions for aquaculture and sea-fisheries-related development.) A general scheme of the bill was approved by government in December. Using Floating Offshore Wind technology, which can operate in waters deeper than 60m and thus reduce visible impact, the Emerald Project ‘will generate enough electricity to power 47% of households in Ireland’.
The project will help reduce dependence on ‘foreign fossil fuel imports where a large portion of our current electricity production comes from. ‘Offshore wind energy is a clean, sustainable and renewable energy source that will help the country reach its targets on greenhouse gas emissions.’ Once operating, the wind farm has the potential to replace 16.5% of current fossil fuel derived electricity in Ireland and has ‘huge potential for job creation over the lifetime of the project.’
In terms of job creation, the report predicts that by 2050, ‘the ocean energy sector will employ 400,000 Europeans, ensuring a just transition to a decarbonised economy...[and]... Europe’s technological advantage in ocean energy will ensure European companies a large share of a strong global market, as they do on offshore wind.
By 2050, wave and tidal sources could be contributing 100 GWh of energy - 10% of Europe’s current requirements - in a low cost, emissions-free and flexible manner, according to the latest report from ETIP Ocean, Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Ocean Energy. With this new and sustainable ocean energy harnessed along the Atlantic coast from Portugal to Norway, along the Baltic Sea and the periphery of the Mediterranean, for almost 45% of Europe’s citizens living in coastal regions, ‘it will be delivered where it is needed’, the report predicts. Nevertheless, for such optimism to become reality, ETIP highlights ‘as a priority’ the need to integrate ocean energy pilot farms into the wider energy system. With ocean energy already well on track to being a major part of the solution to decarbonising Europe, and smoothing production peaks, the report notes that ‘flexible and predictable ocean energy’ will compliment other renewables such as wind and solar, and dominate Europe’s electricity system by 2050. In terms of job creation, the report predicts that by 2050, ‘the ocean energy sector will employ 400,000 Europeans, ensuring a just transition to a decarbonised economy...[and]... Europe’s technological advantage in ocean energy will ensure European companies a large share of a strong global market, as they do on offshore wind. ‘With zero carbon emissions, ocean energy will help tackle climate change and achieve a cleaner, more sustainable and more prosperous Europe’.
Ocean energy’s key role
Targeted innovation to drive large-scale deployment of ocean energy
Acknowledging the ‘remarkable progress made by ocean energy in recent years,’ ETIP says that ‘a record quantity of capacity has been installed and never-before-seen volumes of power have been produced ...[so that]...we now measure produced electricity in GWh instead of MWh’.
On decarbonising, ETIP declares: ‘As Europe gears up for its green recovery’, deploying new technologies is urgently needed to drive decarbonisation and innovation-based growth. ‘Proving the worth of pre-commercial ocean energy projects will ensure that this technology continues its remarkable progress and will kick-start a new large-scale industry in Europe.’ For this to proceed, ETIP calls for improvements in sub-systems, marine operations, foundations and connections to reduce costs and increase the reliability and yield of ocean energy devices.
European Green Deal
According to the report, the current state of ocean-energy technologies has reached different stages in their development: • wave energy - at full-scale prototype stage • tidal energy – at demonstration stage with first pilot farms • OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) and salinity gradient – at R&I stage
R&I potential
ETIP Ocean is funded by the European Commission to define research and innovation priorities for the ocean energy sector and to promote solutions for industry, European and national policy-makers.
INFOMAR data of the Arklow Bank captured by multibeam echosounder in 2017
Confidence in the future of offshore wind production in Irish waters has been bolstered by the acquisition of a 200,000 sqm site at the port of Rosslare for a logistics centre to service the sector. Investment of around €40m by Dutch company Xellz will underpin development of Rosslare Europe Business Park which will employ up to 100 in the construction phase and tens of that number at pre-installation, assembly and mobilisation stages. Petrus Bouwhuis, CEO of Xellz BV said the park would serve future offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea: “EBP’s land gives direct access to the quay for loading and offloading of offshore wind equipment, and we are now ready to talk to interested parties.” The park is expected to attract businesses directly related to the offshore wind industry. The space will offer storage and assembly areas for wind turbines, transition pieces and mobilisation equipment. Space will also be available for SME ancillary services in maintenance and repair.
Renewables in Ireland
Dutch investment in Irish offshore wind sector
The Irish government has set out the country’s clear commitment to reduce carbon emissions with offshore wind expected to play a part. In July 2019, government adopted a Climate Action Plan that specifies, a plan for renewables to provide 70% of electricity generation by 2030. Offshore wind is expected to deliver at least 3.5 GW in support of reaching this target. At the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland would phase out oil exploration in Irish offshore waters: “It was a victory for the environment because drilling causes massive destruction, regardless of whether oil is discovered or not. It also sets down a marker, we’ll be out of fossil fuels by 2050 starting with oil, coal and peat.” At the beginning of December 2019, the Irish Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment announced details of the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction which has received government approval. The RESS is an auction-based scheme that invites renewable electricity projects to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate. Subject to state aid approval, the first auction is set to open this year.
This distribution likely reflects a human temperature niche related to fundamental constraints. It demonstrates that depending on scenarios of population growth and warming, over the coming 50 years
Temperature increase up to 2° C is predicted if global warming continues
Global warming will affect ecosystems as well as human health, livelihoods, food security, water supply and economic growth, and its impacts are likely to make vast areas of the earth uninhabitable to billions of humans, a recent benchmark study concludes. ‘Future of the human climate niche’ examines human population density as a function of weather – temperature and rainfall – and projects that a temperature increase from 1.5C to 2°C will increase the number of people exposed to climate-related risks and poverty by several hundred millions by 2050. It also means that people living during the next fifty years will see changes greater than in any human history. Professor Timothy Lenton, Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter who co-authored the study, says that global warming could soon take billions of humans beyond their tolerance levels: “That’s the worrying conclusion we’ve had to come to from doing this work. It’s not the case for everybody but it is the case for large numbers of often already vulnerable people that they will be set to experience climates that hardly anyone or no one experiences today on the hot end. We were quite flabbergasted at the numbers that were coming out of our analysis,” says Lenton.
Human climate niche
Global warming to trigger massive human migration
The study showsthat for thousands of years, humans have concentrated in quite narrow areas – the so-called ‘human climate niche’ - of Earth’s available climates. This distribution likely reflects a human temperature niche related to fundamental constraints. It demonstrates that depending on scenarios of population growth and warming, over the coming 50 years, 1 to 3 billion people are projected to be left outside the climate conditions that have served humanity well over the past 6,000 years. ‘Absent climate mitigation or migration, a substantial part of humanity will be exposed to mean annual temperatures warmer than nearly anywhere today,’ the study finds. It notes: ‘Human populations have resided in the same narrow part of the climatic envelope available on the globe, characterized by a mean annual temperature ranging from 11 °C to 15 °C. ‘Current production of crops and livestock is largely limited to the same conditions, and the same optimum has been found for agricultural and non-agricultural economic output of countries through analyses of year-to-year variation. ‘The geographical position of this temperature niche is projected to shift more over the coming 50 years than it has moved since 6000 BP. Populations will not simply track the shifting climate, as adaptation in situ may address some of the challenges, and many other factors affect decisions to migrate’.
This means that within fifty years, 1.2 billion people will be living in areas as hot as the Sahara: 485 million in Nigeria; 185 million in Pakistan; 146 million in Indonesia; 103 million in Sudan; 100 million in Niger; 99 million in the Philippines; 98 million in Bangladesh; 64 million in Burkina Faso and 62 million in Thailand. “It’s going to be pretty unpleasant, and my heart goes out to these future people,” says Professor Lenton. “It’s going to be especially unpleasant when you get the hot extremes of the year and you are living in a place that’s humid as well. “Because humans, like any mammal, struggle when what meteorologists call the wet bulb temperature goes above 37 degrees. Then life becomes literally impossible and it can even kill you. This is going to be a huge humanitarian concern.”
Humanitarian concern
Malfeasance is intentional conduct that is wrongful or unlawful, especially by officials or public employees. Bypassing the above by not completing Regulatory Impact Analysis to OECD standards (see OECD regulatory checklist) and then also bypassing the requirements of the Aarhus Convention is malfeasance
The Commission has invited public feedback (deadline extended to 5pm, July 22), which will be taken into account ‘for further development and fine tuning’ of the initiative. The Commission will summarise the input received in a synopsis report explaining how the input will be taken on board and, if applicable, why certain suggestions can’t be taken up.
Despite measures to mitigate its effects, climate change is already having serious consequences in Europe and worldwide. Therefore, as part of its Green Deal, the Commission is launching a new strategy: ‘Adapting to climate change’ to help the EU adapt to the effects and will focus on:
Storm profile: natural variations or climate change?
• encouraging investment in eco-friendly solutions • climate-proofing the economy • making key infrastructure more resilient • adding climate factors to risk management practice • stepping up prevention and preparedness
Pat Swords, Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and a Chartered Environmentalist, outlines his feedback to the Commission’s public consultation. You can read his full submission here:
Submission
The Commission is already aware of recent drafting findings and recommendations against it at the UNECE Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee in relation to Projects of Common Interest and Communication C96, Namely, that it discriminated against non-native English speakers, by not conducting such public participation exercises falling under Article 7 of the Convention in all the official languages of the EU, while also failing to take due account of the public participation. Our knowledge of the historical climate is that it goes through alternating periods of somewhat warmer and colder periods. The Medieval period was warm, but the period of 1550 to 1850 is known as the ‘Little Ice Age’, during this colder period approx. one million executions for witchcraft occurred.
“The trials were ubiquitous: conducted by both ecclesiastical and secular courts; by both Catholics and Protestants. The victims were primarily women, primarily poor and disproportionately widows.” The authority for this ‘went to the top’, Summis desiderantes was a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent VIII, which recognised the destructive power of witchcraft linked to weather extremes. “The wave of witch persecutions from 1623 to 1631 at Bamberg, Germany was centralized around a common event: the freezing and loss of the wine and grain crop”. The population demanded that the authorities act; these witches presented a direct threat to the common good. In a given year in Bamberg over a hundred witches were executed. The natural environment is a complex, dynamic system, which is constantly changing, sometimes subtly, sometimes less subtly. History shows us that mankind has all too often failed to understand this complexity, instead often adopting simplistic and rather fundamentalist / religious ‘solutions’, which have been quite disastrous in their own right. Science fundamentally works on the basis that a hypothesis is presented; this is then challenged as the evidence emerges to either approve or disapprove the hypothesis. This is the core of the scientific method, in which from the results of subsequent experimentations, a deduction is made as to whether the hypothesis is presumably true or false. Fundamentally, for acceptance of a hypothesis, it is necessary to falsify the null hypothesis, which in decision-making equates to the ‘zero option’. Hence, the adherence to blind placebo trials in medicine. Equally one could refer to the hypothesis that renewable energy reduces CO2 emissions, the EU with religious fervour pursued this objective investing a trillion Euros in solar and wind energy, and the USA did not. Both obtained the same emissions reductions of 27% over 10 years, the USA simply by modernising old coal fired generation to gas turbines and running them efficiently.
The meteorological data shows us how normal the weather is [pdf included in Submission], while the Lisbon Treaty specifically requires that: “In preparing its policy on the environment, the Union shall take account of: available scientific and technical data,environmental conditions in the various regions of the Union, the potential benefits and costs of action or lack of action,the economic and social development of the Union as a whole and the balanced development of its regions.” Malfeasance is intentional conduct that is wrongful or unlawful, especially by officials or public employees. Bypassing the above by not completing-Regulatory Impact Analysis to OECD standards (see OECD regulatory checklist) and then also bypassing the requirements of the Aarhus Convention is malfeasance.
40ft storm hits the east coast in 2009
2014 storm at Sandycove, Co Dublin
40ft Storm, Co Dublin, 2014
2017 Storm Cycle
2017 Storm Cycle, Bullock
For example, the costs and benefits have never been assessed and cannot be replaced by a vox pop. The enormous costs of this Green Deal, which delivers nothing, will lead to massive social unrest, legal cases the EU will lose, and most likely the demise of the EU itself. The rest of the world is not going to follow this crusade and under WTO rules the EU cannot utilise tariffs to prevent cheaper imports.’
Met Éireann’s work on Climate Change
Hydrogen (H2) is a gas, the chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1 in the periodic table. It is also the most abundant chemical substance in the universe. So why, in these times of increasing global energy demand, which currently depends on finite fossil fuels with added worries about climate change, has hydrogen come to the fore? The answer lies in the high capacity of hydrogen to store energy. Renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind power, generate energy intermittently. Wind can vary within minutes and solar power varies daily, monthly, and seasonally. These green energy sources require energy storage to enable them to power our economies reliably. In fact, renewable and green energy without storage is only half a system. There are many ways to store electricity, such as in batteries and in water reservoirs. But the energy carrier that shows most practical potential and is most adaptable is hydrogen.
Why green hydrogen?
· be stored from minutes to years · be transported in tanks or via pipelines · generate electricity directly with H2 fuel cells · be combusted in engines, boilers, and turbines
H2 can be generated by means of an electrolyser, and is rather simple. Water molecules are composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, H2O. When a direct electrical current is passed through water, the electrons from the negative electrode, or cathode, split the water molecules to give hydrogen and oxygen gas, producing twice the volume of hydrogen compared to oxygen. The electrons are the energy that keeps the hydrogen separated from oxygen, and makes H2 a reactive and combustible fuel. The water in the electrolyser needs to contain an electrolyte, such as salt, so that it can conduct electricity. Hydrogen can be generated by a single household or group of houses using energy from solar panels or wind generation to power all energy needs, from transport to heating and electricity. Surplus H2 is a valuable commodity and could be sold. These are some of the reasons for the interest in hydrogen as a method for energy storage, and why the European Commission has decided to allocate part of its €750bn recovery fund to researching green H2.
Electrolysis
Brendan Connolly
Hydrogen is extremely versatile and can power from laptops and mobile phones, to cars, boats, planes, rockets, as well as large grid-connected power stations. Hydrogen’s exhaust fumes are very clean, consisting of water vapor only; there are no polluting gases or CO2. When generated from renewable sources such as wind, it is even less than low or neutral carbon, it is entirely carbon free. This is green H2. As H2 gas is lighter than air, it is safer than other fuels because if it leaks, for example, following a car or plane crash, it rises up into the air and away from people. And, if it was then to burn, the fire would be away from people, unlike petrol, diesel, and hydrocarbon gases that flow down and burn where people are.
Hydrogen can:
Maritime News
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Temporary contingency planning for certification of seafarers – Covid 19
The future is bright for Ireland’s shipping and ancillary services sector
Temporary contingency planning for certification of seafarers – Covid 19 The future is bright for Ireland’s shipping and ancillary services sector Futureproofing for Brexit and the offshore wind sector at Rosslare Europort Development at Rosslare Europort
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Futureproofing for Brexit and the offshore wind sector at Rosslare Europort
This Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, sets out the temporary measures being put in place in relation to the validity of seafarers’ documents impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Further information on processes and procedures to be followed in relation to Covid-19 and Maritime Declarations of Health are detailed here. In light of the position of the European Union and of the International Maritime Organisation, the Irish Maritime Administration (IMA) of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) is adopting the following measures and procedures to provide for a temporary extension to the validity of seafarer certificates in order to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on the maritime sector as much as possible.
Certificates and Seafarers’ Employment Agreements
1. Certificates of Competency & Certificates of Proficiency:
Any Irish Certificate of Competency (CoC), or Certificate of Proficiency for service on tankers, issued to a seafarer by the IMA, in line with the International Convention on Standards, Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and/or national regulations, which expires or is due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 are hereby given an extension until 30th September 2020 or until 6 months from the certificate’s date of expiry, whichever occurs later. The IMA is in the process of issuing a temporary extension certificate to all affected seafarers, details will be provided on www.seafarers.ie, in due course. Seafarers are required to retain their expired certificate along with a copy of this Marine Notice for inspection and presented when requested to do so.
Any Irish Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CeC) issued to a seafarer by the IMA, in line with the International Convention on Standards, Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and/or national regulations, will be linked to the validity of the seafarer’s national Certificate of Competency. Should the seafarer’s national Certificate of Competency be renewed an application for an Irish Certificate of Equivalent Competency can be made through email. The seafarer will automatically be granted with a Confirmation of Receipt of Application (CRA), this will allow the seafarer to sail on Irish registered vessels for the periods specified below: • CRAs issued prior to 10/07/2020 for an extended period of 6 months. • CRAs issued on or after 10/07/2020 normal 3-month period of validity will apply Should a seafarer be unable to apply for a CoC within their home country, they must request a written declaration from the relevant administration in their home country stating that their CoC has been extended for a period of months which should then be submitted to the IMA for review. The IMA will then be in a position to issue another CRA to allow the seafarer to continue to work on board. There is no requirement for a seafarer to make an application for such an extension, however, their expired CeC must be retained along with a copy of this Marine Notice for inspection and presented when requested to do so.
2. Certificates of Equivalent Competency
Seafarers that are unable to renew a completed (full) discharge book should request that all seafarer discharges or engagements are recorded on paper (paper discharge).
3. Seaman’s Discharge Book
A medical certificate issued to a seafarer under the seafarers’ medical examination scheme, which expires or is due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 are hereby given an extension until 30th September 2020 or until 3 months from the certificate’s date of expiry, whichever occurs later, where the seafarer is unable to present to an Approved Doctor for a medical examination in order to renew their certificate. There is no requirement for a seafarer to make an application for such an extension, however, their expired certificate must be retained along with a copy of this Marine Notice for inspection and presented when requested to do so. Any restrictions associated with a seafarers’ medical certificate remain in place during the extension period.
4. Medical Certificates:
Where a seafarer’s employment agreement expires or is due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020, and a seafarer has reached the maximum period of service and/or repatriation of the seafarer is difficult due to current travel restrictions, the SEA may be extended until 30th September 2020 or until 6 months from the date of expiry, whichever occurs later with the agreement of the seafarer. In this situation, the same terms and conditions as originally agreed will continue to apply. Any Agreement to such an extension, must be signed by the seafarer and witnessed by a person not party to the Agreement.
5. Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA):
Shipping companies remain liable for costs pending repatriation such as medical care, crew transfer, isolation etc. If in doubt, please contact the financial security provider to confirm that the insurance or other financial security is in place for additional costs.
6. Shipowner liability
All days spent on the ship when it is fully crewed and operational or if placed in “warm layup”, will be accepted as valid seagoing service for the revalidation or issue of a CoC. Sea service for cadets currently completing a sea phase will be subject to review.
7. Seagoing service
If a crew member needs to leave the ship due to urgent circumstances and cannot be replaced immediately due to COVID-19 travel restrictions the shipowner/Company manager should contact the Marine Survey Office for a dispensation or revised MSMD as may be applicable.
8. Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD)
If you are serving onboard ship and are qualified in any of the following, you must have documentary evidence of either having completed the training course or updated your training within the last 5 years: (a) Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PST) STCW A-VI/1-1 (b) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC & RB), STCW A-VI/2-1 (c) Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) STCW A-VI/2-2 (d) Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FP & FF), STCW AVI/1-2 (e) Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) STCW A-VI/3 All of the basic and advanced courses listed in (a) to (e) above, must be updated every 5 years.
9. Refresher/updating training requirements
DTTAS is aware that a significant number of ancillary training course providers ceased training during the Covid-19 pandemic and whilst such providers may be resuming their activities during July 2020, seafarers who require refresher training may not be able to find an available course. • Seafarers For the holder of an Irish Certificate of Proficiency, DTTAS considers that, for those seafarers who are on board a vessel or about to return and their safety training which expires or is due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020, a self-declaration may be completed to allow the seafarer to comply with STCW updating/refresher training. This self-declaration shall be acceptable for no more than 6 months following the fifth anniversary of the issue date of the certificate concerned or until 30th September 2020, whichever occurs later. • Training Course Providers Training Course Providers whose DTTAS approval expires during the period 1 March 2020 until 31 August 2020 will receive an extension of their approval until 30th September 2020 on application to the Marine Survey Office
9.1 Temporary provisions
The seafarer must complete the appropriate self-declaration appended to this Marine Notice detailed in Annexes A - E and retain the original copy together with their original training certificate on board. This declaration shall be made available for inspection on request. Documentary evidence must be retained by the ship to show that related safety training has been completed by all persons required to do so. It is the responsibility of the company and Master to maintain such records. A copy of this Marine Notice shall be retained on board a vessel to explain the temporary provisions to PSC, Surveyors etc.
9.2 Procedure
An approved updating/refresher training course must be completed as soon as possible when courses become available.
9.3 Approved updating/refresher training
Updating of the Proficiency in Medical First Aid is not currently required under the STCW Code and therefore no refresher training is required.
9.4 Proficiency in Medical First Aid
In conforming to the provisions of STCW Convention Regulation 1/14, and section A1/14, of the STCW Code, companies must ensure that seafarers assigned to any of their ship have received refresher and updating training as required by the Convention.
9.5 Company Responsibility
The IMA will accept expired seafarer certificates of competency/proficiency and medical certificates where the flag administration has granted an extension due to the current circumstances. In these circumstances, the shipowner may be asked to produce any letter of dispensation issued by the flag State and details of any measures put in place in order to comply with any conditions imposed by the flag State, including where appropriate, amendments to relevant parts of the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance – Part 1 & II. Shipowners may also be required to provide details of how crew entitlements under Maritime Labour Convention are to be protected in light of an extended stay on board and what plans, if necessary, the shipowner has to repatriate them.
10. Port State Control Inspections
As soon as new Certificates of Competency and Certificates of proficiency can be issued their period of validity of five years will start from the expiry date of the previous certificates. This Marine Notice shall expire on 28th February 2021 and the provisions outlined above will no longer be applicable. Annexes A-E
11. Expiry
Note: Marine Notices are issued purely for maritime safety and navigation reasons and should not be construed as conferring rights or granting permissions.
MARITIME NEWS
Organisation
As an island nation, Ireland depends on ports and shipping services to transport goods; 90% of our trade is moved though Irish ports. Shipping and maritime transport services make a significant contribution to Ireland’s ocean economy, with the sector generating €2.3bn in turnover and employing over 5,000 people in 2018. Ireland’s maritime industry continues to grow and progress each year, with Irish ports and shipping companies making significant investments. The ports sector is currently undergoing a number of expansions and developments: Dublin Port’s Alexandra Basin development; development of Ringaskiddy in Cork (Port of Cork) and the development of Shannon Foynes Port. Along with these major investments, shipping companies are also investing heavily in new tonnage, with Irish Ferries, CLdN and Stena leading new build programmes.
The importance of Ireland’s ports and shipping services features in the Marine Institute’s Oceans of Learning series. The Marine Institute and partners are celebrating our world’s shared ocean and our connection to the sea in a 10-week series, sharing news and offering online interactive activities, videos and downloadable resources on a new marine topic each week.
The Cork Container Terminal will initially offer a 360 metre quay (13 metre depth) alongside to enable larger ships to berth
Alexandra Basin
Dublin Port Company is currently investing about €277m in its Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR), which is due to be complete by 2021. The redevelopment will improve the port's capacity for large ships by deepening and lengthening 3km of its 7km of berths. The ABR is part of a €1bn capital programme up to 2028, which will also include initial work on Dublin Port’s MP2 Project - a major capital development project proposal for works in the north eastern part of the port. Dublin Port has also secured planning approval to develop the next phase of its inland port near Dublin Airport. The latest stage of the inland port will include a site with capacity to store more than 2,000 shipping containers and infrastructure such as an ESB substation, an office building and gantry crane. Dublin Port Company recently submitted a planning application for a €320m project that aims to provide significant additional capacity at the facility within the port in order to cope with increases in trade up to 2040. The scheme will see a new roll-on/roll-off jetty built to handle ferries of up to 240 metres long, as well as redevelopment of an oil berth into a deep-water container berth.
The Port of Cork is investing €80m for a container terminal development in Ringaskiddy. The Cork Container Terminal will initially offer a 360 metre quay (13 metre depth) alongside to enable larger ships to berth. The development also includes the construction of a 13.5-hectare terminal and associated buildings, as well as two ship-to-shore gantry cranes and container handling equipment. The development of new container handling facilities at Ringaskiddy was identified in the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan in 2010. It will accommodate current and future container shipping that can be serviced by modern and efficient cargo handling equipment with innovative terminal operating and vehicle booking systems. The Port of Cork anticipates that Cork Container Terminal will be operational later this year 2020.
Ringaskiddy development
Shannon Foynes Port (SFPC) is investing in unprecedented expansion at its general cargo terminal, adding over two-thirds the size of its existing area. In the latest phase of a €64m investment programme, SFPC is investing over €20m in enabling works alone, to convert 83 acres on the east side of the existing port into a landbank for marine-related industry, port-centric logistics and associated infrastructure.
Landbank at Shannon Foynes
The project, which will be developed on a phased basis over the next five years, will require the biggest infrastructure works programme ever undertaken at the port, with the entire 83-acre landbank having to be raised by 4.4 metres. The programme will also require new internal roads and multiple bridge access as well as roundabout access. “The Irish maritime industry can look to the future with confidence. It has shown itself to be resilient and agile in responding to challenges,’ explained Liam Lacey, Director of the Marine Institute’s Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). Over the past decade, it has had to respond to the challenges of the financial crisis of 2008, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and recent challenges. Ireland’s maritime sector has continued to underpin our economy by maintaining vital shipping links for both trade and tourism.” To access the resources visit Port of the Future.
A major transformation is planned for Rosslare Europe that will see investment of more than €30m by Iarnród Éireann over the next five years. The investment will ensure that Rosslare is equipped with capacity, facilities and technology to underpin ‘major growth’ for the benefit of the region and the wider national economy, says the port authority. Subject to planning permission, the port will be reconfigured to maximise growth and to support regional and national development. Significant new facilities and infrastructure are planned to develop the port ‘to its full potential as Ireland’s gateway to the UK and Europe, as a leading ‘sustainable, seamless and Smart’ port. Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic and Brexit, Glenn Carr, General Manager, Rosslare Europort said he was “extremely optimistic” with the plans, which build on new business from Brittany Ferries earlier in the year: “All of these developments along with our masterplan will greatly benefit not just the port but also the economic development of the region. “I also strongly believe that Rosslare Europort is now the best positioned port to be the offshore wind energy hub for Ireland. No other port in the Republic has the potential land, capacity and connectivity available that is required.”
Subject to planning permission, the port will be reconfigured to maximise growth and to support regional and national development
Masterplan phases
Phase 1
Installation of a new perimeter access road and entrance at the roundabout; security fencing along the perimeter; new freight check-in area and a central spine access road. Most of this phase can be developed without any impact on the existing port operations as construction is on the area adjoining the port. The only anticipated impact will be connection to the existing entrance roundabout and removal of some buildings along the perimeter as well as some minor impact to the existing trailer storage area. This phase will also include construction of the main service runs under the main access routes.
Phase 2
All paving areas from the new central spine road to the northern quay, including the areas for bulk storage, export trailer area and trade car areas.
Phase 3
Alteration around the main loading and unloading areas at the berths, stretching from the terminal building to the berths in one direction and from the new roundabout to Berth 1 in the other direction.
Phase 4
Areas for import trailer storage, upgrade to the passenger vehicle check-in and completion of the secure fencing.
Additional investment is also planned at the port and surround area during the five-year timeframe: Construction of the New N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road by TII and Wexford Co Council Development of the Rosslare Europort Business Park by the Dutch company XELLZ targeting the offshore wind market Construction of facilities to meet all customs and Brexit requirements for State agencies. Rosslare will be the only port outside of Dublin with the required Border Inspection Post.
Regarding the recent and very welcome announcement by Rosslare Europort that a significant capital investment will be made to develop the port and improve infrastructure facilities on site, it would seem to be a timely opportunity to include in any port advancement, a body of research on the marine leisure potential of Rosslare. Along with the positive socio-economic benefits which a dedicated focus on marine leisure could bring to the region, there are myriad further advantages of a maritime focus that the State’s largest passenger port could build on by fostering a greater symbiosis with the leisure sector in the southeast region. With approximately 50 nautical miles between the marinas of Arklow and Kilmore Quay, and even greater distances to havens in Wales, the greater UK coastline, or mainland Europe, this distance presents a challenge for many mid-range cruising yachts/boats who need to make the tides to get ‘around the corner’ (ie. Carnsore Point) on passage in either direction. Many vessels are travelling in both directions from harbours further north of Arklow, e.g. Wicklow, Greystones, Bray, Dún Laoghaire, Howth, or further again, e.g. Northern Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia etc - often on passage to Cork, West Cork, Bantry, Dingle, or to the UK, France, Biscay etc. These longer distances between marinas present great challenges for vessels travelling on passage and attempting to avoid the endurance tests of longer days or nights at sea, the delays of missing tides, or encountering adverse weather conditions.
Development at Rosslare Europort
Leisure service area
There is a sizable land base around the current Rosslare port estate, some excellent transport links and improvements proposed, and a strong local skills-base in the Wexford and the southeast region generally, which could service and enhance the area in both the leisure and commercial marine business environment. I believe that an additional benefit to the development as currently outlined could be a specially-tailored marine facility, dedicated to marine leisure, to service the existing fishing fleets and facilitating the emergency services and RNLI alike whether it be a full-scale marina pontoon development or specific leisure boating harbour extension – separate to the current passenger and container port offering, though inter-connected on site. The current small boat harbour facility to the west of the port has no adequate facilities or in-situ services established to handle visiting yachts or boaters of any number, has limited foot links to transport nodes or the town, and could benefit from some careful investment and attention to the region from a local tourism and marine industry perspective. With Brexit looming ever closer on the horizon, it is certainly a time to look forward to the next phases of this port development, to some rigorous and strategic foreshore planning and a considered implementation process ahead. Cian Gallagher Maritime Consultant
Dear Editor
Kelp: a nature-based solution for coastal protection?
Virtual summit to connect islanders worldwide
Covid-19 highlights that predictive bathing water quality modelling is the way forward
Kelp: a nature-based solution for coastal protection? Another ‘Lisbon 1755 Tsumani’ could see two metre waves hitting Irish coastline Virtual summit to connect islanders worldwide Explore Ireland’s Coastal Communities in Oceans of Learning series Capital swimming: monitoring water quality must be an all-year activity Diving in Dublin Bay Covid-19 highlights that predictive bathing water quality modelling is the way forward
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Another ‘Lisbon 1755 Tsumani’ could see two metre waves hitting Irish coastline
Explore Ireland’s Coastal Communities in Oceans of Learning series
Capital swimming: monitoring water quality must be an all-year activity
Dr Eugene Farrell & Emily RICK
oastal protection on soft coasts around Ireland has traditionally relied on controlling the sea using ‘hard’ engineering solutions (sea walls, rock revetments, groynes). The disparity between civil engineers and coastal processes is well known, as discussed by Ann-Marie O’Hagan and Andrew Cooper in Spatial variability in approaches to coastal protection in Ireland.
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These artificial defences are appropriate to protect critical infrastructure; however, there are negative and unforeseen impacts that can arise including the loss of natural habitats (habitat fragmentation; disruption of ecological connectivity; decrease biodiversity) and alteration of natural processes by changing the geomorphology and hydrodynamics. ‘Nature-based solutions are living solutions inspired by, continuously supported by and using nature.’ - EC, 2015.
Protection solutions
Nature-based solutions is a relatively new concept in coastal protection and has gained strong interest over the last two decades in the quest for innovative, sustainable, affordable long-term coastal protection solutions that promote ecosystem services. The ability of keystone ecosystem engineers to reduce current velocities and dampen waves has been documented globally, in species such as eelgrass (Zostera marina), English cordgrass (Spartina anglica), mussel and oyster beds, corals and mangroves.
Forest-forming kelps grow on rocky reefs in the cool waters of the subtropics, making the north, west and south coasts of Ireland ideal habitat. Although many kelp species exist around Ireland, the UK, and around the Western coast of Europe, the dominant forest-forming species is Laminaria hyperborea, which has been commonly recorded around the coast of Ireland for over three hundred years.
Off the coast of Ireland, the parallel species are forest-forming kelps. The wide ecosystem services provided by kelp forests (order Laminariales) are only being examined now, as explained by Kathryn Schoenrock in Ocean Focus (Inshore Ireland) last year. Their effect on coastal protection is relatively unexplored but very enticing, considering the future projections of our ocean climate with rising sea levels and extreme storm events. A report on coastal zone management in Ireland estimates that 20% (1,500 km) of the Irish coast is ‘at risk’ from coastal erosion, with 6% (490 km) in ‘immediate danger’ (DELG, 2001). The OPW’s Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study published in 2013 also maps the extent of erosion hazards and identifies where erosion hotspots will occur by 2050.
These species can grow up to 3 metres in length, living for up to 15 years. Kelp are uniquely resilient, as their morphology allows these large plants to remain fixed in place, while having the adaptive flexibility to move and respond to changes in incoming wave climates or water levels.
It highlights there is a limited body of research globally on the ecosystem services provided by kelp, and that previous research found variable or negligible effects of kelp on wave attenuation compared with the positive defence effects of other coastal vegetation (i.e. saltmarsh, mangroves and seagrass) and reef-colonising organisms (i.e. shellfish and corals). The authors surmise that any erosion regulation by kelp forests via wave attenuation is site specific (geomorphic setting; habitat location; forcing conditions) and also depends on the kelp structure (species; morphology; extent). Coastal response to storms has already been shown to be spatially highly variable, even between adjacent sites depending on the storm signature (size, direction, duration) and the different combinations of contemporary dynamic controls (e.g., wave dominated vs. tidal dominated coastline), inherited factors (e.g., geology, glacial valleys, sediment availability), and varying tidal ranges.
Cumulatively, these traits (durability, size, age, resilience and biomass density) are important considerations when assessing the long-term effectiveness of kelp as a coastal protection strategy. ‘The coastal protection provided by kelp is a surprisingly understudied service’ – Dr Rebecca Morris, Annals of Botany, News in Focus (29 August 2019)
Seaweed ‘clean-up’ projects occur frequently on Grattan Beach and have been proposed elsewhere such as Bearna Beach, Co Galway, but are in conflict with natural optimums for the coast (see list below by Prof. Karl Nordstrom). A recent GoFundMe initiative ‘The Bearna Beach Big Clean-up’ (June 2020) raised nearly €6,000 (128 donors) to remove seaweed dumped from a storm to ‘restore our village beach to all its glory again’. The reasons cited for the ‘clean-up’ project include: decaying seaweed is (1) full of flies; (2) emitting bad odours; (3) affecting our village and our enjoyment of the coastal area and (4) not safe. An ongoing challenge for us in our role as scientists and managers is to find compromise between conflicting needs of stakeholders. Not everyone wants a ‘postcard’ beach. It is incumbent upon us - in our roles as educators and/or experts - to provide tools and forums that facilitate increased awareness and appreciation of coastal process-landform relationships. Removing seaweed may be removing the only protection from storm surge. Superimposed on this conflict of interest between two groups wanting different things from the same habitat or species is a structural conflict that is equally contentious. Monagail and Morrison (2020) provide a description of the judicial battleground that has ensued between local opposition and commercial interests of the first large-scale seaweed harvesting licence granted in Ireland in 2014. A major concern highlighted in the 2005 NPWS report is that mechanical harvesting in our nearshore may significantly lower organic matter input (in the form of driftweed) to intertidal shore ecosystems (both sandy and rocky shores) and potentially have major ecological impacts upon the structure and dynamics of intertidal and strandline invertebrate communities and shorebirds. Coastal ecosystems are resilient, but if we continue to squeeze this narrow strip of land via ocean and land pressures then we can expect the triggers that push these coastal ecosystem equilibria beyond thresholds to be exceeded more frequently with increased coastal erosion and flooding risks and loss of critical and protected habitat.
A recently published numerical model in Australia found that kelp can significantly reduce coastal erosion (up to 90%) during simulated storms and sea-level scenarios. A major drawback of this study however - similar to many numerical models - is the inability to test and validate the results without the requisite field observations. The ongoing field experiments from coastal research teams in the University of Waikato in Hamilton (New Zealand) and the University of California at Davis (USA) are key to disassembling the complex behaviour of different kelp in response to wave forcing at infragravity and swell frequencies at individual and forest scales. Species like giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) can grow up to one metre per day, and forests expanses can be large enough where we would expect them to be able to reduce the speed and size of waves especially in nearshore depths where wave crests and surface particle motion feel the drag forces of the kelp. Globally however, the lack of field-based data reaffirms the findings of Dr Rebecca Morris and her team that a scientific knowledge gap exists in this field.
A recent field experiment in Australia led by Dr Rebecca Morris did not find significant wave attenuation in sites with kelp forests (Ecklonia radiata). The research does provide a critical summary of the current state of knowledge in the coastal protection service of kelp.
International studies investigating the impact of kelp forests on wave activity are ambiguous. Lab-based experiments in Norway determined that L. hyperborea had a significant effect in wave dampening and reduction of water velocity but no significant impact on sand dune erosion.
Field experiment
The KelpRes research group led by Kathryn Shoenrock at NUI Galway is currently working to better understand the ecological and evolutionary services of Irish kelps. This work draws on research including studies such as Smale et al., (2013) which synthesized over 60 years of research on the ecosystem goods and services provided by kelp forest habitats in European waters, with particular emphasis on the coasts of UK and Ireland. In 2005, the NPWS published findings from an independent expert review commissioned to review the role of kelp in our marine environment and likely threats from mechanical harvesting industry. Kelp aquaculture is a significant contributor to the ‘blue economy’ in Ireland, and is increasingly being used in foods and in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. If restoration and conservation projects are done strategically and ecologically, they may be able to add ecosystem services such as coastal protection to the list of economic benefits. Forest-forming kelp restoration projects have been explored abroad, particularly in Australia and Norway. Restoration of kelp ecosystems usually occurs when threatening species such as urchins are removed and strata is restored or when juveniles are transplanted from a lab or donor site.
Australian Model
Enhancing kelp forest ecosystems in Ireland
World-wide reports note dramatic losses of kelp forests in temperate nearshore systems, due to local stressors such as sedimentation, pollution, overfishing and direct harvesting, along with larger global stressors relating to climate change such as marine heatwaves. Rising sea temperatures are being observed and are expected to force a northward migration of Laminaria species and encourage colonisation of invasive species such as Laminaria ochroleuca, which has already been observed off the Irish coast in recent years.
Kelp aquaculture is a significant contributor to the ‘blue economy’ in Ireland, and is increasingly being used in foods and in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
A report on coastal zone management in Ireland estimated that 20% (1,500 km) of the Irish coast is ‘at risk’ from coastal erosion, with 6% (490 km) in ‘immediate danger’ (DELG, 2001).
An ongoing challenge for us in our role as scientists and managers is to find compromise between conflicting needs of stakeholders. Not everyone wants a ‘postcard’ beach. It is incumbent upon us - in our roles as educators and/or experts - to provide tools and forums that facilitate increased awareness and appreciation of coastal process-landform relationships. Removing seaweed may be removing the only protection from storm surge. Superimposed on this conflict of interest between two groups wanting different things from the same habitat or species is a structural conflict that is equally contentious. Monagail and Morrison (2020) provide a description of the judicial battleground that has ensued between local opposition and commercial interests of the first large-scale seaweed harvesting licence granted in Ireland in 2014. A major concern highlighted in the 2005 NPWS report is that mechanical harvesting in our nearshore may significantly lower organic matter input (in the form of driftweed) to intertidal shore ecosystems (both sandy and rocky shores) and potentially have major ecological impacts upon the structure and dynamics of intertidal and strandline invertebrate communities and shorebirds. Coastal ecosystems are resilient, but if we continue to squeeze this narrow strip of land via ocean and land pressures then we can expect the triggers that push these coastal ecosystem equilibria beyond thresholds to be exceeded more frequently with increased coastal erosion and flooding risks and loss of critical and protected habitat.
The potential benefits of eco-engineering large-scale kelp forests in Ireland are attractive to a range of stakeholders with commercial, recreational, environmental, cultural and societal interests. Moreso, it can deliver a nature-based solution to tackle environmental issues and ocean climate threats through and for innovation. The literature from abroad nevertheless tells us that the degree to which kelp provide coastal protection is inconclusive vis-à-vis not all habitats provide protection in all circumstances. Further studies are needed to quantify the effect that kelp forests have on the coast, and even more so in the unique context of the Irish coast. A better understanding of their role in the subtidal zone will help inform the development of aquaculture and restoration strategies and may offer economic and environmental benefits beyond the growing market demand. At present there are too many critical knowledge gaps (financial and scientific) to definitely predict if, or how, large kelp forests in Irish waters can provide a feasible nature-based solution for coastal protection. In recognition of these gaps however, we must employ the precautionary principle when managing Irish kelp forests, as their vast ecosystem services to date have been understudied in the North East Atlantic.
Conservation of established kelp forests and restrictions on intensive mechanical harvesting will be critical to preserve these delicate habitats. It is hoped they can be afforded adequate protection as a keystone habitat. The Climate Action Plan 2019 recognises that Ireland must significantly step up its commitments to tackle climate disruption.
The driftweed dilemma
Photos: Kenan Chan
Kelp have a seasonal life cycle. Rapid growth in spring and summer is followed by shedding during autumn and winter. Large volumes of discarded and living kelp can be washed onshore during storms. This driftweed – or beach cast seaweed or kelp wrack – is an important food source and habitat for a whole food web on otherwise sterile beaches. The surface roughness element of driftweed promotes sand deposition by slowing the wind and can act as a catalyst for embryo dune formation. Beach-dune systems are a critical sand reservoir during times of extended wave run up, and are the first lines of defence from storm surge. Despite the suite of ecosystem services provided by driftweed, public perception at home and abroad can be very negative. Many beach users do not like the smell or texture or look of seaweed on the beach and support its removal. ‘The removal of all surface debris creates a sterile, artificial environment and further exacerbates the disconnection between society and our natural environment.’ Lissa Batey, a marine policy expert at England-based NGO the Wildlife Trusts.
The unseen protector?
hile the last major tsumani to hit the Irish coastline was the Lisbon 1755 event, generated by a ~8.5mW earthquake roughly 100km off the Portuguese city, tsunamis post a ‘significant hazard’ to the southeast and west coasts of Ireland, according to wave experts at UCD and Geological Survey Ireland. The earthquake and subsequent tsumani resulted in a very high death toll and severe damage along the coasts of Portugal, Spain and Morocco; the effect was felt across the Atlantic basin with reports of tsumani waves arriving in the Caribbean, UK and Ireland. It is regarded as having caused the partial destruction of Galway’s Spanish Arch and for making an island out of Auginish in north Clare. Researchers led by Prof Frédéric Dias (UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics) have found that tsumani amplification occurs in the region, with underwater features contributing to this amplification.
W
Galway Bay was particularly vulnerable to a Lisbon-type event, along with low lying areas in Dunmore East and Waterford
A pilot study of a new ‘faster-than-real-time’ Volna-OP2 simulation code could greatly reduce the impact that tsunamis might have on Irish and global coastlines, the authors contend. The team used the Lisbon 1755 event as ‘a worst-case scenario’ in their models being the last major tsumani to affect the Irish coastline, Quickly and accurately assessing tsumani waves before they arrive on land ‘is critical to allowing sufficient response time to reduce their impact on people, property and infrastructure. ‘This is why the tsumani community relies on computer models to help minimize the threat posed. A tsumani’s high speed in deep water can create severe time constraints for those tasked with assessing its threat level and deciding on which areas are at most risk,’ the report states.
Computer modelling
PhD student, Daniel Giles says tsunami warning centres traditionally rely on massive pre-computed databases of potential tsunami sources. "Being able to produce faster than real-time simulations ‘on the fly’ would greatly augment these traditional approaches and provide more accurate warnings.
The new study confirms an earlier study from the French Tsunami warning centre (CENALT) which found Galway Bay was particularly vulnerable to a Lisbon-type event, along with low lying areas in Dunmore East and Waterford. The flooding that could be brought ashore in these areas ‘could reach upwards of 2 metres in parts, posing a significant hazard to those living near the shoreline and various infrastructures such as the Great Island Power Station in Wexford.’ The coastal flooding component of the study includes bathymetry and topography data from GSI and the Office of Public Works.
Low-lying areas such as Duncannon, Co Wexford (2011) could be vulnerable from flooding
Ambassadors
The Virtual Island Summit seeks to build digital bridges between island communities around the world, explained its founder and ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ entrepreneur, James Ellsmoor. “Islands often face similar challenges to one another but are forced to tackle them separately due to barriers created by distance, language and culture.” The virtual summit is only possible due to the hard work and dedication of 140 ambassadors who provide a “unique perspective into their communities”.
Ireland is represented by Dr Nóirín Burke, Director of Education at the National Aquarium of Ireland and the Irish Ocean Literacy Network, and Trish Hegarty, Director of Inis Communications. With over a dozen populated offshore islands, Ireland needs to “constantly act positively and innovatively to limit the effects of this peripherality,” remarked Trish Hegarty. “I want to help people connect with other islands and to share best practice for Ireland…Preserving island heritages and lifestyles while staying connected globally can be shared aims which the summit helps us to promote.” and needs to “constantly act positively and innovatively to limit the effects of this peripherality,” remarked Trish Hegarty.
An estimated 10,000 islanders from around the globe are set to connect in the second ‘Virtual Island Summit, September 7-13.
Island ambassadors worldwide are located from Ireland to Sweden, Fiji, Jamaica, Hawai’i and Chile.
As someone who grew up on an island [Ireland] but wasn’t aware of the significance until “much older”, Nóirín Burke is now “fascinated to learn how we can connect with islanders all over the world, celebrate our island connections, and work together to create sustainable islands for the future.” Island ambassadors worldwide are located from Ireland to Sweden, Fiji, Jamaica, Hawai’i and Chile. They will partner with politicians, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists and community leaders to exchange expertise and to collaborate.
Dr Nóirín Burke, Director of Education at the National Aquarium of Ireland and the Irish Ocean Literacy Network
“As an island nation, our 7,711 kilometres of coastline is one of our greatest assets. Our fishing and aquaculture industries, tourism and marine leisure make a significant contribution to the economic development of Ireland’s coastal regions, and provide employment opportunities for many in our coastal communities. “At the Marine Institute, we support Ireland’s coastal communities and economies, through our research, ocean knowledge, infrastructure and advisory services,” explains Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute.
Ireland’s scenic coastline, rocky escarpments and beaches attract a large number of overseas visitors every year. In 2018, 76% of overseas tourists visited a coastal area and 61% participated in a marine-related leisure activity
Ireland's rocky shoreline. Photo Coast Monkey
In Ireland, 1.9 million people live within 5km of the coast and many communities along the Irish coast depend on industries such as tourism, fishing and aquaculture. Furthermore, there is now mounting evidence that the ocean plays a key role in the general wellbeing of our coastal communities.
Shellfish aquaculture activities are widely distributed across the coast of Ireland, while finfish aquaculture occurs mainly in the west of Ireland. Seaweed harvesting is a traditional activity that also generates income and offers employment in coastal areas. Seaweed harvesting takes place around the coast of Ireland, particularly in counties Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Kerry and Cork.
Oceans of Learning is exploring the importance of Ireland’s coastal communities, with resources from the Marine Institute, Commissioners of Irish Lights, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway City Museum and the Explorers Education Programme. Over 10 weeks, the Marine Institute and partners are celebrating our world’s shared ocean and our connection to the sea in our Oceans of Learning series, sharing news and offering online interactive activities, videos and downloadable resources on a new marine topic each week.
One of the key industries contributing to Ireland’s ocean and coastal economies is tourism and leisure. The sector generated a turnover of €1.25bn in 2018, and provided employment for over 18,000 people - accounting for 57% of all employment in the Irish economy. Ireland’s scenic coastline, rocky escarpments and beaches attract a large number of overseas visitors every year. In 2018, 76% of overseas tourists visited a coastal area and 61% participated in a marine-related leisure activity. Coastal sightseeing, beach and island visits and walking, running and cycling along the coast are popular activities for overseas visitors. The Irish coastline is dotted with inlets, piers and harbours used by fishermen every day. Fisheries in Ireland significantly contribute to the economy as a whole and in particular t to coastal communities. In 2019, over 2,000 commercial fishing vessels were on the Irish register and the industry provided employment for 3,000 people. Inshore fishing take places in many rural communities with fishermen using small vessels to catch lobsters, crabs, oysters, scallop, razor fish and clams. Inshore fish stocks (up to 10 miles from the Irish coast) are managed nationally and the Marine Institute works closely with BIM on inshore fisheries management.
Tourism & leisure
Seafood sectors
The seafood industry is also an integral part of Ireland’s rural coastal communities. In 2019, more than 16,000 people were employed directly and indirectly in the seafood industry, with high levels of employment in Ireland’s coastal regions in Donegal, Cork, Galway and Clare. Oysters, salmon and mussels are sustainably farmed around the coast of Ireland. The aquaculture industry in Ireland produces about 37,000 tonnes annually, and the turnover generated by marine aquaculture in 2018 was estimated at €176 million.
Coastal climate impacts
Climate change impacts pose significant challenges to coastal communities. Such impacts include rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding, and an increase in extreme weather events. Adapting to a changing climate is one of the greatest challenges facing society, governments and decision-makers worldwide. The Marine Institute works with national and international partners to observe and understand how our ocean is changing and to determine how to respond to current and future patterns of change that impact Ireland’s economy and people. Through the BlueFish Project, a unique project linking art and science, the Marine Institute has also worked with coastal communities in Ireland and Wales on the importance of the ocean to their livelihoods and the impacts of a changing climate. “As a small island nation, the health of our oceans and the wellbeing of our coastal communities have always been and will continue to be inextricably linked,” Dr Connolly said. Oceans of Learning offers videos, interactive activities and downloadable resources on our coasts and seashore. Commissioners of Irish Lights offers videos on the work they do to ensure safe navigation around our coast and a colouring book on the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. Find out more about Údarás na Gaeltachta and marine businesses in coastal communities through a series of videos. Discover the animals, seaweeds, plants and creatures along the seashore with the Explorers Education Programme’s Seashore Guide Work Book, and explore the habitats of Galway Bay with activities from Galway City Museum. There are also videos on the Marine Institute's shellfish safety programme and our coastal economy, posters and colouring activities about the marine life found along Ireland's coast. To access the resources visit Coastal Communities.
These bacteria are indicators of water quality, and the results are categorised in accordance with the regulations as: ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ and ‘poor’.
Who’s responsible
The chain of action to deliver essential information takes many twists and turns before it reaches the public, and responsibility rests with as many agencies and bodies. Local Authorities (LAs) provide water quality information during the designated bathing season that runs June 1 – September 15. Under Statutory Instrument (SI) No 79/2008, LAs are obliged to monitor, inspect and investigate bathing waters for intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli.
These bacteria are indicators of water quality, and the results are categorised in accordance with the regulations as: ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ and ‘poor’. The statutory instrument requires one sample to be taken and analysed ‘shortly before the start of the bathing season’ and a minimum of four samples throughout the season. The environmental regulator (EPA) oversees these activities, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) advises the LAs on public and environmental health issues.
Bathing waters are also inspected by the local authorities for pollution (e.g. glass, plastic, rubber and other waste) and also where there is a proliferation of macro-algae or marine phytoplankton, to determine health risks. While the Bathing Water Regulations only apply during the bathing water season, some LAs monitor their bathing waters all-year-round and post the information on their website. In September 2019, Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown Co Co (DLR) told Ocean Focus it intended to continue providing information about potential risks outside of the bathing season, via their website, twitter account and also on digital screens at Seapoint and Sandycove. But since then, Ocean Focus understands the app that was being developed to warn swimmers of nearby sewage overflows has been cancelled, partly due to a ‘lack of cooperation’ from Irish Water. Irish Water advised DLR it would not be providing real-time information in relation overflows from Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, Bray Pumping Station or Shanganagh Treatment Plant, despite correlations observed in overflows from these plants and poor bathing water quality test results. (Outside of the DLR area, Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant and Bray Pumping Station discharge the largest volumes of untreated wastewater close to DLR beaches during malfunction or storm situations.)
Monitoring & inspection
Advance warning of sewage overflows is required in order to effectively communicate risks to bathers, and at all times of the year: ‘It is not appropriate to use monitoring in order to manage risk to bathers. Due to the test types currently being used, it takes 2-3 days to get results back from the lab, by which time any pollutions will most likely have cleared, and any harm will already have been done,’ DLR told Ocean Focus in 2019. ‘Even if the results were available one hour after sampling, they would most likely not be valid by that time.’ The best approach is to put risk management systems in place in which all significant wastewater overflow outlets are monitored and fed into a smart system that can issue appropriate warnings to swimmers,’ DLR said. This opinion is supported by research coming out of Aberystwyth University. At the EPA Water Conference in June 2020, Professor David Kay presented research on ‘The Complex Challenges of Dealing with Bathing Waters, noting the constantly changing quality of bathing waters from regular sampling at a number of Welsh beaches, and recommended that use of a predictive model would be preferable to testing.
Risk management system
Irish Water however told Ocean Focus it has ‘no plans at present to develop a smart system’ as described. Asked in August 2019 if it provides advance warning information outside of the bathing season, Irish Water replied that ‘the HSE should be consulted’ outside the designated season: ‘Irish Water is obliged to notify the LA of any stormwater overflows that take place during the designated bathing season.’ Asked to clarify the advance warning system protocol of a discharge incident, the time duration between an incident or overflow, and notification to an LA, Irish Water responded: ‘Irish Water notifies Local Authorities and the EPA of any incidents or overflow that occur at the plant that could impact the receiving waters. Storm water overflows operating in compliance with the Department’s criteria are not considered incidents as they are operating as designed to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. ‘A prior warning notice can be put in place as a precautionary measure by a Local Authority to warn the public of possible overflows, whether from storm water, surface water or land run off, when high rainfall or a weather warning has been forecast. ‘Use of prior warnings are a matter for the Local Authority environment section in consultation with the HSE. Water users can check the Local Authority website or www.beaches.ie or notice boards on beaches for the latest information,’ said Irish Water.
Irish Water responds
Ocean Focus understands the app that was being developed to warn swimmers of nearby sewage overflows has been cancelled, partly due to a ‘lack of cooperation’ from Irish Water
Irish Water’s viewpoint on what could cause an impact on bathing waters is however inconsistent with that of the Local Authority. ‘Relevant information is being withheld by Irish Water and public health is being put at risk,’ DLR concluded. It is a concern that Irish Water defines an incident as ‘a malfunction in a plant’ and therefore does not inform Local Authorities when high volume raw sewage overflows are activated close to their bathing waters. So, the question needs to be asked: If Irish Water is not providing the necessary information and therefore the Local Authorities cannot warn the public of potential overflow discharges, what lies the fate of the sea swimmer, summer or winter?
Inconsistency
Acclimatize is a €9.2m project aimed at bridging the knowledge gap relating to the pollution of ‘at-risk’ urban and rural bathing waters in Ireland and Wales, by identifying and quantifying pollution streams and determining the impact on these waters through a dynamic period of climate change. A deliverable, it says, is to produce a strong evidence-base to drive new predictive modelling of climate change drivers on the sustainable use of coastal bathing and, potentially shellfish harvesting waters.
While 95% of bathing waters around Ireland met or exceeded the minimum required standard, Merrion Strand in Dublin Bay is closed as a bathing water following five consecutive ‘poor classifications’ (2015-2019). ‘Action should be taken by Local Authorities to improve these ‘poor’ bathing waters to at least ‘sufficient’ to prevent possible declassification following the 2020 bathing water season. ‘Continued effort should be made to limit the impact of urban wastewater overflows and discharges on bathing waters,’ warns the EPA in their Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report 2019.
2019 bathing water quality
Day dawns on Ironman 2017 in Dublin Bay. Maintaining good bathing water quality is essential to attracting ‘immersion’ events
Irish Water, who manages Ireland’s water and wastewater assets, does not have a specific role under these regulations.It is regulated by the EPA under the Urban Waste Water Directive and is required under their discharge licences to report any incidents that occur, to the EPA and relevant local authorities.
All-year sea swimming
Gazing over Dublin Bay, the ‘stately plump Buck Mulligan’ looked down on ‘The snotgreen sea. The scrotumtightening sea.’ His companion Stephen Dedalus went over to the parapet of the Martello Tower in Sandycove, Co Dublin where they lived, and ‘looked down on the water and on the mailboat clearing the harbour mouth of Kingstown’. The scene is immortalised in James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses’, which tells a story of events that took part over a single day on June 16, 1904, centred around the main character, Leopold Bloom. One hundred and more years on, that bay so eloquently described is now assessed and monitored for bathing water quality under regulations introduced in 2008. Seven years later (2015), Dublin Bay was designated a UNESCO biosphere in recognition of its biological diversity, and today is managed to promote a balanced relationship between people and nature.
Sea swimmers take to the water at access points from Howth to Dún Laoghaire, to enjoy a paddle, a ‘tea-bag’ dip or longer swims. And not only during the summer months but throughout the winter when a growing number of ‘winter swimmers’ embrace days when white caps dance across the bay. Knowing the quality of bathing water is crucial for everyone entering the bay. Water-borne illnesses can be serious, bringing on intestinal problems and ear/mouth infections from contaminated wastewater that reaches the open sea from various sources.
Naturally, the quality of the water is critical to the enjoyment; in clean, clear water the diver can observe the fish, crustaceans and marine mammals as they go about their business hunting and feeding. When the water is polluted with sewage overflow or dumping of dredged materials, the diver can see the impacts with marine life covered in dirty sediments and a reduction in the usual abundance of fish and plant life.
Dublin Bay offers many interesting diving sites from Lambay Island to Dalkey Island. Divers see first-hand what lies beneath the surface of the water, for the most part it's the marine life and old ship wrecks that attracts the diver.
Diving in Dublin Bay
Brian Murphy
Areas exposed to strong currents which help to wash away the pollutants, typically support a thriving mix of marine life that looks healthy and colourful. Areas where the silts and debris accumulate look like dirty backwaters and the marine life is suffocated and eventually extinguished. Dublin Bay deserves to be monitored and protected all-year-round as the marine life is always present. Closing access to the water on a regular basis because of inadequate processing facilities is not an acceptable solution to the problems with waste treatment in Dublin. Many small marine business, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and swim camps, rely on good quality water, to be able to attract customers and provide their services.
Healthy habitats
Diving off the Muglins
Seals are commonly seen around Dalkey Island and Scotsman's Bay
Dublin Bay Diving Wall of Plumose Anemones off Muglins - Fruitbowl
Octopus at night - Sandycove
Days when access is restricted are days lost to these businesses. Everyone enjoys the water, and the benefits to mind and body of paddling, swimming and playing in the sea, are unquestionable. We cannot treat the sea as a carpet to brush our problems under.
Dr Rosemarie Gannon
EU SWIM Project Manager, UCD
‘An excellent project Rosemarie, well done, will share with my friends. I have a particular interest in it because I recently started a new body of art work based on Irish seaweed so I’m a bit obsessed with beaches at the moment’
Solar powered sign Enniscrone, Co Sligo
Image caption if required - species and ship names need to be italic
EU Swim project mobile app
Waterford Beach, Co Antrim
The project partners sought to meet the aims of the EU’s Bathing Water Directive by applying through the environment objective of the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme. The project was awarded €1.4m through the combined expertise of the three cross-border partners. The INTERREG VA Programme is managed by SEUPB (the Special EU Programmes Body). The project has been match-funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (NI) and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in Ireland.
‘We really liked your video, well done! With summer being so uncertain this year we don’t know if we can travel to Moscow so fingers crossed. We might go spend some time in Enniscrone’
Our beaches are one of Ireland’s greatest natural resources. Irish people have been going to the beach for years to swim and to play. The beach is free and an excellent recreational resource available to all.
The quality of bathing water is very important. In order to safeguard public health and to make the experience as fulfilling as possible, the public needs to be informed in advance if bathing water quality is poor.
The local authority/government department take samples during the bathing season (June 1-September 15) to determine the quality. The samples are then analysed and the quality is classified as ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’. Traditionally, the results are posted on a noticeboard at the beach.
The main purpose of the EU Bathing Water Directive (Directive 2006/7/EC) is to prevent bathers being exposed to unacceptable water quality. If the values for EC (E-coli) and IE (Intestinal enterococci) go above certain level, the Directive states that bathing waters are unsuitable for bathing. It is then mandatory that advisory or prohibition notices are issued.
EU SWIM Project
An innovative way of monitoring and reporting on bathing water quality is the work currently being undertaken by the EU funded SWIM (System for Bathing Water Quality Monitoring) project. This project focuses on nine beaches: six in Northern Ireland at Castlerock, Portrush, Waterfoot, Ballyholme, Ballywalter and Newcastle, and three in the Republic of Ireland: Enniscrone, Lady’s Bay and Clogherhead. UCD is the lead project partner and is joined by Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (NI) and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. The EU SWIM team are developing models that predict bathing water quality, and the public is informed when bathing is not advised, via electronic signs, a mobile app and on the project’s website.
Impact of Covid-19
This summer, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, compliance samples are not being taken at all bathing waters. Where compliance samples are being taken, the frequency has dropped from weekly in some cases to once every few weeks. Nevertheless, people are still sea swimming and they need to be protected. In fact, the benefits to physical and mental health are well documented. Our beaches and coastline have been of immense importance during the pandemic, offering a sense of reassurance and hope.
Reduced testing and the absence of compliance samples, means it is impossible for the public to know the water quality at certain beaches. While the prediction project is still in a pilot phase, it will be launched later this year and will make daily predictions at the SWIM beaches. Through these predictions it will be possible to warn the public when bathing water is likely to be poor and to communicate real-time and accurate information to the general public. Beach users can then make an informed decision whether to enter the water or not.
Prediction models
To communicate the information, the project has electronic signs installed at all of the SWIM beaches. Some are small, others are large, some are mains powered while others are solar battery operated. The project has also developed the EU SWIM mobile app. Through the app the public can access information on bathing water quality at the nine SWIM beaches. When the prediction models are in operation, the information on the app will be more up-to-date compared to the notice board at the beach. This will be of benefit to all beach users, including sea swim groups and surfers. The app can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google Play stores.
Information tools
While this has been a successful pilot study, huge potential exists for the project to be expanded and in time to include all beaches on the island of Ireland. Being able to predict bathing water quality at all beaches will not only benefit beach/ water users, it will also greatly contribute to developing tourism. Post Covid-19 it is difficult to know if tourists will continue to be attracted by the ‘craic’. Alternatives need to be explored and developed, and the many hidden gems of our beaches is an obvious choice. While a predictive modelling system is key to promoting our beaches, once this is in place we then have the potential to develop the ‘Camino of our coastline and beaches’, covering over 3,000km that could be completed in stages. People could obtain a Camino passport that could be stamped along the journey, and certificates awarded after completion of various sections, with an overall certificate awarded on completion of the whole Camino.
Expanding the project
OUTSIDE IRELAND
Antarctic seaweeds: forests on the planet’s coldest continent
VIEW GALLERY
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Kathryn Schoenrock Sabrina Heiser Chuck Amsler
Seventy permanent research stations are based on the continent, representing 29 countries, although 54 countries have signed the Antarctic Treaty which was formalised in 1959
Several species of fish live within the seaweed canopy but are not commonly seen by divers, probably because they are avoiding being seen by predatory seals
The remote continent of Antarctica has many lessons to offer in these hard times of social isolation and change.
Past explorers - from the first confirmed earliest discovery of the continent by Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen (January 27 1820), Irishman in the British Navy, Edward Bransfield (January 30, 1820) and American explorer, Nathaniel Palmer (November, 1820) - truly knew the meaning of isolation as they spent years on their respective vessels with small crews to discover new regions of the world. Even in the present day, stations have very small populations to perform and support scientific research: from a four-person winter crew at Bird Island (South Georgia) to ~1100 researchers in summer at McMurdo Station, a hub for work throughout much of the continent, run by the United States Antarctic Program (USAP).
Early exploration
Figure 1. Map of Antarctica highlighting stations around the continent. Created by S. Heiser
Seventy permanent research stations are based on the continent, representing 29 countries, although 54 countries have signed the Antarctic Treaty which was formalised in 1959). In pursuit of science, people around the world subject themselves to living in small quarters (comparable to youth hostels) in extreme environments for long periods of time - isolated from their families and friends even by telecommunications. Satellite links to the south pole are limited to 8–12 hours a day for everything but small e-mail messages.
The earliest explorers were accompanied by biologists who obviously noted the charismatic megafauna, but also documented the flora on their journey to the Southern Ocean (marine algae were described as early at 1817). Aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror with Captain John C. Ross (1839 to 1843) William J. Hooker of the Botanical Gardens at Kew, notes: ‘What, it may be asked, can be expected in the way of Botany, in these dreary regions of the extreme South, where the rigor of the climate and the striking diminution of vegetation, in latitudes corresponding with those of the northern hemisphere, where vegetation is still copious, appear to offer an effectual barrier to the very existence of plants?’
Figure 2. Seaweed communities in the Antarctic are very different from what we see in Ireland, where the a) intertidal is bombarded by ice scour (we have multitudes of seaweeds in Irish rockpools) but b) the subtidal has a dense algal forest, similar to what you might find in kelp forests. Images by S. Heiser.
Figure 3. Charismatic fauna found in Antarctica include a) the Gentoo penguin and b) the Humpback whale. Images by S. Heiser.
Hooker’s records of vegetation on those voyages are of largely floating or beach wrack (marine weeds), as subtidal collections were mostly done by observing entanglements on anchor lines. Floating masses including Laminariales (kelps, common worldwide) and Sargassum spp. (what we call ‘wire weed’ in Ireland) with associated epiphytes, all of which can be found in sub-Antarctic Islands (Agulhas Bank, South Georgia, Kerguelen, etc. (Fig 1)). Hooker counted 51 species of marine algae on this early voyage, noting their absence near ice sheets and the animals associated with them. Many of his species’ names however were based on the identities of species in the northern hemisphere and we now know that no kelps persist south of the sub-Antarctic Islands. His collections include many endemic species that form subtidal forests on the coastline of this continent. A profound comment on the Antarctic environment in his notes hint at the amazing adaptations of Antarctic algae to their extreme environment: ‘When the darkness comes on, probably no climate can be more uncordial to vegetable life, or to what may be termed the enjoyment of human existence’
While subsequent explorations by researchers elaborated on the flora of Antarctica (Hooker, 1847), including Carl Skottsberg (1901-1903) - many collections were lost when his ship sank in pack ice - Reinsch, Kylin, Hariot, Gain (snow algae: 1910, 1912), many botanists focused on lichen, mosses, and two species of flowering terrestrial plants. The first taxonomic catalogue of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic benthic marine algae (seaweeds) was published by Papenfuss (1964). The subsequent use of SCUBA has allowed a more precise account of the ecology of these species (from 1958, Michael Neushul and colleagues, to present day). Currently, 151 species of seaweed are recorded in Antarctica (85 reds, 32 greens, 34 browns, and 1 close brown relative), many of which are endemic (Ireland has >500 species). The extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean, which is isolated from the surrounding ocean basins by the Antarctic Circumpolar current, include sea temperatures between -1.8 and +3 °C, winter months of complete darkness, and extensive sea ice cover, drive unique adaptations in these seaweed communities exhibited in their phenology and ecology. Few species are found in the intertidal due to ice scour (Figure 2a), but dense forests of Desmarestiales - similar to Irish kelp forests in the canopy they form - extend down to ~40 m or greater depth along the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) (Figure 2b). The southernmost seaweeds are found in the Ross Sea (Figure 1), and include crustose coralline algae, and the red algae Iridaea cordata and Phyllophora antarctica.
Taxonomic catalogue
Although the forests of large brown seaweeds are similar in biomass and ecological importance to the kelps of Ireland, the food web on WAP seaweed forests is very different from those of Irish (where we know very little) or most other temperate kelp beds.
Chemical ecology of Antarctic seaweeds
Figure 4. a) the chemically defended Plocamium cartilagineum (photo by S. Heiser) and b) its grazer Paradexamine fissicauda (photo by Maggie Amsler)
Climate change is a serious threat to many regions of the world, especially the WAP. The endemic seaweeds along this coastline have adapted to their environment over millennia, and experimentation suggests that many will not fare well with warmer and more acidic oceans (individual tolerances vary across species). Further, important grazers and other species in the benthic food web may not respond well to change, and warmer waters correspond with the appearance of crushing predators (king crab, previously not found outside circumpolar deep water which is warmer than Antarctic surface water) may significantly affect prey items that have fairly thin shells as they evolved in the absence of these predators. Warming sea surface temperatures may also enable the establishment of species from sub-Antarctic waters which could be introduced via ship hulls, ballast water, or drift but which up to now have not been able to survive at Antarctic seawater temperatures.
Future of seaweed research in Antarctica
Dr Kathryn Schoenrock is a postdoctoral researcher and Primary Investigator at the National University of Ireland Galway and spent 4 field seasons studying Antarctic seaweeds and their response to climate change at the USAP Palmer Station on the western Antarctic Peninsula. Her research focuses on creating a baseline for diversity (biological and genetic) and productivity in Irelands kelp habitats. Her current research programme, KelpRes, investigates the resilience of these communities through evolutionary and ecological means. KelpRes is funded by the EPA ‘Research Programme 2014–2020’ and JPI WATER TAP initiative for the EU. Sabrina Heiser (@SabrinaHeiser on Twitter) is a PhD candidate in the laboratory of Dr. Charles Amsler at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Prior to her PhD work, she worked as a Marine Assistant for British Antarctic Survey at Rothera Research Station for 2.5 years (with a 6-week break from the frozen continent during the Antarctic summer) where she continued the long-term data collection involving collecting water samples for various projects, measuring phytoplankton and collecting invertebrates by SCUBA throughout the year. Shortly after her return, she was able to combine her passion for the frozen continent and seaweeds by joining Dr. Amsler’s lab and investigating the drivers leading to high chemical diversity within a charismatic little red seaweed species on the western Antarctic Peninsula. Dr Charles Amsler is a Professor of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who has been researching Antarctic seaweeds and other organisms during 23 Antarctic field seasons since 1985. His work is funded by the US National Science Foundation which has enabled him to make over 1000 scientific research dives in Antarctica, mostly in the seaweed forests of the western Antarctic Peninsula.
Biographies
Kelps are commonly quite tasty foods to herbivores (urchins) and can only persist when enough carnivores are present to keep the herbivore numbers in check. All of the large brown Antarctic seaweeds and most of the other, smaller seaweeds deter herbivores on their own, by producing a variety of chemical compounds. These compounds, known as chemical defenses, taste bad to invertebrates and fish that otherwise could consume the algae. Nevertheless, as mentioned previously, seaweeds support very high numbers of small invertebrates such as amphipods and snails. Fish predators are deterred from eating the small invertebrates because they do not want to bite into the bad-tasting seaweed and so the amphipods and snails’ benefit from associating with the large algae. Seaweeds also benefit from this relationship because the small invertebrates eat small algae that otherwise would grow on the large seaweeds, reducing their access to light and to nutrients from the water. This relationship is called a community-wide mutualism. But, naturally, someone is cheating the system: one species of amphipod can eat away at its algal host (a beautifully intrinsically branched red seaweed Plocamium cartilagineum; Figure 4a) and the defense compounds it eats protect the amphipod from predation (Figure 4b). The alga is of further interest from a natural products point of view because individuals differ in the chemical compounds they are producing for defense. Whether the environment can impact what chemicals are being produced or the underlying genetic differences in chemical production, is still under investigation.
With melting ice sheets, more substrate is opening up forcolonization by seaweeds, shifting distributions of not only benthic species but the sea ice algae at the base of the pelagic food web, supporting the unique avian and mammalian fauna in this region - (Figure 4a, b). Glacial meltwater may also introduce fine sediments which decrease water clarity and, therefore, light available to seaweeds and their food webs. In some parts of the WAP, the net effect is detrimental to seafloor communities and ongoing international Antarctic research programmes focus on understanding the ramifications of these environmental changes.
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