220pound190 Bi-Monthly News from the coast and inland waterways OctoberNovember 2011 Vol 7 Issue 5

MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE PAGES 16-18

Proposed stocks for 2012 unveiledpages 22-23News page 2-3New Species Discovery page 4Your View pages 6-7

Fisheries Reform page 12Marine RampD page 24-25Coastline News page 28-29

INSHORE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT TALE OF LOST OPPORTUNITY pages 8-11

DONrsquoT MISS THE NEXT ISSUE OF AVAILABLE FROMDEC 10th

Jobs bonanza forecast for ocean energy sector ndash but only with solid government actionGery Flynn and

Gillian Mills

Irelandrsquos maritime sector has received a major confidence boost underpinned by

the prospect of a massive jobs spin-off following the announcement that the worldrsquos largest marine renewable energy research centre is to be built here and completed by 2013

Named in honor of the renowned Irish nineteenth century hydrographer the National Beaufort Centre _QTTJMKWUMPMAEligIO[PQXof the Maritime and Energy Research Campus and Commercial Cluster (MERC3) on a site close to the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) and the Irish Naval Service Base (INS) at Ringaskiddy Co Cork

WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION

Increasingly recognised world-wide for the quality of its maritime-related RampD the MERC partnership includes INS University College Cork (UCC) the Cork Institute of

Technology (CIT) and the NMCI

News that the Beaufort laboratory will be operational by May 2013 is a clear signal that Ireland is moving centre stage in maritime research an area that has long been ignored and often starved of investment

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC told Inshore Ireland that the Beaufort will have 135 researchers ldquounder the one roof rdquo and when fully developed ldquothere will be nothing equivalentrdquo anywhere else

ldquoThe laboratory presents a major opportunity for Ireland to capitalise on the knowledge within the RampD community Itrsquos a good indicator that regarding marine research wersquore going in the right direction as a nationrdquo

Clearly relishing the opportunities that the Beaufort project will bring to Ireland Dr Cummins is nevertheless keen to avoid hyperbole and measures her words carefully

ldquoI know these days we all talk about lsquocentres of excellencersquo and things that are lsquoworld-classrsquo so itrsquos important to realise that with Beaufort

on campus wersquore not starting from scratch Wersquore building on solid foundations in terms of UCCrsquos fantastic track record in research with its Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre and the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre Therersquos also the maritime college here too and PM16_QPAringNaXMZKMVWN

its thousand-plus personnel highly trained in areas such as diving communications robotics and logisticsrdquo she explains

DRIVING FORCEAccording to Dr Cummins

the initial focus and driver of research at Beaufort will be marine renewable

energy and she points to the ldquohuge potentialrdquo for Ireland to harness ocean energy particularly wave and tidal

ldquoNot only do we have a unique resource on the west coast of Ireland in terms of the wave energy regime but wersquore also very well placed by

raquo page 2

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Brendan OrsquoMahony (left) Chairman IFI and Ciaran Byrne CEO IFI inspecting the upgrades to the salmon weir on the River Moy at Ballina Co Mayo (see story inside page 15)

10 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

raquo from page 9

The South Wexford Lobster Co-op hatchery closed in 2001 and by then the ILA itself was in serious decline

By 2003 only nine co-ops from the original membership ZMUIQVMLINAringTQIMLltP][NZWUPMW][M15frac14[QV[PWZMsection had its work cut out if the agency was going to W^MZKWUMPQ[LQ[IXXWQVUMVIVLKWV^QVKMQV[PWZMAring[PMZUMVQ_I[_WZP_WZSQVOW_IZL[IVM_UWLMTPI_W]TLAringVITTadeliver

POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTSDuring the early years of the inshore initiative much was

IKPQM^MLltPMAEligMM_I[ZMO]TIZQ[MLPZW]OPPMXWTQKMVKMscheme and whilst some still criticise that process it did TMILWIUIRWZ[INMa]XOZILQVOWN PMAEligMMPM[]KKM[[N]TQUXTMUMVIQWVWN PM57frac14[raquo=VLMZUMZMfrac14+WLMWN 8ZIKQKMIKKM[[W-=OZIVIQLQVUIVaKI[M[NWZPMAringZ[time) and the start of a new partnership with science 7TQ^MZlt]TTa[KQMVQAringKKWWZLQVIWZWN PMQV[PWZM[MKQWV

through most of these early years worked with the team and Aring[PMZUMVITQSMWXZWL]KMI[MZQM[WN ZMXWZ[WVPM[I][IVLexploitation of all the key inshore stocks

While these reports painted a broadly optimistic picture they also revealed many issues that had to be addressed as a matter WN ]ZOMVKaltPM[MQVKT]LML[WUMWXXWZ]VQ[QKAring[PMZQM[PI_MZMJMQVOLM^I[IMLZIbWZAring[PMZQM[WVPM_M[KWI[PILJMMVITTJ]Aring[PMLW]TWJ[MZ_I[QV[TW_LMKTQVMQVUIVaIZMI[IVLTIVLQVO[WN KZIaAring[PPILNITTMVXZMKQXQW][TaltPM[M_MZMVWPMAringZ[^WQKM[W[W]VLKI]QWV8MWXTM

TQSM-L_IZLIPaQVPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MPILTWVO_IZVMLof similar dangers ndash not least the problems that beset the east KWI[_PMTSAring[PMZa

MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKIt was against this backdrop that the beginning of a formal

management structure for the inshore sector began to emerge IVLQVINMZ_WaMIZ[WN LQ[K][[QWV15X]JTQ[PMLPMPMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS

Sadly by that stage many who had once again enthusiastically embraced the management and conservation agenda had NITTMVJaPM_Ia[QLMM[XQMPQ[15frac14[QV[PWZM[MKQWV[Mabout keeping the co-management approach alive and with PMJIKSQVOWN PMPMV5QVQ[MZM[IJTQ[PMLNW]ZVIQWVITXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[)[NWZ4WJ[MZ+ZIJPZQUXIVL5WTT][KI[MLWVPMKWUIVIOMUMVJWWU]XXPQTW[WXPa[MW]

in the PMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS the SAGs brought together ZMOQWVITQVL][ZaZMXZM[MVIQ^M[15PM5IZQVM1V[Q]MPM8)IVLPMMXIZUMV

This structure also anticipated the formation of Local )L^Q[WZa+WUUQMM[4)+[TMLJaQVL][ZaIVLNIKQTQIMLJa151N )[XZW^QLMLVIQWVITKWWZLQVIQWV4)+[_W]TLXZW^QLMITWKITIZUIVLZ]TaMUXW_MZTWKITAring[PMZUMVZWUPMW][MPMUW[IKQ^MIL^Q[WZaOZW]X_I[XMZPIX[

the lobster SAG and for the next two and a half years the group busily set about drawing up and agreeing a new

national management regime for lobster ltPQ[_I[VM^MZOWQVOWJMMI[a+ZQQKITTaPMQZXZWXW[IT

QVKT]LMLNWZPMAringZ[QUMPMQVZWL]KQWVWN UIVIOMLIKKM[[after all this was at the heart of everything they had seen in 5IQVMIVL_I[IKWV[Q[MVPMUMQV_MTTUIVIOMLAring[PMZQM[in many other countries including Australia New Zealand and Canada WQ_I[6QVMaMIZ[INMZPM151V[PWZMMXWZIVLMQOP

aMIZ[INMZPMNWZUIQWVWN PMQV[PWZMVM_WZSIraquoXTIVfrac14AringVITTa_MVWKWV[]TIQWV1VNIKPQ[_I[WJMPMAringZ[WN _WVIQWV_QLMKWV[]TIQWV[PM[MKWVLILLZM[[MLQ[[]M[ZIQ[MLJaQVL][ZaL]ZQVOPMAringZ[KWV[]TIQWV1VZMZW[XMK_PQT[IKSVW_TMLOQVOPMZM_MZMAring[PMZUMV

who did not agree with the plan and even some who worked to block it it was equally clear that the majority of inshore Aring[PMZUMVZ]Ta_IVMLKPIVOM

CONSERVATION DIRECTIVEa PW_M^MZPM[MI[KIXMPILKPIVOMLOZMITa

6)lt=)middotIXZQUIZaKWV[MZ^IQWVQVQQIQ^MWN PM-]ZWXMIV=VQWVmiddotPILWJMILLZM[[MLXMKQIT)ZMI[WN +WV[MZ^IQWV)+[IVLXMKQIT8ZWMKML)ZMI[8)[VW_stretched around the coast from Dundalk Bay to Inishowen IVLWLIaQ_W]TLJMPIZLWAringVLIAring[PMZUIV_PWWXMZIM[entirely outside that network

And so while the UIVIOMUMVNZIUM_WZS and the [XMKQM[IL^Q[WZaOZW]X[and the TWJ[MZUIVIOMUMVXTIVmay all sadly be things of PMXI[QVINM_IZMI[4WKIT)L^Q[WZa+WUUQMM[4)+[[QTTUMMW_WZSW]Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIV[68[PIILLZM[[PMconservation objectives that are part-and-parcel of Natura WZMUW[Q[PM]VLITSIaKWKSTMAring[PMZa4)+WZUMLQV

middotJaTWKITAring[PMZUMV_PW_IVMLIPIVLQVUIVIOQVOPMQZW_VAring[PMZamiddotPM]VLITS4)+ZMKMVTa[]JUQMLPMAringZ[6I]ZI68Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIVWOWWN]TTraquoIXXZWXZQIMI[[M[[UMVfrac14ltPMIMZNWZLQ^MZ5WTT][K4)+middotIOIQVNWZUMLWILLZM[[

PMUIVIOMUMVWN PMWWL[W_VKWKSTMAring[PMZamiddotPI[KPIVOMLQ[ZMUQIVLVW_LMIT[_QP6I]ZIKWKSTM[I[_MTTI[PM[]ZN KTIUAring[PMZaITJMQW][QLMPM6I]ZI[QMJW]VLIZa1V[PWZMAring[PMZUMVNZWUWIZQVO_IMZIaWWPI^MZMKMVTa

AringVITQ[MLPMQZQ[PMZa6I]ZI8TIVIVLXZMXIZIWZa_WZSQ[]VLMZ_IaQVPMIMZNWZLQ^MZ+TM_IaIVL4W]OP_QTTa

So for today and indeed the foreseeable future Natura _QTTZMUIQVKMVZM[IOMNWZQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[)VLPMIMfrac14[ZM[W]ZKM[IZMVW_PIPMaWVKM_MZM15TQSMITTIMagencies has fewer resources This is equally true of coastal [INN I[TWVO[IVLQVONZQMVL[TQSM2WPV5]ZZQVIVL8I7frac14MIOIVMVRWaI_MTTMIZVMLZMQZMUMVN]TTQUMQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[U][ILIXWISQVO]XPMZM[]TQVO_WZSTWILVWWUMVQWVPMQZW_VQVQQIQ^M[[]KPI[PMZM[XWV[QJTMAring[PQVOscheme health amp safety and the roll out of )`Q[ in the New Year

And yet when all is said and done one canrsquot help but wonder if a golden opportunity has quietly slipped through the net

ϐǫPlease send your views to the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom before 1111 for publication in our next issue (1012)

Seafood landed by the fleet in Roundstone is vital to the local economy

443 tonnes of spider crab worth 600000 were landed in 2009

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 11

INSHORE FISHERIES

Species Advisory GroupsPauline

Simpson

Southeast

New proposals for the revised CFP mention easier rules and conditions for the under 12m inshore segment and it would seem overall there will be more autonomy given to Member States This should be a cause for rejoicing however Irelandrsquos record in areas where there is some flexibility in management has been a disaster for the small boat sector drift net salmon fishing

ended without the traditional generational fishermen being adequately compensated

Europe requested a 40 reduction in the eel fishery but our government chose to implement a 100 cut

with the stroke of the pen Bass fishing was completely closed to Irish boats whilst other nations are still allowed to catch and land bass into Ireland

The East Waterford Lobster Co-op and the South Wexford Lobster Co-op worked for many years to bring in a

management scheme for lobsters When the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) were established in 2005 we were assured that if we came up with a plan it would be implemented

Eventually after months of hard work a scheme was devised and we put it before the Department

lsquoThe Plan will be implemented as soon as it is approved by the Sea Food Strategy Implementation Grouprsquo we were advised

Our management plan was published and launched by Minister John Brown in Wexford in April 2008 and was put before interested parties at meetings hosted nationwide by BIM

The majority of lobster fishermen attending the meetings approved the plan and all were invited to make representations and amendments in writing and many did

The response was overwhelmingly positive the few reservations could be accommodated easily Understandably a tiny minority didnrsquot want any change to the free-for-all of the status quo

The SSIG wholeheartedly supported the project so what happened next

We were told the plan would be brought before the minister Then we were told that lsquoNATURArsquo had reservations that the lsquoenvironmental lobbyrsquo was making it difficult to implement

I asked Karin Dubskey ndash an energetic and enthusiastic spokesperson on all environmental issues what these objections were She assured me that any groupings she represented had nothing but support for the Lobster Management Plan She had attended the launch and thoroughly approved of it

Several of the Lobster Advisory Group met the Minister in Carrigaholt and urged him to proceed with the introduction

In February 2010 a meeting of the SSIG was postponed and since then I have heard no official word on what happened to it Despite being assured the Plan was still alive the Lobster Advisory Group did not meet again

At The Skipper Expo in Galway in March 2011 members of the group representing ports from

all around the coast met for the last time and sent a letter to our chairman stating that if we did not have some positive news or some sign of progress we would resign en masse at the end of a fortnight

We have heard nothing since so I guess we are now history

Ger OrsquoMahony

Southwest

An analysis of the many problems within the Irish inshore fisheries shows that solutions are not difficult to formulate It is however in the implementation of these solutions that we seem to fall down

We have seen that report after report has diagnosed the industryrsquos problems accurately This knowledge and awareness are essential ingredients towards formulating a solution to developing a viable and sustainable fishery

Implementing the Shellfish Management Framework is a first step Action is better than inaction and adjustments can be made when the ball

is rolling through dialogue between the stakeholders Leadership and responsibility are required from industry science and administration to make difficult choices and well-informed decisions

In the Irish inshore fishery the bargaining power of buyers is very strong as the fishers are essentially price-takers To counteract buyersrsquo strength fishers need to act collectively and to form working co-operatives that have some control over supply This can be accomplished by fishing to the market and withholding supply when demand or price is low

The Irish inshore fishery however has essentially unlimited access since fishers can increase their fishing effort at any time I believe that a limited resource such as a fishery cannot be managed successfully without limiting access first

This has been a source of much disagreement within industry and government and requires some hard choices and unpopular decisions to be made on this important issue of access

Scientific Advice on ShellfishOliver Tully

Fisheries Science

Services MI

ltPMQV[PWZMAring[PQVOAEligMM$UAring[PM[for various species WN KZ][IKMIV[IVLUWTT][K[][QVOXW[IVL^IZQW][aXM[WN LZMLOM4QVMAring[PMZQM[NWZUIKSMZMTIVLXWTTIKSIZMIT[WQUXWZIVTWKITTaIVLVMQVONWZ_PQMAring[PIVL]ZJWIT[WWKK]Z[QV[WUMIZMI[4WJ[MZIVL[PZQUXQ[PMUIQV[IaNWZPMUIRWZQaWN PMXWQVOAEligMM_PQTMJZW_VKZIJQ[QUXWZIVM[XMKQITTaQVPMVWZP_M[[W]P_M[IVL[W]PMI[)TPW]OPPM

UIRWZQaWN KZ][IKMIVIVLUWTT][K[[WKS[IVLAring[PMZQM[WKK]ZUIQVTaQV[PWZM$VU[KITTWXAring[PQVOJa1ZQ[P^M[[MT[Q[XZMLWUQVIVTaW][QLMVUQVPM1ZQ[PMIIVLMI[MZV+MTQKMIIVLPMZMQ[I[QOVQAringKIVWNN[PWZMKZIJAring[PMZaWNN PM

6WZPM[KWI[+Z][IKMIV[WPMZ

PIV6MXPZWX[IVLUWTT][K[QVKT]LQVOWNN[PWZMKZIJIVL[KITTWXIZMVWI[[M[[MLJa1+-IVLIZMVWlt)+ZMO]TIML]VLMZPM+81VVWZPMZV-]ZWXM[KQMVQAringKI[[M[[UMVIVLIL^QKMNWZ[PMTTAring[P[WKS[UIaJMXZW^QLMLJaVIQWVITAring[PMZQM[QV[Q]M[J]PQ[^IZQM[IVLIL^QKMQ[OMVMZITTaVWXZWL]KML[a[MUIQKITTaNWZITT[WKS[ltPQ[Q[QV[QOVQAringKIVKWVZI[WPMNWZUITI[[M[[UMVIVLIL^QKMNZIUM_WZSNWZlt)+[WKS[WXMZIQVO]VLMZ1+-

ASSESSMENTS REQUIRED1V1ZMTIVLltPM

PMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[M[IJTQ[PMLQVltPMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[)[ZMY]M[MLIPIQUMPI[KQMVQAringKI[[M[[UMV[WN [PMTTAring[PJMLM^MTWXMLWQVNWZUPMLM^MTWXUMVWN UIVIOMUMVXTIV[NWZPMUIQV[XMKQM[

ltPQ[ZM[]TMLQVPMXZWL]KQWVWN IV]UJMZWN raquoZM^QM_[frac14NWZTWJ[MZ[PZQUXKZIJIVL[KITTWXX]JTQ[PMLQVPM15Q[PMZQM[M[W]ZKMMZQM[_PQKPKWUXQTMLITTPMM`Q[QVOLIIIPMQUMltPQ[IVLWPMZ_WZS

[]XXWZMLPZW]OP^IZQW][XZWRMK[N]VLMLJaPM6IQWVITM^MTWXUMV8TIVOMVMZIMLI[QOVQAringKIVIUW]VWN LIIIVLZMXZM[MVML[QOVQAringKIVXZWOZM[[QVLIIXZW^Q[QWVIVLIL^QKMWVPMTTAring[P)TIKSPW_M^MZWN OWWLY]ITQaQVNWZUIQWVWVTIVLQVO[KIKPIVLMNNWZ_I[IPMQUMIVLKWVQV]M[WJMIN]VLIUMVITXZWJTMU)TPW]OP^M[[MT[

JM_MMVUIZMZMY]QZMLWZMXWZTIVLQVO[QVPM-=TWOJWWSPM[MLIILWVWXZW^QLM[]NAringKQMVQVNWZUIQWVWVAring[PQVOMNNWZIVLAring[PQVOTWKIQWVWJM][MN]TNWZ[PMTTAring[PIL^QKMgtM[[MT[]VLMZUIZMVWZMY]QZMLWZMXWZPMQZ

IKQ^QaltPQ[_I[XIZTa

[WT^MLJaPM^IZQW][15Aring[PQVOIKQ^QaZMKWZL[KPMUM[PI_MZMZMXTIKMLJaPMMVQVMTgtM[[MT8ZWOZIUUMN]VLMLJaPMII+WTTMKQWVZIUM_WZS+IVL_PQKPWJIQV[LIINZWU]XWQV[PWZM^M[[MT[XMZIVV]U

ANNUAL UPDATEltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]M

QVKWVR]VKQWV_QP15VW_XZW^QLMIVIVV]IT]XLIMWN _WZSWV[MTMKMLPMTTAring[PMZQM[PXWIZUIZQVMQMPIVLTM6M^MZPMTM[[^MZaTQTMWN PM_WZSXZWL]KMLNWZPM)[QVW]X]NZWUPM^IZQW][68XZWRMK[N]VLMLL]ZQVOPMXMZQWL WZPMIL^QKMWV[WKS[VW_JMQVOXZWL]KMLQVPM5115IVV]IT]XLIMPI[WZQ[JMQVO][MLWUIVIOMPMTTAring[PMZQM[1N PM)[_MZM

IKQ^MTaLM^MTWXQVOVM_UIVIOMUMVXZWXW[IT[

Q_W]TLITTW_[KQMVQ[[WLMTQ^MZWVPMIL^QKMZMY]QZMUMVWZUIVIOMUMVWJRMKQ^MNWZPMUIQV[PMTTAring[P[XMKQM[QVKMPM

5IZQVM1V[Q]M[_WZSWVQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[PI[[PQNMLNWK][WXZW^QLQVOIL^QKMWVPMQVMZIKQWVJM_MMVAring[PMZQM[IVLPMMV^QZWVUMVltPQ[Q[LZQ^MVJaPM0IJQI[QZMKQ^MIVLPMQUXMZIQ^MWN LM^MTWXQVO)XXZWXZQIM)[[M[[UMV[WN Aring[PMZQM[_PQKPWXMZIMQV6I]ZI[QM[IIWQVNWZU

Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIV[middotIVLQVXIZQK]TIZNWZAring[PMZQM[PIUIaPI^M[QOVQAringKIVQUXIKWV[MIJMLPIJQI[WZ_PQKPUIaINNMKLM[QOVIML[XMKQM[middotQ[VW_IXZQWZQa5IVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[[]XXWZMLJa[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMIZMJMQVOQUXTMUMVMLQV[WUMWN PM[MraquoTWKITfrac14Aring[PMZQM[QVWZLMZWUQQOIMPMQZMNNMK[WV6I]ZI[QM[

6614 tonnes of brown crab were landed in 2009

valued at 14m

Mr amp Mrs crayfish 28 tonnes landed in 2009 valued at 1m

Landings of crayfish in 2009 amounted to 205

tonnes valued at 500000

12 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Aquaculture to play a major part in providing seafood security under the next fisheries policyGillian Mills

Outlining Common Fisheries Policy reform

proposals to Irish stakeholders in Dublin recently EU Maritime Commissioner Maria Damanaki said the new policy must preserve stocks in a responsible science-based way

She spoke bluntly about PM[I][WN Aring[P[WKS[throughout European waters sup11N VWPQVOKPIVOM[WVTaMQOPW]WN [WKS[_QTTJMat sustainable levels by 2022rdquo

Not only would small-scale ϐǡǡǡǤ

ǣDzǯϐǦ

ǡͳͲͲǡǡϐǡdzǤDz

DzdzDzǤdzLOOKING AHEAD

ǡϐǣDz

ʹͲͳͷǤϐǤdzϐ

ǤDzǥȂǡǤdz

ǡǤ

ǡǦ

ϐǣDz

ǦǤϐǢǦǤDzȏȐǦ

ǡǥǣϐǢǦǦϐǤǥǡǤdz

ǡDzdzϐǣDz

ϐǤȂǦϐǤDzǡ

ǤǡϐϐǤǡ

ǦϐǤǡǤdz

ϐǡǡǣDz

ǡϐͷͲΨͳͲΨǤǡϐʹͷΨǤDz

͵ͷΨȂ͵ͷΨǫϐϐǤ

ǡdzǤǡ

ǡǡDzdzǣDz

ǡǡǤǥǤǡǤdz

INTERCONNECTIONǡ

ȋǡǡȌϐϐǤ

DzdzǡǮǯǤDz

ǤϐϐǡǤϐϐϐǤdz

ǡ1313ǣlsquoI am tomorrow what I establish todayǤǯDzǡdzǤDz

ǯϐǡǤϐϐǡǤdz

Also on the agenda was a roundtable on Maritime Policy in Ireland with particular focus on innovative industries and research in renewable energy deep-sea mining and algal bio fuels Irish stakeholders also tabled their views on the upcoming Atlantic Strategy under the Integrated Maritime Policy

THE GALWAY DECLARATIONTo ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of

raquo the crucial role of the oceans in climate carbon cycle and Life on Earth

raquo the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda

raquo the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment

raquo the critical role the European Research Area 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science amp technology

Dr Peter Heffernan Marine Institute CEO Commissioner Damanaki Minister Simon Coveney Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and Jim Fennell Marine Institute chairman Photo A Downes

Brendan Price of the Irish Seal Sanctuary called on the Commissioner to close the Irish Sea to trawling on the grounds it faced collapse in the absence of full regulation

ldquoThe Commissioner claims to put the environment and people at the heart of the CFP reform To do so she must appreciate and assess the scale of the problem No fishery has eluded assessment and defied comprehension as much as Irish Seardquo he claims He suggested this could be addressed by implementing special measures that could be a template for a sustainable multi-species fishery and facilitate stock recovery

ldquoThe Commissioner has warned of an automatic reduction of 25 in the Irish Sea TAC in the absence of scientific evidence and progress to MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) by 2015 This would inevitably mean a closure of the Irish Sea to all but a prawn fishery in a very few years if not addressed immediatelyrdquo

He suggested that a ldquofully regulated observer fleetrdquo was required to gather the necessary data on which to establish sustainable fisheries in the Irish Sea ldquoThis is infinitely preferable to closure or collapserdquo he warned

He has welcomed Commissioner Damanakirsquos commitment to end discarding which he says is worst in the Irish Sea

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 13

FISHERIES

New system provides real-time snapshot of fishing activity

In 2009 the European Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed to

the phased introduction of an electronic logbook to replace paper recording of fishing vessel activity This is known as an Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS)

The decision of the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the subsequent regulations implementing this decision by the European Commission was strongly supported and welcomed by the Irish authorities The ERS system for the first time will give the Irish fisheries control authorities real-time access to logged fish catch data of all fishing vessels operating in the Irish 200 nautical mile European Economic Zone (EEZ) It will also allow for real-time management of fish quotas

Until now fishing vessels operating within Irelandrsquos EEZ but not landing into Irish ports did not have their recorded catches verified by Ireland unless boarded at sea by the Irish Naval Service Given that 300-500 vessels can operate within this area at any one time it is clear this system will be an essential element in ensuring a level playing field throughout Europe ϐ

include bull real-time monitoring of

catches by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters

bull protection of valuable commercial fish stocks and vital Irish sea-fisheries interests

bull efficient and effective data interchange between agencies engaged in fisheries monitoring and control functions both in Ireland the EU and Norway

bull elimination of inefficiencies in current data exchange mechanisms as well as

significantly reducing the requirement of manual entry of logbook data into the central databases

In Ireland the introduction of ERS is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group drawn from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) the Department of Defence and the Naval Service

BACKGROUNDThe introduction of ERS

commenced in late 2009 and to date fishing vessels greater than 15 metres have been fitted with an ERS systemThis onboard system comprises a laptop with specialist software lsquoieCatchrsquo and a communications system for transmitting the catch and fishing information to the Irish ERS hub The equipment was provided at no cost to fishermen other than annual running costs eg transmission and maintenance In addition the SFPA provides a comprehensive training programme for all skippers requiring ERS

In 2010 an ERS hub was developed to capture all information sent from a fishing vessel this information is available to the SFPA and the Naval Service If a fishing vessel however is operating in another EU Member State or in Norwegian waters the ERS information is made available to their fisheries control authorities

This programme of Installations and Training is continuing in 2011 with fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre bracket requiring ERS and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) from January 1 2012 As with the previous phases the cost of equipment installation and training will be borne by the SFPA The costs of transmission and maintenance will be the responsibility of vessel owners

CONTROL REGULATIONSIf fishing vessels in the

12 to 15 metre length category have this equipment

installed it will ensure they are not restricted by the new requirements set out in the recently introduced EU Control Regulations regarding duration of fishing trip and fishing outside the 12 mile limit

A potential exemption however may be sought by fishing vessels in the 12-15m category if the owners commit to a fishing pattern that complies by either operating exclusively within the territorial seas of Ireland (inside the 12 nautical mile limit) or never spend more than 24 hours at sea from the time of departure to the return to port If at a later date a fishing vessel owner chooses to alter his fishing pattern he will then require ERS and VMS equipment

The SFPA recently wrote to all fishing vessel owners in this category to inform them of this potential exemption and offered the opportunity to apply Not all vessels however will be granted an exemption decisions

will be made on a case-by-case basis The operational profile of certain vessels would make their exemption inconsistent with the control obligations on Ireland and therefore may dictate they are required to be fitted for both systems irrespective of their compliance with exemption criteria

EXAMPLES INCLUDE bull fishing vessels that directly

target fish species under multi-annual conservation plans

bull fishing vessels operating in sea areas subject to effort control such as days-at-sea schemes or

bull fishing vessels of certain fleets by virtue of likelihood that they will not always meet the qualifying criteria

In February 2011 the Irish ERS system went live for fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters Fishing vessels currently operating a live ERS in Irish waters include UK France and Spain

Implementation timetable across vessel sizesbull January 1 2010 (24m and

over)bull July 1 2011 (15m and

over)bull January 1 2012 (12-15m)

Figure 1 The Satlink FB250 Satellite Communications Hardware (SCH)

Castletownbere Co Cork is a major whitefish port

Vessels lying alongside at Duncannon Co Wexord Photo G Mills

14 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape

Nestled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Irelandrsquos most northern coast is Lough Swilly ndash one of the largest of Irelandrsquos sea loughs Long noted for its scenic beauty Lough Swilly is also

the site of several momentous events in Irelandrsquos history the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan

Written by a team of experts this book explores Lough Swilly ndash from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough

Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark The Loughrsquos position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history

Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana

Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Loughrsquos history and its maritime archaeology The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing fish farming conservation recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Loughrsquos value for future generations

Edited by Andrew Cooper professor of coastal studies University of Ulster

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press See wwwfourcourtspressie

ISBN 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE euro3500

Upland troutSmall and aggressiveBrendan Connolly

Irelandrsquos countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and

poor acidic uplands The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkalineand rich in nutrients or acidic and nutrient poor

The heather and gorse-covered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape

Walking on blanket bog one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake cradled between rough hillsides wild and unaffected by modern development

These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age

SLOW GROWERSThese lakes are home to

Irelandrsquos upland trout Here small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size

Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year

The wetflies are carefully selected two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies The third fly is smaller

and light grey in colour The dapping rod has a bushy artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line ready to scamper over the water surface

The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore retrieving as the boat slowly moves along The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat

On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout It dashes around with great energy staying surprisingly deep It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed

ROCKY LAKE SHOREStarting the engine the

angler resumes along the rocky lake shore A headland is coming up and predictably another small trout swirls below the surface The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one More trout were hooked lost and landed as the day progressed at one stage two trout were hooked at the

same time on two of the three wetflies

The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface leaving a tiny track in its wake

This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses Immediately it rises again and misses again It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly and repeats the jump two seconds later The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker

DAP TEASEREventually as the dap is close

to the shore a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly This fish is netted and brought into the boat but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net The hook may be too big for these small trout The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly

Just a couple more fish are hooked many others rise to the dap and miss to the anglerrsquos amusement

Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings

CONTRIBUTORSNeil Bass Andrew Cooper (U Ulster) Paul Dunlop (U Ulster)

Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT) Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council) Derek Jackson (U Ulster) Emmett Johnston (National Parks amp Wildlife Service) Thomas McErlean (U Ulster) Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council) Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council) Rowena Moore (U Ulster) John Niven (UK Border Agency) Marianne OrsquoConnor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks amp Wildlife Service)

CONTENTSForeword by Councillor Cora Harvey

Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore Andrew Cooper Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson

Coastal and Seabed Environments Living Habitats - Emmett Johnston

The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly

Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly

Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and Twenty-

First Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly

- Andrew Cooper and Marianne OrsquoConnor

Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizesQ What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607

Answers by November 4 2011 with name address and contact details tomillsinshore-irelandcomor 3 Hillview Cottages Pottery Road Duacuten Laoghaire Co Dublin

An upland trout small but mature

An upland lake on the west coast

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
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• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
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• II75pg8
• II75pg9

10 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

raquo from page 9

The South Wexford Lobster Co-op hatchery closed in 2001 and by then the ILA itself was in serious decline

By 2003 only nine co-ops from the original membership ZMUIQVMLINAringTQIMLltP][NZWUPMW][M15frac14[QV[PWZMsection had its work cut out if the agency was going to W^MZKWUMPQ[LQ[IXXWQVUMVIVLKWV^QVKMQV[PWZMAring[PMZUMVQ_I[_WZP_WZSQVOW_IZL[IVM_UWLMTPI_W]TLAringVITTadeliver

POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTSDuring the early years of the inshore initiative much was

IKPQM^MLltPMAEligMM_I[ZMO]TIZQ[MLPZW]OPPMXWTQKMVKMscheme and whilst some still criticise that process it did TMILWIUIRWZ[INMa]XOZILQVOWN PMAEligMMPM[]KKM[[N]TQUXTMUMVIQWVWN PM57frac14[raquo=VLMZUMZMfrac14+WLMWN 8ZIKQKMIKKM[[W-=OZIVIQLQVUIVaKI[M[NWZPMAringZ[time) and the start of a new partnership with science 7TQ^MZlt]TTa[KQMVQAringKKWWZLQVIWZWN PMQV[PWZM[MKQWV

through most of these early years worked with the team and Aring[PMZUMVITQSMWXZWL]KMI[MZQM[WN ZMXWZ[WVPM[I][IVLexploitation of all the key inshore stocks

While these reports painted a broadly optimistic picture they also revealed many issues that had to be addressed as a matter WN ]ZOMVKaltPM[MQVKT]LML[WUMWXXWZ]VQ[QKAring[PMZQM[PI_MZMJMQVOLM^I[IMLZIbWZAring[PMZQM[WVPM_M[KWI[PILJMMVITTJ]Aring[PMLW]TWJ[MZ_I[QV[TW_LMKTQVMQVUIVaIZMI[IVLTIVLQVO[WN KZIaAring[PPILNITTMVXZMKQXQW][TaltPM[M_MZMVWPMAringZ[^WQKM[W[W]VLKI]QWV8MWXTM

TQSM-L_IZLIPaQVPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MPILTWVO_IZVMLof similar dangers ndash not least the problems that beset the east KWI[_PMTSAring[PMZa

MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKIt was against this backdrop that the beginning of a formal

management structure for the inshore sector began to emerge IVLQVINMZ_WaMIZ[WN LQ[K][[QWV15X]JTQ[PMLPMPMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS

Sadly by that stage many who had once again enthusiastically embraced the management and conservation agenda had NITTMVJaPM_Ia[QLMM[XQMPQ[15frac14[QV[PWZM[MKQWV[Mabout keeping the co-management approach alive and with PMJIKSQVOWN PMPMV5QVQ[MZM[IJTQ[PMLNW]ZVIQWVITXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[)[NWZ4WJ[MZ+ZIJPZQUXIVL5WTT][KI[MLWVPMKWUIVIOMUMVJWWU]XXPQTW[WXPa[MW]

in the PMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS the SAGs brought together ZMOQWVITQVL][ZaZMXZM[MVIQ^M[15PM5IZQVM1V[Q]MPM8)IVLPMMXIZUMV

This structure also anticipated the formation of Local )L^Q[WZa+WUUQMM[4)+[TMLJaQVL][ZaIVLNIKQTQIMLJa151N )[XZW^QLMLVIQWVITKWWZLQVIQWV4)+[_W]TLXZW^QLMITWKITIZUIVLZ]TaMUXW_MZTWKITAring[PMZUMVZWUPMW][MPMUW[IKQ^MIL^Q[WZaOZW]X_I[XMZPIX[

the lobster SAG and for the next two and a half years the group busily set about drawing up and agreeing a new

national management regime for lobster ltPQ[_I[VM^MZOWQVOWJMMI[a+ZQQKITTaPMQZXZWXW[IT

QVKT]LMLNWZPMAringZ[QUMPMQVZWL]KQWVWN UIVIOMLIKKM[[after all this was at the heart of everything they had seen in 5IQVMIVL_I[IKWV[Q[MVPMUMQV_MTTUIVIOMLAring[PMZQM[in many other countries including Australia New Zealand and Canada WQ_I[6QVMaMIZ[INMZPM151V[PWZMMXWZIVLMQOP

aMIZ[INMZPMNWZUIQWVWN PMQV[PWZMVM_WZSIraquoXTIVfrac14AringVITTa_MVWKWV[]TIQWV1VNIKPQ[_I[WJMPMAringZ[WN _WVIQWV_QLMKWV[]TIQWV[PM[MKWVLILLZM[[MLQ[[]M[ZIQ[MLJaQVL][ZaL]ZQVOPMAringZ[KWV[]TIQWV1VZMZW[XMK_PQT[IKSVW_TMLOQVOPMZM_MZMAring[PMZUMV

who did not agree with the plan and even some who worked to block it it was equally clear that the majority of inshore Aring[PMZUMVZ]Ta_IVMLKPIVOM

CONSERVATION DIRECTIVEa PW_M^MZPM[MI[KIXMPILKPIVOMLOZMITa

6)lt=)middotIXZQUIZaKWV[MZ^IQWVQVQQIQ^MWN PM-]ZWXMIV=VQWVmiddotPILWJMILLZM[[MLXMKQIT)ZMI[WN +WV[MZ^IQWV)+[IVLXMKQIT8ZWMKML)ZMI[8)[VW_stretched around the coast from Dundalk Bay to Inishowen IVLWLIaQ_W]TLJMPIZLWAringVLIAring[PMZUIV_PWWXMZIM[entirely outside that network

And so while the UIVIOMUMVNZIUM_WZS and the [XMKQM[IL^Q[WZaOZW]X[and the TWJ[MZUIVIOMUMVXTIVmay all sadly be things of PMXI[QVINM_IZMI[4WKIT)L^Q[WZa+WUUQMM[4)+[[QTTUMMW_WZSW]Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIV[68[PIILLZM[[PMconservation objectives that are part-and-parcel of Natura WZMUW[Q[PM]VLITSIaKWKSTMAring[PMZa4)+WZUMLQV

middotJaTWKITAring[PMZUMV_PW_IVMLIPIVLQVUIVIOQVOPMQZW_VAring[PMZamiddotPM]VLITS4)+ZMKMVTa[]JUQMLPMAringZ[6I]ZI68Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIVWOWWN]TTraquoIXXZWXZQIMI[[M[[UMVfrac14ltPMIMZNWZLQ^MZ5WTT][K4)+middotIOIQVNWZUMLWILLZM[[

PMUIVIOMUMVWN PMWWL[W_VKWKSTMAring[PMZamiddotPI[KPIVOMLQ[ZMUQIVLVW_LMIT[_QP6I]ZIKWKSTM[I[_MTTI[PM[]ZN KTIUAring[PMZaITJMQW][QLMPM6I]ZI[QMJW]VLIZa1V[PWZMAring[PMZUMVNZWUWIZQVO_IMZIaWWPI^MZMKMVTa

AringVITQ[MLPMQZQ[PMZa6I]ZI8TIVIVLXZMXIZIWZa_WZSQ[]VLMZ_IaQVPMIMZNWZLQ^MZ+TM_IaIVL4W]OP_QTTa

So for today and indeed the foreseeable future Natura _QTTZMUIQVKMVZM[IOMNWZQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[)VLPMIMfrac14[ZM[W]ZKM[IZMVW_PIPMaWVKM_MZM15TQSMITTIMagencies has fewer resources This is equally true of coastal [INN I[TWVO[IVLQVONZQMVL[TQSM2WPV5]ZZQVIVL8I7frac14MIOIVMVRWaI_MTTMIZVMLZMQZMUMVN]TTQUMQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[U][ILIXWISQVO]XPMZM[]TQVO_WZSTWILVWWUMVQWVPMQZW_VQVQQIQ^M[[]KPI[PMZM[XWV[QJTMAring[PQVOscheme health amp safety and the roll out of )`Q[ in the New Year

And yet when all is said and done one canrsquot help but wonder if a golden opportunity has quietly slipped through the net

ϐǫPlease send your views to the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom before 1111 for publication in our next issue (1012)

Seafood landed by the fleet in Roundstone is vital to the local economy

443 tonnes of spider crab worth 600000 were landed in 2009

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 11

INSHORE FISHERIES

Species Advisory GroupsPauline

Simpson

Southeast

New proposals for the revised CFP mention easier rules and conditions for the under 12m inshore segment and it would seem overall there will be more autonomy given to Member States This should be a cause for rejoicing however Irelandrsquos record in areas where there is some flexibility in management has been a disaster for the small boat sector drift net salmon fishing

ended without the traditional generational fishermen being adequately compensated

Europe requested a 40 reduction in the eel fishery but our government chose to implement a 100 cut

with the stroke of the pen Bass fishing was completely closed to Irish boats whilst other nations are still allowed to catch and land bass into Ireland

The East Waterford Lobster Co-op and the South Wexford Lobster Co-op worked for many years to bring in a

management scheme for lobsters When the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) were established in 2005 we were assured that if we came up with a plan it would be implemented

Eventually after months of hard work a scheme was devised and we put it before the Department

lsquoThe Plan will be implemented as soon as it is approved by the Sea Food Strategy Implementation Grouprsquo we were advised

Our management plan was published and launched by Minister John Brown in Wexford in April 2008 and was put before interested parties at meetings hosted nationwide by BIM

The majority of lobster fishermen attending the meetings approved the plan and all were invited to make representations and amendments in writing and many did

The response was overwhelmingly positive the few reservations could be accommodated easily Understandably a tiny minority didnrsquot want any change to the free-for-all of the status quo

The SSIG wholeheartedly supported the project so what happened next

We were told the plan would be brought before the minister Then we were told that lsquoNATURArsquo had reservations that the lsquoenvironmental lobbyrsquo was making it difficult to implement

I asked Karin Dubskey ndash an energetic and enthusiastic spokesperson on all environmental issues what these objections were She assured me that any groupings she represented had nothing but support for the Lobster Management Plan She had attended the launch and thoroughly approved of it

Several of the Lobster Advisory Group met the Minister in Carrigaholt and urged him to proceed with the introduction

In February 2010 a meeting of the SSIG was postponed and since then I have heard no official word on what happened to it Despite being assured the Plan was still alive the Lobster Advisory Group did not meet again

At The Skipper Expo in Galway in March 2011 members of the group representing ports from

all around the coast met for the last time and sent a letter to our chairman stating that if we did not have some positive news or some sign of progress we would resign en masse at the end of a fortnight

We have heard nothing since so I guess we are now history

Ger OrsquoMahony

Southwest

An analysis of the many problems within the Irish inshore fisheries shows that solutions are not difficult to formulate It is however in the implementation of these solutions that we seem to fall down

We have seen that report after report has diagnosed the industryrsquos problems accurately This knowledge and awareness are essential ingredients towards formulating a solution to developing a viable and sustainable fishery

Implementing the Shellfish Management Framework is a first step Action is better than inaction and adjustments can be made when the ball

is rolling through dialogue between the stakeholders Leadership and responsibility are required from industry science and administration to make difficult choices and well-informed decisions

In the Irish inshore fishery the bargaining power of buyers is very strong as the fishers are essentially price-takers To counteract buyersrsquo strength fishers need to act collectively and to form working co-operatives that have some control over supply This can be accomplished by fishing to the market and withholding supply when demand or price is low

The Irish inshore fishery however has essentially unlimited access since fishers can increase their fishing effort at any time I believe that a limited resource such as a fishery cannot be managed successfully without limiting access first

This has been a source of much disagreement within industry and government and requires some hard choices and unpopular decisions to be made on this important issue of access

Scientific Advice on ShellfishOliver Tully

Fisheries Science

Services MI

ltPMQV[PWZMAring[PQVOAEligMM$UAring[PM[for various species WN KZ][IKMIV[IVLUWTT][K[][QVOXW[IVL^IZQW][aXM[WN LZMLOM4QVMAring[PMZQM[NWZUIKSMZMTIVLXWTTIKSIZMIT[WQUXWZIVTWKITTaIVLVMQVONWZ_PQMAring[PIVL]ZJWIT[WWKK]Z[QV[WUMIZMI[4WJ[MZIVL[PZQUXQ[PMUIQV[IaNWZPMUIRWZQaWN PMXWQVOAEligMM_PQTMJZW_VKZIJQ[QUXWZIVM[XMKQITTaQVPMVWZP_M[[W]P_M[IVL[W]PMI[)TPW]OPPM

UIRWZQaWN KZ][IKMIVIVLUWTT][K[[WKS[IVLAring[PMZQM[WKK]ZUIQVTaQV[PWZM$VU[KITTWXAring[PQVOJa1ZQ[P^M[[MT[Q[XZMLWUQVIVTaW][QLMVUQVPM1ZQ[PMIIVLMI[MZV+MTQKMIIVLPMZMQ[I[QOVQAringKIVWNN[PWZMKZIJAring[PMZaWNN PM

6WZPM[KWI[+Z][IKMIV[WPMZ

PIV6MXPZWX[IVLUWTT][K[QVKT]LQVOWNN[PWZMKZIJIVL[KITTWXIZMVWI[[M[[MLJa1+-IVLIZMVWlt)+ZMO]TIML]VLMZPM+81VVWZPMZV-]ZWXM[KQMVQAringKI[[M[[UMVIVLIL^QKMNWZ[PMTTAring[P[WKS[UIaJMXZW^QLMLJaVIQWVITAring[PMZQM[QV[Q]M[J]PQ[^IZQM[IVLIL^QKMQ[OMVMZITTaVWXZWL]KML[a[MUIQKITTaNWZITT[WKS[ltPQ[Q[QV[QOVQAringKIVKWVZI[WPMNWZUITI[[M[[UMVIVLIL^QKMNZIUM_WZSNWZlt)+[WKS[WXMZIQVO]VLMZ1+-

ASSESSMENTS REQUIRED1V1ZMTIVLltPM

PMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[M[IJTQ[PMLQVltPMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[)[ZMY]M[MLIPIQUMPI[KQMVQAringKI[[M[[UMV[WN [PMTTAring[PJMLM^MTWXMLWQVNWZUPMLM^MTWXUMVWN UIVIOMUMVXTIV[NWZPMUIQV[XMKQM[

ltPQ[ZM[]TMLQVPMXZWL]KQWVWN IV]UJMZWN raquoZM^QM_[frac14NWZTWJ[MZ[PZQUXKZIJIVL[KITTWXX]JTQ[PMLQVPM15Q[PMZQM[M[W]ZKMMZQM[_PQKPKWUXQTMLITTPMM`Q[QVOLIIIPMQUMltPQ[IVLWPMZ_WZS

[]XXWZMLPZW]OP^IZQW][XZWRMK[N]VLMLJaPM6IQWVITM^MTWXUMV8TIVOMVMZIMLI[QOVQAringKIVIUW]VWN LIIIVLZMXZM[MVML[QOVQAringKIVXZWOZM[[QVLIIXZW^Q[QWVIVLIL^QKMWVPMTTAring[P)TIKSPW_M^MZWN OWWLY]ITQaQVNWZUIQWVWVTIVLQVO[KIKPIVLMNNWZ_I[IPMQUMIVLKWVQV]M[WJMIN]VLIUMVITXZWJTMU)TPW]OP^M[[MT[

JM_MMVUIZMZMY]QZMLWZMXWZTIVLQVO[QVPM-=TWOJWWSPM[MLIILWVWXZW^QLM[]NAringKQMVQVNWZUIQWVWVAring[PQVOMNNWZIVLAring[PQVOTWKIQWVWJM][MN]TNWZ[PMTTAring[PIL^QKMgtM[[MT[]VLMZUIZMVWZMY]QZMLWZMXWZPMQZ

IKQ^QaltPQ[_I[XIZTa

[WT^MLJaPM^IZQW][15Aring[PQVOIKQ^QaZMKWZL[KPMUM[PI_MZMZMXTIKMLJaPMMVQVMTgtM[[MT8ZWOZIUUMN]VLMLJaPMII+WTTMKQWVZIUM_WZS+IVL_PQKPWJIQV[LIINZWU]XWQV[PWZM^M[[MT[XMZIVV]U

ANNUAL UPDATEltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]M

QVKWVR]VKQWV_QP15VW_XZW^QLMIVIVV]IT]XLIMWN _WZSWV[MTMKMLPMTTAring[PMZQM[PXWIZUIZQVMQMPIVLTM6M^MZPMTM[[^MZaTQTMWN PM_WZSXZWL]KMLNWZPM)[QVW]X]NZWUPM^IZQW][68XZWRMK[N]VLMLL]ZQVOPMXMZQWL WZPMIL^QKMWV[WKS[VW_JMQVOXZWL]KMLQVPM5115IVV]IT]XLIMPI[WZQ[JMQVO][MLWUIVIOMPMTTAring[PMZQM[1N PM)[_MZM

IKQ^MTaLM^MTWXQVOVM_UIVIOMUMVXZWXW[IT[

Q_W]TLITTW_[KQMVQ[[WLMTQ^MZWVPMIL^QKMZMY]QZMUMVWZUIVIOMUMVWJRMKQ^MNWZPMUIQV[PMTTAring[P[XMKQM[QVKMPM

5IZQVM1V[Q]M[_WZSWVQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[PI[[PQNMLNWK][WXZW^QLQVOIL^QKMWVPMQVMZIKQWVJM_MMVAring[PMZQM[IVLPMMV^QZWVUMVltPQ[Q[LZQ^MVJaPM0IJQI[QZMKQ^MIVLPMQUXMZIQ^MWN LM^MTWXQVO)XXZWXZQIM)[[M[[UMV[WN Aring[PMZQM[_PQKPWXMZIMQV6I]ZI[QM[IIWQVNWZU

Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIV[middotIVLQVXIZQK]TIZNWZAring[PMZQM[PIUIaPI^M[QOVQAringKIVQUXIKWV[MIJMLPIJQI[WZ_PQKPUIaINNMKLM[QOVIML[XMKQM[middotQ[VW_IXZQWZQa5IVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[[]XXWZMLJa[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMIZMJMQVOQUXTMUMVMLQV[WUMWN PM[MraquoTWKITfrac14Aring[PMZQM[QVWZLMZWUQQOIMPMQZMNNMK[WV6I]ZI[QM[

6614 tonnes of brown crab were landed in 2009

valued at 14m

Mr amp Mrs crayfish 28 tonnes landed in 2009 valued at 1m

Landings of crayfish in 2009 amounted to 205

tonnes valued at 500000

12 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Aquaculture to play a major part in providing seafood security under the next fisheries policyGillian Mills

Outlining Common Fisheries Policy reform

proposals to Irish stakeholders in Dublin recently EU Maritime Commissioner Maria Damanaki said the new policy must preserve stocks in a responsible science-based way

She spoke bluntly about PM[I][WN Aring[P[WKS[throughout European waters sup11N VWPQVOKPIVOM[WVTaMQOPW]WN [WKS[_QTTJMat sustainable levels by 2022rdquo

Not only would small-scale ϐǡǡǡǤ

ǣDzǯϐǦ

ǡͳͲͲǡǡϐǡdzǤDz

DzdzDzǤdzLOOKING AHEAD

ǡϐǣDz

ʹͲͳͷǤϐǤdzϐ

ǤDzǥȂǡǤdz

ǡǤ

ǡǦ

ϐǣDz

ǦǤϐǢǦǤDzȏȐǦ

ǡǥǣϐǢǦǦϐǤǥǡǤdz

ǡDzdzϐǣDz

ϐǤȂǦϐǤDzǡ

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ǡϐͷͲΨͳͲΨǤǡϐʹͷΨǤDz

͵ͷΨȂ͵ͷΨǫϐϐǤ

ǡdzǤǡ

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INTERCONNECTIONǡ

ȋǡǡȌϐϐǤ

DzdzǡǮǯǤDz

ǤϐϐǡǤϐϐϐǤdz

ǡ1313ǣlsquoI am tomorrow what I establish todayǤǯDzǡdzǤDz

ǯϐǡǤϐϐǡǤdz

Also on the agenda was a roundtable on Maritime Policy in Ireland with particular focus on innovative industries and research in renewable energy deep-sea mining and algal bio fuels Irish stakeholders also tabled their views on the upcoming Atlantic Strategy under the Integrated Maritime Policy

THE GALWAY DECLARATIONTo ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of

raquo the crucial role of the oceans in climate carbon cycle and Life on Earth

raquo the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda

raquo the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment

raquo the critical role the European Research Area 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science amp technology

Dr Peter Heffernan Marine Institute CEO Commissioner Damanaki Minister Simon Coveney Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and Jim Fennell Marine Institute chairman Photo A Downes

Brendan Price of the Irish Seal Sanctuary called on the Commissioner to close the Irish Sea to trawling on the grounds it faced collapse in the absence of full regulation

ldquoThe Commissioner claims to put the environment and people at the heart of the CFP reform To do so she must appreciate and assess the scale of the problem No fishery has eluded assessment and defied comprehension as much as Irish Seardquo he claims He suggested this could be addressed by implementing special measures that could be a template for a sustainable multi-species fishery and facilitate stock recovery

ldquoThe Commissioner has warned of an automatic reduction of 25 in the Irish Sea TAC in the absence of scientific evidence and progress to MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) by 2015 This would inevitably mean a closure of the Irish Sea to all but a prawn fishery in a very few years if not addressed immediatelyrdquo

He suggested that a ldquofully regulated observer fleetrdquo was required to gather the necessary data on which to establish sustainable fisheries in the Irish Sea ldquoThis is infinitely preferable to closure or collapserdquo he warned

He has welcomed Commissioner Damanakirsquos commitment to end discarding which he says is worst in the Irish Sea

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 13

FISHERIES

New system provides real-time snapshot of fishing activity

In 2009 the European Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed to

the phased introduction of an electronic logbook to replace paper recording of fishing vessel activity This is known as an Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS)

The decision of the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the subsequent regulations implementing this decision by the European Commission was strongly supported and welcomed by the Irish authorities The ERS system for the first time will give the Irish fisheries control authorities real-time access to logged fish catch data of all fishing vessels operating in the Irish 200 nautical mile European Economic Zone (EEZ) It will also allow for real-time management of fish quotas

Until now fishing vessels operating within Irelandrsquos EEZ but not landing into Irish ports did not have their recorded catches verified by Ireland unless boarded at sea by the Irish Naval Service Given that 300-500 vessels can operate within this area at any one time it is clear this system will be an essential element in ensuring a level playing field throughout Europe ϐ

include bull real-time monitoring of

catches by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters

bull protection of valuable commercial fish stocks and vital Irish sea-fisheries interests

bull efficient and effective data interchange between agencies engaged in fisheries monitoring and control functions both in Ireland the EU and Norway

bull elimination of inefficiencies in current data exchange mechanisms as well as

significantly reducing the requirement of manual entry of logbook data into the central databases

In Ireland the introduction of ERS is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group drawn from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) the Department of Defence and the Naval Service

BACKGROUNDThe introduction of ERS

commenced in late 2009 and to date fishing vessels greater than 15 metres have been fitted with an ERS systemThis onboard system comprises a laptop with specialist software lsquoieCatchrsquo and a communications system for transmitting the catch and fishing information to the Irish ERS hub The equipment was provided at no cost to fishermen other than annual running costs eg transmission and maintenance In addition the SFPA provides a comprehensive training programme for all skippers requiring ERS

In 2010 an ERS hub was developed to capture all information sent from a fishing vessel this information is available to the SFPA and the Naval Service If a fishing vessel however is operating in another EU Member State or in Norwegian waters the ERS information is made available to their fisheries control authorities

This programme of Installations and Training is continuing in 2011 with fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre bracket requiring ERS and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) from January 1 2012 As with the previous phases the cost of equipment installation and training will be borne by the SFPA The costs of transmission and maintenance will be the responsibility of vessel owners

CONTROL REGULATIONSIf fishing vessels in the

12 to 15 metre length category have this equipment

installed it will ensure they are not restricted by the new requirements set out in the recently introduced EU Control Regulations regarding duration of fishing trip and fishing outside the 12 mile limit

A potential exemption however may be sought by fishing vessels in the 12-15m category if the owners commit to a fishing pattern that complies by either operating exclusively within the territorial seas of Ireland (inside the 12 nautical mile limit) or never spend more than 24 hours at sea from the time of departure to the return to port If at a later date a fishing vessel owner chooses to alter his fishing pattern he will then require ERS and VMS equipment

The SFPA recently wrote to all fishing vessel owners in this category to inform them of this potential exemption and offered the opportunity to apply Not all vessels however will be granted an exemption decisions

will be made on a case-by-case basis The operational profile of certain vessels would make their exemption inconsistent with the control obligations on Ireland and therefore may dictate they are required to be fitted for both systems irrespective of their compliance with exemption criteria

EXAMPLES INCLUDE bull fishing vessels that directly

target fish species under multi-annual conservation plans

bull fishing vessels operating in sea areas subject to effort control such as days-at-sea schemes or

bull fishing vessels of certain fleets by virtue of likelihood that they will not always meet the qualifying criteria

In February 2011 the Irish ERS system went live for fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters Fishing vessels currently operating a live ERS in Irish waters include UK France and Spain

Implementation timetable across vessel sizesbull January 1 2010 (24m and

over)bull July 1 2011 (15m and

over)bull January 1 2012 (12-15m)

Figure 1 The Satlink FB250 Satellite Communications Hardware (SCH)

Castletownbere Co Cork is a major whitefish port

Vessels lying alongside at Duncannon Co Wexord Photo G Mills

14 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape

Nestled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Irelandrsquos most northern coast is Lough Swilly ndash one of the largest of Irelandrsquos sea loughs Long noted for its scenic beauty Lough Swilly is also

the site of several momentous events in Irelandrsquos history the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan

Written by a team of experts this book explores Lough Swilly ndash from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough

Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark The Loughrsquos position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history

Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana

Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Loughrsquos history and its maritime archaeology The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing fish farming conservation recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Loughrsquos value for future generations

Edited by Andrew Cooper professor of coastal studies University of Ulster

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press See wwwfourcourtspressie

ISBN 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE euro3500

Upland troutSmall and aggressiveBrendan Connolly

Irelandrsquos countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and

poor acidic uplands The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkalineand rich in nutrients or acidic and nutrient poor

The heather and gorse-covered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape

Walking on blanket bog one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake cradled between rough hillsides wild and unaffected by modern development

These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age

SLOW GROWERSThese lakes are home to

Irelandrsquos upland trout Here small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size

Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year

The wetflies are carefully selected two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies The third fly is smaller

and light grey in colour The dapping rod has a bushy artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line ready to scamper over the water surface

The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore retrieving as the boat slowly moves along The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat

On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout It dashes around with great energy staying surprisingly deep It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed

ROCKY LAKE SHOREStarting the engine the

angler resumes along the rocky lake shore A headland is coming up and predictably another small trout swirls below the surface The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one More trout were hooked lost and landed as the day progressed at one stage two trout were hooked at the

same time on two of the three wetflies

The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface leaving a tiny track in its wake

This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses Immediately it rises again and misses again It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly and repeats the jump two seconds later The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker

DAP TEASEREventually as the dap is close

to the shore a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly This fish is netted and brought into the boat but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net The hook may be too big for these small trout The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly

Just a couple more fish are hooked many others rise to the dap and miss to the anglerrsquos amusement

Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings

CONTRIBUTORSNeil Bass Andrew Cooper (U Ulster) Paul Dunlop (U Ulster)

Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT) Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council) Derek Jackson (U Ulster) Emmett Johnston (National Parks amp Wildlife Service) Thomas McErlean (U Ulster) Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council) Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council) Rowena Moore (U Ulster) John Niven (UK Border Agency) Marianne OrsquoConnor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks amp Wildlife Service)

CONTENTSForeword by Councillor Cora Harvey

Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore Andrew Cooper Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson

Coastal and Seabed Environments Living Habitats - Emmett Johnston

The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly

Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly

Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and Twenty-

First Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly

- Andrew Cooper and Marianne OrsquoConnor

Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizesQ What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607

Answers by November 4 2011 with name address and contact details tomillsinshore-irelandcomor 3 Hillview Cottages Pottery Road Duacuten Laoghaire Co Dublin

An upland trout small but mature

An upland lake on the west coast

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 11

INSHORE FISHERIES

Species Advisory GroupsPauline

Simpson

Southeast

New proposals for the revised CFP mention easier rules and conditions for the under 12m inshore segment and it would seem overall there will be more autonomy given to Member States This should be a cause for rejoicing however Irelandrsquos record in areas where there is some flexibility in management has been a disaster for the small boat sector drift net salmon fishing

ended without the traditional generational fishermen being adequately compensated

Europe requested a 40 reduction in the eel fishery but our government chose to implement a 100 cut

with the stroke of the pen Bass fishing was completely closed to Irish boats whilst other nations are still allowed to catch and land bass into Ireland

The East Waterford Lobster Co-op and the South Wexford Lobster Co-op worked for many years to bring in a

management scheme for lobsters When the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) were established in 2005 we were assured that if we came up with a plan it would be implemented

Eventually after months of hard work a scheme was devised and we put it before the Department

lsquoThe Plan will be implemented as soon as it is approved by the Sea Food Strategy Implementation Grouprsquo we were advised

Our management plan was published and launched by Minister John Brown in Wexford in April 2008 and was put before interested parties at meetings hosted nationwide by BIM

The majority of lobster fishermen attending the meetings approved the plan and all were invited to make representations and amendments in writing and many did

The response was overwhelmingly positive the few reservations could be accommodated easily Understandably a tiny minority didnrsquot want any change to the free-for-all of the status quo

The SSIG wholeheartedly supported the project so what happened next

We were told the plan would be brought before the minister Then we were told that lsquoNATURArsquo had reservations that the lsquoenvironmental lobbyrsquo was making it difficult to implement

I asked Karin Dubskey ndash an energetic and enthusiastic spokesperson on all environmental issues what these objections were She assured me that any groupings she represented had nothing but support for the Lobster Management Plan She had attended the launch and thoroughly approved of it

Several of the Lobster Advisory Group met the Minister in Carrigaholt and urged him to proceed with the introduction

In February 2010 a meeting of the SSIG was postponed and since then I have heard no official word on what happened to it Despite being assured the Plan was still alive the Lobster Advisory Group did not meet again

At The Skipper Expo in Galway in March 2011 members of the group representing ports from

all around the coast met for the last time and sent a letter to our chairman stating that if we did not have some positive news or some sign of progress we would resign en masse at the end of a fortnight

We have heard nothing since so I guess we are now history

Ger OrsquoMahony

Southwest

An analysis of the many problems within the Irish inshore fisheries shows that solutions are not difficult to formulate It is however in the implementation of these solutions that we seem to fall down

We have seen that report after report has diagnosed the industryrsquos problems accurately This knowledge and awareness are essential ingredients towards formulating a solution to developing a viable and sustainable fishery

Implementing the Shellfish Management Framework is a first step Action is better than inaction and adjustments can be made when the ball

is rolling through dialogue between the stakeholders Leadership and responsibility are required from industry science and administration to make difficult choices and well-informed decisions

In the Irish inshore fishery the bargaining power of buyers is very strong as the fishers are essentially price-takers To counteract buyersrsquo strength fishers need to act collectively and to form working co-operatives that have some control over supply This can be accomplished by fishing to the market and withholding supply when demand or price is low

The Irish inshore fishery however has essentially unlimited access since fishers can increase their fishing effort at any time I believe that a limited resource such as a fishery cannot be managed successfully without limiting access first

This has been a source of much disagreement within industry and government and requires some hard choices and unpopular decisions to be made on this important issue of access

Scientific Advice on ShellfishOliver Tully

Fisheries Science

Services MI

ltPMQV[PWZMAring[PQVOAEligMM$UAring[PM[for various species WN KZ][IKMIV[IVLUWTT][K[][QVOXW[IVL^IZQW][aXM[WN LZMLOM4QVMAring[PMZQM[NWZUIKSMZMTIVLXWTTIKSIZMIT[WQUXWZIVTWKITTaIVLVMQVONWZ_PQMAring[PIVL]ZJWIT[WWKK]Z[QV[WUMIZMI[4WJ[MZIVL[PZQUXQ[PMUIQV[IaNWZPMUIRWZQaWN PMXWQVOAEligMM_PQTMJZW_VKZIJQ[QUXWZIVM[XMKQITTaQVPMVWZP_M[[W]P_M[IVL[W]PMI[)TPW]OPPM

UIRWZQaWN KZ][IKMIVIVLUWTT][K[[WKS[IVLAring[PMZQM[WKK]ZUIQVTaQV[PWZM$VU[KITTWXAring[PQVOJa1ZQ[P^M[[MT[Q[XZMLWUQVIVTaW][QLMVUQVPM1ZQ[PMIIVLMI[MZV+MTQKMIIVLPMZMQ[I[QOVQAringKIVWNN[PWZMKZIJAring[PMZaWNN PM

6WZPM[KWI[+Z][IKMIV[WPMZ

PIV6MXPZWX[IVLUWTT][K[QVKT]LQVOWNN[PWZMKZIJIVL[KITTWXIZMVWI[[M[[MLJa1+-IVLIZMVWlt)+ZMO]TIML]VLMZPM+81VVWZPMZV-]ZWXM[KQMVQAringKI[[M[[UMVIVLIL^QKMNWZ[PMTTAring[P[WKS[UIaJMXZW^QLMLJaVIQWVITAring[PMZQM[QV[Q]M[J]PQ[^IZQM[IVLIL^QKMQ[OMVMZITTaVWXZWL]KML[a[MUIQKITTaNWZITT[WKS[ltPQ[Q[QV[QOVQAringKIVKWVZI[WPMNWZUITI[[M[[UMVIVLIL^QKMNZIUM_WZSNWZlt)+[WKS[WXMZIQVO]VLMZ1+-

ASSESSMENTS REQUIRED1V1ZMTIVLltPM

PMTTAring[P5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[M[IJTQ[PMLQVltPMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[)[ZMY]M[MLIPIQUMPI[KQMVQAringKI[[M[[UMV[WN [PMTTAring[PJMLM^MTWXMLWQVNWZUPMLM^MTWXUMVWN UIVIOMUMVXTIV[NWZPMUIQV[XMKQM[

ltPQ[ZM[]TMLQVPMXZWL]KQWVWN IV]UJMZWN raquoZM^QM_[frac14NWZTWJ[MZ[PZQUXKZIJIVL[KITTWXX]JTQ[PMLQVPM15Q[PMZQM[M[W]ZKMMZQM[_PQKPKWUXQTMLITTPMM`Q[QVOLIIIPMQUMltPQ[IVLWPMZ_WZS

[]XXWZMLPZW]OP^IZQW][XZWRMK[N]VLMLJaPM6IQWVITM^MTWXUMV8TIVOMVMZIMLI[QOVQAringKIVIUW]VWN LIIIVLZMXZM[MVML[QOVQAringKIVXZWOZM[[QVLIIXZW^Q[QWVIVLIL^QKMWVPMTTAring[P)TIKSPW_M^MZWN OWWLY]ITQaQVNWZUIQWVWVTIVLQVO[KIKPIVLMNNWZ_I[IPMQUMIVLKWVQV]M[WJMIN]VLIUMVITXZWJTMU)TPW]OP^M[[MT[

JM_MMVUIZMZMY]QZMLWZMXWZTIVLQVO[QVPM-=TWOJWWSPM[MLIILWVWXZW^QLM[]NAringKQMVQVNWZUIQWVWVAring[PQVOMNNWZIVLAring[PQVOTWKIQWVWJM][MN]TNWZ[PMTTAring[PIL^QKMgtM[[MT[]VLMZUIZMVWZMY]QZMLWZMXWZPMQZ

IKQ^QaltPQ[_I[XIZTa

[WT^MLJaPM^IZQW][15Aring[PQVOIKQ^QaZMKWZL[KPMUM[PI_MZMZMXTIKMLJaPMMVQVMTgtM[[MT8ZWOZIUUMN]VLMLJaPMII+WTTMKQWVZIUM_WZS+IVL_PQKPWJIQV[LIINZWU]XWQV[PWZM^M[[MT[XMZIVV]U

ANNUAL UPDATEltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]M

QVKWVR]VKQWV_QP15VW_XZW^QLMIVIVV]IT]XLIMWN _WZSWV[MTMKMLPMTTAring[PMZQM[PXWIZUIZQVMQMPIVLTM6M^MZPMTM[[^MZaTQTMWN PM_WZSXZWL]KMLNWZPM)[QVW]X]NZWUPM^IZQW][68XZWRMK[N]VLMLL]ZQVOPMXMZQWL WZPMIL^QKMWV[WKS[VW_JMQVOXZWL]KMLQVPM5115IVV]IT]XLIMPI[WZQ[JMQVO][MLWUIVIOMPMTTAring[PMZQM[1N PM)[_MZM

IKQ^MTaLM^MTWXQVOVM_UIVIOMUMVXZWXW[IT[

Q_W]TLITTW_[KQMVQ[[WLMTQ^MZWVPMIL^QKMZMY]QZMUMVWZUIVIOMUMVWJRMKQ^MNWZPMUIQV[PMTTAring[P[XMKQM[QVKMPM

5IZQVM1V[Q]M[_WZSWVQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[PI[[PQNMLNWK][WXZW^QLQVOIL^QKMWVPMQVMZIKQWVJM_MMVAring[PMZQM[IVLPMMV^QZWVUMVltPQ[Q[LZQ^MVJaPM0IJQI[QZMKQ^MIVLPMQUXMZIQ^MWN LM^MTWXQVO)XXZWXZQIM)[[M[[UMV[WN Aring[PMZQM[_PQKPWXMZIMQV6I]ZI[QM[IIWQVNWZU

Q[PMZa6I]ZI8TIV[middotIVLQVXIZQK]TIZNWZAring[PMZQM[PIUIaPI^M[QOVQAringKIVQUXIKWV[MIJMLPIJQI[WZ_PQKPUIaINNMKLM[QOVIML[XMKQM[middotQ[VW_IXZQWZQa5IVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[[]XXWZMLJa[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMIZMJMQVOQUXTMUMVMLQV[WUMWN PM[MraquoTWKITfrac14Aring[PMZQM[QVWZLMZWUQQOIMPMQZMNNMK[WV6I]ZI[QM[

6614 tonnes of brown crab were landed in 2009

valued at 14m

Mr amp Mrs crayfish 28 tonnes landed in 2009 valued at 1m

Landings of crayfish in 2009 amounted to 205

tonnes valued at 500000

12 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Aquaculture to play a major part in providing seafood security under the next fisheries policyGillian Mills

Outlining Common Fisheries Policy reform

proposals to Irish stakeholders in Dublin recently EU Maritime Commissioner Maria Damanaki said the new policy must preserve stocks in a responsible science-based way

She spoke bluntly about PM[I][WN Aring[P[WKS[throughout European waters sup11N VWPQVOKPIVOM[WVTaMQOPW]WN [WKS[_QTTJMat sustainable levels by 2022rdquo

Not only would small-scale ϐǡǡǡǤ

ǣDzǯϐǦ

ǡͳͲͲǡǡϐǡdzǤDz

DzdzDzǤdzLOOKING AHEAD

ǡϐǣDz

ʹͲͳͷǤϐǤdzϐ

ǤDzǥȂǡǤdz

ǡǤ

ǡǦ

ϐǣDz

ǦǤϐǢǦǤDzȏȐǦ

ǡǥǣϐǢǦǦϐǤǥǡǤdz

ǡDzdzϐǣDz

ϐǤȂǦϐǤDzǡ

ǤǡϐϐǤǡ

ǦϐǤǡǤdz

ϐǡǡǣDz

ǡϐͷͲΨͳͲΨǤǡϐʹͷΨǤDz

͵ͷΨȂ͵ͷΨǫϐϐǤ

ǡdzǤǡ

ǡǡDzdzǣDz

ǡǡǤǥǤǡǤdz

INTERCONNECTIONǡ

ȋǡǡȌϐϐǤ

DzdzǡǮǯǤDz

ǤϐϐǡǤϐϐϐǤdz

ǡ1313ǣlsquoI am tomorrow what I establish todayǤǯDzǡdzǤDz

ǯϐǡǤϐϐǡǤdz

Also on the agenda was a roundtable on Maritime Policy in Ireland with particular focus on innovative industries and research in renewable energy deep-sea mining and algal bio fuels Irish stakeholders also tabled their views on the upcoming Atlantic Strategy under the Integrated Maritime Policy

THE GALWAY DECLARATIONTo ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of

raquo the crucial role of the oceans in climate carbon cycle and Life on Earth

raquo the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda

raquo the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment

raquo the critical role the European Research Area 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science amp technology

Dr Peter Heffernan Marine Institute CEO Commissioner Damanaki Minister Simon Coveney Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and Jim Fennell Marine Institute chairman Photo A Downes

Brendan Price of the Irish Seal Sanctuary called on the Commissioner to close the Irish Sea to trawling on the grounds it faced collapse in the absence of full regulation

ldquoThe Commissioner claims to put the environment and people at the heart of the CFP reform To do so she must appreciate and assess the scale of the problem No fishery has eluded assessment and defied comprehension as much as Irish Seardquo he claims He suggested this could be addressed by implementing special measures that could be a template for a sustainable multi-species fishery and facilitate stock recovery

ldquoThe Commissioner has warned of an automatic reduction of 25 in the Irish Sea TAC in the absence of scientific evidence and progress to MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) by 2015 This would inevitably mean a closure of the Irish Sea to all but a prawn fishery in a very few years if not addressed immediatelyrdquo

He suggested that a ldquofully regulated observer fleetrdquo was required to gather the necessary data on which to establish sustainable fisheries in the Irish Sea ldquoThis is infinitely preferable to closure or collapserdquo he warned

He has welcomed Commissioner Damanakirsquos commitment to end discarding which he says is worst in the Irish Sea

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 13

FISHERIES

New system provides real-time snapshot of fishing activity

In 2009 the European Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed to

the phased introduction of an electronic logbook to replace paper recording of fishing vessel activity This is known as an Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS)

The decision of the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the subsequent regulations implementing this decision by the European Commission was strongly supported and welcomed by the Irish authorities The ERS system for the first time will give the Irish fisheries control authorities real-time access to logged fish catch data of all fishing vessels operating in the Irish 200 nautical mile European Economic Zone (EEZ) It will also allow for real-time management of fish quotas

Until now fishing vessels operating within Irelandrsquos EEZ but not landing into Irish ports did not have their recorded catches verified by Ireland unless boarded at sea by the Irish Naval Service Given that 300-500 vessels can operate within this area at any one time it is clear this system will be an essential element in ensuring a level playing field throughout Europe ϐ

include bull real-time monitoring of

catches by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters

bull protection of valuable commercial fish stocks and vital Irish sea-fisheries interests

bull efficient and effective data interchange between agencies engaged in fisheries monitoring and control functions both in Ireland the EU and Norway

bull elimination of inefficiencies in current data exchange mechanisms as well as

significantly reducing the requirement of manual entry of logbook data into the central databases

In Ireland the introduction of ERS is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group drawn from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) the Department of Defence and the Naval Service

BACKGROUNDThe introduction of ERS

commenced in late 2009 and to date fishing vessels greater than 15 metres have been fitted with an ERS systemThis onboard system comprises a laptop with specialist software lsquoieCatchrsquo and a communications system for transmitting the catch and fishing information to the Irish ERS hub The equipment was provided at no cost to fishermen other than annual running costs eg transmission and maintenance In addition the SFPA provides a comprehensive training programme for all skippers requiring ERS

In 2010 an ERS hub was developed to capture all information sent from a fishing vessel this information is available to the SFPA and the Naval Service If a fishing vessel however is operating in another EU Member State or in Norwegian waters the ERS information is made available to their fisheries control authorities

This programme of Installations and Training is continuing in 2011 with fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre bracket requiring ERS and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) from January 1 2012 As with the previous phases the cost of equipment installation and training will be borne by the SFPA The costs of transmission and maintenance will be the responsibility of vessel owners

CONTROL REGULATIONSIf fishing vessels in the

12 to 15 metre length category have this equipment

installed it will ensure they are not restricted by the new requirements set out in the recently introduced EU Control Regulations regarding duration of fishing trip and fishing outside the 12 mile limit

A potential exemption however may be sought by fishing vessels in the 12-15m category if the owners commit to a fishing pattern that complies by either operating exclusively within the territorial seas of Ireland (inside the 12 nautical mile limit) or never spend more than 24 hours at sea from the time of departure to the return to port If at a later date a fishing vessel owner chooses to alter his fishing pattern he will then require ERS and VMS equipment

The SFPA recently wrote to all fishing vessel owners in this category to inform them of this potential exemption and offered the opportunity to apply Not all vessels however will be granted an exemption decisions

will be made on a case-by-case basis The operational profile of certain vessels would make their exemption inconsistent with the control obligations on Ireland and therefore may dictate they are required to be fitted for both systems irrespective of their compliance with exemption criteria

EXAMPLES INCLUDE bull fishing vessels that directly

target fish species under multi-annual conservation plans

bull fishing vessels operating in sea areas subject to effort control such as days-at-sea schemes or

bull fishing vessels of certain fleets by virtue of likelihood that they will not always meet the qualifying criteria

In February 2011 the Irish ERS system went live for fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters Fishing vessels currently operating a live ERS in Irish waters include UK France and Spain

Implementation timetable across vessel sizesbull January 1 2010 (24m and

over)bull July 1 2011 (15m and

over)bull January 1 2012 (12-15m)

Figure 1 The Satlink FB250 Satellite Communications Hardware (SCH)

Castletownbere Co Cork is a major whitefish port

Vessels lying alongside at Duncannon Co Wexord Photo G Mills

14 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape

Nestled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Irelandrsquos most northern coast is Lough Swilly ndash one of the largest of Irelandrsquos sea loughs Long noted for its scenic beauty Lough Swilly is also

the site of several momentous events in Irelandrsquos history the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan

Written by a team of experts this book explores Lough Swilly ndash from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough

Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark The Loughrsquos position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history

Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana

Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Loughrsquos history and its maritime archaeology The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing fish farming conservation recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Loughrsquos value for future generations

Edited by Andrew Cooper professor of coastal studies University of Ulster

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press See wwwfourcourtspressie

ISBN 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE euro3500

Upland troutSmall and aggressiveBrendan Connolly

Irelandrsquos countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and

poor acidic uplands The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkalineand rich in nutrients or acidic and nutrient poor

The heather and gorse-covered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape

Walking on blanket bog one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake cradled between rough hillsides wild and unaffected by modern development

These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age

SLOW GROWERSThese lakes are home to

Irelandrsquos upland trout Here small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size

Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year

The wetflies are carefully selected two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies The third fly is smaller

and light grey in colour The dapping rod has a bushy artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line ready to scamper over the water surface

The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore retrieving as the boat slowly moves along The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat

On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout It dashes around with great energy staying surprisingly deep It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed

ROCKY LAKE SHOREStarting the engine the

angler resumes along the rocky lake shore A headland is coming up and predictably another small trout swirls below the surface The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one More trout were hooked lost and landed as the day progressed at one stage two trout were hooked at the

same time on two of the three wetflies

The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface leaving a tiny track in its wake

This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses Immediately it rises again and misses again It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly and repeats the jump two seconds later The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker

DAP TEASEREventually as the dap is close

to the shore a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly This fish is netted and brought into the boat but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net The hook may be too big for these small trout The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly

Just a couple more fish are hooked many others rise to the dap and miss to the anglerrsquos amusement

Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings

CONTRIBUTORSNeil Bass Andrew Cooper (U Ulster) Paul Dunlop (U Ulster)

Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT) Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council) Derek Jackson (U Ulster) Emmett Johnston (National Parks amp Wildlife Service) Thomas McErlean (U Ulster) Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council) Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council) Rowena Moore (U Ulster) John Niven (UK Border Agency) Marianne OrsquoConnor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks amp Wildlife Service)

CONTENTSForeword by Councillor Cora Harvey

Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore Andrew Cooper Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson

Coastal and Seabed Environments Living Habitats - Emmett Johnston

The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly

Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly

Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and Twenty-

First Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly

- Andrew Cooper and Marianne OrsquoConnor

Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizesQ What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607

Answers by November 4 2011 with name address and contact details tomillsinshore-irelandcomor 3 Hillview Cottages Pottery Road Duacuten Laoghaire Co Dublin

An upland trout small but mature

An upland lake on the west coast

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

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XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

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Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

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MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

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VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

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4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

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W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
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• II75pg3
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• II75pg9

12 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Aquaculture to play a major part in providing seafood security under the next fisheries policyGillian Mills

Outlining Common Fisheries Policy reform

proposals to Irish stakeholders in Dublin recently EU Maritime Commissioner Maria Damanaki said the new policy must preserve stocks in a responsible science-based way

She spoke bluntly about PM[I][WN Aring[P[WKS[throughout European waters sup11N VWPQVOKPIVOM[WVTaMQOPW]WN [WKS[_QTTJMat sustainable levels by 2022rdquo

Not only would small-scale ϐǡǡǡǤ

ǣDzǯϐǦ

ǡͳͲͲǡǡϐǡdzǤDz

DzdzDzǤdzLOOKING AHEAD

ǡϐǣDz

ʹͲͳͷǤϐǤdzϐ

ǤDzǥȂǡǤdz

ǡǤ

ǡǦ

ϐǣDz

ǦǤϐǢǦǤDzȏȐǦ

ǡǥǣϐǢǦǦϐǤǥǡǤdz

ǡDzdzϐǣDz

ϐǤȂǦϐǤDzǡ

ǤǡϐϐǤǡ

ǦϐǤǡǤdz

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ǡϐͷͲΨͳͲΨǤǡϐʹͷΨǤDz

͵ͷΨȂ͵ͷΨǫϐϐǤ

ǡdzǤǡ

ǡǡDzdzǣDz

ǡǡǤǥǤǡǤdz

INTERCONNECTIONǡ

ȋǡǡȌϐϐǤ

DzdzǡǮǯǤDz

ǤϐϐǡǤϐϐϐǤdz

ǡ1313ǣlsquoI am tomorrow what I establish todayǤǯDzǡdzǤDz

ǯϐǡǤϐϐǡǤdz

Also on the agenda was a roundtable on Maritime Policy in Ireland with particular focus on innovative industries and research in renewable energy deep-sea mining and algal bio fuels Irish stakeholders also tabled their views on the upcoming Atlantic Strategy under the Integrated Maritime Policy

THE GALWAY DECLARATIONTo ensure that recognition is taken at Member State and European Community Level of

raquo the crucial role of the oceans in climate carbon cycle and Life on Earth

raquo the major contribution maritime industries can make to the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Lisbon Agenda

raquo the essential role of marine science and technology in generating the knowledge needed to fuel this economic achievement in harmony with the environment

raquo the critical role the European Research Area 7th Framework Programme must play in supporting world class excellence in marine science amp technology

Dr Peter Heffernan Marine Institute CEO Commissioner Damanaki Minister Simon Coveney Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn and Jim Fennell Marine Institute chairman Photo A Downes

Brendan Price of the Irish Seal Sanctuary called on the Commissioner to close the Irish Sea to trawling on the grounds it faced collapse in the absence of full regulation

ldquoThe Commissioner claims to put the environment and people at the heart of the CFP reform To do so she must appreciate and assess the scale of the problem No fishery has eluded assessment and defied comprehension as much as Irish Seardquo he claims He suggested this could be addressed by implementing special measures that could be a template for a sustainable multi-species fishery and facilitate stock recovery

ldquoThe Commissioner has warned of an automatic reduction of 25 in the Irish Sea TAC in the absence of scientific evidence and progress to MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield) by 2015 This would inevitably mean a closure of the Irish Sea to all but a prawn fishery in a very few years if not addressed immediatelyrdquo

He suggested that a ldquofully regulated observer fleetrdquo was required to gather the necessary data on which to establish sustainable fisheries in the Irish Sea ldquoThis is infinitely preferable to closure or collapserdquo he warned

He has welcomed Commissioner Damanakirsquos commitment to end discarding which he says is worst in the Irish Sea

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 13

FISHERIES

New system provides real-time snapshot of fishing activity

In 2009 the European Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed to

the phased introduction of an electronic logbook to replace paper recording of fishing vessel activity This is known as an Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS)

The decision of the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the subsequent regulations implementing this decision by the European Commission was strongly supported and welcomed by the Irish authorities The ERS system for the first time will give the Irish fisheries control authorities real-time access to logged fish catch data of all fishing vessels operating in the Irish 200 nautical mile European Economic Zone (EEZ) It will also allow for real-time management of fish quotas

Until now fishing vessels operating within Irelandrsquos EEZ but not landing into Irish ports did not have their recorded catches verified by Ireland unless boarded at sea by the Irish Naval Service Given that 300-500 vessels can operate within this area at any one time it is clear this system will be an essential element in ensuring a level playing field throughout Europe ϐ

include bull real-time monitoring of

catches by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters

bull protection of valuable commercial fish stocks and vital Irish sea-fisheries interests

bull efficient and effective data interchange between agencies engaged in fisheries monitoring and control functions both in Ireland the EU and Norway

bull elimination of inefficiencies in current data exchange mechanisms as well as

significantly reducing the requirement of manual entry of logbook data into the central databases

In Ireland the introduction of ERS is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group drawn from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) the Department of Defence and the Naval Service

BACKGROUNDThe introduction of ERS

commenced in late 2009 and to date fishing vessels greater than 15 metres have been fitted with an ERS systemThis onboard system comprises a laptop with specialist software lsquoieCatchrsquo and a communications system for transmitting the catch and fishing information to the Irish ERS hub The equipment was provided at no cost to fishermen other than annual running costs eg transmission and maintenance In addition the SFPA provides a comprehensive training programme for all skippers requiring ERS

In 2010 an ERS hub was developed to capture all information sent from a fishing vessel this information is available to the SFPA and the Naval Service If a fishing vessel however is operating in another EU Member State or in Norwegian waters the ERS information is made available to their fisheries control authorities

This programme of Installations and Training is continuing in 2011 with fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre bracket requiring ERS and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) from January 1 2012 As with the previous phases the cost of equipment installation and training will be borne by the SFPA The costs of transmission and maintenance will be the responsibility of vessel owners

CONTROL REGULATIONSIf fishing vessels in the

12 to 15 metre length category have this equipment

installed it will ensure they are not restricted by the new requirements set out in the recently introduced EU Control Regulations regarding duration of fishing trip and fishing outside the 12 mile limit

A potential exemption however may be sought by fishing vessels in the 12-15m category if the owners commit to a fishing pattern that complies by either operating exclusively within the territorial seas of Ireland (inside the 12 nautical mile limit) or never spend more than 24 hours at sea from the time of departure to the return to port If at a later date a fishing vessel owner chooses to alter his fishing pattern he will then require ERS and VMS equipment

The SFPA recently wrote to all fishing vessel owners in this category to inform them of this potential exemption and offered the opportunity to apply Not all vessels however will be granted an exemption decisions

will be made on a case-by-case basis The operational profile of certain vessels would make their exemption inconsistent with the control obligations on Ireland and therefore may dictate they are required to be fitted for both systems irrespective of their compliance with exemption criteria

EXAMPLES INCLUDE bull fishing vessels that directly

target fish species under multi-annual conservation plans

bull fishing vessels operating in sea areas subject to effort control such as days-at-sea schemes or

bull fishing vessels of certain fleets by virtue of likelihood that they will not always meet the qualifying criteria

In February 2011 the Irish ERS system went live for fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters Fishing vessels currently operating a live ERS in Irish waters include UK France and Spain

Implementation timetable across vessel sizesbull January 1 2010 (24m and

over)bull July 1 2011 (15m and

over)bull January 1 2012 (12-15m)

Figure 1 The Satlink FB250 Satellite Communications Hardware (SCH)

Castletownbere Co Cork is a major whitefish port

Vessels lying alongside at Duncannon Co Wexord Photo G Mills

14 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape

Nestled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Irelandrsquos most northern coast is Lough Swilly ndash one of the largest of Irelandrsquos sea loughs Long noted for its scenic beauty Lough Swilly is also

the site of several momentous events in Irelandrsquos history the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan

Written by a team of experts this book explores Lough Swilly ndash from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough

Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark The Loughrsquos position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history

Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana

Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Loughrsquos history and its maritime archaeology The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing fish farming conservation recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Loughrsquos value for future generations

Edited by Andrew Cooper professor of coastal studies University of Ulster

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press See wwwfourcourtspressie

ISBN 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE euro3500

Upland troutSmall and aggressiveBrendan Connolly

Irelandrsquos countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and

poor acidic uplands The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkalineand rich in nutrients or acidic and nutrient poor

The heather and gorse-covered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape

Walking on blanket bog one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake cradled between rough hillsides wild and unaffected by modern development

These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age

SLOW GROWERSThese lakes are home to

Irelandrsquos upland trout Here small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size

Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year

The wetflies are carefully selected two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies The third fly is smaller

and light grey in colour The dapping rod has a bushy artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line ready to scamper over the water surface

The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore retrieving as the boat slowly moves along The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat

On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout It dashes around with great energy staying surprisingly deep It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed

ROCKY LAKE SHOREStarting the engine the

angler resumes along the rocky lake shore A headland is coming up and predictably another small trout swirls below the surface The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one More trout were hooked lost and landed as the day progressed at one stage two trout were hooked at the

same time on two of the three wetflies

The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface leaving a tiny track in its wake

This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses Immediately it rises again and misses again It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly and repeats the jump two seconds later The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker

DAP TEASEREventually as the dap is close

to the shore a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly This fish is netted and brought into the boat but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net The hook may be too big for these small trout The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly

Just a couple more fish are hooked many others rise to the dap and miss to the anglerrsquos amusement

Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings

CONTRIBUTORSNeil Bass Andrew Cooper (U Ulster) Paul Dunlop (U Ulster)

Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT) Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council) Derek Jackson (U Ulster) Emmett Johnston (National Parks amp Wildlife Service) Thomas McErlean (U Ulster) Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council) Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council) Rowena Moore (U Ulster) John Niven (UK Border Agency) Marianne OrsquoConnor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks amp Wildlife Service)

CONTENTSForeword by Councillor Cora Harvey

Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore Andrew Cooper Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson

Coastal and Seabed Environments Living Habitats - Emmett Johnston

The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly

Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly

Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and Twenty-

First Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly

- Andrew Cooper and Marianne OrsquoConnor

Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizesQ What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607

Answers by November 4 2011 with name address and contact details tomillsinshore-irelandcomor 3 Hillview Cottages Pottery Road Duacuten Laoghaire Co Dublin

An upland trout small but mature

An upland lake on the west coast

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 13

FISHERIES

New system provides real-time snapshot of fishing activity

In 2009 the European Council of Fisheries Ministers agreed to

the phased introduction of an electronic logbook to replace paper recording of fishing vessel activity This is known as an Electronic Recording and Reporting System (ERS)

The decision of the Council of Fisheries Ministers and the subsequent regulations implementing this decision by the European Commission was strongly supported and welcomed by the Irish authorities The ERS system for the first time will give the Irish fisheries control authorities real-time access to logged fish catch data of all fishing vessels operating in the Irish 200 nautical mile European Economic Zone (EEZ) It will also allow for real-time management of fish quotas

Until now fishing vessels operating within Irelandrsquos EEZ but not landing into Irish ports did not have their recorded catches verified by Ireland unless boarded at sea by the Irish Naval Service Given that 300-500 vessels can operate within this area at any one time it is clear this system will be an essential element in ensuring a level playing field throughout Europe ϐ

include bull real-time monitoring of

catches by all fishing vessels operating in Irish waters

bull protection of valuable commercial fish stocks and vital Irish sea-fisheries interests

bull efficient and effective data interchange between agencies engaged in fisheries monitoring and control functions both in Ireland the EU and Norway

bull elimination of inefficiencies in current data exchange mechanisms as well as

significantly reducing the requirement of manual entry of logbook data into the central databases

In Ireland the introduction of ERS is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group drawn from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) the Department of Defence and the Naval Service

BACKGROUNDThe introduction of ERS

commenced in late 2009 and to date fishing vessels greater than 15 metres have been fitted with an ERS systemThis onboard system comprises a laptop with specialist software lsquoieCatchrsquo and a communications system for transmitting the catch and fishing information to the Irish ERS hub The equipment was provided at no cost to fishermen other than annual running costs eg transmission and maintenance In addition the SFPA provides a comprehensive training programme for all skippers requiring ERS

In 2010 an ERS hub was developed to capture all information sent from a fishing vessel this information is available to the SFPA and the Naval Service If a fishing vessel however is operating in another EU Member State or in Norwegian waters the ERS information is made available to their fisheries control authorities

This programme of Installations and Training is continuing in 2011 with fishing vessels in the 12 to 15 metre bracket requiring ERS and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) from January 1 2012 As with the previous phases the cost of equipment installation and training will be borne by the SFPA The costs of transmission and maintenance will be the responsibility of vessel owners

CONTROL REGULATIONSIf fishing vessels in the

12 to 15 metre length category have this equipment

installed it will ensure they are not restricted by the new requirements set out in the recently introduced EU Control Regulations regarding duration of fishing trip and fishing outside the 12 mile limit

A potential exemption however may be sought by fishing vessels in the 12-15m category if the owners commit to a fishing pattern that complies by either operating exclusively within the territorial seas of Ireland (inside the 12 nautical mile limit) or never spend more than 24 hours at sea from the time of departure to the return to port If at a later date a fishing vessel owner chooses to alter his fishing pattern he will then require ERS and VMS equipment

The SFPA recently wrote to all fishing vessel owners in this category to inform them of this potential exemption and offered the opportunity to apply Not all vessels however will be granted an exemption decisions

will be made on a case-by-case basis The operational profile of certain vessels would make their exemption inconsistent with the control obligations on Ireland and therefore may dictate they are required to be fitted for both systems irrespective of their compliance with exemption criteria

EXAMPLES INCLUDE bull fishing vessels that directly

target fish species under multi-annual conservation plans

bull fishing vessels operating in sea areas subject to effort control such as days-at-sea schemes or

bull fishing vessels of certain fleets by virtue of likelihood that they will not always meet the qualifying criteria

In February 2011 the Irish ERS system went live for fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters Fishing vessels currently operating a live ERS in Irish waters include UK France and Spain

Implementation timetable across vessel sizesbull January 1 2010 (24m and

over)bull July 1 2011 (15m and

over)bull January 1 2012 (12-15m)

Figure 1 The Satlink FB250 Satellite Communications Hardware (SCH)

Castletownbere Co Cork is a major whitefish port

Vessels lying alongside at Duncannon Co Wexord Photo G Mills

14 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape

Nestled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Irelandrsquos most northern coast is Lough Swilly ndash one of the largest of Irelandrsquos sea loughs Long noted for its scenic beauty Lough Swilly is also

the site of several momentous events in Irelandrsquos history the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan

Written by a team of experts this book explores Lough Swilly ndash from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough

Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark The Loughrsquos position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history

Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana

Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Loughrsquos history and its maritime archaeology The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing fish farming conservation recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Loughrsquos value for future generations

Edited by Andrew Cooper professor of coastal studies University of Ulster

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press See wwwfourcourtspressie

ISBN 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE euro3500

Upland troutSmall and aggressiveBrendan Connolly

Irelandrsquos countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and

poor acidic uplands The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkalineand rich in nutrients or acidic and nutrient poor

The heather and gorse-covered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape

Walking on blanket bog one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake cradled between rough hillsides wild and unaffected by modern development

These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age

SLOW GROWERSThese lakes are home to

Irelandrsquos upland trout Here small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size

Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year

The wetflies are carefully selected two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies The third fly is smaller

and light grey in colour The dapping rod has a bushy artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line ready to scamper over the water surface

The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore retrieving as the boat slowly moves along The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat

On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout It dashes around with great energy staying surprisingly deep It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed

ROCKY LAKE SHOREStarting the engine the

angler resumes along the rocky lake shore A headland is coming up and predictably another small trout swirls below the surface The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one More trout were hooked lost and landed as the day progressed at one stage two trout were hooked at the

same time on two of the three wetflies

The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface leaving a tiny track in its wake

This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses Immediately it rises again and misses again It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly and repeats the jump two seconds later The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker

DAP TEASEREventually as the dap is close

to the shore a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly This fish is netted and brought into the boat but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net The hook may be too big for these small trout The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly

Just a couple more fish are hooked many others rise to the dap and miss to the anglerrsquos amusement

Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings

CONTRIBUTORSNeil Bass Andrew Cooper (U Ulster) Paul Dunlop (U Ulster)

Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT) Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council) Derek Jackson (U Ulster) Emmett Johnston (National Parks amp Wildlife Service) Thomas McErlean (U Ulster) Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council) Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council) Rowena Moore (U Ulster) John Niven (UK Border Agency) Marianne OrsquoConnor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks amp Wildlife Service)

CONTENTSForeword by Councillor Cora Harvey

Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore Andrew Cooper Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson

Coastal and Seabed Environments Living Habitats - Emmett Johnston

The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly

Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly

Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and Twenty-

First Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly

- Andrew Cooper and Marianne OrsquoConnor

Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizesQ What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607

Answers by November 4 2011 with name address and contact details tomillsinshore-irelandcomor 3 Hillview Cottages Pottery Road Duacuten Laoghaire Co Dublin

An upland trout small but mature

An upland lake on the west coast

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

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IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

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Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

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XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

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GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

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VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

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Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

14 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape

Nestled between Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas on Irelandrsquos most northern coast is Lough Swilly ndash one of the largest of Irelandrsquos sea loughs Long noted for its scenic beauty Lough Swilly is also

the site of several momentous events in Irelandrsquos history the Flight of the Earls in 1607 took place from Rathmullan

Written by a team of experts this book explores Lough Swilly ndash from the evolution of the present landscape during the geological past through to contemporary human uses of the Lough

Set on important global migration routes for fish and birds the Lough has a rich diversity of wildlife including the basking shark The Loughrsquos position on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe has also influenced its human history

Far from the remote landscape that it is now widely regarded to be the Lough was once a major oceanic hub for trans-Atlantic maritime trade Its importance in that regard is evidenced in its fortifications and shipwrecks and the fact that for a time the headquarters of the British Grand Fleet was at Buncrana

Chapters provide a vivid picture of the Loughrsquos history and its maritime archaeology The book also describes the modern inhabitants of the Lough and contemporary activities (fishing fish farming conservation recreation and tourism) and concludes with some insights into present challenges to preserve the Loughrsquos value for future generations

Edited by Andrew Cooper professor of coastal studies University of Ulster

Lough Swilly A Living Landscape is available from all good book shops and directly from Four Courts Press See wwwfourcourtspressie

ISBN 978-1-84682-307-7 RETAIL PRICE euro3500

Upland troutSmall and aggressiveBrendan Connolly

Irelandrsquos countryside can roughly be divided into fertile alkaline lowlands and

poor acidic uplands The rivers and lakes of these two contrasting landscapes are also either alkalineand rich in nutrients or acidic and nutrient poor

The heather and gorse-covered hills of the west of Ireland are not fertile but they are very scenic with glittering lakes and rivers adding an exotic sparkle to this rugged landscape

Walking on blanket bog one can cross the brow of a hill and suddenly look down on a quiet lake cradled between rough hillsides wild and unaffected by modern development

These small lakes appear so untouched you feel as if you have just made a discovery Their dark surfaces exude a calm that seems to have been undisturbed since the last Ice Age

SLOW GROWERSThese lakes are home to

Irelandrsquos upland trout Here small but fiery fish of around 100g grow slowly and mature at less than one-third in size compared to their faster growing lowland cousins If you take a moment you can see the lake surface dimpling with surreptitious rises of small trout Casting a fly on these small upland lakes is a revelation the sudden hard take of these trout belie their small size

Armed with a fly rod and a dapping rod an angler prepares to step into a boat on an upland lake This lake contains many small trout and is fished no more than two or three times a year

The wetflies are carefully selected two of the three have bright red tails with brown bodies The third fly is smaller

and light grey in colour The dapping rod has a bushy artificial daddy-long-legs on the end of the line ready to scamper over the water surface

The angler steers the boat parallel to the shore and casts the wetflies towards the shore retrieving as the boat slowly moves along The cast of flies creates an arc in the water as the line is gradually drawn in a straight line behind the boat

On the third cast he feels a sharp tug and the fish pulls the rod tip into a very respectable curve and makes a dash from the shore into the deep The angler stops the engine and turns to play the small trout It dashes around with great energy staying surprisingly deep It then comes to the surface and creates splashes that you would expect from a trout of twice its size It has taken one of the flies with the bright red tail the fly has not damaged the trout so it can be returned unharmed

ROCKY LAKE SHOREStarting the engine the

angler resumes along the rocky lake shore A headland is coming up and predictably another small trout swirls below the surface The strong fight the fish puts up lures the anglers into thinking this fish may be a bit bigger than average however when landed it is almost the same size as the previous one More trout were hooked lost and landed as the day progressed at one stage two trout were hooked at the

same time on two of the three wetflies

The angler then changes to the dapping rod and motors upwind to allow the boat to drift across the mouth of a small bay The wind scuds the artificial daddy-long-legs across the surface leaving a tiny track in its wake

This tiny disturbance seems to attract the fish because almost immediately one aggressive little trout rises at the fly and misses Immediately it rises again and misses again It then jumps clear out of the water over the fly and repeats the jump two seconds later The angler laughs out loud at the frantic efforts of this red spotted attacker

DAP TEASEREventually as the dap is close

to the shore a trout makes a determined rise and takes the fly This fish is netted and brought into the boat but the hook falls out as the fish is still in the net The hook may be too big for these small trout The angler continues to tease the trout with the dap and chuckles at the efforts of the fish to take the relatively large fly

Just a couple more fish are hooked many others rise to the dap and miss to the anglerrsquos amusement

Some 15 trout were landed that day and many more were risen and lost This is the angling fun that is concealed in these pristine upland lakes in their beautiful surroundings

CONTRIBUTORSNeil Bass Andrew Cooper (U Ulster) Paul Dunlop (U Ulster)

Joanne Gaffney (CBAIT) Jessica Hodgson (Donegal County Council) Derek Jackson (U Ulster) Emmett Johnston (National Parks amp Wildlife Service) Thomas McErlean (U Ulster) Rosita Mahony (Donegal County Council) Loretta McNicholas (Donegal County Council) Rowena Moore (U Ulster) John Niven (UK Border Agency) Marianne OrsquoConnor (U Ulster) and Andrew Speer (National Parks amp Wildlife Service)

CONTENTSForeword by Councillor Cora Harvey

Geology and Geomorphology - Rowena Moore Andrew Cooper Paul Dunlop and Derek Jackson

Coastal and Seabed Environments Living Habitats - Emmett Johnston

The Waters of Lough Swilly - Neil Bass The Archaeology and History of Lough Swilly

Thomas McErlean The People of Lough Swilly

Loretta McNicholas and Rosita Mahony Nature Conservation - Andrew Speer Fishing and Shellfishing in the Twentieth and Twenty-

First Centuries - John Niven Aquaculture in Lough Swilly - Joanne Gaffney Marine Tourism and Recreation - Jessica Hodgson Managing Lough Swilly

- Andrew Cooper and Marianne OrsquoConnor

Two copies have been generously provided as competition prizesQ What famous event took place at Rathmullan in 1607

Answers by November 4 2011 with name address and contact details tomillsinshore-irelandcomor 3 Hillview Cottages Pottery Road Duacuten Laoghaire Co Dublin

An upland trout small but mature

An upland lake on the west coast

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

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To The Manager

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IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

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2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 15

FRESHWATER FOCUS

Refurbishment of 19th century weir will improve stock monitoring on premier salmon river

Shane OrsquoReilly

IFI

On September 2nd last Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Ballina to perform the official opening of the newly refurbished salmon weir which has stood at the mouth of the River Moy for over 300 years

Mr Kenny was given a tour of the weir during which he _I[[PW_VPM[QOVQAringKIVstructural and technological improvements that have made it more durable and which will improve IFIrsquos ability to monitor salmon stocks entering the River Moy system

SALMON STRONGHOLDThe River Moy is one

of Irelandrsquos premier salmon rivers producing a consistently high annual rod catch that reached over 12000 Aring[PQV1VPQ[ILLZM[[An Taoiseach congratulated IFI the former North Western

Regional Fisheries Board the project management team and members of the local community on the ldquosuccessful completion of a complex project which will help ensure effective management of salmon stocksrdquo

He noted the important contribution that salmon angling has made to the region with over 60 of the salmon licence income for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim coming from anglers outside of these three counties Acknowledging the hard work put into establishing Ballinarsquos status as lsquoThe salmon capital of Irelandrsquo Mr Kenny complimented all involved on the positive steps taken to develop and reinforce its importance as Irelandrsquos top salmon angling destination sup11ZMTIVLfrac14[Aring[P[WKS[IZM

a unique national treasure and I acknowledge the key role that the IFI plays in their conservation development management and promotion A delicate balance exists between the agri sector ndash with its huge potential to provide for the country ndash and the critical need to preserve Irelandrsquos unique aquatic

habitats which are part of our economic and social fabricrdquo he remarked

NATIONAL HERITAGECharging IFI with the

responsibility of protecting the aquatic environment Mr Kenny underlined the importance of our natural heritage to future generations

rdquoWe want to manage this resource in the interest of our people of our visitors and of our economyrdquo he stressed

As recognition increases that Irelandrsquos resources are key to its economic wellbeing a primary goal within the remit of the IFI is to generate a better economic return from PMAring[PMZQM[ZM[W]ZKM

Noting how 85 of the curren11 million cost of the weir refurbishment project was funded from angling licence and permit sales on the River Moy An Taoiseach pointed to the potential for Irelandrsquos Aring[PMZQM[WOMVMZIM[QOVQAringKIVrevenue and to make a growing contribution to the economy as a whole

TOURISM GENERATORDespite the current

economic situation Mr Kenny however acknowledged the vital role that projects such as the weir refurbishment play in creating positive growth where organisations and local communities join together in a common purpose

ldquoTourism will play a very important role in our economic recovery With angling tourism one of the primary outdoor-based activities Ireland has to offer it is imperative we continue to develop and market our angling product abroad so that potential tourists are aware of the excellent freshwater and sea angling that is available in Irelandrdquo

Mr Kenny also emphasised the ldquohidden revenuerdquo generated by anglers as they spend money in local businesses such as hotels BampBs restaurants and pubs

ldquoBy working hard to integrate angling with other tourism activities on offer we can provide a comprehensive package to suit the needs

of all potential tourists and ensure that both the domestic market and visitors can make the most of our unique natural heritagerdquo

Above Salmon Weir pre-works during high water showing wear and tear on the structureLeft Salmon Weir post-works showing refurbished stonework and hydraulic debris lifting systems

The weir in Ballina is at the head of the tidal waters of the ϐǤǡǯϐǤ14thǡͳͻth ϐǤǡϐǤǤ13ʹͲͳͲʹͲͳͳǢǡǤǡϐǤǤϐǤϐϐǤϐǮǯǯǡǡǦϐǤϐǡǤϐǤǤǡǡϐǦǤǡϐǤAn Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Ciaran Byrne CEO Inland

Fisheries Ireland at the launch of the refurbished salmon weir in Ballina

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

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Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

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IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

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Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

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XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

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EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

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Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
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• II75pg4
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• II75pg9

16 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Worldrsquos largest maritime centre of excellence to be based in Rebel CountyGery Flynn

Ireland is on the threshold of moving centre stage in the world of maritime

enterprise with the announcement that the largest marine renewable energy research centre - the Beaufort Laboratory - will be constructed here by 2013 The Beaufort concept - which is already attracting the interest of marine-related companies worldwide will become the flagship of MERC3 - the Maritime and Energy

Research Campus and Commercial Cluster - a unique and highly-successful partnership that includes the Naval Service University College Cork Cork Institute of Technology and the National Maritime College of Ireland at Ringaskiddy

Dr Valerie Cummins Director of MERC3 and Commodore Mark Mellett TIO7NAringKMZ+WUUIVLQVOthe Naval Service who are at the centre of this new development - spoke to Inshore Ireland about their separate but complimentary roles in the

project and of the targets they have set their organisations to unlock the vast un-tapped potential at the heart of maritime Ireland

Valerie Cummins

Director MERC

Is it true that a decision has been made to change the MERC name slightly and why

Yes we decided to change the name slightly to IMERC ndash Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster which is a closer description of what wersquore doing And emphasising

Irish Naval Service personnel graduating from the National Maritime College of Ireland Photo AB David Jones

Dr Val Cummins

the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
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the Irish is very important because wersquore now going to be looking very much at an international component to develop high-calibre international partnerships with like-minded institutions involved in maritime and energy research

A second prong of the international aspect is that we will be concentrating on trying to attract foreign direct investment into the new campus in Ringaskiddy which is very much the core of the MERC project

How is MERC funded and what is your role as Director

If yoursquore referring to the 5-+WNAringKMPMQZMKWZis a full-time position funded by UCC and CIT in terms of salary My position is very much about pulling together and facilitating the integration WN PMM`Q[QVOMTMUMV[which of course are all funded in their own rights

The INS is funded by the State and the researchers in UCC are funded through the research grant income that PMaOMVMZIM)VL[QUQTIZTathe research produced by CIT is paid for by the grant income it generates Therersquos a very well-established track record of academic research in UCC regarding marine science and engineering On the CIT side ndash particularly in the National Maritime College of Ireland ndash there isnrsquot a track record of ZM[MIZKPJ]_Mfrac14 MVW_OWVMfrom a situation where there was just one research person there at the beginning of this year to seven in that lab by the end of the year

How is the MERC board of directors made upltPMJWIZLQ[^MZa[ZWVO

and is representative essentially of the three core XIZVMZ[=++PM16IVLCIT I should acknowledge Professor Pat Fitzpatrick in =++IVL5QKPIMTMTIVMagtQKM8ZM[QLMVM^MTWXUMVin CIT ndash both of whom have been very supportive ndash and of course Mark Mellett as the TIO7NAringKMZWN PM16

Beyond that wersquove the development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and PM1)IVLKWUUMZKQITKWUXIVQM[[]KPI[5IQVXWZthe Port of Cork and ESBI And then wersquove the Marine Institute and SEAI as well We also have an international board member from the Marine Institute of Memorial =VQ^MZ[QaWN 6M_NW]VLTIVLCaptain Christopher Hearn )[KPIQZ8MMZ+WaTMNWZUMZ-VMZXZQ[M1ZMTIVLIVL1)has been instrumental in pulling all the bits together )TTQVITT_Mfrac14 MPMZQOPUQ`of public and private from the marine and maritime sectors

What is MERCrsquos relationship with the INS and UCC

The INS is very much engaged in a process of innovation and transforming itself into a knowledge-based institution

Both the INS and MERC are leveraging from the research track record within the university so that its personnel can partner with the researchers in FP7 projects INS personnel are also very much engaged with identifying opportunities for innovation with Irish companies - SMEs for example - and supporting them

The INS is fundamentally a component of MERC indeed I would say itrsquos our unique selling point Having the INS on board to underpin research and innovation is invaluable PMV_MZaW[MTT5-+often the fact that the INS is engaged really triggers peoplersquos interest

Are MERCrsquos four disciplinary areas or pillars weighted in any way

Our four pillars are Marine and Renewable Energy Shipping Logistics and Transport Maritime Security and Surveillance and Marine Recreation They are weighted in so far as the initial focus and driver is very much marine renewable energy

A major opportunity exists for Ireland to harness MVMZOaNZWUPMWKMIVparticularly wave and tidal WVPM_M[KWI[IVLOQ^Mus a competitive advantage A number of the top ocean energy device development companies have a very strong TQVSW1ZMTIVL1VNIKUIVaof these are Irish and the 1VMTTMK]IT8ZWXMZa18Q[held here

We are also very fortunate to have nearby the Hydraulics and Maritime Research +MVZMQV=++PMILML]XJaProfessor Tony Lewis who is a world leader in this area

As Director of MERC what are your goals

Short-term goals are the lsquoquick winsrsquo where we demonstrate the value of the MERC partnership to industry We want to really work in Enterprise Ireland-type programmes for innovation partnerships and on commercial strategies Based on the four thematic IZMI[UMVQWVMLMIZTQMZwe organise technical working groups involving representatives from each of the partners and industry participants

These groups have been working over the last few months to identify where we can carry out industry-led research that will result in products and services for the maritime economy of Ireland

Our medium focus is on developing the campus itself WZM`IUXTMJaPMBeaufort Laboratory should

be up and running and Irsquom targeting seventy new research XW[QQWV[NWZPIJa

The long-term target is to focus on commercialisation ndash itrsquos about attracting SMEs into the campus by providing industry suites Our target NWZQ[WPI^MWVJWIZLat least two foreign direct investment clients ndash and this is already happening

Wersquore delighted that details WN PMAringZ[WN PM[M_QTTJMannounced shortly A naval

architecture company from North America is going to set up its European headquarters as part of our cluster It was attracted to MERC because of the INS partnership along _QP+1ltIVL=++IVL1frac14Udelighted about that

Commodore

Mark Mellett

Flag Offfiicer INS

How did the INS become

involved with MERC It goes back to our

involvement with the Cork 1V[Q]MWN ltMKPVWTWOa+1ltand our role in the National Maritime College of Ireland 65+1WUMaMIZ[IOWwhen we were reviewing our strategy with CIT we noticed PMZM_I[Vfrac14ZMITTaIVor Innovation element to the enterprise

We felt that a third-level institution involved in the maritime sector and

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 17

MARINE RampD

Visualisation of the Beaufort Laboratory Ringaskiddy by McCullough Mulvin and Pedersen Focus Architects

Researchers on transit to a test site Credit Vicki OrsquoDonnell

Commodore Mark Mellett

18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
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18 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

developing seafarers really should have an RampDInnovation component

So with CIT we started looking at this and then along came ndash for want of a better description ndash a white knight the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre under Val Cummins who had already M[IJTQ[PMLIVWNAringKMWVHaulbowline Island and gave us some advice

That created the three legs of the initial stool CIT INS and UCC which started the process of examining how to bring research development and innovation into maritime-related activities in the third-level sector

Is such a model unusual ndash a naval service being so closely involved with a third-level body

Yes in this context itrsquos quite unusual to have the merchant navy and the military navy working together on a single campus And to my knowledge there isnrsquot any real parallel example of this in Europe

I understand however that something similar is developing in New Zealand We would be quite advanced in terms of our model however Itrsquos in keeping with the INSrsquos long-term vision of moving towards a post-

modern navy ndash one that thinks beyond the traditional kind of defence role and looks at its broader utility as part of civil society

Itrsquos also very much linked to the terms of the National Recovery Plan which puts an onus on all parts of the State to look at their enterprise with a view to taking on activities that really challenge PMLQNAringK]TQM[PMKW]VZaQ[facing in a positive manner

You say by 2016 Ireland should have the smartest most innovative and responsive navy in the world What does that mean and is the target realistic

It is realistic in the context that wersquove set it as our vision Itrsquos a core creative vision ndash itrsquos not a Mark Mellet vision ndash itrsquos a vision in terms of the leaders within the service itself This vision was created at a round table And to benchmark it we conducted an audit of equivalence in terms of other navies and institutions pro rata with regards to the number of 0QOPMZ+MZQAringKIM[MOZMM[Honours degrees Masters degrees and PhDs

Having completed that process we set our target of ten PhDs and thirty Masters by 2016 Itrsquos really about

recognising that if therersquos one resource we control in the INS itrsquos our people 1frac14UVWOWQVOWJMAEligQXXIV

and say I want to build aircraft carriers or acquire submarines but I am going WJMAringZUIVL[Ia1_IVWattract the best people I can AringVLQVMZU[WN PQZLTM^MTWZLeaving Cert level or in fact secondary school level to join the INS

And the way I can attract them is by demonstrating wersquore actually determined to become a knowledge institution So creating this smart navy is about utilising the resource I am almost certain to get

The record is proven by the calibre of people we already have in the navy - smart young people that we can develop to become the best in terms of their peer groups in other navies

What do you mean by turning the INS into a knowledge institution

Being a knowledge institution means we must be about creating knowledge So the challenge I put to everyone is to look at their job description to see how they can actually enhance and add value to the pieces of equipment they use ndash whether it be radar or sonar or a

searchlight ndash or whether itrsquos in terms of tracking people

For example SEFtec in Carrigaline is helping us develop a technology that will track and monitor the _MTNIZMWN AringZMAringOPMZ[_WZSQVOQVKWVAringVML[XIKM[WV[PQX[where visibility would be reduced by smoke water or AEligIUM

Another enterprise is working with REAMDA in Tralee to develop un-manned air vehicles that can operate off small ships in the conditions we regularly experience off the west coast If we were to buy these un-manned air vehicles from the major multinationals we would be spending millions

Working with REAMDA we hope to develop a smart solution at a very economical price that wersquoll then be able to market Another company Cathx Ocean in Co Kildare is a world leader in smart underwater lighting Our divers are using their technologies within remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) Wersquore also looking at this technology in terms of high-power search lights for ROVs operating in what are statistically the roughest seas in the world We are working with about thirty companies like these

What maritime advancements do you hope to see by 2020

Irsquod like to see maritime 1ZMTIVLAringVITTaM`XTWQQVOthe massive resource it has which is the largest marine-to-land ratio of any country in northwest Europe

Currently Ireland only derives 1 of GDP from the maritime sector in the UK itrsquos 5 Denmark 11 Belgium 8 and Norway 20

Irsquod like to see a percentage increase up to 4-5 and the AringZ[ZMVM_IJTMMVMZOaNIZU[off the west coast operating by then I would be hopeful that the Westwave Project will have advanced to planning stage by then and that we would be deriving a contribution to the national grid from wave energy renewables

I would also like to see progress in terms of off-shore wind renewables and other maritime technology developments actually exploiting our stated four pillar areas

As Flag Officer of the INS you are responsible for managing huge change Is government support adequate and how does this impact on public sector reform in general

Minister Alan Shatter is on the Daacuteil record as saying how impressed he is at what is happening in terms of the INS and its partnership with UCC and CIT

The Chief-of-Staff of the Defence Forces in his own transformation agenda has enabled this His transformation agenda is driving it with regard to public sector reform and public sector transformation in general Public sector transformation has to be three things it canrsquot be just top down it has to be bottom up it has to be collaborative and most important of all it has to be evidence-based

So the political support is there and the organisational support is there Wersquore now in the business of creating the evidence to show that the transformation is actually happening

Components for a wind turbine being unloaded in Cork Photo Port of Cork

A Wave Energy device deployed at sea Credit HMRC

Researchers onboard the Celtic Voyager Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnellA mother and cub during a CMRC study on seal around Ireland Photo Vicki OrsquoDonnell

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

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IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

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2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

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ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

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• II75pg25
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inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 19

AQUACULTURE

Seaweed extracts benefits and functionsBy Dr Stefan Kraan

Scientific Director

Ocean Harvest

Technology

Over the last decade a lot of hype has prevailed

about seaweed extracts resulting in the epiphany of a certain face cream retailing for US$ 250 for a mere few fluid ounces

Unfortunately the economic climate has now changed and products have to earn their mark or have at least some XZWXMZ[KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMbehind them Nevertheless seaweed extracts have been used in Ireland for a long time popular folklore and anecdotal information tells us that these extracts are JMVMAringKQITNWZITTSQVL[WN ailments

MULTIFUNCTIONALMost famous of all is

Chondrus crispus or Irish moss also known as carrageen Carrageen is popular as a cold remedy and is used as a thickener for desserts soups and sauces and used as extract for skin treatment

It is only in the last couple of years that the function of this cold remedy has been understood the carrageenans (linear D-Galactans comprising galactose sugar molecules with one or more sulphate groups) are able to reduce the rhinovirus growth and inhibit the effects and replication of the virus The human rhinovirus family is the cause of about half the cases of common cold

Other examples are kelp extracts such as Laminaria digitata which are applied to lessen the effects of arthritis and rheumatism In this case it is the high concentrations of iodine that are taken up through the skin and work as IVIVQQVAEligIUUIWZa]LQM[at UCD have demonstrated that iodine is also taken up by the body in seaweed baths

The most-used application of seaweed extracts however is UW[LMAringVQMTaQVIOZQK]T]ZMand hydroponics For centuries farmers have been using seaweed to fertilize the soil it was a logical step to start making extract from the [MI_MML[NWZPMQZJMVMAringKQITproperties in a concentrated form

The many growth hormones (eg gibberlins auxins) osmoregulators (betaines) minerals soil improvers etc found in these extracts provide

IZIVOMWN JMVMAringKQITIKQWV[such as a resistance to freezing and drought in plants stress nematodes worms and fungi

COSMETIC COMPONENTOver the last two decades

the use of seaweed extracts QVKW[UMQK[PI[ISMVAEligQOPwith the French leading the way although nowadays seaweed-containing cosmetics exist everywhere and products are know from Japan to Ireland M^MZIT[MI_MML[XMKQM[

are commonly used in the preparation of body-care products the red algae Chondrus crispus (anti-gingivitis and anti-scarring activity) and Palmaria palmata (antiperspirant activity) species of the brown alga Laminaria (rich in iodine which boosts metabolism) the coralline algae Lithothamnion (rich in calcium carbonates and trace elements) species of the brown algae Fucus (heparin-like activity and antiseborrhoeic effect on greasy hair) and Ascophyllum nodosum (slimming action shampoos and shower gels

That seaweed and seaweed extracts are good for the skin is beyond dispute according to cosmeticians and beauticians Mainly based on anecdotal information one can only assume that alginates carrageenans and agars found in large quantities in many [MI_MML[PI^MIJMVMAringKQITeffect in combination with warm seawater however it is probable that there are other constituents of seaweeds that have restorative powers

Research in the last 10 years sheds light on this and good [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMPI[JMMVappearing over the years The Japanese scientist Fujimora discovered that extracts from Fucus (bladder wrack) promotes the contraction of AringJZWJTI[XWX]TIMLKWTTIOMVgels through increased expression of integrin molecules

A gel formulation that included 1 of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice LIQTaNWZAring^M_MMS[)[QOVQAringKIVLMKZMI[MQV[SQVthickness measured by B-mode ultrasound resulted There was also a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity In cheek skin the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics

It was demonstrated that

these effects were caused by the fucoidan fraction of the extract Using tissue sections of human skin in ex vivo experiments the French ZM[MIZKPMZ3IZQUMVVQdemonstrated that fucoidan could minimize human leukocyte elastase (serine proteinase) activity resulting in the protection of human skin MTI[QKAringJZMVM_WZSIOIQV[the enzymatic proteolysis Others have demonstrated anti-UV properties and

antioxidant activity when applied to the skin

In short there is merit in using these extracts in cosmetics although it depends on the species used concentrations applied and [KQMVQAringKM^QLMVKMWJIQVML

Ocean Harvest Technology has already begun using tailor-made organically-produced seaweed products to make a variety of extracts for the aquaculture and other industries

With several seaweed experts on the staff and our in-house knowledge of the variety of species in Ireland and their bioactive molecules Ocean Harvest Technology is ideally positioned to produce these extracts for use in a variety of applications

For more information on our seaweed powders and extracts go to wwwoceanharvestie

Seaweed native to Irish coasts are rich in many bioactive compounds

Fucus vesiculosis or common bladder wrack is a popular species used in extracts

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

2 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

The king of fish returns to a Dublin river after 100 year absence

A recent review of fish stocks in the River Tolka in north Dublin by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) indicates the presence of juvenile wild Atlantic salmon in three locations in the Glasnevin and Finglas areas This is the first record of wild salmon reproducing in the Tolka for over 100 years

The reestablishment of a wild salmon population in the Tolka is due to the coordinated efforts of a number of

State Agencies involving the Office of Public Works working with three County Councils (Dublin Meath and

Fingal) to install a flood relief scheme and the IFI

RemeDIAl woRksWorks involved removing or modifying some constructed weirs to lsquoopen uprsquo the system to migratory fish

Adult sea trout can now travel upstream to Dunboyne for the first time in at least 150 years

According to the IFI the presence of juvenile salmon ndash a species that only survives in clean water ndash also

reflects the hard work of the county councils in reducing pollution levels in this largely urbanized river

In a further development Dublin City Council is currently implementing an IFI fisheries enhancement plan

in the Carrdiffsbridge Park area to run a linear park along the Tolka River at the Pelletstown area This will

improve fish habitat and eradicate Giant Hogweed

ldquoUntil 2000 Dublin and Reykjavik were the only two capital cities in Europe that had a wild Atlantic salmon

stock in a river within city boundaries Now Dublin can boast having three salmon rivers within its boundaries

the Liffey Dodder and now the Tolka In environmental terms this is an important step forwardrdquo remarked Dr

Ciaran Byrne CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Tallships aheadJ Ashmore

Norwayrsquos oldest and largest

tallship Statsraad Lehmskuhl

paid a three-day visit to Dublin

in August during which time

she was open to the public and

promoted next yearrsquos hosting of

the Tall Ship Race in the capital

Dublin last hosted this spectacle

of sail in 1998 up to 100 tall

ships are expected to flank the

cityrsquos quays next summer

raquo from page 1 the fact we also have a

competitive advantage A number of the top ocean

energy device-development companies already have strong links to Ireland In fact very many of them are Irish and the IP is held here Thatrsquos why marine renewable energy is very much something that we are honing in onrdquo

Dr Cummins believes that in order to develop the necessary technologies an holistic view is required

ldquoItrsquos not simply just about engineering a device itrsquos about all the deployments and the moorings and the cables and the shipping Therefore other elements such as maritime security and surveillance shipping logistics and transport will be the rising tide that lifts all boatsrdquo

ALL WELCOMEAs to how commercial

companies - large and small - can engage with MERC Cummins operates an lsquoopen door policyrsquo and says there are

many ways of facilitating thisldquoFrom the physical aspect

of the campus a true cluster is something where therersquos an opportunity to co-locate ndash to a space created where companies researchers end- users practitioners etc can all easily and readily meet to share ideas and work together We can encourage the private sector to come and co-locate with the maritime college the Beaufort Laboratory and with INSrdquo she declares

Cummins sees the Ringaskiddy wave test tank facilities as ldquosecond to nonerdquo

ldquoOur wave test tank facilities will be as good as anything MT[MaW]IZMTQSMTaWAringVLin Europe In fact certain elements will be unrivalled anywhere else in the worldrdquo

FUTURE CHALLENGESCumminsrsquo enthusiasm

and optimism is clear but she is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead When asked by Inshore Ireland about a recent ESRI paper that effectively dampened

expectations for this sector she responded sup1ltPMAringO]ZM[1][MIZM

the forecasts by the SEAI which show the potential for the wave energy sector to produce 52000 jobs by 2030 Whilst Dr John FitzGerald of the ESRI has indeed raised questions on marine renewables I would point out that he took a very linear view of energy security and didnrsquot look at the export or enterprise dimensions of ocean energy

ldquoIf you include these then you are not just talking about securing Irelandrsquos energy needs but also the potential to create a global market by exporting both the expertise as well as the energy overseas Thatrsquos very important toordquo she declares

STATE SUPPORTCummins warns however

that Ireland could lose out to other emerging marine energy nations such as Scotland who recently won a major contract ahead of Ireland if the necessary government support is found wanting

Nevertheless she is encouraged by the commitment expressed by those who helped smooth the path for the Beaufort project

ldquoWersquore very grateful to the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who is part-funding the construction of the Beaufort Laboratory along with the Higher Education Authority Bord Gaacuteis and the Glucksman Foundationrdquo

She also singles out Justice Minister Alan Shatter for his ldquoclear intuitionrdquo about MERC

ldquoFollowing a visit to the Naval Base some months ago Minister Shatter delivered a statement to the Daacuteil in which he praised the navy for supporting companies and helping to innovate within the maritime sectorrdquo

And she praises Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Marine Minister Simon Coveney in whose constituency back yard the development is taking place Both ministers she says have helped the Beaufort

Laboratory in different ways ldquoto get off the groundrdquo

ldquoMinister Coveney has been hugely supportive by helping resolve some technical issues in relation to land and other details that we had Minister Phil Hogan and his department have been proactive and helpful in working through some key issues regarding foreshore licensing for the Ringaskiddy siterdquo

Dr Cummins however says that government must now be seen to be openly behind the ocean energy sector

ldquoWe donrsquot compare to Scotland where First Minister Alex Salmond is very vocal about the potential opportunities from ocean energy That approach resonates with people We must keep in mind however that nobody has truly commercialised wave energy devices yet

ldquoSo the race is still on and Ireland still has the potential to win that race Thatrsquos what the politicians need to understandndash and to articulaterdquo she says

Congratulations to Padraic Nugent Tuam Co Galway winner of a copy of HMS Drake Rathlin Island Shipwreck by Ian Wilson who correctly answered that Rathlin Island is located o Co Antrim

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

20 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

Knowledge network conference on marine food safety deemed a successGery Flynn

The first conference of the lsquoBiotoxin and Chemical

Residues Knowledge Networkrsquo has been described as a success by its organisers Queens University Belfast

Introduced by Safefood - the all-island body set up under the Northern Ireland Peace Process ndash as one of eight Knowledge Networks designed to stimulate dialogue between researchers and industry this network has a particular interest for producers and processors in the aquaculture industry ndash especially in relation to the impact of climate change

GLOBAL RECOGNITIONSpeaking to Inshore Ireland

network facilitator Professor Chris Elliott and Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use (IAFLU) at QUB said the event was very successful and particularly well attended

Prof Elliottrsquos team at IAFLU is recognised globally for high quality research in food safety A new test developed there recently not only ensures PI[PMTTAring[PIZMNZMMWN toxins before they reach the food chain but is likely to ZM^WT]QWVQ[MPMOTWJITAring[PQVOindustry

ldquoThe aquaculture industry is growing in importance to the island of Ireland and the Safefood networks will serve to promote further dialogue between all stakeholders on these topicsrsquorsquo he said

THEME SELECTIONPointing out that the

AringZ[KWVNMZMVKMPMUMmiddotaquaculture - had been ldquodecided and determined by those within the research grouprdquo Prof Elliott said he ldquowould be happierrdquo if the themes for future gatherings were decided by the network membership itself

ldquoSuccess or failure of the network will depend ultimately on its membersrdquo he emphasised

ldquoWe are fortunate to live on a very clean green island with a thriving aquaculture industry however aquaculture is a very precarious industry because things can affect it in the blink of an eye and most of these problems are climate-related We cannot predict with any degree of accuracy what the next toxin will be or what the new powerful algal bloom will bring

ldquoWe really donrsquot know and thatrsquos where we sit The Safefood network will serve therefore to promote further dialogue between all the stakeholders on these topicsrdquo Prof Elliott declared

DISSEMINATION PORTAL

James McIntosh of Safefood Ireland agrees that a lot of information was exchanged during what he described as ldquoan intensive but highly QVNWZUIQ^MordmAringZ[UMMQVO

ldquoCurrently we have eight Knowledge Networks ndash Aring^M]VLMZPMPMILQVOWN microbiology and three under chemical ndash thatrsquos chemical residues and biotoxins The fundamental objective of these networks is to be a portal

for disseminating information In this regard their purpose is to bring together all of those with a vested interest in [XMKQAringKNWWL[INMaWXQK[ordm

Micheaacutel OrsquoMahony of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority of Ireland who spoke at the conference about the regulatory management of chemical hazards in seafood and future trends said that marine biotoxins in [PMTTAring[PIZMWVMWN PMNM_chemical contaminants for which prescriptive limits ldquosit within the general food safety regulatory frameworkrdquo

CONSUMER PROTECTION

He revealed that the risk-basis for those limits ldquois the subject of active review at -=TM^MTordmIVLKWVAringZUMLPIthe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already published various opinions on necessary limits with the stated objective of protecting consumers

ldquoEnvironmental contaminant legislation is also the subject of active review at EU level and should help address ongoing anomalies arising from variable tissue distribution of heavy metals in crustaceans

ldquoThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed System (RASFF) is a communication tool and not an epidemiological tool hence not a surrogate indicator of risk There are many forces that shape regulations all of which contribute to problematic lagging behind JM[[KQMVQAringK]VLMZ[IVLQVOordmOrsquoMahony concluded

Safefood currently has eight Knowledge Networks ndash all featuring a unique online professional networking platform an annual meeting and an annual electronic newsletterVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Network -The VTEC Network is facilitated by Dr Geraldine Duffy Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact GeraldineDuffyteagascieCampylobacter Network- The Campylobacter Network is facilitated by Dr Declan Bolton Teagasc Food Research Centre (Ashtown) Dublin 15 Ireland Contact DeclanBoltonteagascieListeria Network -The Listeria Network is facilitated by Dr Kieran Jordan Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark) Fermoy CoCork Ireland Contact KieranJordanteagascieBiotoxin Network and Chemical Residues Network-The Biotoxin Network and the Chemical Residues Network are facilitated by Professor Chris Elliott Queenrsquos University Belfast Institute of Agri-food and Land Use David Keir Building Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5AY Contact ChrisElliottqubacukCryptosporidium Network- The Cryptosporidium Network is facilitated by Professor JR Rao Agri-Food amp Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Newfore Lane Belfast BT9 5PX Northern Ireland Contact 13ǤϐǤǤSalmonella Network- The Salmonella Network is facilitated by Professor Francis Butler School of Agriculture University College Dublin Contact fbutlerucdieFood Allergy and Food Intolerance Network -The Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Network is facilitated by Mr Michael Walker LGC Limited Newtownabbey Contact MichaelwalkerlgccoukTo participate in the safefood Knowledge Networks and connect with other food safety professionals just visit httpwwwsafefoodeuProfessionalNetworksKnowledge-Networksaspx

Good Food IrelandAnnual conference and awardsNovember 22nd 2011 Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Guest of Honour An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny TD

The Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards is

the highlight of the annual food and tourism calendar Businesses promoted through Good Food Ireland share the philosophy of delivering a sustainable Irish ingredient-led experience and are committed to supporting local farmers food producers and fishermen Good Food Ireland links the agri-food

sector with the hospitality sector and generates B2B opportunities

This yearrsquos conference will include an expert on sustainable fishing

If you are an owner manager chef producer or sales and marketing representative in a food or hospitality business and would like to register your interest in attending the conference please email infogoodfoodirelandie or call 053 9158693

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 21

SEAFOOD BUSINESS

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting

and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations under this legislation The SFPA will continue working in co-

operation with the industry to further develop a culture of compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable profitable and

world class fishing industry in Ireland

The SFPA is the independent statutory body legally charged with the Statersquos sea-fisheries law enforcement functions

Confidential Line 1890 767676 Fax +353 (0)23 8859300 E infosfpaie W wwwsfpaie

lsquoFirst waversquo of southeast seafood companies bring added-value to their productsEight ambitious seafood

entrepreneurs in Co Wexford are the first

in the southeast region to benefit from a new business development initiative developed by BIM

The lsquoWexford Seafood Development Programmersquo follows on from a similar syllabus organised in coastal communities in West Cork Many of these companies now have lsquovalue-addedrsquo products ready to launch in Ireland and overseas

Donal Buckley Business Development amp Innovation Manager with BIM says the programme ensures that local seafood companies are fully-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a contemporary marketplace

ldquoWersquore confident that [this initiative] will mean a boost for local seafood companies determined to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and strategically develop their businesses Here in the southeast we need to look beyond offering wholesale or lsquorawrsquo seafood produce The demands of the marketplace mean that businesses in the region have the opportunity to re-position themselves and capitalise on the higher-margin lsquovalue-addedrsquo sectorrdquo

SEAFOOD KNOWLEDGEHe added that whilst the county

wasnrsquot shortage on innovation it was vital that seafood entrepreneurs developed their knowledge of the seafood industry

ldquoAs we endeavour to support a new generation of entrepreneurs in coastal communities itrsquos crucial that we focus on marketing know-how We also need to nurture a sense of awareness in relation to emerging food trends and production technology ldquo

John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the training scheme Like many of his peers hersquos hoping that his business can attract the attention of retailers and distributors in continental Europe and further afield

ldquoWersquore definitely going down the gourmet route and wersquore now more confident than ever that our lsquovalue-addedrsquo products have enormous potential on both the domestic and export markets Over the last year wersquove been very much focused on product development and strategic marketing ndash our new product range will include innovative and more adventurous flavour combinations designed to appeal to the modern consumer

ldquoBefore the programme we were aware we needed to

diversify our business model to ensure company growth and development We were ready to begin pursuing new business ideas but in certain areas we lacked a complete marketplace insight

ldquoOver the last ten months itrsquos been fantastic to attend the combination of group workshops

and one-to-one mentoring sessions At this stage I feel fully prepared to launch our new product range co-ordinate a sales and marketing campaign and take our business to the next level

He added that while looking forward to developing his own business it was important to enhance the reputation of Co

Wexford seafood as a wholeAimed at both start-up and

existing seafood enterprises the New Ross-based course was co-ordinated by BIM in conjunction with Wexford Local Development Ltd and Wexford County Enterprise Board Training and mentoring support was delivered by Bullseye Food Marketing

William Dwyer and Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy

Bernie Walsh Fish Ahoy Jason White and John Kenny Atlantis Seafoods

William Dwyer and Morris Glody Dunmore East Fishermenrsquos Co-op

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

22 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

FISHERIES

Commission proposes a total ban on cod fishing in the Irish fishing in 2012Gillian Mills

The Commission is proposing a cod closure in the Irish Sea West of

Scotland and the Kattegat in 2012 lsquogiven the poor state of these stocksrsquo

The agency has presented its AringZ[XZWXW[ITNWZAring[PQVOWXXWZ]VQQM[NWZKMZIQV[WKS[QVPM)TIVQKIVLPM6WZPMIltPM[MXZWXW[IT[[MTM^MT[WN WITITTW_IJTMKIKPlt)+IVLAring[PQVOMNNWZNWZAring[P[WKS[UIVIOMLJaPM-=M`KT][Q^MTaIVLVWNWZ[WKS[UIVIOML_QPPQZLKW]VZQM[I[MLWV[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM

PM+WUUQ[[QWVXZWXW[M[WQVKZMI[MPMlt)+NWZVQVM[WKS[KMZIQV[WKS[WN KWLIVOTMZAring[PPMZZQVOPILLWKSPISM[WTMUMOZQUIVL6WZ_IaTWJ[MZIVLZML]KMQNWZ[WKS[ltPMXZWXW[MLKPIVOM[

IUW]VWIVW^MZITTZML]KQWVQVlt)+[Ja_MQOPWN 13KWUXIZMLWsup1W[Mlt)+[I[KQMVKMJI[MLTM^MT[PIPMTXZMKW^MZPM[WKS[IVLUISMAring[PMZQM[[][IQVIJTMQVPMTWVOMZUordm5IZQIIUIVISQ

+WUUQ[[QWVMZNWZ5IZQQUM)NNIQZ[IVLQ[PMZQM[[IQLPM XZWXW[ITfrac14[_MZMKWZVMZ[WVM[WTWVOMZUUIVIOMUMVIVLZMTQIJTM[KQMVQAringKLIIWV

_PQKPWJI[MPMQZLMKQ[QWV[QVTQVM_QPPMQZXZWXW[MLZMNWZUWN PM+WUUWVQ[PMZQM[8WTQKasup1ltPQ[ZMNWZU_QTTLMTQ^MZ

IAring[PMZQM[XWTQKaAringNWZPMN]]ZMJI[MLWV^QIJTMAring[P[WKS[_PQKP_QTTI[[]ZMAring[PMZUMVILMKMVQVKWUMordmltPMXZWXW[MLKIKPTQUQ[

IZMJI[MLWVPM[KQMVQAringKIL^QKMNZWUPM1VMZVIQWVIT+W]VKQTNWZPM-`XTWZIQWVWN PMMI1+-IVLPMKQMVQAringKltMKPVQKITIVL-KWVWUQK+WUUQMMNWZQ[PMZQM[lt-+sup1ltPM+WUUQ[[QWVfrac14[]TQUIM

IQUQ[PIITT[WKS[IZMAring[PMLI[][IQVIJTMTM^MT[PM5I`QU]U][IQVIJTM

AQMTL5AJamiddotIKWUUQUMVPIPM-=UILMWPMQVMZVIQWVITKWUU]VQaIVL_PQKPQ[IT[WISMaXQTTIZWN PMXZWXW[ML+8ZMNWZUsup1ltWPMTXIKPQM^M5AJa

1+-PI[[IZMLWNZIUMQ[[KQMVQAringKIL^QKM_QP

PQ[OWITQVUQVL_PMVM^MZXW[[QJTM)T[WU]TQIVV]ITUIVIOMUMVXTIV[IZMJMQVOX]QVXTIKMNWZITTUIRWZKWUUMZKQIT[WKS[WKS[UIVIOMLQVPQ[_IaMVLWNIZMJMMZPIVPW[M[]JRMKW[PWZMZULMKQ[QWVUISQVOordm

BACKGROUNDThe current proposal concerns only the 83 stocks for which the TACs are decided by the EU alone and is scheduled to be discussed by Member Statesrsquo fisheries ministers at the November Fisheries Council

A second proposal will deal with the 66 stocks for which the fishing opportunities must be agreed with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) or in consultation with third countries and will be tabled later this autumn By splitting the proposal in this way fishermen will learn sooner how much they can fish in 2012 and be able to plan ahead better

For some stocks the long-term approach has already proven beneficial For example stocks of anglerfish in north and northwest Spain may reach sustainable levels (MSY) already in 2012 even with higher catches (110 increase in TAC proposed) TACs for cod in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay can be safely increased by 141

Serious concerns remain however for a number of stocks giving rise to the proposed cod closure in the Irish Sea West of Scotland and the Kattegat

ldquoPoor data has hampered the management of these stocks and despite successive cuts in the TACs over the recent years the stocks still fail to recover For stocks where data are too poor to properly estimate their size the Commission applied a so-called precautionary principle reducing the TACs by between 15 and 25 until more reliable data are availablerdquo Commissioner Damanaki said

More information raquo See tables on these pages for details on todayrsquos

proposals for the Atlantic and the North Sea

raquo TACs and quotas httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulestacsindex_enhtm

raquo Scientific advice httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesscientific_adviceindex_enhtm

raquo Multiannual management plans httpeceuropaeufisheriescfpfishing_rulesmulti_annual_plansindex_enhtm

TABLE 1 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

GADUS MORHUA COD VIIBCE-K VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 4023 9679 141

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIICIXXCECAF 3411 1571 3300 110

CLUPEA HERRING VIIGHJK 13200 21100 60

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VBVIA 2005 2506 25

MERLUCCIUS HAKE VIIIC IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 10695 12299 15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIE 710 777 9

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIID 4852 5300 9

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIICIX X CECAF 3411(EU) 1094 1182 8

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VB(EU) VI 13681 13950 2

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 23

FISHERIES

TABLE 2 STOCKS WITH PROPOSALS FOR DECREASED TAC

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC 2011

TAC 2012

TAC CHANGE 2011-12

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIC 91 82 -10

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IX AND X CECAF 3411 (EU) 303 273 -10

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIDE 4665 4179 -10

MERLUCCIUS HAKEOVERALL NORTHERN TACS (IIIA IIA AND IV VB VI VII XII AND XIV VIIIABDE)

55105 49175 -11

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 23454 20849 -11

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIIAB 4250 3755 -12

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIFG 1241 1060 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIHJK 423 360 -15

ENGRAULIS ANCHOVY IXXCECAF 3411 7600 6460 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VB(EU) VI XII XIV 60 51 -15

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIBC 44 374 -15

CLUPEA HERRING VIIEF 980 833 -15

MOLVA MOLVA LING IIIA EU WATERS OF IIIB IIIC IIID 92 782 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS IIA (EU) IV (EU) 1845 156825 -15

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VB(EU) VI XII XIV 3387 287895 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VIIIABDE 3899 331415 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 693 58905 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIBC 78 663 -15

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIIIXXCECAF 3411 395 33575 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK IXXCECAF 3411 (EU) 282 2397 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIABDE 1482 12597 -15

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VIIIC 231 19635 -15

POLLACHIUS VIRENS SAITHE VII VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 3343 284155 -15

SOLEA SPP SOLE VIIICDEIXX CECAF 3411 (EU) 1072 9112 -15

BROSME BROSME TUSK III 24 204 -15

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIII 3175 2699 -15

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER VII 21759 17551 -19

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VB(EU) VI XII XIV 5456 4092 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VII 32292 24219 -25

LOPHIUS ANGLERFISH VIIIABDE 8653 648975 -25

MOLVA DYPTERIGIA BLUE LING INT WATERS OF XII 815 61125 -25

GADUS MORHUA COD VIB (ROCKALL SUBUNIT) 78 585 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT I II EU + INT W 103 7725 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT IIIIV EU + INT W 1176 882 -25

ARGENTINA SILUS GREATER SILVER SMELT VVIVII EU + INT W 4691 351825 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIB-K VIII IX X CECAF 3411 (EU) 13316 9987 -25

MELANOGRAMMUS HADDOCK VIIA 1317 98775 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIA(S) VIIBC 4471 335325 -25

CLUPEA HERRING VIIA 5280 3960 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VII 18300 13725 -25

LEPIDORHOMBUS MEGRIMS VIIIABDE 1806 13545 -25

NEPHROPS NORWAY LOBSTER SPECIAL CONDITION PORCUPINE 1260 945 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIA 1627 122025 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIFG 410 3075 -25

PLEURONECTES PLAICE VIIHJK 185 13875 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VB(EU) VI XII XIV 397 29775 -25

POLLACHIUS POLLACHIUS POLLACK VII 13495 1012125 -25

SPRATTUS SPRAT VIIDE 5421 406575 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VB(EU WATERS) VI XII XIV 323 24225 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIA 118 89 -25

MERLANGIUS WHITING VIIB-K 16568 12426 -25

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE IIIA IIIBCD (EU) 840 520 -38

SOLEA SOLEA COMMON SOLE VIIA 390 220 -44

TABLE 3 STOCKS SUBJECT TO LATE ADVICE

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITTAC IN 2011

TAC 2012

CAPROIDAE BOARFISH VI VII VIII EC 33000 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL IX 29585 PM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL VIIIC 25137 PM

LAMNA NASUS PORBEAGLE

I TO XIV FRENCH GUYANA KATTEGAT EU WATERS OF SKAGERRAK EU WATERS OF CECAF

0 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

IIA (EU) NORTH SEA (EU) 1395 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS IIIA 58 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS VIID 887 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS

EU WATERS OF VI VIIA-C VIIE-K 11397 PM

RAJIDAE SKATES AND RAYS EU WATERS OF VIII IX 4640 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG IIIA 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOG EU WATERS OF IIA AND IV 0 PM

SQUALUS SPURDOGEU AND INT WATERS OF I V VI VII VIII XII XIV

0 PM

TABLE 4 STOCKS FOR WHICH THE TAC IS DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL MS

LATIN SPECIES TAC UNITMS RESPONSIBLE

CLUPEA HERRING VIA CLYDE UNITED KINGDOM

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(CANARIES) SPAIN

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL CECAF(MADEIRA) PORTUGAL

TRACHURUS HORSE MACKEREL X CECAF(AZORES) PORTUGAL

PENAEUS PENAEUS SHRIMPS FRENCH GUYANA FRANCE

MERLANGIUS WHITING IXXCECAF 3411(EU) PORTUGAL

KEY TAC UNITS KEY TAC UNITS MMIT[WUIXWN Aring[PQVObWVM[PXMKM]ZWXIM]Aring[PMZQM[LWK]UMVIQWVX]JTQKIQWV[KNXGNIK[PMM[Aring[PQVOGIZMI[GMVXLN

I BARENTS SEA

IIA NORWEGIAN SEA

IIB SPITZBERGEN AND BEAR ISLAND

IIIA SKAGERRAK AND KATTEGAT

IIIB SOUND

IIIC BELT

IIID BALTIC SEA

IVA NORTHERN NORTH SEA

IVB CENTRAL NORTH SEA

IVC SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

VA ICELAND

VB FAROES

VIA WEST SCOTLAND (CLYDE STOCK)

VIB ROCKALL

VIIA IRISH SEA

VIIB WEST IRELAND

VIIC PORCUPINE BANK

VIID EASTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIE WESTERN ENGLISH CHANNEL

VIIF BRISTOL CHANNEL

VIIG SOUTH-EAST IRELAND

VIIH LITTLE SOLE

VIIJ GREAT SOLE

VIIK WEST GREAT SOLE

VIIIA SOUTH BRITTANY

VIIIB SOUTH BISCAY

VIIIC NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPAIN

VIIID CENTRAL BISCAY

VIIIE WEST BISCAY

IXA PORTUGUESE COAST

IXB WEST PORTUGAL

X AZORES

XII NORTH AZORES

XIVA EAST GREENLAND

XIVB SOUTH-EAST GREENLAND

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

24 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

MARINE RampD

Irish and UK scientists explore uncharted deep-sea vent fieldJohn Joyce

Marine Institute

An Irish-led team of scientists from Ireland and the UK has

discovered a previously uncharted field of hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ndash the first to be explored north of the Azores The VENTuRE mission led by Dr Andy Wheeler of University College Cork (UCC) together with scientists from the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton in the UK NUI Galway and the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) spent twenty-five days at sea on board the national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on an investigation 3000 metres below the surface of the sea using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1

The team comprised many disciplines including marine

geologists and geochemists to study the hydrothermal vents as well as marine geneticists and biologists whose main interest was the new and unusual life forms that live in this harsh and forbidding environment

Hydrothermal vents which spew mineral-rich seawater heated to boiling point by volcanic rock in the Earthrsquos crust below are home to a rich variety of marine life that thrives in complete darkness on bacteria fed by chemicals )PMXZM[[JZQMAringVOWVboard the vessel in Cork Dr Wheeler explained how such high concentrations of toxic chemicals and near-boiling point temperatures would have killed most living things not adapted to this unique environment

THE DARK ABYSSsup17VPMAringZ[LQ^M_MNW]VL

PMMLOMWN PM^MVAringMTLwithin two hours of arriving WVPM[MIAEligWWZltPM7gtdescended a seemingly bottomless underwater cliff into the abyss We never reached the bottom but rising

up from below were these chimneys of metal sulphides belching black plumes of mineral-rich superheated water Often the search for vents takes much longer our success is a testament to the hard work and skill of everyone on boardrdquo he saidXMISQVONZWUPMgt

Celtic Explorer when the vessel returned to Cork in early August Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine said the work was an example of an exciting new discovery made by the Celtic Explorer and its crew of Irish and international scientists

ldquoThanks to vessels like the Celtic Explorer Irish academics and scientists can work with other international experts to explore the seabed in the Atlantic and make groundbreaking discoveries Ireland is positioning itself as a centre for marine research from a European and international perspective and this work should be supported and welcomedrdquo

UNDERSTANDING PLANET EARTH

Dr Bramley Murton of the UK National Oceanography +MVZM_PWAringZ[[I_KT]M[of possible vents on an expedition in 2008 and who led the mineralisation study on the expedition said the LQ[KW^MZa_I[PMAringZ[LMMX[MI^MVAringMTLSVW_VWVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMVWZPWN the Azores

ldquoAlthough people have been crossing this ocean for KMV]ZQM[_MIZMPMAringZ[Wreach this spot beneath the waves and witness this natural wonder The sense of awe at what we are seeing does not fade and now we are working hard to understand what our discovery tells us about how our planet worksrdquo

Patrick Collins from NUI IT_Iafrac14[aIV1V[Q]Mwho led Irelandrsquos marine biological team investigating this unique ecosystem is working in collaboration with Jon Copley of the University of Southampton to catalogue and characterise the species found at the vents

ldquoEveryone on board is proud of this Irish discovery which we have called the

raquo5WaQZZIgtMVQMTLMoytirra is the name of a JITMAringMTLQV1ZQ[PUaPWTWOaand appropriately means lsquoPlain of the Pillarsrsquo The largest chimney we have found is huge ndash more than ten metres tall ndash and we have named it lsquoBalorrsquo after a legendary giant In comparison with other vent AringMTL[5WaQZZIKWVIQV[some monstrous chimneys and is in an unusual setting at the bottom of a cliffmdasha real beautyrdquo he saidsup1=[QVOPM7gtfrac14[PQOP

LMAringVQQWV^QLMWKIUMZIwersquove watched unusual orange-bodied shrimp crawling around the chimneys among clusters of tiny green limpetsrdquo said Jon Copley ldquoElsewhere there are writhing scale-worms swirling mats WN JIKMZQIIVLMMTTQSMAring[Pndash a riot of life in this unlikely PI^MVWVPMWKMIVAEligWWZordm

BACKGROUNDThe investigation was

supported by the Marine Institute through the lsquo2011 Ship-Time Programmersquo of the National Development Plan

Inside the ROV Holland 1 control cabin on board the RV Celtic Explorer

Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Mr Simon Coveney TD and Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute with the ROV Holland 1 alongside the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on her return to Cork

Giant dormant vent on the Moytirra field

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

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ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 25

MARINE RampD

under the Sea Change national marine research strategy and by the National Geographic WKQMa_PWAringTUMLPM_WZSfor inclusion in an upcoming National Geographic Channel series Alien Deep premiering globally in 2012

ldquoThis project clearly demonstrates Irelandrsquos KIXIKQaW]VLMZISM_WZTLclass marine research on a [QOVQAringKIV[KITMmiddotIKIXIKQacreated through strategic national investments in facilities such as the Celtic Explorer and the Holland 1rdquo ZMUIZSMLZ8MMZ0MNNMZVIVChief Executive of the Marine Institute

ldquoThis targeted use of research funding by our organisation which has enabled senior Irish scientists to lead this survey in partnership with international colleagues has resulted in [KQMVQAringKLQ[KW^MZQM[WN OTWJITinterest that will enhance Irelandrsquos growing reputation QVLMMX[MIM`XTWZIQWVordm

ANIMAL COLONIESIn addition to its major

discovery on the Moytirra

Vent Field the VENTuRE expedition has also mapped [QOVQAringKIVIZMI[WN LMMX_IMZKWZIT[QVPM5QL)TIVQKQLOMIZMI4QSMPMQZZWXQKITcounterparts deepwater (or coldwater) corals are colonies of simple animals resembling sea anemones that secrete calcium carbonate to protect themselves forming extensive and delicate reefs

Over millennia these reefs build up to form lsquocarbonate moundsrsquo on the seabed which can be detected using sound waves Because their delicate VI]ZMUISM[KWTL_IMZKWZITreefs susceptible to damage from dredging or deepwater Aring[PQVOIVLJMKI][MPMaform unique ecosystems offering shelter to a wide variety of marine life many coldwater coral reefs around the Irish coast have been declared lsquoSpecial Areas of Conservation (SACs)rsquo The VENTuRE expedition has mapped the coral reefs on the western Moira Mounds and deployed the ROV Holland 1 to estimate the abundance and density of live coral

This Deepwater ROV was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor Co Clare who was an early inventor and builder of submarines It was designed and built by SMD Ltd (Newcastle UK) and is designed to accommodate a wide range of user equipment without modification

Ample space is available within the vehicle frame to accommodate scientific payload numerous survey ports for a range of equipment including multi-beam CTD and nutrient sensors Numerous spare serial and inputoutput ports have been incorporated into the system to allow various scientific sensors to be deployed

The vehicle is equipped with a high level of auto control features including auto hold which is invaluable in the completion of delicate scientific tasks The vehicle is also equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment including a HDTV camera and recording system to allow capture of high-definition footage for a variety of uses

ROV Holland 1 on the surface

Smoking vent in the Moytirra vent field

26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

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2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

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8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

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Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

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26 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

MARINE RampD

WE BRING CLARITY TO THE WORLD BELOW

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO SOLVEYOUR UNDER SEA CHALLENGES

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ Ȉ

Ȉ

WWWKONGSBERGCOM

0XOWLEHDPHFKRVRXQGHUZDWHUFROXPQGDWDFROOHFWHGZLWK(0IURPNOAA Ship

Okeanos Explorer -XOHHSVHDSOXPHVREVHUYHGDWGHSWKVRIasup2P

DWDSURFHVVHGXVLQJ96)OHGHUPDXV

Piracy human rights issues and EEZ jurisdiction law are discussed in law of the sea publication

Drawing on papers presented at Trinity College

Dublin in 2010 Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea provides a cohesive discussion on various challenges involved with the law of the sea

International experts cover topics such as straight baselines high seasEEZ jurisdiction the definition of and jurisdiction over piracy and submission to the CLCS relating to outer Continental Shelf claims in disputed areas

The publication also delves into topics seemingly neglected in contemporary literature These include the permissible use of artificial constructions as basepoints along with human rights issues involved with boarding non flag ships In the context of piracy issues such as the Japanese and NGO ships to prevent Japanese whaling activities in Antarctic waters are also explored

Selected Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea is edited by Clive R Symmons PhD ndash Research Associate in the School of Law Trinity College Dublin and Adjunct Professor Marine Law and Ocean Policy Centre University College Galway He has published extensively on law of the sea issues including his latest book Historic Waters in the Law of the Sea Nijhoff 2008)

Shortage of Irish ocean energy graduates could lead to overseas job opportunitiesGery Flynn

A review of the third-level education needs of Irelandrsquos embryonic but fast-evolving ocean energy industry concludes that unless more young people are encouraged to study ocean

energy many of the thousands of new jobs forecast for when the technology scales up during the 2020s will have to be filled by overseas graduates

Released as a discussion paper by the Marine Renewable Industry Association (MRIA) - the all-island representative body for the wave and tidal sector ndash the review claims that ocean MVMZOaPI[PMXWMVQITWUISMI[QOVQAringKIVMUXTWaUMVIVLwealth creation impact within a decade

lsquoltPMQVL][Za_IV[IKQWVWMV[]ZMIAEligW_WN XMWXTM_QPZWJ][LMOZMM[QVZILQQWVITMVOQVMMZQVOLQ[KQXTQVM[_QPIVILLWVWN IVWKMIVMVMZOaUWL]TMWZIN]TTLMOZMMI5I[MZfrac14[TM^MTQVWKMIVMVMZOa[SQTT[[]KPI[UWLMTTQVOJI[QKWKMIVWOZIXPaMKfrac14

MULTIBILLION EURO INDUSTRYQuoting SQW Consultants the MRIA puts into perspective

the potential of ocean energy stating that evidence suggests that by 2030 a fully developed all-island OE sector could be producing around curren9bn in value and creating many thousands of jobs by 20301Q[XW[[QJTMPIIVQ[TIVLWN 1ZMTIVL_I^MMVMZOaQVL][ZaCEKW]TL

XZWL]KMITMI[ILLQQWVITRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircJVQVKZMI[QVOWRWJ[IVLIV68gtWN IZW]VLAcircJVJaQUQTIZTaIQLITQVL][ZaXZW^QLQVO5WN KIXIKQaJaUIaLMTQ^MZIZW]VLlt-RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN AcircUQVKZMI[QVOW RWJ[IVLIV68gtWN JM_MMVJVJafrac14

Examining the current education picture across the island the review notes that each of the seven universities in the Republic IVLPM_WQV6WZPMZV1ZMTIVLPI[[QOVQAringKIVUWL]TM[QVengineering and science

It notes also that all bar one of the fourteen Institutes of Technology in the Republic offer engineering degrees with eleven offering degrees in civil engineering The Colleges have

Former Attorney General of Ireland Paul Gallagher with William Binchy Regius Professor of Laws TCD author and editor Adjunct Professor of Law NUIG Clive Symmons and Declan Smyth Deputy Legal advisor Department of Foreign Affairs at the Law School Trinity College Dublin Photo S FennellyAquaphoto

ISBN 978 90 04 18402 2

Hardback (xviii 360pp)

List price 121 US$166

Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

(Publications on Ocean Development 68)

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

Account Holders Names

To The Manager

BankBuilding Society

Address

IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

Email

Date

Signature

2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

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INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 27

SUBSCRIPTIONS

29000 full-time students ndash a third of whom are enrolled in technical subjects

lsquoIdeally in the ocean energy arena there should be a common offering with components drawn from the individual colleges based on their expertise Moreover industry needs action to crack the conundrum of offshore experience how are engineers and others to achieve real offshore experience prior to entering ocean energyrsquo

FINDINGSOn foot of this review the MRIA states that it will raquo enter into dialogue with third-level and expert bodies

such as Forfas and others so that its (evolving) needs are taken into account in planning and policy fora eg the need to increase the supply of electrical engineers

raquo seek to influence the academic community to provide a world-class common ocean energy Masterrsquos module or better still a full Masters designed in cooperation with the industry and ideally made available for delivery by virtual means

raquo explore ways of dealing with the lsquooffshore experiencersquo issue in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Maritime College of Ireland

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE MRIA REVIEW

raquo substantial capacity in engineering education on the island

raquo supply of engineers is reasonable at present although shortages are discerned in the key field of electrical engineering

raquo concern about the overall numbers entering the profession raquo the opportunities in ocean energy will be modest to 2015

at least but could be very significant in the 2020s raquo Ocean energy will principally require engineers with a

robust core degree in the traditional disciplines of civil electrical and mechanical engineering

raquo Little value is attached by the ocean energy industry to the various lsquoenergy engineeringrsquo qualifications increasingly on offer

raquo providing real experience of working in the tough offshore environment for engineers is a big challenge for ocean energy

raquo The industry- and other experts - would like to see a Masters degree programme in ocean energy engineering that draws off the expertise in specific fields of individual colleges and which is designed in conjunction with the industry to the highest international standards

raquo The MRIA will work with appropriate bodies to address the issues identified by this review

Inshore Ireland is a marine and freshwater bi-monthly newspaper produced by Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and is available six times a year in newsagents throughout the island of Ireland (11000 copies circulated in the RoI and NI) In news feature and advertorial format Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterways under the headings

ReadershipAquacultureIsland lifeWater qualityInshore fisheriesSeafood businessSeafood processingWater-based leisurePorts and shippingMarine engineering and technology

Sustainable energy ( wind tidal wave ) Marine and freshwater policy and regulation Marine and freshwater research and development The legislative frameworks regulating seafood production Commercial exploitation and development of the marine and freshwater environments

Why SubscribeOver the past fi ve years Inshore Ireland has provided unbiased analysis of topical issues relating to the marine and freshwater sectors By focusing on renewable energy and marine researchtechnology readers are also kept informed on these rapidly developing sectors In other words lsquoIf itrsquos water we write about itrsquo Inshore Ireland is regarded as an important and reliable source of information for marine professionals commercial businesses as well as academics and research institutions and anybody interested in these areas so donrsquot miss out - have your copy delivered straight to your home or work place

Subscriptions 2011Subscription to Inshore Ireland couldnrsquot be easier First select your subscription rate Next simply indicate below whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing order and tick which issue you wish your subscription to start - you will receive 6 issues from that issue Once yoursquove completed the form post the original (unfortunately we cannot accept copies or scans) to Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

Choose your subscription ratesTick as applicableT Ireland 25 T UK 25 T European Union 30 T Rest Of World 30

20112012 Publication SchedulesInshore Ireland is published six times a year Please indicate which issue you wish your subscription to start by ticking the box

2011 Issue Published 2012 Issue PublishedTFebMar 27 January TFebMar 26 JanuaryT AprMay 26 March TAprMay 29 MarchTJunJul 28 May TJunJul 31 MayTAugSep 30 July TAugSep 26 JulyTOctNov 8 October TOctNov 28 SeptemberTDecJan 10 December TDecJan 30 NovemberCopy and print deadlines are subject to change

Payment MethodChoose whether you wish to pay by cheque or standing orderT Cheque Please make your cheque payable to Inshore Ireland Publishing Limited Rockfield Athenry Co Galway

TStanding Order Please complete Standing Order form below

Standing Order FormCompanyBusiness Name (if relevant)

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To The Manager

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IWe hereby instruct you to set up a standing order in favour of Inshore Ireland Rockfield Athenry Co Galway Ireland Bank Of Ireland Kill O The Grange Blackrock Co Dublin IrelandSwift BOF IIE2D IBAN IE25 BOFI9011 8328 4237 85Bank Account Number Sort Code

Payment Date

Frequency T One Year T Two Years T Three YearsOurMy account to be debitedBank Account Number Sort Code

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2 8 4 2 3 7 8 5 9 0 1 1 8 3

Subscribe to Inshore Ireland - The marine amp freshwater environment publicationEstablished in 2005 by marine journalists Gillian Mills

and Gery Flynn Inshore Ireland provides impartial news

and analysis on the marine and freshwater environments

Published bimonthly Inshore Ireland reports from

Irelandrsquos 7000km coastline 1000km2 of lakes and

roughly 1000km of navigable inland waterways

In other words If itrsquos water we write about it

ONLINE EDITIONYou can view a digital edition of the publication onwwwinshore-irelandcom or you can follow us on

Twitterwwwtwittercominshore_ireland

and FacebookwwwfacebookcomInshoreIreland

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

28 INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011

COASTLINE NEWS

Recreating history that goes back over a MillenniumConstruction of a replica 40ft Viking longboat in Waterford City by 18 FAacuteS students

under the watchful eye of shipwright Michael Kennedy is almost complete Final work on rigging the sails setting reefing pennants and making the oars is underway along with some minor work on the rudder

Waterford has a very strong Viking heritage dating back as early as 812 when Vikings settled in Woodstown near Mount Congreve In 914 however they moved to a new settlement Waterford City which became a well-defended stronghold that survived and prospered

The Vikings called it lsquoVedrarfjordrsquo meaning windy harbour which over time became lsquoWaterfordrsquo ndash the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name

The project secured a longboat drawing from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark Begun in June 2010 it is a joint initiative of FAacuteS Waterford Museum of Treasures Waterford City Council

and the private sector including the Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Photos Keith Currams

Squeaky white sand and crystal blue waters of the west coastSituated in the centre of the Maumturk Mountains

the Maumturks Walking Club organises walks every Sunday And whilst as the name suggests

routes are mainly within this west coast mountain range shoreline walks are also on the programme taking in truly spectacular scenery

Walkers of all ages and ability are welcome but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parentguardian

Anyone interested in joining a walk should contact the club beforehand or alternatively visit the website wwwmaumturkswalkingclubcom nearer to dates for confirmation

October 9 (Grade A 8 hrs) Maumhoge to Leenane

Meeting point Leenane Car Park14 Welcome meeting Leenane Hotel 73015 (Various) All level walks Meeting point Leenane Hotel16 Various workshops Leenane Hotel23 (Grade B 55 hrs) Ben Beg PJ Leavy Maam Bridge 930am30 (Grade A 65 hrs) Big Benbaun (from Glencorbet)

Niall Leenane Car Park

November6 (Grade B) Maam Ridge (Lake District Hillwalking)

Miko Keane Macrsquos Car Park Cornamonafollow the Viking Longboat project on wwwFacebookcomvikinglongboatprojectwaterford

Roundstone Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

Glassilaun Beach Co Galway

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 29

COASTLINE NEWS

Grey skies fail to dampen excitement of Hobblers Challenge in Dublin BayJ Ashmore

Ringsend-based St Patrickrsquos Rowing Clubrsquos skiff Naomh Padraig

under the coxswain of Ken Cunningham took line honours in a time of 25736 for the much coveted Hobblers Challenge cup Courtown Harbour Rowing Club took second place (3319) and third place honours went to Stella Maris Rowing Club (31600) Host club St Michaels based in the Coal Harbour Duacuten

Laoghaire passed under the high walls of the East Pier Lighthouse and battery two minutes later in fourth place

Ten boats from four East coast skiff rowing clubs participated in the end-of-season Hobblers Challenge ndash a gruelling 25km rowing race from Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour to the Kish Lighthouse and back

The race is held in memory of the men known as lsquoHobblersrsquo who once rowed out to met ships at anchor in Dublin Bay and along the east coast The first hobbler to reach a ship and land a hook on deck was awarded pilotage and

unloading of the cargo The trade survived until the 1930s when the last of Irish Sea trading schooners disappeared

The skiffs lined-up for the starterrsquos gun opposite the Hobblerrsquos Memorial on the east breakwater and were escorted to the mouth of the harbour by the RNLB Anna Livia

It was fitting that the 107-year-old ketch Bessie Ellen ndash a former cargo-carrying vessel representing one of the last such sail-trading ships operating in the Irish Sea ndash was making passage to the east of the Kish Bank as the skiffs raced towards the lighthouse

Walking above Glendalough Co Wicklow

Footfalls Wicklow walking festival

County Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken

high ground in Ireland covering almost the same area as Mont Blanc ndash approximately 50km long by 40km wide It is also home to most of Irelandrsquos native mammals including large herds of sika and redsika hybrid deer foxes badgers hares and birds of prey

Ramblers leisure walkers and serious hikers are invited to enjoy lsquoThe Garden of Irelandrsquo at the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival during the October bank holiday weekend (Friday 28 ndash Monday 31October)

The Festival programme has walks from moderate to

challenging to suit all abilities including

raquo 3 night walks

raquo A selection of day walks ndash offering 3 different levels - challenging moderate and easy

raquo Photography workshop with professional photographer Tim Thornton

raquo My Rhythms dancing and walking with Sherron St Clair from Laragh

raquo Yoga walk with Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland

raquo Nordic walking with

Michele Jameson

raquo An Irish ceacuteiliacute night (29th)in The Brockagh Centre in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team

raquo A walk to see all the good work Mountain Meitheal has done in Co Wicklow

raquo Traditional music and song at the end of the day in the local pubs

Further information and booking details on wwwwicklowwalkingfestivalcom

J Ashmore

G Mills

G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
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• II75pg13
• II75pg14
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• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
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• II75pg25
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• II75pg28
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inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 3

NEWS

Marine Institute Foras na Mara

Do thairseach chuig taighde mara monatoacuteireacht forbairtteicneolaiacuteochta agus nuaacutelaiacuteocht

wwwmarineieYour portal to marine research monitoring technology

development amp innovation

Marine InstituteRinville OranmoreCo Galway

+353 91 387 200+353 91 387 201institutemailmarineie

Foras na MaraRinn Mhaoil Uaraacuten MoacuterCo na Gaillimhe

Dublin and Cork welcome Queen ElizabethJ Ashmore

Cunard Linersquos newest cruise ship Queen Elizabeth made her maiden call to Dublin and Cobh on September 10 amp 11 respectively The 90901 tonnes vessel was named by Queen Elizabeth II in October

last at the vesselrsquos home port of SouthamptonFollowing her Dublin debut she sailed overnight to Cobh

to coincide with Cork Harbour Open Day At the townrsquos SSLusitania memorial monument a service was held to those lost followingsd the sinking of the torpedoed Cunard liner off the Old Head of Kinsale in 1915

Review of crawfish by end of yearInshore Ireland (JuneJuly)

reported that the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine had requested BIM to review current conservation measures for crawfish by July 29 as the current prohibition on landings below 110mm presented lsquodifficulties for Irish inshore

fishermen as small crawfish are preferred by European marketsrsquo

This was to be conducted having lsquoregard to the negative and declining state of the crawfish stock undesirable by-catch of non-target and possibly protected species hellipand a range of technical

conservation measures used internationallyrsquo

BIM has now consulted with the relevant stakeholders and has requested an extension to the end of December in order to lsquoadequately fulfil the Terms of referencersquo according to DAFM

This will allow for lsquofull scientific evaluation by the Marine Institute of the submissions consideration and evaluation by BIM and the Institute of other possible technical conservation measures and a second consultation with

industry following this evaluation of possible measuresrsquo

The statement added that the minister will then consider the outcome of the review

in the context of introducing any changes to the current arrangements in place lsquoas soon as possiblersquo

New chief executive at the helm of the Commissioners of Irish Lights

The new Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields took up her appointment on August 22 last

Yvonne has worked in the marine sector for 19 years most recently as Director of Strategic Planning and Development at the Marine Institute and has a background in

business and science The CIL is responsible for providing aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland to ensure

safety at sea underpinning trade and tourism and enabling Ireland to comply with its obligations under the SOLAS convention

CIL operates an extensive coastal infrastructure of 238 coastal and offshore stations and eight helicopter bases along with the 80m multi-functional vessel Granuaile which was designed in-house to carry out CILrsquos statutory duties Granuaile also acts as a working platform for commercial marine projects such as diving operations

pipeline inspections and seabed sampling She is also available to assist State agencies with search and rescue emergency towing oil pollution control surveying and offshore data collection

Landings of crawfish are worth roughly 1m annually

Granuaile at anchor in Duacuten Laoghaire Harbour Photo G Mills

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

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8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

30 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

ISLAND LIFE

News from Bere IslandEconomic think-tank dayJohn Walsh

The West Cork islandsrsquo Interagency Group applied to

the West Cork Enterprise Board to fund a consultant to organise and run an islands economic day in Bantry on Thursday October 20th

Jackie Gowran is the consultant and she has many years experience working with people who want to start their own business she also runs mentoring sessions with existing businesses She will use an lsquoisland basedrsquo approach and the event is targeting all islanders not just business people

The workshop will look at building the brand of the West Cork Islands and ideas for a logo and website will also form part of the workshops

May Lavelle Comhar Na nOileain and a representative from the enterprise board will also attend to answer questions that may arise The day will be a feeder event for participants as they will have the opportunity to follow up with a start-your-own business course and mentoring advice

WEST CORK ISLANDS WEBSITE

West Cork Islands successfully applied to Faacuteilte Ireland for funding to develop a new website Tender [XMKQAringKIQWV[_QTT[PWZTaJMsent to web developers if you are interested in getting involved or know of a good site that we could look at for ideas please let us know (Contact details below)

ENERGY GROUPMembers from the Bere

Island energy group attended a workshop in Denmark as part of the Leader energy project in June and presented their draft energy plan

Site visits included a trip to a land-based wind turbine ndash one of the largest in Europe a wave energy project which encompasses a windmill and a laboratory that grows algae for energy use and a hydrogen energy project which produces hydrogen from wind that is then used to heat a housing estate

Bere Island is the venue

for the next gathering which takes place in October Representatives from three Danish islands Clare and Aranmore islands will be participating

Site visits are planned for the wave laboratory in UCC and to a hydro project on the Lee Road in Cork City

If you would like to take part or would like more information there will be a meeting on October 5th at 8pm in the community centre All are welcome

ESINThe European Small Islands

Network (ESIN) recently held its AGM on the island of Ile De Yeu in western France Representatives from Sweden Denmark Ireland Scotland Finland France and Alland attended the event The work of the intergroup 174 was discussed this group was set up by MEPs to try to identify ways to help island and mountain communities which was one of the objectives of the Lisbon Treaty

Also discussed was the EPSON report which was commissioned by the EU to compile detailed statistics on European islands and is nearing completion ESIN has a secretariat in Brittany and two staff members ndash Manuela Theraud and Jean Philippe ndash who lobby for islanders in Brussels Further information from wwweuropeansmallislandsnet

DANISH IT PROJECTOn September 5 three

teachers from island schools in Denmark visited Bere Island to establish a European cooperation project with St Michaelrsquos national school

The project will use computers and video conferencing facilities to help students work together on projects and share experiences in each otherrsquos countries The project is being led by Lotte Brinkman school principal on Anholt Island Denmark Lotte used IT to link schools in the UK and Denmark to great success The project will also link with island schools on Inis Turk Aranmore and Inis Mor and will provide a good platform to practice Irish speaking

For further information contact 027 75099

Lonehort harbour Bere Island A natural harbour but folklore suggests has Viking connections supported by the artificial breakwater at the entrance created by dumping stones of the seabed Photo G Mills

Grant-aid committed to light up piers on Donegal islandsMaacuteiriacuten Uiacute

Fhearraigh

Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced grant aid amounting to 67000 to Donegal County Council towards providing lights for various piers on off-shore islands in Donegal

This is a 75 grant with the remaining 25 being funded by the County Council Announcing the investment Minister McGinley that funding for new and additional lighting ldquois evidence of the commitment of this Government to ensuring the continued viability of our island lifestyle At a time when there is unprecedented

pressure on resources I am particularly pleased to make this allocationrdquo he said

ldquoOur off shore islands have a unique attraction and

these facilities will greatly enhance them as a tourist destination as well as for the islanders themselvesrdquo

Traacuteigh na mBlathan pier on Gola Island during the island festival in July

Location Type of light Number Cost

Gola Island Conventional 3 10500

Inishsirrer Hybrid 1 14500

Rutland Island Conventional 1 4000

Island Roy (Cabhsa) Conventional 3 9000

(Sleamhnaacuten) Conventional 1 4000

Inishmeane Hybrid 1 14500

Owey Island Hybrid 1 10500

TOTAL 67000

Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
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• II75pg20
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• II75pg25
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• II75pg27
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Salmon farming in Chile Wild west in Deep SouthBrian OrsquoRiordan

ICSF Brussels Office

secretary

A recent New York Times editorial (lsquoAbout That

Salmonrsquo July 31 2011) commented that salmon farming was a problem everywhere but as it existed now in Chile mdash the second-largest producer after Norway mdash it was simply unsustainable An article in the same paper had already highlighted how the ISA virus probably brought in by salmon eggs from Norway had devastated Chilersquos salmon industry

According to that editorial lsquoWhat makes Chile different

isnrsquot just the scale of its aquaculture Its basic means of forestalling the salmon virus is tragic in itself salmon-farming companies move their pens from polluted water to pristine water edging their way steadily south down the fjords that define the Chilean coast This is the equivalent of moving industrial hog farms onto virgin prairie Much of the land around the fjords is protected as national parks and national preserves but none of the waters arersquo

The implementation of a new regulatory framework in Chile governing improved aquaculture practices under the lsquoSalmonicultura 2rsquo (Salmon Aquaculture 2) scheme is intended to re-launch the salmon aquaculture industry and to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the sector It is also hailed as lsquothe only way to ensure competitiveness and to provide added value to exportsrsquo

SPIN-DOCTORINGNevertheless it remains

to be seen whether Salmonicultura 20 is just another public relations exercise especially given that in November 2010 the illegal practices of a local salmon company caused the first outbreak of the ISA virus in Chilersquos Magallanes and Antarctic regions which the National Fisheries Service tried to cover up

Evidence provided by local media shows that production in the infected rearing centre was excessive whereby stocking densities were three times the maximum permitted levels It also transpires that unauthorised floating incinerators were

being used and that massive quantities of infected dead fish were being dumped in unauthorised urban landfills Infected salmon was also being processed for direct human consumption both locally and for export

This adds fuel to growing national and international concerns about the possibility that in the waters of Chilean Patagonia the intensive salmon aquaculture industry is repeating the destructive sanitary environmental and social crisis that occurred only three years back in the Chiloe archipelago It would seem there is neither the capacity nor the will to regulate this massive export oriented international lsquosalmon gold rushrsquo

SEA-LICE INFESTATIONThe crisis caused by the ISA

virus occurred following a major infestation of sea lice eco-parasites (Caligus sp) in salmon cages resulting in losses of US$ 2000m and the shedding of 26000 jobs ndash most of them occupied by female workers in local processing plants exporting mainly to markets in the USA Japan Europe and Brazil

SUB-STANDARD HUSBANDRY

The ISA virus crisis was the result of 20 years of abysmal sanitary and environmental practices in Chilersquos industrial salmon aquaculture sector Currently 19 viral and bacterial diseases exist in aquatic coastal ecosystems in Southern Chile where this industrial monoculture has been introduced

Here the accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts The chronic presence of toxic blooms of microalgae is also having a major impact on public health the marine environment and the productive activities of small-scale fishing communities for whom bivalve and filter-feeding shellfish culture and extraction represent the basis of much of their economy

Three decades of orthodox neoliberal policies in Chile have enabled the salmon industry to expand exponentially between 1990 and 2007 reaching 36 of global production Thanks to these policies the industry received abundant government subsidies with protection mechanisms provided for foreign investment This went

hand-in-hand with weak environmental sanitary and labour regulations abundant and cheap labour force direct access to fishmeal and oil production from Chile and Peru as well as the completely cost-free use of large freshwater reserves in the extreme south of Chile for the production of smolts in lakes rivers and estuaries

The industry is now receiving aquaculture concessions free-of-charge and in perpetuity along 3000kms of protected and unpolluted coasts archipelagos fjords and bays in the extreme southern zone

REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES

Before the onset of the mega crisis in 2007 production of farmed salmonids reached 660000 GT annually with a value of US$ 2470m Today it is estimated that production for the 2011 season will exceed 550000 GT with exports worth US$3bn Along with this will begin lsquothe second phase of expansionrsquo in this mega industry in Chile where 8 of its production is

destined for exportThis scenario is provoking

optimistic announcements by large Chilean business consortia as well as jubilation amongst lending banks whilst raising concerns in the Fisheries Subsecretariat given that the objective is for annual production to reach 15 million gross tonnes by 2019 and a value of US$5bn Reaching this target will displace Norway as the worldrsquos number one producer of farmed salmonids

The salmon lsquowild westrsquo is moving to the deep south of Chile and if the sheriff is supposed to be lsquoSalmonicultura 20rsquo it may be more imagined than real

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 31

OUTSIDE IRELAND

Salmon cages in Chilersquos Xth region Salmon farming as it exists now it is unsustainable The industry plans for annual production to reach 15 million tonnes by 2019 with a value of US$5bn The accumulative effects of chemical and organic pollution have converted the water column and sea bed regionally into vast eutrophic deserts

Relevant links About That Salmon Published July 31 2011 The Opinion Pages New York Times

httpwwwnytimescom20110801opinionabout-that-salmonhtm_r=1

Norwegians Concede a Role in Chilean Salmon Virus httpwwwnytimescom20110728worldamericas28chilehtml

Chile minister warns industry over fast growth (Intrafish 3rd August) httpwwwintrafishnoglobalnewsarticle290636ece

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
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• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

InshoreJuly2011215x315indd 1 15072011 0944

4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

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Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
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4 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

NEWS

New species discovered in Irish offshore watersDeclan Quigley

SFPA

A new species of rabbitfish Chimaera opalescens was discovered in the

north-eastern Atlantic back in 2003 The species was noticed by scientists while examining deep-water fish captured by French trawlers fishing on the continental slope (950-1400m) off north-west France Ireland and Scotland and was officially described in a paper recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology

Despite the differences in body patterns and morphological features the French scientists noted that specimens of C opalescens have XZM^QW][TaJMMVUQ[QLMVQAringMLas C monstrosa the only other species of Chimaera known from the north-eastern Atlantic

The geographical range of C opalescens overlaps with that of C monstrosa which is generally abundant at 300-400m but occasionally occurs in inshore waters (lt200m) A juvenile specimen of C opalescens (previously UQ[QLMVQAringMLI[C monstrosa) was subsequently found in southern Greenland waters indicating that the geographical distribution of C opalescens may extend to boreal regions

ChimaerasZIJJQAring[PJMTWVOWIXZQUQQ^M[]JKTI[[WN Aring[P(Holocephali) dating back to the Devonian Period (416-359 million years ago) and share many characteristics with sharks skates and rays (Elasmobranchii) indicating a common albeit unknown ancestor

Extant Holocephalan species represent a small fraction of a previously successful and diverse group Although only 43 living species are known worldwide several others

remain to be described Since 1990 at least 17

new species have been ^MZQAringMLQVKT]LQVO_Wfrom the NE Atlantic pale ZIJJQAring[PHydrolagus pallidus) and Lusitanian Chimaera Hydrolagus lusitanicus At least 9 species are now known to occur in the NE Atlantic including seven in Irish waters

Increasing commercial exploitation of deep-water Aring[PIVL[KQMVQAringK[]Z^Ma[WN deep-sea biodiversity aided by improved knowledge about the taxonomy of the group and the development of DNA barcoding techniques are likely to lead to the discovery of many more new species

Many thanks to Dr Elena Luchetti and Dr Samuel Iglesias (Museum National drsquoHistoire Naturelle Concarneau France) for their permission to reproduce the photos

Hydrolagus pallidus

Hyddrolagus mirabilis

Chimaera opalescens

Chimarera monstrosa

Hyddrolagus affinis

Harriotta Raleighana

Rhinochimaera Atlantica

INFOMAR welcomes you to the 2011 Annual Seminar

Dates for your diary November 16th-17th 2011Details and Agenda to follow

Location Marine Institute Rinville Oranmore Co Galway

wwwinfomarie No registration fee required

1XPEHUVOLPLWHGVRSOHDVHFRQAgraveUPDWWHQGDQFH$6$3WR lindagrealishmarineie

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

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EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

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Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

Gery Flynn

No sooner has the subject of domestic water charges faded into the background

noise of the wider political debate it emerges in another guise and triggers some politicos into a predictable knee-jerk response

The subject of on-site waste-water treatment systems ndash or septic tanks to you and me ndash would cause the best of us to switch off

But just like the wider argument of how best to pay for domestic water if we avoid introducing a licensing and inspection system it will be only a matter of time before Brussels [IZ[_IOOQVOQ[AringVOMZI][)VLwhen that happens the national airwaves will echo to the sound of those for and against the idea

Most of the time however only part of the domestic water supply debate is addressed the cost of water coming through our taps If we agree that lsquowhat goes up must

come downrsquo then in a domestic setting lsquowhat comes in (treated water) must also go out )OZMML_PW_IV[WLQ[K][[

AElig][PQVOWQTM[_I[PQVOUIKPQVMIVLLQ[P_I[PMZW]AEligW_[SQKPMVsink and bathwater plug holes ndash not to mention washing the car dog or whatever

That may be but if this elephant-in-the-room is not sorted soon it will come back to bite us where it really hurts ndash AringZ[TaQVPMXWKSMIVLPMVQVthe environment

Environment Minister Phil Hogan must consider himself unlucky inheriting the unresolved rural septic tanks problem How easier it would have been had his predecessor John Gormley ZMUIQVMLQVWNAringKMTWVOMVW]OPto implement the charges he had been predicting But thatrsquos not the way this particular political drama has unfolded ltPMXZWJTMUQ[VW_AringZUTaQV

Minister Hoganrsquos lap and what a headache it might turn out to be as he along with his Fine Gael party - opposed the introduction of domestic waste water charges

when in oppositionThe European Court of

Justicersquos ruling in October 2009 ϐIreland had failed to introduce adequate legislation to deal with domestic waste-water from septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems

Their blunt message told us in effect to either get our act together and face the reality of charging for septic tanks or ϐǤ

Opposition has been predictable with farmers condemning the notion as unfair to rural dwellers More cynically however and with an eye to his electorate Fianna Faacuteilrsquos Eamon Oacute Cuacuteiv declared he would lsquogo to jailrsquo before he would see a charge on septic tanks )VL[WUM_PI[ZIVOMTaI[[PM

spends most of her working life in Belgium where domestic waste-water charges are the norm MEP Marian Harkin called public meetings and opposed their introduction here

Ireland with an estimated (and it has to be an estimate because PMZMQ[VWWNAringKQITZMOQ[MZ400000 household septic tanks is per head of population way ahead of England and Scotland with 800000 and 400000 respectively

So letrsquos stop the dishonest political posturing and for once have a real debate on how WLMN][MPQ[AringVIVKQITIVLenvironmental time bomb

FOOTNOTEIn 2006 it was estimated

that 13 million people in Ireland (or roughly 25 of the population) use private wastewater treatment systems If the effluent from an average single house is 250000 litres per annum it means that more than 250 million litres of wastewater is discharged daily by these systems Thatrsquos equivalent to 100 olympic-sized swimming pools discharging unregulated waste water into the Irish countryside 247 365 days a year

comment

Environmental ostrich syndrome is alive and well in Ireland

INSHORE IRELAND OctoberNovember 2011 5

COMMENT

Inshore Ireland is published by IIP Ltd

EditorGillian Millsmillsinshore-irelandcom01 235 4804

Features EditorGery Flynnfl ynninshore-irelandcom091 844822

AdvertisingGillian MillsGery Flynn

DesignDurgan Mediainfodurganmediaie074 91 94477

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

Thank you for all your entries to win a copy of Irelandrsquos Hidden Depths by Paul Kay and published by Sherkin Island Marine Station

The three lucky winners are

Neil Goodwin Co GalwayLucy Flanagan Co WestmeathJim Flanagan Co Fermanagh

How kids can make your heart burst with pride

A few years ago I introduced my children Martha and Patrick to

snorkelling ndash both being keen swimmers ndash with I being involved in diving and snorkelling well before their arrival

Needless to say they took to Q_QPMI[MI IVLaMIZ[they were popping to depths of 6-8 metres like seal pups Soon they had their cousin Jennifer Cronin and my wife Mary hooked on the sport When I became a snorkelling instructor in 2009 I set about registering them in CFT and put them through their paces NWZY]ITQAringKIQWVI[R]VQWZsnorkelers

We found ourselves frequenting every welcoming spot from Robertsrsquos cove to the Dingle peninsula where we had close encounters with lsquofungiersquo the dolphin and by a shoal of mackerel in Castletown Bere Patrick Q[VW_IVLITWVO_QPPQ[KW][QV2MVVQNMZPMaIZMworking towards achieving senior snorkeler status Recently Mary showed me a UQV]M[XMMKPPI8IZQKShad prepared for his school into which I had no literal input (thus the heading) What follows is a word-for-word transcript which I hope you enjoy

Patrick J Hurley5WV)ZUaQ^MZW]X

NMCI sac

Hi my name is Patrick I am a fully qualified junior snorkeler

Grade 2 with the Irish Underwater Council

Today I am going to talk about snorkelling Snorkelling Q[I_IMZ[XWZ_PMZMaW]AringValong the surface looking at the small and large creatures below Many have not seen the strange but beautiful WKMIVAEligWWZ5IVaUQ[ISMsnorkelling for diving they are similar In snorkelling you breathe out of a snorkel hence the name (Show snorkel)

When you snorkel you stay on the surface unless you want to ducky dive to take a closer look The equipment you VMMLQ[I[VWZSMTUI[SAringV[a wet suit booties and a hood which is needed for colder climates such as Ireland

To be safe at snorkelling you must know how to swim and never snorkel on your own Your Instructor will teach you many snorkelling techniques You can have great experiences My dad is an instructor We snorkelled down the Bandon river from Baxterrsquos bridge to the weir in low water it was fast in places

and slow in others loads WN Aring[PUW[TaJZW_VZW]ranging from tiny to large

We went on a night snorkel it was a bit scary at the start but once I got into the water Q_I[^MZaM`KQQVOAring[PTQNMIVQOPQ[5)MPI^Mmany day snorkels done encountering scallops crabs

prawn trout plaice skate sprat mackerel and glowing plankton at night Snorkelling is a exciting sport I have barely skimmed the surface

Thanks for listening

Patrick C HurleyJunior Snorkeler Grade 2

Thank you for

YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

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ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
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• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
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• II75pg17
• II75pg18
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• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
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YOURVIEW6 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

European surveillance service finally gets the green lightJohn Cushnahan

B Ed (QUB) MCIPR

When I proposed the establishment of a

European Coastguard Service in the European Parliament in June 1993 the response of the European Commission was less than enthusiastic In response to my suggestion the Commission stated

lsquoNo Member State has ever

proposed that a European Coastguard Service be established and the European Commission has no intention of changing the existing situationrsquo

Undeterred by their attitude I campaigned incessantly for this objective over the next ten years I raised the issue in relevant parliamentary debates tabled numerous parliamentary questions on the subject persuaded fellow MEPs to include my proposal in a variety of European Parliament initiatives dealing with drugs IVLP]UIVZINAringKSQVO

illegal immigration marine XWTT]QWVAring[PMZQM[XZWMKQWVair and maritime safety

DETAILED PROPOSAL5aAringVITKWVZQJ]QWVWVPM

subject as an MEP came as a member of the European Constitutional Convention when I submitted a detailed fourteen-page proposal on how I envisaged such a service could operate

Throughout this period PMKTW[M[1KIUMWN]TAringTTQVOmy dream occurred during the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the latter

half of 1996 I persuaded the then Taoiseach John Bruton WUISMQWVMWN PM1ZQ[PPresidencyrsquos initiatives It was then that I realised where PMUIQV[]UJTQVOJTWKSWUISQVOXZWOZM[[WVPQ[Q[[]Mactually layhellip

I discovered this important reality when I was travelling home to Ireland on a AEligQOPNZWUZ][[MT[IVLhappened to be sitting beside a senior civil servant from the Department of Justice Aware of my campaign on the issue both in Ireland and Brussels he congratulated me

on having it included on the agenda of the Irish Presidency but warned me that it would OWVWN]ZPMZ1_I[[PWKSMLby his arrogance because he _I[QUXTQKQTaUISQVOQKTMIZthat he would ensure that the proposal would not go any further

I couldnrsquot believe that a X]JTQKWNAringKQIT_W]TLJMPI^Min such a manner It was however a coming of age experience when my political innocence would soon be replaced by a more realistic understanding of political realities This happened when

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

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TVSWIGYXMSR

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ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
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• II75pg32
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inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 7

YOURVIEWInshore Ireland and its publishers do not accept responsibility for the

veracity of claims made by contributors While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information we do not accept responsibility for any errors or

matters arising from same Contact the editor at millsinshore-irelandcom

Minister Varadkar supports Irish bid for EU Coast Guard SecretariatTransport Minister

Leo Varadkar is supporting an Irish bid for

a new European Coast Guard secretariat to be permanently based in Dublin

Chris Reynolds director of the Irish Coast Guard has been appointed chair of the European Union Heads of Coast guard which next year will host its annual meeting in Dublin

Mr Reynolds has been tasked to prepare the ground for a permanent secretariat manned by Coast Guard Officers from Member States the EU Commission and various agencies Shared resources would include search and rescue pollution response fisheries control and maritime security Advising the Commission on matters arising from its Integrated Maritime Policy viz research funding and development are also part of the brief

Separately Minster Varadkar has announced a euro2m safety investment programme for the Coast Guard to purchase seven

new boats along with new vehicles and equipment euro15m towards seven new boats as part of its boat renewal programme euro300000 to purchase new vans for the Coast Guardrsquos volunteer rescue teams euro200000 will be used to update the Coast Guardrsquos pollution response equipment to best international standards

ldquoIrsquom very happy to allocate extra resources to the Coast Guard to upgrade its vital equipment Everyone who goes to sea owes a debt of gratitude to the Coast Guard as do their family and friends The Coast Guard responds to emergency call-outs and saves lives at all hours of the day and night throughout the yearrdquo he said

One of the new Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) will be based at Achill Coast Guard station and the remainder will be delivered to other stations around the coast over the next 12 months according to priority

03257$17127amp(

RJERRNDQGLOO7DJ5HWXUQV

-REGGSVHERGI[MXLXLIMPH7EPQSRERH7IE8VSYX

8EKKMRK7GLIQI6IKYPEXMSRW7-2SSJ13

]SYQYWXVIXYVR]SYVGSQTPIXIHPSKFSSOEPSRK[MXLER]YRYWIHKMPPXEKWRSXPEXIVXLERXL3GXSFIV6IXYVRWGERFIQEHIMRXLIRSVQEPQERRIVF]TSWXXSXLIEHHVIWWTVMRXIHSR]SYVPMGIRGIPSKFSSOSV

XLITVITVMRXIHIRZIPSTIWYTTPMIH

-J]SYLEZIPSWXSVQMWTPEGIH]SYVPSKFSSOSVKMPP

XEKW]SYQYWXGSQTPIXIEVITPEGIQIRXVIXYVR4PIEWI

GSRXEGX]SYVPSGEPsup3-RPERHMWLIVMIW-VIPERHacuteSJfrac12GIJSV

EWWMWXERGISQTPIXIHPSKFSSOWERHYRYWIHKMPPXEKW

QYWXEPWSFIVIXYVRIHMRGMVGYQWXERGIW[LIVI]SY

VIKMWXIVIHRSGEXGLJSVXLIWIEWSR

RKPIVWQYWXSFXEMREGIVXMfrac12GEXISVSXLIVTVSSJSJ

TSWXEKIERHWLSYPHVIXEMRWYGLTVSSJJSVQSRXLW

EMPYVIXSVIXYVREPSKFSSOQE]VIWYPXMREfrac12RISV

TVSWIGYXMSR

SVJYVXLIVMRJSVQEXMSRPSKSRXS

ZZZILVKHULHVLUHODQGLH

Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a rescue demonstration in Leenane Co Galway Photo G Mills

I discussed the incident with some of my more experienced Irish colleagues

FINAL FORTRESSThey educated me about

one harsh fact of political life that the Ministries of Justice (or Ministries of Interior as they were called in some Member States) were the last fortresses of national sovereignty in Member States who would resist European integration and protect their little empires to the bitter end

Fortunately this situation has VW_[QOVQAringKIVTaKPIVOMLparticularly at a time when a new momentum seems to be beginning for the creation of an EU Coastguard One of the key elements in the Lisbon Treaty was the recognition that international crime particularly human and drug ZINAringKSQVOQTTMOITQUUQOZIQWV

and the massively lucrative trade in cigarette smuggling (in all of which maritime activity plays a key role) could only be effectively dealt with if and when there was greater co-operation between Member States

MAJORITY VOTINGThe introduction of

majority voting into the Justice and Home Affairs AringMTLITWVO_QPWPMZltZMIaprovisions meant that forever more important decisions in these areas would fall within the democratic supervision of the European Parliament which would take decisions jointly with Member State Governments The fortress mentality of JusticeInterior Ministries had now been permanently shatteredltPMZMNWZMQVUa^QM_

now is an opportune time WJMJWTLIVLQUIOQVIQ^Mparticularly when the relevant Irish government department that has been charged with ISQVOPMAringZ[MVIQ^Msteps on the evolution of a Coastguard is the Department of Transport It is headed JaIVM`ZMUMTaKWUXMMVdynamic and courageous Minister in the person of Leo Varadkar

He has given Irish Coast Guard Director Chris Reynolds (Chair of the EU Heads of Coast Guard network) the task of persuading his colleagues that a proposed Europe-wide coastguard secretariat should be based permanently in Ireland

But why stop thereWhy not signal his intent

that when Ireland takes over PM-=8ZM[QLMVKaQVthat one of his Departmentrsquos objectives will be to seek agreement to establish an EU Coastguard itself and not simply a secretariat

He could also point out that an ideal place for such a Coastguard would be Co +WZS_PQKPQ[TWKIMLWVsome of the most strategic shipping lanes between Europe and other parts of the world including the Americas and Africa (the latter two have

been the source of many of PMLZ]O[PIPI^MAEligWWLMLthe streets of European cities) )T[WJaUMVQWVQVO+WZS

he would undoubtedly gain a Cabinet ally in the person of Simon Coveney whose responsibilities include marine policy It would also be essential to have the backing of the Justice Minister if progress is to be made

PROTECTION SHORTCOMING

I believe that he could also elicit a positive response from his counterparts in other EU states The harsh realities of political life in the EU in the current climate is that the European Union institutions have abysmally failed to protect their citizens from the fall-out arising from the current unending tidal waves of economic woes

These same institutions might be attracted to an initiative that would be more successful in demonstrating the relevance of the EU to its citizens and their concerns particularly if what is being proposed in the form of a Coastguard will be effective in areas such as

raquo combating international ZINAringKSQVOWV-]ZWXMfrac14[PQOP[MI[

raquo XZW^QLQVOIVMNNMKQ^MZM[XWV[MWIVWPMZXWTT]QWVLQ[I[MZ[QUQTIZWPW[M_PQKPWKK]ZZML_QPPMJZMIS]XWN PM8ZM[QOMQVWZPM-ZQSIQV199

raquo XZWMKQVOW]ZL_QVLTQVOAring[P[WKS[IVL

raquo [ZMVOPMVQVOPM[INMaWN W]ZTMQ[]ZMIVLcommercial maritime IKQ^QQM[

Such a bold step makes sense In the current economic KTQUIMXWWTQVOZM[W]ZKM[would also reduce current expenditure requirements in various Member Statersquos national budgets

Come on Leo ndash he who dares wins

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
• II75pg18
• II75pg19
• II75pg2
• II75pg20
• II75pg21
• II75pg22
• II75pg23
• II75pg24
• II75pg25
• II75pg26
• II75pg27
• II75pg28
• II75pg29
• II75pg3
• II75pg30
• II75pg31
• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

8 inshore ireland octobernovember 2011

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore fisheries management a tale of lost opportunity by Gillian Mills

The inshore fisheries sector comprising the vast majority of registered vessels in the

Irish fleet is critically important to coastal communities offering employment in remote inaccessible areas that see little commercial traffic travelling towards their villages )[IUIRWZQaWN PM[XMKQM[Aring[PML

IZMVWOW^MZVMLJa-=Y]WIQNITT[WVPM1ZQ[PIMWLMTQ^MZZM[XWV[QJTMIVLMNNMKQ^MUIVIOMUMV6W_QP[IVLQVOVW[]KPZMO]TIWZa[a[MUQ[QVXTIKMIVL_QPW]PMQUXMZIQ^MWK]ZIQTIVV]ITTIVLQVO[UIVa[PMTTAring[P[WKS[IZMKTW[MWW^MZM`XTWQIQWVltWILLZM[[PQ[[Q]IQWVIPMTTAring[P

5IVIOMUMVZIUM_WZS_I[QVZWL]KMLQVLM[QOVMLWXZW^QLMIVQVMOZIMLKWUIVIOMUMV[Z]K]ZMQ`aMIZ[TIMZPW_M^MZUIVa[WKS[ZMUIQVN]TTaM`XTWQMLIVL

KIKPZIM[PI^MLMKTQVMLWITM^MTPIQ[IL^MZ[MTaINNMKQVOPMMKWVWUQK^QIJQTQaWN PMAEligMMltPQ[[KMVIZQW_I[[]UUML]XQVI

[]LaKWVL]KMLQVWVPM[I][WN PM1ZQ[P[MINWWLQVL][ZaSVW_VWVM^MZaY]Ia_ITTI[raquoPM+I_TMaZMXWZfrac141AringVL[

lsquoThe traditional preoccupation with the off-shore sector and the lack of a clear coherent resource management policy is threatening the sustainable development of the inshore sector coupled with the lack of State resources both in administration and enforcementrsquo

)OIQV[PQ[JIKSLZWXInshore Ireland I[SMLPMMXIZUMVWN )OZQK]T]ZMWWLIVLPM5IZQVMWILLZM[[PM[MKPIZOM[XIOMIVLIT[WITSMLW5QKPIMT3MIQVOMWN 15PMIOMVKaI[SML_QPLM^MTWXQVOPM[MINWWLQVL][ZaltPM5IZQVM1V[Q]MXZW^QLMLPM

[KQMVKMWVPM^IZQW][[WKS[IVLUMUJMZ[WN PMXMKQM[)L^Q[WZaZW]X[OI^MPMQZ^QM_[raquoQVZMITQUMfrac14WVPM[I][WN QV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[QVPMQZIZMI[

The inshore fleet in Dunmore East

The majority of boats in the Irish fleet are less than 15m Voluntary conservation by v-notching lobsters 431 tonnes landed in 2009 worth 6m

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

UMZM[WXMZIQVOTIZOMTa_QPQVUQTM[WN PMKWI[IVLAring[PQVOUW[TaNWZVWVY]WI[XMKQM[IVLUWZMWNMVPIVVW_QPXW[Q[NWZUIVaPMNWZOWMV[MKWZ)VLaMQ[[KITMIVLQUXWZIVKMWXMZQXPMZITKWUU]VQQM[_I[ZMITTaWVTaN]TTaM`XTWZML_QPPMX]JTQKIQWVQVWN PM15report Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector ndash Review and RecommendationsltPM[MKWZZMXZM[MV[[WUM JWI[_QPIKWUJQVML

KIXIKQaWN ltSOMVMZIQVOTIVLQVO[WN ITUW[AcircUQVQVKT]LQVO[PMTTAring[P_WZPITMI[AcircUPQT[QUXZM[[Q^M[PMTTAring[PTIVLQVO[ITWVM_MZM_WZPAcircUQV

MAINE FISHERY+WUUQ[[QWVMLJaMIV7frac14WVWOP]M15frac14[LM^MTWXUMV

UIVIOMZIPMQUMPMWIZLfrac14[1V[PWZMMXWZKIVZIKMQ[WZQOQV[WIVQVL][ZaUW^MUMVQV[XQZMLUIQVTaJaPM[]KKM[[WN PM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaltPMXZWIKQ^MIVLKWUU]VQaJI[MLUIVIOMUMVWN PQ[Aring[PMZaIVLPMMVP][QI[QKILWXQWVWN KWV[MZ^IQWVUMI[]ZM[JaPMQZ=KW]VMZXIZ[middotQVKT]LQVOWVMWN PMAringZ[TWJ[MZ^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[middotZM[WVIML_QPUIVaNWZ_IZLPQVSQVO1ZQ[PQV[PWZMUMV5MVTQSM+QIZIV0MITaIVLltZM^WZQUX[WVZMITQ[MLPII[

UW[QV[PWZM[WKS[_MZMNWZPMUWUMVITMI[W][QLMPMLIaWLIaZMIKPWN PM-]ZWXMIV+WUUQ[[QWVQ_I[]XWAring[PMZUMVPMU[MT^M[W[MK]ZMPMN]]ZM^QIJQTQaWN I_IaWN TQNMPIPIL[][IQVMLKWI[ITKWUU]VQQM[NWZOMVMZIQWV[]ZQVOPMUQLfrac14[NIKQTQIMLJa15M`KPIVOM^Q[Q[

WPM=ITTW_ML1ZQ[PAring[PMZUMV[MMAringZ[PIVLPW_PM5IQVMTWJ[MZ_I[UIVIOML7VPMQZZM]ZVPM[MUMV[WWV[MIJW]M[IJTQ[PQVOPMQZW_V^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[QVXTIKM[TQSM[W]PM`NWZL]VUWZM-I[IVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI

VOLUNTARY CONSERVATIONa^WT]VIZa^VWKPQVO_I[_QLM[XZMILQV

1ZMTIVLIVLIaMIZTIMZJMKIUM[I]WZa]VLQVONWZPMXZWOZIUUM_I[[W]ZKMLPZW]OP8-+)middotIOMV]QVMJMVMAringPIPILIVILLQQWVIT]VNWZM[MMVW]KWUM)[-=N]VL[QVM^QIJTaOMVMZIMLITWWN XIXMZ_WZSKWWXMZIQ^M[_MZMM[IJTQ[PMLWKWWZLQVIMJWPPM^VWKPQVOXZWOZIUUM[IVLWUIVIOMPMXIXMZ_WZSaPQZaTWJ[MZKWWX[_MZM]XIVLZ]VVQVOIZW]VL

PMKWI[TMILQVOWITM^MTWN WZOIVQ[IQWVIVLKWWXMZIQWVIUWVO[PMQV[PWZMQVL][ZaPIPILVWJMMV[MMVJMNWZMltWOQ^MIVIQWVIT^WQKMWITTPQ[TWKITIKQ^QaPM1ZQ[P

4WJ[MZ)[[WKQIQWV14)_I[NWZUML_QPPMIQUWN XZWUWQVOUIVIOMUMVUMI[]ZM[NWZ1ZQ[PTWJ[MZAring[PMZQM[)Y]IV]UTMIXQVQVL][Zafrac14[I_IZMVM[[WN KWV[MZ^IQWV

OMVMZITTaMUMZOMLIVLPMNMMTQVOPI[WUMPQVOXW[QQ^MIVLJMVMAringKQIT_I[JMQVOLWVMTMLWI[MV[MWN [MTN MUXW_MZUMVmiddotPM[MV[MAring[PMZUMV_MZMQVKPIZOMWN PMQZW_VLM[QVaPZW]OP^VWKPQVOZM[WKSQVOIKQ^QQM[IVLXIZQKQXIQWVQV[KQMVQAringKLIIKWTTMKQWV[]KPI[KIKPZIMZMKWZLQVOIVLTWJ[MZIOOQVOXZWOZIUUM[WWVINMZPM1V[PWZMMXWZX]JTQ[PML15TI]VKPMLQ[

W_VQV[PWZMQVQQIQ^MQV_WWN PMIZMI[PIPILJMMVWPMNWZMNZWVQVPMKITTNWZUIVIOMUMVW]PM`NWZLIVLPMQVOTM8MVQV[]TI5MUJMZ[PQXLMKTQVM7^MZPMVM`_WaMIZ[2WPV0QKSMa[W]PM`NWZLIVL

4WZKnV7frac14+QVVuQLMQVOTM_MZMRWQVMLJaWPMZQV[PWZMWNAringKMZ[M^MV]ITTaJ]QTLQVOWIVM_WZSWN [M^MVLMLQKIMLQV[PWZM[INN [ZIMOQKITTaTWKIMLNZWU1VQ[PW_MVWPMMI[KWI[IN]ZPMZNW]Z[INN _MZMTWKIMLQV15frac14[IT_IaWNAringKMWXZW^QLM[KQMVQAringK[]XXWZQ[IXXWQVQVOTaPW_M^MZKWWXUMUJMZ[PQX[IZMLW

LMKTQVMQPQV[Q`aMIZ[NZWU^Q[QQVOPM5IQVMTWJ[MZAring[PMZaIVLNWZUQVOPMQV[PWZMVM_WZSTQTMWZVWXZWOZM[[WVU]KPPMZITLMLUIVIOMUMVQ[[]M[XZWUXML[WUMWY]M[QWVPM^IT]MWN PMQZMNNWZ[PaPMaI[SML[PW]TLPMaKWVQV]M_QPW]UIVIOMUMV

[]XXWZIVLWNMVWVTaW[MMPMJMVMAring[WN PMQZKWV[MZ^IQWVMNNWZ[ISMVJaWPMZ[_PWLQLVW[PIZMPMQZ^Q[QWVNWZPMN]]ZM

raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

• II75pg1
• II75pg10
• II75pg11
• II75pg12
• II75pg13
• II75pg14
• II75pg15
• II75pg16
• II75pg17
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• II75pg2
• II75pg20
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• II75pg22
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• II75pg25
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• II75pg27
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• II75pg30
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• II75pg32
• II75pg4
• II75pg5
• II75pg6
• II75pg7
• II75pg8
• II75pg9

inshore ireland octobernovember 2011 9

INSHORE FISHERIES

Inshore Ireland put the following questions before the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

II What Is DaFMrsquos vIsIon For Inshore FIsherIes DaFM The Ministerrsquos policy for all sea-fisheries is to promote sustainable fishing practices good

environmental practice and compliance with law In the case of inshore fisheries many are located in sites designated as SACs and SPAs (ie Natura 2000 sites) In light of the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland concerning non-compliance with the EU Habitats and Birds Directives the overriding priority of the Minister and the agencies under the aegis of the Department hellip is to bring all inshore fisheries (and aquaculture) in Natura 2000 sites into full compliance with these Directives

II hoW WIll that vIsIon be IMpleMenteD DaFM In respect of Natura compliance a resource intensive multi-annual multi-agency project has

been underway since 2009 to achieve this A substantial body of scientific data has been generated over the course of 2009 and 2010 and is continuing 2011 has seen the first two comprehensive appropriate assessments completed in respect of Castlemaine Harbour Co Kerry and Dundalk Bay with consequent licensing and fisheries management decisions

Further bays will follow in 2011 and beyond with Roaring Water Bay Co Cork imminent Notwithstanding the focus that must be directed towards Natura compliance the Minister has introduced localised management regimes for razor clams and surf clams and has initiated a comprehensive review of the national management regime for crawfish

II hoW Does DaFM responD to these coMMents In the lsquocaWleyrsquo reportDaFM The CFP sets down in detail the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of

all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks many of which are not subject to quota The CFP requires a certain level of resource commitment by Ireland to the management of quota stocks and fishing effort management as required under EU Regulation

In the inshore area State resources have been focused over recent years on the delivery of compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitat Directives and this area will remain critical as assessments are rolled out across the Natura sitesResources will continue to be required for key areas such as the EU negotiations which impact on both inshore and quota stocks particularly with the Review of the CFP currently under negotiation grant aid support for key elements of sea fisheries where there is a focus on inshore fisheries the management of quotas and fishing effort

II What opportunItIes are avaIlable For aDDeD value anD better prIces (through qualIty branDIng certIFIcatIon etc)DaFM BIM currently promotes the benefits of certification to the seafood sector and provides financial assistance through the Seafood Environmental Management and Certification Grant Aid Scheme This scheme provides a framework of support for the Irish Seafood Industry intent on achieving internationally accredited third party audited standards for wild capture fisheries

BIM also launched a new Seafood Value Adding Scheme in 2011 to assist the sector with branding and marketing The scheme developed in consultation with industry aims to convert the high level of commodity seafood to value-added products which meet high standards within the retail and foodservice sectors in the domestic and export markets The BIM Seafood Development Centre also plays a significant role in assisting the sector in developing quality branding and value added consumer oriented products

II the neW eu FIsherIes control regulatIon For 12-15M vessels coMes Into Force January 1 2012 What IMpact WIll thIs have on the Inshore sector anD What Measures WIll DaFM take to MItIgate any potentIal IMpactDaFM The EU Control Regulation has always been applicable to all commercial vessels regardless of size However the new Regulation extends VMS and Electronic logbook requirements to smaller vessels down to 12m from 1 January 2012

The implementation of these new requirements is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority It is understood that the SFPA has had discussions with industry on the impact of the Control and Implementing Rules regulations on inshore fisheries and has produced a document [insert link] in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Fishermen as an insert in industry newspapers by way of information SFPA has also mailed all vessel owners in the segment with a letter and application form for derogations in respect of VMS and ERS should they wish to restrict the operation of their vessel as provided for in the regulations and therefore perhaps avoid the placement of these systems onboard

Michael Keatinge

Fisheries Development Manager BIM

Perhaps because of the relentless demands and complexity of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) historically much of our national fisheries public service has focussed on the

needs of bigger boats Some would say this attention is inordinate others a necessity MOIZLTM[[PMQV[PWZMAring[PMZQM[[MKWZJWI[]VLMZ

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raquo continued on page 10

Lobster pots stacked on the quay walls are a common sight throughout the west coast

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