
Sustainable blue economies to protect coastal communities
Ocean Energy/Climate changeThe latest EU Blue Economy Report records an 11.6% increase in jobs compared to 2017 most notably in the offshore wind energy sector. Other new technologies (tidal and wave energy, hydrogen generation, floating wind farms and solar panels) are…

Funding for smart and offshore renewable energy projects
Ocean Energy/Climate changeIrish companies and research institutions will receive €1m exchequer funding to carry out 'innovative energy' research projects for smart and offshore renewable energy systems.
The government's Climate Action Plan sets out actions across…

Irish imports and exports of fish continue to rise
Seafood BusinessFish imports into Ireland from outside the EU are continuing to rise, according to figures released by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
In 2019, over 4,000 tonnes of fishery products were imported, up 26% on 2018, reports…

Multi-billion Euro offshore wind energy potential in Irish waters
Ocean Energy/Climate changeIreland's offshore wind energy could create 2,500 jobs over the next ten years and attract in excess of €42bn in lifetime investment. But the wind farms will not be built in Ireland unless strategic investment decisions are made now.
These…

‘Food from our Ocean’ kick starts Oceans of Learning series
Marine'Food from the Ocean' explores the science behind seafood and is the first topic in the Marine Institute's Oceans of Learning series.
The ten-week campaign involving State agencies and coastal communities, will celebrate the world's shared…

‘Oceans of Learning’ marks European Maritime Day and world oceans
MarineThe Marine Institute and partners have organised a ten-week virtual series to celebrate European Maritime Day (May 20) and World Oceans Day (June 8).
'Oceans of Learning' begins today (May 27) with 'Food From our Ocean'. The series will celebrate…

No licence for mechanical extraction of kelp in Bantry Bay
MarineThe High Court has ruled (May 20) there is no effective licence in place to permit the mechanical extraction of kelp from Bantry Bay.
In 2009, Tralee-based biotechnology company, BioAtlantis Aquamarine Ltd, applied for a foreshore licence…

Cold water shock warning as bathing areas reopen
Coastal tourism/IslandsWater Safety Ireland has warned that cold water, the main factor in drownings, will put lives at risk as we enter 'Phase One' of the government's 'Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business.
'People need to be mindful of the HSE &…

Voluntary ‘tie-up’ scheme slammed by fishermen as unfit for purpose
FisheriesFour fish producer organisations have described the 'Covid-19 Voluntary Fleet Tie-up Scheme' announced earlier this month as 'completely unfit for purpose' for an industry that is "fighting for its very survival."
The industry is "unequivocal…
