This overview provides a summary of Irish participation in marine research projects from 2017-2022 using data collected from national research funding bodies participating in the Marine Research Funders’ Forum. The data also includes Irish participation in EU research funding programmes. <br> <br> Click below for the accompanying Marine Research Investments Dashboard (2017-2022).

Atmospheric CO2 is rising globally. Opportunities for reducing this trend include energy sector adjustments and management of both land and ocean resources. Improved management of coastal and oceanic ecosystems is therefore poised to contribute to, and enhance, climate mitigation and adaptation. This report outlines the emergence of blue carbon as a concept for the integration of coastal carbon dynamics into policy and management frameworks and defines blue carbon ecosystems. It also emphasises the importance of marine carbon sequestration and highlights its potential role in climate adaptation. Ireland is estimated to store at least 9.2 Mt of carbon in its saltmarsh and seagrass habitats, which cover an estimated minimum area of 162 km2. Estimates of carbon stocks in potential blue carbon ecosystems such as macroalgae beds are hampered by lack of data on extent, productivity and actual contribution. Irish coastal blue carbon ecosystems and their carbon sequestration capacity are currently threatened by anthropogenic factors such as land reclamation and poor water quality. The possibility of including saltmarsh and seagrass habitats in Ireland’s National Inventory Report on GHG emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and including Ireland’s potential blue carbon ecosystems in Ireland’s Nationally Determined Contributions is highlighted. The critical knowledge gaps and future research priorities are outlined, so that Ireland can advance the pace of scientific discovery whilst harnessing the climate change potential of its coastal and marine environment.

Sea Change-A Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 was developed as an integral part of the government's Strategy for Science, Technoogy and Innovation (SSTI) and the Marine Institute as the lead implementation agency is working within SSTI policy and with government departments and agencies to deliver on the strategy. The Sea Change Strategy sets out a comprehensive suite of integrated research measures and supporting programmes, each with specific objectives and targets. An integral component of the implementation of Sea Change is performance monitoring and evaluation, including tracking and reporting on outcomes. This report provides an updated summary on the key activities in 2007 under the following activities: Additional investment; Managing research programmes and projects; Strengthening engagement with stakeholders in international competitive research programmes; Stimulating and supporting participation in international competitive research programmes. An appendix presents a list of funded marine projects with information on funding agencies, grant-aid awarded and lead project partner.

The Irish marine sector has a turnover of €3 billion annually and supports over 44,000 jobs (direct and indirect), 56% of which are outside the most developed regions of the country. However, its significance is far greater due to its direct impact on the wider economy and the natural environment, and its potential is hugely underdeveloped. To underpin the next stage of development of the marine sector, the Marine Institute is bringing forward, on behalf of government, a Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013. This Strategy builds on the achievements of the 1998 Strategy and the solid foundation that has been established since then in terms of marine research infrastructure and significant strengthening of marine research capacity. The Strategy aims to ensure that Ireland fully maximises the economic, social and environmental contribution of its marine resources in a manner similar to countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. In these countries, the marine sector is four, five and seven times greater, respectively, than the Irish marine sector. Furthermore, they place great emphasis on maximising its value, especially as a driver of regional development, through R&D, innovation and technology transfer.