Now showing items 1-20 of 1798

    • Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS), 08 June –19 July, 2024.

      O’Donnell, Ciaran; O’Malley, Michael B.; Mullins, Eugene (Marine Institute, 2024)
      The WESPAS survey program is the consolidation of two existing survey programs carried out by FEAS, the Malin Shelf herring acoustic survey, and the boarfish acoustic survey. The Malin Shelf herring acoustic survey has been carried out annually since 2008 and reports on the annual abundance of summer feeding aggregations of herring to the west of Scotland and to the north and west of Ireland from 53°30’N to 58°30’N. The boarfish survey was conducted from 2011 using a chartered fishing vessel and reported the abundance of spawning aggregations of boarfish from 47°N to 57°N. In 2016 both surveys were combined into the WESPAS survey and have been carried out on the RV Celtic Explorer over a 42-day period, providing synoptic coverage of shelf waters from 47°30’N northwards to 58°30’N. Age stratified relative stock abundance estimates of boarfish, herring and horse mackerel within the survey area were calculated using acoustic data and biological data from trawl sampling. Stock estimates of boarfish and horse mackerel were submit ted to the ICES assessment Working Group for Widely Distributed Stocks (WGWIDE) meeting in August 2022. Herring estimates are submitted to the Herring Assessment Working Group (HAWG) meeting in March every year. Survey performance will be re viewed at the ICES Planning Group meeting for International Pelagic Surveys (WGIPS) meeting in January 2025.
    • Atlantic Herring in 6aS/7b, Industry Acoustic Survey Cruise Report, November-December 2023 and January 2024.

      O’Malley, Michael B.; Mullins, Eugene; Nolan, Cormac (Marine Institute, 2024)
      An acoustic survey of Atlantic herring Clupea harengus was conducted in ICES areas 6aS/7b in November/December 2023 and January 2024. This was the eight consecutive annual survey of herring in this area at this time of the year. The survey is part of an effort to describe the more dominant winter spawning herring in this area when it is geographically separated from other stocks. The survey design has been evolving since its inception in 2016. The survey area covered in the first 3 years (2016-18) included significant offshore coverage in areas 6aS and 7b. The survey in 2019 was much reduced and mostly confined to inshore bays because of poor weather. In 2020, the survey design changed compared with previous years in that only 6 core areas with prior knowledge of herring distribution from the monitoring fishery were targeted for surveying. This design was continued in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The change in survey design was largely based on results from the ICES workshop WKHASS held in 2019 (ICES 2020), and from lessons learned in the previous surveys in this area from 2016- 2019. The design results in a reduced survey area compared to earlier years, but there is more intense coverage of most of the important inshore bays where the monitoring fishery takes place. The survey design objective remains the same; to describe and quantify the distribution of winter spawning herring in the 6aS/7b area when separate from other stocks. The timing of surveys in the core areas was flexible from the outset by design in 2023. It was decided that greater flexibility would allow for a targeted spatial and temporal approach which avoided the inevitable poor weather that can happen in this area during this time of the year and which lead to reduced survey effort in 2019, but also to some extent in 2017 and 2018. Using smaller vessels allowed surveys to be conducted in shallow inshore areas where herring are known to inhabit during this time of the year. The previous surveys in 2016 - 2022 are reported in O’Malley et al (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023).
    • CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERHEROES: LEARNING ABOUT GREENHOUSE GASES PRESENTATION

      Dromgool-Regan, Cushla; Peritz, Atalya (Marine Institute, 2024)
      Explorers Climate Change Superheroes: Learning about Greenhouse Gases Presentation - Module 4 introduces children to greenhouse gases and the leading gases causing climate change.
    • EXPLORERS CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERHEROES: Learning about the Weather and Climate

      Dromgool-Regan, Cushla; Peritz, Atalya (Marine Institute, 2024)
      Explorers Climate Change Superheroes: Learning about the Weather and Climate Presentation introduces children to learning and understanding the differences between weather and climate.
    • EXPLORERS CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERHEROES: THE EARTH’S CLIMATE SYSTEM PRESENTATION

      Dromgool-Regan, Cushla; Peritz, Atalya (Marine Institute, 2024)
      EXPLORERS CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERHEROES: THE EARTH'S CLIMATE SYSTEM Module 2 presentation introduces children to the Earth's interlinked and overlapped spheres, including the land, ocean, poles, living things, and the atmosphere.
    • EXPLORERS CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERHEROES INTRODUCTION TO LEARNING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE LITERACY PRESENTATION

      Dromgool-Regan, Cushla; Peritz, Atalya (Marine Institute, 2024)
      Climate Change Superheroes: Introduction to learning about climate change and climate literacy presentation provides teachers with content to engage children on their journey of becoming climate literate. This will highlight learning about the Earth’s climate system and how it is interlinked to climate change.
    • Annual Report 2023/Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2023 (English and Irish/Bilingual versions)

      Marine Institute; Foras na Mara (Marine Institute, 2024)
      The Marine Institute is the national agency for marine research, technology, development and innovation. It seeks to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland’s marine resource, promote sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programmes and essential scientific services, as well as safeguard Ireland’s natural marine resource through research and environmental monitoring. Ireland has a marine area of approximately 880,000 km2 under the sea, which is over 10 times its land area, representing an enormous seabed and marine resource. The Marine Institute promotes the sustainable development of this vast resource through research, the application of new technologies and by providing credible science-based advice to industry, the Government and the EU.
    • Cruise report: Irish Anglerfish & Megrim Survey 2024

      Kelly, Eoghan; Stokes, David; O'Hea, Brendan; Aristegui Ezquibela, Mikel; Moore, S.J.; Bouch, P. (Marine Institute, 2024)
      The 2024 Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (IAMS) took place from 8th February to 3rd March in ICES (International Council Exploration of the Sea) Divisions 7.b-c and 7.j-k, and 12th to 21st April in ICES Division 6.a on-board the Research Vessel Celtic Explorer. The main objective of the survey was to obtain biomass and abundance indices for anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and Lophius budegassa) and megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis and Lepidorhombus boscii) in ICES Division 6.a (south of 58°N) and Subarea 7 (west of 8°W). Secondary objectives were to collect data on the distribution, relative abundance and biology of other commercially exploited species. For the sixth year, additional sampling took place in deep water (up to 1,500m) in order to monitor the recovery of exploited deep-water species following the decline of the deep-water fisheries in Irish waters since early 2000s (Kelly and Gerritsen, 2022). This work was funded under Marine Biodiversity Schemes of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) from 2019 to 2021 and European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) since 2022. The IAMS survey is coordinated with the Scottish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (SIAMISS) as part of ICES International Bottom Trawl Survey Working Group (IBTSWG) and uses the same gear and fishing practices.
    • Climate Action Roadmap 2024

      Marine Institute (Marine Institute, 2024)
      Is é an Plean 2024 (CAP24) an tríú nuashonrú bliantúil ar Phlean na hÉireann um Ghníomhú ar son na hAeráide. Leis an Sainordú gaolmhar um Ghníomhú ar son na hAeráide 2024 tugtar tacaíocht do chomhlachtaí san earnáil phoiblí, lena n-áirítear Foras na Mara, chun dea shampla a thabhairt maidir le gníomhú ar son na haeráide agus tá sé mar aidhm aige an gníomhú riachtanach ar son na haeráide a spreagadh sa tsochaí i gcoitinne chun astaíochtaí gás ceaptha teasa (GCT) na hÉireann a laghdú 51% agus éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh a laghdú 50% faoi 2030. The Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) is the third annual update to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The associated Climate Action Mandate 2024 supports public sector bodies including the Marine Institute in leading by example on climate action and aims to inspire the necessary climate action in wider society to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 51% and energy efficiency by 50% by 2030. As set out in this Marine Institute Climate Action Roadmap 2024, the Marine Institute is committed to delivering the relevant outputs and activities outlined in CAP24 and the Climate Action Mandate 2024
    • Marine Environmental Characterisation of Irish Inshore Aquaculture Regions

      Cheryl, Angelique; Pereiro, Diego; Clarke, Dave; Nolan, Glenn; Daly, Eoghan (Marine Institute, 2024-10)
      Understanding the hydrography and ocean dynamics of Ireland's inshore regions is crucial for assessing how these physical processes impact the aquaculture or fisheries industries. This study examines temperature, salinity, and stratification patterns, along with extreme climatic events such as marine heatwaves (MHWs) and marine cold spells (MCSs), which significantly impact marine ecosystems and aquaculture productivity. Using a combination of observational data, numerical ocean models, and literature sources, the study provides insights into physical environmental characteristics per region, both contemporary and historical. Distributions of temperature and salinity within regional bays and harbours, as shown here, highlight the growing threats climate change poses to Irish coastal waters, particularly through increasing sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and MHWs. Results indicate potential for harsher growing conditions and more frequent harmful algal blooms (HABs). Although a decline in marine cold spells (MCSs) at most studied sites offers some respite, the rise in the frequency of cold spells in Bantry Bay highlights the need for continued monitoring and adaptive strategies. Existing, planned and potential long-term observations at key Marine Institute sites, aim to bridge gaps in our understanding of marine environmental trends, aiding mitigation and adaptive efforts, which are evermore required in warming regional seas
    • Data-Driven Modelling for Assessing Trophic Status in Marine Ecosystems Using Machine Learning Approaches

      Uddin, MD. Galal; Nash, Stephen; Rahman, Azizur; Olbert, Agnieszka; Dabrowski, Tomasz (Elsevier BV, 2024-02)
      Assessing eutrophication in coastal and transitional waters is of utmost importance, yet existing Trophic Status Index (TSI) models face challenges like multicollinearity, data redundancy, inappropriate aggregation methods, and complex classification schemes. To tackle these issues, we developed a novel tool that harnesses machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing the reliability and accuracy of trophic status assessments. Our research introduces an improved data-driven methodology specifically tailored for transitional and coastal (TrC) waters, with a focus on Cork Harbour, Ireland, as a case study. Our innovative approach, named the Assessment Trophic Status Index (ATSI) model, comprises three main components: the selection of pertinent water quality indicators, the computation of ATSI scores, and the implementation of a new classification scheme. To optimize input data and minimize redundancy, we employed ML techniques, including advanced deep learning methods. Specifically, we developed a CHL prediction model utilizing ten algorithms, among which XGBoost demonstrated exceptional performance, showcasing minimal errors during both training (RMSE = 0.0, MSE = 0.0, MAE = 0.01) and testing (RMSE = 0.0, MSE = 0.0, MAE = 0.01) phases. Utilizing a novel linear rescaling interpolation function, we calculated ATSI scores and evaluated the model's sensitivity and efficiency across diverse application domains, employing metrics such as R2, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and the model efficiency factor (MEF). The results consistently revealed heightened sensitivity and efficiency across all application domains. Additionally, we introduced a brand new classification scheme for ranking the trophic status of transitional and coastal waters. To assess spatial sensitivity, we applied the ATSI model to four distinct waterbodies in Ireland, comparing trophic assessment outcomes with the Assessment of Trophic Status of Estuaries and Bays in Ireland (ATSEBI) System. Remarkably, significant disparities between the ATSI and ATSEBI System were evident in all domains, except for Mulroy Bay. Overall, our research significantly enhances the accuracy of trophic status assessments in marine ecosystems. The ATSI model, combined with cutting-edge ML techniques and our new classification scheme, represents a promising avenue for evaluating and monitoring trophic conditions in TrC waters. The study also demonstrated the effectiveness of ATSI in assessing trophic status across various waterbodies, including lakes, rivers, and more. These findings make substantial contributions to the field of marine ecosystem management and conservation.
    • Standardising long-term eel (Anguilla anguilla) fyke net survey data reveals covariate effects and improves estimates of declining relative abundance

      Poole, Russell; Minto, Cóilín; Cooney, Joseph; Drumm, Alan; Hughes, Pat; Murphy, Michael; Nixon, Pat; Rogan, Ger; Sweeney, David; O’Leary, Ciara (Elsevier BV, 2024-04)
      Eel recruitment and stock have been in decline since at least the mid 1980s. So far, much research has focussed on conservation objectives and estimating silver eel production in response to the EU Regulation (EC 1100/2007) and most surveys have been on waters subject to exploitation and/or stocking. The aim of this study is to examine a 35-year yellow eel survey dataset to determine relative abundance trends while accounting for survey design, and important physical and operational covariates. Chains of ten, or sometimes five, fyke nets were fished at fixed sites in four lakes on a catchment in the west of Ireland not impacted on by exploitation or stocking. Captured eels (10,474) were counted for each trap, and eel weight was recorded for each chain of nets (5515 net nights fished). Data were analysed using a generalised additive model (GAM) that included smoothed trends over time and covariates day-of-year, depth, gradient, site and net chain. Yearly trends and between-chain variability were significant for all locations with trap depth and gradient being important for some lakes. Standardised trends by number and mass declined markedly in both tidal areas − 84.7% and − 89.5% by count and − 93.5% and − 89.5% by weight; significant declines (− 39.2% by count and − 54.1% by weight) were found in one of the freshwater lakes with the other, the one farthest upstream, having had changes over time but no significant difference between the start and end. This study provides a framework for analysing long-term fyke net catch data for eel, which may be useful for the international analysis of eel survey data.
    • Climate-Driven Oceanic Range Shift of Saint John River Atlantic Salmon Revealed by Multidecadal Stable Isotope Trends

      Soto, David X.; Dadswell, Michael J.; Samways, Kurt M.; Cunjak, Richard A.; McDermott, Tom (Humboldt Field Research Institute, 2024-01-02)
      Marine migration patterns of unique or regional stocks of Salmo salar (Atlantic Salmon) are poorly known. Atlantic Salmon (AS) utilizing the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre (NASpG) for foraging and growth consist of stocks from the United States (41°N) to Greenland (64°N) in the western Atlantic and from Spain (41°N) to Norway (70°N) in the eastern Atlantic. Wide latitudinal range and unique riverine characteristics probably result in stocks selecting differing suites of marine sea-surface temperatures (SST) within the species' known selection range (i.e., their Grinnellian niche). We analyzed trends in stable carbon isotope (δ13C) composition from archived scale tissues in relation to long-term variation of SST for the North Atlantic Ocean to identify marine feeding regions used by adult AS successfully returning to the Saint John River, Canada, during the period 1982–2011. Marine foraging regions were determined for individuals that spent 1 winter (1SW) or multiple winters (MSW) at sea. During 1982–1991 and 1992–2001, AS which successfully returned, exploited more southern regions of the NASpG, while returning adults from 2002–2011 exploited more northern regions. Historically presumed marine feeding regions, which were identified by the isotopic model as probable during 1982–2001, have experienced a warming trend, and data suggests that AS returning to the Saint John River have been migrating further north in the NASpG in response to recent global climate change. The northward range shift as the North Atlantic warmed is consistent with recent biogeographical changes found among other marine species also following their Grinnellian niche.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 5, 1960

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Trust of Ireland (Salmon Research Trust of Ireland Incorporated, 1961)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 18, 1973

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Trust of Ireland (Salmon Research Trust of Ireland Incorporated, 1974)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 37, 1992

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Agency of Ireland (Salmon Research Agency of Ireland Incorporated, 1993)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 1 (a), 1955

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Trust of Ireland (Salmon Research Trust of Ireland Incorporated, 1956)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 1 (b), 1956

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Trust of Ireland (Salmon Research Trust of Ireland Incorporated, 1957)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 2, 1957

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Trust of Ireland (Salmon Research Trust of Ireland Incorporated, 1958)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.
    • Newport Research Facility, Annual Report No. 3, 1958

      Marine Institute; Salmon Research Trust of Ireland (Salmon Research Trust of Ireland Incorporated, 1959)
      This report is a predecessor to our current Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports. Prior to the Marine Institute, this work was carried out by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland, and later the Salmon Research Agency of Ireland. For consistency the titles remain as 'Newport Research Facility, Annual Reports'. The scientific aspects of the Annual Reports published by the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland are now integrated into the Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services Group (FEAS) of the Marine Institute. The data presented creates a unique record of fish rearing and wild fish census data. These data are an essential component in the local, regional and national management of salmon, sea trout and eel and are becoming ever more valuable in the light of increasing pressures on natural stocks, such as exploitation, habitat degradation and global climate change scenarios. The fish monitoring facilities in Newport, along with the reared and ranched salmon stocks held in Burrishoole, are also essential for supporting projects such as development of novel enhancement techniques, alternative stocks and ranching and evaluation of interactions between farmed, ranched and wild strains. An expanding programme in the Burrishoole system is including ecological and genetics research into eel, sticklebacks and stock dynamics of juvenile salmonids and eels.