The Maritime Spatial Planning process is data intensive, having to draw upon the best available data coming from many different sources. There are, therefore, multiple challenges in managing spatial data for inclusion in Marine Plans. These challenges include the need for data integrity to drive reproducibility; as well as providing contextual information to enable end users to increase understanding as well as the potential for the data to be reused independently. This paper examines the challenges associated with managing spatial data for inclusion in Ireland’s marine plan. It demonstrates how repeatability can be achieved for such data products and the underlying processes necessary to drive data integrity to ensure the best data is available for decision-making. During the marine plan consultation period, the spatial data used in the baseline and subsequent draft plan became outdated, with newer and better-fitting data identified. In total, 124 map products matured throughout the process; consequently, processes were developed to integrate stakeholder feedback as well as a method to provide a uniform way to deliver, manage and update datasets. Ireland held an array of stakeholder engagement efforts. The entire stakeholder engagement process spanned several years and involved numerous organisations. Informed by the process of engagement-data interaction the paper explores the innovative potential of using Maritime Spatial Planning as a driving force for Data Quality. This paper aims to describe the interwoven process of updating datasets in a marine plan and the benefits of simultaneously integrating stakeholder consultation feedback and developing repeatable data management processes.

The 2024 Celtic Sea Pelagic Ecosystem Survey (CSPES), conducted aboard the RV Tom Crean from October 9-29 (TC24023), aimed to assess the abundance and biomass of key small pelagic fish (SPF) species, including herring, sprat and sardine, in the Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea. The survey employed acoustic methods and biological sampling to provide a fisheries-independent index of abundance and biomass for use in stock assessments modelling.

The Explorers Teacher's Planning Guide provides comprehensive lessons and STEAM activities that can be completed as class projects. The resource provides links to PowerPoint presentations, project plans, lesson plans, and a class quiz.

This review presents updated information on the status of selected shellfish stocks in Ireland for 2024. In addition, data on the fleet and landings of shellfish species (excluding Nephrops) are presented. The intention of this annual review is to present stock assessment and management advice for shellfisheries that may be subject to new management proposals or where scientific advice is required in relation to assessing the environmental impact of shellfish fisheries especially in areas designated under European Directives. The review reflects the recent work of the Marine Institute (MI) in the biological assessment of shellfish fisheries and their interaction with the environment.

The lesson includes two sessions/lesson activities: • EXPLORING ENERGY SOURCES AND THEIR ORIGINS • CLASS DISCUSSION, CREATION, AND COMMUNICATION (Creating Games).

The project plan includes four sessions / lesson activities, including: • MAPPING OCEAN ENERGY POTENTIAL • TIDAL ENERGY - FROM ANCIENT MILLS TO MODERN TURBINES • OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY - DESIGN AND ENGINEERING • WAVE POWER - HARNESSING THE OCEAN'S MOTION.

This presentation encourages children to work together in teams to explore ideas about energy, how it reaches our homes, and how much electricity is consumed in Ireland and worldwide. The students will design pylons and build an innovative smart city that showcases the benefits of using ‘Renewable Ocean Energy—The Power of the Future’.

This presentation aims to explore, develop, and apply scientific ideas and concepts through communication, language, math, design, and creativity. The students will learn about and understand energy sources that generate power through discussion and interactive activities.

This document addresses the growing concern over the impact of underwater noise on marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of offshore renewable energy developments. As offshore wind and other forms of renewable energy continue to expand, understanding and mitigating the effects of underwater noise on marine life is paramount. For this purpose, a study will be undertaken to develop two sets of guidance for monitoring and minimising possible impacts of ORE developments on the environment concerning underwater acoustic noise: ▪ Procedures and technical specifications for compliant underwater acoustic noise monitoring and reporting by Irish ORE developments, and ▪ Criteria, thresholds, and mitigation measures of underwater acoustic noise generated by ORE developments. The stakeholders involved in offshore renewable energy include government agencies, industry players, environmental organizations, research performing groups and local communities. A preliminary survey of relevant stakeholders in Ireland and abroad has been performed.

This document is the third and final deliverable of the study carried out to address the topic “Underwater Noise guidance for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) developers”, under the Marine Institute’s Research for Policy Awards 2023. A first deliverable (document BD01923001- 01 Scope and Problem Description) defined the scope of the research. Once the problem was described, the study was split into two sections, both approached under the ORE perspective. The first addresses the monitoring and reporting of underwater acoustic noise, covered in the second deliverable, document BD01923002-01 – UN Monitoring and Reporting Guidance for ORE. The second section, which is the subject of this document, covers mitigation measures and thresholds for underwater noise.