1900 research outputs found
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TC25016
No full textThis report presents the main results of the 2025 underwater television (UWTV) survey
conducted on the ‘Labadie, Jones and Cockburn Banks’ within ICES assessment area
Functional Unit (FU) 20-21. The 2025 annual survey was multi-disciplinary, collecting UWTV
footage along with other ecosystem data. A total of 93 UWTV stations were completed at 6
nm intervals over a randomised isometric grid design, resulting in 100% coverage of the area.
The mean burrow density in 2025 was recorded at 0.17 burrows/m2
, indicating an increase
from 0.11 burrows/m2
in 2024. The 2025 geostatistical abundance estimate was 1 791 million
burrows, a 56% increase on the abundance from 2024 and resulting in a coefficient of
variation (CV) of 4% well below the 20% upper limit recommended by SGNEPS (2012). Low to
moderate burrow densities were observed throughout the surveyed grounds. Using the 2025
abundance estimate and updated stock data, the estimated catch for 2026, aligned with the
ICES Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach, is projected at 3 171 tonnes, assuming no
change in discard rates and fishery selection patterns from 2022–2024 average. One species
of sea-pen (Virgularia mirabilis) was recorded at the surveyed stations. Trawl marks were
observed at 30% of these stations.Marine Institut
TC24023
Full text linkThe 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.Marine Institute; EMFAF; Government of Irelan
Lesson Plan 6: Explorers Phytoplankton: Haeckel-Inspired Print Making
Full text linkThis activity is carried out to inspire children to explore the hidden beauty of the natural world, particularly microscopic marine life, through the lens of art and science. Inspired by artist Ernst Haeckel, the children will foster an appreciation for ocean conservation by creating their own artistic interpretations through creating vinyl prints, or alternative prints, using recycled materials and or clay tiles as well as how to carry out cyanotype processing.This lesson plan connects science with art and takes scientific drawing of living things, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, to the next level. This allows children to develop new skills in printmaking, while learning about these important species.Marine Institut
Lesson Plan 3: Explorers MSP - Design a Marine Spatial Plan Information Poster and Film Project
No full textThe Marine Spatial Planning lesson aims to engage and further develop the children's understanding and knowledge about Ireland's Marine Spatial Planning by using their creative and communication skills.This lesson will help children to develop their reasoning, communication, creative and team building skills by designing an information poster, and their digital skills by creating a presentation or short film.Marine Institut
Lesson Plan 4: Explorers Marine Spatial Planning - Create a Game
No full textBy creating an interactive game, the children will engage and further develop their understanding and knowledge about Ireland's Marine Spatial Planning. They will use their creative communication skills and team building skills as part of this activity.This lesson will help children to define Marine Spatial Planning and its importance, while identifying various user groups in Ireland and understand the concept of a win-win solution in multi-stakeholder scenarios through the creation of a game.Marine Institut
Lesson Plan 3: Explorers Phytoplankton: Much More Than Simple Plants - Chlorophyll and Phytoplankton
Full text linkThis lesson plan helps teachers introduce students to the concepts of chlorophyll and photosynthesis, highlighting their essential roles in plant life, the environment, and the broader ecosystem, with a specific focus on phytoplankton. It encourages critical thinking while connecting scientific concepts to real-world phenomena.This Lesson Plan helps teachers to explain the vital role of phytoplankton in global oxygen production and CO2 absorption through the process of photosynthesis.Marine Institut
Explorers Phytoplankton Mighty Microscopic Marvels – Children's Workbook
No full textThis workbook accompanies the Explorers Phytoplankton Information book and presentation, keeping children engaged and enhancing understanding through educational activities.A colourful and engaging workbook to accompany the Explorers Phytoplankton book.Marine Institut
Porcupine Bank Nephrops Grounds (FU16) 2025 UWTV Survey Report and catch scenarios for 2026
No full textMarine Institute; Co-Funded by the European UnionThis report provides the results of the fourteenth underwater television on the ‘Porcupine Bank Nephrops grounds’ ICES assessment area; Functional Unit 16. The survey was multidisciplinary in nature collecting UWTV and other ecosystem data. In total 69 UWTV stations were successfully completed (100% of the planned stations) in a randomised 6 nautical mile isometric grid covering the full spatial extent of the stock. The mean burrow density observed in 2025, adjusted for edge effect, was 0.17 burrows/m². The final kriged abundance estimate was 1220 million burrows with a CV of 3%. The 2025 abundance estimate was 27% lower than in 2024. Using the 2025 estimate of abundance and updated stock data imply that catches in 2026 should be between 1750 and 2169 tonnes, according to the EU MAP and ICES MSY approach (assuming that all catch is landed). Four species of sea-pen (Virgularia mirabilis, Funiculina quadrangularis, Pennatula phosphorea and the deepwater sea-pen Kophobelemnon stelliferum) were observed during the survey. Trawl marks were also observed on 65% of the stations surveyed
CE25004
No full textCoordination of the survey was initiated at the meeting of the Working Group on International Pelagic Surveys (WGIPS) in January 2025 and continued by correspondence until the start of the survey. During the survey, effort was refined and adjusted by the survey coordinator (Norway) using real time observations