1900 research outputs found
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Explorers Marine Spatial Planning for Kids: Learning About Marine Spatial Planning Information Sheets for Children
No full textThe Marine Spatial Planning for Kids Information Sheets provide children with fast facts to accompany the books, activities and other resources.These information sheets will provide children with facts regarding Marine Spatial PlanningMarine Institut
Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS) Survey Report 2025
No full textThe 2025 Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS; CE25009) was conducted aboard the RV Celtic Explorer from 18 June to 29 July 2025 to assess the abundance, biomass, and distribution of key small pelagic fish species, including boarfish, western horse mackerel, and herring, across shelf seas from northern Biscay to the Hebrides. The fisheries‑independent trawl‑acoustic survey covered 60,374 nmi² between 47°30′N and 58°30′N using systematic parallel transects, with effort and timing comparable to 2024. Targeted midwater trawls were undertaken on insonified echotraces to determine species composition and biological characteristics, including length, weight, sex, maturity, and age. Genetic tissue sampling, hydrographic profiling, zooplankton sampling, and marine mammal observations were also conducted.
The survey provides a snapshot index of relative abundance and biomass at the time of sampling. Malin Shelf herring total stock biomass (TSB) was estimated at 56,078 t, with spawning stock biomass (SSB) of 7,142 t, representing an 89% decline in SSB compared to 2024 and the lowest value in the time series. Boarfish TSB and abundance declined by 36% and 44%, respectively, to 279,376 t and 6.67 billion individuals. In contrast, horse mackerel TSB increased by 29% to 96,204 t. Celtic Sea herring were not observed and are excluded from stock assessment inputs.Marine Institut
Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2024
No full textThe 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
Summary Report on 2024 Residue Monitoring of Irish Farmed Finfish & Border Control Post Fishery Product Testing
No full textOn behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), the Marine Institute carries out monitoring of chemical residues in finfish for aquaculture sector. This monitoring is set out in the annual National Residue Control Plan, which is approved by the European Commission, and is an important component of the DAFM food safety controls and is implemented under a service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. For the aquaculture sector, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) with technical support from the MI is responsible for residue controls on farmed finfish. Since 1999, the Marine Institute has implemented the National Residues Monitoring Programme for aquaculture and in 2024, in excess of 1,982 tests and a total of 12,882 measurements were carried out on 92 samples of farmed finfish for a range of residues of pharmacologically active substances. Implementation of the Aquaculture 2024 risk-based control plan for production (Plan 1) involves taking samples at both farm and processing plant: 46 target samples taken at harvest: 36 farmed salmon and 10 freshwater trout. 46 target samples were taken at other stages of production: 36 salmon smolts and 10 freshwater trout. All 2024 samples were compliant. For target sampling of farmed fish, a summary table of the residue results from 2023 - 2024 is outlined in Table 1. Overall, the outcome for aquaculture remains one of consistently low occurrence of residues in farmed finfish, with no non-compliant target residues results for the period 2006-2014, 0.11% and 0.10% non-compliant target residues results in 2015 and 2016 respectively and no non-compliant target results for the period 2017 to 2024.Marine Institut
Characterisation of Coastal Reef Habitats: Scoping of Methods for Quantitative Monitoring Programmes
No full textThis report looks at different ways to study and monitor coastal reef habitats, which are important for marine life and environmental health. It reviews tools and techniques—like underwater surveys, aerial photography, and satellite images—that can help scientists track changes in these habitats over time. The goal is to find reliable and practical methods that can be used regularly to understand how reef areas are changing, especially in protected zones. The report also suggests how these methods can be used in national monitoring programmes to support marine conservation and policy decisions.EMFF Operational Programme 2014-2020, Marine Biodiversity Scheme. Project No. MB/2021/0
TC24_02 INFOMAR Survey Report
No full textGeological Survey Ireland (GSI) and Marine Institute (MI) conducted seabed mapping between 2003 and 2005 under the auspices of the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and mapping continued from 2006 to present day under the INtegrated mapping FOr the sustainable development of Irelands MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme. INSS, which commenced in 1999 under the GSI was one of the largest marine mapping programmes ever undertaken globally, with a focus on deep water mapping. INFOMAR is a joint venture between the GSI and the MI and is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).
INFOMAR Phase 1, 2006 to 2015 focused on mapping 26 priority bays and 3 priority areas around Ireland and creating a range of integrated mapping products of the physical and biological features of the seabed in those areas. INFOMAR Phase 2, 2016 to 2026 intends to map the remainder of Ireland’s entire seabed.Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication
Crayfish (Palinurus elephas): Catch and bycatch in the tangle net fishery off the southwest coast of Ireland in 2021-2024
No full textPrimary fund: European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021–2027
Managing Authority: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Ireland)
Beneficiary / Implementing body: Marine Institute
Key contract reference: ITT21‑019
Related earlier project refs: MB/2017/11, MB/2019/01 (EMFF Marine Biodiversity Scheme)The spiny lobster or crayfish (Palinurus elephas) fishery off the southwest coast of Ireland has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by increased catch rates and high market value. This study quantifies catch, bycatch, fishing effort and spatial distribution in the tangle‑net fishery from 2021 to 2024 in two fleet areas, Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay. Data were collected using scientific observer coverage, contracted skipper self‑reporting at haul level, and continuous inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems (iVMS), enabling reported data to be raised to vessel and fleet levels for the first time.
Crayfish landings and fishing effort increased substantially over the study period, with catch rates doubling since 2017 and remaining high through 2024. Crayfish mortality in tangle nets averaged 7.2% and increased with net soak time, with higher mortality observed in Tralee Bay. Bycatch was dominated by invertebrates and low‑value fish, but significant incidental capture of endangered, threatened and protected species occurred. Fleet‑level estimates indicate substantial bycatch of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and critically endangered elasmobranchs, including angel shark (Squatina squatina) and flapper skate (Dipturus spp.). Bycatch risk was spatially structured, with higher seal bycatch near haul‑out sites.
The results indicate that the tangle‑net crayfish fishery poses serious conservation risks, and highlight the need for effort management, improved spatial protection, and transition to low‑impact fishing gears
Using Environmental DNA to Characterize Amphibian Communities at Sites Infected with Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in the Netherlands
No full textBatrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) fungus has the potential to cause high mortality rates in some European salamanders and newts (urodelans) and is in the process of expanding its invasive range in Europe. Therefore, monitoring its distribution and better understanding both the species threatened and the mechanics of infection are essential in mitigating damage Bsal may cause. Environmental DNA has emerged as a promising noninvasive method for detecting both this fungal pathogen and amphibian communities in infected areas. We applied these methods in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands, where the pathogen has previously been detected and is expanding its range, with the goal of characterizing the natural amphibian community present. We sampled 27 bodies of water in the region surrounding the known outbreak sites, determined the presence or absence of Bsal using a targeted quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, and applied an environmental DNA metabarcoding approach to characterize the amphibian communities using two different primer sets. The 12S vertebrate primer set outperformed the 16S amphibian primer set and detected all expected amphibians in the study area: Bufo bufo, Lissotriton vulgaris, Pelobates fuscus, Pelophylax spp., Rana temporaria and Triturus cristatus. Bsal was detected at 8 of 27 ponds. A distance-based redundancy analysis found a weak but significant relationship between Bsal presence and composition of amphibian communities. This study may provide a basis for future studies
on Bsal and its relationship with amphibian communities in Europe, highlighting the need for further research into mechanisms of
persistence and transmission between bodies of water
Leabhar Na Stoc 2025: Léimheas Bliantéúil ar na Stoic Eisc in 2025 le Comharile Bainistiochta do 2026
No full textThe Stock Book is the principal annual publication of the Marine Institute's Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services (FEAS). Its purpose is to provide the latest impartial scientific advice on the commercially exploited fish stocks of interest to Ireland. The Stock Book is used by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - (DAFM) at the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) negotiations with the EU in December and throughout the year at fisheries management meetings.Marine Institute; Co-funded by the European Union; Government of Irelan
Marine Institute Research for Policy Awards 2023
No full textThis report explores the transition of Ireland’s maritime industry towards carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on alternative fuel adoption, socio-economic impacts, and implementation pathways. Conducted under the Marine Institute’s Research for Policy Awards, the study evaluates regulatory drivers such as the EU Green Deal, FuelEU Maritime, and IMO Net Zero Framework, alongside their implications for Irish ports and shipping companies. Using a core fleet analysis and stakeholder consultations, the research identifies high-priority corridors for Green Shipping Corridors (GSCs), assesses alternative fuels—including biofuels, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and electrofuels—and analyses port infrastructure requirements such as Onshore Power Supply (OPS). Findings highlight significant cost challenges under a business-as-usual scenario, with penalties projected to exceed €1.3 billion annually by 2050, underscoring the urgency of fuel transition strategies. The report proposes a phased roadmap: immediate OPS deployment by 2030, preparation for FuelEU revisions in 2027/28, and long-term GSC development on high-emission routes. Recommendations emphasise regulatory alignment, flexible fuel strategies, and collaborative task forces to mitigate risks and ensure Ireland’s maritime sector achieves net-zero emissions while maintaining competitiveness.Research for Policy Awards are carried out with the support of the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme, and funded by the Government of Ireland. Project Reference: RPA/23/04/0