All Projects

This project supports the conservation of critically endangered sharks and skates in Ireland's southwest waters while improving the sustainability of inshore fisheries. Working closely with fishers, it will monitor marine biodiversity, assess crayfish stocks, trial low-impact fishing methods, and develop practical solutions to reduce bycatch of protected species.

The project is to place Marine Mammal and Seabird Observers on board certain Marine Institute surveys. The surveys provide observation platforms and collect additional oceanographic, fisheries and biological data that can be combined to provide ecosystems information, rather than simply being fisheries surveys.

This project investigates how ocean acidification and warming affect shell formation in key bivalve species in Irish waters. Using high-resolution microCT scanning, it analyses shell structure, density, and growth as indicators of organism health. Samples from different environmental conditions will be compared to assess the influence of changing carbonate chemistry. The study aims to improve understanding of shellfish resilience to climate-driven ocean changes.

This work programme supports the sustainable development of Ireland’s aquaculture sector while ensuring the protection of marine biodiversity within Natura 2000 sites. It integrates Appropriate Assessment (AA), ecological monitoring, targeted research, and scientific expertise to inform evidence-based licensing and management of aquaculture activities in Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The work programme contributes directly to the implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives by ensuring that aquaculture activities are assessed, monitored, and managed in line with conservation objectives for protected habitats and species.