Marine Times

MARINE TIMES ONLINE NEWS

June edition in all good shops this week and as digital download!

Regular news and views from Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper. The printed June edition is in all good shops and online, covering all the major developments as reported by Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper.

News 17th June:
SFPA Must Work with Fishermen, Not Against Them

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority must work with fishermen and fishing communities, and not against them. Full Report Here

News 12th June:
Equal Rights And Equal Opportunities For Irish Fishermen

Lack of “level playing field” under the EU Common Fisheries Policy is destroying our Irish Fishing Industry and Rural Communities.

On the 23rd June next, Irish Fishing vessels both inshore and offshore from around the Irish coast will assemble at the entrance to Dublin Port from early morning. Under instruction from the lead vessel and Dublin Port Authority, they will steam up the River Liffey in convoy through the East Link Toll Bridge to John Rodgerson's Quay. Full Details Here

Podcast 11th June:
Why Do Fishermen Keep Fishing?

On this week’s Podcast Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, talks to a man who has been 35 years in the industry, but is worried about the future. How would the Taoiseach and the Marine Minister answer what the fisherman says? Listen Here

News 11th June:
Seafood processors invited to learn about energy efficient refrigeration systems at latest instalment of BIM Green Programme sustainability series

A webinar for Irish seafood processors on energy efficient management of refrigeration systems is being held as part of the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency 2021 Green Programme Sustainability Series. The hour-long event offering practical advice and guidance on best practice for optimising energy use in refrigeration systems, will take place on Wednesday 30th June at 13.00. Read More Here

Researchers Plumb the Depths to Solve Lough Hyne Mystery

A mysterious tale of disappearing marine sponges in a unique County Cork lough could yet have a happy ending. A team led by Professor of Marine Biology James Bell from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and Professor Rob McAllen from University College Cork has been studying the loss of possibly thousands of sponges from the underwater cliffs inside Lough Hyne (Loch Oighinn). Read More Here

News 10th June:
Golden Wellie Award for Belmullet & Ballyglass

The winner was announced for the Golden Wellie award in the category of “Best community partnership fundraiser category” at th RNLI HQ in Poole. Belmullet Tidal Pool Shore Road Swimmers and Ballyglass RNLI Crew were the chosen winners. This is an absolutely amazing honour for all involved. It shows that the close community bond in Erris has been awarded for the efforts of some amazing people in their community. Read More Here

News 9th June:
Over 600 tonnes of Marine Waste Has Been Collected by Ireland’s Seafood Sector Since 2015

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D today paid tribute to the men and women working in Ireland’s seafood sector for their continued efforts to reduce Ireland’s marine waste as part of the Clean Oceans Initiative. To date, the collaborative efforts of the sector have resulted in more than 600 tonnes of mainly plastic waste being collected at sea and during shore and pier clean-ups. A new focus for the Initiative is the drive to help Ireland’s fisheries harbours with their waste management systems in collaboration with local gear manufacturers to manage fishing gear throughout its life cycle. Read More Here

Podcast 8th June:
World Oceans Day Call on Irish Government to Protect Basking Sharks

Ten to twenty per cent of the world’s basking sharks are in Irish waters year-round. Because of this an international consortium of leading scientists and conservation organisations has today called on the Irish Government to provide legal protection for them.

“Ireland needs to do this,” according to Dr Emmett Johnston, Founder Member of the Irish Basking Shark Group which has made the call on World Oceans Day. “The scientific community have given their full support to list the basking shark under the Wildlife Act. Now is the right time to protect them and their habitats. Irish coastal waters are one of the few places globally that basking sharks regularly and predictably occur on the surface close to shore.

On the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW another Founder/Member of the Group, Dr. Simon Berrow, who is also CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, said that during the Summer months basking sharks also suffer harassment and disturbance from boats, jet skis, divers and snorkelers.. Listen to Dr. Berrow Here

News 8th June:
Illustrating the Role of Marine Life in Human Health with a Large-Scale Mural for Local Primary School

Students at St. Nicholas' Parochial School in Galway will imagine, design and create new medical devices inspired from marine life that may aid human health

CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at NUI Galway and Galway Atlantaquaria have been delivering engaging virtual workshops with St. Nicholas’ Parochial School in Galway, together with teaching artist Alison Mac Cormaic. The “Tiny Sea Life, Big Cures” project will culminate in the creation of a large-scale mural on the school building that will be completed this summer. Read More Here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW, presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor,Tom MacSweeney - Facing up to eight months following the horizon - The Kerry sailor who wants to achieve a lifetime ambition to be the first Irishman to sail around the world alone and non-stop. And, we hear about the long-legged maritime spider in the Waterford Estuary.

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 4th June:
Islanders Request Taoiseach to Intervene Personally in Fisheries Situation – Did the Taoiseach Read the Letter?

Comhdháil Oileán na hEireann, the Islands’ Federation, has called on the Taoiseach to intervene personally in the difficult situation facing the fishing industry. “We consider it appropriate for you to personally intervene in this serious situation. We implore you to act to prevent the loss of hundreds of jobs, a way of life and a key element to coastal communities, Irish heritage and tradition,” wrote Aisling Moran, Chair of the Comhdháil.

The Taoiseach’s Department referred the letter to the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine.

“Taoiseach Martin, a chara,

“As the representative organisation for Ireland’s offshore islands, you can understand our concern regarding the historic and on-going treatment of our fisherpersons. This is a matter of huge importance regarding island community livelihoods and sustainability not to mention heritage and traditions.

“Island communities are intimately acquainted with the consequences of changes to fishing rights and regulations inflicted through the years. Islanders are by nature people of the sea: to sacrifice their ability to make a living though life-learned skills they are passionate about is beyond unreasonable. This continued decimation of the Irish fleet has been magnified with the onset of Brexit and the Irish fishing industry is fighting for its life.

“As Taoiseach we consider it appropriate for you to personally intervene in this serious situation: we implore you to act to prevent the loss of hundreds of jobs, a way of life and a key element to coastal communities, Irish heritage and tradition. We ask all involved with the control and regulation of the fishing industry to have a hard look at the consequences of their actions against a proud and respected Irish livelihood. There is a better way.

Regards,
Aisling Moran, Chair
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann”

In this week’s MARINE TIMES Podcast Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, analyses the response given to the Federation and asks whether the Taoiseach read the letter and why he did not reply personally to a request made to him personally. Listen to the Podcast Here

News 4th June:
KFO Welcomes High Court Ruling Against SFPA
Authority acted ‘ultra vires’, states judge

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Seán O’Donoghue has welcomed today’s High Court ruling which found against the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) for its failure to approve a new state-of-the-art conveyor belt fish weighing system. The judicial review was taken jointly by the KFO and Pelagic Weighing Services Ltd (PWS) in response to the SFPA’s refusal to consider and determine the application for approval of the ‘Flowscales’ built on the pier in Killybegs at a cost of €409,000. Read More Here

Minister Must Step Up Following High Court Ruling on Fish-Weighing System

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has called on Minister Charlie McConalogue to engage with his Department of Marine officials, the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) and the European Commission to ensure that a fish-weighing system can be established at Killybegs. Read More Here

Demonstration Planned For Dublin

A second 'show and tell' demonstration by the fishing industry is being planned for Dublin on Wednesday, June 23.

Discussions are underway with the Dublin Port Company for arrangements as they were made in Cork for the demonstration held there on May 26, organised by the Irish South and West Fish Producers' Organisation. It will not be a protest, the organisers stress, there will be no interference with port organisations, the purpose will be, as it was in Cork, to show the public the industry and outline the lack of support from the government.

"We are again seeking to take our case into public view."

The Cork protest, in which 70 boats took part, supported by families and industry workers on the quayside, was regarded as a success in raising awareness of the industry.

News 3rd June:
Ocean Science turning the tide on Climate Change

Our ocean is the Earth's natural climate moderator – regulating climate and influencing weather patterns around the globe and affecting every one of us, no matter where we live. The ocean's potential as a climate solution is only now beginning and ocean research is vital to help us to mitigate, adapt and turn the tide on climate change. The Marine Institute and partners are celebrating our seas with Oceans of Learning, offering a new podcast series, educational videos and short films, news and online resources all about our ocean. This week's Oceans of Learning resources, available on the Marine Institute's website at Our Ocean: Our Climate, explores the inextricable link between our ocean and our climate. Read More Here

€1.1m Grants to Support €3m Investments by 19 Seafood Enterprises

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, today announced the award of €1,105,022 in grants to 19 aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises under his Department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme. The grant awards will support total investment in these businesses of €2,957,627. The grants are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and are subject to terms and conditions. Read More Here

News 2nd June:
One of the 10 best things to do in Connemara this summer…
Farm Tours and Oyster Picnics serving up a Taste of the Atlantic

With the reopening of hospitality, the weather up and the June holiday weekend approaching the summer holiday feeling is finally in the air. This year the crowds are flocking to Connemara not the Costa. It promises to be a busy season for the west of Ireland region. The good news is there is plenty to see and do and enjoy in the array of amenities, attractions and activities which carve Connemara out as such a special place along the Wild Atlantic Way. Read More Here

Unmanned miniature Sail boat ‘Seoltóir Na Gaillimhe – the Galway Sailor’ to be deployed from the RV Celtic Explorer

On Monday 31st May, a group of students from 5th and 6th class from Kilglass National School in Co Galway delivered their 1.5 metre unmanned mini sailboat called ‘Seoltóir Na Gaillimhe – the Galway Sailor’ to the Marine Institute’s research vessel, RV Celtic Explorer, in Galway Harbour. Marine Institute scientists will deploy the mini-boat from the RV Celtic Explorer into the Atlantic Ocean, near the M6 Weather Buoy, during the AIMSIR (Atlantic In-situ Marine Scientific Infrastructure Replacement) survey. Read More Here

News 1st June:
Naval Service Detains Spanish Vessel Involved In Bantry Bay Incident

The Naval Service has detained the Spanish trawler involved in an incident with a Castletownbere trawler in Bantry Bay last Friday. Read More Here

Government Allow an Act of Piracy off Cork Coast

Rural Indepent TD for cork, Deputy Michael Collins slammed the government for allowing the crew of a Castletownbere fishing trawler to be harassed and intimidated by a Spanish fishing vessel over the weekend. Deputy Collins said: “Irish fishing men and women fishing inside the 12-mile limit for local fishing, derive the protection of the national flag.”

However a recent posting on the Facebook page Irish Fishing Vessels by the owner of the Irish vessel 'Lours des Mer' Keiran Sheehan highligtss the frustration held by Irish fishermen off our own waters; "Two days later and the Punta Candieira is still happily fishing away. Irish navy steamed full speed from cork. To go straight to the Irish vessel while the Spanish vessel was fishing inside the 12 mile limit." Read More Here

Aran Islands RNLI mechanic Johnny Mulkerrin retires after 35 years of helping to save lives at sea

After 35 years of dedicated service, Aran Islands RNLI mechanic Johnny Mulkerrin retires today (Tuesday 1 June). Johnny is one of Aran Islands RNLI’s longest serving crew members having first joined the volunteer crew in 1984, as soon as he turned 17. His early passion for the lifeboat came as a child growing up watching his father, John Snr, also an active lifeboat volunteer, respond to his pager and go to the aid of those in difficulty at sea. Read More Here

Marine Institute Calls on Fishers to Participate in Development of Fish Mapping App

Researchers at the Marine Institute are calling on fishers from around the country to participate in a new project aimed at reducing unwanted catches across harvesting practices, in an ecological, economic, and socially sustainable way. Read More Here

Podcast 29th May:
Without Fishing Kilmore Quay Will Die!

This week’s fisheries demonstration in Cork was the biggest public expression of fishermen’s anger and discontent with lack of support from government. It was described as “a gentle but powerful shot across the bows of the Minister for the Marine.”

The June edition of the MARINE TIMES, in the shops next week, will haver exrensive coverage of the event in words and pictures.

Fishing and coastal communities have expressed the feelings strongly. The demonstration was widely supported along the South/West, the South and South/East.

Seamus and Denis O’Flaherty led a contingent of beamers from Kilmore Quay and on this week’s MARINE TIMES PODCAST, tell Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, why there is so much frustration amongst fishermen. Listen Here

News 29th May:
SFPA and Navy Called On to Take Action Over Ramming Incident in South West

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service have been asked to take action to protect Irish fishermen after what is alleged to be intimidation during an apparent attempted ramming of an Irish trawler by a foreign fishing vessel on the South Coast this morning. It is reported to have happened within the 12-mile limit. Read More Here

News 27th May:
The Demo That Was Like An Invasion – But A Peaceful One!

As dawn broke the flotilla appeared, heading for Cork Harbour. It was “like an invasion,” commented one member of the public watching almost seventy fishing boats assembling at Roche’s Point, the entrance to the harbour.

With the strength of their anger at the manner in which the industry has been treated by government motivating them, the boats from Dingle to Kilmore Quay, from the South West, South East and Southern waters were a powerful statement that many fishermen feel they have taken enough from the State attitude and the EU.

Participation in the demonstration required a considerable commitment from fishing boats which sailed long distances to take part at Cork.

“There is a time to say ‘no’ and it is time to say ‘no’ to the EU and the way they have treated the Irish fishing industry,” said Caitlin Ui Aodha from the Irish South and East FPO.

“We are disgusted that it had to come to this, that as fishermen of long experience our communities are being destroyed, by both the government and our so-called allies in Europe who are the worst problem now because they have the biggest quotas,” said Seamus O’Flaherty from Kilmore Quay in County Wexford, from where several beamers joined the demonstration.

Patrick Murphy, CEO, Irish South and West summed it all up when he closed the rally with the words: “There is no way the fishing industry and the coastal communities will stand idly by and allow the government to destroy them. The government should take note of that.”

“A gentle but powerful shot across the bows of the Minister for the Marine,” was how it was described by Cormac Burke, Chairman of the Irish Fishing and Seafood Alliance.

More demonstrations are not ruled out.

There will be extensive coverage in the June edition of the MARINE TIMES.

Podcast 22nd May:
Coastal Communities Are On The Edge Of Survival

With the fishermen of the South West due to demonstrate at Cork Port on Wednesday to show the public how badly they say they are being treated by the government and the EU, the Chief Executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation says it is a "crazy scenario that the public might not believe, but it is true, that we are down to being allowed to catch 15 per cent of the fish in Irish waters."

Patrick Murphy tells the Marine Times that fishermen don't want to have to demonstrate to highlight their case, but that they have no choice. "We are asking the public to please, please support us," he says.

This will not be a protest and will not inconvenience the public, he tells Deputy Editor Tom MacSweeney. “This is a ‘show-and-tell’ demonstration of what is being done to the industry, which is being discussed and arranged in agreement with Cork Port. Listen Here

News 15th May:
Irish Fishing and Seafood Alliance Alleges EU Information About Weighing Is False

The Irish Fishing and Seafood Alliance has obtained a copy of the EU Audit Report on which the Commission has based its decision to withdraw the Irish weighing derogation. The EU, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Government have denied the major Irish fishing organisations access to the report. Read More Here

Remote Working with a View

MODAM, the first established offshore digital hub in the country, is located on the island of Arranmore off the west coast of Donegal. We speak to Adrian Begley, the Chair of the Arranmore Island Community Council, and Matthew Loughnane a remote worker based on the island, about the impact of the digital hub on the local economy since its establishment in 2019 and the future for remote working on the island. Read More Here

Podcast 6th May:
Listen to the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW

The Irish fishing industry says it is being bled to death by the European Commission and lack of Government support… The Great Fish of the Sun is back in Irish waters and the programme suggests 50 things to create special moments for yourself – by the sea ...

Listen to the latest Tom MacSweeney's MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW.

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here