Marine Times

MARINE TIMES ONLINE NEWS

September edition in all good shops this week
- digital download available now!

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

Podcast 24th September:
TOM CREAN TO BE LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER

Fifty-two metres in length and painted in the signal green colour used on the Marine Institute’s two present research vessels - the Celtic Explorer and the Celtic Voyager – the new RV Tom Crean is an impressive sight and will be launched in Spain in November. At a cost of €25 million she is a replacement for the 31 metre Explorer with completion of building and outfitting scheduled by next Summer.

Aodhán Fitzgerald, Interim Director, Ocean, Climate & Information Services at the Marine Institute, describes the progress of building their new vessel and why it will honour the legendary Kerry explorer. Listen Here

News 24th September:
Labour issues in Irish fishing industry focus of new BIM study

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency is inviting Ireland’s fishing industry to take part in a survey of the labour force as part of a study on current issues facing the industry including recruiting and retaining crew.

The aim of the study, that began in May, is to better understand how crew members working on Irish fishing vessels are employed and how working conditions and benefits within the sector compare to competing sectors in the Irish labour market. Full story here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW --- Will Irish salmon survive the challenges of climate change … Is the European Union biased against Irish fishermen and … Why the past Summer was not a good one for safety on Irish waters ....

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

News 6th September:
Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association Donate €8,000 to Howth RNLI

When Covid 19 hit last year, fundraising for Howth Lifeboat through street flag day collections, St. Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee Mornings, Golf Classics, Boat Jumble Sales and Vintage Car Runs all came to an abrupt halt, Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association came to the rescue by organizing a winter series of Zoom talks for their members and others.

The talks were presented by a range of interesting speakers: Dennis Aylmer, Michael Weed, Mark Sweetnam, Ed Maggs, Cormac Lowth, Gary McMahon, Peter Lyons & Adrian Spence, Mick Brogan, John Leahy, Jarlath Cunnane, Rob Goodbody, Joe Walsh, Richard Nairn, Sean Walsh, Sean Cullen, Brian O Gaiblin and Rik Janssen.

The fantastic result from these very interesting presentations was a donation of €8,000 from Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association to Howth RNLI who continue to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income. Full story here

Two Callouts Within 12 Hours for Baltimore RNLI

Baltimore RNLI were called out twice within 12 hours on Saturday 4th September, firstly to provide assistance to two people when their vessel went aground, and secondly to provide assistance to a sailing boat that had capsized.

Baltimore all-weather lifeboat approaching casualty vessel - photo taken by casualty crew member Full story here

Podcast 3rd September:
Demersal Fleet Gets Support – Pelagic Fleet Must Also Be Helped

The €10m Brexit assistance scheme announced by the EU which it has described as “support to the fishery sector” applies only to the demersal fleet. While it has been welcomed, the pelagic fleet which has suffered two-thirds of the losses associated with Brexit share reductions, is not included.

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Sean O’Donoghue, says there “has to be a scheme for the pelagic fleet as well”.

While welcoming the announcement of aid, which can be applied to 220 demersal vessels, he said it was disappointing that it has come later than had been sought. It should have been applied from September 1, rather than October 1.

The announcement comes following a recommendation from the Task Force set up by the Minister for the Marine to respond to the Brexit impact.

Sean O’Donoghue responds to the announcement of the assistance scheme on this week’s MARINE TIMES Podcast, talking to Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney Listen Here

News 3rd September:
European Commission approves €10 million Irish support measure for fishery sector in the context of Brexit

The European Commission approved today, under EU State aid rules, a €10 million Irish scheme to support the fishery sector affected by the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, and the consequent quota share reductions foreseen in the provisions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the EU and the UK.

The support will be available to companies that commit to temporarily cease their fishing activities for a month. The aim of the scheme is to save part of the Irish reduced fishing quota for other vessels, while the beneficiaries temporarily suspend their activities. The compensation will be granted as a non-refundable grant, calculated on the basis of gross earnings averaged for the fleet size, excluding the cost of fuel and food for the crew of the vessel. Each eligible company will be entitled to the support for up to a month in the period between 1 October to 31 December 2021. Full story here

News 2nd September:
Dunmore East RNLI receives €31,050 from sales of the book ‘Dauntless Courage’

‘Dauntless Courage’: Celebrating the History of the Dunmore East RNLI, their crews and the Maritime Heritage of the Local Community, was written, published and sold out during lockdown. Restrictions and lockdowns made it impossible for author David Carroll to be in Dunmore East while writing his book but, thankfully, David and his family were able to visit the Dunmore Lifeboat station recently, where he was wholeheartedly welcomed by the volunteers of Dunmore East RNLI.

David Carroll the son of Captain Desmond Carroll, a former Harbour Master in Dunmore wrote a book on the history of the Dunmore East RNLI Lifeboats and the community from which the crews are drawn. David grew up in Dunmore East and whilst moving from the village in his 20s to pursue a career he has always retained a great love for the maritime heritage he inherited growing up in the village. Full story here

News 31st August:
A Summer Mini-Miracle! 'Seoltóir Na Gaillimhe – The Galway Sailor' Mini Sail Boat Found Washed Up in Norway

The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme and Educational Passages are delighted to report that the 1.5 metre unmanned mini sailboat called 'Seoltóir Na Gaillimhe – the Galway Sailor', that was deployed in June, was recently found stranded on the Bunes Beach above the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten Islands, in Norway

After travelling over 3,000km from Irish waters in the Atlantic to Norway, the 'Seoltóir Na Gaillimhe – the Galway Sailor' was found by the Bjørnsen family and friends while on holidays on the Lofoten Island over the summer.

Mr Lars Bjørnsen said his daughters were thrilled to discover the mini boat washed up on the remote Bunes Beach, “our neighbour had found the boat and my three girls were so excited to join him to open the hatch of the boat to see the Irish messages and ‘treasures’ inside. We were able to read most of the letters that had been written by the students at Kilglass National School in Galway, although some were a little wet. The girls were also delighted with the Irish candy and crisps – which survived the voyage.” Full story here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW the threat to maritime security, shipping, fishing, ports and navigation aids; The wonderful people of the West who fix old boats; the problems for islands fishermen – will they have a future and, positive news from the angling world ....

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

Podcast 29th August:
Preserving the Claddagh Boats in Galway

There is a great boating pride in the Claddagh, in the heart of Galway, where the Corrib runs through the western capital. Ciaran Oliver is feeling a mixture of emotions about a boat which was owned by at least five people around Galway and Connemara.

His family history dates back to when the Claddagh was a vibrant fishing community and his great-great uncle. Máirtín, was the last ‘King of the Claddagh’. He is emotional because he has been in the vanguard of a two-year project to return a 96-year-old lady of the sea back to the waters of the Corrib.

The ‘Loveen’ doesn’t go back quite as far as his family history. She is just 96 years old. Ciaran is Commodore of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club which his family helped to found and where he has led the project to restore the ‘Loveen’. The purpose of the club is to maintain, promote and preserve the traditions and history of the Galway Hookers and the culture and tradition around them on the Claddagh, to make sure the next generation know all about these wonderful boats.

The ‘Loveen’ was bought by the late Nick Dolan, a local boatman in the Claddagh and a close friend of the Oliver family, before he died in 2011, after which it was presented to the Port of Galway Sea Scouts and the Club took on the project of restoring it.

She will be returned to the water in September. MARINE TIMES Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, asked Ciaran Oliver for this week’s Podcast, how he felt about reaching the conclusion of the project. Listen Here

Podcast 21st August:
“There has to be equitable treatment for all,” says Islands Chairman

The Chairman of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation, Jerry Early, has called for equitable treatment of all fishermen.

A focus on sustainable seasonal fisheries is needed for the flourishing of island and coastal communities into the future he says.

In the August issue of the Marine Times Newspaper (in shops now), IIMRO state that they want a “re-boot” of the present system, to “rethink” the allocation of fishing opportunities.

“This would benefit communities and families all along the coast – socially, environmentally and culturally,” says the IIMRO Chairman. He is the Podcast speaker this week. Talking to Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, where he outlined the present difficulties. Listen Here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW – a wandering walrus may have a message about climate change in the oceans; a sailor from Tom Crean’s homeplace has no time for anxiety as he sets out on a non-stop voyage around the world; has Ireland lost its rights to Rockall and would you live in a shipping container turned into an apartment on the riverside? As always, a wide variety of maritime topics.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

Podcast 6th August:
21 WORRIED COASTAL COMMUNITIES

There are 21 concerned and worried communities around the coast who fear that one of their main protections against flooding and coast erosion could be reduced by holidaymakers going to local beaches.

That surprising statistic has been outlined to the MARINE TIMES in an appeal from a national campaign for visitors going to the beaches to be responsible about sand dunes.

Sand dunes are often used as a location where beach-goers find protection against the wind, from sea breezes and use for picnics. But they are a vital source of protection against coastal erosion and over-use of them can cause damage to the extent that they are no longer able to provide protection to coastal communities.

Damage to sand dunes is evident all around the coast according to the Climate Action Regional Offices of which there are four around the country. They have launched a campaign – ‘Sand Dunes, They Protect Us, Let’s Protect Them’ - in collaboration with local authorities and NUI Galway to highlight “the importance and fragility of these natural coastal protections and important habitats.”

“Despite dunes being tough and providing protection from coastal storm events, they are also very fragile,” says David Mellett who is Regional Co-ordinator for the Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. “Unlike the grass in gardens and sports fields, the grasses that bind dunes in place are a not suited to being walked on. These dune grasses and plants die back very quickly with human trampling, leaving the sand free to be blown away. In these cases what looks like coastal erosion is actually erosion driven by human activity.”

He is the MARINE TIMES Podcast guest this week and outlines the campaign to protect sand dunes and appeals to the public to show responsibility when going to the beach. “We encourage people to visit beaches, but please be responsible and understanding of the importance of sand dunes and protecting them.” Listen Here

Will native fish species be forced out of irish waters? This is one of the topics on this edition of the programme which also reports that the offshore island populations want the government to introduce a Bill to protect the future of their islands and that sand dunes all around the coast must be protected because they are a barrier against coastal erosion.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

News 2nd August:
Three Irish lifeboat crews to receive RNLI gallantry awards for saving nine people in dramatic rescue off Wexford coast - Lifeboat Coxswains to receive Bronze Medals

The RNLI is to present three lifeboat crews in Ireland with gallantry awards for their role in a rescue last October that saved nine lives and prevented a 100-metre cargo vessel, carrying 4,000 tonnes of coal, from hitting rocks at Hook Head.

The Coxswains of Dunmore East RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI and Rosslare Harbour RNLI are to receive RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry – one of the highest awards presented by the lifesaving charity - while the volunteer lifeboat crews who responded to the callout will each receive Medal Certificates. Recognition will also be given to the crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117, the staff of the National Maritime Operations Centre in Dublin and the Master and Crew of the tug Tramontine. Full story here

Podcast 30th July:
THE ROCKALL PROBLEM CONTINUES

Another development in the Rockall problem this week. Sinn Fein has called on the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and the Marine to begin international arbitration against the British Government.

“It appears that in the absence of the British Government pulling away from their position of exercising a 12-mile limit around Rockall and keeping Irish fishing boats outside that 12-mile limit that, in the absence of the British Government backing down on that position, which is outrageous, that the Irish Government will have to go to arbitration,” Padraig MacLochlainn, SF Fisheries and Marine Spokesman, told the Marine Times.

On this week’s MARINE TIMES PODCAST he outlines to Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, why he is appealing to the government to seek international arbitration against the UK claim of owning Rockall and a 12-mile territorial limit around it which excludes Irish fishing boats.

The August edition of the MARINE TIMES, which will be in the shops next week, will have a comprehensive report on the background to what is happening about Rockall. Listen Here

Podcast 25th July:
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY

More fishermen are using personal safety devises at sea. Lifejackets of various types, while weather clothing gear with personal indicator locators and better boat safety equipment and precautions have all become a standard part of the sea-going process. This is welcome and timely, helping to rid the industry of an old, discredited adage, when it was said that fishermen believed that if they were meant to die at sea it would happen and, because of that sufficient precautions were not taken.

The latest drowning statistics show that the number of people dying in Ireland by drowning has fallen. Last year iIt was the lowest number, at 76, since 1936 when there were 73 deaths. That is a big reduction on the number of deaths by drowning in 2019 which totalled 120.

The figures have been released to the MARINE TIMES by Water Safety Ireland to mark the first-ever World Drowning Prevention Day, today Sunday, July 25th. They show that more men die by drowning than women and that a considerable number of suicides were carried out by drowning.

Our PODCAST guest this week is the Chief Executive of Water Safety Ireland, John Leech who, as a Naval Officer, led the development of the Service’s Diving Unit which has become a major part of Naval search-and-recovery operations.

He gave his reaction to the figures to MARINE TIMES Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney and spoke about World Drowning Prevention Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Worldwide an estimated 235.000 people drown every year. Listen Here

Podcast 23rd July:
THE ‘ROCKY’ PROBLEM ISN’T GOING AWAY!

The Dáil debate about the future of Irish traditional fishing rights around Rockall did not resolve the problems faced by Irish fishermen.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, has said that there are on-going discussions between his Department and Scottish authorities and that these include the Minister for the Marine, Charlie McConalogue and his Department.

Minister Coveney said: “People keep misleading others on this issue. There was never a claim by Ireland that went as far as and beyond the rock of Rockall. That is the truth of the situation, despite what people keep saying to those in the fishing industry which, unfortunately, misleads them and results in an awful lot of tension and anger around this issue. The UK’s clam has not been accepted. The Government continues to work on the Rockall issue to try to ensure that traditional fishing rights around that rock continue - whether it is a squid fishery, haddock or whatever.”

Sinn Fein Spokesman on the Marine and Fisheries, Padraig MacLochlainn, said that “for the past seven months fishermen from Donegal have tried to exercise their traditional rights. They have been denied and blocked.” He accused the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Marine of failing to resolve the issue

The Marine Times is investigating the situation further for the August edition of the paper. Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, analyses the current situation Listen Here

There are 1,000 kilometres of inland waterways between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The CEO of Waterways Ireland which manages them, John McDonagh, discusses plans for the future of this vast resource on this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

Podcast 10th July:
Fr Duffy vs the Fisheries Committe - Plus, Is the EU Common Fisheries Policy a form of colonial exploitation of Ireland?

Donegal County Councillors that are members of the Fisheries Committee have taken issue with Fr. John Joe Duffy of Creeslough over his outspoken criticism of Fisheries Minister Charlie McConalogue. Fr. Duffy has been defended by the CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation (See clipping from Donegal News – Click on image to enlarge).

More on our website for background on the concern of the fishing industry and the coastal communities and the MARINE TIMES view – tune into our current Podcast - Is the EU Common Fisheries Policy a form of colonial exploitation of Ireland? Listen Here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW, the programme takes listeners deep sea into the darkest areas of the North Atlantic, where an Irish diver describes descending to the wreck site of the TITANIC in a new type of submersible. “This can be dangerous, but exciting work,” says Rory Golden, one of Ireland’s leading divers, who is on his third mission to the wreck site and remembers the Irish people, “those most important to us,” as he descends to the depths and describes what he sees.

Also on the programme, what was seen through the port hole of the yacht once owned by former Taoiseach Charles Haughey … and, while more leisure craft on the water are a welcome increase in maritime interest, the dangers of speeding in harbours are discussed.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

Podcast 3rd July:
IS THE EU COMMON FISHERIES POLICY A FORM OF COLONIAL EXPLOITATION OF IRELAND?

In this month’s edition of the MARINE TIMES, our editorial is headed:‘EU Colonial Exploitation of Irish Fishing Waters Is No Longer Acceptable.’ It was decided to raise this issue after hearing the views of various fishing industry organisation representatives, boat owners, fishermen and their families during the recent public demonstrations.

Why does Ireland face another round of ‘decommissioning’ which effectively means removing fishermen from their jobs, their culture, their tradition, when they have made it clear that they want to go on fishing and at a time when other, stronger and bigger EU nations can continue to extract much bigger catches from Irish waters than Irish fishermen are allowed?

This week Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue told the EU Fisheries Council that he would be “making the renegotiation of quota shares Ireland’s priority in the upcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy.” We see this as a positive political statement emanating since the fishing industry demonstrations.

In this week’s Podcast, Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, discusses our editorial in this month’s edition, now on sale in the shops and with a digital version available here on the MARINE TIMES website. Listen Here

Podcast 26th June:
Quality Needs Discussion

“Quality is never an accident. Achieving it is the result of intelligent effort.” That old adage underlines an issue which is gradually being brought to public attention at the forefront of the controversy over the new weighing requirements for Irish fish on the quaysides at fishing ports. We identify these quayside issues with our Podcast guest this week, the well-known Cork fish merchant Pat O’Connell, who expresses concern about the impact of the changes on his business.

Pat, who heads up K.O’Connell Fish Merchants at the famous English Market in Cork which is named after his mother who started the business, became an international figure when he met Queen Elizabeth on her visit to the Market.

The issues he outlines are serious and deserve more discussion. By its action in withdrawing the derogation the EU is causing a potential degradation of the quality of Irish seafood, by necessitating its de-icing for unloading at the quayside, weighing and then repacking.. Additionally, there is a potential health and safety issue created on the quayside as Pat outlines. In support of fishermen on their demonstrations in Cork and Dublin he said: “For those in government please listen - These men and women have genuine concerns about the future of their industry.”

The EU and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority would do well to take note of what he says about the situation now created on fishing port quaysides. Listen Here

Lough Corrib, its history entwined with the maritime history of the West of Ireland; preserving the iconic Galway Hookers in Galway City; the first experience of a search-and-rescue pilot and, trying to get a Parish Priest to sell a picture of Ireland’s tall ship. These are all storylines on the new edition of the maritime programme presented by Tom MacSweeney, the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW. As always, I hope, this is an interesting edition of the programme which you will enjoy.

There will also be a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

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

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

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

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