MSFD

Baseline habitat and biodiversity information

jkeane — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:52:40 +0000

Baseline habitat and biodiversity information

A very extensive data set exists in the Sea and Inland Fisheries Reports from the 1870s to 1987. In addition, data for the period 1900 to 1920 are available in the Fisheries Ireland Scientific Investigations series. These data include annual fish catches per port and gear type for about 100 years. They also contain details of native oyster beds, and other habitats listed on the Habitats Directives and the OSPAR list of Threatened and Declining Species. Other valuable datasets are inventories of benthic and pelagic species (fish, invertebrates and plankton) recorded in trawl surveys, plankton tows and other sampling exercises. These datasets could act as essential baseline information on the state of the Irish marine environment in the pre- or early exploitation era. These are being digitised and uploaded to the Marine Institute Open Access Repository now. This follows the lead of their agencies in Ireland having such valuable resources have now digitised them, for instance the Royal Irish Academy.

The data would help us understand species distributions in the context of exploitation, pollution and climate change. They would also provide us with baseline information on the Irish marine environment in the pre-modern period. Such information could help provide baselines for MSFD purposes.

Total costs approximate to €50,000 per annum for one year. This would employ a library specialist and provide for purchase of necessary hardware (scanners) and software to account for page curvature and OCR.

jkeane Thu, 04/30/2020 - 10:52

Duration:

This project will run in 2020 and 2021.

Project Outputs:

Baseline data on fish populations from 1878 onwards.
Baseline data on demersal and deepwater fish communities from early 20^th century.
Baseline data on benthic and pelagic habitats and communities.

Expected Benefit:

Better appreciation of the pre-exploitation state of Ireland’s marine resource.
Sea and Inland Fisheries Ireland Reports (1878-1987) available online to the researchers and the wider public through Library’s Open Access Repository (OAR).
Disseminating results through the infographic and informatics to provide a resource to the research community, stakeholders and the general public.
Improved development of MFSD thresholds, by having better baseline information available.

Further Information:

Contact Maurice Clarke at maurice.clarke@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€50,000

Project Tags:

Fisheries

MSFD

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Project Status:

Completed

Continuous Plankton Recorder in Irish waters

jkeane — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:12:20 +0000

Continuous Plankton Recorder in Irish waters

Ireland has obligations under the EU’ Marine Strategy Framework Directive to deliver food web indicators under Descriptor 4. Specifically, the following elements must be met for at least 3 trophic guilds:

1. The diversity (species composition and their relative abundance) of the trophic guild is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures.

2. The balance of total abundance between the trophic guilds is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures.

3. The condition of the habitat type, including its biotic and abiotic structure and its functions (e.g. its typical species composition and their relative abundance, absence of particularly sensitive or fragile species or species providing a key function, size structure of species), is not adversely affected due to anthropogenic pressures.

Of the three required trophic guilds, at least one must be a primary producer, and another must be a secondary producer. The Continuous Plankton Recorder provides a survey of two such trophic guilds (phytoplankton and zooplankton). These are the only available time series for these guilds. Time series of these data exist in Irish waters, but were discontinued some years ago. The purpose of this project is to re-establish one of these series.

CPR Route D (see map) from 450 nautical miles out and usually finishes around the southernmost tip of Ireland. Depending on weather, occasionally the vessel will tow to the north, finishing at the most northerly point of Ireland. The cost is around STG£43k per year which includes 240 samples per year, transportation costs and consumables for the CPR (silks, wires etc.). The data could either be provided on a monthly basis, as it is completed, or as an annual update. We would also provide any help or advice on data usage and interpretation.

These data would populate two OSPAR common indicators; FW5/PH1 OSPAR common food webs indicator (Changes in average trophic level of marine predators and PH2 OSPAR common pelagic habitat indicator (Plankton biomass and/or abundance). The sub-cost of providing the common indicators would be a once –off value of €2,700. OSPAR common indicators are designed to align with the MSFD but have the added value of covering Ireland’s food-web contributions to the 2023 OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR) for the NE Atlantic

jkeane Tue, 04/28/2020 - 14:12

Duration:

This project will run for 1 year in 2020 and start of 2021

Project Outputs:

Number of OSPAR Common Indicators provided for Irish waters.
Fulfilment of Ireland’s obligations under EU MSFD D4C1 and D4C2.

Expected Benefit:

Implementation of the MSFD Article 8 (Monitoring) and Article 9 (GES) obligations
Contribute to OSPAR QSR 2023
Better understanding of long term plankton dynamics in Irish waters

Further Information:

Contact Maurice Clarke at maurice.clarke@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€52,500

Project Tags:

Biodiversity

Fisheries

MSFD

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Project Status:

Ongoing

Research support for MSFD biodiversity Indicator development using fisheries survey data

jkeane — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 13:27:38 +0000

Research support for MSFD biodiversity Indicator development using fisheries survey data

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive places certain obligations on Ireland. Among the most onerous are the Article 8 (Assessment) submissions, which take place on a 6-year rolling cycle, beginning 2019. The MSFD is structured into 11 descriptors, which require monitoring work, and assessments to be developed. Methodological development and threshold setting is to be done at an international level, coordinated by the relevant Regional Seas Convention (OSAPR), advisory body (ICES) with overall coordination by The EU Commission (mainly JRC).

The work towards Article 8 of MSFD is expected to align with OSPAR Common Indicators which will feed into OSPAR’s 2023 Quality Status Report (QSR). Work begins in 2019 to align OSPAR Common Indicators with the recent Commission Decision (848/2017) on the MSFD.

As part of the data collection scheme under UP3, the Marine Institute conducts ten annual fisheries research surveys at sea to provide fisheries independent data for stock assessment. The fisheries data collected on the surveys can be reanalysed to support the development of operational and surveillance indicators for MSFD biodiversity descriptors 1 and 4.

The project objectives are to:

Provide Research support to address any knowledge gaps in indicator development for MSFD criteria and OSPAR fish indicators assessments such that they align and answer Article 8 monitoring requirements for fish under Descriptors 1 and 4 of the MSFD
Support the QSR 2023 delivery by developing Common Indicators under OSPAR that synergise with MSFD Criteria elements

jkeane Tue, 04/28/2020 - 13:27

Duration:

This project will run during 2019 and 2020.

Project Outputs:

Number of relevant meetings attended.
Relevant MSFD criterion elements developed that are required under Decision 848, and support OSPAR QSR 2023.
Reports detailing methodologies and output from data analysis-.

Expected Benefit:

DCF funded data collection maximised to support implementation of environmental legislations.
Enhance Ireland’s ability to answer Article 8 and Article 9 of MSFD under Descriptors 1 and 4 including addressing knowledge/research gaps.
Provide the best possible Irish input to OSPAR QSR 2023.
Develop links and synergies between relevant Irish researchers to build national capacity in marine environmental science.

Further Information:

Contact Maurice Clarke at maurice.clarke@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€120,000

Project Tags:

Biodiversity

Fisheries

MSFD

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Project Status:

Ongoing

Publication

Status of non-assessed fish species in Irish waters Status of non-assessed fish species in Irish waters

Monitoring the recovery of exploited deep-water species

jkeane — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 13:15:41 +0000

Monitoring the recovery of exploited deep-water species

Several deep-water species have suffered stock collapse as a result of commercial exploitation. ICES has advised a zero catch for orange roughy since 2004 and for Portuguese dogfish and leafscale gulper shark since 2005. These species began to be exploited in the early 1990s, and by the end of the decade they had already declined strongly in abundance. Some of these deep-sea fisheries continue, and these species continue to be caught, albeit as un-recorded discards. Fisheries-independent surveys would provide a means to assess their current status and stock development into the future. This project will monitor the recovery of exploited deep-water species following the decline of the deep-water fisheries in Irish waters.

The data will be collected in 2019 and 2020 by extending the depth range of the existing Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey series, which takes place in the first quarter of the year and covers the continental shelf up to 1000m. In order to obtain additional information on the selected deep-water species, the sampling depth on this survey needs to be expanded to at least 1500m. It is estimated that three days of additional days-at-sea will be required to complete the additional sampling.

The proposed approach is much more cost-effective than a stand-alone deep-water survey. The costs will be greatly reduced in terms of mobilising and demobilising the fishing gear and scientific equipment (typically 2 days per survey) and steaming time (typically 3 or 4 days for a deep-water survey). Additionally the risk of downtime due to weather or mechanical problems can be managed more efficiently on longer surveys. Marine Scotland has conducted a deep-water trawl survey most years since 1998. The Marine Institute extended this into Irish waters during the years 2006 to 2009. The renewed Irish sampling will again be closely coordinated with Marine Scotland

jkeane Tue, 04/28/2020 - 13:15

Duration:

The project will be run in 2019 and 2021

Project Outputs:

Data on the relative abundance, size composition and spatial and depth distribution of deep-water species. Data on the biodiversity of fish assemblages. These data sets will expand on the existing 2006 to 2009 deep-water survey time-series.
Survey reports, Input to ICES WGEF and WGDEEP assessments of stock status.
Improved ICES advice for these species being provided to the EU, NEAFC and OSPAR based on fisheries-independent survey data.

Expected Benefit:

Fisheries independent monitoring programme to assess the current status of overexploited deepwater stocks and their stock development into the future.
Improved assessments on deep water fish stocks to support MSFD and CFP implementation.

Further Information:

Contact Hans Gerritsen at hans.gerritsen@marine.ie

Project Cost - Actual

€196,222

Project Cost - Projected:

€200,000

Project Tags:

Project Status:

Ecosystem data collection on Irish fisheries surveys in support of MSFD, Natura and Habitat mapping Phase 2

jkeane — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:35:40 +0000

Ecosystem data collection on Irish fisheries surveys in support of MSFD, Natura and Habitat mapping Phase 2

As part of the data collection framework, the Marine Institute conducts ten annual fisheries research surveys at sea to provide fisheries independent data for stock assessment. These surveys can be used as platforms of opportunities for the collection of additional ecosystem data to support the reporting requirements for environmental legislation including MSFD, Natura and MSP. This study continues from the 2017-2018 project and explores the application of ecosystem data collection on fisheries surveys in three thematic areas:

Collection of marine mammal and seabird observational data on acoustic and mackerel egg surveys to support MSFD; Article 17 reporting for Habitats directive and reporting under the Birds directive;
Collection of sediment samples on fisheries surveys and subsequent particle size analysis to support the improvement of sediment classification maps of the Irish Shelf;
Analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate bycatch data collected on the Irish groundfish survey to develop indicators and monitoring programmes for MSFD benthic habitats under descriptor 1 (Biodiversity) and descriptor 6 (Seafloor integrity).

The Marine Institute fisheries survey programme includes acoustics for Northeast Atlantic blue whiting and boarfish stocks and Northwest and Celtic Sea Herring stocks. Every three years, FEAS also participates in the internationally coordinated mackerel and horse mackerel egg survey. Acoustic and egg and larval surveys are particularly suitable for marine mammal observations. Data collection protocols for marine mammal observations have been reviewed and optimized to feed into biodiversity reporting. Data collection will supplement requirements for Article 17 reporting under the habitats directive, as well as provide data for MSFD and the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The project continues from the 2017-2018 project due to satisfactory output in the initial two years. Project partnership includes the MI (FEAS) and NPWS. The project design is based on a letter by enduser NPWS. In addition to marine mammal observations, the feasibility to carry out seabird observations on the same surveys will be tested to contribute to national and international reporting obligations.

Fisheries surveys can be used as platforms of opportunities for the collection of benthic and sediment samples in support of other national initiatives such as INFOMAR, the national seabed mapping program. There is an ongoing requirement for substrate maps that accurately depict the sediment properties of the seabed to benefit fisheries resource management, reporting under environmental legislations such as MSFD, conservation, marine spatial planning, industry and research. Substrate/sediment maps are routinely created by the INFOMAR program and are based on two primary datasets: acoustic data (primarily bathymetry and backscatter derived from multibeam echosounders) and groundtruthing data, such as sediment sample and video transects. With INFOMAR phase 2 (2016-2026) primarily focused on achieving 100% seabed coverage on all remaining coastal and offshore areas, including the Celtic Sea and West coast of Ireland, there is an opportunity to review the existing seabed sampling strategy in support of the creation of high resolution substrate/sediment maps for the entire Irish shelf. To date, the production of high resolution substrate maps has been challenging for a number of reasons, including the sparse availability of sediment samples, which are critical to verify substrate interpretations and to provide greater confidence in the substrate maps. Based on satisfactory results achieved in 2018, the project will continue in 2019 and 2020. Most of the sediment samples collection will be achieved opportunistically during fisheries surveys when the vessel is not engaged in core survey targets, and hence acquisition costs will be minimal. Database and GIS management will be managed by INFOMAR with envisaged contractual support.

Another key deliverable under the MSFD is information in support of Seafloor Integrity (D6) and Biodiversity (D1). To this end, a pilot study was carried out in 2018, to evaluate the utility of the macro-invertebrate by-catch data from Irish groundfish surveys to support those objectives. This review will feed into discussion at ICES around the quality and consistency of this bycatch data across national surveys so it can be stored centrally in the ICES international data base for trawl survey data (DATRAS) at an appropriate level of aggregation as per 3^rd party requests such as OSPAR. This preliminary study proved useful and needs to now be concluded over a 3 month period to produce a structured quantitative research report summarising the current data set available for these descriptors and a proposal for long term monitoring program

jkeane Mon, 04/27/2020 - 12:35

Partners:

DCHG

Marine Institute

National Parks and Wildlife Services

The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Marine Institute (Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services and Advanced Mapping Services), National Parks and Wildlife Services, and its parent department, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Duration:

The project has a 2 year duration and runs between 2019 and 2020.

Project Outputs:

Survey reports and distributional data on marine mammals in accordance with end-user reporting requirements.
Data obtained from the collection of sediment samples and relative Particle Size Analysis. These data will be integrated and will enhance current sediment properties databases and related GIS-web GIS services. By-product will be the improved and more accurate sediment classification maps of the Irish Shelf.
Quantify and report on the prevalence of species encountered on IGFS re. the VME data call species and the obligation in Annex 1D of Implementing Decision 2016 1251 of the DCMAP.
Summarize and report on the overall macro-invertebrate bycatch data from the IGFS in the context of potential inputs to the relevant MSFD indicators.

Expected Benefit:

Data collection on four acoustic fisheries surveys on the distribution of marine mammals to supplement requirements for Article 17 reporting under the habitats directive, and the distribution of the birds directive.
Data provision of the same to MSFD and the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Collection of benthic and sediment samples in support of other national initiatives such as INFOMAR, the national seabed mapping program.
Recommendations on the data collection of ecosystem data on Fisheries surveys.
Meet our obligations under MSFD/DCMAP.

Further Information:

Contact Maurice Clarke at maurice.clarke@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€196,000

Related Projects:

Ecosystem Data Collection on Irish Fisheries Surveys in Support of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)

Project Tags:

Biodiversity

MSFD

Natura

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Phase:

Project Status:

Completed

Publication

EMFF Cetacean Monitoring BWAS 2018 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring BWAS 2018

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring BWAS 2021 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring BWAS 2021

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2019 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2019

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2020 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2020

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2021 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2021

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2022 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring CSHS 2022

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring MEGS 2019 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring MEGS 2019

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2018 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2018

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2021 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2021

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2022 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2022

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EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2023 EMFF Cetacean Monitoring WESPAS 2023

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring BWAS 2021 EMFF Seabird Monitoring BWAS 2021

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2019 EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2019

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2020 EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2020

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2021 EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2021

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2022 EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2022

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2023 EMFF Seabird Monitoring CSHS 2023

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2019 EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2019

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2020 EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2020

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2021 EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2021

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EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2022 EMFF Seabird Monitoring WESPAS 2022

Assessment of fisheries/habitat interaction on offshore reefs: SeaRover Phase 2

jkeane — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:12:56 +0000

Assessment of fisheries/habitat interaction on offshore reefs: SeaRover Phase 2

Consistent with sub-article 6.2 of the Habitats Directive (EC 92/43/EEC), which requires member states to take measures to avoid deterioration of protected habitats, Ireland will undertake a further mapping survey of offshore reefs in 2019 to evaluate status and introduce conservation and management measures in proportion to status and pressures from fishing. This study has been identified as highest priority by DAHG for the marine environment and is based on a letter by DAHCG to DAFM (attached).

Under the Habitat’s directive reporting requirements, Ireland has reported to the European Commission that Annex I habitat reef is in unfavourable/bad status in its waters, and this is primarily arising from fisheries-related issues in the offshore resource. Reviewing habitat fisheries interaction and arising conservation requirements is of high priority for offshore reef habitats to fulfil Ireland’s obligation under the habitat’s directive. Existing information and datasets on deep Ireland’s deep reef habitat have been collated to assess the known extent and status of reef in water depths greater than 200m and evaluate sensitivities of deep reef habitats as part of a commissioned desk study by DCHG.

Spatial information on reef habitats was overlaid with VMS data from fishing vessels disaggregated by fishing gear to link potential impact with habitat sensitivity and identify data deficiencies.
The desk study on reef habitats combined with the analysis of terrain data derived from the INFOMAR national seabed survey along with the spatial VMS overlay has formed the basis of reef habitats selected for direct observation as part of reef surveys over the past two years. The surveys are using Ireland’s remote operated vehicle and a drop-frame camera to collect video footage and stills along fixed transects for detailed investigation and mapping of Annex 1 reef
habitat.
Areas of focus are reefs with high conservation value and low interaction of fishing effort.

In selecting new sites to be surveyed for 2019, the following aspects will be taken into account:
1. Existing data records
2. Level of fishing pressure, focussing on low impact sites;
3. Geographical distribution in relation to existing designations.
4. Coverage of sites in 2017 and 2018 as part of SeaRover project Phase 1.

The 2019 survey will visit an existing SAC designation and monitor signs of impact and recovery along transects that have been previously surveyed in 2009. This data will be used to evaluate detection of change and effects of mitigation in designated sites.
The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Marine Institute (with contribution from the service areas of Advanced Mapping, Fisheries and Research vessel operations) and DAHG to ensure appropriate staff expertise is provided and project objectives are achieved.
Final data analysis, compilation and dissemination will be concluded at the end of the project (2020). A consultation with the most important endusers will be carried out to ensure that that data products and dissemination processes are adequate and fit for purpose.

On a national level, the critical endusers are DAFM, DCHG, DPHLG, DCCAE. On an international level, the endusers include ICES, OSPAR and the EU. The National Biodiversity Centre will be included in the consultation to maximise existing dissemination tools.

jkeane Fri, 02/14/2020 - 15:12

Partners:

INFOMAR

Geological Survey Ireland

National Parks and Wildlife Services

DCHG

Duration:

The project has a 2 year duration and runs between 2019 and 2020.

Project Outputs:

1. Assessment of Irish National Seabed Survey bathymetric data and existing offshore reef data to identify high likelihood of reef distribution.

2. Review of VMS overlay of vessels using bottom impacting gears.

3. Proposed survey design based on fisheries (VMS) habitat interaction of Irish reef habitats >200m.

4. Survey reports of the ROV offshore reef survey.

5. Data output of each reef survey:

I. Drop camera stills and video footage along predefined transects of targeted annex 1 reef habitat.

II. Ground-truthed habitat characterisation and species inventory on transects.

III. Quantitative data on % reef cover

IV. Quantitative data on % living/dead and reef occupation

V. Qualitative assessment of ground truthed pressure impacts.

6. Project reports detailing survey and data analysis results.

7. Data dissemination via web interface including offshore reef web map viewer.

8. Outreach material relating to the above.

Expected Benefit:

1. Characterisation of offshore reef habitat in Irish EEZ at selected sites to include existing designations and areas of low fishing impact and limited data availability
2. Evaluation of fishing impact on reef habitat at selected offshores sites
3. Input data to support reporting requirements for Ireland under the Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
4. The 2019 survey will visit one of the offshore SACs thus providing comprehensive data for the completion of the site specific conservation objectives for this SAC.
5. Of the six offshore SACs all bar one have been surveyed over the three years of this programme; the last site will be visited in 2019 thus completing the monitoring of all of Ireland’s offshore SACs.

Further Information:

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support; 2019 -2020 projects
Contact Fergal McGrath. fergal.mcgrath@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

1,000,000

Project Tags:

Natura fisheries interaction

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Phase:

Project Status:

Ongoing

MsY proxies for DAta-limited Stocks (MYDAS) for key stone species and species sensitive to the impacts of fishing Phase 2

jkeane — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 12:33:39 +0000

MsY proxies for DAta-limited Stocks (MYDAS) for key stone species and species sensitive to the impacts of fishing Phase 2

Many of the stocks which are caught by the Irish commercial fishing fleets are considered to be data-limited or are not assessed at all. These include a number of key stone species (like sprat, gurnards, saithe, pollack, ling) and species sensitive to the impacts of fishing (like rays and skates, john dory, brill and turbot). For these stocks, the fishing mortality is unknown and MSY reference points are not established. This lack of quantifiable targets is an impediment to the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as well as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

In phase 1 of the MYDAS project, a framework was developed to establish and test a range of assessment models and methods to establish MSY (or proxy MSY) reference points across the spectrum of data-limited stocks. A range of case-studies is currently being explored and this work is expected to result in a number of generic approaches that vary depending on the biology of the stock and the types of data that are available.

Phase 2 of the MYDAS project aims to implement the approaches developed in MYDAS1 and build capacity to apply these approaches within the Marine Institute and internationally. In order to achieve this, the project will provide hands-on support in the development of a number of case studies by Marine Institute experts. These case studies will serve to build capacity but also to prove the value of the MYDAS framework internationally. At the same time, the project members will actively engage with the relevant ICES expert groups in order to facilitate wider use of the MYDAS framework.

A number of case studies are proposed; these concern stocks that are of importance to Ireland and for which there is an urgent need to establish the stock status and exploitation level relative to MSY reference points.

The case studies aim to:
1. Develop assessments and (proxy) MSY reference points for data-poor stocks identified in the Western Waters Multi-annual Plan (WW MAP) as target species (e.g. pollack, black anglerfish, four-spot megrim);
2. Develop assessments and (proxy) MSY reference points for sensitive species that are not inclused in the WW MAP as target stocks (e.g. sharks, rays, ling);
3. Develop assessments and (proxy) MSY reference points for stocks for non-TAC stocks that are of importance to the ecosystem (e.g. sprat, witch, lemon sole);
4. Explore Management Strategy Evaluations (MSE) using management rules that are not related to catch, like v-notching and size limits.
5. Use of time series data to establish stocks status, e.g. in-season depletion of lobster CPUE, standardising time series, mapping of CPUE time series for georeferenced catch and effort data, production modelling.
6. Explore if it is possible to obtain reliable growth parameters from mark-recapture data for crustaceans (considering that there is high individual variability in growth).

International collaboration is essential for stocks that are exploited by more than one country. The MYDAS framework can contribute significantly to the development of data-limited approaches. Engagement with key ICES and OSPAR working groups is therefore essential.
The project will:
7. Support ICES in the development of robust generic harvest control rules for a range of classes of data-limited stocks through WKLIFE
8. Contribute to the relevant ICES assessment working groups that might benefit from applying the MYDAS framework (WGEF; WGCSE)
9. Contribute to relevant OSPAR meeting(s)

jkeane Wed, 02/12/2020 - 12:33

Partners:

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

Duration:

The project has a 2 year duration and runs between 2019 and 2020.

Project Outputs:

1. Working documents or peer-reviewed papers describing the detailed case studies
2. Improved knowledge on the value of data, informing future data collection priorities
3. Increased number of TAC stocks for which ICES can provide MSY advice
4. Increased number of non-TAC stocks that can be managed nationally at MSY
5. Increased number of stocks for which MSFD GES descriptors D1 and D3 can be estimated

Expected Benefit:

1. Sustainable management of fish stocks, providing maximum yield
2. Increased capacity in the estimation of stock status relative to MSY for data-limited stocks; both with the Marine Institute and internationally

Further Information:

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support; 2019 -2020 projects
Contact Hans Gerritsen at hans.gerritsen@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€135,000

Related Projects:

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) Proxies for Data-Limited Stocks for Key Stone Species and Species Sensitive to the Impacts of Fishing

Project Tags:

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Phase:

Project Status:

Completed

Publication

MSY proxies for Data-limited stocks (MyDas) MSY proxies for Data-limited stocks (MyDas)

Publication

Project Insert Project Insert

Dissemination and Outreach of Marine Biodiversity Scheme

jkeane — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:27:27 +0000

Dissemination and Outreach of Marine Biodiversity Scheme

Outreach through a variety of media including webpage, brochures, presentations, storymaps and videos to disseminate Marine Biodiversity Scheme and projects to a variety of audiences. This includes policy makers, stakeholders, scientists and the general public.

jkeane Thu, 01/16/2020 - 15:27

Duration:

The project has a 2 year duration and runs between 2019 and 2020.

Project Outputs:

1. Up to date EMFF biodiversity website.

2. Scheme and project brochures and other dissemination material printed.

3. Image gallery, storymaps and outreach videos produced.

4. Output from Marine Biodiversity Scheme presented at Seafest and at other educational events.

5. Project Results presented at selected fora.

Learn Why Biodiversity is important in our Oceans & How to Protect it.

View the interactive Storymap Below.

Expected Benefit:

Engagement with stakeholders and dissemination of results and accessibility of information from Marine Biodiversity Scheme to a variety of end-users and stakeholders including policy makers, industry; non-governmental organisations, local community groups, peer scientists and the general public. A variety of media including webpage, brochures, presentations and videos will be used to disseminate project and scheme outputs to different audiences.

Further Information:

Contact Julie Keane at julie.keane@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

100,000

Related Projects:

Dissemination and Outreach of Marine Biodiversity Scheme

Project Tags:

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Phase:

Project Status:

Ongoing

Nephrops and Microplastics

nslattery — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:15:38 +0000

Nephrops and Microplastics

Several studies have indicated large accumulations of plastic microfibers in the gut of Dublin Bay prawns Nephrops norvegicus and in the sediments in which they live. The complicated gut system in this species is suggested to retain plastic fibers and places these stocks at potentially high risk of interference from marine microplastic pollution. Fibers which are too large or numerous to pass through the gut can form balls of aggregated material over time. One laboratory study has indicated that high levels of microplastics result in false satiation and knock-on effects on individual condition. Studies to date indicated that inshore populations had more microplastics than those further offshore, along with a potential fishing gear effect where the plastics that were found were of similar type to those used in gear types including ‘chaffers’ on trawls. This has implications for the sustainability of Nephrops stocks, the quality of food products, entry of plastics into the foodchain and design of more environmentally friendly fishing gear.

The project objectives are to:

Investigate plastic fibres in the gut contents of Nephrops norvegicus from the Irish Sea, Aran Grounds, Porcupine Bank and inshore grounds (Galway Bay). Plastic presence and abundance will be tested for correlation with sex (males/females), size (large/small) and whether individuals are recently moulted. Condition factors of individuals with high versus low plastic loads will be examined, e.g. a correlation between the abundance of plastic and condition factors would indicate a false satiation effect of plastic on Nephrops.
To generate base line data on the amount of microplastics in sediment samples for several of the main fishing grounds.
Analyse plastic type i.e. whether this is mainly derived from fishery gear or otherwise, using Raman Spectroscopy. A comparison of plastics recovered from trawling grounds and inshore potting grounds will also be carried out.

nslattery Tue, 04/02/2019 - 13:15

Duration:

The project has a 3 year duration and runs between 2018 and 2020

Expected Benefit:

Provide baseline data on the occurrence of microplastics in Nephrops and their habitat.
Inform future MSFD litter monitoring programmes on microplastics detection in marine biota and sediments and make recommendations on the utility of established fisheries sampling programmes to contribute to monitoring Marine Litter under Descriptor 10.
Inform future policy on the need for mitigation measures e.g. more environmentally friendly fishing gear.

Further Information:

Contact Colm Lordan at colm.lordan@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€200,000

Project Tags:

Biodiversity

MSFD

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support

Project Status:

Completed

Publication

Nephrops and Microplastics Final Report Nephrops and Microplastics Final Report

Multidisciplinary Digital Aerial Mapping of the Marine Coastal Environment

nslattery — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:46:20 +0000

Multidisciplinary Digital Aerial Mapping of the Marine Coastal Environment

There are a number of data gaps on the marine coastal environment which limits Ireland’s capacity to report to various EU Directives such as the Habitats and Birds Directives, MSFD and MSP. These include the monitoring and assessment of coastal habitats and wildlife populations and assessing the effects of human activities on these features. Furthermore these ecological and landscape features are difficult to access and assess using traditional ground based survey methods. Recent developments in digital aerial monitoring, using high resolution camera systems and georeferenced image capture, opens the possibility of acquiring a range of data on coastal ecosystems using aerial survey. Adaptive survey design was used to acquire data at sample (transect) or census (100% ground coverage) level depending on objectives and the scale of the feature.

Using vertically mounted camera systems on commissioned aircraft the following types of data was obtained on purpose designed surveys and using nested and adaptive survey designs. Estimates for wildlife populations are quantitative and achieved by adjusting ground coverage in relation to the expected level of population aggregation and in the case of landscape mapping achieving 100% ground coverage. The entire range of data could potentially be acquired on a single survey depending on the features of interest within the survey area. The data are relevant to a number of end users including aquaculture compliance, NPWS wildlife status reporting, MI appropriate assessments and monitoring of interactions of fisheries and aquaculture with ecological features. Data was acquired on

Populations of seabirds at sea
Populations of cetaceans and seals at sea
Populations of highly aggregated populations
a. Seabirds at colonies
b. Seals at haul out
c. Waterbird populations in intertidal habitats
Coastal habitat landscape mapping
a. Intertidal habitat mapping; mussel reef
b. Vegetation mapping
c. Vegetation health
Topographic digital elevation data and models
Habitat use
a. Assessment of fishing effort by static fishing gears at sea
b. Aquaculture installations and habitat use; a rapid method to identify the real (site use) footprint of shellfish aquaculture
c. Interactions of wildlife and human activities at sea

nslattery Tue, 04/02/2019 - 11:46

Duration:

The project has a 3 year duration and ran between 2018 and 2020.

Project Outputs:

In 2018 the project delivered a survey of coastal areas of the Irish Sea from Dundalk to Skerries and off East Wexford to provide data on waterbird (intertidal) and seabird distribution and its relationship with fishing. The area supports important bivalve fisheries for razor clams, seed mussel and cockles but these fisheries may also deplete prey resources for species designated under the Birds Directive. The survey was in direct response to an appropriate assessment of the seed mussel fishery completed in 2018 which identified a gap in knowledge and a high uncertainty in the potential impact of bivalve fisheries on some bird species.

In 2019 and 2020 and in consultation with other end users such as NPWS, DAFM, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government additional multi-disciplinary demonstration surveys were designed and completed to deliver data products relevant to end users in the areas of policy, regulation and monitoring.

Expected Benefit:

Improved reporting capacity for Natura 2000, MSFD, MSP.
Technology transfer from private sector to Marine Insitute re aerial survey methodology and analysis and management of high resolution and high volume images.

Further Information:

Contact Oliver Tully at oliver.tully@marine.ie

Project Cost - Projected:

€600,000

Project Tags:

Natura fisheries interaction

Support for MSFD and Biodiversity Support