Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan has warned of the damage caused by plastic pellet spills in the Atlantic and the vulnerability of the Irish coastline. O’Sullivan issued her warning after a visit to Galicia, northern Spain, with Greens/EFA colleague MEP Ana…

A Fine Gael MEP has called for EU investment in Irish ports to support development of renewable energy. Midlands-North-West MEP Colm Markey warned that Ireland cannot achieve energy security, and consumers will continue to face unpredictable energy costs unless there’s…

Tributes have been paid to the late Professor Ray Bates, a leading Irish and international meteorologist who was from a well-known Co Wexford family involved in fishing and marine science. Met Éireann has said he was a pioneer in several…

This year will see divers join in beach clean efforts in Ireland for the first time, using their skills to find and remove discarded fishing gear also known as ‘ghost nets’ from around the coast. According to the Irish Examiner,…

Extinction threatens 48 species living in the Irish marine environment, including fish, crustaceans, shellfish and invertebrates, according to the new National Biodiversity Action Plan. “It is imperative that we arrest these declines and start the process of regeneration,” the authors…

Heat extremes in Ireland will become more frequent and severe, and technological advancements will only deliver short-term benefits if steps towards “transformative change” are not taken, a new report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns. Ireland’s Climate Change…

The Irish Marine Minister, Charlie McConalogue, has announced the allocation of €12.7m to fund 15 marine infrastructure projects. These projects will address the impact of Brexit on Irish coastal communities and will be delivered by local authorities. Under the Brexit…

The University of Galway has confirmed the successful testing of a next-generation marine hydrokinetic turbine foil for renewable energy. The technology was designed by US-headquartered global leader in marine energy ORPC Ireland and fabricated by ÉireComposites, based Indreabhán, Co Galway.…

The legendary “Craggy Island” will once again be recreated on the Aran island of Inis Mór when it hosts the annual TedFest in March. The festival, inspired by the television series Father Ted with the late Dermot Morgan, has become…

A consultation on Ireland’s long term plan for offshore renewable energy (ORE) has been welcomed by Minister for Environment and Climate Eamon Ryan. The consultation is on the “Future Framework” policy statement, described as a long-term model and vision for…

As Storm Jocelyn sweeps in over the Atlantic seaboard with very strong south-west to west winds, Galway City Council has closed roads and car parks and warned of dangerous travelling conditions. Met Éireann is predicting large coastal waves with wave…

Following the launch of the Isle of Wight’s first oyster regeneration project in October last year, the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) has now made it part of the sustainability modules on its education courses. UKSA worked in partnership with…

France has announced a temporary ban on almost all commercial fishing in the Bay of Biscay to protect dolphins. As Agence France Press (AFP) reports, the restriction extending from Finistere in Brittany to the seas off the Spanish border will…

Flood risk management, biodiversity, seafood and water quality are among themes of the Government’s national adaptation framework on climate which has been opened for public consultation. Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan marked the opening of the month-long…

Storm Isha’s arrival has prompted road and carpark closures along the seafront in Galway’s Salthill, while sandbags have also been made available for vulnerable city areas. Storm Isha is forecast to bring very strong southwest winds with severe and damaging…

The Scottish Government has confirmed that changes will be made to the proposed Visitor Levy Bill, in a move welcomed by marine tourism stakeholders. As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the bill had proposed giving powers to local authorities in Scotland…