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A Harbour Seal photographed at Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, Ireland. Also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed species of pinnipeds, they are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Baltic and North seas. Photo: AfloatA photograph of a Harbour Seal taken at Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, Ireland. Also known as the common seal, this species can be found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are the most widely distributed species of pinnipeds and can be found in the coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Baltic and North Seas. Photo: Afloat

Displaying items by tag: O'Sullivan's Marine

Position: Business Development and Operations Manager.

Location: Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Role: The business development and operations manager is a key leadership position within a fast-growing business in the marine industry.

The prime business of the company was boat building, but it has now added the distribution of several marine products, ranging from boats to outboard motors, boat trailers and marine safety equipment. This business is currently being developed at a quick pace within Ireland, with great potential to expand into other markets.

The purpose of this role is to develop and maintain key relationships with clients/customers by managing day-to-day operations to ensure client service level expectations are exceeded.

This role requires excellent management, communication, sales, leadership, staff supervision and customer service skills. Candidates are required to have a third level qualification relevant to the post. Knowledge of the marine industry is desirable, but not essential.

Finally, the candidate would be required to have the ability to be involved in all aspects of the business as we have a small but diverse team that works together to ensure best service to our customers and supply-chain.

CV’s and cover letters can be sent to [email protected] 

Published in Jobs

Safety first! Whaly boats are now becoming the No. 1 Polyethylene safety boat used by many professional organisations writes Brian O'Sullivan of O'Sullivan's Marine

Whaly's almost indestructible crafts are ideally suited for Search and Rescue, Fire & Rescue, Safety Cover, Workboat etc. all over the world. They can be used for all sorts of different rescue operations, but in whatever situation, you can be assured that safety comes first with Whaly.

Suppose you are looking for extremely sturdy basic equipment or a boat that can take some rough handling or get into shallow waters. In that case, you will find that you can rely on the optimal safety that Whaly boats offer for safety for you and your passengers. Please allow us to introduce Whaly boats/models ideally suited for rescue operations:

  • Whaly 370
  • Whaly 435 / 435R Professional
  • Whaly 455 / 455R Professional
  • Whaly 500 / 500R Professional

Whatever your requirements, whether you are looking for the supply of just a boat, or looking to put together a package with an engine, trailer, console, electronics and safety equipment, O'Sullivan's Marine has the experience and expertise to help you find the Whaly to suits your unique requirements.

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine
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O’Sullivan’s Marine stock a large selection of life jackets and buoyancy aids for adults, children and infants available from some of the leading brands. We have all types, from inflatable lifejackets in automatic and manual versions with or without an integrated safety harness, foam life jackets, SOLAS folding commercial lifejackets to 50N foam and neoprene buoyancy aids. But which is the right life jacket to suit your type of activity and experience?

Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids are tested and rated to specific European Standards and split into CE categories. These are the universal criteria that define each product and the environment they are suitable for. Life jackets and buoyancy aids are measured in pounds or Newtons.

BUOYANCY AIDS

lalizas fit and float bouyancy aid osmarineThe Lalizas fit and float buoyancy aid

50N Buoyancy Aids – ISO 12402-5

Designed mainly for active surface watersports for example dinghy sailing, kayaking, kite surfing, in sheltered water where help is close at hand. These are suitable for competent swimmers and provide support to conscious people. We have some of the best value foam buoyancy aids on the market, Fit & Float, Pro Race, Performance buoyancy aids in a range of sizes, a range of 50N neoprene buoyancy aids. We even have your pets covered with Pet Retriever Buoyancy aids.

LIFE JACKETS

100 Newtons of buoyancy is the standard minimum for Lifejackets. It is sufficient to keep most people afloat with their mouth comfortably above the water For offshore and coastal sailing, where sea conditions can be severe and rescue can take longer 150 Newtons is the recommendation.

foam lifejacket osullivans marine ireland 767The Lalizas foam lifejacket

100N – 150N Foam Lifejackets – ISO 12402-4

Designed for dinghy sailing, sportsboats, powerboats (Including RIBs) for inshore and coastal waters. These are suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers and give reasonable assurance of safety from drowning in relatively calm water. Our Lalizas range of 100 and 150N foam lifejackets have a large flotation collar which is designed to turn the user face up and support the head. Foam lifejackets for babies, infants, children and adults available.

marinepool lifejacket ireland osmarineMarinepool lifejacket

150N – 180N Inflatable Lifejacket – ISO 12402-3

spinlock deckvest ireland osmarineThe Spinlock deckvest

Designed for yachting, sports boats, powerboats (Including RIBs) for use in all but the most severe conditions. These are suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers. Available in automatic or manual.

Automatic styles inflate when wet or submerged in water. Automatic inflation can be important in life-saving if an accident occurred leaving you in the water, or if you are unconscious in the water.

Manual inflation requires jerking an inflation tab or handle attached to the CO2 cartridge. If you are in a situation where you want to control whether or not the vest inflates, and expect to be conscious, manual inflatables may be an option for you.

Both manual and automatic life jackets are available with or without a safety harness. If you ever anticipate sailing offshore, at night or in seas where you want to use a tether to attach yourself to a jackline or pad eye, even just once, purchase an inflatable life jacket with a built-in harness and tether attachment point.

O’Sullivan’s Marine offer a range of inflatable life jackets from some of the leading brands: Marinepool, Maindeck, Waveline, Spinlock, Plastimo and Lalizas.

Should you need any assistance, our knowledgeable sales team will only be too glad to help with your lifejacket selection, to ensure you get the right life jacket for your needs and are safe on the water.

LIFE JACKET SERVICING – How often should lifejackets be serviced?

Manufacturers, safety bodies and the RNLI universally recommend the importance of regular lifejacket servicing. Inflatable life jackets, for normal personal use, should be serviced every 2 years. Where life jackets are used very regularly or for professional or commercial use, this should be carried out every year. Here at O’Sullivan’s Marine, our qualified staff can service and certify our life jacket brands.

As well as a comprehensive range of life jackets and buoyancy aids, O’Sullivan’s Marine also supply life jacket spares & accessories, from SOLAS approved lifejacket lights, CO2 recharge cylinders and UML cartridges, replacement salt tablets, sprayhoods, to name a few.

Visit our website http://www.osmarine.ie to browse our full range of life jackets, lifebuoys and other marine safety equipment, and feel free to contact us for advice, or to request a quotation for products that comply with code of practice safety requirements for grant purposes.

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine
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There can be little worse than heading out for a day's boating only to find someone has stolen your outboard motor, leaving you to deal with the loss, painful insurance issues, the costly excess or replacement of the engine and a ruined weekend. Thefts tend to occur in areas where there are significant accumulations of boats with outboards, for example, marinas and boating clubs; however, the problem is nationwide and can also occur in isolated regions.

Combatting Outboard Motor Theft

The more visibly secure an engine is, the less likely it is that a thief will attempt to take it. Given the reduced rates of recovery success, prevention is better than cure. The first step owners should take is to ensure the most secure and suitable anti-theft device for their engine is installed. Owners also need to ensure that their insurance policy wording relating to anti-theft devices are complied with in full, to avoid the possibility of a claim being invalidated due to failure to comply with all policy wordings. No outboard is insured unless it is locked on with an insurance approved lock.

INSURANCE APPROVED ENGINE LOCKS

O'Sullivan's Marine is now able to supply MOTORLOC insurance approved outboard locks to the Irish market.

Atlantic Slot Lock

The Atlantic Slot Lock is the most substantial insurance approved outboard motor lock and is available in four lengths: 170mm, 195mm, 230mm, 260mm; each with a 14mm slot. A high-security locking head (HSH) is supplied as is a black dust cap and a rubber liner. Design specifically for smaller, clamp-mounted outboard engines.

s l300Atlantic Slot Lock

These are for use where an outboard engine is attached using the engine's clamping bracket. The slot in the lock covers the two clamp heads making it nearly impossible for a potential thief to get access to them.

Atlantic Slot Lock3

Choosing the right size: If you are unsure which Slot Lock you require, then measure across the width of your toggles once aligned up straight: If less than 150mm then an Atlantic 170 is required | If less than 160mm then an Atlantic 195 is required | If over 160mm then an Atlantic 230 is required | If above 190mm then an Atlantic 260 is required. Available from O'Sullivan's Marine, Co Kerry.

The Volcano

The Volcano Bolt Lock represents the pinnacle of insurance approved bolt lock development. It is now regarded by many in the industry as the best bolt lock on the market as it has been designed and built to resist removal by the most robust actions.

Volcano Bolt LockVolcano Bolt Lock

For through-transom bolted engine installations

As two stroke outboard motors become rarer and new heavier four-stroke outboard engines take their place, many owners of 8hp engines and above sensibly choose to bolt the engine through the transom in a semi-permanent installation to protect from outboard motor theft.

The Volcano bolt lock is intended for use with through-bolts that are coach, countersunk or stepped, so that should a thief attack the head of the bolt and remove it, they will be unable to hammer the bolt shank through the existing hole.

Volcano Bolt Lock 2Volcano Bolt Lock

The Volcano bolt-lock for through-transom bolted outboard engines has a 13mm diameter hole in the body unit. A stainless steel reducing bush is available to cut the gap to 10mm.

Motorloc insurance approved locks are made from high grade (nickel/chrome marine 316) stainless steel, incorporating marine friendly lock mechanisms that perform well in a saltwater/marine environment - High-quality locks that will last. All available from O'Sullivan's Marine, Co Kerry.

OTHER SECURITY MEASURES FOR COMBATTING THEFT

Further security measures include marking the engine somewhere with your own unique mark such as your Eircode, taking photographs and installing a motion-activated surveillance camera (MASC), which are very discrete and inexpensive to buy and install. These automatically photograph and/or record any movement, and wireless cameras have made surveillance possible in remote areas where it was not possible in the past.

When storing a boat, ashore consideration should be given to general security, such as lighting and ensuring that recorded CCTV covers the appropriate part of the yard being used.

Finally, there is some evidence of smaller engines being stolen from boats while they are afloat, so a collective effort is required by all concerned to be observant and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the Gardai.

For further information or advice on Insurance Approved Engine Locks contact O'SULLIVAN'S MARINE on 066-7124524, or visit www.osmarine.ie.

For trade enquiries please email: [email protected]

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine

An array of boats, kayaks, inflatables, outboards and safety equipment is on display this weekend on the O’Sullivan’s Marine stand at the Ireland Angling Show at The National Show Centre in Swords in north Dublin.

Early attendance to the show this morning is reported as 'very good' by the firm's Brian O'Sullivan.

Whaly boatThe multi purpose Whaly boat with bow door is on display

O’Sullivan’s Marine are displaying their recent consignment of Whaly boats - including the eagerly anticipated Whaly 455 – the first to arrive in Ireland! As Afloat reported previously here, the County Kerry firm delivered five Whaly 500R boats to Inland Fisheries in March last year.

O'Sullivan's Marine is also displaying in Swords some of the “best value” angling kayaks as Afloat reported earlier here. Included in the display is the very popular compact single sit-on-top Conger fishing kayak that is stable, light and easy to handle.

CanoesCanoes and Kayaks from OSM

Show attendance

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine
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O’Sullivan’s Marine will be displaying some of the “best value” angling kayaks in Ireland at this year’s Ireland Angling Expo in the National Show Centre, Swords, Dublin on 15th & 16th February 2020.

ANGLING & RECREATIONAL KAYAKS TO SUIT ALL LEVELS AND BUDGETS

RECREATIONAL: on display

conger KayakThe Conger kayak

CONGER
The Conger is a compact single sit-on-top fishing kayak that is stable, light and easy to handle. Four internal fishing rod holders, a large storage area at the rear and 2 waterproof round hatches with bag inserts to secure your gear. The Conger kayak is a well-featured starter kayak at a very reasonable price.

Rodster KayakThe Rodster kayak

RODSTER
The Rodster is a neat compact fishing kayak that tracks beautifully through the water due to its sleek bow design and is extremely stable due to the 84cm wide hull. Equipped with a comfortable aluminium-frame raised seat and plenty of storage areas for your catch and equipment. 4 internal flush-mounted rod holders and deep fishing pod console in the centre. Hands-free rudder system available as an optional extra.

Dace pro 8 767pxThe Dace Pro

PROFESSIONAL ANGLING KAYAKS:

Professional angling kayaks on display include The Dace Pro 10’, 12’ and 14’ as well as the Big Dace Pro 13’. Packed to the gills with fishing features, and everything needed for a comfortable and productive outing for professional fishermen and women.

These kayaks are extremely well-featured and offer the perfect combination of stability, speed, manoeuvrability and straight-line tracking.

big dace pro angler 13 4Big Dace Pro Angler 13

TANDEM AND 1 + 1 KAYAKS

For those who want to share the fun, O’Sullivan’s Marine also offer the GLIDE 1 + 1, which has room to bring a small passenger in front of the paddler, along with the OCEANUS (2.5 p) and the CASTOR DOUBLE KAYAK - boasting a huge load carrying capacity of 300kg and extra-wide seating area, perfect for a fishing trip for two! 

TARPON PROPEL

Tarpon 7Tarpon 7

The Tarpon Propel is equipped with a performance-engineered pedal drive system for hands-free fishing, accessory gear tracks, adjustable seat, hand-controlled rudder and 2 flush mount rod holders. Coming in at 10.5’ long and 33 inches wide this fishing machine is ready for anything!

Come and see these and more at O’Sullivan’s Marine Ireland Fishing Expo stand!

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine

With all the uncertainty around Brexit, O’Sullivan’s Marine have been pro-active in securing a level of consistency and reliability of supply of various ranges of marine products that are traditionally shipped into Ireland from the UK.

The first line to be announced for sole distribution in Ireland by O’Sullivan’s Marine is Cobra Marine Radios. When it comes to the latest VHF radios, nothing comes close to a Cobra.

cobra

When heading out on the water, a fixed-mount VHF radio is vital for communication and safety. With advanced safety features, easy menu navigation, and 24 hr access to emergency alerts and broadcasts, Cobra’s got you covered. With advanced features like Rewind-Say-Again® so you’ll never miss a VHF call, Radio check – checks battery transmitting voltage, RF power output and antenna integrity. Submersible for 30 minutes in 1.5m deep water which meets IPX8/JIS8 standards. With noise-cancelling microphone to block background noise for clearer communication and PA function for public address to an external speaker.

The MRF57B (pictured top) is a powerful Class D DSC VHF radio perfect for short or long-range communication, Plug and play GPS capable. The MRF77B is Cobra’s most advanced fixed radio, a unique VHF radio with an integrated GPS receiver and exact location for a true life-saving device.

MRHH600B stra 800xThe advanced HH600 model with built-in GPS

Cobra also offers a range of FIVE Hand Held VHF radios, from the entry-level HH125, perfect for recreational boaters or as a portable backup on larger vessels. The backlit LCD and keypad allows use in low light conditions and will turn off automatically to conserve battery power. Includes 1 or 3 watts, Large, bright LCD display, Compact waterproof design, 5 x 850 mAh AAA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries. It can also be used with 5 standard AAA alkaline batteries in emergencies. Features 1 or 3 Watts Dual output power for short and long communication. From this basic radio, Cobra offers HH150, HH350, HH500 each floating handheld with their own unique features, through to the advanced HH600 model with built-in GPS. View exact coordinates, transmit your location, and use its Bluetooth® capabilities to keep your phone safe and dry. The added flashlight with emergency strobe ensures you can always be found. Rewind-Say-Again®Automatically records the last 20 seconds of VHF calls so you can always playback what you missed. Selectable Power - Select between 1, 3 and 6 watts of output power for short and long-range communication, with Crystal clear, illuminated display which makes it easy to read your radio. 

O’Sullivan’s Marine are proud to be able to offer Cobra products to the Irish market, for more detailed information on pricing and model features, visit www.osmarine.ie, or contact 066-7124524 – Trade enquiries: please email [email protected].

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine

O’Sullivan’s Marine is proud to represent Ocean Fenders in Ireland, and for the month of October, are offering 20% off all Ocean fenders… while stocks last.

Ocean Fenders – the leading brand in the fendering industry, offer superior quality, lifetime performance and maximum protection. Their exclusive designs undergo extensive quality testing ensuring consistent quality – at highly competitive prices. Ocean Buoys and Fenders are made in one piece, resulting in consistent wall thickness throughout.

R series 72002 008R series

R Series Heavy Duty Buoys – Versatile buoys for the most adverse conditions.
Rock-solid rope-hold with reinforced material
Simple valve for convenient inflation
Seamless construction
UV resistant
More ribs than any other buoy on the market
Widely popular among commercial fishermen, but also among recreational boats too.

H Series 71984 992H Series

H Series Heavy Duty Fenders in which the rib-reinforced rock-solid rope-holds on the two sides of the fender are made in such a way to provide extra strength and durability for the fender. A versatile fender for the most adverse conditions. Suitable for any use and any kind of boat from 10-60ft, the Ocean Heavy Duty fender “fends” proudly.

U Series 72260 265U Series

U Series Fenders, the utility fender for every use and everyone! As with all of the Ocean fenders, it is made out of Plastisol PVC material, with rotation moulding procedure making it the highest quality utility fender in the market. The simple valve offers convenient inflation and maximum protection at the same time.

CH series 72266 268 with ropeCH series with rope

CH Series Centre Hole Fenders, distinct for their multiple use since they are designed for both horizontal and vertical application to any small to medium boat. Accompanied with white rope to make your life easier!

RT series 72107 110RT series

RT Series Rope Through Fenders, multiple use for both horizontal and vertical application for any boat, with reinforced vertical ribs, giving extra protection. Made in one piece for consistent wall thickness. For boats 15 to 50 feet.

For more information: www.osmarine.ie

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine

For many years O’Sullivan’s Marine have been the ‘go to’ outlet for quality outboard engine brands such as Tohatsu, Suzuki and Honda — and now Yahama outboards have been added to their available stock range, writes Brian O’Sullivan.

Whether you are looking to purchase an individual engine, or as part of a tailored boat package, O’Sullivan’s Marine are now able to offer all top-quality engine brands — ex stock.

Yamaha’s highly popular engines are well known for their reliability, quiet running and excellent fuel economy, and range from lightweight portable 2.5HP right through to the powerful 350HP V8.

O’Sullivan’s Marine are renowned for their expertise in both the supply and servicing of outboard engine, and have the largest choice of outboard engines on permanent display in their Tralee showrooms.

With full-time mechanics and the latest equipment and software, O’Sullivan’s Marine can service everything they supply. Contact them for a quotation — for a new engine to whatever repairs may be required, they are happy to oblige.

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine

After launching a comprehensive new range of Cool Kayaks earlier in the season, the demand was so high that stocks soon ran out… not surprising considering their high quality and exceptionally good prices writes Brian O'Sullivan of O'Sullivan's Marine.

The good news is that a new consignment arrived into O’Sullivan’s Marine on 6th August, and the even better news is that they have increased their range, and can now offer an even bigger selection of “best value” kayaks in Ireland!

Sit On Top Kayaks

Sit on top kayaks are getting increasingly more popular, and at O’Sullivan’s Marine they have models to suit all budgets and abilities.

Recreational Fun for all the family

From the low profile sleek Flash Kayak for small adults and children up to the 9’6” Conger single kayaks and several models in between, O’Sullivan’s Marine can offer a range to suit all individual kayakers.

oceanus 5 767Oceanus 5

For those who want to share the fun, they also offer the Glide 1 + 1, this stable versatile platform has room to bring a small passenger in front of the paddler or the Oceanus 2.5 seater, a well-priced tandem kayak.

Angling Kayaks

Using kayaks for angling is a rapidly growing pastime that has many advantages for fishermen and women. It allows the exploration of areas that would otherwise be difficult to access, giving more fishing time and potentially bigger catches!

Dace pro 8 767pxThe Dace Pro 8

O’Sullivan’s Marine has a comprehensive choice of models for the angler, fully equipped with everything needed for a comfortable and productive outing. Ranging from the 9’6” Rodster up to the Dace Pro Angler 14’ single kayak, and the Caster double seater, these kayaks are well-featured and offer the perfect combination of stability, speed, manoeuvrability and straight-line tracking.

Tarpon Propel Kayak

Packed to the gills with fishing features, the Tarpon Propel 10 pedal kayak is equipped with a performance-engineered pedal drive system for hands-free fishing, accessory gear tracks, adjustable seat, hand-controlled rudder and 2 flush mount rod holders. Coming in at 10.5’ long and 33 inches wide this fishing machine is ready for anything!

Tarpon 767pxTarpon

Touring Sit in Kayak

The Swift touring kayak has a unique design that cuts through the water easily, giving it extraordinary acceleration. Equipped with a large seat well and two storage hatches.

swift 3 767pxSwift 3

SUP Boards

Available in 10’ and 12’, the cool SUP boards are high quality, competitively priced and equipped with storage hatches, foot cushions, bungees, drain plugs and carrying handles.

All Cool kayaks are well equipped as standard, but also offer a full range of additional accessories, from roof racks to luxury seats, all available from next week at O’Sullivan’s Marine.

For more information contact 066 7124524 or visit www.osmarine.ie

Published in O'Sullivan's Marine
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For all you need on the Marine Environment - covering the latest news and updates on marine science and wildlife, weather and climate, power from the sea and Ireland's coastal regions and communities - the place to be is Afloat.ie.

Coastal Notes

The Coastal Notes category covers a broad range of stories, events and developments that have an impact on Ireland's coastal regions and communities, whose lives and livelihoods are directly linked with the sea and Ireland's coastal waters.

Topics covered in Coastal Notes can be as varied as the rare finding of sea-life creatures, an historic shipwreck with secrets to tell, or even a trawler's net caught hauling much more than just fish.

Other angles focusing the attention of Coastal Notes are Ireland's maritime museums, which are of national importance to maintaining access and knowledge of our nautical heritage, and those who harvest the sea using small boats based in harbours where infrastructure and safety pose an issue, plying their trade along the rugged wild western seaboard.

Coastal Notes tells the stories that are arguably as varied as the environment they come from, and which shape people's interaction with the natural world and our relationship with the sea.

Marine Wildlife

One of the greatest memories of any day spent boating around the Irish coast is an encounter with Marine Wildlife. It's a thrill for young and old to witness seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales right there in their own habitat. And as boaters fortunate enough to have experienced it will testify, even spotting a distant dorsal fin can be the highlight of any day afloat. Was that a porpoise? Was it a whale? No matter how brief the glimpse, it's a privilege to share the seas with Irish marine wildlife.

Thanks to our location in the North Atlantic, there appears to be no shortage of marine life to observe. From whales to dolphins, seals, sharks and other ocean animals, the Marine Wildlife category documents the most interesting accounts around our shores. And we're keen to receive your observations, your photos, links and video clips, too!

Also valuable is the unique perspective of all those who go afloat, from coastal sailing to sea angling to inshore kayaking to offshore yacht racing, as what they encounter can be of great importance to organisations such as the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). Thanks to their work we now know we share the seas with dozens of species who also call Ireland home. But as impressive as the list is, the experts believe there are still gaps in our knowledge. Next time you are out on the ocean waves, keep a sharp look out!

Weather

As an island in the North Atlantic, Ireland's fate is decided by Weather more so than many other European countries. When storm-force winds race across the Irish Sea, ferry and shipping services are cut off, disrupting our economy. When swollen waves crash on our shores, communities are flooded and fishermen brace for impact - both to their vessels and to their livelihoods.

Keeping abreast of the weather, therefore, is as important to leisure cruisers and fishing crews alike - for whom a small craft warning can mean the difference between life and death - as it is to the communities lining the coast, where timely weather alerts can help protect homes and lives.

Weather affects us all, and Afloat.ie will keep you informed on the hows and the whys.

Marine Science

Perhaps it's the work of the Irish research vessels RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager out in the Atlantic Ocean that best highlights the essential nature of Marine Science for the future growth of Ireland's emerging 'blue economy'.

From marine research to development and sustainable management, Ireland is developing a strong and well-deserved reputation as an emerging centre of excellence. Whether it's Wavebob ocean energy technology to aquaculture to weather buoys and oil exploration, the Marine Science category documents the work of Irish marine scientists and researchers and how they have secured prominent roles in many European and international marine science bodies.

Power From The Sea

The message from the experts is clear: offshore wind and wave energy is the future. And as Ireland looks towards the potential of the renewable energy sector, generating Power From The Sea will become a greater priority in the State's 'blue growth' strategy.

Developments and activities in existing and planned projects in the pipeline from the wind and wave renewables sector, and those of the energy exploration industry, point to the future of energy requirements for the whole world, not just in Ireland. And that's not to mention the supplementary industries that sea power projects can support in coastal communities.

Irish ports are already in a good position to capitalise on investments in offshore renewable energy services. And Power From The Sea can even be good for marine wildlife if done properly.

Aside from the green sector, our coastal waters also hold a wealth of oil and gas resources that numerous prospectors are hoping to exploit, even if people in coastal and island areas are as yet unsure of the potential benefits or pitfalls for their communities.

Changing Ocean Climate

Our ocean and climate are inextricably linked - the ocean plays a crucial role in the global climate system in a number of ways. These include absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere and absorbing 30 per cent of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by human activity. But our marine ecosystems are coming under increasing pressure due to climate change.

The Marine Institute, with its national and international partners, works to observe and understand how our ocean is changing and analyses, models and projects the impacts of our changing oceans. Advice and forecasting projections of our changing oceans and climate are essential to create effective policies and management decisions to safeguard our ocean.

Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute, said, “Our ocean is fundamental to life on earth and affects so many facets of our everyday activities. One of the greatest challenges we face as a society is that of our changing climate. The strong international collaborations that the Marine Institute has built up over decades facilitates a shared focusing on our changing ocean climate and developing new and enhanced ways of monitoring it and tracking changes over time.

“Our knowledge and services help us to observe these patterns of change and identify the steps to safeguard our marine ecosystems for future generations.”

The Marine Institute’s annual ocean climate research survey, which has been running since 2004, facilitates long term monitoring of the deep water environment to the west of Ireland. This repeat survey, which takes place on board RV Celtic Explorer, enables scientists to establish baseline oceanic conditions in Irish waters that can be used as a benchmark for future changes.

Scientists collect data on temperature, salinity, water currents, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the Atlantic Ocean. This high quality oceanographic data contributes to the Atlantic Ocean Observing System. Physical oceanographic data from the survey is submitted to the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and, in addition, the survey contributes to national research such as the VOCAB ocean acidification and biogeochemistry project, the ‘Clean Atlantic’ project on marine litter and the A4 marine climate change project.

Dr Caroline Cusack, who co-ordinates scientific activities on board the RV Celtic Explorer for the annual survey, said, “The generation of long-term series to monitor ocean climate is vital to allow us understand the likely impact of future changes in ocean climate on ecosystems and other marine resources.”

Other activities during the survey in 2019 included the deployment of oceanographic gliders, two Argo floats (Ireland’s contribution to EuroArgo) and four surface drifters (Interreg Atlantic Area Clean Atlantic project). The new Argo floats have the capacity to measure dissolved ocean and biogeochemical parameters from the ocean surface down to a depth of 2,000 metres continuously for up to four years, providing important information as to the health of our oceans.

During the 2019 survey, the RV Celtic Explorer retrieved a string of oceanographic sensors from the deep ocean at an adjacent subsurface moored station and deployed a replacement M6 weather buoy, as part of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network (IMDBON).

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the IMDBON is managed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Met Éireann and is designed to improve weather forecasts and safety at sea around Ireland. The data buoys have instruments which collect weather and ocean data including wind speed and direction, pressure, air and sea surface temperature and wave statistics. This data provides vital information for weather forecasts, shipping bulletins, gale and swell warnings as well as data for general public information and research.

“It is only in the last 20 years, meteorologists and climatologists have really began to understood the pivotal role the ocean plays in determining our climate and weather,” said Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann. “The real-time information provided by the Irish data buoy network is particularly important for our mariners and rescue services. The M6 data buoy in the Atlantic provides vital information on swell waves generated by Atlantic storms. Even though the weather and winds may be calm around our shores, there could be some very high swells coming in from Atlantic storms.”