In the fourth and final week of the Oceans of Learning series, Our Ocean: Our Future looks at the importance of research, innovation and collaboration to sustainably manage our ocean for future generations.
Ireland has earned a strong reputation in Europe and internationally for cutting-edge marine science research, innovation and collaboration. The country is also a global leader in the field of seabed mapping, and aims to be the first in the world to map its entire marine territory by 2026.
“Research and collaboration are key to ensuring the future sustainability of our ocean,” said Mick Gillooly, joint acting CEO of the Marine Institute. “Ireland has strengths in many areas of marine research and is working with partners across the globe, to monitor, understand and protect our marine environment.
“Understanding our ocean and providing the scientific advice for its sustainable use are central to the Marine Institute’s work and are key to our future. We want to ensure our seas maintain a healthy state for generations to come.
‘There’s enormous opportunity for us all to work together and be engaged in ocean innovation and research… This is an exciting time for Ireland’
“Looking to the decade ahead, there’s enormous opportunity for us all to work together and be engaged in ocean innovation and research, for what is possibly the last great exploration campaign on earth. This is an exciting time for Ireland.”
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the fourth and final episode of the Oceans of Learning podcast series explores how the next generation can seek to influence and engage with politicians and government and why research and innovation is so important for the marine environment.
Meanwhile, the Marine Institute has launched Voyages — a series of short vignettes profiling some of the people whose work is intertwined with Ireland’s national research vessels the RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager: fisheries scientist Ciaran O’Donnell, ocean climate scientist Caroline Cusack and research vessel manager Aodhan Fitzgerald.
In addition, there is the spectacular short film Dive Deep with the remote operated vehicle (ROV) Holland 1, which has enabled scientists to make many exciting discoveries in our ocean.
The Commissioners of Irish Lights also offer the Lighthouse Storybook — a collection of creative stories from children across Ireland celebrating the vital role lighthouses play in ensuring safety at sea, and how they have captured the imagination from the distant past to the present day.
To view the suite of resources available for Oceans of Learning this week, visit the Our Ocean: Our Future microsite.
