Clew Bay on the Mayo coast is in a league of its own. Outstandingly beautiful, with the serene peak of Croagh Patrick rising above Ireland’s most intricate and dynamic inter-mingling of sea and islands through many inlets large and small, the Bay has long fostered a vibrant maritime community that pre-dates its most illustrious star, the 16th Century sea queen Granuaille.
In current times, ocean voyagers such as James Cahill and Arctic Ocean circumnavigation pioneer Jarlath Cunnane have set forth from here, and most recently the long-distance mantle has maintained by Alex and Dara Blackwell. Offshore racing, meanwhile, has seen Clew Bay up in lights thanks to the efforts of Joan Mulloy and also of Louis Mulloy, noted campaigner of the J/24 Headcase and the MiniTransat Black Shell Farm.
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PRODUCTION
In many cases, the maritime involvement of these enthusiasts extends far beyond waterborne sport and recreation, for as a very environmentally-aware group, they are acutely attuned to the way that a carefully monitored seabed is beneficial in all its aspects, and especially in providing a sustainable seafood industry within the Bay’s many inlets and island passages.
Michael Mulloy, the patriarch of a remarkable nautical clan, has led the way in developing a matrix of productive industries which are scaled to respect their surroundings, supported by multi-tasker Alex Blackwell in his capacity as a Fisheries Biologist. Usually, they quietly get in with their jobs and often only attract attention for other activities such as Alex’s key roles in the administration of Irish cruising. But now a novel coffee marketing initiative has drawn the focus towards the sheer variety of what they do.
Northabout returns to Clew Bay after her Arctic Ocean circumnavigation with Jarlath Cunnane and Paddy Barry. Photo: Rory Casey
COFFEE AND OYSTERS COMBINE
Green Ocean Coffee, a new speciality coffee range from Irish company Watermark Coffee, has been officially launched to coincide with a unique partnership agreement with Clew Bay Oyster Co-op.
Expertly roasted in Ireland, Green Ocean Coffee is made from 100% speciality grade arabica beans sourced directly from farmers in Brazil, Kenya and Honduras. Available in fully recyclable packaging, the three coffee blends deliver a vibrant, modern flavour and are named ‘Inishgowla’, ‘Dorinish’ and ‘Inisheeny’ after islands in Clew Bay.
Recognising the importance of the ocean’s potential role in tackling and reversing the effects of climate change and improving coastal biodiversity, Watermark Coffee’s partnership with Clew Bay Oyster Co-op aims to restore up to 180 hectares of seabed in Clew Bay, Co. Mayo from sales of Green Ocean Coffee.
For every 1kg bag of Green Ocean Coffee sold, one square metre of the oyster and seagrass bed will be restored, helping to lock away oceanic and atmospheric carbon at rate up to 35 times faster than the tropical rainforest.
CHANGES IN OCEAN HABITAT
David Lawlor, Managing Director of Watermark Coffee and himself a sailor of Wayfarer dinghies from the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, explains the motivation behind this novel project:
“At Watermark Coffee, we are committed to producing exceptional coffee whilst running our business in a way that minimises our environmental impact. As a sailor and diver myself, I have witnessed significant change to the ocean habitat, and have a deep appreciation of the vital role the ocean plays in stablising our global climate. As a company, we want to play our part, and give our customers the opportunity, to protect the biodiversity of our ocean in the long term. Green Ocean Coffee is about providing the conduit that links drinking amazing coffee with authentic climate action right here in Ireland”.
Alex Blackwell of Clew Bay Oyster Co-op and David Lawlor of Watermark Coffee on the shores of Clew Bay with their respective products
As an island nation, the role the ocean and in particular, oysters and seagrass, play in protecting our marine environment cannot be underestimated as Alex Blackwell, Fisheries Biologist and Manager of Clew Bay Oyster Co-op explains;
“Balance is key to a healthy ocean. Oyster and seagrass beds are a pivotal component in sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide as well as providing coastal protection and creating sustainable employment. Oysters are nature’s most efficient filtration system, filtering up to 190 litres of seawater a day. They keep algae blooms at bay and encourage the growth of seagrass - one of the planet’s most overlooked sequestering plants. It’s a dream come true to have Green Ocean Coffee on board so we can continue to do this important restorative work”.
OCEAN COFFEE MATCHES AIMS OF WOODLAND COFFEE ASHORE
The launch of Green Ocean Coffee joins Watermark Coffee’s wider sustainable range, Woodland Coffee, which saw the company investing in a dedicated woodland plantation in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick in 2020. To date, 27,000 trees have been planted as a result of Woodland Coffee sales. Watermark also participates in the rigorous Carbon Disclosure Project, a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts.
They’ll clean the sea or brighten you up….oysters and coffee make for a dynamic combination
Green Ocean Coffee is available wholesale to changemaker companies who share Watermark’s passion for driving sustainability, right down to the coffee they provide to their employees in the workplace. Watermark provide on site barista training, tastings, coffee machines and servicing. The range is also available to consumers to purchase on-line via www.greenoceancoffee.ie and retails at €15 for a 500g bag and €25 for a 1kg bag.
David Lawlor added: “We are very excited to launch Green Ocean Coffee after three extensive years of research and planning. We have had tremendous help and advice at all stages from diving experts in Ocean Divers, to Bord Iascaigh Mhara and of course Alex Blackwell and Michael Mulloy of Clew Bay Oyster Co-Op. Their enthusiasm and knowledge have helped make Green Ocean Coffee a reality. We are looking forward to working with new corporate clients and consumers to deliver great coffee and make a meaningful difference to the ocean that surrounds us.”
Michael Mulloy, Chair of Clew Bay Oyster Co-op concluded; “Native oysters in a bay is like the canary in a cage to a certain extent. If you have an abundance of native oysters in a fishery, it is an indication that your biodiversity is good. We are privileged to have retained native oyster beds in Clew Bay, and we are looking forward to working with our partners in Green Ocean Coffee to ensure these beds are protected into the future”.
