A major new cross-border marine initiative led by the Loughs Agency has been officially launched in Belfast, with the landmark €8 million project marking a step forward in strengthening climate change resilience and coastal community engagement across Irish seas.
MOSAIC (Multi-disciplinary Ocean Sensing for Adaptive International Conservation) is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It brings together 11 leading partner organisations from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada, positioning the project at the forefront of international marine science.
MOSAIC will establish an ambitious, integrated marine observation network, combining oceanographic data with biodiversity monitoring to transform how our shared seas are understood and managed in the face of climate change.
By deploying innovative sensor technologies and developing advanced decision-support tools, the project will enhance monitoring of threatened and declining marine species, from sharks and skates to cetaceans and turtles.
A key outcome of the project will be the development of joint species strategies and action plans, alongside climate impact indicators and a federated data system. This will ensure long-term access to high-quality, cross-border marine data for researchers, policymakers and coastal communities, supporting more informed and collaborative conservation efforts.
The Loughs Agency says the launch of MOSAIC builds on its strong track record in marine monitoring and collaboration, following its leadership of earlier acoustic telemetry projects including SeaMonitor and STRAITS. These initiatives laid important foundations in tracking and understanding the movement of key marine species, helping to shape the next phase of innovation and cooperation now being delivered through MOSAIC.
MOSAIC was one of three projects to be awarded PEACEPLUS funding at the launch event — with ACCLIMATISE, led by AFBI, and CMAP, led by Ulster University, also successful in obtaining a portion of the circa-€25 million EU contribution.
NI Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said: “Climate change, biodiversity loss and water pollution are already affecting our ecosystems, our communities and our economy. The situation at Lough Neagh in recent summers is a clear reminder of the scale of the environmental challenge. Improving water quality is a central priority for me and this source‑to‑sea approach, will help deliver on our commitment in the Programme for Government to improve water quality.
“I am proud to support these projects, not only through the department’s investment, but through our continued partnership with Special EU Programmes Body to provide strategic guidance on CMAP, MOSAIC and ACCLIMATISE. I am particularly encouraged by the breadth of collaboration involved, with more than 30 partner organisations, bringing together leading scientific and environmental expertise across this island, Scotland and Canada.
“Through enhanced marine monitoring, shared evidence, habitat restoration and innovation, these projects will provide a robust evidence base, for forward-looking decision‑making and help build resilience of our marine environment for the years ahead.”
Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment said: “I am very supportive of projects which are aimed at the sustainable use of Ireland’s seas and coastlines. These three cross-border projects, supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, will dovetail with and enhance Ireland’s existing marine environmental framework, benefitting everyone on the island who uses or enjoys the sea.”
Speaking about the MOSAIC oroject, Loughs Agency chief executive Sharon McMahon said: “MOSAIC represents a step change in how we work together to protect our shared marine environment. By combining cutting-edge science with cross-border collaboration, we are building the evidence-base needed to strengthen climate resilience, safeguard biodiversity and support sustainable coastal communities for generations to come.”
