Displaying items by tag: Marine Institute
Research Vessels Call to Dublin Bay Ports
#SCIENCE SHIPS – It is a rare to have both Marine Institute research vessels calling at the same time to east-coast ports, as normally these Galway-based ships managed by P&O Maritime Services, work off the rest of the Irish coast, writes Jehan Ashmore.
As previously reported on Aflaot.ie, the RV Celtic Explorer docked in Dublin Port earlier this week. The 65.5m long vessel currently remains moored alongside Sir John Rogersons Quay (berth 6) as the 10-day Euroscience Open Forum 2012 (ESOF) concludes tomorrow in the Convention Centre. High-level delegates from the international scientific community have made the short crossing over the Liffey's Samuel Beckett Bridge to be welcomed on board.
Across Dublin Bay the RV Celtic Voyager had called to Dun Laoghaire Harbour yesterday, where she stayed overnight for a mid-scientific cruise break, while berthed at St. Michaels Wharf. The 31.4m vessel this morning resumed her scheduled Infomar 2 hydrographic work in the Irish Sea.
#blueecomony – Scientists from both sides of the Atlantic met today at the ESOF 2012 Atlantic Symposium to explore the many ocean governance, economic development and environmental challenges and opportunities their shared Atlantic resource represents.
A key focus of the Symposium is how to harness evolving technology to drive the 'blue economy' through smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and how to achieve this through collaboration across the Atlantic Ocean in the areas of science, technology and innovation.
Speaking at the Atlantic Symposium, Dr. Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute said, "The Atlantic represents a significant resource, and while it separates the continents, it also presents a huge opportunity to work together to solve shared environmental issues and to explore opportunities for development and economic benefit. Today, we have taken the first steps in creating a new roadmap for better and more focussed cooperation between the European and American continents."
Prof Scott Glenn, Rutgers University, USA, described the historical, cultural and scientific links between Europe and the United States of America divided by the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. He pointed to challenges such as sustainable ocean governance, climate change prediction and impact, and deep-sea research which require a united approach.
These issues were further developed by Prof Michael St John, Danish Technical University and PI of the Euro-BASIN project, and by Dr Michael Crosby of the MOTE Laboratory in Florida who said, "The world's magnificent oceans are not barriers between us, but bridges of shared resources, challenges and opportunities. International partnerships designed to increase our scientific understanding of marine ecosystems as part of a single interconnected global system, that includes human activities, are essential for long-term sustainable use of these shared resources. However, translation and transfer of such scientific understanding is vital to enhance global "ocean literacy" in the broader public to build a foundation for improved stewardship of marine resources."
The final keynote speaker, Mr Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission, said that "the EU and its Atlantic neighbours share the same values and global concerns, such as climate change, energy supply, food security and health. Encouraging and improving international cooperation is therefore a priority of the EU 'Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic Ocean Area' and an integral part of Horizon 2020, the new EU research and innovation funding programme."
#MARINE SCIENCE – The Marine Institute has a research vessel training position under its Stagiaire Programme, which is designed to enable recent graduates to gain work experience in an area in which they are interested.
As part of Ocean Science and Information Services, you will provide administrative support to the work activities of the Team Leader and to the Operations and Director of OSIS in the management and delivery of Research Vessel (RV) Operations Office services.
This Stagiaire position is an excellent training opportunity for a recent graduate of business, administration or a related subject. The fixed term, fixed purpose Graduate Training contract will run for a maximum of 50 weeks. The successful candidate will be on probation for the first 6 months of this training contract. For further information and how to apply, click HERE.
#MARINE JOBS – As the festivities of the Volvo Ocean Race gain further momentum following this morning's final offshore race leg to Galway Harbour, the Marine Institute and SmartOcean Ireland are also to be present during the prestigious event as they are to host 'Oceans of Opportunity'.
Oceans of Opportunity, is a marine careers and training event (held this Thursday 5th and Friday 6th July) which is part of the Ocean Wealth Showcase at the Volvo Ocean Race Global Village. More than 80 Irish-based marine jobs will be on offer at the event and over 140 international opportunities.
A wide variety of marine jobs will be on offer at the event with a number of organisations (across shipping, technology, research, energy, and cruise line hospitality) actively recruiting over the two days. Information on the current opportunities will also be available on www.marinejobs.ie which will be launched this Thursday.
Speaking ahead of the event Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute said "This event highlights the wide variety of job opportunities that are available right now in the marine sector. It will be a great opportunity for those looking for a position in this area to meet with recruiters at the event.
For those who are just thinking about a career in the marine sector, it will be a chance to get some insight into the wide variety of opportunities available, including in maritime education and training".
Among those recruiting at the event are DCU (MSc, PhD, PostDoc positions), IBM (technical and engineering), Marine Institute (graduate opportunities) and the Chamber of Shipping. Experienced HR specialists will be on hand to provide advice on preparing for a career in the marine sector.
The Marine Institute and the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) will also be offering marine career advice, job opportunities, CV workshops and clinics to support and advise job seekers looking to work in the marine sector.
A series of short talks are also scheduled throughout this Thursday, giving 'a day in the life' insight into the variety of careers that are available in the marine sector. For information on the schedule visit www.marine.ie or www.marinejobs.ie
Companies who wish to promote job opportunities on www.marinejobs.ie should contact [email protected]
#BELFAST LOUGH - Following two stakeholder workshops that were held in Liverpool and Dublin in 2011, a new Irish Sea Maritime Forum is to be held this Thursday in Belfast, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The one-day conference has been established with the support of the Department of Environment (DOE) in Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man Government, the Marine Management Organisation and the Irish Planning Institute.
Delegates attending the free pre-booked inaugural conference of the forum, is to be held in the iconic new Titanic Belfast visitor centre and is open to all with an interest in the Irish Sea. Presentations are to include an opening address from Northern Ireland's DOE Minister Alex Attwood, MLA and Dr. Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute based in Oranmore, Co. Galway.
The conference is organised by the North West Coastal Forum which was formed in May 2000. Originally it was hosted by Government Office for the North West and later by the North West Regional Assembly / 4NW as an independent partnership of coastal stakeholders to help with coastal policy development. Currently there is a management board with representatives from over 25 coastal stakeholder organisations, an elected chair, and carries out a wide range of activities.
In recent years the forum has worked with Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and other bodies to influence the development of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The forum has also worked in assisting the development and implementation of legislation, including the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Bathing Water Directive.
#MARINE – The Marine Institute has welcomed the launch by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton, T.D., of the Government's plan to target the majority of the Government's core research budget on areas with the greatest potential for economic return. The Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group recommends 14 specific areas of greatest opportunity.
Dr. Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute welcomed the report saying "It clearly highlights the opportunities for economic growth through research in the areas of seafood, both aquaculture and wild fisheries, Marine renewable energy and ICT applications in the marine environment (based on the Smartocean concept) and marine food for health. We look forward to participating in the Prioritisation Action Group, established to oversee the implementation of the reports recommendations."
The Steering Group also highlighted the need for "research for policy" in support of the priority areas. "Such research is vital in supporting sustainable development of our marine resources through a better understanding of marine ecosystem functioning and the ecological services and biodiversity it supports, " added Dr. Heffernan " This policy research is also crucial in supporting the implementation of international/EU obligations, such as for example, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive ."
Many of the research objectives aimed at realising the potential in these sectors are spelt out in Sea Change-A Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland, and will continue to guide future research investment.
The necessity for research as an 'enabler', in support of potential commercial opportunities and policy development/implementation, has also been identified in the recently launched public consultation Our Ocean Wealth, which seeks input from the public in developing an Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland.
The marine research priorities identified for support under the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group connect with those identified in the EUs €80 billion Horizon 2020 Programme (2014-2020) and in the European Union Strategy for the Atlantic (2011), providing a unique opportunity for co-funded research, development and innovation supporting the sustainable development of our shared European marine resources.
Management Plan for Galway Bay Fisheries On Track
#GALWAY BAY - Galway Bay FM reports that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is to work with the Marine Institute towards completing a management plan for Galway Bay.
It comes two weeks after a group of oyster fishermen met Minister for Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte at Leinster House to voice their concerns over a cap on oyster dredging licences.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, local fishermen in the inner Galway Bay-Clarinbridge area are concerned that their livelihoods are at risk after the European Union ruled that there is over-intensification of fishing at the oyster bed.
Only 13 dredging licences have been issued this year, and EU Directives prevent their further issue until a fisheries management plan is introduced.
Galway West Senator Fidelma Healy-Eames says steps are being made to get the management plan on track.
Minister Shows Displeasure With Euro Fishery Plans
#FISHING - The Minister for the Marine has spoken out over plans by the European Commission to make cuts in certain fish stocks that could see €65 million in lost earnings for Ireland's fishing fleet.
According to The Irish Times, Minister Simon Coveney said there was "very credible data prepared by the Marine Institute to back up" the case against proposals by EU maritime affairs commissioner Maria Damanaki to cut certain stocks by as much as 25%.
He told the paper he would "challenge anyone to say we are not sticking with scientific advice", and also suggested that the fishing industry is being more responsible in its own proposals.
"The European Commission is recommending a 60 per cent increase in the total allowable catch for Celtic Sea herring, whereas the industry is seeking 30 per cent as a more responsible approach,” said Minister Coveney.
“So this shows it is not true to say that fishermen are irresponsible, as some would suggest."
EU fish talks continue today in Brussels. The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.
Occasionally graduates may be required to assist with general laboratory duties and will also support the work of the Fisheries Science Services teams. For further information please download the full job description click this LINKand other stagiare programmes.
Duration of Contract: This temporary Stagiaire Graduate Training contract will be issued on a fixed-term, fixed-purpose basis for up to 50 weeks with a six-month probationary period.
How to Apply: A CV and letter of application can be posted to Human Resources, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway or sent via email to [email protected]
Applicants will be short-listed on the basis of the information contained in their letter of application and CV. Please ensure that applications for this training opportunity use the reference MI-FSS Nov.2011
The closing date for all applications is Friday 18th November 2011 at 5pm. Late applications will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that their application is received on time. Interviews will be held during week commencing 28th November 2011. It is the responsibility of applicants to make themselves available for interview on the allotted date.
Sonar Survey Reveals Torpedoed Guinness Ship
The detailed seabed images, which include deck features and complex sand wave structures, were recorded by towed sidescan sonar provided by the Moore Marine Group, and give a visual insight into the defensively armed ship that was sunk by a German torpedo in 1917, seven miles east of the Kish Bank off Dublin.
Photos above and below show topographic seafloor images in 3D, showing the partially buried wreck of the W M Barkley lying at a water depth of 56 metres; with deeper scouring around it down to 72 metres (darker colours indicate greater depths). The images were created from sonar data acquired onboard the Marine Institute's research vessel RV Celtic Voyager, during INFOMAR Programme mapping in 2010 and 2011 with data processed by INFOMAR's Fabio Sacchetti (University of Ulster) and Charise McKeon (Geological Survey of Ireland).
In May 2010, during a large scale mapping survey in the Irish Sea by INFOMAR, a national marine study run by the Marine Institute and the Geological Survey of Ireland, identified a seabed feature which, to the trained eye, was discernable as a potential shipwreck lying in the same position recorded on the Admiralty Chart, the EU wreck site and UK Hydrographic Office wreck site directories, as well as a survey conducted in the 1980s as the last known position of the W.M.Barkley.
Viewing the spectacular imagery of the shipwreck Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, said "I am delighted to note the continued excellence of the valuable work being carried out under the INFOMAR project. These images from the deep reveal a unique view of part of Ireland's marine heritage and I am delighted to announce details of INFOMAR''s annual seminar to be held in Galway on November 16 and 17th."
Eibhlin Roche - Guinness Archivist, Guinness Storehouse with the model of the W.M. Barkley. Photo: Jason Clarke Photography
Ninety four years ago on the dark night of October 12th 1917 the W.M.Barkley was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine UC-75. Within minutes the ship, which was owned and operated by the Guinness Company of Dublin, broke in two and sank, taking with her to the bottom four men including her Captain and leaving the rest of her crew to face the sea in an open lifeboat. Now, the darkness where the ship has lain in pieces has been disturbed, probed by fingers of sound that are mapping the seabed in incredible details and bringing to light the position of this famous Irish shipwreck.
"As the first Guinness owned ship, the W.M. Barkley played an important role in the story of the transportation of GUINNESS beer overseas," said Eibhlin Roche, Guinness Archivist. The events of the night of 12th October 1917 are very much part of the history of Guinness that is recorded in the Guinness Archive. It is exciting to finally know the exact resting place of the W.M. Barkley."
A scale model of the W.M. Barkley is on display in the Transport Gallery of Guinness Storehouse remembering the lives of the Guinness men who both perished and survived the events of 12th October 1917. These are stories of tragedy and bravery portraying Irish traditional values, and how they were brought to light with the application of cutting-edge technology.
Koen Verbruggen (GSI), Minister Pat Rabbitte, Dr. Peter Heffernan (CEO, Marine Institute), Eibhlin Roche (Guinness Archivist, Guinness Storehouse) and David Smith (Country Director, Diageo Ireland) Photo: Jason Clarke Photography
