SHERKIN COMMENT

Issue No. 56 Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station 2013

Sherkin Island – A Local History Coming Together for Henry Ford’s The Irish Group Water Scheme Sector Mask, snorkel and fins = adventure! Dolly O’Reilly’s new book takes an historical 150th Birthday Brian Mac Domhnaill explains how vital Pete Atkinson explains the joy of look at the island’s social, cultural & A public celebration at the historic Henry Ford this sector has been for rural . snorkelling in shallow waters. economic life. 4 Estate in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. 6 10 16/17

INSIDE Ireland’s Birds Lost and Gained

Greenshank in Kinish Harbour, Sherkin Island. Photographer: Robbie Murphy 2 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Contents Editorial

EDITORIAL: Getting Back to Basics...... 2 Matt Murphy looks back at some of the lessons learned in his youth. Ireland’s Birds – Lost and Gained ...... 3 Getting Back to Basics Oscar Merne on our ever-changing bird population. Sherkin Island – A Local History ...... 4 change our mindset when shopping. Dolly O’Reilly’s new book takes an historical look By Matt Murphy The Stop Food Waste campaign (fea- at the island’s social, cultural & economic life. tured in Sherkin Comment No. 52 – Plants and Old Castles ...... 5 I AM from a generation that in the 1940s www.stopfoodwaste.ie) is a really worth- John Akeroyd explains why old buildings & ruins and 50s carefully untied the knots in the while campaign. It highlight some twine and carefully folded the brown are happy hunting grounds for botanists. interesting reasons why we waste food: paper for reuse from any parcels that • Coming Together for Henry Ford’s 150th Birthday ..6 We do not make a list before shopping. arrived at our house. Jam jars were set • We buy more than we need – A public celebration at the historic Henry Ford aside for return to the shop for a half especially the “buy one get one free” Estate in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. penny or so as it meant pocket money to offers Sunfishes in Irish & North-East Atlantic Waters ....8 buy comics. Indeed the proceeds from a • Buying more perishable food – often Declan Quigley tells us about another unusual couple of jam jars would gain you admis- as the result of trying to eat more fish in Irish Waters. sion to the Lido Cinema in Blackpool. healthily Newspapers were used to light the fire Oscar Merne – A Personal Story...... 9 • We choose food on impulse. and milk was purchased loose at the • We have poor storage management – Cian Merne gives a wonderful insight into his house door, in supplied jugs, from the father’s dedication to ornithology. not eating food in date order. milkman who came around with his horse • We prepare too much food in general. The Irish Group Water Scheme Sector ...... 10 and cart and a couple of large milk churns • We don’t like the food we buy. Brian Mac Domhnaill explains how vital this on board. The jugs were then placed in • Our lifestyles affect what we eat or sector has been for rural Ireland. the pantry, the coldest place in the house, waste. as there was no fridge in those days. Wetlands of Portugal’s Alentejo Coast ...... 12 I find living on an island is a great Above all, my greatest memory from then teacher on waste in general. I have to rely A visit by Anthony Toole to the Portuguese south- is of how little waste went into the bin for west coast reveals a rich & varied bird life. very much on the deep freeze. The problem the weekly collection. I think the biggest of course is to make sure to keep a good stored in them in our archives. Compost The Environmental Protection Agency’s New Air item was the daily ashes from the fire in “turn over” and not fill the bottom quarter containers are a godsend for compostible Quality Index for Health ...... 13 winter time. of the freezer with forgotten items. Every food waste, but that is easier for people A new website from the EPA give easy access to Even though empty jam jars no longer so often I run down the contents, especially who have plenty of space outside. real time air quality information. raise the price of a comic and the delivery the leftovers from cooking too much. Often recycling is just a case of being of milk into jugs is impractical in today’s NGOs and the “American Rule”...... 14 Running the marine station on a shoe organised and having a place to put the world, the concept of reusing still does materials until they can go for recycling. Walter Mugdan on the key to the success of string budget for now over 38 years, has hold some merit. For example, look at how Keeping a box for electric bulbs and a environmental regulation in the United States. forced me to re-use and hoard out of easily we have slipped into bringing our necessity – at time much to the frustration long cardboard container for florescent Mask, snorkel and fins = adventure! ...... 16/17 own bags with us when we go shopping, of family. That is, however, until the need tubes mean you don’t give it a second Pete Atkinson explains the joy of snorkelling in when once we expected one to be pro- for certain screws, lengths of timber, rope thought. Having a bag especially for old shallow waters. duced every time we bought something. for a boat and then I hear “Da, do you clean rags means they can be given to the These resource-saving days of my child- Angling for Beginners...... 18 have such and such” – then I straighten up St Vincent de Paul or a charity shop, along hood and early teens have stayed with me, smiling and say “Yes, you’ll find it in such with good clothes that are not wanted. Paddy Byrne highlights the role and activities of often to the annoyance of my now grown Since the Prime Time TV programme I am Recreational Angling Ireland. a place”. If we run short of an item then family. Top of the list of my “crusade” is doing repairs can mean saving a journey wary of clothes banks and see them as sit- Rewarding encounters with polar bears in high the waste of electricity. So often I hear to the mainland which takes half a day. ting ducks for mass theft. I would much latitudes ...... 19 people moan about its cost and how bills There was a wonderful lady at the rather bring them directly to the charity. John Gore-Grimes recalls a time when a polar are so high and yet I know the very same National Botanic Garden in Glasnevin, It is unbelievable how just a few short bear rescued them from perilous circumstances. people constantly leave lights on all over the late Miss Maura Scanell. From years ago we sent everything to landfill. the place. When they want a cuppa they fill Now there has been a dramatic reduction Our Crowded Skies...... 20 the first time I got to know her I would the electric kettle to the top instead of just receive notes about plants typed on the in the number of landfill sites in the coun- Daphne Pochin Mould on our celestial wildlife. boiling sufficient for their needs. And even back of some circular she received in the try due largely to recycling. Discovering Different Aspects of Reality...... 21 in cooking, a low burner would keep the post. This was her normal way of corre- Thinking back, what must have been Alex Kirby on finding a balance when reporting pot/pan on the boil equally well. You can sponding with everyone, re-using any the first major recycling ‘programme’ in on climate change. see why I can be an annoyance to my fam- junk mail she received. Since those early Ireland began around the 1950s. Then Henry Ford assembled cars in City Rural areas as engines of economic growth...... 22 ily! In my youth there was no such thing as days I have done similarly and frankly central heating. We did our lessons in the and all parts came in an assortment of Looking at the contribution & potential of rural have saved a sight of paper. I also reuse room where the fire was lighting and it envelopes with a special label I printed waterproof plywood boxes. When empty businesses & communities. never seemed to be cold. When winter myself. It is many moons since I have pur- they were sold on to an agent who re-sold Glengowla Mines ...... 23 came the extra blankets went on the bed chase any envelopes or padded envelopes. them the length and breadth of Cork City Discovering the hidden beauty of Connemara. with an eiderdown. But then I was young I also make great savings on toner when and County and further afield. The pur- chaser dismantled them getting sheets of Publications of Interest...... 24 and the cold didn’t affect me as much. using the photocopier by using the reduc- Growing up during and after World War plywood and fine lengths of planed tim- The Grey (Canis lupus) in Ireland ...... 25 tion mode. At 93% you will not notice the II rations still applied, even here in Ireland, difference against 100%. While 82% and ber. They were used to build holiday Kieran Hickey on the natural & cultural history so we had no choice but to use all food and 71% are fine most of the time. homes at seaside resorts, especially in Co. of in Ireland. be economical with it. The government It is amazing what can be recycled. Cork, as well as workshops, hen houses, JUNIOR PAGES: Captain Cockle ...... 26 issued every household with a book of Every home, small business or farm will dog kennels, roofing, kitchen cabinets and Ringing Birds from Birdwatch Ireland ...... 27 ration coupons, which were used for pur- generate pieces of scrap metal, electronic shelving. Nearly fifty years on from pur- Environmental Competition for Primary School chasing many items. Now we are equipment, electric wire etc.. It accumu- chases in the 1960s I have shelves made from boxes in my workshop and they are Children in Munster 2013...... 28 constantly reading that one third of food lates in a short time. Most things can be still in perfect condition. Native & Non-native Species ...... 29 we purchase is thrown out in households. taken to a recycling centre along with the In these days of economic difficulty for cardboard, plastic, tins and batteries. With a little effort and imagination we Gaisce is in Business ...... 30 families, if that waste could be reduced by Sometimes they can be reused or recycled should all be able to do more to reduce, This award scheme for young people has now 50% it would help greatly in reducing the at home. For me Kerrymaid and Stork 2kg reuse and recycle. extended into business for the first time. food bill. Attitudes need to change about plastic containers are a real gift. I have The Great Journey South ...... 31 how food is used. Huge resources have thousands and thousands of our past Matt Murphy, Director, Sherkin Island Understanding Our Oceans ...... 32 been put into producing it and we need to 30mm water samples with phytoplankton Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co Cork. Mike Ludwig explains why more knowledge is needed to make informed decisions about our oceans. For Sherkin Comment subscription details go to page 20 SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______3 Ireland’s Birds – Lost and Gained desertification in sub-Saharan By Oscar Merne Africa may cause elevated mortality in summer migrants GORDON D’Arcy’s excellent such as Sand Martins. book on Ireland’s Lost Birds However, not all is doom chronicles the loss of eleven and gloom. Over the last 350 species of birds that were years or so, about 25 bird Images courtesy of Robbie Murphy breeding in Ireland in the past species are known to have and became extinct here. These arrived in Ireland without were the Bittern, Red Kite, human intervention, and to White-tailed and Golden have established viable breed- Eagles, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, ing populations here. Perhaps Goshawk, Crane, Capercaillie, the best known, and, for some, Great Auk and Great Spotted the least welcome of the new Woodpecker. The extinction of colonisers, is the Magpie. The the six bird-of-prey species was first flock of birds arrived in due largely, if not entirely, to south Wexford in about 1676, persecution by man, in the mis- and from there they spread taken belief that game birds rapidly to all parts of the coun- and livestock were being deci- try by the 20th century – mated by these predatory perhaps aided by subsequent “vermin”. Unfortunately the immigrations. Great Auk became extinct The 19th century saw sev- globally in the middle of the eral new species arriving in 19th century, but the other Ireland and becoming estab- species remained widespread lished here. These included the (and in some cases abundant) Mistle Thrush, which was first in Britain or mainland Europe. recorded in 1807 and is now a Three birds-of-prey – Red Kite, familiar species throughout the White-tailed and Golden country. In 1877 Tufted Ducks Eagles – are currently being were first found breeding in reintroduced to Ireland, so far Northern Ireland, and since with varying degrees of suc- then the species has spread cess. Another – the Great steadily southwards: I found Spotted Woodpecker – has them breeding in Co. Wexford recently established a strong in 1970. Two other bird species From top left (clockwise): The magpie, the most well-known, but for some the least welcome, of the new colonisers; The Greenshank (left) one of foothold in deciduous wood- – Stock Dove and Siskin – several species recorded as breeding in Ireland in recent decades, and the Little Egret which began colonising Ireland in 1997; The Sand Martin, which has seen a noticeable decline in recent years; The fulmar, an early 20th century colonisers (1911). lands in eastern counties of colonised sometime in the sec- Ireland. It seems to me that two ond half of the 19th century, or three of the remaining and are now widespread. Birds, with their ability to species might re-establish Colonisation by new breed- fly, are by nature highly breeding populations here, ing species accelerated in the mobile, and therefore can given time, or as a result of new 20th century. Some of this colonise new areas more read- reintroduction programmes. may be simply an artefact of ily than many other animals. Eli Lilly S.A. – Irish Branch But in spite of recent many more observers finding The proximity of the island of improvements in the fortunes breeding species that would Ireland to Britain, and its prox- Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of some of the above species have been overlooked previ- imity to continental Europe there is limited cause for opti- ously, but some may be due to facilitates the spread of species mism regarding the prospects factors such as climate change to this country. Few species for quite a number of our other encouraging southerly species are deterred by a crossing of breeding birds. Eighteen of to expand further north. 20th the Irish Sea, which is only our breeding species have century colonisers include 20–60 km wide in places: on a been placed on the Red List of Pochard (1907), Fulmar clear day it is possible to see species of high conservation (1911), Eider (1912), Collared land on the other side! Many concern in Ireland, while six Dove (1959), Short-eared Owl species are adaptable and others are on the Red List as (1959), Goosander (1969), opportunistic and can settle wintering or passage species. Black-tailed Godwit (1975), into new habitats, even ones 85 others (breeding and win- Bearded Tit (1976), Reed War- that differ significantly from tering species combined) are bler (1979/80), Pied those they are used to. And cli- on the Amber List of species Flycatcher (1985), Whooper mate change is allowing some of medium conservation con- Swan (1996), Little Egret species to extend their range cern. The main causes of (1997), and Mediterranean northwards to areas previously declines in the populations of Gull (1999). Several other uninhabitable to them. In many of these Red and Amber species have been recorded as nature, nothing stands still for List species are loss and breeding in Ireland in recent very long and in a human life- Eli Lilly wishes “Sherkin Comment” degradation of their habitats decades, but appear not to time an interested observer can continued success. from agricultural intensifica- have become firmly estab- see many of the changes out- tion, land-claim, drainage and lished yet. Examples are lined in this article. pollution of wetlands, overex- Ruddy Duck, Greenshank, Eli Lilly S.A. – Irish Branch ploitation of marine fish Black Tern and Lesser Oscar Merne retired from stocks which affects produc- Whitethroat. Ireland’s National Parks & Dunderrow, , Co. Cork tivity of many of our seabird Colonisation continues in Wildlife Service in January Telephone: 021–4772699 species, predation by intro- the new millennium, with 2004. Before he died in Fax: 021–4775152 duced alien species such as Great Skuas establishing a Janaury 2013, Oscar wrote a Email: [email protected] Brown Rats and American foothold on west coast islands number of articles for Sherkin Website: www.lilly.ie Mink Adverse factors else- since 2001, and Great Spotted Comment to be published in where in the range of some Woodpeckers breeding in at future issues. species may also contribute to least six eastern counties from declines here, for example 2007 onwards.

AN IDEAL STOCKING FILLER! Answers That Matter A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore – @ €7.00 (plus p&p €1.00) – see page 27 for details 4 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Sherkin Island A Local History

past societies, from the Wedge 1440 a papal mandate was had on the island and the A review Tomb, the oldest known given to Finghin O’Driscoll, wider area. An eye-witness archaeological monument on of the Ross Diocese, who account by Fr. Thomas Fen- by Matt Murphy Sherkin, to the origins of the sought permission to found a ton, Administrator of the O’Driscoll clan, which is syn- monastery for Friars Minor in islands (Sherkin and Cape), is IN 1994, Dolly O’Reilly pub- onymous with the area. his territory. There is a beauti- harrowing. He tells of an able- lished her first book on Chapter three focuses on ful conjectural drawing of the bodied man going six days Sherkin Island – A history of Marine Matters, including the Friary (see page 51), which, with only two meals and on the social, cultural and eco- warfare and piracy of the after being destroyed by a getting a piece of bread on the nomic life, which now has O’Driscolls against the Water- Waterford army in 1537, con- sixth day, he took it home to been out of print for some ford merchants who tinued to function to a lesser his starving father without so time. Having completed a ultimately retaliated and degree until 1650. The three much as touching it. The great Master’s degree in Local His- severely damaged the Castle archaeological excavations, majority of the females lived tory at University College and Friary on Sherkin. We carried out by the Office of on the seaweed and limpets Cork in 2012, Dolly has now learn also about the impor- Public Works in 1987, 1990 etc.. On both Sherkin and produced a major update of tance of Baltimore Harbour as and 1996 centred around the Cape soup kitchens were this first book, containing an anchorage, particularly in drainage system, the Chapter established before the end of much new material. the late 16th century. At the room, the Cloister walk and 1847. One may ask why the There has been a dearth of time, the south west coast was the north range of the Friary. islanders did not catch fish to information on the history of a very rich fishing ground The shipbuilding industry, eat. Simply, they had no our beautiful island. Outside with over 600 Spanish vessels which operated in the mid- equipment having sold it for of Dolly’s first book most of fishing the area. nineteenth century is covered food. Even fifteen years after the references/articles have The built heritage of the in Chapter Six – Material the famine, starvation was on been about the Franciscan island is dominated by the Culture. At that time, many of Sherkin. The population of Abbey. Now, with the publi- Franciscan Friary and Dún na the island families, the the four larger islands in cation of this major update, a Long Castle (Fort of Ships), Nolans, Youngs, O’Driscolls Roaringwater Bay show the more comprehensive history both overlooking Baltimore and Norrises owned and skip- terrible effect the famine had is available. Harbour. The castle, built by pered their own coastal on the islands (see Table 1). In this new book there are the O’Driscolls, is generally trading vessels. The ship- The book goes on to twelve chapters, beginning dated to 1460 and is one of a wrights came from several explain the history of farming with the Physical Landscape number of their strongholds in families of Minihanes. Other on the island, as well as the of Sherkin. It is the second the area. The O’Driscoll’s suf- industries included rope mak- school, demography, infra- largest island in Roaringwater fered most in the great ing, sail making and the structure and services. Bay, next to Cape Clear com- changes of land ownership manufacture of light iron- Anyone who has an interest in prising 1,469 acres. The that took place in the seven- works – all done by island Sherkin must read this gem. island’s rocks are Old Red teenth century. Following a families. The Dock area on Dolly O’Reilly has done our Sandstone and they are part of petition for aid by the Irish in Sherkin was a hive of industry beautiful island proud in doc- the Sherkin Formation. Much the war against the English, in the nineteenth century. umenting its history of times of the island is fertile, though Spanish troops landed on Ships built there included the past and giving an update on the land to the south and west, Sherkin in 1601. These were John Field (1835), John and the present. If you were fortu- which rises to the highest part of the Spanish fleet that Mary, Hooker Ellen and nate in having her first book, point, is rough, hilly and arrived in Kinsale. However Beauty of Munster. It was then read it again and with this Detail showing islands in Roaringwater Bay, from 17th century Dutch uncultivated. Yet it is this area map of Cork Harbour by Gerard Van Keulen, Amsterdam. Courtesy of their stay was short, and by thought that the last boat to be new book there is much in each Special Collections, Boole Library, University College Cork. that supplied the sandstone February 1602 both Baltimore built there may have been the that is not in the other. And to that was used in building and Sherkin Castles were John and Mary and that her those who have come to works in Skibbereen, includ- under the command of the master was also named John Sherkin in the past, the cover ing the town’s Roman British. It was the Spanish Field. The slate quarry indus- drawing of John Willie Nolan, Catholic church. The island is Governor Andreas de Aeroy try on Sherkin is also our local ferryman for many divided into six townlands. who handed over the castle. described. Lewis’s Topo- years until he died in 1978, will The terrain of each is On July 26th 1692, a member graphical Dictionary of 1837 indeed bring back many mem- described and the place names of the Becher family was refers to it as affording ories of the trips from are explained, giving an appointed Governor of employment to nearly 100 Baltimore to Sherkin. He was insight into the natural fea- Sherkin. The Bechers family men at that time. The slate known far and wide as a tures of each townland. were landlords in this area and was of remarkably good colourful character! The island has a rich his- Sherkin and colour and several cargoes tory of human settlement and were under their ownership. were shipped to Sherkin Island – A Local the second chapter “Earliest The founding of the Fran- where it was in great demand. History by Dolly O’Reilly. Quarry Strand where slate was quarried in the nineteenth century. Chapter Seven outlines the East side of Horseshoe Harbour. (Photo: Paddy Marshall, Sherkin Island, 2011) Inhabitants” examines the ciscan Friary on Sherkin can Slievemore Press. Published: artefacts and the history of be traced to the year 1460. In impact that the September 3rd, 2013. Price Table 1: Islands Population Decline (1841–2006) €12.99. Copies can be ordered directly from Islands 1841 1851 1901 1951 2006 Decrease [email protected] and also available from the Cape 1052 819 601 257 125 88% following outlets: Islanders Rest Hotel, Sherkin, Islands' Sherkin 1131 696 350 146 106 90% Craft Shop, Baltimore (June- End September), Cotter's Heir 358 288 317 139 24 93% Shop, Baltimore and in Skibbereen – Pierce Hickey's Long 336 305 199 81 5 98.% Newsagents, Cathal Donovan's Bookshop and the http://irishislands.info/census/graphs/numbers.html [Accessed: 2012/03/14]. Skibbereen Heritage Centre. Sherkin Island Wedge tomb. (Photo: Dolly O’Reilly, 2009) SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______5 roselinum crispum) on the walls of Dún na Long since Cork botanist R.A. Phillips noted it in the 1890s. Famous English botanist Oleg Polunin Plants and refound it here and on the Fri- ary walls in 1949, and Marine Station botanists have recorded it regularly over some 35 years. Parsley is often associated with old ruins in Ireland. And frequently Old Castles accompanying Alexanders, Pellitory-of-the-Wall (Pari- etaria judaica) is an old John Akeroyd explores medicinal plant that favours some historic ruins in the walls of castles and the islands of . churches. Like Elecampane, it served to treat bad chests and OLD BUILDINGS, especially coughs, useful in the days ruins, have long been a happy when island living conditions

hunting ground for the Images courtesy of Robbie Murphy were cold and damp. botanist seeking weeds. These Pellitory-of-the-Wall grows hardy opportunist plants colo- on Dún na Long, the Friary nize or persist in places where and walls near St Mona’s people cultivate or disturb the Church on Sherkin, Balti- ground, abandon land or dis- more’s Dún na Séad, and card rubbish. Typical of the Reenavanny on Whiddy weeds that grow around ruins (where Ireland’s first woman are so-called ruderals, from botanist Ellen Hutchins the Latin ruderalis (‘among recorded it back in 1811); and rubbish’), including some elsewhere on humbler invasive weeds of cultivation dwellings such as some ruined and a group of plants used by cottages on East Skeam. Of the former inhabitants. It’s a these sites, Dún na Séad, now fair guess that most plants, beautifully restored as a from medicinal herbs to docks home, has the richest flora, and nettles, associated with with both a fragment of native such long-term human habita- coastal grassland and rich mix tion, have had some sort of of ruderals and arable weeds. use or value. Ruderals have Other ruderals here include decreased in Ireland over Great Mullein (Verbascum recent decades, due to a cul- thapsus), Tree Mallow (Lavat- tural and population shift from era arborea) and Calamint plant in West Cork is Alexan- rural to suburban and a gen- (Calamintha ascendens), ders (Smyrnium olusatrum). A eral growth of tidiness. three more old chest and robust member of the carrot Fortunately for us botanists cough remedies! family, with shiny hogweed- The most persistent of these (and social, military and like leaves and domed heads architectural historians), Ire- plants occurs at just one site in of yellow flowers followed by the islands. Ever-observant, in land abounds in ruined conspicuous black fruits, it castles, large and small, tower 1811 Ellen Hutchins recorded probably came here from the Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebu- houses and other fortified Mediterranean with returning dwellings. These date mainly lus) “in a field below Whiddy medieval Crusaders. It was castle [Reenavanny]”. Isaac from the violent centuries of long grown as a celery-like invasion and civil and reli- Carroll refound this rare Irish herb and green vegetable. On medicinal plant in the mid- gious wars from the Middle the Co. Dublin coast it forms Ages until the end of the 17th 19th century, a record dense stands near the sea, but published in 1883 by the Rev. century, although the 19th in West Cork it’s more scat- century saw another period of Thomas Allin, who may him- tered and rarely far from old self have seen the plant on fort and tower building for Top: O’Driscoll tower house at buildings. In Roaringwater Rincolisky,Turk Head. Above: Whiddy, in The Flowering coastal defence. During sur- Bay it persists around Dún na veys by botanists from Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Plants and Ferns of the Long and the Friary on . In 1996 Sherkin Marine Station of the Sherkin, and the mallow Sherkin, at Dún na Séad and wild plants of the islands of botanists from Sherkin Island grows too on the castle mound by the isolated O’Driscoll Marine Station discovered a Roaringwater Bay and Bantry of Dún na Séad above the har- tower house at Rincolisky on large flowering patch of Bay, we’ve repeatedly found bour at Baltimore. The castle Turk Head, and in Bantry Bay Dwarf Elder at this site. It’s that ruined castles and forts, on Sherkin has always been by the small O’Sullivan castle still there, and hopefully will and other old buildings, sup- one of our best sites for weeds of Reenavanny on Whiddy be after another two centuries. port a thriving ruderal flora, and old medicinal plants, and formerly at nearby greatly contributing to West including a patch of Elecam- Reenadisert castle, also about Cork’s wild plant richness. pane (Inula helenium), with the sometime British naval John Akeroyd, who has been When botanist Donal Syn- tall leafy stems and large community of Rerrin on Bere visiting West Cork since nott drew up a list of plants golden daisy-flowers. For Island. An O’Mahony tower 1986, edited The Wild associated with castles and example, Burdock (Arctium house on Castle in Roaringwa- Plants of Sherkin, Cape abbeys in Ireland, he found, for minus), just a wayside weed to ter Bay lacks Alexanders, but Clear and adjacent islands instance, Hemlock (Conium most of us but important in the another ancient vegetable, the of West Cork (1996), co- maculatum, extremely poison- European medicinal herb rare spinach-like Good King authored its Supplement ous but perhaps once used trade, is common about old Henry (Chenopodium bonus- (2011), and edited The medicinally) and Common buildings on the islands of henricus) hangs on nearby. Wild Plants of Bere, Mallow (Malva sylvestris), a Roaringwater Bay. These Botanists have recorded a Dursey, Whiddy and other former cough remedy) at 18 of plants are a living link with smaller relation of Alexan- islands of Bantry Bay 20 sites he visited. Both grow the past. ders, the flat-leaved wild From top: Dún na Long Castle on Sherkin Island, with Elecampane at Dún na Long castle on Perhaps our classic castle variant of Parsley (Pet- (2013). (Inula helenium) in the foreground; Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) (left) and Burdock (Arctium minus) (right); Common Mallow (Malva AN IDEAL GIFT! sylvestris); Dún na Séad Castle in Baltimore. Ireland’s Hidden Depths – Special Price: €10.00 (plus p&p €3.00) was €17.99 – see page 27 for details 6 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Coming Together for Henry Ford’s 150th Birthday A public celebration at historic Henry Ford Estate

“Coming together is a ecological restoration, and resided there until their deaths beginning; keeping together other related interpretive ele- in 1947 and 1950, respec- is progress; working together ments. Thousands also got a tively. Edsel Ford resided at is success.” glimpse into the Fords’ 56- Fair Lane until his marriage to room home, which has been Eleanor Clay in August 1916. ONE of Henry Ford’s most closed to the public since 2010. Fair Lane draws primary famous quotes sets the theme The Estate – built in 1915 historical significance from its for the celebration of the sum- and listed as a United States association with Henry Ford – mer as more than 3,000 Historic Landmark – will be whose affordable, mass-pro- people from the community restored, reimagined and posi- duced cars and high pay for came together to commemo- tioned to reach 21st Century low-skilled work catalyzed the rate the sesquicentennial of visitors with new experiences. transformation of the U.S. this American icon. One of the highlights of the from a rural to an urban soci- Coming Together: A Cele- Coming Together celebration ety. Interestingly, Fair Lane’s bration of Henry Ford’s 150th was the opportunity for the principal architectural and cul- Birthday took place July 27 at public to tour the Fords’ home tural significance emanates Henry and Clara Ford’s his- before the work begins. from its original 1,300-acre toric home – Henry Ford historic landscape, designed by Estate-Fair Lane in Dearborn, eminent landscape architect Michigan (U.S.A.). Historical Background Jens Jensen. Jensen was a The day-long party featured Henry Ford Estate was leader in the Midwestern con- live music reminiscent of

Courtesy of John F. Martin originally named “Fair Lane” servation movement, which Henry and Clara’s interest in by the Fords after the road on appealed to Ford. By the time Historic cars on display inside the Henry Ford Estate garage. preserving traditional Ameri- which Henry Ford’s father, he built Fair Lane, Ford was can genre, a special Farmer’s William Ford, was born in already questioning the envi- Market reminding us of County Cork, Ireland. The ronmental impact of Henry’s keen interest in agri- Fords travelled to southwest industrialization, taking up culture, and a display of Ireland in the summer of 1912 conservation causes and fre- influential Ford automobiles for business and pleasure pur- quently escaping into “nature.” highlighting outstanding inno- poses, and visited Cork, While the Fords preferred a vations from Henry’s career – Bandon, and , as “compromise” on Fair Lane’s including a rare 1903 Model well as France and England. built architecture-revising the A. Other cars on site were fine This 1912 trip is thought to original prairie-school man- examples of the Model N, have initiated the Fords’ inter- sion design with a baronial Model T, Model A, the V8, a est in tracing Mr. Ford’s overlay-the Jensen landscape 1942 Ford GP Jeep and a ancestral roots in Ireland and was built as a harmonious, Fordson Tractor. Mrs. Ford’s in England. integrated, and beautiful Mr. Ford would have been Henry and Clara Ford whole. Jensen transformed the proud to see people dancing moved into their Fair Lane once flat farmland into a on the Estate terrace. The cou- residence in Dearborn, Michi- panorama of flowering trees, ples were contra dancing, gan in early 1916, with their sweeping lawns, elegant gar- square dancing, doing the only son, Edsel Ford, and dens, and naturalistic cascades. quadrille, the waltz and more. “Henry and Clara loved to cut a rug and The Olde Michi- gan Ruffwater Stringband is the perfect band to set the tone Courtesy of the Henry Ford Estate at this grand celebration,” said Front of the Residence at the Estate. Mark Heppner, Vice President for Historic Resources at Henry Ford Estate and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michi- gan). Specializing in the music of the Ford Orchestra, made popular from 1926 to 1943, Ruffwater played tradi- tional dance music while guests put on their dancing shoes and joined in. If not sure of the steps, demonstrators were there to teach guests popular early 20th century dance moves. There were also musicians performing more casual listening music in the Early Rose Garden. Party goers toured the beau- tiful gardens and relaxed on the riverfront grounds. Guests went on guided walks that Courtesy of John F. Martin highlighted Henry Ford’s inter- Courtesy of John F. Martin In the Living Room of the Estate. ests in bird conservation, Historical marker describing the site as a National Historic Landmark. SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______7 Courtesy of John F. Martin Courtesy of John F. Martin

“We are thrilled so many in Top left: Bill Ford Jr. and Edsel the community joined us at Ford II (centre) receiving a Senate Resolution designating July 30, the Estate for a day of great 2013 as "Henry Ford Day" in the food, good music, magical State of Michigan. Courtesy of John F. Martin

Courtesy of John F. Martin memories, the excitement of Top right: Birthday cake designed Riverside of the Henry Ford Estate. ‘being there’ as the Estate by the Henry Ford Community begins its new journey,” said College Culinary Arts Program. Right: Event participants Jens Jensen is widely rec- the official transfer of the building a new experience, Kathleen Mullins, president of enjoying the traditional dance ognized as a preeminent Estate from the University of telling stories and operating the the Historic Ford Estates instructions. practitioner of the Prairie Michigan to a newly formed Estate.” (Henry Ford Estate and the Below: View of the Blue Garden Style of landscape architec- not-for-profit education Ford Motor Co. Executive Edsel & Eleanor Ford House). at the Estate earlier in the spring. ture, having had enormous organization. This transfer of Chairman William Clay Ford “So many were there to recog- influence on the parks of 17 acres of the original Fair Jr., Edsel’s cousin, says his nize and celebrate the many Chicago and many Midwest- Lane property will facilitate great-grandparents would contributions of Henry and ern residences in the late 19th major restoration of buildings, have been pleased to see so Clara…from cars to music to and early 20th centuries. grounds, and gardens. many walking on the Estate dancing to the bounty of farm Henry Ford Estate-Fair Lane Henry and Clara Fords’ with an interest in culture, fields.” is one of a handful of the great grandsons William Clay public transportation, home For more information about many large estates designed Ford, Jr. and Edsel Ford II craftsmanship and agriculture. the Henry Ford Estate and its by Jensen from the late 1890s accepted the keys to the Estate “The people here are excited. plans for the future, see: until his retirement in 1934 from the University of Michi- I know my great-grandparents www.henryfordestate.org that survives largely intact. gan-Dearborn Chancellor would feel the same,” Ford Of those that do survive, it is Daniel Little. “Today marks said. “It’s a chance to make Authors: Staff of the Henry the earliest and best example the beginning of a beautiful this house a home again. Ford Estate and Edsel & of his maturing style, and one journey for my great-grandpar- We’re going to take the world- Eleanor Ford House of the most complex designs ents’ home, a journey that also class estate and bring it back of his entire career. produces a valuable collabora- to the way my great-grandpar- Courtesy of the Henry Ford Estate Courtesy of the Henry Ford Today, more than 70 acres tion between the Estate and the ents had it and use it how they remain of the Jensen designed University of Michigan-Dear- did and how they’d want us to landscape at Fair Lane, which born,” said Edsel Ford II. use it – as a place for educa- encompasses woodlands, a “Today our plan begins for tion and innovation.” great meadow, a hidden lake, seven gardens, and a naturalis- tic cascade on the Rouge River that camouflages a hydroelec- tric dam. Many of the flower gardens have been restored in recent years including the Early Rose Garden, Cutting Garden, Blue Garden, and Trail Garden. Plans for the Future In addition to remembering Ford on his 150th year, the celebration on July 27 marked Courtesy of the Henry Ford Estate View of the Great Meadow from the Residence. Salmon, Trout & Shellfish Marine & Freshwater North, South, East & West

Delivering results for Aqua-Business

For more information contact: IFA Aquaculture Section, Irish Farmers’ Association, Bluebell, Dublin 12 ph: 01-4500266 fax: 01-4551043 Courtesy of the Henry Ford Estate e-mail [email protected] Jens Jensen's designed cascade on the Rouge River which camouflages Henry Ford's hydroelectric dam. natureaqua 8 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 By Declan T. Quigley

SUNFISHES belong to a small family (Molidae) of marine fishes currently repre- sented by 3 genera and 4 SUNFISHES species. However, recent genetic work suggests that (Family: Molidae) in Irish & North-East Atlantic Waters there may be another clade of Mola spp. in Japanese waters. Photo courtesy of Mike Johnson tropical seas, relatively little is seasonally over considerable found in the stomach of a waters. However, during Sep- Ocean Sunfish Mola mola Three species have been known about the biology and distances (1819km over 92 5.12m adult female killer tember 2000, about 200–300 recorded from the North-East ecology of the Ocean Sunfish. days), most likely in response to whale stranded at Doohoma, specimens were captured by Atlantic, Ocean Sunfish Mola In the Western Atlantic it has thermo-regulation, food search- Co Mayo during October French tuna drift-netters in the mola, Slender Sunfish Ranza- been recorded from New- ing, predator avoidance and 2010. M. mola is frequently Bay of Biscay and Celtic Sea nia laevis and Sharp-tail foundland southwards to seasonal ocean temperatures. infested by a wide range of which suggests that the Sunfish Masturus lanceolatus. Argentina and in the Eastern The Ocean Sunfish is con- parasites; at least 54 species species may occur more fre- However, only two of these Atlantic from northern Nor- sidered to be the most fecund of have been identified. quently in offshore waters. R. have been reported from Irish way and Iceland southwards all fish species; a 137cm Archaeological evidence laevis is the smallest species and NW European waters to via the Mediterranean to female contained an estimated dated to 5704 B.C. (7717 of sunfish, reaching a maxi- date: M. mola and R. laevis. South Africa. 300 million eggs. Although lit- years ago) indicated that M. mum length of c.1m. Photo courtesy of Dr. Kwang-Tsao Shao, Taiwan For many years the Southern Although M. mola is tle is known about its growth mola was exploited by Native Sharptail Sunfish Masturus lanceolatus Sunfish Mola ramsayi was regarded as a relatively com- rate in the wild, a captive indi- Americans along the southern Sharptail Sunfish only known from the southern mon summer time visitor in vidual at Monterey Bay coast of California. Although hemisphere but has recently Irish and NW European Aquarium (California) gained sunfish are not generally tar- (Masturus lanceolatus) been reported in the northern waters, it is generally consid- 373kg in just 15 months geted by commercial fishing The Sharptail Sunfish is hemisphere, albeit not from ered rare in the North Sea and (0.82kg/day). Indeed, for a vessels, they are regarded as a also found throughout the the NE Atlantic. Irish Sea. However, recent 0.25cm larva to grow to a 3m delicacy in Japan and Taiwan; world’s oceans. However, Sunfishes characteristically studies have shown that the adult requires an increase in a total of 556 tonnes was apart from a few isolated have two fused parrot-like species regularly occurs in the mass of 60 million times. The landed by Taiwanese vessels records from the tropical NE teeth in the jaws, no lateral western English Channel. At largest specimens appear to during 2011. However, there Atlantic (Azores, Canaries & line, no swim bladder, no occur in offshore oceanic Photo courtesy of Declan Quigley least 242 specimens have been is increasing concern about Senegal), the species appears Slender Sunfish Ranzania laevis spines in the dorsal or anal recorded from Irish waters waters, whereas smaller fish the impact of high bycatch to be restricted to the Western fins, and no pelvic or caudal since 1689; the vast majority are usually encountered in levels observed in many Atlantic where it ranges from fins. Noted for their truncated (69%) over the last two coastal waters. Although rela- pelagic fisheries. For exam- North Carolina southwards to anatomy, the caudal area is decades (Figure 1), particularly tively few of the Irish ple, during the early 1990s, M. SE Brazil. The species is eas- reduced to a leathery flap during July, August and Sep- specimens were critically mola accounted for 70–93% ily identified by its unusually called a ‘clavus’ which is tember (Figure 2), and mainly examined, the average size was of the total fish catch taken by pointed tail which becomes formed by modified elements from the SE, SW and W coasts 130cm and 111kg (Table 3). Spanish drift-net fisheries in increasingly prominent as the of the dorsal and anal fins. (Table 1). A significant number One of the largest specimens the Mediterranean; over 30% fish grows. M. lanceolatus The latter fins provide the of specimens were recorded ever recorded (c.3.6m TL), was of the Irish records were cap- attains similar maximum sunfish’s major locomotory during by-catch surveys asso- observed and photographed by tured in surface drift nets. dimensions as M. mola. thrust. Sunfishes derive their ciated with the development of SCUBA divers off the Maha- common name from their fre- the offshore pelagic albacore rees, Brandon Bay, Co Kerry quently observed habit of tuna (Thunnus alalunga) fish- during September 2003. Slender Sunfish Southern Sunfish ‘basking’ at the sea surface. ery during the early 1990s and Although M. mola has long (Ranzania laevis) (Mola ramsayi) during jellyfish surveys in the been perceived as an obligate Photo courtesy of Dr Laith Jawad, New Zealand The Slender Sunfish is For many years the Southern Southern Sunfish Mola ramsayi Ocean Sunfish Irish and Celtic Seas during the predator of pelagic gelatinous found throughout the world’s Sunfish was only known from mid-2000s (Table 2). Although zooplankton (e.g. jellyfish), a oceans. Although the species the southern hemisphere but the former species may occur, (Mola mola) at least occasionally, in NW almost 95% of Irish sunfish recent isotopic study sug- has been reported in the NE has recently been recorded European waters, particularly Despite its status as the were recorded either at or gested that juveniles may have Atlantic from Scandinavia from the northern hemisphere if oceanic water temperatures world’s heaviest bony fish near the surface, recent tag- a more omnivorous diet. southwards to Senegal and off SE India (Chennai), Persian continue to increase, and all (the largest authenticated ging studies in the North Indeed, adult sunfish are Sierra Leone, including the Gulf (UAE) and Sea of Oman. specimens should be critically specimen weighed 2.3 tonnes Atlantic have shown that the known to consume a wide Mediterranean, it is generally The species is superficially examined. and measured 2.7m in length), species actively migrates range of prey, including some regarded as very rare in NW very similar in appearance to along with its circumglobal diurnally between consider- benthic organisms (e.g. fish, European waters. Indeed, the M. mola and attains a similar distribution in temperate and able depths (0–500m) and crustaceans, ophiuroids, mol- species has only been reliably maximum size. Declan T. Quigley, Dingle luscs, hydroids and algae). It recorded on 6 occasions from Since M. ramsayi and M. Oceanworld (Mara Beo Teo), is interesting to note that sev- Irish inshore waters (depths lanceolatus can easily be con- The Wood, Dingle, Co Kerry. eral specimens have been <200m) and there are only fused with M. mola in the Mobile: 087–6458485 captured on rod & line, which about 15 records from UK field, it is possible that both of Email: [email protected] supports the contention that the species, including both juveniles and adults, are active and opportunistic pred- ators; 9 specimens weighing between 9kg and 172kg have been captured on rod & line in Irish waters. The current UK rod & line shore and boat records weighed 48.9kg (off Saundersfoot, Wales, 1976) and 22.3kg (Fisherman’s Cove, Cornwall, 1976) respectively. The Catalina Island Museum (California) displays a photo of the famous novelist and big-game angler Zane Grey with a 1000kg Mola which he caught in Catalina waters during 1926. Ocean Sunfish are known to be predated upon by sealions, killer whales, blue sharks and white sharks. The remains of M. mola were SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______9 Oscar Merne – A Personal Story

weeks and a gannet in the garden By Cian Merne shed. It was not unusual to have a barn owl perched on the top shelf in MY late father, Oscar Merne, passed the hot press or a young hare making away after a long illness in January of a mess in the sitting room. We even this year. He had been a regular con- kept an injured bat in a shoebox for a Images courtesy of Oscar & Cian Merne tributor to Sherkin Comment for many few days until it could be released years so I was delighted when I was back into the wild. During much of asked to pen a few words about him. this period, as well as the day-to-day My father’s interest in wildlife duties of a warden, Dad was involved went right back to his early child- in establishing bird monitoring pro- hood. I remember him telling me that grammes that revealed a great wealth at the age of five he was aware of the of waterfowl and seabird populations many different species of birds that previously undocumented and these visited the family garden and that he formed the basis for many future con- was eager to learn more about them. servation efforts. In his teenage years he trained as a Throughout the 70’s and 80’s a ringer under the late Major Ruttledge highlight of my year was our annual and gained valuable experience on week-long trip to Great Saltee Island A Gannet colony on the Great Saltee Island, off the Co.Wexford coast. the Great Saltee ringing station dur- every June to ring seabirds. While ing the late 50’s and early 60’s. His Dad and the other ringers would professional career as an ornitholo- spend every day ringing auks, gan- gist began in 1969 when he was nets, fulmars, shags etc. by the appointed as the first warden of the thousands, my two younger sisters Oscar in 2009, on a trip with BirdWatch newly created Wexford Wildfowl and I would have the run of the Ireland to the bird observatory on one Reserve on the North Slobs which Island and occasionally assist with of the Copeland Islands, Co. Down. was coincidentally the year I was ringing. On hindsight, allowing three deskbound due to the huge amount of born and where I spent much of my young children to wander unsuper- administrative work precipitated by early childhood. vised all day long on a rugged the new Wildlife Act of 1976 and the I have many happy memories of off-shore island seems somewhat impending EU Birds Directive. He this time although being brought reckless, but those were different carried out a huge amount of the along on Greenland white-fronted times and we never came to any groundwork required to establish goose counts did have its drawbacks. harm other than a few nettle stings. many of our SAC’s and SPA’s. Having to sit still in the back seat of In more recent years my girlfriend Despite the mountains of paperwork, a VW Beetle for hours on end to (now wife) and I were able to accom- he always managed to make time for avoid shaking the car while a win- pany Dad on several trips to Great extensive fieldwork activities, includ- dow-mounted telescope was used to Saltee to mist-net autumn migrants, ing visits to many of our offshore count geese certainly tried the which he continued to do even after islands. For many years, even after patience of a young child. As well as he was diagnosed with cancer. Mist- retirement from the NPWS in 2004, living in close proximity to huge netting was also a regular activity in he continued to carry out shorebird numbers of wild birds we also often his own back garden. census work along the east coast and found ourselves looking after the In 1978 we moved to Bray, Co Taken on the North Slobs in the mid 70's – Dad with myself and my two sisters. was heavily involved with the breed- From left to right: Catherine, Cian, Oscar and Jane. sick and wounded. I remember a Wicklow, following Dad’s promo- ing tern projects on Rockabill Island razorbill living in our bath for several tion, and he became increasingly and in Dublin Port. He was also very active on all of the Bird Atlas projects and was able to complete a vast amount of validation work for the upcoming 2007–11 Atlas before suc- cumbing to his illness. He also managed to write several books and publish over 275 papers, articles and reports during his career and was a regular contributor to Bird- watch Ireland's many bird surveys throughout both his working life and retirement. He was instrumental in setting up the Irish Wetland Bird Sur- vey (IWEBS) that continues to provide vital data on the state of our wild shorebirds, thanks to the many volunteers who take part annually. Looking back, even our childhood Cian using his first camera on Great Saltee, about 1976–77. From left to right: Catherine, Jane, Margaret (Mum) and Oscar. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve on the North Slob where Oscar’s professional career family holidays had a wildlife aspect as an ornithologist began in 1969 when he was appointed as the first warden. to them. Camping trips in France Islands, Antarctica and the South to preserve our natural heritage invariably found us watching lam- Seas. I once accompanied my par- became apparent. There have been mergeyer’s breaking bones in the ents on an African safari in Kenya many tributes paid to him since his high Pyrenees or flamingos feeding and while everyone else would be passing, recognising his enormous in the salt pans of the Camargue or focused on the elephants, Cape buf- contribution to wildlife conservation. some other wonder of the natural falo or lions, Dad would often be I would just like to add my own per- world. Long after my sisters and I seen looking in the opposite direc- sonal tribute to him, as a father who had stopped going on family holi- tion at a bateleur eagle, a glossy gave me an amazing and unique days, our parents continued their starling or a ground hornbill. upbringing and a wonderful insight travels and with no children to hin- Quite often it’s only when someone into the natural world around us. der them, were able to travel even is no longer with us that we begin to further afield. Dad managed to visit fully appreciate what they achieved Cian Merne is Senior Technical many parts of every continent and it during their life and this is certainly Officer, School of Mechanical & was always his undiminished enthu- true with my father. It was only when Manufacturing Engineering, I read the many obituaries written by siasm for wildlife that drew him to Dublin City University. colleagues and friends from the bird- Left: Cormorant with chicks on the Skerries Island. Right: African Great White Pelicans those far-flung destinations. High- and African White-fronted Cormorants – waterbirds of the Senegal River Delta. lights included the Galapagos ing world that the extent of his efforts 10 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 The Irish Group Water Scheme Sector

When they met at Termonfeckin, County Louth in 1961, the ICA had the support of Neil Blayney (as Environment Minister) and his government. Under a new strategy, those rural areas that could not be connected to regional public water mains were given the option of building a group water scheme (GWS), whereby water from a single source could be piped to two or more homes through a common network. The construction of such schemes Images courtesy of Brian Mac Domhnaill would be funded via local contributions and Lettergesh/Mullaghgloss GWS (group water scheme) on the western fringe, near Killary harbour in north through pooling the State grants then available Connemara is typical of modern community-owned treatment plants that must meet national and for individual wells. international water quality standards. As with the vast majority of group water schemes, it is universally metered, householders paying for every drop of water they use beyond a 'free allocation' that varies The GWS model had been developed in West depending on the financial circumstances of the scheme. Wicklow some years earlier, through the enter- prise and energy of a priest (and qualified absence of basic sanitation facilities, encour- engineer), Fr Joe Collins. Using local direct By Brian Mac Domhnaill aged young women to abandon rural Ireland in labour and with financial and technical assis- droves for the comparative comfort of towns tance from the Department and from the local THOSE of us who grew up in urban areas and and cities in the mid 20th century. And who authority, he established Ireland’s first GWS at have always had the convenience of water on could blame them? Oldcourt near Blessington and by the close of tap sometimes forget that a piped water supply Small wonder then that it was the Irish Coun- the 1950s had piped water flowing throughout was a luxury enjoyed by very few in rural Ire- trywomen’s Association (ICA) that would lead the parish of Kilbride. land until relatively recent times. the early campaign to bring piped water into The early development of the GWS move- With the advent of rural electrification and rural homes. Despite evidence in the late 1950s ment was largely confined to the groundwater the availability of agricultural grants for devel- that some 90% of such homes were still uncon- zones of and Munster, but early surface oping boreholes, a minority of stronger farmers nected to a water supply, government had other water schemes also emerged along the Black- were in a position to pump water from the early priorities. In fact, it was only with the early stairs mountains and in a few other pockets. 1950s, but even then the farmer’s priority was development of a tourism industry that the Cab- Organised by local committees who gathered the byre rather than the home. inet was convinced, not on social grounds, but the local contributions and co-ordinated the For woman and children, drawing buckets of because tourism would require the availability water from the well or from a hand-pump was physical construction (with a huge input from Fr Collins, who established the first community- of piped water in rural as well as urban areas. owned group water schemes in West Wicklow in an unavoidable daily chore. This, and the direct labour), the networks began to spread across rural Ireland, but unforeseen obstacles the late 1950s. His example provided the model that would be adopted in the early 1960s to bring emerged. piped potable water to hundreds of thousands of Amongst these, the National Farmers Associ- homes across rural Ireland. ation (NFA) campaigned against the ticular sources were suitable. In fairness, in the development of schemes on the grounds that period when most schemes started, their sources communal water supplies would put pressure on were clean, if not always pristine. the rates. The ICA’s response to this thinking The intensification of agricultural production was to launch a counter-offensive, encouraging and associated industries following entry to the young women not to marry a farmer unless he EEC meant that there was an upsurge of money was prepared to bring piped water and electric- into the rural economy. With water on tap, rural ity to the house as well as to the byre! homes added toilets and bathrooms, in most Another unforeseen challenge emerged when cases relying on individual wastewater treat- GWS members were reluctant to turn off taps ment systems (septic tanks) to deal with for fear that they’d lose the Godsend that was whatever came out of the pipe. piped water. The late John Flanagan recalled Intensive grassland production required an that while installing taps on a newly-erected unprecedented input of organic and chemical scheme in Tullyallen, near Drogheda, in 1963, a fertilisers. New, bigger and better machinery Department official pulled up to inform him meant that formerly ‘unprofitable land’, such as that only push taps could be used, as a Cork wetlands, could be made profitable and EEC scheme had gone dry when members wouldn’t grants poured in to turn fourth grade land into turn off their taps. third grade land. As a direct result of NFA opposition and a With all of the social and economic changes general lack of money in rural areas, the con- of the period, something had to give and as the struction of group schemes advanced slowly 1970s rolled into the 80s, it was clear that our through the 1960s, but with the advent of entry raw water sources (and especially our lakes and to the EEC and the increasing demand for rivers) were under enormous pressure from improved hygiene standards in agricultural pro- organic and inorganic contaminants. duction, the demand for piped water rapidly Group schemes were simply not equipped to accelerated from the early 1970s. deal with this new scenario. Many of the origi- Two successive warm summers and drought nal committees had dissolved once the scheme conditions in 1975 and 1976 convinced rural was constructed and the work of servicing communities in the drumlin region and across pumps and repairing leaks was left to a handful the West that the day of the bucket was indeed past. of local volunteers and more often than not to a Farmer organisations and dairy co-operatives single individual. Organised as trusteeships, were now to the fore in promoting and facilitat- there was no effective management structure ing the construction of group schemes that and no involvement from the wider community. would source their water from dependable Where treatment existed at all, it was simple lakes, store it in reservoirs and distribute it by disinfection using chlorine, although a small gravity to members’ homes and farms. number of schemes also had sand filtration. From the outset, the task of group schemes There was no training for those who operated was to provide water to their members and little these systems and it wasn’t unheard off for the or no consideration was given to the quality of chlorine pumps to be turned off in the face of the water being supplied, other than the original member complaints about taste and smell. assessment by Department engineers that par- By the mid 1990s, the entire sector faced SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______11 meltdown. A spotlight was shone on the prob- tive of all these interests was established as an lems faced by group schemes when the poor advisory group to the Minister of the day. quality of water supplied by Ballycroy GWS in A mammoth task lay ahead, as a large major- became the subject of a debate in ity of group water schemes in this period were Dáil Éireann and a subsequent case taken before found to be in breach of the crucial requirement the European Court of Justice. for drinking water, that is to be free from faecal Besides trying to manage and maintain an contamination. extensive piped network over boggy terrain, the Apart from problems with bacteriological hard pressed committee of Ballycroy GWS had quality, eutrophication had emerged as a mas- to deal with the consequences of intensive sheep sive problem on lake sources in impacted grazing on the mountains above their lake agricultural catchments. Effective filtration source, including serious faecal pollution. Their would, therefore, require full treatment (i.e. existing treatment system was totally inadequate DAF) prior to disinfection. to make this water safe for human consumption. With more than 700 schemes listed in the Fast forward 20 years and Ballycroy is today case brought to the European Court of Justice in Voluntarism is the bedrock of group water scheme one of the first group water schemes in Ireland which Ireland Inc. was found guilty of failing to survival.This commitment required is ably demonstrated by 90-year-old Tommy Greaney who to be awarded ISO certification for quality. Its meet its obligations under the Drinking Water carries out daily management of the drinking transformation is part of a wider story that has Directive, a multi-faceted approach had to be water supply in his native Glenrevagh, near seen the GWS sector – formerly the Cinderella planned and implemented without delay. The Corrandulla, .Tommy travels to and of drinking water services – emerge as an exam- European Court agreed to suspend the massive from Galway city every day to check disinfection ple of all that is best in community-owned and fines imposed on Ireland, but only if there was systems and take measurements of the static water level in the borehole. As with many schemes community-led enterprise. clear and speedy evidence of change. in the West, Glenrevagh/Cahermorris utilises a The emerging crisis of the mid 1990s seemed The most cost-effective option had to be disused council borehole.Tommy actually unstoppable. With little or no money to invest in adopted. Where the costs of an upgrade would remembers this being drilled in the 1920s. badly-needed infrastructure and with harassed be prohibitive as compared to simply linking a Because of the dispersed population in rural committees and operators trying their best to scheme to a neighbouring treated public supply, schemes within Design, Build and Operate Ireland, distribution networks are proportionately make do with what limited resources they had, the latter course had to be adopted. This was not (DBO) projects emerged as the main plan of the much longer per household than on public there was no coherent strategy to move forward. a problem for the many schemes in which com- upgrade strategy. The concept was simple; a supplies. Pictured above is the laying of a new Indeed, the sector itself had no common or uni- mittees had become dormant, but it meant a number of group water schemes would combine network on the Mid Roscommon supply. fying structure, each scheme acting huge sacrifice for those active schemes that to approach the market, taking on a single water today the number of privately sourced schemes independently of all others. were being asked to give up on their own raw service provider to design and built a treatment has reduced to 376 and the eventual figure will A decision by the then Environment Minister, water source. facility and then operate it for a period of 20 settle at about 350 schemes. Brendan Howlin, to abandon water charging for This left more than 500 privately-sourced years under an Operate and Maintenance In contrast to the early days of the sector, householders in urban areas provided the cata- schemes still to be dealt with which between (O&M) contract to be agreed with each individ- training is now a critical component of GWS lyst for change. Feeling that the interests of them supplied water to some 80,000 house- ual scheme. operations, while a revised subsidy programme rural communities had been totally ignored in holds. For each of these to go through the In tandem with the evolution of the DBO agreed in 2009 places even greater emphasis on the Minister’s announcement, outraged organis- design and procurement process individually strategy, the implementation of Rural Water best practice. ers of group schemes across Ireland gathered at would have taken many years and for smaller Strategic Plans for individual counties had mass meetings to demand equal treatment with schemes with difficult sources (requiring more hinted that a process of amalgamation would their urban neighbours in terms of State funding robust treatment than simple disinfection), the greatly benefit the sector, especially in Western Brian Mac Domhnaill is Research & towards domestic water provision. costs would have been unaffordable where counties. The success of the amalgamation Evaluation Officer with the National With the formation of the National Federation complex treatment was required. process and the agreement of many sub standard Federation of Group Water Schemes, 24 Old of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) in January Out of these realities, the bundling of schemes to link into public supplies means that Cross Square, Monaghan. www.nfgws.ie 1997, a representative structure was put in place to negotiate with government and to provide co- ordination between group water schemes. The co-operative structure adopted by the Federation would encourage the re-organisation of individual group schemes as co-operatives and most schemes have since adopted this cor- porate structure as a ‘good fit’. A Rural Water Programme (RWP) agreed between the NFGWS and the Department in 1998 provided for State funding towards infra- Cara Partners wish continued structural investment on group schemes and an annual subsidy towards the day-to-day manage- success to Matt and his team at ment of schemes. The programme emphasised The warning notice at Emy Lough, drinking water the need for training and it established the prin- source of Glaslough/Tyholland GWS in County Sherkin Island Marine Station ciple of partnership between the GWS sector, Monaghan, indicates the serious problem that eutrophication has become, not least because algal the Department of the Environment, local blooms demand increased levels of coagulation, authorities and the wider rural sector. A National generally using alum, and the cost of disposing of Rural Water Monitoring Committee representa- sludge rises significantly during blooms. Images courtesy of Brian Mac Domhnaill In the 1970s, the GWS sector expanded in lakeland districts of the West and the border counties, where scheme tended to be larger and supplied by gravity from reservoirs. Parke GWS (pictured above) is typical of many such schemes.The proliferation of isolated dwellings with septic tanks and intensive agriculture around the lake source has contributed to nutrification of the source and consequent algal blooms that increase the cost of treatment. 12 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Wetlands of Portugal’s Alentejo Coast

White stork on nest. Black-winged stilt.

Santo Andre lagoon.

winters here. An area of Some 40,000 waders, which By Anthony Toole 14,000 hectares, which include avocets, dunlin and includes rivers, salt marshes godwit spend the winter here. WE spotted our first birds and agricultural land, com- A sandy track led us within half-an-hour of leaving prises a nature reserve, through cork trees and euca- Lisbon Airport. Crossing over established in 1976. Four lypts to another area of salt the Tagus estuary on the 17.2 years later, it was recognised pans, some quite extensive. km Vasco da Gama bridge, the as a wetland of international The noises of chirping frogs longest in Europe, we gazed importance under the Ramsar drowned any birdsong. These over a vast area of mud flats, Convention, and in 1994, we traced to a concrete water dotted with waders too distant became a Special Protection channel, which was alive with to identify. On reaching the Area for wild birds under a edible frogs, a hybrid of Carrasqueira. Slopes above Poco do Barbaroxa. eastern bank, however, we European Union directive. marsh frog and pool frog that detoured onto ever narrowing Strolling along the road, we shared a common ancestor as side roads and stopped on a stopped to scan the pools and far back as the last Ice Age. quiet cul-de-sac in the midst flatlands with binoculars. Though they are a fertile of a series of lagoons. These pauses yielded sight- hybrid, they only produce Though some of these were ings of several grey herons, a fully viable offspring if a irregular in outline, the recti- much rarer purple heron and a female breeds with a male of linear banks of others pair of marsh harriers. On the one of the parent species. proclaimed their artificial ori- muddy banks of a small, tidal Colourful bee-eaters flitted gins. They had been scoured river, were two Kentish among the shrubs, while a out of the saline marshland to plovers and a squacco heron. black-winged kite and a create brackish ponds from We also caught the first booted eagle circled overhead. which the water evaporated to glimpses of the white herons Among the pools, we spotted leave a harvest of salt. Now that would become a recurrent spoonbills, glossy ibises, little abandoned, they had been feature of our progress over egrets and a small number of reclaimed by Nature. the next five days. flamingos. Common species, such as We returned to our trans- A second detour brought us coot, moorhen and mallard Anthony Toole Images courtesy of port and drove the short to Carrasqueira, and a unique Cattle surrounded by cattle egrets. floated over the surface, while distance to Hortas, a small jumble of wooden jetties to black-winged stilts daintily nature reserve on the shore- which tiny fishing boats were sea to enter, creating a brack- reedbeds, where we saw no moving inland toward the con- picked their ways across the line of the estuary. Here moored. While carefully pick- ish lagoon, which becomes a birds at all. However, the trasting environment of the shallows, occasionally dipping dunlin, godwit and grey ing our way through the breeding site for a different surrounding slopes were a pseudo-steppe region around their heads into the water to plovers pecked at the gravel unstable-looking labyrinth, collection of birds. This blaze of flowers, most of Castro Verde, where I could capture a nourishing morsel. between the fishing boats we watched redshanks, turn- process, in addition to re- which I could not put a name expect to encounter a different In the surrounding fields, cows stranded by the tide. stones and bar-tailed godwits stocking the lagoon with fish, to. These were salt-tolerant set of species to add to my grazed contentedly, ignoring We adjourned for lunch to foraging along the shoreline. prevents the build-up of algae species and succulents, able total. the scores of cattle egrets that the nearby small town of We followed the road north and the eutrophication this to thrive in arid, sandy con- stood around them, and even Alcochete, then drove south, along a 15–kilometre sandspit would cause. ditions. There were yellow perched on their backs. and after an hour, turned west to our night’s accommodation From the Monte do Paio and white rock roses, red and Useful information The fields themselves were at Alcacer and along the at Aqualuz Apartments in the Interpretation Centre, at the yellow daisy-like species, I flew from Heathrow to Lisbon aglow with flowers, while the southern shore of the Sado river-mouth holiday resort of north-east corner, we fol- tiny white ground-hugging with TAP Portugal airline, as a trees were fully verdant, in estuary. I insisted on stopping Troia. The spit was no more lowed a sandy track downhill flowers that resembled sand- guest of Alentejo Tourism: www.visitalentejo.com contrast to those of the linger- to photograph a stork nesting than 500 metres wide at its and across a footbridge, then wort, vivid blue bugloss and The trip was organised through ing winter we had left behind on top of a tall pole. I need not widest, and consisted of a up to a high point overlooking a pink type of campion. us in England. Even the pop- Sunvil Discovery: www.sunvil.co.uk have been so anxious to do so. series of sand hills, held in the lagoon. In the water and Together they formed a thick Our extremely knowledgeable pies displayed a more vivid We saw hundreds of them, on place by shrubs, conifers and along the shore were gannets, carpet of colour covering the guide, who knew where to see the red than we were used to. poles, pylons, chimney stacks eucalypts. To our east lay the sanderling, dunlin, grey sandy slopes. birds and how to identify them was Covering some 34,000 and occasionally even trees. river, and to the west, the plovers and great-crested Though I am far from being Jorge Safara of Birdwatch in Alen- hectares, the Tagus estuary is This broad, shallow estuary Atlantic. grebes, while in the surround- a fanatic, I enjoy observing tejo: www.birdwatchinalentejo.com the largest wetland in western is also a Ramsar site and Spe- Wasting little time the next ing fields were white storks, birds, and indeed any kind of Europe. Almost one-third is cial Protection Area for birds. morning, we headed south to bee eaters, egrets and in a wildlife and always feel a Anthony Toole, 65, Cheswick composed of intertidal mud Its waters contain more than the coastal lagoon of Santo nearby clump of soft rush, a thrill when I see an uncommon Drive, Gosforth, Newcastle flats, which house an enor- forty fish species, while its Andre. During the winter, this single yellow wagtail. bird, or one I have not seen upon Tyne, NE3 5DW, U.K. mous array of invertebrates, margins harbour many fills with fresh water from its Farther south, and sepa- before. When I listed the making it one of the most E. [email protected] amphibians and reptiles, rivers and springs, providing a rated from the beach by tall species I had seen during my http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ant important stop-over sites for including lizards, snakes and haven for migrants. In the dunes, we came to Poco do two days on the Alentejo honytoole migrating birds. Around terrapins. Pods of bottle-nose summer, the coastal sand bar- Barbarroxa de Baixo, a tiny coast, I counted twenty that 50,000 individuals spend their dolphins frequent the estuary. riers are breached to allow the pool almost swallowed by were new to me. I was now

IDEAL STOCKING FILLERS: A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore – @ €7.00 (plus p&p €1.00) & A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Wild Flowers – @ €7.50 (plus p&p €1.00) – see page 27 for details. SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______13 The Environmental Protection Agency’s New Air Quality Index for Health

health messages with those in via the twitter channel, coal should have a positive By Kevin Northern Ireland, to avoid @EPAAirquality. Members of impact on air quality in rural confusion in border regions. the public can receive daily areas outside of the current Delaney The Air Quality Index for tweets on the status of air regime. Health is based on measure- quality in all six Air Quality On a wider European scale, IN April 2013, the Environ- ments of five air pollutants, all Index for Health regions. The the EC has designated 2013 as mental Protection Agency of which can harm health. frequency of tweets increases “Year of Air” in recognition of released the new web-based These are: when the air quality decreases the importance of improving Air Quality Index for Health. • ozone, to poor or very poor. air quality in the EU where air The new index incorporates • nitrogen dioxide, Overall Ireland enjoys rela- pollution causes an estimated health advice in tandem with • sulphur dioxide, tively clean air, with no 490,000 premature deaths near real time air quality • PM2.5 (particles with a exceedances of EU limit val- annually. information from the National diameter < 2.5 µm) ues for pollutants. Ireland's What next? It’s anticipated Air Quality Monitoring Net- • PM10 (particles with a position to the west of Europe that a forecast Air Quality work. The result is an easily diameter <10 µm). and the influence of frequent Index for Health will be in deciphered colour-coded The index for each pollu- south westerly wind flows are place by late 2013 or early scheme with four general tant is calculated separately. the main reasons for this. The 2014. Development of the bands – good, fair, poor, very The overall Air Quality Index lack of heavy industry and forecast is on-going as part of poor. The general bands are for Health is the worst index good regulation of manufac- an EPA STRIVE research fel- then sub divided into 10 of the five pollutant indices. turing on the Island mean that lowship in conjunction with colour coded bands 1–10, The index is calculated contributions from the indus- . The with 1 being good and 10 hourly using near real time trial sector at a regional scale first step will be to model the Image courtesy of EPA being very poor. An example data from the ambient air net- are quite low. However there concentrations of pollutants The public can access the latest index rating for Ireland at of the index is presented work and is then merged with www.airquality.epa.ie. are challenges to be met. included in the index at a below. the relevant health advice for Within urban areas, contri- number of current monitoring The release of the web- that band. The health advice butions from transport points. The forecast will use • Health Advice to to the border of two regions based index coincides with that accompanies the index particularly in relation to meteorological data as an Accompany the Air should check both regions. European Commission’s des- rating is aimed at both the nitrogen dioxide levels are input from Met Éireann yield- Quality Index for Health The ensemble of real time ignation of 2013 as the Year of general public and individuals substantial. The problem of ing a 30-hour forecast. This and data that goes into the compo- Air. whom may be susceptible to poor air quality is not only an will form an initial step of a • Additional Information sition of the Air Quality Index The new index is a collabo- changes in air quality e.g. urban issue and this is best much larger modelling project on the Short-term for Health is based on a selec- rative effort developed in adults and children with lung highlighted in relation to for Ireland. The aim of the Effects of Air Pollution. tion of monitoring points in conjunction with teams from and heart problems. People domestic home heating fuel project is to model ambient Within Ireland there are six each zone. It should be noted the Health Service Executive, can use the Air Quality Index use and levels of PM10 and concentration of air pollutants Air Quality for Health Index that the information is repre- Met Éireann and the Depart- for Health to make informed PM2.5. While there are no across much of Ireland, regions: sentative of the whole region ment of the Environment, decisions, particularly if suf- breaches of EU legislative including both urban and rural 1 Dublin, in general; infrequent, Community and Local Gov- fering from respiratory or limit values, a number of PM areas. 2 Cork, localised sources e.g. an ernment. The working group, cardiovascular problems. monitoring sites exceeded 3 Large Towns industrial fire, will not be entitled ‘Air Quality Health The public can access the World Health Organisation (population >15,000), reflected in the index. Like- Kevin Delaney, Air Quality Information Working Group’, latest index rating for Ireland limit values. The ban on bitu- 4 Small Towns wise, a localised event close to Specialist, Office of was formed in 2011. The ini- at ww.airquality.epa.ie. minous coal use in Dublin and (population 5000 – a monitoring site included in Environmental Assessment, tial work of the group focused Accompanying the colour- other cities and large towns 15000), the index will lead to a poorer EPA (Environment on reviewing existing indices coded map is information on throughout Ireland has had a 5 Rural West and rating for the entire region around the world. One of the • How to use the Air positive impact on air quality Protection Agency) 6 Rural East. than may actually be the case. key outcomes of this process Quality Index for in those areas. A complete ban www.epa.ie/air/quality/ People living in areas close The index is also available was the need to align the Health, on the supply of bituminous 14 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 NGOs and the “American Rule” The Key to the Success of Environmental Regulation in the United States

Commerce Commission, cre- avoided being co-opted by the would all have been killed by By Walter ated in 1887 to ensure fair industries it regulates – the our profligate use and abuse rates and eliminate rate dis- credit is largely due to the of industrial and agricultural Mugdan crimination in the powerful influence of non-governmental chemicals. railroad industry. Many com- organizations. And if NGOs The book was a clarion call 1 July, 2013 mentators would in later years have been responsible for to action against the ubiqui- IN 1973 I was in law school at assert that the ICC ended up keeping EPA from sliding tous pollution that had the University of Michigan. I protecting the railroads more down that slippery slope, the become the hallmark of the was studying to become part than the consumers. Other so-called “American Rule” has Industrial Age. The call came of what was then a completely regulatory agencies, from been one of the most important at a time when American soci- new field of legal practice – local building departments to elements in their success. ety was primed to hear it, a environmental law. My the federal Atomic Energy More about the American time of progressive zeal and teacher was Joseph Sax, Commission, could also be Rule later … let’s start with a social ferment. widely regarded as one of the accused of becoming overly brief history of the environ- During the early 1960’s the most influential “fathers” of solicitous of the concerns of mental movement. civil rights movement led by the fledgling field. their regulatees. Professor Dr. Martin Luther King had My goal upon graduation Sax predicted the same fate finally begun to touch Amer- was to work for the U.S. for the U.S. EPA. The Rise of the ica’s conscience, and many Environmental Protection I graduated in 1975 and was Environmental young people – both black and Agency, at that time in its white – had become engaged fortunate to secure my dream preserving America’s great ally and then internationally). infancy, having just opened Movement job with EPA’s Region 2 office in the cause. These young landscapes. One of its first The message of the envi- its doors in 1971. While most located in New York City. I’ve In the United States – and people absorbed Dr. King’s serious battles with govern- ronmental movement struck a in the “environmental move- been there ever since. arguably the world — the start message of peaceful protest ment was Muir’s unsuccessful strong responsive chord as ment” hailed the creation of No doubt there is much that of the modern environmental and civil disobedience as a fight (1908–1915) to save Cal- evidenced when Americans EPA, Professor Sax was skep- EPA has done, or failed to do, movement can be traced to the way to move society forward. ifornia’s beautiful Hetch celebrated the first Earth Day tical. He pointed to the in its 42+ years of existence to publication, in 1962, of By the mid-1960s Amer- Hetchy Valley from being on April 22, 1970. As one his- 85-year long history of gov- cause environmentalists dis- Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. ica’s War in Vietnam was flooded by damming of the torian later wrote, Earth Day ernment agencies that had appointment. But, I submit, The title alluded to a spring- affecting the millions of post Tolumne River. Over the next “brought 20 million Ameri- been “co-opted” by the very no fair-minded person would time she foresaw in the World War II “baby boomers” half century the conservation cans out into the spring industries they were charged contend that Professor Sax’s not-too-distant future when no who were subject to the mili- movement honed its strategies sunshine for peaceful demon- with regulating. The pattern fears have been realized. birds would sing and no tary draft. The increasing and techniques. By the strations in favour of started with the Interstate If I am right – if EPA has insects chirp because they death toll in an unpopular war, 1950’s, when the Sierra Club environmental reform.” coupled with television news came under the direction of the coverage that brought scenes legendary activist David of carnage into American liv- Brower, the tide had begun to Success in the ing rooms, gave rise to the turn with successful fights Legislature anti-war movement. against the Echo Park Dam in The first great success of Recognition of the vast Dinosaur National Monument the fledgling environmental destructive potential of the (Utah/Colorado) and, in the movement came with the pas- nuclear arsenals built up by early 1960s, against two dams sage, at the end of 1969, of the U.S., the Soviet Union, proposed for the Grand the National Environmental and a growing number of Canyon (!). Brower’s Sierra Policy Act. Known as NEPA, other countries spurred the Club and other like-minded the law imposed what at first peace movement, which conservation groups also lob- glance seemed to be relatively overlapped with the anti- bied vigorously and modest obligations on federal war movement. effectively for passage of government agencies. NEPA The women’s liberation and important legislation like the required merely that before gay rights movements also Wilderness Act of 1964 and embarking on “major” federal arose during the 1960s, as the Endangered Species projects that have the poten- changing demographics and Preservation Act of 1966. tial for “significant” economics and social norms It was natural for the con- environmental impacts, an contributed to the intense servation movement to evolve agency must identify those social upheavals that charac- into the environmental move- impacts along with possible terized the decade. ment, and many of the leaders means of mitigating them. And from this hyper-fertile of the former soon become Here was the genesis of the ground of social unrest and leaders of the latter. By the now nearly universal Envi- clamor for progressive change second half of the 1960s, ronmental Impact Statement. also sprang up the modern Brower’s Sierra Club had Notably, NEPA did not environmental movement. It moved into the forefront of require federal agencies to grew naturally out of the con- the nascent anti-pollution reject projects with signifi- servation movement, which movement, devoting its prodi- cant adverse impacts, nor did had started in the middle of gious lobbying experience to it require the agencies to the 19th century and reached a the effort to secure national undertake mitigation steps. It major milestone in 1892 with legislation to address environ- simply required that the deci- the founding of the Sierra mental degradation. A few sion-maker and the public Club by the enormously influ- years later, in 1969, Brower have the relevant facts. Nev- ential John Muir. founded Friends of the Earth ertheless, NEPA soon became The conservation move- which quickly became another the vehicle through which ment was concerned about leading NGO (at first nation-

AN IDEAL GIFT! Ireland’s Hidden Depths – Special Price: €10.00 (plus p&p €3.00) was €17.99 – see page 27 for details SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______15 environmental NGOs blocked theirs is a case of first impres- today fill three or four feet of in more-or-less the right direc- rather than a government offi- plaintiffs in this case enabled or delayed a myriad of ill-con- sion and/or of uncertain bookshelf space – are func- tion … or, to use a different cial – who brings suit to – no, they required EPA to ceived government projects, outcome. Wikipedia – that tionally indistinguishable metaphor, that they would enforce the nation’s environ- address the most important and caused innumerable other ultimate authority on every- from legislation; that is, once serve as a counterweight on mental laws. And the citizen environmental issue of our projects to be improved thing – explains it this way: promulgated, they have the EPA’s left flank to balance the plaintiff does so not to realize time: global warming. And through better planning and “The rationale for the Ameri- binding effect of law just as if pull of industry from the right. personal gain, but rather to in his June, 2013 address on 3 design. They did so by win- can rule is that people should Congress had passed them. benefit the public at large. climate change President ning lawsuits challenging the not be discouraged from seek- But because these regulations Obama announced his inten- adequacy and completeness of ing redress for perceived NGOs as “Private are issued by unelected tion to have EPA carry out the Environmental Impact wrongs in court or from trying Conclusion bureaucrats rather than the Attorneys General” that mandate. Statements for these projects. to extend coverage of the law. elected members of Congress, Since the earliest days of Congress went even further Four decades ago Professor Relying on the formidable … [S]ociety would suffer if a they are subject to legal chal- the modern environmental to enable NGOs, as well as Joseph Sax predicted that experience garnered by the person was unwilling to pur- lenge by almost any interested movement in the United entrusting environmental pro- century-old conservation sue a meritorious claim party. The challenge will be individual citizens, to assist in States, environmental NGOs movement, environmental merely because that person successful if the plaintiff can the enforcement of federal have played pivotal roles in tection to a regulatory agency activists were successful in would have to pay the defen- prove that the regulation in environmental laws. Starting shaping both broad public pol- like EPA would prove to be a securing the passage of an dant’s expenses if they lost.” question is inconsistent with with the Clean Air Act in icy as well as the details of the failure because the agency extraordinary number of Indeed, American society the authorizing statute passed 1970, Congress included environmental rules that now would inevitably come to be national, state and even local has benefited greatly from the by Congress, or that the innovative “citizen suit” pro- fill literally tens of thousands in thrall to the industries it anti-pollution laws over the American Rule, albeit at the agency was “arbitrary and visions in many of pages. They have done so was intended to regulate. But ensuing decade. The Clean expense of making ours the capricious” – i.e., that it had environmental statutes. These not only by generating public he was wrong … perhaps Air Act of 1970 was the first most litigious country on no reasonable basis to issue allow a private citizen to file a support for their positions and because he did not reckon such law with real regulatory earth. Thanks to the American the regulation. lawsuit against any other per- lobbying legislatures, but also with the willingness of envi- teeth. This was followed in Rule, all the progressive By mounting such chal- son or entity for violating the by resorting on countless ronmental NGOs to serve as quick succession by the Clean movements mentioned above, lenges in the courts, statute. Citizens can also sue occasions to legal action in the public watchdogs, nor with Water Act (1972); Ocean from the civil rights to the environmental NGOs have EPA for failing to perform a courts. Thus they have been the citizen suit provisions and non-discretionary duty — that Dumping Act (1972); the Fed- environmental movements, ensured that EPA does not able to “balance the scales” the American Rule that is, for failing to do what Con- eral Environmental Pesticide have achieved as many stray too far from the purposes when the formidable legal and enabled them to use the courts gress explicitly directed EPA Control Act (1972); the advances in the U.S. law of Congress as expressed in financial resources of industry to do so. Resource Conservation & courts as they have in the leg- the statutes, nor get pulled too to do. are arrayed against the regula- Recovery Act (1976, regulat- islatures or the courts of Of particular importance is far in the direction of the very tory agencies. 1 Mr. Mugdan currently serves as ing both solid and hazardous public opinion. industries being regulated. the fact that for these kinds They have also used the Director of the Emergency & Remedial wastes); and the Toxic Sub- The American Rule means It is very common that of citizen suits Congress has courts to hold those agencies’ Response Division in the Region 2 stances Control Act of 1976. that an environmental David when EPA issues an important explicitly changed the Amer- feet to the fire, insisting that office of the U.S. Environmental Pro- The so-called Superfund law can take on an industrial or ican Rule so that citizen tection Agency, located in New York regulation, the agency will their statutory obligations be City. However, any opinions expressed of 1980, providing for cleanup governmental Goliath in the promptly be sued by both plaintiffs can recover their met. One such action – in this article are his alone, and do not of abandoned hazardous waste judicial arena, provided only sides – by industry, arguing attorney’s fees and related indeed, one of the most sig- necessarily represent the views of the disposal sites, rounded out that David can pay his own that the regulation goes too costs if the lawsuit is suc- nificant environmental EPA. 2 what has come to be called the attorney (or persuade his far, and by the environmental cessful. lawsuits of the modern envi- In the U.S., unlike in a parliamen- Environmental Decade. attorney to provide represen- tary system, the executive, legislative NGOs, arguing that it does not These citizen suit provi- ronmental era – was a U.S. and judicial branches of government Unquestionably, the envi- tation pro bono – for free). go far enough. sions, coupled with the ability Supreme Court case named are separate and distinct. Each of the ronmental NGOs were The American Rule means If industry were EPA’s only of a successful citizen plaintiff Massachusetts v. EPA. A con- three branches has its designated roles successful in the legislative that some of the most effec- legal adversary, then over time to recover attorney’s fees, sortium of plaintiffs that and authorities which are usually jeal- arena. But translating well- tive and influential ously guarded. When Congress it would almost certainly hap- have made it possible for included 12 states, 3 cities authorizes agencies like EPA to prom- intentioned laws into effective, environmental NGOs in the pen that the agency’s environmental NGOs to act as and 13 NGOs sued to compel ulgate extensive, detailed and elaborate on-the-ground improvements U.S. are environmental law regulatory orientation would “private Attorneys General.” EPA to start regulating car- regulations, it effectively cedes to the would often depend on their offices. Among the oldest and drift in industry’s direction – In the United States the Attor- bon dioxide as a “pollutant” executive branch some of its own leg- ability to succeed in the judi- best known of these are the islative powers. precisely the concern voiced ney General, as head of the under the Clean Air Act. In 3 cial arena. And there the Environmental Defense Fund, Some NGOs have made a cottage forty years ago by my envi- Department of Justice, is the 2007 they won this landmark industry out citizen suits. They cull movement’s success was the Natural Resources ronmental law professor government’s chief lawyer, case about the world’s most through vast amounts of data routinely enabled immeasurably by a Defense Council, and Earth Joseph Sax. What he did not charged with the responsibil- ubiquitous greenhouse gas. gathered by EPA in order to identify United States legal doctrine Justice. Their primary mis- foresee was that environmen- ity of enforcing the nation’s Faced with the unwillingness and bring suit for violations that were overlooked by the government. This is known as the American Rule. sion is to act as lawyers to the tal NGOs would act as a sea laws. In the case of a citizen of the dysfunctional U.S. environmental movement, possible because they can recover their anchor keeping EPA pointed suit, it is a private party – Congress to take action, the attorneys fees. representing in the courts their The American Rule own members or other envi- Under the older, long-estab- ronmental NGOs. lished English Rule, the losing party in a civil lawsuit has to pay the attorney’s fees of the NGOs in the Courts winning party. Most of the Environmental NGOs have world – not just the English – used the courts extensively to operates under this rule. influence environmental pol- By contrast, under the icy. Their ability to do so American Rule, each side stems in large measure from pays its own attorney’s fees, the rules of Administrative regardless of who wins and Law. This field of law who loses (unless otherwise addresses how agencies of the specifically authorized by executive branch of govern- statute or contract). ment must function, The benefits of the English particularly when they per- Rule are that it reduces the form tasks that are legislative likelihood of frivolous law- in nature.2 suits, and it makes whole the Most of the environmental winning party whose attor- statutes enacted by Congress ney’s fees may be very large. direct the EPA to promulgate The benefit of the American detailed regulations that Rule is that it encourages implement the broad policy recourse to the courts by those objectives laid out in the law. of limited means, even when These regulations – which

IDEAL STOCKING FILLERS A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore at €7.00 (plus p&p €1.00) A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Wild Flowers at €7.50 (plus p&p €1.00) See page 27 for details 16 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______17

Dugong are extremely shy, but this individual in Vanuatu in the South Pacific, is habituated to snorkellers.

Compass jellyfish, Chrysaora hysoscella Stingrays Dasyatis sp. aggregating, possibly for Pacific halfbeaks Hyporamphus acutus acutus feeding photographed off Sherkin Island. breeding, in New Caledonia. under the raft of foam coming off the windward reef. Images courtesy of Pete Atkinson Images courtesy of Pete Grey reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos passes overhead at Beveridge Reef, an oceanic reef between Tonga and the Cook Islands Crown jellyfish, Netrostoma setouchianum in Fiji. in the South Pacific. Mask, snorkel and fins = ADVENTURE!

By Pete Atkinson drifting rafts of pumice if there's a vol- times underwater. Humpback whales of cano handy, or explore mangrove forests course, once accompanied by a hundred MANY of my happiest times in the ocean by pulling yourself along by the aerial melonhead whales and roughtooth dol- have been snorkelling in water less than roots. You can experiment endlessly, phins, minke whales so close you could 4m deep with a camera. The reverie is because you have time. At least you do if touch them and the lone friendly dugong uninterrupted by concerns about air, the water is warm. in Vanuatu. Whale sharks at Christmas safety, tomorrow, a buddy, or even, these I love the way the meniscus pastes Island, and mako and blue sharks in New days, running out of film. You have a itself across the camera housing dome Zealand, one of which swam right seamless proximity to the weightless port in endlessly delicious curves. By through the cage. But we had left the delight of being at one with the sea. All the angling the camera up, you can capture windows open! equipment you need is a mask, snorkel the scene above and below and the reflec- Animals don't need to be big to be fas- tion of the bottom in the underside of the cinating; jellyfish have always been a and fins, and a wetsuit and weight-belt if White tip reef shark, Triaenodon obesus at Minerva Reef in the South Pacific. Six miles off Moorea in French Polynesia I found two humpback whales, a hundred melonhead whales, roughtooth dolphins, and, as I surface. Angling down, I can see both the favourite of mine including the first pic- soon found out, two large oceanic white tip sharks! the water is cold. The only danger, and it is significant, is shallow water blackout. image below and the subject refracted ture I sold, a compass jellyfish Take only a couple of deep breaths before and disjointed through the surface. photographed off Sherkin Island. That you snorkel down; if you hyperventilate It's not as though the shallows lack ani- day we snorkelled with a swordfish beforehand, you can lose consciousness mals. I recall one dive outside the atoll of briefly (we were scared of becoming a and drown very easily. If you are planning Takaroa, French Polynesia. There kebab) and other people on my boat saw to do deep snorkel dives, have a buddy seemed to be no sharks at all, till I a leatherback turtle two metres long! and watch out for each other when you are Beveridge Reef, between Tonga and the ascended and looked over the lip of the So you don't need to travel far, or to the Cook Islands, has exceptionally clear submerged. oceanic water, and sharks! reef flat. There, grey reef sharks were tropics to find extraordinary animals I dived the Coral Sea, off the northeast occupying the niche of black tip reef underwater. You just need a mask, coast of Australia, many times. Always the oily surface is tamed in such a way sharks in half a metre of water. snorkel and fins, and a sense of adven- Spoilsport put us in great locations, steep that the net of caustic light patterns scat- Outside the reef, on the leeward side, ture. edges, deep clear water with big animals. tering across the bottom are completely swells from a distant ocean will curl in I love that too, but I always wanted to entrancing, like an open fire. glassy perfection onto the reef, held up Pete Atkinson was a volunteers at Sherkin steam into the lagoon at Osprey Reef and For a photographer, the shallows have by what little wind there is. I love to Island Marine Station over 30 years ago. anchor on the sand-flat by the back-reef so much to offer. Light, of course but snorkel here, to catch the exquisite glass Pete studied marine zoology at Bangor margin on the windward side. Here, I reflections too. With shallow water over a tubes as they curl above and disintegrate University, continuing a life-long obsession knew that limpid ocean water flooded perfect reef in the calm, the upside down in a maelstrom of foam and vortices. with the natural history of the oceans. In over the reef top and back-reef margin, reef reflection extends to infinity, drawing Late afternoon the sun strikes the sur- 1982 he bought Eila, a 1935 classic yacht, across a shallow sand-flat of perfect sand you to its horizon. Lie motionless on the face at just the right angle to be refracted which he sailed all over Polynesia, writing a few metres deep, dropping away into bottom waiting for your bubbles to clear, into a jangle of golden lances like crepus- articles and taking photographs. After 17 the more turbid lagoon. Oceanic reefs are so you can use the Snell's window for cre- cular rays. A warm gel on the flash will years and 45,000 miles, he bought Vigia, a like that. ative effect. On rougher days you can add consistent lighting to your fore- 13.5m aluminium yacht to continue his When the water is clear and there is shoot pictures of fish against the under- ground subject, and a high shutter speed travels in the Pacific. In 2004 Pete sailed to sand below, the refracted shards of lucent side of the rafts of foam coming off the will increase the definition of the rays. Cairns, bought a house, sold Vigia and turquoise seen through the surface can reef, or jam your camera against the rock When I think back to all the wonderful married the Thai photographer Darin touch the soul. With a slick of biological to capture swirls of bubbles at slow shut- animals I have photographed while Limsuansub. They now live in Phuket, Staghorn coral, Acropora sp. material coming off a reef to windward, ter speed. You can shoot sea birds, or snorkelling, they have been my best Thailand. www.peteatkinson.com Avicennia resinifera mangroves in the clear water of the Matapouri estuary in New Zealand. 18 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Angling for Beginners

nerships and other NGOs to deliver clothing, set up costs, use of tackle, By Paddy Byrne on its remit. catch-and-release, practical fishing and the importance of Ireland as an RECREATIONAL Angling Ireland angling venue. Each participant, on (RAI) was established to address Aims completion, receives a participation how the different clubs, RAI aims to: certificate. organisations and others in the • Develop and implement a targeted A handbook setting out guidelines angling sector could find a common angling training programme. on how to organize an angling event framework for the future, and to • Deliver an education and are provided to assist those involved. work to increase participation in outreach programme. RAI Directors collectively organise angling. The seven principal angling • Assist and support the national the events in cooperation with clubs representative bodies were involved recreational fishing organisations. and organisations. A Director coordi- in its formation. The aim of the • Raise the profile of the nates the event at each location organization is to support all national recreational angling sector. assisted by a local anchor person and angling bodies involved in coarse, • Secure additional resources and a local team. The events held, so far pike, game and sea fishing. support to allow it undertake its have been very successful and RAI is a not-for-profit, country- work in a professional manner. resulted in many new young recruits wide voluntary organisation, RAI runs the “ANGLING FOR to angling. constituted as a Company Limited by BEGINNERS” programme aimed at Guarantee. The Board is composed all age groups, male and female. It is RAI works to attract and induct people of all ages into recreational angling. of Directors representative of the rolled out at different venues, cater- Education and Outreach angling and related sectors with an ing for different types of angling, In the task of delivering an educa- independent Chairman and Company throughout the Island of Ireland. The tion and outreach programme, RAI Secretary. programme has been expanded to people attend meetings and gather- At a recent meeting of RAI, the encourage older/retired people to ings throughout the country in order Directors were happy to look back on take up angling or, if they have to help anglers organize the business ten years of work, culminating in a fished in the past, to return to recre- of running an angling club or associ- successful season in 2013, during ational angling. It is also inclusive of ation. The “Hand book of Angling which the Business Plan and Sched- the less well off, socially and eco- Club Organisation” published by ule of Events were realised. nomically, in our society. In addition, RAI is made available to interested The vision of RAI is: Ireland will events are also held within school parties to facilitate this business. remain as one of the best places in extension programmes and commu- RAI also responds to calls to assist the world to fish. Waters will be nity programmes. and support the national recreational clean and stocks will be plentiful. These aims are consistent with the fishing organisations in concert with There will be respect for scarce envi- Government’s policy of encouraging other NGOs and, through attendance ronmental resources, which will be increased participation by all in sport at meetings of the Inland Fisheries protected and developed in a sustain- and physical activity. Among the Forum and other national fora, able way for future generations. desirable effects are to counteract exchange information and opinions There will be a wide range of obesity and achieve community on matters of mutual concern. opportunities for both local anglers health and welfare. RAI has published four books for Images courtesy of RAI and visitors to fish in harmony and Since its foundation RAI has introduced up to two thousand people, young and old the use of angling Clubs: to recreational angling. enjoy the experience. The lead • Fish Facts Eolas ar Éisc – a organisations promoting and devel- The Events bilungual book on Fish Biology economy and it sustains in the region trial life including plants, birdlife, oping recreational angling will be One-day angling events led by by Professor Peter Wilson of 10,000 jobs, with over 350,000 trees etc. The potential of angling in well organised, providing excellent qualified people are organized and • Guidelines for Angling Club people from Ireland and abroad par- Ireland is enormous and it is truly a services to their members at all levels supported by RAI to introduce peo- Safety Statement by Professor ticipating. Anglers have access to healthy option. through sound management, opera- ple to angling. The beginners receive Peter Wilson wild fish populations in our RAI works to attract and induct tions, adequate budgets and instruction in specific types of • Handbook of Angling Club 74,000km of rivers and 128,000 people of all ages into recreational appropriate policies. angling appropriate for each event Organisation by Paddy Byrne Hectares of lakes together with angling, to introduce them to the As a representative body for location including coarse, game and • Event Management Guidelines by 3,000+ Km of coastline and out to 12 skills required, to train them in safety anglers and others in the sector, sea. The overall approach is to intro- Paddy Byrne. nautical miles. and responsible behavior at the Recreational Angling Ireland acts as duce people to angling in a holistic These publications are used to Ireland has a much more urbanised waterside, to introduce them to the a champion for the enjoyment, pro- way, such as emphasizing the impor- support our events and are available population than any time in our his- local club and generally to imbue tection and development of the tance of respect for people and the on request. tory and that means that our wildlife them with the joy of angling. angling resource. It provides a mech- environment, the importance of good and countryside is even more impor- Since its foundation RAI has intro- anism for development of common waterside manners, attention to tant as a recreational amenity, a duced up to two thousand people, policies and services, which helps to health and safety and an appreciation The Resource national treasure. Ireland is a beauti- young and old to recreational strengthen the sector and attract new of the beauty and value of our envi- A recent report from Inland Fish- ful, wonderful, country with a angling. The hope and belief is that angling participants. ronment. eries Ireland suggests that angling in fantastic natural heritage and a once they experience angling they The training days are held Ireland is a significant resource. It diverse natural flora and fauna. will go on to enjoy it for years to throughout Ireland at coastal and provides welcome opportunities for Role of RAI RAI is conscious of the conflicting come. inland venues. Approved RAI novice and visiting anglers. However interests attracting Ireland’s young The primary role of RAI is to pro- instructors are used together with this finite resource deserves to be people and the pressures affecting vide a focus for the recreational aides and minders including parents. properly managed and conserved. People interested in running an their lifestyle as well as their mental angling sector to work together on Some well known international The responsibility falls on us all to be event for beginners should contact and physical wellbeing. We believe common issues that are best tackled angling medalists also help out. A involved, not least government agen- us. For further information please that angling is a healthy option. Side in a coordinated way rather than each risk assessment is done for each cies and non-governmental bodies, contact: Hon. Secretary Patrick F. by side with joy of angling, partici- organisation, with its own limited venue. The instruction consists of such as angling clubs. pants can get immersed in our Byrne Tel: 087 2906866 resources, going it alone. theory classes in the first half of the Figures from Inland Fisheries Ire- wildlife and enjoy the biodiversity of E [email protected]. RAI works with Government day, followed by hands-on casting land demonstrate what our fisheries Ireland’s clean, green, environmen- www.recreationalanglingireland.com and with key agencies including and angling practice in the afternoon. resource is worth to the country. tally friendly countryside. As well as Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Irish The instruction includes safety, Recreational angling is worth hun- fish and aquatic life there is terres- Sports Council, Local Sports Part- country code and responsibility, dreds of millions of euro to the Irish

IDEAL STOCKING FILLERS: A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore – @ €7.00 (plus p&p €1.00) & A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Wild Flowers – @ €7.50 (plus p&p €1.00) – see page 27 for details. SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______19 RewardingRewarding encountersencounters withwith polarpolar bearsbears inin highhigh latitudeslatitudes

Two bears taking a good look at us. Images courtesy of John Gore-Grimes Arctic Fern on arrival at the position where we were forced back. The bear that found open water for us.

hiding behind the ice hum- Some eighteen hours We heard a loud roar and, ate a narrow but navigable moving south in search of By mocks, which litter the later the fog had cleared but at once, sighted a very large water path. seals. Indeed, he may have John Gore-Grimes frozen sea. Polar bears hunt our predicament, in those bear, which must have been We worked away for, at been weighing up the odds of on the ice floes. They are solid fields of sea-ice, had moving along secretly least an hour and a half pole- his chances of getting aboard WE had sailed from Howth, perfectly disguised and it is not improved. The hull of behind the hummocks. When ing and hacking until, all of a the Arctic Fern and dining out County Dublin to the North their motion and not their the Arctic Fern groaned as we first sighted him he was sudden, we found ourselves in on one our two of its crew Cape at the very top of Nor- colour, which betrays their the surrounding ice standing up on his hind legs. more and more larger open members. The conclusion of way and we hoped to sail presence. They strike and kill squeezed her in its constant He appeared to be about water pools. At that point the all on board the Arctic Fern from there to the Russian unwary seals, which come to battle for position among three metres in height. We bear looked back at us as if to was that the bear had deliv- archipelago named Franz the surface of a pool or lead the many large and tightly watched him for a while and say: "The rest is up to you." ered us from perilous Josef Land. It comprises a in the ice. In the conditions concentrated floes. Our we came to the conclusion Suddenly the bear was circumstances. host of islands on and above which we experienced a attempts at hacking and that we should make every gone. He had disappeared Once free of the ice we set latitude 80 degrees North. It is "bear watch" was essential pushing the ice had been a effort to follow him as he behind the ice hummocks, sail and headed west-sou-west a remote and forbidding As the fog wafted about us, feeble effort, which had went forward to the south, which are everywhere in these for Svalbard. We arrived there place. Nobody resides there. at times, if you stretched out earned us very little all-the-while turning around frozen seas. some four days later. We had read the ice reports your arm and raised and progress southwards. There to look back at us. We fol- It is hard to believe that a and had scanned the ice charts raised your thumb, you could were little pools of water lowed and soon found wandering bear, which had John Gore-Grimes, Shack, with great care. It was clear barely see it. here and there but we could ourselves in tight leads, guided us for one and a half Baily, Co Dublin. from the start that the heavy I was on watch at 2 am. It not find the leads, which which we worked on to hours, was a pure coinci- concentrations of ice were was day-light at those lati- frequently connect them. make them wider and to cre- dence. He may have been such as to render the chances tudes but visibility was no of reaching Franz Josef Land more than five or six metres. completely impossible. Suddenly I spotted something The voyage from the North black on the snow-covered Cape to Franz Josef Land is sea-ice. At first I thought that just in excess of six hundred it was, perhaps, a small nautical miles. We sailed just stone……but then it started to east of north for some three move. I grabbed the rifle and hundred and twenty nautical held it at the ready. As the miles before engaging with 'stone' came closer I could just polar ice. The ice was naviga- make out the white outline of ble for a while but by the time a very large polar bear which we had achieved a further dis- was almost, but not quite, hid- tance northwards of about den by the fog. That bear forty miles we were faced came close to the 'stone', with a solid wall of ice which which turned out to be the made any further progress very black nose of a very absolutely impossible. Indeed, small bear cub. Mother bear we were soon surrounded by came up to her cub. She and trapped in ice to such an picked some snow, which lay extent that it was a simple on the surface of the ice and matter to step off the boat and covered her baby's nose with go for a walk. it. All-at-once the black stone We hacked away at the ice disappeared and as mother with heavy, spiked steel poles bear stood between her cub and with ice-picks. and the side of our boat I Two days later the fog noticed that her nose was cov- rolled in. It was thick cold ered with snow also. The and damp. With fair to good disguise had worked and visibility it is easy to keep a within seconds both mother look-out for polar bears. and cub were out of sight well When hunting they are swift wrapped up in the cold thick and silent. They are skilled at fog which surrounded them. 20 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Our Crowded Skies

a course to intersect with it, for these so fragile flying hives, finding them accu- journeys in human terms, snatch it and eat it. machines do arrive by aerial rately on each trip. driving from Cape Town and Or look up at the sky of migration. The old cartoon Questions of how far crea- across Africa, central summer, even the lordly of a caterpillar looking up at tures that metamorphose Europe, the English Channel gannet is cruising along. But a butterfly and saying “You know of great changes come and on through Britain. also looking down through won’t get me up in one of to mind. Do tadpoles have Small birds at risk of being Image courtesy of Robbie Murphy space into the depths of the those contraptions” comes to visions of leaping frogs? A nabbed by some bird of prey By Daphne Pochin celestial wild life needs no ocean looking for fish. Then mind! change of nature so basic of en route. flying school or electronic he drops like a stone on this Long distance flight by a cabbage-devouring caterpil- Think of the long flight by Mould aids to follow its incredible body built to take the shock heavy bird, whether helped lars changing to highly the big bird where consider- flight paths. A long-haul of iron hard water and by wind or not, requires a lot coloured and agile butterflies able muscle power is needed. LOOK at the sky. What do flyer who makes yearly trip makes his catch and his din- of “engine power” and is one to puzzle the human They might even emigrate. A you see? Empty space? south to north for a summer ner in a single swoop. reserve of “fuel”. These big mind. Yet in myth and fairy black albatross swept off Look again. All movement – of love making and family Many big birds like the birds haven’t much reserve story we have played with it: course by the violent winds, flying animals of many sorts life. Humans can do that too albatross are capable of long apart from when the winds the princess who kisses the moved in with a colony of allow them to glide and soar. frog and behold, her hand- and sizes going about their but we lack the swift aero- sustained high level flight gannets and stayed. Unless you are a glide pilot some Prince. affairs, knowing where they batic mobility and its sight. and some may be able to Some tagged whooper you are unaware of the hid- What is even more won- are going. A sky full of mod- That incredible eyesight hitch a ride on high level jet swans on their way back to den topography of the air. derful are what seem like ern aircraft could not do it, which can spot a small edi- streams of air. It seems that Iceland for their summer Skillful and alert pilots of in-built navigation systems nor would attempt it, yet our ble insect in flight and steer butterflies can also do this nesting were thought to be aircraft have been known to in animals other than our- glide long distances by selves. Lines of magnetic lost but with their wings recognising the right condi- force cross the globe and can covered in warm waterproof tions and saving fuel. be detected and followed feathers they had just set Knowing about cloud types with a compass. Further the down on the sea to ride it and weather is vital if you earth’s magnetic field is out. I cannot imagine any- are to look up and find always changing. Each year thing more delightful than meaning in the flyer’s world. a new compass variation is being on the surface of the A vivid flash of blue is the to be followed if we are to sea on a warm winter coast- kingfisher’s path above the arrive in the right place. But line, enjoying its every stream. The bumble bee wildlife does all this with movement and riding up going about its business, neither computer nor maths. great waves. though in the air it is not a The swallow after flying Some day we may learn flying machine. The honey many air miles over land and much more of life in our bees working in the flower sea arrives exactly at last crowded skies, meantime we bed back and forth to their year’s nest. Think of the can only watch and wonder. SUBSCRIPTION FORM SHERKIN COMMENT is a environmental publication of Sherkin Island Marine Station, aiming to promote the awareness of our natural resources, their use and protection. SUBSCRIPTION: to receive a 4-issue subscription to “Sherkin Comment”, please send a cheque or money order for €7.50 for Ireland and £7.00 stg for the UK (sterling cheques accepted from UK); send €11.50 for Europe and the rest of the world (surface postage) – payable to Sherkin Island Marine Station and sent to Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. Ireland. Tel: 028–20187 Fax: 028–20407 Email: [email protected]

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Please support Sherkin Island Marine Station’s publications, which help to fund its work (see page 27) SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______21 Discovering Different Aspects of Reality ment of global warming, paints a dif- of net mass from the Greenland and rological Organization’s decadal ferent picture. Today’s greenhouse Antarctic ice sheets and from the report we used a quote by the WMO gas emissions will cause sea levels to world’s glaciers. This melting and secretary-general, Michel Jarraud rise for centuries to come.” the thermal expansion of sea water which can help to set the confusion It’s perhaps not too easy to recon- caused global mean sea levels to rise in context and to make good sense of cile the two reports, at least not about three millimetres annually, it: ““Natural climate variability, without thinking hard about them. about double the observed 20th cen- caused in part by interactions We believe that our readers do think tury trend... “ between our atmosphere and oceans

Image courtesy of Robbie Murphy about what we report, and that they What next? Well, bang on cue – as evidenced by El Niño and La try to reflect this muddled version of would prefer to be faced with appar- (almost – on 23 July, actually) came Niña events – means that some years By Alex Kirby reality. We don’t set out to carry ent inconsistencies than to be offered the counterpunch in our story “Cli- are cooler than others. On an annual every news story which supports a some pre-digested and partisan mate warming slows: no surprise yet”: basis, the global temperature curve is SEPTEMBER 2013 saw the publica- settled position – because we don’t account of what’s happening. And “Here is an interim update on the not a smooth one. On a long-term tion of AR5, the Fifth Assessment have a position. We try instead, with that’s what the reality is: different uncertain future of climate change: it basis the underlying trend is clearly Report produced by the Intergovern- the one or occasionally two daily sto- groups of researchers are discover- remains uncertain and all forecasts in an upward direction, more so in mental Panel on Climate Change. ries we publish, to choose the most ing different aspects of reality, are, for the time being, interim. recent times.” You might think, from some of the significant and interesting news that feeding them all into a better under- British scientists say that global The last story I wrote before retir- press coverage beforehand, that it day, and to report it accurately and in standing of the global jigsaw which warming has slowed down. Their cli- ing from the BBC in 2005 involved was destined to be a magisterial dec- context. And that can lead to some is the climate system. mate models predicted periods in an interview with Dr Geoff Jenkins, laration of exactly what humanity apparent contradictions. Or take the controversy over the which warming would slow before the then head of climate change pre- now knows about the prospect of a One example is sea level rise. On apparent slowdown in climate speeding up again, and this slowing diction at the UK Met Office’s dangerously warming world. 10 July, in a story headed “Green- change this century. Some say it down is within their calculated limits Hadley Centre. He said: Steady. That way disillusion lies. land faces ‘modest’ but risky melt”, means the global average tempera- of uncertainty: they had not, how- “The big problem is the uncertain- This report, like its four predeces- we reported: “Greenland’s contribu- ture has not risen for the last 15 years ever, expected the slowdown to ties. But the science is hardening up sors, spells out more clearly what we tion to sea-level rise between now or more. Others say the warming has happen for a decade or more. But it quite a lot, and it’s come on by leaps still don’t know than what we do. It and 2200 is likely to be relatively continued, but the extra heat has not is happening now.” and bounds since the Intergovern- provides few satisfyingly complete modest, scientists say. But they cou- gone into the atmosphere: it’s gone And there are those wonderful sto- mental Panel on Climate Change answers. Like the earlier four it’s ple this with a warning against into the ocean depths instead, or it ries that seem to fly in the face of first met in 1988. There’s been enor- work-in-progress, a rough approxi- complacency over the possible con- may have been partly masked by received wisdom, like the one on 28 mous progress in observations, in mation – and none the worse for that. sequences of even a fairly small aerosols produced by human pollu- July, “Scientists mull Arctic’s slow our understanding of the processes That’s what science is. Scientists are rise.” Yet just five days later, under tion and by volcanoes. So on 3 July CO2 loss”. It reported: “The levels of and our modelling of them – they’ve the supreme sceptics. They develop the headline “Sea levels ‘are set for our report said: Arctic permafrost that thaw each year all moved on brilliantly. The more the best theory they can to explain continuing rise’”, we wrote: “The World Meteorological Orga- and freeze again are growing at depths you understand, though, the more what they know, then proceed to test “Sea-level rise may be slow to nization says the planet ‘experienced of 1 cm a year, but the carbon locked you realise how much you don’t it to destruction with each new piece show its hand but once it really unprecedented high-impact climate away in the soils is – so far – not being understand. In some areas our igno- of evidence that comes to light. In its starts, researchers say, it will keep extremes’ in the ten years from 2001 released at an accelerating rate.” That’s quarter century of existence the rance is woeful.” going for centuries, with baleful to 2010, the warmest decade since odd – and it’s contrary to what most of IPCC has not yet managed to demol- I’ll remember Dr Jenkins as I read effects. For each degree by which the the start of modern measurements in us had thought was happening. ish its theory. But it has clearly the new IPCC report. Earth warms, they believe, sea levels 1850... Sea levels rose about twice as What is the busy reader to make of recognised the gaps in its knowledge will probably rise by over two fast as the trend in the last century. A this constant drip-feed of inconsis- that need filling. Donald Rumsfeld, Alex Kirby is a former BBC News metres. Some recent research has WMO report, The Global Climate tencies and contradictions? Some whatever else he did, at least gave us suggested that the future rate of sea- environment correspondent. Alex 2001-2010, A Decade of Climate may conclude that the scientists several useful concepts. And he’d be level rise may not be as fast as Extremes... says the decade was the know so little about what they’re now runs a website, Climate News at home in a climatologist’s labora- scientists had expected. But a study warmest for both hemispheres, and studying that it’s better to ignore Network, providing a free, ready-to- tory, with its serried ranks of known published in the Proceedings of the for both land and ocean surface tem- them. I think that’s far too glib and use factual service that brings you the – and unknown – unknowns. National Academy of Sciences, The peratures. There was a rapid decline easy a dismissal, though. latest news of climate change science. At the Climate News Network we multi-millennial sea-level commit- in Arctic sea ice and accelerating loss In our story on the World Meteo- Web: www.climatenewsnetwork.net

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Printers of Ireland’s Hidden Depths 22 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Rural areas as engines of economic growth The contribution and potential of rural businesses and communities has often been overlooked in the policymaking process. Could more be done to encourage their growth?

RURAL areas contribute at least Why are rural economies important? £211 billion a year directly to the English economy but have great potential to Cuts in public spending and the need to rebal- ance the economy reinforce the need for Image courtesy of Rural Economy and Land Use Programme achieve even more. During the decade to economic growth and innovation to come from workers who are residents in towns. speaking out for the experience of rural 2010 our countryside and smallest settle- all areas and sectors, not just from urban centres. • Fuel costs are high for firms and for businesses would help to ensure that core ments achieved higher rates of growth in Rural businesses already make a significant employees who need to commute. business and innovation policies are numbers of businesses and jobs than any contribution to economic growth: • Lower levels of local authority funding are sensitive to rural needs. other settlement category in England. • They currently represent around 28% of available for spending on consumer Cuts in public spending and the need to England’s firms. services and economic support. What are the messages for decision rebalance the economy means that our • Rural areas contribute at least 19% of Gross Rural businesses are as likely to want to expectations of what private and social Value Added to the English economy. grow as their urban counterparts. But many makers at local and national level? • enterprise can achieve in employment, Healthy environments are known to make types of rural businesses report practical Effective and transparent rural proofing of wealth creation and service provision critical contributions to economic growth restraints on their development, principally growth plans and policies across all business have increased. We must, therefore, see and society’s wellbeing. Stewardship of the relating to: sectors is needed in order to tailor measures rural environment is central to achieving • Accessing and managing finance, growth across the whole country rather to rural conditions and assess their applica- this balance between economic growth and exacerbated by closure of rural branches of than only in certain cities or sectors. The bility to rural economies: environmental and societal wellbeing. high street banks. • Rural growth measures have been more distinctive characteristics, business and • • Rural economies have demonstrated their Regulation and planning requirements, fully developed for the land-dependent employment structure and past perform- potential to provide more growth and sometimes made worse by planners’ and sectors of farming, forestry, food and ance of rural economies mean that they employment if given appropriate stimuli residents’ views of what are appropriate environmental services. Whilst these are are well placed to meet this challenge. and support from national and local forms of businesses for rural areas. important for the nation, in many rural areas • business leaders and policy makers. Infrastructure provision and premises, we need to look to other sectors that are the particularly for firms wishing to expand. primary engines for growth. What is ‘the rural economy’? • How does the rural economy offer Access to services, markets, networks and • Rural economies should be treated as cross- Land management industries are important communications infrastructure, including cutting and embedded in mainstream to us all – we depend on their provision of opportunities for growth? mobile coverage and broadband, that most policies and plans for economic food, timber, water, energy and other goods Rural areas have a number of dynamic fea- urban firms and residents take for granted. development. – but the rural economy reaches far beyond • tures that enable economic growth: Recruitment of suitably skilled staff. • At a national aggregate level it is easy to this in terms of jobs, enterprises and output. • Rural areas have more business start-ups overlook important differences in urban and The rural economy can contribute to all the per head of population than many urban rural businesses and labour markets; a economic sectors, and is affected by all of the What changes are required if rural areas. closer examination at a finer scale reveals pressing challenges (infrastructure, planning, • Firms started by people moving into rural economies are to fulfil their potential? important variations in spatial, sectoral and finance etc) that feature in national and local areas are more likely to sell their products size profiles. growth strategies, yet its contribution is often All rural businesses must innovate and and services on national and overseas • There is a need to further demonstrate ways handled separately and focused on farming or develop in order to be viable and need sup- markets, thus earning revenue beyond the that firms can realise the value of the natural tourism: port and encouragement to do this: locality. • environment to business growth, by • Manufacturing, wholesale and retail, The diversity of growth challenges in rural • Many manufacturing businesses are located securing efficiencies and developing new construction, education and health, public industries must be addressed in a targeted in rural areas and this sector provides a products and services. administration and professional and way. For example, agriculture has some of higher proportion of rural jobs than are • A tailored, place-based approach is business services sectors flourish in the the lowest growth aspirations and is supported by urban manufacturing firms. required, meeting local constraints and countryside and many leading global, constrained by an aging workforce, while • Rural economies have pioneered opportunities. Strategies for growth must European and national businesses operate manufacturing has the highest growth privatisation and community provision of respond to local variability and drive from rural areas. aspirations but is challenged by inadequate many local services, fuelled by a resources to rural economies at local level. • Land management provides a wide range of sites and premises. combination of delivery and access • • A review of the needs and opportunities for ecosystems services, including not only Two thirds of rural firms are micro- difficulties and the distinctive nature of rural and home-based micro-enterprises would production of food, timber and energy, but businesses, employing fewer than 10 rural demand. complement the review of mid-sized firms also provision of clean water, leisure employees, and these need particular • As the economic value and potential of within the Government’s Plan for Growth. facilities, carbon storage and flood attention as they often fall below the radar ecosystems services are recognised these • Rural households and communities form management. in any investigation of the rural economy: will offer increased opportunities for the bedrock of our rural firms, and bolster • Rural areas display high levels of entrepre- − They are more important for employ- growth. their innovative capability and resilience. neurship, with more businesses per head of ment in rural than urban areas. This is particularly apparent in times of population than in England’s towns and cities. − They have limited in-house resources. economic pressure. Strengthening local • Most city economies are well supported by − Their goals and motivations are very What barriers are holding rural business and community institutions and commuters, businesses, consumer and diverse. facilitating community engagement will environmental services from neighbouring economies back? − They are often family-based. pay dividends. rural areas. There are also some key weaknesses to be − Many are reluctant or unable to take on • Investment in affordable housing and local Just as firms vary across towns and cities, so found in rural economies: new staff. services is essential for employee the mix of business sizes, sectors and per- • Low densities and dominance of very small − Many are home-based. These are often recruitment and new business development. formance varies across rural areas: firms, especially in sparse and peripheral the most profitable firms, but many say • Manufacturing and professional firms are rural areas, can lead to a poorer choice of they need better access to business more likely to be found in and close to rural local employment opportunities for rural advice and grants, improved IT and The Rural Economy and Land Use Programme is towns in less sparse areas. residents. opportunities for business collaboration. a UK-wide research programme carrying out • Micro-businesses, social enterprises and • Lower business revenue and lower • Workhubs offering flexible work premises interdisciplinary research on the multiple self-employment make a more significant productivity in some sectors leads to many would be helpful, providing access to challenges facing rural areas. It is funded by the contribution to rural employment and rural jobs offering lower pay. shared facilities and reducing isolation. Economic and Social Research Council, the services than those in urban areas. • Affordable housing for employees is limited • Business associations and networks could Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research • The high levels of entrepreneurship are in many areas. When combined with poorer be more proactive in engaging these small Council and the Natural Environment Research partly driven by large numbers of home- public transport, greater distances between businesses and providing mentoring and Council,, with additional funding from the based businesses, (especially those run by firms, this presents employers with other support. Scottish Government and the Department for women), by self-employment and by difficulties recruiting or retaining staff, and • Business leaders – from the private as well Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. incomers. adds to higher average living costs than for as the public sector – seeking out and www.relu.ac.uk SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______23 Glengowla Mines

Discover the hidden beauty of Connemara

the mine and how they are available in the Connemara By Susan Connell formed. This is not only a feast area, leaving locals with little FOR years, tourists and Irish for lovers of geology – anyone or no means to restore any families have flocked to Con- with an interest in nature, his- type of normal life. In 1851, nemara to enjoy the beauty of tory or culture will soon work started in earnest at its rare and beautiful land- become enthralled in the story. Glengowla Mines, giving scape. Thousands have As you travel 40 metres much needed employment to marvelled at its mountains, beneath the surface be pre- some 300 workers. The work- peat bogs, mirror lakes and pared to be amazed at the ing conditions were far from caverns of marble studded with ideal. Working on a piece by

Connemara ponies. But what Images courtesy of Glengowla Mines if I told you that the beauty of lead and silver and marvel at piece pay rate, workers were the rare and beautiful crystals only paid for the Galena they Glengowla Mines – caverns of marble, studded with lead, silver and rare and beautiful crystals of quartz Connemara begins not at the and fluorites. tip of the mountains but deep of quartz and fluorite. Visitors mined while working in the many miners eye sight suf- below the surface? can follow the veins of copper mines. They also had to rent fered. Due to the surrounding Situated 3km outside the vil- pyrite which will lead them to their equipment from the mine bog lands, the mines continu- lage of is the 'miners gold' galena. and pay the blacksmith to ously filled with water. A Glengowla Mines. It is here, a For those interested in the sharpen their tools. It was pump operated throughout the journey deep into the heart of working life of a miner in post extremely difficult to make a day to keep water levels at a Connemara can be taken. The famine times, the constant living but no other form of minimum. However, mine lead and silver mines which dripping of water, 'miners work was to be had. The goal workers often ended up work- operated from 1850 – 1865 breath' and a moment of dark- of most miners with no family ing in water levels up to waist have been restored by the ness sets the scene. The tour commitments was to save for high. The miners used hand Geogheagan family and are guides give an indepth account a boat ticket to America in the drilling and blasting to open to the public for guided of the working lives of the hope of starting a better life remove rock and ore from the underground tours. A visit to miners and their struggle to across the Atlantic. Often, mine. The blasts were set by the museum will set the scene make a living in the mine. shifts lasted 12 hours with packing drill holes with gun- as your guide takes you After the Great Irish Potato workers not seeing daylight powder and a fuse was made through the different types of Famine (1845 – 1848), desti- from beginning to end of their by filling a single shaft of rocks and minerals found in tution, disease and death were shift. Candle light was their rampant. Very little work was only form of light, as a result, straw with gun powder. This fuse was then set alight with The underground mines and the many interesting buildings on the the 'blaster' beating a hasty surface, give visitors a great insight into mining in the 1800s. retreat to safety. The mine was in operation until 1865 when it became too costly to transport the Galena to England. Over time, the mine completely filled with water and lay like a sunken wreck with all her secrets intact for over 130 years. Today, the underground tour plus a visit to the paymas- ters office, the gun powder house and blacksmiths work- shop on the surface give an interesting insight. A big hit with adults and children is the opportunity to take part in some gold pan- ning at the Glengowla Gold Panning Station. What is best The blacksmiths workshop. of all you get to keep any gems you find! Located on site is also a working seismograph which is part of the National Seismic Network. Glengowla have developed an exhibit where you can see how it measures the movement of the earth and how earthquakes in faraway countries can be felt on the seismograph in Connemara. Due to the high level of inter- est by visitors in the seismograph, Glengowla have Panning for gold at the Glengowla Gold Panning Station. decided to further develop the exhibit to add more interactive elements and an education Open from March to November, visitors can drop in anytime. program. These developments Interested in a tour during off peak season? Just call ahead to +353 will be coming on line in the 87 2529850 or check out our website: www.glengowlamines.ie € € coming months and will be a Admission: Adult 10.00; Child 4.00; Student/Senior Citizen € € treat for everyone to enjoy. 9.00. Family Ticket 25.00 – 2 adults & 2 children 24 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Burren Insight www.burrenbeotrust.com Burrenbeo Trust, Main Street, Kinvara, Co. Galway Issue 5 2013/€8.00 Publications of Interest Another excel- lent issue from the Burrenbeo Trust. land from an ancient agricultural identity. Based on an RTE televi- recognised seaweeds, the author is sons learned and other insights, in- The editors con- Bird Habitats in Ireland settlement into a middle-class sub- sion series, this larger-format, making the first step very easy for cluding staying focused on present tinue to give read- urb.” McGrath in no way argues Richard Nairn and John colour-illustrated book explores us. Each seaweed is fully de- needs, doing the homework, think- ers wonderful and for a return to the past, but is a sen- O’Halloran (eds) how geology, scribed and well-photographed, ing local, keeping up with the interesting articles sitive and passionate plea to retain climate, vegeta- making identification easy and the times, leveraging resources, devel- about Ireland’s special landscape, The Collin’s Press what is good in the landscape tion and sub- diagram on page 22–23 points us oping leadership and nurturing the Burren. Declan Kelleher tells within the context of greatly im- www.collinspress.ie stantial human to where on the shore we need to local businesses. The appendix how this landscape holds extraor- proved living standards. impact have look. What is also great is that outlines year by year from 1983, dinary potential as a learning re- ISBN: 9781848891388 The last chapter looks at the fu- shaped the is- there are sweet and savoury 200 initiatives that were accom- source within the Irish education € ture of the Burren and the World 2012/ 34.99/ pp 306 land over the millennia since the recipes for each seaweed – so plished over a 30 year period. This system. As a teacher he has seen at Heritage Sites list submitted in Birds are not glaciers retreated. The starting whether you have a sweet-tooth or is truly an invaluable book, a must first hand how children react with 2010 by an Irish government whose only an important point of the team of more than 20 a savoury one, there’s something for anyone involved in the eco- huge positivity and creativity “commitment to landscape protec- but a deeply popu- researchers is the work of Robert for everyone to try. The author, nomic, social and environmental when taken out in the Burren. He tion rarely extends beyond the aspi- lar element in Irish Lloyd Praeger (1865–1953), who Marie Power, grew up on the Wa- development of a town or city. recommends short class trips to rational.” The author argues that biodiversity. This travelled all through Ireland in terford Coast and was given sea- Matt Murphy schools near the Burren and one- these areas of huge cultural impor- attractive book search of plants – and the answer weed from an early stage because day school tours for distant tance and tourist potential all should looks at Ireland’s to the riddle of the origin of the it was considered “good for you”. schools. He describes the learning be, like the Abruzzo mountains near birds from a fresh angle. It not Irish flora. She is passing on all her knowl- Managing the Transition experience the Burren provides Rome and other sites in Europe, only gets away from bird identifi- The book follows up Praeger’s edge to us in this beautiful little to a Sustainable such as Portal tombs, dolmens, ‘IUCN Category V’ nature parks cation and distribution, but also quest with a fascinating account of book, which is small enough to put Colman MacDuagh’s Church Enterprise where local initiatives are supported provides a popular account of how Ireland emerged from be- in your pocket when you hop down under Eagle’s Rock, tower houses by wise government intervention. Irish habitats. Above all it investi- neath the ice, with perhaps at least to shore to forage for seaweeds. Lessons from frontrunner and heritage site buildings. There may be a way forward in the gates why the birds of Ireland are a fragment of its native flora in- Susan Murphy Wickens companies Paddy Hynes a retired Carron Burren, where, as the author shows, different from those of Britain tact. For DNA studies have re- local aged 84 shares his memories Rob van Tulder, Rob van an EU LIFE initiative and subse- and Europe. vealed that the population of of life and farming in the Burren. In Tilburg, Mara Francken and quent Farming for Conservation The editors have ably woven Arctic Sandwort (Arenaria Sustainable Communities his early years at school each fam- Andrea da Rosa programme, with other ecotourism together the work of 25 contribu- norvegica) on Ben Bulbin may Creating a durable local ily paid 2 shillings each week for and landscape initiatives, is doing tors, making the book eminently have existed there for hundreds of Earthscan from Routledge coal. His mother made the clothes economy much to protect both countryside readable yet retaining a strong sci- thousands of years! The story con- for himself and his four sisters and www.routledge.com and local livelihoods. entific base. After a general look at tinues with the recolonisation of Rhonda Phillips, Bruce F. he spoke of how his father bought a In the wake of the collapse of habitats, Chapters 4-15 cover the Ireland by trees, clearing by farm- Seifer & Ed Antczak ISBN: 978-0-415-71613-0 suit for £1 and a hat for 1 shilling the Irish property bubble, this whole range of wetland, bogland, ers, climate change and the rise after selling a heifer for £13 at En- Routledge 2014/£26.99 book is an important contribution heath, woodland, farmland, coasts and fall of rural societies, includ- nistymon fair. He also tells of learn- This book is to debate about the future of Ire- and over-expanding urban habi- ing the monastic ‘Golden Age’, www.routledge.com ing how to plough with horses, about how sustain- land’s remarkable, irreplaceable tats. For birds, habitat structure which saw agriculture and settle- ISBN: 978-0-415-82017-2 about the local postman, the ability within or- and evocative landscape. (e.g. dead wood) is as important as ments expanding, the arrival of the weather man and much more. 2013/£24.99 ganisations can be John Akeroyd vegetation composition, and they Vikings, who developed trade and We learn about the Burren Atlas shaped. It uses a are remarkably adaptable to man- towns. There are essays on bog "Top City for the Project which is surveying the made structures and activities. burials, drystone walls, tree-ring Next Decade", study of 20 large large number of unrecorded ar- The Birds of Ireland Chapter 16 considers a series of analysis and the fateful potato; "Happiest Small companies based chaeological remains surviving on A Field Guide management case histories, most also the history of mapping the City in US", "10th in the Netherlands, spread over 20 the Burren uplands. This project but not all successful, while Chap- Irish landscape, notably the Ord- lowest unemploy- different sectors, to find out how may enthuse people in other areas By Jim Wilson ter 17 looks into the vexed issue of nance Survey. One on Famine and ment rate in the na- they dealt with this process. The throughout the country to follow Photographs by Mark Carmody climate change. The text is copi- Landscape outlines the profound tion" and second companies include Philips (elec- suit. Other articles include The The Collins Press, ously illustrated with photos of changes wrought by the hungry lowest foreclosure rate in the US tronics), Port of Rotterdam (har- Burren Community Charter, Caher in association with habitats and birds in their habitats, 1840s, followed by depopulation in 2010 – that city is Burlington, bour infrastructure), Royal River – a portrait; Growing veg- BirdWatch Ireland and simple statistical tables provide and the emergence of today’s Irish Vermont, USA. Thirty years ago FrieslandCampina (dairy prod- gies on Fertile Rocks. Yes, another hard data. There is a checklist of rural scene. this city embarked on a new ap- ucts), Rabobank (banking) and superb issue on the Burren. www.collinspress.ie Irish birds, and the book ends with The editors and authors take up proach to community and eco- Unilever (food processing). As Matt Murphy ISBN: 978-184889-179-1 a thorough 22-page bibliography. themes earlier explored in the nomic development with the stated however it does not imply mission of fostering economic vi- 2013/€14.99/ pp 272 Chapter 18 is at the core of the work of polymath Frank Mitchell these companies have actually book, providing a synthesis of pre- tality: preserving and enhancing Landscape and Society in Here is both a in the 1970s–1980s, in editions of achieved sustainability and thus vious chapters, summarising the neighbourhoods, quality of life Contemporary Ireland concise, hand- The Irish Landscape. Reaping the can be considered 'best practice'. distinctness of the Irish bird fauna fruits of subsequent research and and the environment. The authors somely illustrated, Rather they provide 'relevant prac- (for example, many European modern technology, they and RTE briefly review specific economic Brendan McGrath up-to-date account tice' because of their frontrunner woodland birds occur in farmland have been able to take the story to development strategies and these Cork University Press of Ireland’s birds status. At the beginning of each or urban areas in Ireland), and look- an even wider audience, bringing are outlined in 10 steps, with a and model field chapter there is a synopsis 'This ISBN: 978-190900-571-6 ing to the future. One happy trend the distant past to life. number of suggestions for each. guide. Layout and is the increase in recent colonists These strategies alone make pur- chapter in two minutes", which 2013/€39.00 John Akeroyd presentation are such as Reed Warbler, Little Egret chasing the book worthwhile for makes the book extremely accessi- The author, a imaginative, with, for each and Great Spotted Woodpecker. communities. In his Foreword to ble and allows the reader to quickly profession planner, species, carefully assembled pho- Conversely, some ‘traditional’ farm The Sea Garden the book US Senator Bernie access relevant information. There examines the tographs that show life history and birds such as Corncrake and Yel- A Guide to Seaweed Sanders said "But I do hope that are 9 chapters in all – one and two threats to Ireland’s seasonal variation. An information lowhammer are threatened. This Cookery & Foraging people will absorb what I think is assess the state of the world regard- landscape from bar presents basic data: size, best book provides a firm basis for fu- the book's most important, and ing sustainability issues and elabo- modern planning season to see, breeding status and ture work by professional scientists Marie Power proven, message – that when you rate on the idea of sustainable and development. habitat. Then follow short notes on and their small array of non-profes- work to meet the needs of all resi- development. Ways the phenome- www.theseagardener.ie He looks into the uneasy relation- general appearance, flight and sional volunteers. dents, a city will shine in a special non can be explained are looked at, ship between today’s Irish society voice. The book provides exactly John Akeroyd ISBN: 978-0-9575020-0-0 way, and will become an inviting particularly its increasing impor- and the spaces it inhabits, and how place where others will want to the information required, without 2013/€14.50 inc p&p tance to companies. Chapter 3 fo- different people view the land- visit, live, and do business." excessive detail or digression. Not everyone is cuses on the arguments in favour of scapes about them. Historic and Secrets of the Irish The first chapter focuses on the Coverage is comprehensive (over confident about sustainable enterprise, on ways that semi-natural landscapes are Landscape political economy sector and how 260 species) and pages are set in- bringing home it adds value and how companies deeply rooted in the culture of Ire- that influences so many other as- side for shorter accounts of those The Story of the Irish seaweeds from the can capitalise on that. Chapter 4 is land but, as he says, even bogs (so pects of community economic de- rare birds that can so easily turn shore and cooking about the transition to a sustainable central to government carbon pol- Landscape is the Story of velopment. Chapter Two centres up. A short introduction covers with them. What enterprise and describes an in- icy) find little public support. Ireland on employee-owned enterprises, basic identification, equipment seaweeds can be depth model. Further chapters go Leisure has replaced livelihood in buy local campaigns and a living and bird conservation; and at the Matthew Jebb and Colm eaten, where on deeper into the role of external the countryside, suburban sprawl wage ordinance. Chapter 3 shows end are lists of useful websites and the shore do you find them and stakeholders and provide insight and a car culture are the norm, and Crowley (eds). the importance of including all in twitter accounts, a basic bibliogra- how can a green, red or brown into the way in which companies dispersed housing has a major im- Cork University Press/Atrium the economy. Also it details how phy and indices of English, Irish slimy algae be turned into a tempt- pact. The book weighs this materi- to expand women entrepreneurial move through the phases to finally ISBN: 978-1-78205-010-0 ing dish? The Sea Garden – A alist perspective against the “sense and Latin names. Best of all the skills. Chapter 4 is about fostering realise the transition to higher lev- guide to Seaweed Cookery & For- of place” defined by the late Sea- book relates (unlike most bird and 2012/€29.00 community development. Chapter els of sustainability. This book pro- aging is a really friendly and ac- mus Heaney and others. The au- flowers guides) specifically to Ire- The Irish Landscape has a fasci- 5, 6 and 7 outline the social and vides excellent models and lessons cessible book for someone starting thor quotes writer Nuala land. This sturdy paperback also nating, complex history that feeds environmentally sustainable econ- on how to achieve a sustainable en- out on this culinary adventure. By O’Faoilain: “I am watching the fits well in the pocket. into science, culture and national omy sector. Chapter 8 sums up les- terprise. transformation of one Irish town- John Akeroyd only featuring 10 easily found and Matt Murphy SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______25 THE GREY WOLF (Canis lupus) in Ireland By Dr Kieran Hickey wolves. So taking the county of Cork Cormac’s wells came into being. you have Knockane (Cnoc Mhic Other sources of wolf evidence WOLVES had been in Ireland for a Tíre) which translates as Wolf Hill, include ogham stones, personal very long time and dated bones mac tíre being the modern Irish for a names, heraldic crests and family stretch their existence here back well wolf. There is also Breaghna in the mottos, the Brehon laws, Irish myths into the last ice age. Modern day parish of Desertserges and Britway and legends, modern day folklore as Arctic wolves, a subspecies of the both derived from breaghy meaning well as literary evidence.

Gray wolf (Canis lupus), still sur- wolf plain or wolf field and the most The last wolf Images courtesy of Gary Wilson common element in wolf place Grey wolves at Dublin Zoo, 2011. vive and thrive today in similar Hunting of wolves was carried out names across the country. Near the environmental conditions to Ire- by Robert Boyle, the Great Earl of Mine Road outside Durrus you even land’s at that time. Wolf bones show Cork in the early 1600s on the Knock- have Wolf Hill showing that wolves up in a number of archaeological mealdown Mountains (Townshend, survived down in the modern era. sites from the arrival of the first 1904). This area along with many Irish saints have long been associ- humans into Ireland. Firstly, of others also has claims for the last ated with wolves including Saint course they could be the remains of wolf in Ireland with the last claim as Patrick, Saint Colman, Saint Laisren, wolf kills, either hunted as a trophy late as 1770. The most reasonably Saint Canice and others. Wolves were or more likely hunted because of reliable claim for the last remaining associated with the devil in Ireland their predation of domestic animals wolf is in 1786 and comes from especially sheep and their potential and have taken the place of the snake Mount Leinster on the border of Car- threat to humans. However, the tro- in other cultures. Because wolves low and Wexford counties. However phy possibility should not be denned in the ground and the old Irish at this stage there will never be discounted and a wolf skin would legends state that access to the under- absolute certainty on when the last make a very attractive animal pelt world was through caves wolves wild wolf in Ireland died out. were seen as denizens of both worlds and possibly even a very potent sym- The extermination of the wolf in bol. Secondly, if wolves are present and powerful as a result. So a saint or in an area it is possible that wolf holy man who could talk to and nego- Ireland cubs may have been taken and tamed tiate with wolves was showing his The first factor is fear, mostly from Group bonding; one of the core reasons why wolf packs are so formidable. to be used for hunting or fighting power. However, some of the wolf the new settlers in Ireland in the Galway, where wolves along with human population would also have and again adopted as a status sym- encounters, or indeed their werewolf 1600’s but the Irish too were very ravens, crows and birds of prey were added to the pressure on wolf popu- bol. The Brehon laws from the encounters, were very strange indeed. wary of wolves. This fear was due to recorded as eating the dead. lations. It is likely that wolves second half of the first millennium Saint Cormac was originally born a number of factors including their The bounties for wolves of the became isolated in pockets as there refer to wolves being kept as pets by near the mouth of the in ferocious hunting reputation, their Cromwellian era were very substan- pressures grew and eventually each Irish chieftains. Cork. He built a church and tower targeting of the old, the sick, the near the Silver River, County Offaly. injured and the young – especially tial and although it is impossible to pocket whether through hunting or Cultural connections Bizarrely, he initially spotted two during famines and after battles. The make an exact comparison in mod- other pressures or inbreeding would Culturally, evidence shows black snails crawling up the side of eating of dead human and animal ern day money some calculations cease to exist and eventually there wolves have been very important in the tower. Terrified, Saint Cormac flesh, and their reputation for skulk- can be carried out: the bounty for an were no pockets left apart from Ireland although much of this infor- jumped from the tower and ran away ing around graveyards, also lent the adult female wolf was £6 or 560 maybe a few stray individuals who mation is forgotten or difficult to only for the snails to turn into wolves, wolf an unsettling air. An example of euro in today’s money; an adult lasted a little longer. access due to language issues. For chase him down and kill him. Every- their scavenging activity followed male £5 or 460 euro; a hunting Final comments the Battle of Bel-an-Chip in 1573 in juvenile 40 shillings or 185 euro; example, a wide variety of place where a drop of his blood fell a well The wolf is gone from the land- names includes references to was created and this is how Saint the townland of Tawnaleen in County and a cub 10 shillings or 47 euro. In this context, an interesting new scape of Ireland apart from a record of bounty payments comes magnificent pack in Dublin Zoo. from the Council Book of the Cor- Whether that is a good or a bad poration of from 1676 and thing is hard to know. The Ireland shows that the wolves in this area of today is a very different place to were probably a problem to farm- the last time wolves were around ers. On the 29th of July 1676 it was but nevertheless we must remem- ordered by the late Justices of the ber that our recent ancestors heard Assize that £3, 15s and 4d be paid the howling of wolves on clear by the Mayor of Youghal out of the moonlit nights when sound travels town revenue towards the taking of furthest. They may have even wolves. Clearly wolves were being caught a fleeting glimpse of them actively targeted in this area every now and again, especially although it is hard to work out how those who lived in or near wilder- many wolves this bounty repre- ness areas. The current, significant sented and whether it included difficulties in re-introducing our some of the hunting costs involved, recently lost birds of prey, such as which is likely. There was even the the Golden Eagle, should make us arrival of a few professional wolf think long and hard about the pos- hunters into Ireland. sibility of re-introducing the wolf The radical reshaping of the land- back into Ireland, the last great land scape of Ireland from the 1600’s predator that we lost. onwards including extensive defor- estation, drainage, creation of large Kieran Hickey is a Lecturer in estates would have put wolves Physical Geography, Department of under enormous pressure as areas of Geography, NUI Galway. His book, refuge and breeding sites would Wolves in Ireland: A Natural and have diminished significantly. With Cultural History, is published by the building of large houses on the Four Courts Press estates they would have trans- www.fourcourtspress.ie formed the land to something Paperback, 2013. familiar to what we know today but not reflective of the wildness of ISBN: 978-1-84682-423-4 € many areas in Ireland prior to the Price: 14.95 1600’s. Finally generally rising 26 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 JUNIOR PAGES

Where did the Sea come from? Some scientists believe that the water which now covers over 70% of our planet was formed here on Earth. This was thought to have happened when hydrogen (the small 'H' atoms in the cartoon on the left) in Earth's primal atmosphere reacted with the larger oxygen atoms (represented by the yellow 'O' atoms) found in oxides in our planet's crust to form molecules of

water (H2O). According to this theory, water vapour then burst up through the crust of the Earth through volcanoes, cooled to a liquid and ran to the lowest point it could reach, forming lakes, oceans and sea. As it went, it took dissolved minerals from the rocks over which it flowed, which included the salts that make seawater salty (see below). Other scientists are convinced that water was brought to this planet from outer space by water-rich asteroids and comets hitting its surface around 3.8 billion years ago in the form of ice. This is because the water molecules found on earth contain a special type of hydrogen atom called 'Deuterium' in the

John Joyce same ratio as water detected frozen as ice on comets and asteroids.

 Images

Why is the Sea Salty? Over 200 years ago the French pioneer of modern chemistry Antoine Lavoisier suggested that the salt in seawater was 'the rinsings of Earth' and had been washed there by John Joyce from the land by way of rain, streams and For more Fun Facts check out www.spindriftpress.com rivers. Modern scientists know that this is only Why are there part of the answer, since the salts in seawater contain high levels of sulphur and 'Seven Seas'? chlorine, which could not have come from Copyright John Joyce Today our planet has what are called the simple weathering and must have come from 'Seven Seas' or oceans – the North Pacific, volcanoes which spew out gases containing the South Pacific, the North Atlantic, the both chlorine and sulphur. South Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, the These volcanoes occur not only on land, but Southern Ocean (around the South Pole, and deep under the ocean where the great the Arctic Ocean. 'tectonic plates' of solid rock that cover our As long ago as 1596 the Flemish map maker planet meet. Seawater flows down between and geographer Abraham Ortels, who created these plates, is heated under pressure to well the first modern atlas of the world, above boiling point and spews back out into suggested that the continents that make up the ocean, taking rich amounts of minerals the land mass of Earth were all part of one such as sulphur and chlorine with it. single land mass before drifting apart into their present locations. This theory was expanded upon by a number of other geographers who observed that the continents seemed to 'fit together' into a single landmass. Then, in 1912 the German geologist Alfred Wegener made a presentation to the German Geological Society suggesting that millions of years ago there was only one ocean, surrounding a huge, single land mass or 'supercontinent' called Pangaea (meaning 'All Land'). His theory – known as 'Continental Drift' or 'Plate Tectonics' – was that this land mass, was sitting on a thin crust of solid rock above the molten core of the planet, like the chocolate around a cream-filled Easter egg. Over millions of years, the thin surface rock cracked apart along a number of 'seams' into a number of gigantic 'tectonic plates' the size of continents, which floated apart over some 200 million years. Each 'seam' can be seen today as the mid-ocean ridges that form the boundary between each tectonic plate and are the sites of enormous mountain ridges and volcanic upwellings of molten rock many times longer and taller than any mountain range above water. SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______27 Learn about birds with BirdWatch Ireland RINGING BIRDS

Feeding Wild Birds Leaflet Download this leaflet from the Learn about Birds Have you spotted section on BirdWatch Ireland’s website at www.birdwatchireland.ie a ringed bird? We can learn a great deal about birds by observing and Learn how to identify the birds in your garden counting them, but in order to investigate things like with our Free Garden Bird Charts. Send a SAE how long they live and where and when they move, we to: BirdWatch Ireland, P.O. Box 12, Greystones, need to identify individuals. Ringing birds with light- Co. Wicklow. weight colour and/ or uniquely numbered rings allows us to investigate the life-history traits of individual birds and to track them over time. BirdWatch Ireland has In general, bird ringing involves placing a metal ring on over 10,000 members and a bird’s leg. While these rings are uniquely numbered, has branches throughout the inscription is very difficult, if not impossible, to the country which read in the field, and so the bird must be recaptured in organise events and order to learn anything from it. However, the use of outings in your area. Why colour-rings negates the need to recapture birds, as Note the inscribed colour ring on the not get your school to these conspicuous rings can be right leg of this Mediterranean Gull. join? Write to us or visit our website for details: read in the field using a telescope www.birdwatchireland.ie or a camera. This means that researchers and birdwatchers can identify individual birds numerous BirdWatch Ireland has two educational web times with minimum disturbance to sites, catering for learning about birds in schools. their behaviour. Some of the larger species (principally the 0 Visit the Working with Birds web site to geese) can be fitted with neck col- learn about watching and feeding birds lars, as shown in the picture below.

Simply go to www.birdwatchireland.ie and go to the ‘learn about birds’ section

BirdWatch Ireland, P.O. Box 12, Greystones, Where to report Co. Wicklow. Tel: 01–2819878 Fax: 01–2819763 your ringed bird Email: [email protected] If you come across a ringed bird, it might be from a scheme here in Some of the geese such as these Greylag Geese are fitted with neck collars – note A|AH & A|AA in this photo. Website: www.birdwatchireland.ie Ireland or in Britain. If you know what the species was, you may be able to track down the scheme yourself – check out the links on this page: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Birdwatching/Reportaringedbird/tabid/1309/Default.aspx for a full list of ringing programmes taking place in Ireland or others that include birds that occur here. Otherwise please consult the main Euring (www.euring.org) or Colour-Ringing (www.cr-birding.org) websites. Text and images courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland

F ree o pos f €5 tag 0.0 e on 0 o or r m der Sherkin Island Marine Station PUBLICATIONS ore! s

A Beginner’s Guide to Colour Books The Wild Plants of Bere, Ireland’s Wild Flowers A5 (softback) 32pp Dursey, Whiddy and other Islands in Bantry Bay ISBN-13: 978-1-870492-23-2 SB. 140mm x 100mm (208pp). €1.95 per book (plus p&p .60c) ISBN: 978-1-870492-48-5 SB 170 x 245 mm (240 pp) €7.50 (plus p&p €1.00) €12.00 for set of 8 (plus p&p €2.00) €19.99 (plus p&p €3.00) A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore Ireland’s Bird Life Ireland’s Hidden Depths ISBN-13: 978-1-870492-96-6 SB 140mm x 100mm (208pp). ISBN-13: 978-1-870492-80-5 SB A4 (160pp). ISBN: 978-1-870492-53-9. SB €7.00 (plus p&p €1.00) 277 x 227 mm (160 pp). €14.00 (plus p&p €3.00) Special Offer: €10.00 The Natural History of Sherkin Island, (was €17.99) (plus p&p €3.00) West Cork – An Introduction ISBN-13: 978-1-870492-38-6 SB 208 mm x 98 mm (72 pp). The Wild Plants of Sherkin, Sherkin Comment €2.00 (plus p&p €1.35) Cape Clear and adjacent Islands of West Cork ISSN: 0791-2447 Subscription €7.50 ISBN: 1 870492 86 2 SB (206 pp) On the Water’s Edge (4 issues per sub – p&p included) €6.00Special Offer (plus p&p €3.00) €6.00 Special Offer (plus p&p €1.30)

NEW Books can be ordered through An A to Z of Geology Supplement Paypal from the Station’s website www.sherkinmarine.ie ISBN: 978-1-870492-33-1 A4 SB 24pp ISBN: 978-1-870492-58-4 SB 246mm x 170mm (36pp). or contact us at Sherkin Island Marine Station, €5.99 (plus p&p €1.00) €5.00 (post free) Sherkin Island, Co Cork. Tel: 028-20187 Email: [email protected] 28 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56

A Selection of Winning Entries Sherkin Island Marine Station’s Environmental Competition for Primary School Children in Munster 2013

Sponsors: Dept. of the Environment, Community & Local Government; Bord Iascaigh Mhara; City Print; Cork City Council; Cork County Council;Evening Echo; Inland Fisheries Ireland; Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd; Nature’s Web (www.naturesweb.ie); Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals; Sherkin Comment. SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______29 Native & Non-Native Species

What is the difference MOST UNWANTED! between Native and Non-Native Species? Images courtesy of Robbie Murphy INVASIVE SPECIES SINCE people began travelling around the world, they have intentionally WHEN the ice began to melt 10,000 years ago, fol- or accidentally brought non-native species with them to other countries. lowing the last Ice Age, animals and plants migrated These species are now travelling further than they naturally would, over landbridges from the rest of Europe. As the often finding themselves in new environments in which they are able to sea levels rose, Ireland was soon cut off and the thrive. With few natural enemies and little else to stop them reproduc- species of animals and plants that then existed ing over and over again, they sometimes take over these new here became known as native species. Some of environments. Eventually, if they are not stopped, they can totally dom- these species, such as the giant Irish deer and the inate large areas, destroying habitats that are really important for wolf, died out over time, but others survived. native species, and sometimes destroying the native species themselves. Today, species native to Ire- These species are known as invasive species. In Ireland, there are a num- land include badger, hedgehog, Fuchsia, also a common red deer, otter, Irish oak, sight in Irish hedgerows, is ber of organisations working together to help identify and locate these a not native to Ireland. It invasive species, as well as finding ways to limit their impact. Check out birch, hazel, elm, dandelion, was introduced here from buttercup, bluebells and fox- South America and has www.invasivespeciesireland.com and www.invasives.biodiversityireland.ie now naturalised. and www.fisheriesireland.ie/Invasive-Species/invasive-species.html. glove, to name but a few! The four species below are just a sample of the invasive species threat- When man arrived in Ireland, he started to bring ening Ireland’s native species: with him animals and plants from other parts of the world. Many of these species have since become American Grey Squirrel Rhododendron established here and are known as non-native species. This list is long but includes sycamore, fuchsia, mink, grey squirrels and brown rats. Many non-native species have lived happily alongside our Hawthorn is a species that is native to Ireland and is a native species, however that is not the case for all common sight in Irish of them. hedgerows. Image courtesy of Robbie Murphy Image courtesy of Robbie Murphy

ORIGIN: North America. Six ORIGIN: Native to Europe and pairs were brought from England Asia (Spain & Turkey) and came to and release in Co. Longford in 1911. Ireland as a garden plant. FIRST IRISH RECORD: 1911 FIRST IRISH RECORD: Not known FOUND: Prefers mature wood- FOUND: Found in gardens and lands, but also found in urban and forests throughout Ireland. rural areas. IMPACT: Rhododendron form IMPACT: Threatens the native dense growth, making it hard for Red Squirrel as they out-compete native plants to grow. Also pro- them. Can damage woodlands. duces toxins which are poisonous to herbivores. Zebra Mussels Japanese Knotweed Image courtesy of USGS Image courtesy of Robbie Murphy ORIGIN: Spread from the Caspian Sea into Europe in 17th ORIGIN: Asia century. Thought to have come FIRST IRISH RECORD: Not known into Ireland from the UK or the FOUND: Along watercourses, Netherlands on boats. transport routes and waste FIRST IRISH RECORD: 1997 ground. FOUND: Marine habitats, in many IMPACT: Has no natural enemies. northern and western freshwater A strong, rapidly growing plant systems in Ireland. that outcompetes native IMPACT: Eating food of native plants. Causes damage to tarmac species, changing native ecosys- and concrete and can act as a bar- tems, blocking water intake pipes rier in the movement of wildlife. and boat motors. Reproduced from Nature’s Web www.naturesweb.ie – Autumn 2010 – www.naturesweb.ie Web Nature’s from Reproduced 30 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 GAISCE is in Business

GAISCE – The President’s Award which was established by the Government in football, walking, golf swim- 1985 as a challenge to young people aged fifteen to twenty five to set and achieve ming, triathlon, step aerobics goals for themselves has now extended into business for the first time. Recently the and Zumba dancing. very first Gaisce Awards were presented to seventeen Tesco staff trainee managers Adventure: Probably the The proud Awardees and supporters. through their Options Career Development programme. most challenging was the Adventure journey around the The Awardees from right that is why we are delighted ing the resilience that is Wicklow Way in harsh around the country were hon- to be a fully committed sup- required on an everyday basis weather conditions based at oured at a special ceremony porter of the Gaisce and you have all learned a lot Knockree with hiking through and lunch in Dublin’s Gresham programme.’ Geoff continued about this over the past year.’ Enniskerry and Glencree. Hotel where the Bronze medals ‘Like Gaisce we encourage Examples of the activities Many of these Awardees were presented by Gaisce CEO our colleagues to set their undertaken in the four areas will go on now to do their Anna Coyle and the Bronze own personal goals. Gaisce is of activity are as follows: Gaisce Silver Award while the certificates, signed by President about your own personal chal- Community Involvement: great news has just been Higgins, were presented by lenge in four different areas of Assisting with meals on announced that a new batch of Geraldine Casey, Tesco’s Oper- activity.You are not compet- wheels, helping in a nursing thirty seven trainees are com- ations Director. ing against anyone but home, acting as a football mencing on their Bronze.This Addressing the audience of yourself – it’s your own jour- coach, volunteering in a char- progression and wave of new Awardees, family, friends and ney and development.We ity shop, helping in a entries will strengthen the Tesco’s President’s Award want our colleagues to be community centre, being a programme and have a wide Leaders (PALs), the Person- proactive ambassadors in youth leader, creche assistant. ranging influence on Tesco’s nel and Business Change local communities. We work Personal Skills: Develop- impact in the Community Director of Tesco, Geoff tirelessly with hundreds of ing communication, planning, Involvement element of the Byrne, stated ‘We encourage communities across Ireland. organisational and team work programme. and believe in self-develop- This is why Tesco and Gaisce skills in the Options pro- At the Award ceremony, ment and in helping our fit. Community is at the heart gramme. John T. Murphy, Director of Development with Gaisce

people develop themselves as of what we both do.The Physical Recreation: Award Images courtesy of Gaisce the President’s individuals and as members Gaisce programme is a very Keeping fit through participa- said: ‘This has been a strong start and a milestone in many Tesco Operations Director, Geraldine Casey, Bronze Awardee, Lauren of their communities. And practical way of demonstrat- tion in handball, fishing, gym, Ryder from Bray, Co Wicklow and Anna Coyle CEO, Gaisce – The ways for our relationship with President's Award. Tesco and with a foundation like this the Award will pros- the valuable training provided Emma Jane Lowe, Rachael per within for a long time to for Tesco’s President’s Award McGrath, Paul McLoughlin, come.We would particularly Leaders.’ Shane McLoughlin, Sarah like to thank Nuala Murphy The Awardees are: Geoff Louise Murphy, Niall Pren- who has acted as the overall Atkinson, Dainis Bergmanis, dergast and Lauren Ryder. Programme co-ordinator Jonathan Cannings, Mark within Tesco for the partici- Drew, Karen Finnegan, Laura For more information on the pants and their personnel Hayden, Chris Heeney, Award programme see managers and also Marion Shauna Hyland, Shane www.gaisce.ie Irwin-Gowran of Gaise for Kennedy, Craig Lancaster,

Geoff Byrne,Tesco Personnel The Bronze medals and certificates. and Business Change Director addressing the audience.

Download a free and exciting newsletter for children, featuring interesting and informative news on nature and the environment.

Produced by Sherkin Island Marine Station Visit www.naturesweb.ie SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 ______31 r The Great Jou ney South n early autumn, swallows Ibegin their long migration from Ireland to South Africa, travelling up to 200 miles (322km) per day. We know that swallows make this journey because for many, many years people have been placing special rings, with unique codes, on the legs of birds to keep track of their movements (see page 27). To travel with the swallows on their long journey to South Africa, you will need markers and a dice. Place a marker for each player on the map of Ireland. Just like a swallow must wait until it has eaten enough food before it begins its journey, so too must you wait to throw a six before you can begin. Then follow the instructions for each square and the first person to land on the map of Africa wins!

© 2013 Sherkin Island Marine Station & its licensors. All rights reserved. 32 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2013 Issue No 56 Understanding Our Oceans

all the fish's reproductive efforts throughout its By Mike Ludwig life have to survive and grow to maturity to maintain a population at its current level. What WE are slowly expanding our knowledge about happens to all the others that don't survive is the nature and functions of the open oceans of immaterial because we have the two survivors our world. But although they cover about sev- sustaining the population. However, with more enty percent of the earth's surface we remain disappointedly ignorant of what happens and more people seeking relatively inexpensive and nutritionally beneficial fish, we need each beneath their surfaces. In much of those waters lecting long-term data and the growing diffi- salmon farming as a source of disease and par- surviving pair of fish to produce more and more we know more about the topography than how culty in obtaining sufficient research dollars to asites that can attack juveniles traveling to sea young that survive to maturity so that they can it and the water are used by living aquatic undertake studies typically means that only the past the farms as they move offshore for their reproduce more and more future population resources. What are the ecological functions most important or valuable species get this ele- maturation. However, the Connecticut River and values of a site that draw species to it or vated level of study. Bluefin tuna is the most stock did not have any salmon farms to pass. members. But, which are the chosen pair and how those attributes support organisms once valuable species swimming in the open ocean The fish went to seas as healthy "smolt" (the how does one protect them when they leave they get there? We have learned recently that because of its use in ethnic foods, particularly lifestage that migrate to sea) and simply disap- home? And, if a population is declining, how there are resource congregation points in virtu- as raw flesh and its disappearing from our peared. One explanation of the problem is that has one or both of the two replacements failed ally every ocean. Fish seem to find these areas oceans. It gets very special attention. hatchery reared fish are dumber than wild fish. to survive and grow to maturity? Just as we important. They return year after year, but Of increasing interest is another species that Because hatchery fish don't experience the nat- worry about our children going out without a why? What makes a place a congregation site? travels widely and has particular importance to ural threats to life until they leave the hatchery way to contact us for help or guidance scientists Sometimes we can see that it has to do with the the recreational fishing community; the the juveniles are ill prepared to meet life's chal- are or should be asking; how can we help our physical characteristics of the site. Currents Atlantic salmon. Their continued decline in lenges. The problem with that is that most of fish survive in the world beyond the home river create unique habitats and food may be more numbers and use of rivers for spawning reflects the natural deaths in a fish's lifetime occur dur- or hatchery door? We need to know what is readily available. But more often than not there their shrinking numbers and range. Without a ing their earliest lifestages. Eggs sitting on the causing species such as Bluefin tuna and are no clearly identifiable attributes acting to definitive explanation for the decline, theories bottom, larval an juvenile fish in the water col- Atlantic salmon to decline in order to enable us lure or retain a species at a site. We need more abound but virtually all of them lack the sup- umn are subjected to natural forces from water to stabilize or increase their populations and information. This is particularly true for some port of hard facts. For instance we are releasing temperatures, storms and droughts as well as insure our fishing enjoyment. Hey, we spent of our most sought after and prized finfish millions of juveniles from coastal hatcheries predation by predatory species that can account millions cleaning up the ocean and rivers. It species. Tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish but the number that return to the home rivers do for complete loss of all the individuals seems silly to now see that the waterways are are considered highly desirable but they are not support the continued use of the practice. spawned in a single year. It is typically held cleaner but empty of the very resources we also highly migratory. They travel widely So, after forty-five years of attempting to that only about 10 percent of a spawn live to worked so hard to provide for them. throughout their lifecycles. Tagging and satel- restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut migrate to sea. One in ten individuals is pretty lite tracking some of these species such as River at an annual cost of several million dol- bad odds. Hatcheries can improve the survival individual Atlantic bluefin tuna is beginning to lars, failure was accepted and the restoration to migration rate to more than 50 percent! Mike Ludwig, Ocean and Coastal reveal their habits and activities during their program shifted to other species. However, It has always been important to realize that Consultants, Inc., 35 Corporate Drive, Suite travels. But these more closely investigated why the fish didn't return remains an unan- even though the average fish may produce thou- 1200, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA. species are in the smallest of minorities. Col- swered question. Some areas can point to sands of eggs per spawning event only two from www.ocean-coastal.com