Sherkin Comment

SHERKIN COMMENT

Issue No. 35 Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station 2003

INSIDE The Ecology of the Rocky Shores of Sherkin Island Development & Heritage Protection - A Balanced Approach

The Search for Red Blenny

Coolim, Roaringwater Bay, Co. Cork. Photograph: Robbie Murphy Page 2...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Contents Editorial Editorial: A Major Investment in Wastewater Infrastructure ...... 2 Matt Murphy highlights the major investment in wastewater infrastructure in Ireland. A Major Investment in Herring Gulls: Their Rise and Fall...... 3 Oscar Merne talks about the decline in herring gull numbers in Ireland. Elements of Medicine ...... 4 Wastewater Infrastructure The medicinal properties of some chemical elements are outlined by Anthony Toole. Pipeline Installation in Aquatic Settings ...... 5 By Matt Murphy quality of Irish coastal waters. It will give examine other environmental issues that Michael Ludwig outlines the problems encountered. Dublin City a range of Blue Flag beaches need an enlightened approach. The EU The Search for Red Blenny right on the doorstep. By the end of this have taken legal proceedings against Ire- EARLIER in the year the Minister for year Cork, Limerick, Galway and Wex- land under the Groundwater, Birds and - Climatic Change or Insufficient Data? ...... 6 the Environment, Heritage and Local ford will also have new wastewater Habitats Directive. There are genuine Paul Kay’s photography reveals a hidden species. Government, Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D., treatment plants in place and opera- issues to be addressed, especially: ICE ...... 8 outlined a major investment programme tional”. • Inadequate designation of SPAs (Spe- A chilling experience for John Gore-Grimes and his in sewerage infrastructure. Because of Since 2000, Local Authorities have cial Protected Areas) for dispersed crew. the significance of such a programme for seen the completion of new wastewater and migratory bird species. Highlights from An Bord Pleanála’s Annual Report ...... 10 the good of the environment, this edito- facilities at the major coastal towns of • Inadequate protection of SACs (Spe- Some of the Planning Board’s achievements for 2002. rial will highlight the important aspects Dundalk, Drogheda, Midleton, Westport cial Areas of Conservation) and of Two Sides to Every Flatfish...... 11 of the sewerage programme. and Courtown/Riverchapel. In addition to non-native bird species. Declan Quigley looks at abnormalities in flatfish. This investment programme 2003- Dublin, state-of-the-art treatment facili- 2005 will cover 434 wastewater schemes. ties are in place and operational in Cork, Carlow 5 Oleg Polunin and Sherkin Island...... 12 It is funded under the National Develop- Limerick, Galway and Wexford and Cavan 11 John Akeroyd talks of the legacy left by a great ment Plan, which will ensure every single many other smaller urbans. Other major botanist. Clare 20 location in the country with a population projects under construction, or due to Cork 61 Litter and the Law...... 13 equivalent greater than 1000 will have its start to include new sewerage schemes Donegal 48 Another informative leaflet from ENFO. own waste water treatment plant. for Bantry, Bray/Shanganagh, Dungar- Dublin 27 Do Plants Make Good Mothers?...... 14 If this programme is delivered it will van, Portlaoise, Sligo, Thurles, Tramore, Rosie Solbé discuss the mother/daughter relationship be a remarkable turnaround from what Tullamore and Waterford. Galway 39 in plants. prevailed up to relatively recently Huge steps have and are being taken Kerry 11 Development & Heritage Protection where some of our major cities and by the Minister and his Department, Kildare 11 - A Balanced Approach ...... 15 towns were discharging wastewater surely it is time for those that want more Kilkenny 8 with little, or in some cases, no treat- Cork City’s Manager discusses planning in the city. environment care of our country to be Laois 8 ment. There will thus be an increase in more positive in reaction to investments The Ecology of the Rocky Shores of Sherkin Island Leitrim 5 Ireland’s compliance with the 2005 EU by Government and Local Authorities. Limerick 12 - A Twenty-Year Perspective ...... 16/17 Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive Maybe a little more of looking at a glass Longford 8 Sherkin Island Marine Station’s launches a major (UWTD) standard from 25% at the start half full rather than half empty would be work. of the NDP, to the current level of 69%, a better approach. As a people we rarely Louth 9 The Great Whale Debate ...... 18 and a projected 87% compliance rate give credit for achievements. This new Mayo 25 Compromise is essential, writes Alex Kirby. by the end of 2003. Full compliance is programme for 2003-2005 deserves Meath 12 Single Rural Houses ...... 19 anticipated by the end of 2005. praise if it achieves its goal by 2005 or Monaghan 8 Catherine McMullin says “a one size fits all The Minister pointed out that “the even 2006. Then the quality of Ireland’s Offaly 10 solution will not work”. great strides” to eliminate discharges of lakes, rivers and coastal waters will have Roscommon 7 untreated sewage to the sea from the improved greatly. Waste Management in Ireland ...... 20 Sligo 13 main towns and cities around the coast. The Minister and his predecessor have The EPA’s Director General speaks out on waste. Tipperary 22 “The Ringsend Treatment Plant in taken major decisions on environment Waterford 18 Bloomeries & Cornish Chimneys Dublin, is a prime example. This new care, such as the plastic bag, recycling, - Industrial West Cork and Kerry ...... 21 plant, built at a cost of €286 million will the Water Services programme, and now Westmeath 14 Daphne Pochin Mould talks about a museum of deal with the wastewater treatment the Sewerage initiative. At times both Wexford 15 metal working from the earliest times to now. requirements of all of Dublin City and have ruffled some feathers but have Wicklow 7 Nature on Irish Canals ...... 22 most of the Greater Dublin Region. It is shown that they had the courage to drive TOTAL 434 Exploring nature on the inland waterways. the biggest wastewater treatment plant forward often against opposition from Publications of Interest ...... 24 anywhere in the EU and will produce the many quarters. Wastewater Schemes in each County to Conservation and Education in Churchyards...... 25 single greatest improvement ever in the It is hoped that the Minister will now benefit from the new investment Jenifer Baker writes about a new approach to SUBSCRIPTION INCREASE understanding nature. Unfortunately due to ever-increasing postage costs we have had to increase the subscription rate for Sherkin Comment Junior Pages - Captain Cockle’s Log ...... 26 Captain Cockle brings us some amazing facts, with the help of John Joyce. SUBSCRIPTION FORM Feeding Wild Birds ...... 27 Declan Murphy from BirdWatch Ireland give us SHERKIN COMMENT is a quarterly publication of Sherkin I enclose cheque/postal order to the sum of €...... some vital information on winter feeding for birds. Island Marine Station aiming to promote the awareness of our Seared Trout with Tomato Coulis & Garlic Vinaigrette ....28 natural resources, their use and protection. Name ...... SUBSCRIPTION: to receive a year’s subscription to A delicious recipe from BIM. Address ...... Puzzle Page ...... 29 “Sherkin Comment”, please send a cheque or money order for €6.68 for Ireland and £6.00stg for the U.K. (sterling cheques ...... “Still Smiling” The President’s Award Army Survival Course ..30 accepted from UK); send €9.50 for Europe and €10.67 for the Claire Costigan writes about her adventures with ...... rest of the world (surface postage) - payable to Sherkin An Gaisce. Comment, Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Signature ...... Date ...... The Northern Lights ...... 31 Co. Cork. Ireland. Tel: 028-20187 Fax: 028-20407 Photographs by Robbie Murphy of this amazing E-mail: [email protected] STAFF: Publisher, Matt Murphy; Editor, Matt Murphy; phenomenon. Editorial Assistant, Susan Murphy Wickens; Please send a 1 year subscription - beginning with Issue Typesetting, Susan Murphy Wickens. Sherkin Island Marine Station Environmental No...... ISSN 0791-2447 © 2003 Competition Prizewinners 2003 ...... 32 Please send a 2 year subscription - beginning with Issue Sherkin Island Marine Station website: No...... http://homepage.eircom.net/~sherkinmarine Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 3 By Oscar Merne

ALTHOUGH one of the commonest of our seagulls there is a dearth of information on numbers in Ireland prior to 1969-70, when the first full survey and census of breeding seabirds was carried out in Britain and Ireland. At the end of the 19th century Herring Gulls were almost exclusively coastal in distribution, rarely appearing inland. By the mid- 20th century the species was regularly seen inland and a number of breeding colonies had been established, mainly on islands in large lakes such as Loughs Neagh, Corrib, Photos: © Oscar Merne Mask, Conn, Ree and Derg. One of the most dramatic declines has been recorded on Great Saltee Island, Following the Seabird 2000 survey and census, it has become clear that the Herring Gull Co. Wexford. situation in Ireland is alarming. There was also a general per- ception that numbers had Wicklow Head, the main increased in coastal areas, but colonies on the Co. Wicklow there is little quantitative infor- coast, now have but a handful mation available. The 1969-70 of breeding Herring Gulls. In survey and census produced a HERRING GULLS Northern Ireland there have grand total for Ireland of been major declines on Rathlin 59,700 breeding pairs, though Island, the Copeland Islands this did not include the rela- and at Strangford Lough. tively small numbers breeding THEIR RISE AND FALL I mentioned earlier the inland. culling of Herring Gulls on The overall increase in ing waste (offal, discards), peak in Herring Gull numbers, Seabird 2000 survey and cen- been recorded at the well- Lambay Island. It has to be numbers of Herring Gulls in rubbish dumps, sewage out- for declines began to be sus have been computed and it monitored colony on Great said that culling has been car- Britain and Ireland since the falls, abbatoirs, and the noticed at some colonies soon has become clear that the Her- Saltee Island, off the Co. Wex- ried out elsewhere, where very beginning of the 20th century species’ adaptation to inland after. A seabird survey and ring Gull situation is alarming. ford coast. In the early 1970s sensitive and important tern has been attributed to a combi- feeding on agricultural lands. census carried out in the mid- Only a little over 6,000 breed- there were 3,000 pairs of Her- colonies have been vulnerable nation of reduced persecution Looking back three decades 1980s indicated a significant ing pairs were found in ring Gulls nesting on the to egg and chick loss to preda- and egg-collecting, and to a or so to the 1969-70 survey overall decline in Herring Gull Ireland, representing a 90% island: now there are 27 pairs tory Herring Gulls. Back in the great increase in year-round and census it seems that this numbers to c.40,000 pairs. Just decline over thirty years. It left, and botulism is still taking 1950s and 1960s there was a food resources, including fish- may have coincided with a recently, the final results of the seems that avian botulism may its toll. Another major decline general perception the Herring be the main cause of this has taken place on Lambay Gulls were becoming too decline, and the long hot sum- Island, Co. Dublin, although numerous and were having an mer of 1976 seems to have the situation there is more adverse impact on other breed- encouraged the establishment complicated than on Great ing seabirds. Therefore it was Full Colour Printing and spread of this disease, Saltee. Botulism is certainly a considered “a good thing” to which killed large numbers of problem there, but some of the cull them or destroy their Brochures, Reports, adult breeders and their chicks decline is probably due to nests. However, now that the at some colonies. This seems deliberate culling carried out species is in serious trouble, at Magazines to be an on-going problem and in the 1980s, when the large least in parts of its range, con- Leaflets & Booklets it is thought that much of it breeding population (20,000) trol measures such as culling arises from the habit of Her- was deemed to be a hazard to should not be carried out ring Gulls feeding in rubbish aircraft landing and taking off unless there is a major justifi- dumps, where black plastic at nearby Dublin Airport. In cation for it, and after bags with organic waste are a addition, agricultural improve- non-lethal methods have been common feature of the tip- ment of large areas of rough tried and found ineffective. heads. The warm, dark, humid vegetation has greatly reduced and anoxic conditions in the the nesting habitat, and early Oscar Merne heads the Bird bags may be conducive to the mowing sometimes destroys Research Section of the multiplication of the Clostrid- nests. Nearby Ireland’s Eye National Parks & Wildlife ium botulinum bacteria, which has also suffered a decline, Service, Department of the produce a toxin that the scav- with a major contraction of the Environment, Heritage and enging gulls ingest when they Herring Gull colony to slopes slash open the bags for tit-bits. and rocks on the eastern edge Local Government, Most infected birds die within of the island. Bray Head and 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. 48 hours, and their chicks die from infected food brought back by the parents, or of star- vation and exposure when the adults are incapacitated. It’s a very sad sight to find dead and dying breeding Herring Gulls and their young littered around a colony. In Ireland most of the declines have been on the east and south coasts, where the weather tends to be warmer and drier, and therefore more Victoria Cross, Cork conducive to botulism, and where foraging adults are Telephone (021) 4545655 more likely to be within reach Facsimile (021) 4342996 of large rubbish dumps. One of the most dramatic declines has Only a little over 6,000 breeding pairs were found in Ireland during the last survey and census - a decline of 90% over thirty years. Page 4...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Elements of Medicine By Anthony Toole THROUGHOUT the history of medicine, (they can be stopped by a sheet of paper), they do remedies for all ailments have appeared and minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells. disappeared with fashion and the centuries. A radioactive form of gallium also concen- Some had their origins in folklore, others trates in tumours that may occur in soft tissues emerged from the not unrelated, darker recesses of the body, such as the liver, spleen or lymph of witchcraft and alchemy. nodes, and can be used to diagnose such With the introduction of the scientific tumours, which would otherwise be difficult to approach, a number of these cures have been detect. It is also used to treat skin cancers, like found to be effective. The mechanism of their melanoma and to monitor the treatment of bone curative properties is understood, and they are tumours in children. A non-radioactive com- now incorporated into modern practice. On the pound of gallium has recently shown promise in other hand, some old remedies are known to treating malaria when more traditional drugs have been ineffective, while a few were quite have failed. dangerous. Atoms of the toxic metal thallium closely The poisoner’s favourite, arsenic, for exam- resemble those of potassium and can be mis- ple, has been used to treat illnesses as diverse as taken for such by the body. Radioactive TB, diabetes, malaria, rheumatism and syphilis. thallium, when injected, finds its way to the Its close relative, antimony, used to cure skin heart, in the guise of potassium. The gamma complaints, and to induce vomiting, as tartar radiation emitted can assist in the diagnosis of emetic, may have been responsible for the pre- heart disease. The radioactivity decays rapidly mature death of Mozart. and the thallium will be eliminated from the Mercury compounds were often used in skin body after a few days. ointments, despite the fact that this deadly metal A radioactive isotope of yttrium can be could be absorbed easily through the skin. attached to antibodies that attack cancer cells in Another element favoured by murderers, thal- the colon, bones, ovaries and pancreas, and can lium, was employed, often to dangerous levels, be used to destroy these cells. during treatment for ringworm, one symptom of Technetium is an element that is always its toxicity being hair loss, which exposed the radioactive. Any atoms that may have existed in infection and thus made it easier to treat. the early earth have long ago disintegrated, so Of course not all of these cures held signifi- that the metal can now only be made in nuclear cant dangers for their recipients. Among the reactors. It is used in the diagnosis of cancers more benign and beneficial were the uses of iron and to show up damage resulting from a heart to cure anaemia, magnesium salts for constipa- attack. The residues formed by the decay of tion and indigestion and iodine as an antiseptic technetium are only mildly radioactive and are and for problems with the thyroid gland. quickly eliminated from the body. Despite the dangers, modern medicine con- Lanthanum is known as a rare earth element, tinues to employ toxic elements in cases where though it is much more abundant than better there appear to be no safer alternatives. known metals like lead and tin. The carbonate of The soluble salts of barium are poisonous, lanthanum is often added to the diets of patients and if swallowed, cause vomiting, diarrhoea with kidney disease to prevent the absorption of and ultimately, paralysis. Even the insoluble phosphates through the gut. The excess of phos- barium carbonate reacts with stomach acids to phates that might otherwise be absorbed can form a solution of barium chloride. On the other cause painful bone deformities, as calcium hand, barium sulphate is almost entirely insolu- phosphate is the main constituent of bone. ble, and will pass safely through the digestive Even the genuinely rare and expensive met- system as a suspension of solid particles, which als find their places in medicine. is opaque to X-rays. If a patient is given a ‘bar- Sixty tons of gold each year are used in den- ium meal’, X-rays can then be passed through tistry. Gold fillings contain 75% of the metal. the stomach to reveal ulcers or tumours that Gold compounds are also employed to treat would otherwise be invisible. rheumatoid arthritis, though the side effects of Bismuth belongs to the same family group as the build-up of gold, which include diarrhoea arsenic and antimony, and though it salts, in and skin rashes, mean that the treatment has to excess, can cause liver damage, it is much less be discontinued after a few years. poisonous. As the nitrate and carbonate, and Platinum is even more expensive than gold. more recently as the citrate, it has been used as Cis-platin, a complex of platinum with chlorine a treatment for stomach ulcers. It appears to and ammonia, combines with DNA in cells and work by killing bacteria that cause ulcers and prevents replication. Because of this, it is used by protecting the stomach wall against enzymes to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, it has the that otherwise attack it. same effect on healthy cells and can cause Some compounds of aluminium, such as the breathing problems and vomiting. Neverthe- alums, have been used for nearly 2000 years to less, cis-platin brings about a 90% cure rate for stop bleeding. Other elements that lie in the some cancers. same group, such as boron, gallium and the While the medical uses of these elements con- already mentioned thallium have their uses in tinue to expand, and more diseases fall under modern medicine. their control, one must not lose sight of the toxi- Boron is a non-metallic member of the group. city of many of them. With greater understanding Its atoms can be attached to chemicals which, and monitoring of their effects, these can now be when injected into the body, tend to concentrate prescribed in quantities that ensure that the ben- in tumour cells, particularly those in the brain. efits vastly outweigh the dangers. When exposed to a beam of neutrons, these boron atoms become radioactive, giving off M.A. Toole, 65, Cheswick Drive, Gosforth, alpha rays, which kill the tumour cells. As the Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5DW, U.K. alpha rays cannot travel far in dense material Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 5 Pipeline Installation in Aquatic Settings

minimise environmental the drill along. Because about a meter to more By Michael impacts or achieve com- drilling mud creates pres- than a kilometre. The rate patibility more quickly, sure, it can be squeezed of habitat recovery varies Ludwig they do not eliminate out of any cracks along with local conditions. For NATURAL gas, electricity damage to resources and the borehole route. In instance, in deeper and telecommunications habitats within and adja- such a “frac-out,” the waters, where sediments transmission systems are cent to the construction mixture of freshwater and are stable, pits and ridges expanding to meet increas- and operation right-of- clay (sometimes with can last for decades, ing usage. This expansion way. Often, utility line additives) escapes into while in nearshore waters is, often times, a competi- (cable and pipeline) the waterway and can cre- where waves and currents tion of proposals to supply impacts can occur during ate problems. The mud are active, habitat recov- markets such as Boston, installation or operation. has the consistency of ery may be achieved with Massachusetts and Long However, through design, thick soup and when the passage of the next Island, New York. In a installation and operation released in water, doesn’t storm. Full recolonisation growing number of distri- management practices readily disperse. It often of an area after habitat bution proposals, right- these impacts can be char- sits on the bottom like a recovery, typically takes of-ways are being located acterised and dealt with. whipped pudding, cover- two to five years.

in, over or under aquatic Horizontal directional ing and suffocating Photos: © Michael Ludwig Utility lines are a vital environments. The shift in drilling (HDD) allows the organisms unable to part of our infrastructure, installation of utility lines move from beneath it. however, there is no rea- routing arises from Pipeline burial plow for use in mud. improved technologies for well beneath sensitive Cleanup is difficult son they can’t be made an aquatic installations and areas such as trout or because the material is a the cable allows it to sink installation techniques is environmentally compati- the difficulty in obtaining shellfish habitats. HDD liquid sitting in a liquid. into the created trench. perfect, the impacts can ble and passive presence land routes. Sadly, pipe can create conduits more A vacuum and filtering Repeating the operation be localised within a in our ecosystem. system is the usual recov- may be necessary to obtain modest construction cor- ery method. Although the desired depth. Plows ridor. Installation Michael Ludwig, HDD is touted as a simple cut a furrow much like techniques vary from a NOAA/NMFS, 212 and safe method of avoid- their smaller, land version, simple passage of a cable Rogers Avenue, Milford, ing impacts to surface but include directing the laying ship and jetting CT, USA 06460-6499. ecosystems, the proce- Cable laying ship that does line into the created trench. operation to multi- not need to anchor during Pictures obtained from dure requires a through installation. Subsequent passes are anchored, pipe-laying and understanding of the made to attain a deeper plowing operations to the recent permitting actions geology of the installa- traverse the continental insertion or replace the use of explosives and by the author. tion route, close attention shelf at right angles to the displaced sediment. dredges. The impact zone during deployment and a migratory movement of While none of the can vary in width from recovery plan should a crustaceans such as frac-out occur. American lobster and Burial of cables and cancer crab, burial is Hydraulic jet fluidises seafloor and cable pipes is now routinely being discussed. To get a sinks into bottom. sense of the issue, imag- ine a 1.8-meter tall human trying to pass over a pipe wall that rose up 23.4 meters above the ground. It offers no hand- hold opportunities and the first half of the climb requires crawling upside down on the underside of the pipe. Most crus- taceans do not like being on their back We want utilities buried, but how deep? The deeper one buries a line, the more effort is needed, the harder it is to maintain, the more habitat is dis- turbed and restoration is more complicated. We usually seek full burial but not less than half burial (any deeper may not result Proposed offshore gas pipeline from Nova Scotia to NY City. in any added benefits). and cable alignment pro- than 1500 meters in required. Burial reduces Because seafloor sedi- posals are driven, often, by length. HDD point to the likelihood of snag- ments are composed, the location of existing, point accuracy can be ging and eliminates the typically, of mud and sand land side infrastructure remarkable. But, the sys- “barrier to migratory bot- and both are movable, and without thorough con- tem requires the use of tom crawlers” issues. burial can be relatively sideration of aquatic “drilling mud,” a mix of Line burial seems simple easy. Of the burial options impacts. A further compli- clay and water, pumped and appropriate to meet available, we prefer jets cation is the varying to the cutting face of the the “passive presence” and plows for cables and missions of Agencies in drill. The mud provides objective. For instance just plows for pipelines. the United States that reg- lubrication and cooling we are considering a pro- Jets use high pressure ulate pipeline and cable for the drill head, clears posal to build a 1.2-meter water discharges to liquify installations. away the cuttings by diameter gas pipeline the seafloor in the area Although newer tech- flushing them to the sur- from Nova Scotia to New beneath the line and the nologies are designed to face and, also, helps push York. Because it would weight and flexibility of Page 6...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 TheThe SearSearchch forfor RedRed BlennyBlenny Climatic Change or Insufficient Data?

showed a fascinating but strange feature of the ‘Tom- By Paul Kay pot’. It had a yellow fringed, very dark blue spot towards AS underwater photogra- the front of its dorsal fin. Now phers we all need to be keen I’ve seen a lot of Tompot observers of the undersea and blennies but never one with its natural history, if for no such a marking, and it looked other reason than trying to odd in other ways, as the body identify good subject matter. was not so ‘stout’ as a normal And being in the marine envi- Tompot’s and the eye did not ronment, this more often than seem quite ‘normal’ either. not means watching its inhab- So I sat down with my itants and shooting natural books (a vast collection made history photographs. over the last twenty years) and Now I am not a marine drew a blank. No temperate biologist (despite having been book contained anything described as such in various remotely like this. So what diving magazines), and would was it? Well as Sherlock much rather classify myself as Holmes would undoubtedly a marine naturalist. In this role have deduced, when the prob- I am the equal of anyone else ably is exhausted move on to who dives, as I can make the improbable, and I did. observations of the species I Eventually I located a simi- encounter and their behaviour lar looking fish in Peter firsthand, and, providing I try Wirtz’s book Underwater to understand what I am see- Guide Fish - Madeira, Canary ing, am quite able to see islands, Azores. This did not things which are currently show the spot, but the eye and unrecorded (or at least impos- a blue patterning on the fish’s sible to find any existent face did look similar (I had records of). thought this just a variation on This was brought home to a Tompot’s colouring). I me when I got a roll of film queried the book’s author (an back from Glasson Rock of expert on Blennies) regarding Inish Mór in the Aran Photos: © Paul Kay my fish by emailing a jpeg file Islands, Galway Bay, Ire- An identifying shot from the Aran Islands showing a male Red or Portuguese Blenny (Parablennius rubber) in breeding colours. off to him (the wonders of land. This is a spectacular technology) and it was soon dive. You can follow a ledge below. Many fishes, crus- ter (the cuckoo wrasse are red ‘Tompot’ Blenny which up for this in terms of versa- confirmed, I had pho- along a sheer limestone wall taceans and invertebrates tame despite not being diver caught my eye. tility. Well, to get back to the tographed a Red or until a boulder slope appears make excellent subject mat- fed), but it was one pretty I was using a Nikon ‘Tompot’, it was sitting on a Portuguese Blenny. 28~105 zoom lens on my rock and allowed me to zoom Not only this, but the fish I Subal encased F100 and two to 105 and compose. I took a had seen was a male in breed- Nikonos SB105 strobes. This couple of shots. ing colours (the picture was acts as a 50~105 macro lens As with many pictures, it taken in June this year) and capable of focussing down to isn’t until they are back and this was the cause of the spot - just a few centimetres, and on the lightbox that anything although in my specimen this whilst not giving quite as ‘special’ is revealed. This was was apparently very pro- close focus as either a 60 or the case here. Under the nounced. 105 micro-Nikkor, it makes loupe, the Provia transparency

A Tompot Blenny off the north Wales coast. Another picture of Red Blennies, this time from south Kerry.This photo illustrates that, unlike Tompots, Red Blennies are gregarious. Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 7

Another friend has a nice photograph of a reddish Tom- pot that he took, framed and on his wall. Next time I called on him I examined it. Another one and from Kilda again! Recently I found that my searches were not unique. Nigel Motyer has had the same problem having seen the fish for years - he too finally identi- fied it as the same Red Blenny. He added more records from Kerry to Donegal. So we now know that the Red or Portuguese Blenny can be found all along the western Irish and Scottish Coasts. But what does this mean? Well it is tempting to think that it is an indicator of that in- concept Global Warming. Now whilst scientific evidence backs A Red Blenny in a crevice off the coast of Islay in south west Scotland. Photos: © Paul Kay warming thoroughly, there is glimpse into what we are able this fish as anything other than A Tompot Blenny within a few meters of the breeding male Red Blenny off the Aran Islands. very little reason to believe that to see for ourselves, some- a Tompot and it is quite likely its effect will be the shift of Now here’s where the fun started to wade through my I searched further and sure thing unusual enough to be that it would have been far ‘southern’ species northwards starts; just what does this iso- many thousand underwater enough another photo overlooked by the academics longer before anything went especially in the short term. In lated record mean? photos from Ireland. I now appeared. This time from and authors of many books. into print about its distribution fact there is as much discussed I had some detective work to had a nagging suspicion that I St. Kilda! Not the world’s Perhaps it is something that about alterations in the Gulf do. A round robin email to peo- had seen this fish before. And best photo but one I had should reinforce what we Stream and what they might Paul Kay BSc FRPS runs the ple I thought may be able to sure enough I found it. taken when my old SB103s already know - that the marine mean (it could cool down our Marine Wildlife Photo answer this revealed one con- The previous year I had had been playing up (old environment is still a poorly own (temperate enough) seas. Agency in Angelsey, North firmed record in the Scilly Isles, dived in south-west Ireland age - I’m very grateful for understood place where obser- So the occurrence of one Wales, UK. and also that more information and had photographed a group Nikon’s recall). This again vational skills can still reveal unusual fish in an area that it was being sought about this of Tompots in a crevice. This showed the red colour and the unexpected, and where the has not been recorded from Website: fish’s distribution in Ireland. was in itself unusual as Tom- blue patterning. Next I camera is still coming into its before, is not an earth-shatter- www.marinewildlife.co.uk Having now ascertained pots don’t tend to be very started on photos by my wife own. Without a photograph, ingly important event! that I was not looking at a gregarious, but I had not really Lucy, who is also a diver. I would not have identified It is though a fascinating Tompot and having deter- thought a lot about this at the Lucy’s pictures revealed mined the nuances other than time. As I reviewed the photo- another, again in a crevice the spot which were different graph it was clear that these and this time from Islay, in to an ordinary Tompot, I too were red blennies. Scotland.

Not a Tompot nor a Red Blenny, this is actually a male Butterfly Blenny guarding his eggs in Cardigan Bay, Wales. Page 8...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 By John Gore-Grimes

JOHN GORE-GRIMES sailed Arctic Fern from Howth to North- ern Iceland and then to Scorseby. He proceeded northwards on the east Greenland coast stopping at Daneborg and Shannon Island. He went to the south end of Store Koldewey before turning to the east. The narrative here describes part of his voyage through the ice. He eventually tied up at Longyear- byen in Svalbard and sailed from there to the North Cape. From the North Cape he sailed to Tromso and the Lofoten Islands and from there to the Faroes, Scotland and home again to Howth. The voyage was just in excess of four thousand Arctic Fern six hundred nautical miles. John was accompanied on this voyage by will lock horns with it and you will his nephew, Nicholas Gore-Grimes, feel a sense of almost uncontrol- Adrienne Roche, Rob Harris and lable fear and depression. Just as Karen Rudd. John’s boat, Arctic the solid ground is a sure cure for Fern, is a 44 foot auxiliary sailing sea sickness, the only cure for ice is cutter built by Njad of Sweden. to get out of it. The trouble with For those who have never been in sea ice is that it gets under your ice, the sight of even one small skin and when you leave it you, at chunk is a great source of delight. once, start to forgive it, although It has to be photographed, not once hours before it may have caused but twice and from every angle. you considerable grief. As the When these early photographs are months roll by the crimson grief developed, they are binned with a turns to black and eventually to certain amount of silent shame as, misty grey and like the mist it later, many more photographs pro- finally clears leaving only good duce dramatic images. For those memories of clear and beautiful who have been there before, there white and blue ice shapes. is a certain inevitability about sea The following extract was writ-

Photos: © John Gore-Grimes temperature at two degrees and ten in 2003 and it illustrates the feelings of someone who has been “I will never go back to the ice again!” drift ice floating by. It looks nice enough but you know that soon you there many times before. The new- Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 9

comers are fortunate. They know learned in previous years but nothing times colliding with chunks of drift nothing and fear nothing...... occurred to me. I consoled myself by ice which passed by. We danced like The wind was starting to moan as it recalling the words of Alfonso, King the dervish. We played cards and all blew over the hummocked sea-ice at of Castille:- the losers had to go for a swim among twenty knots. We could not set the “If I had been around at the time of the bergy bits. It was a shivering, sails because the leads between the the creation, I would have made some shrivelling experience for the men. floes were narrow and as confused in useful suggestions for the better Karen just shivered. The water tem- direction as the maze at Hampton arrangement of things”. perature was plus 2.2°C. Pilot Court. And then I wondered if life might Roche, although a consistent looser at As we tried to move north we were have been better if I had taken up cards, did not swim on this occasion. consistently pushed east by long horse-riding or perhaps flying aero- We pulled up the anchor from the walls of impenetrable ice. In the end planes, as a young fellow. Although I ice floe at 14.30. I think we had some it was the ice which decided our path. never contemplated disaster during sleep but, for how long, I cannot say. We were sailing from the Great Kold- this summer’s ice experiences, the It was a beautiful arctic day and we ewey Island on the east coast of fact is that we were lucky to get out of moved south, as advised by the Met Greenland to Longyearbyen in Sval- the ice, eventually, without loosing Office in Tromso. All went well with bard – a distance of four hundred and the boat. The other side of stubborn- the mainsail providing the power eighty-eight nautical miles. ness is stupidity and between one Photos: © John Gore-Grimes until 21.30 when we were suddenly There was a lot of ice about and the thing and another, I am afflicted with Hacking away the ice using heavy sharpened ice picks, trying to create an opening. surrounded by ice again. The sail fog enveloped us in minutes. We generous helpings of both. It may not came down and we started the engine. you are left with golden dreams and Tromso and spoke to the ice officer, were motoring blind at very low be sensible to allow yourself to get We experienced some very slow and memories of the low arctic sun illu- Signe. Although the news which she speeds and we tried to look for leads caught in sea ice but, in spite of fear trying navigation until midnight. By minating ice pools at midnight. gave us was not encouraging, her on the radar. Much of the ice was no and tribulation, there is a rewarding that time there was an ice barrier, We moved on at 04.30. Karen did sing-song accent was immensely more than a foot or two above the side to it. The might, strength and varying in width between two cables the best possible job, seated on the cheering:- surface so that no clear picture energy of massive ice floes are inspi- and, in a few places, two tenths of a cross-trees, for three hours and ten “You are very very unlucky. I can emerged on the radar screen. We rational and at once highlight the cable (cable=608 ft.). On the other minutes, but the truth was that we had see your position on the satellite. No! found a small pool and pulled in. We insignificance of a few struggling side of the barrier was open sea. We nowhere to go and she recognised No! I cannot see your boat but you put the anchor out on the ice floe. It humans passing through an environ- were in calm waters but just to the that. At 07.40 we were stopped com- are in a small area of thick concen- was 02.15 and we walked a little dis- ment created by God without human east of us we could see the waves of pletely. There was ice forming on the trated ice and you should try and tance over the ice to see if we could intervention. Our daily lives surround the Greenland Sea crashing against surface of a pool in which we found move to the south east which will find a useful lead. There were none. us with buildings, highways, con- the ice barrier and sending spray high ourselves. The air temperature give you the best possibility of get- There were, however, polar bear paw duits, tilled fields and nitrate grass up into the air. The sun was low and dropped to -14°C. We made two ting out into open drift ice.” prints in the snow so I kept the rifle the wind-chill fairly stung the skin on I asked how big the ‘thick concen- close by. The air was freezing and our faces. trated ice’ was and she replied:- the rigging on the boat was soon cov- On this cold morning, just after “Oh, about fifty square kilometres. ered with ice as the damp fog swirled midnight, on the 8th August, I did not It will break up you know!” around us. have to ask for volunteers. Pilot I asked if that would be in 2003 or We were stopped for two hours Roche had her bottom in the bosun’s 2004 and she replied:- when Nico noticed that our small chair and Nico and Rob hauled her “I could not really say when.” pool was getting smaller. He also aloft. She stayed up there for an hour I told Signe that the surface water, noticed that the lead which we had and fifteen minutes in a freezing in our pool, was frozen and she come through, to get into the pool, northerly wind, without complaint seemed surprised about that. At was closing. Rob was optimistically and gave excellent hand directions as 16.00 on Wednesday the 6th August fishing with rod and line in four thou- we moved along the wall of ice we attempted to escape from our sand feet and it took him a little time searching for an exit. I was driving exclusive ice pool. We failed and we to reel in his hooks. When he came and Rob verbally passed on Pilot tried again at 18.00 but that failed onboard he was fishless. We moved Roche’s hand signals. She found a also. At 19.10 Adrienne spotted an away cautiously and kept the engine way out. A place where the Green- open lead and directed us through. running slowly in order to keep the land sea had breached the barrier. We We went from one pool to the next boat in open water. Visibility was no took her down in case we bumped her but at 19.50 we were stopped again. more than fifty feet and there was no off the mast. A collision with the ice At 20.45 Karen spotted another lead. opportunity to make any real was inevitable if we were to get out. It looked narrow but my humour had progress. Pilot Roche was a cruel shade of pur- disimproved. I placed the bow into By 13.00 on Tuesday the 5th ple. She had identified a narrow the opening of the lead and Nico and August we were stopped and unable twisting gap which was about two Rob jumped onto the ice with heavy to move. The air temperature was - hundred yards in length with a lose sharpened ice picks. They hacked 8°C and the fog was dense, damp and piece of ice in the middle of it. The away the ice which held us. I put the freezing. We had hoped that the gap was no more than four feet wide revs up to three thousand five hun- afternoon sun might burn off the fog, and Arctic Fern has a beam which is dred and Nico and Rob pulled the but that was not to be. just in excess of twelve feet. I bow to port as they stood on the ice A lead opened two hours later and pointed the bow into the opening and heaving a rope which was attached to we followed it, zig-zag, for three and throttled up to three thousand five the anchor winch. Arctic Fern com- a half hours covering an astonishing hundred. Nico and Rob shoved the plained. It was a terrible noise. It 1.5 nautical miles. Every hundredth ice with the poles and once the pas- was a noise which no owner would of a minute was a joy and every sage was wide enough, we literally like his insurers to hear. minute of a degree was a miracle. We shot out into the open sea. An invol- The Arctic Fern’s journey into the Arctic Circle. All of this effort was rewarded and dared not think in terms of whole untary cheer went up. We were in the the boat charged ahead once it was degrees, and we were not even partic- sea with real waves to rock the boat released from the firm grip of the ice. ularly fussy if our miserable progress which is much greener than nature’s and no more ice to trouble us. It was attempts to break out but, on each Nico, in particular, had worked like a crossed longitudes or went up or product. There is a spiritual magnif- a tremendous feeling. The measured occasion, in spite of a huge team demon, hacking through the thick ice, down latitudes. Any progress felt icence about ocean ice, which has distance, as the crow flies, from the effort on the part of everybody, we to widen the lead. We were elated better than standing still. At 00.45 on been fashioned by nature without point where we had first entered the got nowhere. and it must be said that we did work the 6th August we stopped again in a man’s intervention. In places, it is ice, to the exit point, was one hundred I had been up for long hours and hard as a team to push, shove, hack small pool. Our entry lead had closed piled up to forty feet above sea level, and thirty two n.m. The G.P.S. dis- found it difficult to put my head and drive Arctic Fern forwards, and there was no way out. Nico went the result of some great battle tance over the ground was an down. When I tried, I was up again in mainly to the south east, until eventu- aloft and confirmed the worst. This between two giant ice floes which astounding two hundred and thirty minutes to see if any change had ally at 05.05 on Thursday morning was a black situation. There was an went to war many years ago when eight nautical miles. As we pulled occurred. It is extraordinary how the 7th August, we found ourselves in unspoken anxiety and, when I was they collided as they fought for the away from the ice, I said what I had sleepless hours, in these conditions, open water with one tenth ice and asked questions as to what we should best seat in the house. This hum- often said before:- do not translate into fatigue. That occasional patches of two tenths. We do, I could offer no solutions. More mocked ice can, at times, look like a “I will never go back to the ice comes later but, in ice, the cold air, threw the C.Q.R. anchor onto an ice- questions followed and I had no mad man’s carving. There is a crazy again!” the subconscious effort to keep any floe. We took some corks out of wine answers other than to say:- and violent disorder about it which is hint of alarm well disguised and the bottles and turned up the music. We “Wait and see”. both beautiful and threatening. By constant pressing anxiety, all com- were 76° 21’ 11” N, 9° 22’ 79” W. It John Gore-Grimes, Cavendish I checked my insurance certificate far the best moment of sailing in ice bine to overcome tiredness. was flat calm and the arctic sunlight House, Smithfield, Dublin 7. to see if it was still in date and tried to is the moment when you get out of it. I rang the Norwegian Met Office in danced on the water’s surface some- remember ice lessons which I had In an instant, the anxiety is gone and Page 10...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Highlights from An Bord Pleanála’s Annual Report Schering-Plough An Bord Pleanála (The Planning Board) published its annual report for are delighted to 2002 during the autumn. We give some of the main features from the continue their Chairperson Mr. John O’Connor’s Statement: THE total number of cases counted for by a tendency ing prominently. association with determined by the Board in on the part of the Board to - A relatively high rate 2002 reached almost 5,900 give greater weight to na- of reversal of local Matt Murphy and was, by a significant tional policies, as op- authority decisions to margin, the highest output posed to local refuse permission in every achieved by the Board, considerations. the case of both and his staff at representing a 15% increase • The percentage of appeals windfarms and on the 2001 output which in which the Inspector’s telecommunications Sherkin Island was itself a record. The recommendation was re- masts for reasons re- increased output was due to versed by the Board, at lating to national Marine Station the package of special meas- 11%, was generally in line policies in relation to ures introduced by the Board with the historical pattern, these categories of to clear the backlog, which which must be regarded as infrastructure. on the production were detailed in the 2001 satisfactory considering • The requirement in the Report, backed up by a sus- the high number of reports 2000 Act for third parties and continued tained exceptional effort by produced by external con- to have made a submis- Board members and staff. sultants of various cate- sion to the local planning success of the The intake of cases in 2002 gories (as opposed to authority at application showed a decline of 16% Board staff) in 2002. stage in order to establish informative reflecting the downturn in • There was a significant a right of appeal has re- economic growth and also drop in the number of sulted in somewhat of a the disruption in the planning large (30+) housing fall in the share of appeals and entertaining system arising from the schemes to come on ap- made by third parties, but changeover to the 2000 Act, peal in 2002 (235 in 2002 it has also resulted in a Sherkin Comment. affecting applications made compared to 392 in quite substantial rise in after 11th March 2002. The 2001). This may be due to the number of invalid ap- combined effect of the the introduction of Part V peals (19% of third party increase in output and the of the 2000 Act relating to appeals are being invali- decline in intake resulted in social and affordable dated for lack of evidence the large backlog of cases on housing which appears to of having made a submis- hand being eliminated by the have artificially brought sion to the planning au- end of the year with the forward planning applica- thority). result that the percentage of tions in 2001 and led to The Chairman reiterated cases determined within the uncertainties surrounding the Board’s three core princi- 18 week statutory objective the operation of these ples of independence, period increased steadily provisions in 2002, as impartiality and openness during the year, from 26% in well as the general dis- which are embedded in the January to 61% by Decem- ruption caused by the Board’s Mission Statement ber 2002. changeover to the new and objectives and under- In 2003 to date, the rate of legislation. The current pinned by legislation. They intake of cases is running a year is showing an in- are of particular importance par with last year and the crease in the number of in terms of retaining the con- number of cases on hand has these housing schemes fidence of the public, stabilised at a level commen- coming before the Board particularly in the context of surate with achieving the over 2002. adjudicating the major devel- Board’s strategic target of • The Board decided to opment projects which are determining 90% of cases carry out detailed surveys determined by the Board. within the statutory objective of its decisions in relation Public confidence depends period. In the month of May to three significant devel- on the integrity and quality the figure was 79% and the opment categories that of the Board’s decision mak- average time taken to dis- come on appeal i.e. rural ing and the professionalism pose of cases was 15.8 housing, windfarms and with which they carry out weeks. telecommunications their functions. The following are some masts. Very briefly these There are stringent obliga- noteworthy features to show: tions on members and emerge in 2002: - A relatively high rate employees of the Board to Schering-Plough • The percentage of local of reversal of local declare interests and a new authority decisions re- authority decisions to code of conduct for all Board versed on appeal in- grant permission for Members, staff and consult- (Brinny) Company creased from 29% in one-off houses in ants has been adopted in 2001 to 33% in 2002. rural areas, with rea- accordance with the require- This appears to be almost sons relating to pub- ments of the 2000 Act. Brinny, Innishannon, Co Cork, Ireland. entirely due to the in- lic health/pollution crease from 14% to 20% risk, traffic hazard, Tel: 021 432 9329 An Bord Pleanála, 64 in the success rate of ap- visual amenity and Marlborough Street, Dublin peals against refusals local development 1, Ireland. www.pleanala.ie which, in turn, may be ac- plan provisions figur- Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 11 Two Sides to Every Flatfish

are placed (ocular side) is usually of abnormalities from a significant Photos: © Declan Quigley By Declan T. Quigley Figure 1: Partial albinism in Black Sole coloured, while the opposite side area of Irish coastal waters. (ocular side) MORE than 600 species of flatfish (blind side) is usually unpigmented. Albinism, which appears to be (Order: Pleuronectiformes) have In general, the percentage of con- relatively uncommon, is usually been described. The group has been genital abnormalities occurring in incomplete (partial albinism); part remarkably successful in colonising a fish is considered to be highest of the ocular side retaining its nor- wide range of habitats, from Arctic among the Pleuronectiformes, possi- mal colour. The condition appears to seas to the tropics, and from shallow bly due to the complex occur most frequently in black sole estuarine waters (including freshwa- morphological changes which occur (Figure 1) in Irish waters. Albinism, ter) down to considerable ocean during larval metamorphosis. How- and particularly partial albinism depths (≥1830m). However, they ever, it should be noted that several (13.6%), has accounted for about appear to be absent from the deeper other factors can give rise to abnor- 16% of all the anomalous flatfish abyssal and hadal zones. malities e.g. disease, nutritional known to have been recorded in Figure 4: Partially ambicoloured turbot, Only 22 species of flatfish have deficiencies, injury and pollution. Irish waters to date (44). blind side above and ocular side below been recorded from Irish waters Some species of flatfish appear to More commonly, the blind side (Table 1). The Irish group includes exhibit a greater frequency of abnor- (which is normally white or unpig- several species which are exploited malities than others (Table 2). mented) may be completely by both the sea fishing industry (10) However, this may only be a reflec- coloured or bear patches of colour. and anglers (8) e.g. megrim, turbot, tion of recording effort. All of the This abnormality, which is termed brill, witch, halibut, dab, lemon sole, species exhibiting abnormalities in ambicolouration, is more common Figure 2: Ambicoloured Turbot flounder, plaice and black sole. Irish waters were commercially in some species than in others; it However, very little is known about important and therefore the chances appears to occur more frequently in the biology and distribution of the of abnormalities being observed are brill, turbot (Figure 2) and flounder remaining (12) species in Irish greater in these species. It seems (Figure 3) in Irish waters. In the waters. Indeed, most of them are reasonable to assume that abnormal- turbot ambicolouration is usually considered rare or uncommon, prob- ities would also be discovered in accompanied by other abnormali- ably because they have (as yet) no non-commercial species if greater ties, the most noticeable being the commercial or recreational value. numbers were examined. Some development of a ‘hook’ or ‘notch’ Figure 5: Brill with unusual black spots on In most respects the early pelagic international studies have found that at the origin of the dorsal fin, ventral side larvae of flatfish are similar to those the frequency of abnormalities in which does not join the head in the of symmetrical fishes. However, specific species varied geographi- usual way. ‘Notched’ turbot were during metamorphosis in the later cally and this has sometimes been noted by naturalists during the stages of larval life the typical asym- linked to variations in water quality l800’s and some were of the opin- metry becomes obvious. The eye on due to pollution. However, it may ion that they constituted a separate Figure 6: Reversed Megrim Figure 3: Ambicoloured flounder, blind side one side of the larva migrates over also be simply a reflection of record- species: Platessa melanogaster. above and ocular side below the head and comes to rest close to ing effort. For example, more than Ambicoloured turbot may also its opposite number. At this stage the 75% of the Irish records were exhibit bony excrescences or nod- teristic spotting pattern for the pelagic life ceases and the young reported from Co Kerry where ules on both the ocular and blind species (e.g. red spots on the ocular fish assume a primarily bottom-liv- recording effort is known to have side; these nodules are only found side of plaice); while other speci- ing (benthic) existence. been consistently high since the on the ocular side of normal turbot. mens have exhibited spots which are The most noticeable feature of early 1960’s. Indeed, the first Ambicolouration (50%), including normally absent on these species adult flatfishes is the asymmetry of recorded abnormalities were partial ambicolouration (Figure 4), e.g. brill (Figure 5). The condition the head, in which, depending on the reported from this area as far back as has accounted for nearly 60% of all where spots were either present or species, both eyes are sited on either 1850. The remaining records came the anomalous flatfish recorded in absent, has accounted for 13.6% of the left (sinistral = left-sided) or from Co’s Waterford (1); Wexford Irish waters to date. all the anomalous flatfish recorded right (dextral = right-sided) side of (3); Dublin (2) and Antrim (1). It is Some specimens of flatfish have in Irish waters to date. the body. The side on which the eyes clear that there have been no records also been found lacking the charac- Finally, an even more interesting abnormality is the phenomenon of Figure 7: Reversed Flounder (above) and normal (below) Left-Eyed Flatfish Species Habitat Distribution *ISFC **BRFC ***Catch Figures (2001) reversal. Occasionally in flatfishes (Sinistral) Record Weight Record Weight Live Weight Value € individuals occur with the eyes and notice unless normal specimens are Scophthalmidae (kg) (kg) (tonnes) (x 1000) colour on the side which is usually available for comparison. Reversal Megrim Lepidorhombus wiffiagonis (Walbaum, 1792) offshore waters common 1.850 1.715 3705 8783 eyeless (blind side) and unpig- is more common in some species Four-spot Megrim L. boscii (Risso, 1810) deep water ? mented. During metamorphosis the Norwegian Topknot Phrynorhombus norvegicus ( Gunther, 1862) inshore-offshore rare ? than others; studies have shown it to Eckstrom's Topknot P. regius (Bonnaterre, 1788) offshore waters moderately common ? eye from the ‘wrong’ side of the be extremely rare in dabs and four- Turbot Scophthalmus maximus (L.) inshore common 15.436 15.308 186 1724 head (for the species concerned) Brill S. rhombus (L.) inshore common 4.313 7.257 96 712 spot megrim. It has only been Topknot Zeugopterus punctatus (Bloch, 1787) inshore uncommon/local ? 0.382 migrates and the fish ends up having recorded in megrim (Figure 6),

Bothidae both eyes on what would be the flounder (Figure 7) and black sole in blind side in a normal fish. In sinis- Irish waters, representing 13.6% of Imperial Scaldfish Arnoglossus imperialis (Rafinesque, 1810) inshore/offshore scarce ? Scaldfish A. laterna (Walbaum, 1782) inshore common ? tral forms, the right eye migrates to all abnormalities. Thor's Scaldfish A. thori Kyle, 1913 inshore rare ? the left side; in dextral forms, the

Right-Eyed Flatfish left eye migrates to the right side. Declan T. Quigley, Carrigadrohid (Dextral) Colouration follows the position of Smolts Ltd., Macroom, Co Cork, the eyes with the result that the fish Pleuronectidae Mobile: 087-9080521; Email: is the ‘wrong way around’. This Witch Glyptocephalus cynoglossus (L.) moderately deep water common 0.533 865 1469 [email protected] Long Rough Dab Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabricus, 1780) moderately deep water common 0.155 phenomenon is very difficult to Halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.) deep water uncommon 70.824 106.136 Dab Limanda limanda (L.) inshore common 1.064 1.254 Ambicolouration Albinism Spots Reversal Total % Lemon Sole Microstomus kitt (Walbaum, 1792) inshore/offshore locally common 443 1070 Full Partial Full Partial Present Absent Sinistral Dextral Flounder Pleuronectes flesus L. inshore common 2.229 2.593 Plaice P. platessa L. inshore common 3.736 4.635 824 2074 Megrim 336.8 Greenland Halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Walbaum, 1792) deep water rare Turbot 51 1 715.9 Brill 911022.7 Soleidae Dab 1 1 2.3 Lemon Sole 1 1 2.3 Solenette Buglossidium luteum (Risso, 1810) inshore/offshore common Flounder 611818.2 Thickback Sole Microchirus variegatus (Donovan, 1808) offshore/deep water rare ? Plaice 1 114 715.9 Sand Sole Solea lascaris (Risso, 1810) inshore/offshore rare ? Black Sole 1132715.9 Black Sole S. solea (L.) inshore common 2.869 2.966 356 3678 Total22316243344 Data Sources: * Annual Report of the Irish Specimen Fish Committee (2002) ** British Record (Rod Caught) Fish Committee (1995-2003) *** Central Statistics Office: Fishery Statistics (2001) % 50.0 6.8 2.3 13.6 4.5 9.1 6.8 6.8 Table 1. Flatfish species in Irish waters, with notes on habitat, distribution, angling records and commercial catches Table 2. Frequency of abnormalities in Irish flatfish species Page 12...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 OlegOleg PoluninPolunin andand SherkinSherkin IslandIsland

famous Ballet Russe, and later of Sherkin, Cape Clear and profitable” so to be. He kept By John Akeroyd he taught art at the Slade adjacent islands of West Cork. telling me to go to West Cork, School. Oleg, who was born in In 1949 Oleg recorded the now but ironically I did not make it PEOPLE often ask me why 1914, grew up in the country- very rare Corn-cockle there until a year after his I visit Sherkin Island, and side near Reading. He read (Agrostemma githago) here, untimely death in 1985, from what led me there in the first Botany at the University of the last record I have traced for motor-neurone disease. I came place. My first visit was in Oxford and took up a post at the islands. back the following year, with 1986, but I was aware of the Charterhouse School in 1938. In the summers of 1948 to Professor David Webb of Trin- island some 20 years earlier. I Then the Second World War 1951 Oleg seems to have ity College, who had gone to was at school in Surrey, and took him away for five years, worked tirelessly on Sherkin, Charterhouse some 40 years my biology teacher Oleg Pol- much of the time spent in the and Cape Clear, helping the before I did: we even had had unin had just introduced me to Far East. He returned to Char- boys with their studies and the same zoology teacher, Watsonia, the journal of the terhouse in 1946. travelling extensively among Percy Chapman, who gave us Botanical Society of the Charterhouse was long in the islands of Roaringwater both an interest in marine biol- British Isles, which lived in a the forefront of biology teach- Bay. He recorded common ogy. Matt Murphy brought me mysterious cupboard at the ing, especially the new science and rare plants and vegetation, back in 1990 and I have back of the classroom. He of ecology. The biologists and with the help of a senior returned almost every year was keen to encourage me, always had a long excursion biologist, Palmer Newbould since. Studying the flora has showing me a scientific paper during school holidays, study- (later Professor of Biology been a labour of love, for it has he had published in 1950, ing botany and marine life, and Vice-chancellor at the enabled me to complete the “Notes and additions to the and in the years after the University of Ulster), even last fragment of Oleg Pol- flora of the islands of S.W. Emergency they camped in embarked on a detailed report unin’s substantial contribution Cork.” I had always been West Cork, first near Lough on the islands. Other work – to botany. It is curious to interested in Ireland, but Ine between Baltimore and and Palmer being called off reflect that I am now the age would not visit until 1979 Skibbereen, and later on for National Service – inter- he was when we first met at when I took up a post-doc- across the sound on Sherkin. vened and the project was not Charterhouse! toral fellowship at Trinity The Carthusians all came finished, but the notes that College, Dublin. Strangely it down, with tents and baggage, Oleg left behind were invalu- John Akeroyd edited “The took me a little longer to get by train to Baltimore quay! able for our own Flora Wild Plants of Sherkin, Cape to Sherkin! Their campsite was at Tra- compilation. However, these Clear and adjacent islands of So who was Oleg Polunin? bawn, above the strand on land Sherkin interludes played a West Cork” (1996), and still His name suggests “Russia”, owned by the O’Driscoll fam- more significant role in his Photos: © Mrs. L. Polunin and indeed father Vladimir ily. This area remains rich in subsequent career – for they finds interesting new plants for Sherkin and the other An expedition to the Himalayas set Oleg Polunin off on serious plant was Russian, a forester turned plants, and Cormac launched him fully on to the hunting and plant photography and these activities would form the artist who found refuge in O’Driscoll’s potato patch botanical stage. islands in southwest Ireland. basis of his influential series of illustrated Field Guides on European Britain after the 1917 Revolu- yielded many interesting fumi- In 1948 Oleg was checking and Himalayan flowers. tion. With his English wife he tories and other weeds for our specimens from Sherkin at the designed sets for Diaghilev’s 1996 book on The Wild Plants Natural History Museum in London. His work came to the attention of the then Keeper of Botany, Sir George Taylor, who arranged for this young botanist to join an expedition to the Himalayas. This would set Oleg off on serious plant hunting and plant photogra- phy, activities that would form the basis of his influential series of illustrated Field Guides on European and Himalayan flowers. He trav- elled widely in the 1950s and 60s, and the first of his field guides, Flowers of the Mediterranean (with the late Anthony Huxley) appeared in 1965, about the time I arrived As his biology teacher, Oleg Polunin was to first introduced John at Charterhouse. I won it as a Akeroyd to Sherkin Island in the 1960s.Years later this was to lead to School Prize for Botany in John completing the last fragment of Oleg Polunin’s substantial contribution to botany. 1966! The plates seem crude now, but they were state-of-the art in those days and spawned a host of imitations. Continued Success to Oleg remained a friend and influence long after school. He Sherkin Island Marine Station was one of the most remark- able people I have met, an enthusiastic teacher who did so much to tell ordinary people about Europe’s precious flora. A big man of great presence and with a genius for friend- ship, incredibly handsome and always with a slow kind smile,

Photo: © Daphne Pochin Mould he was a conservationist In the summers of 1948 to 1951 Oleg Polunin worked tirelessly on before, to borrow a phrase Sherkin Island (above) and Cape Clear, recording common and rare from the immortal Flann plants and vegetation.This work was to help launch him onto the O’Brien, “it was popular or botanical stage. Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 13 Litter and the Law Know your responsibilities for taking action against litter

establishes the identity of the Laying Down The Law Property Owners / Presenting Your Refuse owner of the material, that per- The Litter Pollution Act, Occupiers for Collection son will have a case to answer 1997 brought in tougher litter The owner or occupier of Taking a few small precau- without necessarily having to laws to combat the problems property, which can be seen tions in the way you present be caught in the act. of litter pollution more effec- from a public place, is obliged your refuse for collection, Extra powers are also avail- tively. to keep it free of litter. Basi- whether household refuse, able to local authorities to This leaflet is intended as a cally, any outdoor area on your commercial or industrial require a householder or busi- practical guide to these litter property that is visible from a waste, will help enormously in ness operator to indicate how laws. For further information public place must be kept free preventing the creation of lit- and where they are disposing you should contact your local of litter. ter. If you are not already of their waste. This is particu- authority or obtain a copy of In addition, if you occupy using a wheelie-bin or ordi- larly relevant if the the Litter Pollution Act (No.12 land/premises along a public nary refuse bin, you should householder or business owner of 1997) from the Government road in a built up area, you are use strong plastic bags and is not availing of a refuse col- Publications Office, 4/5 Har- required to keep the footpaths, avoid using lightweight super- lection service or bringing court Road, Dublin 2.Tel.: pavements or grass verges in market type bags. You should their waste to an authorised 01-647 6000 disposal facility. front of your property free of put out refuse for collection on Sketches: © ENFO litter. the morning of the collection If you see someone dump- Fines and not on the day or night ing illegally, report the matter This plan sets out their objec- to your local authority who Dog Fouling tives to prevent and control Leaving or throwing litter in before. The longer it is left out will investigate and take any Dog owners must now litter as well as measures to a public place or in any place for collection the more likely it necessary enforcement action. remove their pets’ waste from encourage public awareness. that is visible from a public is to attract the unwanted public places and dispose of it The plan must also set out the place is an offence. This attention of dogs, cats and in a proper manner. This obli- measures and arrangements by includes creating litter in the birds. Major Events gation applies to the following which they intend to achieve carrying on of a business, It is an offence to dispose of The promoters or organisers places: their objectives. In preparing a trade or activity or in loading, your household refuse in street of major events are required to • public roads and footpaths litter management plan the transporting or handling any- litter bins. ensure that they have litter • areas around shopping cen- local authority is obliged to thing. control measures in place at tres consult with local community Offenders can be subject to Who Enforces the Litter the venue and in the surround- • school/sports grounds and voluntary interests before an on-the-spot fine of €125 or ing vicinity before, during and • beaches a plan is adopted by the Coun- a maximum fine of €3,000 in Laws? after the event. This applies to • the immediate area sur- cil members. court. Litter Black Spots Local authorities are football matches and other rounding another person’s The definition of litter is responsible for implementing social and sporting events at house quite wide and extends beyond Where litter has accumu- the litter laws in their own which large crowds attend. It Guide dogs and working Litter Control casual pieces of paper or ciga- lated on property for whatever areas. This means they are is possible that this task can be dogs (handling livestock, They are responsible for rette ends to anything large or reason and the litter is visible responsible for the prevention undertaken by the local Garda and Custom and Excise keeping public places under small which is, or is likely to from a public place, the local and control of litter and they authority but the promoter / dogs)are exempt. their control, including public become, unsightly. authority can issue a notice to have the power to take organiser must bear the costs roads, clear of litter as far as is A person convicted of a lit- the owner or occupier requir- enforcement action against involved. practicably possible. This ter offence may also be ing the prompt removal of the individuals who break or includes the arrangement of required by the court to pay litter. Such a notice can also ignore these laws. Gardai also cleansing programmes and the the local authority’s costs and Mobile Food Outlets set down precautionary meas- have the power to issue on the provision and emptying of lit- expenses in investigating the ures to be put in place to spot fines for litter offences. Operators of mobile food ter bins. offence and bringing the pros- prevent a recurrence. outlets selling fast food or bev- ecution. If a property owner or occu- erages, or other outlets such as Issued by: ENFO – The pier fails or refuses to do Illegal Dumping those selling farm produce are everything that has been The litter laws have obliged to provide suitable lit- Environmental Information requested, the local authority increased the powers of local ter bins in the vicinity of their Service, 17 St.Andrew Street, has the power to do whatever authorities to combat the prob- outlets. Also, they must clean Dublin 2, Ireland. is necessary itself and require lem of illegal dumping of up any litter arising from the Tel:1890 200191 Fax:(01) the owner or occupier to pay refuse and rubbish. Where a operation of their outlets 888 2946 all of the costs involved. local authority finds material within a radius of 100 metres e-mail: [email protected] Local authorities can use that is illegally dumped and from their outlet. www.enfo.ie similar powers to target Write to or visit their Centre mobile outlets, certain types of at the above address or you premises, major events and Posters and Signs may check out the ENFO articles/advertisements on cer- The law forbids the putting tain structures, to prevent and up of posters/signs on poles or information stands at your control litter. on other structures in public Local Authority Office places unless you have the /County Library written permission of the ENFO is a service of the Public Places Advertising Flyers owner of the pole or other Department of the If you are the owner or the The placing of advertising structure in advance of putting Environment and Local person responsible for a place leaflets on car windscreens is up the posters/signs. Government. to which the public has access prohibited and if you are pro- This leaflet and many others you are obliged to keep the posing to distribute related to different aspects of place litter free, regardless of advertising leaflets in the Local Authority Duties: the environment are available how the litter got there. This street, you should first check Litter Management applies to any public place with the local authority to see for downloading on ENFO’s which may include the if they have introduced any Plans website. precincts of a shopping centre, local litter restrictions, which Each local authority is a school campus, a public they are entitled to do. obliged to prepare a litter man- park, a train or bus station. agement plan for its own area. Page 14...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Do Plants Make Good Mothers?

and some plants do make good mothers By Rosie Solbé 1. well-fed mother shares P so she and her daughter are the same size STRAWBERRY, Creeping buttercup, Couch 2. deprived mother has an enormous, well Irish fish producers' organisation grass, Creeping Bent grass. Gardeners will fed daughter recognise these – some are useful, some a real 3. both do well nuisance, some neither one thing nor the other. 4. neither does well If these plants are growing in a good place with We’d expect that water would go from the the right amount of water, light and minerals mother’s roots into the stem and so into the they don’t wait to set seed, they produce off- daughter but in fact if the roots of mothers and shoots to exploit the resources. These plants daughters are put in different dyes some of the build up a colony of daughter plants without the water can be seen to be flowing in the “wrong” need for flowering. We call this ‘vegetative direction, with the mother taking a little water North, South, East and West……………. reproduction’; the daughters are all genetically from the daughter and giving most back But just Serving the needs of Ireland's Fishing Industry identical to their mother so these are called because the mother is taking water is she also clonal plants. We assume that until they are taking dissolved phosphate? To find out, we have established, these daughter plants will be sup- to feed her roots with water containing radioac- plied by their mother. So we can ask “Do plants tive phosphate and find where the radioactivity make good mothers?” ends up. This shows that a mother plant given How does a colony form? Think of a straw- high phosphate allows some phosphate to the berry plant. It pushes out runners along the daughter, but remember that the poor deprived ground and develops offspring at every ‘node’, mother in pair 2 had an enormous daughter – that is, at the base of every leaf, so the stem now we see why - the well fed daughter is strong 11 Elgin Road linking the parent and the daughters is a stem of enough not only to take up her own phosphate Dublin 4 the parent plant. Water and minerals such as through her roots but also to grab the mother’s Ireland nitrogen and phosphate move from the soil in phosphate. The poorly fed daughter in pair 1 had Tel: +353 (0)1 668 7077 the xylem upwards from the root through the some phosphate given her by her mother – but Fax:+353 (0)1 668 4466 stem to all parts of a plant. Food may travel in it’s rather harder for the phosphate to go the [email protected] either direction in the phloem, mainly from the “wrong way” so a poorly fed mother attached to shoot to the root from photosynthesis in the a well fed daughter suffers. leaves but also from a storage root like a carrot So much for water and minerals – but they’re or parsnip, to the shoot. A horizontal stem not food. Do plants make good mothers when it therefore could have food moving in either comes to sharing food? Plants trap the energy direction but should have water and minerals of sunlight in their green chlorophyll and use moving only from mother to daughter. the light energy to combine water and carbon A grass plant needs about 1/200th of its dioxide into sugar. To look at this we again use weight in phosphate if it is to grow properly. radioactivity – this time growing the plant in an Plants without enough phosphate weighed atmosphere of radioactive carbon dioxide gas. about 1/4 the weight of plants given enough We let the mother plant use this and in daylight phosphate. But does a mother grass plant share the radioactive carbon is built into the sugar and phosphate with her daughter? we can track where that radioactive sugar goes. Four mother plants, each linked to her own And we see that the mother isn’t giving a thing daughter, had their roots in one concentration away – all the sugar she makes she keeps in her and the daughters had their roots in another. own shoots and roots! High phosphate is called +P and low phosphate Well, do plants make good mothers? is called -P so the four pairs of mothers and All we can say is that plants try very hard to daughters were arranged:- produce large families! Either they produce Pair Mother Daughter seeds which disperse and produce more of their 1 High phosphate (+P) Low phosphate (-P) kind or they short-circuit the system and pro- 2 Low phosphate (-P) High phosphate (+P) 3 High phosphate (+P) High phosphate (+P) duce identical daughter plants. In order that 4 Low phosphate (-P) Low phosphate (-P) valuable resources are not wasted it seems that a well fed plant will make certain that it can grow well and produce offspring – either by making clones or by making flowers then seeds. Thus a well fed plant, growing in fertile soil, will have the strength to grab what it can – from the soil, from its parent or even from its own daughter. So sorry! Plants don’t make very unselfish mothers but they do their level best to ensure the survival and success of their kind and if they happen to have a sickly offspring then it’s rather hard luck on that offspring - mother will not go out of her way to help but will use the daughter The graph shows the weight of pairs of to help provide her with the resources she needs mother and daughter plants attached to each in order to reproduce – and that’s really the other - the mother on the left the daughter on advantage of this method of reproducing by cre- the right. If the plant is given high phosphate ating a clone. The plant can take advantage of the bar is coloured black and low phosphate is every possibility of ensuring its survival, and shown as white. thus the survival of the species. Notice in the numbered pairs in the graph how the daughter is doing best of all in pair No 2 – so perhaps it is attached to a “good mother” Dr. Rosie Solbé, St Asaph, Denbighshire, UK. Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 15

ing approach. Following a series of consulta- tions with active involvement of the planning authority’s Conservation Officer, a new attitude was agreed. The end result was to grant plan- Development & ning permission to build a number of residential units in a section of the garden. With advice from the planning authority, the Conversation officer and the property owner’s architect, an appropriate layout and design was followed Heritage Protection which either eliminated or greatly reduced neg- ative impact on the protected structure. The protected building has now been fully restored and the new residential units have been con- A Balanced Approach structed. The entire area has been transformed

Sketch: © Sherkin Island Marine Station for the better and the restored building is once buildings remain functional in modern times. It is important in framing Development Plans again functioning as a dwelling with a long life Their original function may have changed and if that proper regard is had to design, heritage and ahead of it. The building is open to the public By Joe Gavin they are to survive we have to allow change. sustainability issues. Towards this end, a part- and well worth a visit to see how beneficial the Good examples of these are the fine mills and nership approach with input from the public and reasonable and practical approach taken by the warehouses which were built in the 19th cen- the various relevant agencies such as the Her- planning authority has been to the protection of Development Growth tury. There is no longer a use for them as mills itage Council, The Office of Public Works, this element of our heritage. or warehouses. Their floor to ceiling heights Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, An As planning authorities, heritage groups, pro- IT would be true to say that the opportunities may be too low or too high for modern uses. Taisce, R.I.A.I. (Royal Institute of the Archi- fessional or regulatory bodies we can, in my which the architectural and planning profes- We must be prepared to allow alterations in tects of Ireland), I.P.I. (Irish Planning Institute), view, do much more for the protection of our sions have today to shape the future built fabric these areas to facilitate modern architecture if and other specialised groups should be encour- heritage by adopting a consultative, informative of our country have seldom been greater. we are to secure the survival of many of these aged. and practical approach to issues rather than fol- Ireland is experiencing unprecedented levels fine buildings. The new format for public consultation in the lowing a dogmatic, confrontational, purist or of growth in the construction industry. In the Demolition will also be appropriate in partic- preparation of Development Plans very much rigid line. residential area alone there is a demand for ular situations. When we visit St. Finbarre’s encourages and supports this holistic and partic- 60,000 new homes to be provided each year for Cathedral in our own city we admire the cre- ipative approach. From such a partnership the next 10 years. There is also a heavy demand Financial Issues ativity, skill and vision of the architect and all ethos the legal measures for the protection of for office and retail development. Side by side those who put such a magnificent structure in our heritage contained in the Planning and While we now have comprehensive legisla- with these demands there is emerging a greater place in the 1860’s. We do not criticise the fact Development Act 2002 would be underpinned tion in place for the protection of our heritage emphasis on sustainable development and the that several other church buildings which with relevant development and development there are many financial implications which protection of our natural heritage. existed on the same site dating back to 600 A.D. control policies in Development Plans. need to be addressed in the area of protected We have seen recommendations in the Bacon had been removed from time to time. In this structures. If funds are not available to the own- Report for higher residential densities which whole area there must be scope for balance and ers of protected structures they will not be in a have been taken on board by the government reasonableness. Attitude and Approach position to maintain or restore them. Some and by local authorities. Good design and lay- financial assistance is available in the form of out are essential requirements to be addressed if to Heritage Protection tax incentives but much more is needed. Many higher density housing is to be sustainable and Legal Protection of Heritage To many property owners and developers of our finest heritage buildings are churches and words like “heritage”, “conservation” and to provide a comfortable style of living for our The Planning and Development 2002 Act in some areas with the fall in congregations “protected” are a cause for concern. In some citizens. In moving away from the 6 to 8 hous- introduced new legal requirements designed to there is not sufficient support to maintain these cases it is right that it should be so but in other ing units per acre on green field suburban protect architectural heritage. It has provision buildings into the future. One very good exam- instances such concern results in inactivity development to perhaps twice this level, good for dealing with Protected Structures, Architec- ple, again in Cork, is St. Anne’s at Shandon. which can be to the detriment of buildings with creative design is important. In urban develop- tural Conservation Areas and areas of Special This church houses the famous Shandon Bells important heritage value. The cause of this con- ment housing units of 70 to 100 per acre have Planning Control. in its steeple and is one of Cork’s most famous cern has risen in part from a rigid, purist and been achieved and, based on good design, have Local Authority Development Plans have landmarks. It is in need of extensive and urgent dogmatic attitude on the part of some people in been found to suit housing needs and lifestyles implications far beyond control and protection repair. Securing funds is a major difficulty. authority. They may reside in the Planning of many of our citizens. of buildings and structures. The Development Another local example of a protected struc- Authority, The Planning Appeals Board, Plans can have an impact on the whole range of ture under threat is Blackrock Castle – again an Dúchas, An Taisce etc. It also rises in part from elements which make up our national heritage historic landmark in the Cork landscape. The Heritage – Public Buildings a lack of understanding and appreciation of how as defined in the Heritage Act 1995 as includ- Castle has been idle and in deterioration for a It is important that while we address the development may be allowed to proceed on pro- ing: number of years. The owners put it on the mar- needs of new development that we have due tected structures and other restricted areas. • Monuments ket but because of its protected status and the respect for our existing built heritage. Some of In my view best results can be achieved for • Archaeological Objects extent of the expensive restoration which would Ireland’s finest public buildings were built in all parties by having a consultative, partnership • Heritage Objects have to be undertaken the interest was limited. the middle of the 19th century. Most of our uni- and practical approach. A working partnership • Architectural Heritage Cork City Council recently acquired the Castle versities date from that time as do the between the property owner and the local plan- • Flora & Fauna in order to ensure its protection. Its acquisition courthouse buildings which grace many of our ning authority is of critical importance. I would • Landscapes and restoration will put a severe strain on the towns. like here to refer to one recent example in Cork • Seascapes local authority’s finances. Sadly many of these fine courthouses were City of the handling of a proposed development • Geology It seems to me that funds are more readily neglected and allowed to deteriorate until recent on a protected building. • Heritage Gardens & Parks available for our underground heritage, for times. There is now a greater appreciation of The property in question, a “protected struc- • Inland Waterways ruins and artifacts more than they are for over- their quality as public buildings and many of ture”, is located in the shadow of St. Finbarre’s ground structures. Substantial state monies are them are the subject of considerable refurbish- Cathedral and is known as “Carraigbarre”. It is expended on archaeological digs and on the ment investment including our own courthouse Wildlife Habitats a dwelling dating back from the 1730’s approx- recording of buried ruins. While they also have here at Washington Street, Cork City. It is important therefore that in preparing imately. It was in an exceptionally poor state of an importance it is critical to address over- Development Plans due regard is had to poten- repair and had a garden attached at the rear. ground structures which are endangered before Balance tial impacts on our national heritage in all of its The owner approached the planning authority they too become ruins. aspects. Policies in Development Plans can, for with a proposal for the restoration of the In weighing up the options of permitting new example, have implications for the protection of dwelling and for the construction of a number developments, of changing older buildings or of Conclusion the Irish Language. of residential units in the garden. It was his permitting the demolition of existing buildings Questions were recently raised in a particular contention that he could only afford to restore Whether in the preparation and implementa- we must seek to achieve a reasonable balance. case where a local authority was allowing sub- the protected dwelling if new residential devel- tion of Development Plans, in the functioning Not all old buildings are worthy of retention. stantial residential development in an “Irish opments were permitted in the rear garden. The of regulatory and advisory bodies, in the secur- We must have room to allow our current day Speaking” village as to whether the occupants initial reaction of the planning authority was to ing of funding or in the preparation of heritage architects to make their own mark and to leave of the houses, if not fluent in the Irish Lan- refuse any building in the garden on the grounds policy, our national and built environment will future generations buildings which they will guage, could have a detrimental effect on the that it would compromise the protected struc- be all the better for a partnership approach regard as part of their important heritage. local language culture. A linguistic impact ture as the open garden was seen as an integral based on common sense by all the actors In the area of architecture and town planning, assessment was called for. part of the structure. As a consequence of not involved. the ancient Romans laid down 3 principles – This was somewhat unusual but it is indica- allowing development in the garden the pro- Solidity, Beauty and Utility. These principles tive of the influence which policies in the tected structure would not be restored and Joe Gavin, City Manager, Cork City Council, are as important today as they were when Rome Development Plan can have on such a wide would continue to deteriorate. City Hall, Cork. www.corkcity.ie was built. With regard to the principle of Util- range of issues. Meetings were arranged and the planning ity or Functionality it is necessary that older authority decided to adopt a more accommodat- Page 16...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 The Ecology of the Rocky Shores of Sherkin Island A Twenty-Year

Photo: © Susan Murphy Wickens Perspective The book was launched by the world renowned rocky shore expert, Dr. Jenifer Baker (right), seen here with Gillian Bishop and her son Alexander, Robbie Murphy, Karen Mould, Anne Mansfield, Alistair Nieuwenhuyse and Claire ally dominant animals and the length of a sin- Brown. plants (up to 20 per shore) e.g. gle cycle varying THIS October saw the trated background information the large brown wracks, some from three to 12 launch of the milestone publi- on the common species of the common red and green sea- years. Other species, cation for Sherkin Island rocky shore together with how weeds, barnacles, limpets, such as limpets, are Marine Station. The Ecology the rocky shore food web mussels, winkles and dog- relatively constant in of the Rocky Shores of Sherkin functions. The main focus of whelks, which will be familiar their population size. Island - A Twenty-Year Per- the book though is seven to anyone with an interest in At the end of the spective is the first major shores on Sherkin Island the seashore. The book was 1980s a major and analysis of rocky shore data where sampling has been car- written specifically to include widespread change from a programme begun in ried out monthly between people and to appeal to a wider occurred - the barnacle 1975 by the Station, and which April and October. Faced with audience than the academic populations crashed still continues today. It draws a huge database of hundreds of community. significantly and only together the work of at least species, which are listed in the The long period of recording started to recover 200 volunteer biologists. book, the analysis presented has shown that many species towards the end of the The book gives well-illus- deals only with the few visu- have cycles of abundance, with 1990s. This decline affected the dogwhelks that feed on them and they also declined in numbers, as did the mus- sels - the other main dogwhelk food species. Large brown seaweeds also decreased at many of the sites in the 1990s, which amongst other things - removed the habitat of the flat periwinkle; hence it too declined in numbers. It is clear to us now, that had the work been written up after The a much shorter period, five or ten years only, an entirely dif- ferent interpretation would Author have been made. We still do not know the answer to the question - "What are the nor- GILLIAN BISHOP lives mal population levels on with her family on a small Sherkin's shores?" Was it mixed farm in Scotland near those of the 1980s when the Aberdeen, and moves in and out of this relatively tranquil shore supported more biomass environment and the hectic one of an environmental

Photo: © Daphne Pochin Mould - or the less productive years consultant in the UK oil industry. Species analysed at seven sites on Sherkin Island, over a 20-year period, form the basis of the book. of the 1990s? Will productiv- For 13 years Gillian has supported exploration drilling ity increase again in the shore in sensitive marine environments. This mean researching community? and understanding all the environmental resources and The original aim of the sur- sensitivities in an area where they plan to drill, writing oil vey was merely to document spill contingency plans and discussing theses plans and the rocky shore species over operations with all the many interested parties - councils, time, but analysis of the phys- natures conservation bodies, fisheries and of course the ical environmental factors UK government. Over this time period, environmental recorded (sea temperature, air legislation has increased and they now present formal temperature, wind, rainfall, environmental statements to summarise the proposed sunshine hours) has also been operation, issues and environmental impacts. Much of carried out. Of interest here is Gillian’s work has centred on exploring the Atlantic the fact that surface sea tem- Margin - the seas to the north and west of the UK - a perature has been slightly fascinating area for the marine biologist. higher since 1987 than the Recently Gillian switched her allegiances to a gas early years of the survey 1981- production platform in the North Sea where gas, 1986. condensate and crude oil are produced and piped ashore, Data always generate more and more wells are continuously drilled into the reservoir. questions and work at Sherkin She manages the environmental programme for the Island Marine Station contin- platform, to ensure they are legally compliant and make ues on what has now become a constant efforts to minimise their environmental impact. topic of national and interna- The best bits of the job for Gillian are without question, tional interest - how is climate those that focus on the marine environment - seabed and change affecting our environ- seashore animals and plants - when the marine biologist The long period of recording has shown that many species have cycles of abundance, with the length of a ment? single cycle varying from three to 12 years in her can take over again! Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 17 long-term commitment and suspect that during the prepa- Jenifer Baker’s skills of the whole Murphy ration of this book there have Launch Speech family. Do read the Acknowl- been occasions when it has WE are here to celebrate edgements section of the book, been difficult to see the wood three things. First, the publica- and read between the lines as for the trees, or, to change to a tion of The Ecology of the well to appreciate the depth of shore metaphor, the book for Rocky Shores of Sherkin so many people’s commit- the barnacles. But both per- Island, this unique book which ment. spectives (we might call them has been more than twenty Can you imagine the the microscopic and the tele- years a-growing. Second, the amount of data behind this scopic perspectives) are talents and dedication of book? I’ve seen some of it at necessary, and she has used Gillian Bishop in putting it all the Marine Station and it’s cer- both. The great vision can’t be together and the skills of the tainly an impressive resource fulfilled without all the many people who have con- for researchers, but in its raw detailed work, but the detailed tributed to the book. Third, the form it’s not easily accessible work lacks purpose if there rocky shore programme itself, to the public. What Gillian has isn’t a vision of the values of which is still going strong. So done so successfully is to rocky shores. this book is a milestone rather make the information accessi- One of the values, which than the last word, and perhaps ble, in fulfilment of a general clearly emerge from the book, in another twenty years Matt aim of the Marine Station to is educational value. Rocky will be asking Gillian to write communicate to the public. shores are superb for teaching another book! Marine biology is for every- ecological principles to school I’ve been around long one, and there’s something for and university students. Apart enough to remember a time everyone in this book. For from learning to identify the Photos: © Robbie Murphy when there wasn’t a rocky researchers, it’s a key to the wealth of organisms, there’s Marine Station’s data bank, great scope for relating distri- Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine Station, with the author Dr. Gillian Bishop and her children: Hannah, Esther and shore programme based at Alexander. Sherkin Island Marine Station. but it’s also useful for school bution of species to ies need no longer be just ing one’s skills expanded in they can refresh us at a deep That was way back in 1975, snapshots but can be related to unexpected directions. I’m level. Many professional envi- when I first had the pleasure long-term trends and fluctua- sure that’s the common experi- ronmental scientists are drawn and privilege of meeting Matt tions. I wish all this had been ence of Gillian, myself, and to this sort of work because and Eileen and their family. available when we were run- the many volunteers over the sometimes in the interstices of Like Gillian, I had been work- ning industrial courses at the years. I have a memory of doing the data collection there ing on oil spill studies in Marine Station many years arriving on Sherkin one are opportunities to just soak Bantry Bay and can remember ago – Gillian will remember evening for a conference the up the beauty of creation. As Matt wanting to discuss rocky them – because one of the uses following day, and finding the with a beautiful painting, how- shore surveys. Of course, I of long-term data is to help conference hall still under con- ever, it helps to know didn’t realise then that it sort out the effects of human struction. I seem to remember something about what you are would lead to one of the activity from natural changes. floor tile laying most of the looking at, and in this respect world’s longest running and That’s a topic, which is much night with Saran Petpiroon, a the book can help anyone most extensive shore monitor- discussed currently, with par- research biologist from Thai- make the most of appreciating ing programmes. Yes, that’s ticular attention given to land; and Professor and Mrs the shores of south-west Ire- right – you have on your global warning concerns. Knight-Jones from University land – shores which are among doorstep one of the world’s From a rocky shore perspec- College Swansea were the world’s finest. The illustra- longest running and most tive, there’s a classic example installing a door. Where else tions and photographs are a extensive shore monitoring from the north of Scotland could one combine rocky great help in this respect. programmes. It’s only in retro- where a one-off survey would shore biology with enhancing I’ve never been to a book spect I can appreciate the have suggested that an oil spill one’s building skills? launch before, but have seen greatness of Matt and Eileen’s had severely depleted shore Gillian speaks for many of films of ship launches. So I vision. The publication of this Rocky shore enthusiasts Michael O’Neill and Pat Maher at the launch. life. But there had been long- us when she mentions her love have a mental picture of break- book is a fruit of their vision term monitoring and this of the Island’s rocky shores. ing a bottle of champagne over and is a remarkable achieve- showed that there had been a That points to something the book before it goes sailing ment in many ways. and university students and environmental variables, decline before the spill, attrib- beyond their educational and off round the coast of Ireland. It distills an enormous teachers with an interest in working through different uted to severe winter weather research value, and beyond The mental picture inspires my amount of work which has marine fieldwork. And for any zones up and down the shore many months previously. So utilitarian values such as pro- closing words. The book is involved hundreds of people interested member of the pub- or along the shore from wave- things were more complicated ducing shellfish and seaweeds named The Ecology of the from many countries since lic it’s a way of exploring exposed to sheltered. The than a single snapshot would that can be used for food. It Rocky Shores of Sherkin 1975 – volunteer biologists, shore life and its dynamics book gives plenty of informa- suggest. points to the beauty of the Island. God bless her and all scientific advisors and practi- more deeply. tion on these two dimensions, As oil pollution has been rocky shores, and the fact that who sail in her. cal helpers, backed by the Gillian can tell me after- but outstandingly offers the wards if I’m right, but I third dimension of time. Stud- my speciality, here are some more oily memories. Shores in Roaring Water Bay provided Copies of valuable uncontaminated ref- erence sites when we were The Ecology of the Rocky investigating the environmen- Shores of Sherkin Island tal effects of the terrible Betelgeuse accident in Bantry – A Twenty-year Perspective Bay. And then, in the 1980’s, we did some grant-aided basic by Gillian Bishop research on principles relevant can be obtained from to spill clean-up, using Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island shores. The Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, choice was obvious – it was Ireland. Sherkin Island that had the variety of shores, and it was Sherkin Island that had exist- Price: €25.00 (softback) ing background information (Hardback price: €50.00) relevant to the research. So ISBN: 1 870492 57 9 that’s another value of having Please add postage long-term monitoring – it at the following rates: helps other research projects POSTAGE Rep. of Britain & Europe Rest of and can indeed attract them. Ireland N. Ireland (surface) World (surface) (surface) And while we’re thinking 1 copy €5.00 €6.50 €9.00 €11.00 about values, working on 2 copies €6.50 €9.00 €9.00 €14.00 Photos: © Robbie Murphy Sherkin Island always seems 3 copies €7.00 €11.00 €11.00 €17.00 Autographing copies at the book’s launch. to bring added values of hav- Page 18...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35

again that it might walk out. The difference from previous years, perhaps, is that this time there is some support back home from parlia- mentarians and public. If the IWC does fall apart, the three whaling nations will feel free to do what they want. What they want will probably not be very dif- ferent from what they are doing already. They are unlikely to unleash another bloodbath. Clipart: © 1995 SoftKey International Inc., and its licensors But if there is no commission, there will be no international control of any other countries that may decide to set up as pirate whalers. Then the gates will open with a vengeance. You can tell what species a piece of whale meat has come from if you analyse its DNA. But not every small harbour has the equipment to do so, or the skill and the will to use it. So you could rapidly find not just the relatively abundant minkes being killed, but whales of any species that strays into the harpooner’s crosshairs. If you want to save the whales, the IWC is the best hope for their salvation. But it looks increasingly as if only an IWC which agrees to some limited whaling - based on what the sci- The Great Whale Debate ence says is sustainable - can itself hope to survive. A (relatively) few whales may have to die messy and cruel deaths to save the rest. In 2000 the then secretary of the IWC (he This year the commission’s annual meeting “The whaling debate is as shot through with contradictions as a stick of retired soon afterwards), Dr Ray Gambell, told voted to establish a conservation committee, seaside rock.” me: “The whale is a high-profile animal. It has whose job will be essentially to conserve become a symbol.” A failure to signal the forth- cetaceans for their own sake, not just to ensure coming end of the moratorium, he said, would 1992 but rejoined in 2002, voting for its own there are enough to hunt. The whalers were By Alex Kirby mean “a real danger that the commission will readmission, which was approved by a majority appalled at what they saw as an attempt at a fun- lose its credibility totally”. Three years on, the of one. damental change of purpose. One member of THE world’s whales, you could say, have had whales are no safer and the opposing sides no And the commission itself is only as power- the Japanese delegation, a man respected for his it pretty easy these last 15 years or so. The ful as its members allow it to be. The closer. global moratorium on commercial whaling low-key and thoughtful interventions, told me: anti-whaling majority is being steadily whittled “It’s as if you thought you’d joined a football came into force in 1986, and since some time away as more states join and declare themselves Alex Kirby is environment correspondent of before that there has been a conservation- club, only to find it had become a stamp-col- in support of the whalers (bribed to do so in BBC News Online (http://news.bbc.co.uk/), minded majority on the International Whaling lecting society.” most cases by Japan, the story goes). The IWC The deep divisions which have made the and has covered several IWC meetings. Commission. After the years of bloody slaugh- secretariat, competent, conscientious and ter during the industrial whaling era, when commission virtually dysfunctional for years scrupulously non-political, is a small group of now threaten to tear it apart. Japan muttered yet steam and then oil conspired to give the har- British scientists operating from a modest house pooners a decisive and fatal edge over even the in a suburb of Cambridge. There are no gun- fastest-swimming and deepest-diving whales, boats to enforce the commission’s decisions. they deserved a respite. But the days of relative There is not even a dinghy. peace may be drawing to an end. Time to dust Perhaps the greatest contradiction of all is the off the inflatable whales, the bloodstained plac- clash between the science which is supposed to Fish Farming ards and head once more for the barricades, underpin all the IWC’s work, and the emotion then? Or time, perhaps, to accept that whales which has in fact dominated it for many years. I are essentially very large marine cattle, harder am not decrying emotion in the least. If we were to hit but just as legitimate a target as their ter- is a Growing more emotional we might well have a world restrial cousins? Whichever way it goes, there which had banned landmines and decided to are going to be some very loud squeals of feed every child adequately. But I do think there protest from someone. will be tensions when an organisation founded Business The whaling debate is as shot through with to act on science chooses to qualify it. contradictions as a stick of seaside rock. The There is ample scientific justification for Worth: commission, for a start, was established in 1946 refusing to allow any killing of several whale • €110 million to coastal areas with a dual mandate which today has virtually species. The commission’s scientists said this paralysed it. It was set up to conserve whaling, year they thought the blue whale, the largest of • Over one-third of all Irish fish production and also to conserve whales (so there would be them all, was finally starting a very gradual • Over 2,000 jobs in rural Ireland enough to catch). That means both sides can recovery from the industrial massacre. They • 12-month a year employment sincerely claim to be acting in the spirit of the believe there could be up to 1,500 of them in the • Export-oriented IWC. Antarctic now, three times more than 25 years • Labour intensive added value It has never (till this year, at least) sought to ago. But in the whalers’ “best” year, 1929-30, protect all whales, let alone all cetaceans (a cat- they killed 30,000 blues in the Antarctic. Irish fish farmers produce top quality seafood for the restaurants and egory which includes dolphins and porpoises as Recovery is relative. supermarkets of Europe well). The commission has concerned itself It is much the same for some of the others, only with the so-called great whales, the species like the northern right whale. For many species, • to the highest quality standards of principal commercial interest. Finally, at its the data is too patchy to be sure. Earlier this 2003 meeting, it did agree to extend its mandate • under an intensively monitored licensing regime year researchers claimed DNA analysis of tissue • without quotas to cover all cetacean species. samples suggested there had once been far more • in pristine waters The commercial whaling moratorium has whales than the IWC estimated, and that there- • meeting the requirements of the most demanding customers and compounded the contradictions by not even try- fore recovery lay even further in the future than consumers ing to stop all killing. Two of the leaders of the it seemed. whaling camp - Japan and Iceland – each con- But for some whales, like some populations • providing much needed jobs in coastal areas tinue to kill 6-700 whales a year without of minkes, it is very hard to argue a scientific • giving custom to and providing jobs in local service industries - feed, infringing IWC rules in any way. Japan does so case against killing. You can say whaling is nets, engineering, garages, boats, packaging, vets, etc. in the name of research: the commission allows inherently cruel, because of the impossibility of member states to catch unlimited numbers of guaranteeing a clean shot and a quick death. For more information contact: any species, so long as it is done to advance sci- You can say whales are special, iconic, too IFA Fish Farming Section, entific knowledge. Norway can continue to hunt intelligent and sensitive to be butchered. But Irish Farmers’ Association, Bluebell, Dublin 12 because it voted against the moratorium when it you will find it hard to argue on scientific ph: 01-4500266 fax: 01-4551043 was adopted. The third whaling nation, Iceland, grounds that there are not enough minkes for a e-mail [email protected] has restarted research whaling recently, though small annual catch. its case is less straightforward. It left the IWC in Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 19 Single Rural Houses

Things have now changed, Ireland an urban and rural problem and the By Catherine is an industrial nation, with tourism a “A foolproof system for identifying those with genuine ever increasing traffic congestion is McMullin major employer, and farming is no needs must be developed with appropriate legal controls having an adverse effect on the qual- longer the mainstay of the local econ- to prevent abuse.” ity of life for everyone. omy. Indeed, many farmers must In the more isolated rural areas, THE continuing planning debate have off-farm income to survive. In jobs, rather than houses, are the planning policies all over the county and such housing (should) be occu- about ‘one-off’ single rural houses former times, the single rural house first priority. Urban generated but first the reasons for the drop in pied by established members of the has created much heat, but cast very made sense as people needed to live rural housing must be controlled population needs to be investigated. rural community. little light, on the subject. Apparently close to work but now education has but the proposal to divert it to the In the more remote areas, the decline The NSS recognises the problems irreconcilable views are aired and opened up other opportunities and smaller towns and villages will in farming and lack of alternative of urban generated housing where there appears to be no common different lifestyles. In the past, peo- work well only if good infrastruc- employment is an obvious factor. people wish to live in a rural area and ground between both sides. Ireland ple adapted to the changing social ture, including public transport, is Large tracts of forestry have pushed commute to work in cities and towns. is at a critical period of development and economic conditions of the time. available. In practice, infrastruc- people out of other areas. Scenic It does not recommend single rural and, if the wrong policies on rural Should we continue to live with an ture is often inadequate and public coastal areas often experience a housing, rather that: smaller towns housing are adopted now, major outdated settlement pattern and not transport almost non-existent so huge increase in the number of and villages have a key role to play in problems will arise in the future. It is seek one more suitable to the 21st that people become ‘car depend- houses but the population continues catering for these types of housing time for all sides of the argument to century ? ent’. Holiday homes should be to fall. The extra houses are obvi- demand in a sustainable manner. be discussed in a rational manner. Any settlement strategy must look restricted to those areas where they ously holiday homes and, in some Much of the present controversy Much of the problem is due to a at the development of both rural and have no adverse impact. townlands, they constitute 60–80% centres around the interpretation of lack of definition of the terms used urban areas as both are interdepen- To conclude, planning policies of the housing stock. the above two paragraphs. It is diffi- and a good example is the very term dent. People want to live where they need to be tailored to suit the partic- Introducing more liberal planning cult to define a ‘need’ to live in the ‘rural’. Many people think of this as can have a good quality of life and ular circumstances of the area, a ‘one policies will not necessarily revitalise area or what is an ‘established mem- the open countryside but the Central ready access to work, shops, schools size fits all’ solution will not work. the more isolated areas but it will lead ber of the rural community’. A Statistic Office (CSO) defines it as and other services. Individual needs The type of development permitted to even more houses within commut- foolproof system for identifying any settlement with a population of vary and a ‘one size fits all’ approach in rural areas needs to be defined in ing distance of towns. It is becoming those with genuine needs must be 1,500 or less – this would include will not work. A variety of choices more detail while the position obvious that different planning developed with appropriate legal many small towns and villages. For need to be available. regarding constitutional property restrictions are required in different controls to prevent abuse. this article, it will be taken to mean Census figures show the popula- rights must be clarified. Further parts of the county. More research is Another bone of contention is the the open countryside outside of exist- tion of towns is increasing much research is essential and develop- needed to develop policies to suit issue of ‘landowner’s rights’, with ing settlements, large or small. faster than rural areas. This is not a ment must be monitored to ensure every situation. many feeling they have a constitu- The pressure for ‘one-off’ housing sign that people are being forced into that policies are achieving their pur- The National Spatial Strategy tional right to do what they like with is different in the east and west of Ire- towns, rather that they are ‘voting pose. And finally, a reasoned and (NSS) published recently, seeks to their own land. In fact, the constitu- land. The east coast is very much with their feet’ and choosing to live informed debate must take place control the over-development of tion does limit property owners’ influenced by Dublin and ‘dormitory there. Many people enjoy the con- between all the stakeholders to Dublin and to shift people and jobs rights so as to protect the ‘common towns’ for commuters have devel- venience of being close to all ensure the policies adopted now cre- to the rest of the country. It advo- good’ but there is disagreement as to oped up to 50-60 miles away. The facilities and places to socialise. ate a better Ireland in the future. cates the strengthening of designated whether present planning restrictions west coast is not under the same com- Small towns and villages can be very urban ‘gateways’ and ‘hubs’, where are constitutional. muter pressure but isolation and pleasant places in which to live. we can expect the population to There are many other issues also to Catherine McMullin is a scientist by second homes create problems. Even Some may prefer the country life increase. As regards rural areas, it be considered, particularly the profession but has many years within counties there are wide varia- and, since about 1970, there has been recommends that rural generated increasing use of the motor car due to experience of planning issues as a tions with falling populations in a drift of people out of towns into the housing needs should be accommo- the mismatch between location of res- member of An Taisce. isolated areas, pressures for urban surrounding countryside. There is a dated in the areas where they arise idences and workplaces. This is both generated housing in the vicinity of marked difference between this urban towns and holiday homes in scenic generated rural housing and the older areas. The rest of this article will deal farmhouses. Modern living requires with the situation in the western side external services, including piped of the country. water, electricity, and telephones and, Depopulation is a serious problem as these services are normally pro- in some rural areas and there have vided beside the public road, that is been attempts to blame this on plan- where the majority of new houses are ning policies that are too restrictive, sited. The result is ribbon develop- particularly in relation to single rural ment along all the roads leading out houses. It has been claimed that of towns and it is generally recog- scattered rural housing is part of our nised that many places within the heritage and should be facilitated, not town catchment area are becoming restricted. over-developed. Before the famine, in 1841, census Rural houses are in demand partly figures show that about 90% of the because of the lower site prices but population lived in rural areas. How- this does not take into consideration ever, the first ordnance survey map, the higher long term costs of com- dating from the same time, shows muting to work, schools etc, usually people did not live in scattered single requiring a second family car. There rural houses but in ‘farm villages’ or are other costs that are not so obvi- clachans, consisting of clusters of 15 ous. An Foras Forbartha, in a study – 20 houses with open countryside carried out in the mid 1970s, showed around them. Living together in such that it is more expensive to provide communities, work could be shared services to rural houses but the extra and carried out more efficiently. The cost is often borne by the community, ruins of many of these clachans are not by the individual. Indeed, An still to be seen. Post reminded us recently of the huge After the famine, the Congested losses it incurs providing rural mail Districts Board, and its successor, the deliveries, leading to higher postal Land Commission, moved people out charges for everyone. of these villages into single houses as The recent census figures show it was felt disease spread more that, despite the overall rise in popu- quickly in crowded conditions. The lation, some rural areas continue to splitting up of the big estates under decline. This is often used as an the land acts continued this pattern of argument to justify more liberal scattered housing. Page 20...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Waste Management in Ireland

increased use of weighbridges in landfills and which began in 1995. Either local authorities or cut. For example, a recycling rate of 25 per cent By Mary Kelly this in turn makes it possible to predict with the EPA now regulate all legally operating for packaging waste was achieved in 2001, some certainty the resources needed to manage waste disposal and recovery facilities. The dis- meeting the EU target for packaging recovery. THE face of waste management in Ireland is Ireland’s waste effectively. covery of illegal dumps can be attributed to This was in the face of a 28 per cent rise in the rapidly changing, in some areas for the better, All parts of the country are now subject to tighter controls and the fact that local authori- absolute tonnage of packaging waste generated with a more comprehensively regulated waste waste management plans produced by local or ties, not just the EPA, are taking illegal between 1998 and 2001. However, the target of industry taking shape in recent years. However, regional authorities. A National Hazardous dumping seriously. Most local authorities have 50 per cent recovery by 2005 will be difficult to there is no room for complacency. Three of the Waste Management Plan prepared by the EPA is now taken their environmental responsibilities attain, particularly if the quantities of packaging greatest pressures on the efficient management in place. Implementation is weak however, and on board and the noose is tightening around the waste generation continue to increase. of waste remain and need to be tackled: increas- many of the regional plans are already out of necks of those involved in illegal dumping. Ireland’s recycling rates are still low by Euro- ing waste generation, a continuing high date. Six of the ten waste management plan- Parts of the waste infrastructure have pean standards and there needs to be an dependence on landfilling and the lack of a ning regions have less than three years improved; significantly, the private sector col- acceleration in rates of recycling and recovery. proper waste infrastructure. remaining landfill capacity. While regional lected 63 per cent of the municipal waste This will only occur if a successful market The Environmental Protection Agency is in a waste management plans may have proposed accepted at licensed facilities in 2001. More development programme in put in place. It is unique position to be able to take an overview new recycling and recovery infrastructure, transfer stations and composting facilities are notable that those countries that are achieving of the success or otherwise of various waste together with landfill and incineration capacity, high recycling rates generally have a ready mar- policies as it has many functions in respect of most of this capacity is not yet in place. The ket for recycled material and have access to a waste and its management. Earlier this year, the implementation of the plans needs to be accel- “Overall, there has been a network of businesses that utilise the material. EPA published the National Waste Database erated if we are to meet national targets. The Many of these countries have been able to opt Report 2001 which gave an overview of waste plans also need to be reviewed and updated. doubling in the actual quantity of for a combination of low or zero landfill with generation and management in Ireland in 2001 Waste quantities have grown at rates signifi- household, commercial, incineration to manage their waste. Ireland and into 2002. It was the third in the National cantly in excess of those projected when the packaging and construction and does not have this market in place and the situ- Waste Database series so allowing comparison plans were being prepared and the plans have ation has changed for the worse recently with between these and previous waste statistics. The demolition waste being recycled not kept pace. The range and scale of infra- or recovered. While this can be the closures of Irish Glass Bottle and Irish Ispat. report described available waste management structure required in each region for a period of Although the national target of 50 per cent recy- infrastructure, examined changing regulatory at least 15 years should be identified and put in welcomed, the base recycling cling of construction and demolition waste is and infrastructural requirements and made rec- place. rate was extremely low and being met - over 65 per cent was recovered in ommendations on waste infrastructure, capacity On the positive side, a more balanced waste Ireland is still well below the 2001 - the recycling rate of household and com- and future management practices. Collation management infrastructure is taking shape. In mercial waste is low. and publication of this data, as reported by local recycling and recovery rates of line with government policy, the number of other European countries.” Despite the economic boom, the generation authorities, commercial enterprises, industry operating local authority landfills decreased of industrial waste and hazardous waste sta- and farming, will allow policy makers and deci- from 76 in 1998 to 50 in 2001. The number of bilised between 1998 and 2001. If we are to sion makers to look at trends in waste private sector landfills decreased from 50 to 42 seriously tackle the quantities of waste being management and to examine the effects of dif- in the same period. Landfills are operating to a coming on stream. There is a need, however, to produced, waste generation in all sectors must ferent policies on these trends. Waste statistics higher standard because of waste licensing identify the facilities required to integrate the be decoupled from economic growth. Limited have become more reliable because of the management of the various waste streams action, it seems, is being taken to prevent and nationally. The movement of waste between minimise waste in many sectors. The genera- regions should also be provided for in appropri- tion of household waste increased by 20 per ate circumstances. cent between 1998 and 2001. Commercial There have been significant improvements in waste generation increased by 53 per cent and the provision of recycling facilities. Almost construction and demolition waste generation 600 extra bring banks and 23 extra civic by 35 per cent, largely as a result of the eco- amenity sites came on-stream between 1998 nomic boom. and 2001. This contributed to the improved The rate of increase in waste generation in recycling rate of household and commercial Ireland is simply not sustainable and a culture waste which increased from 9 per cent to 13 per change needs to be brought about. It is impera- cent in the same period. Overall, there has been tive to resource and implement the planned a doubling in the actual quantity of household, National Waste Prevention Programme to bring commercial, packaging and construction and about this change. I would hope that when the demolition waste being recycled or recovered. EPA publishes the next National Waste Data- While this can be welcomed, the base recycling base Report we will see evidence of policies rate was extremely low and Ireland is still well implemented on foot of this report taking effect. below the recycling and recovery rates of other Then we will know that we are doing our job. European countries. While progress is being made in the recycling Dr. Mary Kelly, Director General, and recovery rates of some waste materials, Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box future targets will be difficult to attain unless 3000, Johnston Castle, Wexford, Ireland. the quantities of waste being generated can be Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 21 Bloomeries & Cornish Chimneys Industrial West Cork and Kerry

ural boulders for hammers. The ore was picked out and smelted and a block of copper produced. It was very pretty but if you wanted to make an axe or other hard wearing tools, it needed to be alloyed with tin to make bronze. There was no tin to hand so they headed off by ship to that “The Steeple” near Kilgarvan, great tin producing country of Co. Kerry. All that remains of the Cornwall and traded for the above ground buildings of a vital metal with what Ireland copper mine. Extensive produced. workings are said to exist underground. The ancient world knew many long distance routes, by Gunpowder magazine, Dhurode, Co. Cork. Gunpowder was used in Typical Early Bronze Age copper mine. Coad mountain, Co. Kerry. land and sea, to obtain what it blasting the copper mines in Mizen peninsula. Later used as a hermitage by St. Crohan. By Daphne wanted: Bronze Age folk could and did build sea going Pochin Mould wooden boats, of which remains have been found. The PEOPLE looking at the West Cork and Kerry folk had bright colours and clean air of plenty of good oak to build West Cork and Kerry exclaim vessels capable of carrying at the “unspoilt” landscape and trade goods and bringing back regret the building of new a load of tin. houses in contemporary styles. The oldest Bronze Age But if by “unspoilt” you mean mines are in Killarney’s Ross the work of nature alone, you Island (where a mining trail are very wrong indeed, for you has been laid out) and have are looking at an old industrial been dated to c. 2400-2200 B.C.. Those on Mount Gabriel Photos: © Daphne Pochin Mould site and its consequences. Exploring an early 19th century County Cork lead mine. Dhurode copper mine, Mizen peninsula, Co. Cork. A very dangerous, All those bare, rocky hill- in the Mizen peninsula, Co. deep shaft made safe. Cork, are the most exciting, in sides were once heavily ingly wanted for making con- was the better fuel for smelt- arm of a pivoted beam and the Crookhaven, Sheeps Head, that they were overgrown with wooded. Scant remnants of temporary “weapons of mass ing, the woods were gone. other arm worked the pump. Cappaghglass and Kilgarvan. peat and only re-entered by the Irish oak woods survive in destruction”, cannons and With the Industrial Revolu- They were shipped into the Galena (lead) was worked at men and excavated in the 20th Killarney, as the equally guns. Smelting requires very tion, the need for metals set locality, set up on site and an Ringabella, manganese at century. There are 32 tiny extensive forests of the Scot- high temperatures that only people prospecting again and engine house built for them Leap, barytes near Schull, and mines on Mount Gabriel, tish highlands came to be charcoal could produce. So brought large scale copper min- with its tall Cornish chimney. in our own time, in a very dated to 1700-1500 B.C. They represented by the pines of charcoal burners came to dot ing to West Cork and Kerry. The Cornish, who had been clean and modern mine at are one of the most important Rothiemurchas in the Cairn- the landscape and timber was The Muckross and Ross Island mining from prehistory to the Duneen on Clonakilty bay such sites in Europe and are gorms. There were trees cut and burnt in small kilns, in mines at Killarney were work- last decades of the 20th cen- (now closed). Silver is associ- listed as a National Monu- everywhere, lots of trees. which the inflow of air was ing at the end of the 18th tury, were the experts and as ated with lead ore, and West ment. On the top of the hill are Oaks, of course, the tall ever- restricted so that the wood century and a huge steam such were brought to Allihies Cork has shown some tiny the domes of the aircraft track- green pine, willow and alder charred and did not burn out. engine on Ross Island pumped and given their own “Cornish traces of gold, as in Somerville ing station: from the beginning in the wetter spots, the birch You may, on the hills of Cork the water out of the workings village” (which is still there) & Ross’s story of the Irish of technology to the latest! golden leafed in autumn, and and Kerry, yet come across and back into the lake. The and the best of treatment. R.M. and the failed “Harring- But the great destruction of ash. Long, long ago by some charcoal traces on some of most profitable was Allihies on Their furnace chimneys were tons” mine: “Copper and the Irish and Scottish woods chance or accident, one sup- these sites. The iron ore was the Beara peninsula which built of cut stone till the very precious little of it and they came in the 17th century with poses, people found that shipped into where the woods, made the fortune of the Puxley top, with brick then used, as it got some gold too - just Sir William Petty and his short intense heat would smelt cer- smelted on site and the metal family in the 19th century (and is easier to fit into the small enough to go to their heads lived English colony at Ken- tain compound minerals and a exported again. Bloom is the gave Daphne du Maurier the circle there. and ruin them”. The various mare; Sir Walter Raleigh at metal could be produced. The name given to the smelted theme for her novel “Hungry But there were old copper ores from the mines were Youghal (and later the Boyles rocks of West Cork are highly mass of metal and the furnaces Hill”). The work began in 1816 mines all over West Cork - shipped out to Swansea for of Lismore) and the East India mineralised, and by the early are therefore known as and even continued, off and on, some thrived, some didn’t: smelting. Company ship building on the Bronze Age men were at bloomeries. Their sites today until 1930. Post World War II, Dhurode, with its reservoir sys- “Unspoilt” country? Rather Bandon river at Downdaniel, work, locating copper ore, are poorly marked, but you there was some talk of re-open- tem from the mountain above a museum of metal working between Innishannon and mining it and smelting it in lit- may find some deposits of slag ing it and surveys carried out and pretty powder magazine, from the earliest times to now. tle primitive kilns, and used Bandon. Timber was needed scattered there. But the list of there. But there are easier the trees to do it. These early for everything from ship build- bloomery sites is long: in the places to win copper these days. mines were small caves, cut ing (no iron ships till the mid west are Adrigole, Bantry, Allihies is the site with the not very far into the hillside 19th century) to staves for bar- Coomhola, Dunboy, Down- most extensive remains. It is and excavated by “fire set- rels (in which meat and fish daniel, Glengarriff, Macroom also the best documented ting”. A fire was set against were salted in pre-refrigera- and Roaringwater Bay. By the mine of any in Ireland or the rock and the heat shattered tion days) and for iron time it was found that coke Britain - thanks to the preser- stones breaking out, with nat- smelting. Iron was increas- vation and discovery of a vast treasure of mine papers. Some 1000 people worked there in CAUTION dark and dangerous conditions and steam engines kept the The history of these old mines and visiting their sites are fascinating studies.But take care! Mining,of workings free of water. These its very nature,makes rocks unstable.Wooden pit props,platforms and ladders have all rotted and deeper were the massive beam levels will be flooded. So do not venture into old mine workings unless you have got reliable information engines of the first days of about their condition and are properly equipped. Have hard hats, boots, rope, torches and a “minder” steam - beam engines in Allihies, Co. Cork. Engine house and Cornish chimney looking out outside waiting your return. Most old shafts are fenced, or filled in, but not all.Watch your step! which the steam worked one towards Dursey Island. Page 22...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35

WATER has been used as a the canal banks. Yellow Irish, means of transport since pre- a wild cousin of the garden historic times. In the early species, provides a splash of days the natural rivers were Nature on Irish Canals colour in early summer. used. The Shannon was then The reed fringe is the band the main route from north to of vegetation along the water's south through the country. edge - plants with their roots The first attempt to alter and in the mud of the canal bed improve on the natural water- and their leaves and flowers ways networks was the rising above the water. It is cutting of a channel - Friar’s extremely important to the Cut - through an island in health and well-being of the Lough Corrib at the end of the canal. The plants of the reed 12th century. fringe protect the canal mar- Work on the Newry Canal gins from the wash of boats, began in 1731, making it the absorbing the wave energy first summit level canal (a which could damage and canal which crosses the water- erode the banks. They provide shed between two natural food, shelter and breeding waterways) in Ireland or sites for a variety of different Great Britain. The Balli- aquatic animals. In addition, Illustrations: © Dúchas - The Heritage Service namore and Ballyconnell by using up excess nutrients Canal (now restored and authority, to The Office of central channel; a wide band is the most common tree in the The strip of land between in the water, they can prevent called the Shannon-Erne Public Works (OPW) to be of vegetation along both hedgerow, although most the boundary hedge and the the growth of algal blooms. Waterway) was opened in developed as public amenities. banks, consisting of reeds and hedges contain a mixture of towpath is particularly vari- Aquatic plants in canals are 1860. Between these two The Heritage Act (1995) con- wild flowers; short grass on plants - a wild flowers as well able in terms of the range of often referred to as weeds, dates a number of navigation firmed the importance of the the towpath, with longer as shrubs and trees. habitats it supports. In some suggesting that they are noth- schemes were carried out, waterways as part of the grasses and flowers on either The hedges were planted places the hedgerow plants ing more than a nuisance in some more successfully than national heritage. The Water- have spread out to cover a rel- the water. This is far from the others, and an extensive net- ways Service was part of the atively large area with scrub. truth. They support a wide work of canals and navigable Dúchas - The Heritage Service In other places the coarse variety of invertebrates, which rivers was developed. but Waterways Ireland, one of grasses and tall wildflowers in turn support the popula- Construction of the Grand six North/South Implementa- that grow at the base of the tions of coarse fish and water Canal began in 1756. Thirty tion Bodies under the terms of hedge grow out towards the birds that people associate three years later (five years the British/Irish Agreement, towpath. Meadow grassland, with the canal. They offer before the first boat made the now has responsibility for with its range of finer grasses cover for fish, both predator journey from Dublin to the Irish canals. and wild flowers, can also be and prey species, and they Shannon on the Grand Canal) Although the canals are found here. provide safe sites where work began on the rival Royal man-made and not natural sys- The towpath ranges from aquatic invertebrates and fish Canal. Both canals linked tems they are very important road or tarmac path with not can lay their eggs. Dublin with the Shannon, the wildlife habitats. Since they plants at all growing on it to Scrub is often found along Grand at Shannon Harbour were first built, a great diver- dense vegetation, which may the canals, particularly on the near Banagher and the Royal sity of wild plants and animals be quite difficult to walk bank opposite the towpath. The at Cloondara near Tarmon- has moved in and colonised through in summer. In gen- plants of scrub and hedgerow barry. the banks and the water. The eral, however, the plants are similar, though the scrub is Trade on the canals ecological value of the canal growing on the towpath are wider and more dense. An declined as first the railways lies more in the number of shorter than those elsewhere unmaintained hedge rapidly and then the roads were devel- species it supports along its on the banks. The more com- develops into scrub and grows oped. In 1961 the Royal Canal linear habitats than in the pres- mon towpath plants are those out over the adjoining habitats. and a number of the branch ence of rare species, although that have adapted some means Regular trimming of hedges some rare species can be lines of the Grand Canal were of coping with the effects of keeps this tendency to develop found. The canals cross closed to navigation. It side of it; a species-rich when the canals were con- constant trampling. into scrub in check. However through agricultural land and appeared at the time that the hedgerow on the boundary; structed over 200 years ago. Between the channel and scrub is a very valuable therefore provide a refuge for canals did not have a future. and a variety of habitats on the Hawthorn was the most popu- the towpath is another strip of wildlife habitat, and adds to the species threatened by modern However attitudes changed non-towpath side - woodland, lar hedging-plant because of tall vegetation. Most of the diversity of habitats and there- farming methods. Many over the next twenty years. scrub or grassland. its ability to form a dense wildflower species in this fore to the nature conservation species that were once com- In 1986, in recognition of For most of its length the hedge quickly. Over time zone are capable of growing interest along the canals. mon in the countryside but their potential as recreational towpath is bordered by a other species including bram- in damp or waterlogged soil. Woodland is not a com- which are now becoming rare and heritage resources, the hedgerow. Hedges provide bles, wild roses, Ash, Elder Meadowsweet, with its mon habitat along the canals still thrive along the canals. canals were transferred from shelter and protection for birds and Blackthorn have found a creamy flowers and heavy as there is rarely the space The ideal canal has a clear CIE, the national transport and small animals. Hawthorn home in the hedges. scent, is very common along for it to develop between the CANAL FOOD WEB 1. Primary Producers 4. Birds Green plants make their own food Birds can also be herbivores or carni- from carbon-dioxide and water, using vores.Many are both,eating seeds and sunlight as their energy source. berries as well as insects and other invertebrates. Larger birds can hunt 2. Invertebrates and eat relatively large prey - Herons Animals without backbones, such as are very efficient at fishing, while owls insects, can be herbivores (plant- catch bats as well as mice. eaters) or carnivores (meat-eaters). 5. Fish For example, caterpillars are herbi- Some fish are herbivorous, and eat vores and eat leaves: while under the only underwater plants. Others are water dragonfly larvae are ferocious carnivorous and eat aquatic inverte- carnivores. Carnivorous inverte- brates.Pike are also carnivorous - they brates, both aquatic and terrestrial, eat smaller fish! eat other invertebrates. 6. Bacteria and Fungi 3. Invertebrate Life Cycle All living things, plants and animal, Many aquatic invertebrates have an die and are broken down by bacteria aerial phase in their life-cycle, when and fungi. Nutrients are thus returned they live above the water, not below it. to the soil to be used by green plants, and the cycle continues. Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 23

boundary and the towpath. canals is there not because it books and field guides avail- or capturing insects you are ment - it is there for a pur- Where it does exist, it is usu- was planted or placed there able today to help you to denying others the same pose, and one day it may be (below) Many species of ally a mixed deciduous by anyone, but because it has identify what you see - guides pleasures you got from look- you who needs it. Most butterfly and moth can be found along the canals. woodland. The trees and “moved in” of its own accord to the wild flowers, to the ing at these living things in importantly - HAVE FUN! shrubs shelter the ground in the two hundred years trees and shrubs, to the birds, their natural environment. layer plants, protecting them since the canals were built. to mammals and their tracks, Take a camera or a sketch Excerpts from “Nature on Irish from extremes of temperature The seeds of some plants to insects and to the vast array book out with you if you want Canals”, produced by Dúchas and from winds. blew in from the surrounding of underwater invertebrates to bring souvenirs home. - The Heritage Service. Without maintenance the countryside. Others are car- that you will probably never When nature watching habitats along a canal change ried on birds’ feet or on the see unless you really look for along the canals never forget - a process called natural suc- fur of the animals as the ani- them. that water is dangerous. cession. The reed fringe gets mals and the birds themselves The most important rule for Locks are particularly haz- wider as it extends out into the moved in to colonise this new successful nature watching is ardous - the water in the open water. The water itself set of habitats. Boat traffic that you should always bring chamber is deep, the walls gets shallower as silt builds up helped to spread water plants the book into the field with and floor are stone and the in the channel. The hedgerow from the Shannon eastwards you instead of trying to bring sides are steep and slippery. grows out over the towpath, through Leinster along the the field back home to the Be sensible and you will be Waterways Ireland, one of six North/South and scrub replaces grassland canals. books. Limp and bedraggled safe. Don’t swim in the lock Implementation Bodies under the terms of the on the banks. In time the scrub What all these plants have pieces of plants are hard - usu- chambers. Don’t fool around British/Irish Agreement, now has responsibility for Irish canals and can be contacted at can extend to cover what was in common is that they will ally impossible! - to identify. on the canal banks. Don’t 20 Darling Street, Enniskillen, once the bed of the canal. only stay in the canals or on In addition, by picking plants play with the safety equip- Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland. Restoration of the canal their banks for as long as con-

May 1991 - before restoration

June 1991 - immediately after restoration

May 1991 - one year after restoration The restoration of the Royal Canal - the view west from Kildallan Bridge between Mullingar and Ballynacargy in Co.Westmeath.

means clearing towpath, and ditions remain favourable for dredging and rewatering the them. And the animals, large channel. In the short term this and small, all depend ulti- restoration work can leave the mately on the plants for their canal and its banks looking a survival - they all either eat bit like a building site. With plants themselves or they eat time, however, the system can other animals that eat plants. and does recover. If the plants are lost, the ani- Where the canal channel mals will be too. It is up to all was still wet and was filled of us to see that this does not with marsh plants before happen. One of the ways of restoration the marginal vege- doing this is to learn all about tation recovers relatively the wildlife you can see along quickly. After only one grow- the canals, and find out what ing season the reed fringes are you can do to protect it. established. Where the old There is a wide range of channel had dried out totally and supported dry grassland or scrub, the reed fringes and aquatic vegetation take much longer to become established - but they do return. In the long term the banks and the water are recolonised with plants and animals in the same way that the canal was first colonised over two hundred years ago, when it was built. Most of the wildlife that you see as you walk the

(right) Herb Robert, a very common plant in the canal hedgerows, flowers throughout the summer, from May to September. Page 24...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35

begins with the historical per- spective and the now scarcity and shut down of whole fisheries. It points out that fishing vessels are becoming bigger, the equipment Publications of Interest aboard is becoming more sophis- ticated and fishermen are bur- dened with loans they cannot The Broads Sea, totalling more than 4,600 their various life stages: eggs, building of the ship, the loss, and sume 14.1 kg of bushmeat per repay. Chapter two discusses the hectares. This book, by Alexan- hatching, feeding, lifespan, how it the legends and also details the list household each month. The work- guidelines for Fisheries Manage- By Brian Moss dre Meincoz, unravels the in- defends its territory etc.. For the of passengers and the various arte- shop recommends solutions, which ment in the exclusive economic zone and problems with strad- HarperCollinsPublishers triguing story of the advance of beginner these books are a wonder- facts that have been recovered by are essential if bushmeat consump- this seaweed along the Mediter- ful introduction to these species. divers, as the wreck is so easily ac- tion is to be reduced in order to dling stocks, migratory species. www.fireandwater.com ranean coast. The treatment he Highly recommended for young cessible. A great story from cover save certain species from near ex- Chapter four looks at new techni- ISBN: 000 712410 4 received from French scientists and old. to cover. tinction. This book is a fascinating cal approaches in Fisheries Man- and bureaucrats alike was ap- read for anyone wanting to under- agement with reference to the 2001/392 pp/£19.99stg palling. They did everything to stand the problems facing many of precautionary and ecosystem ap- The Broads are situated in Nor- hinder his investigations, espe- The Birdwatcher’s Arable Plants the wild animals populations in proaches. In Chapter five “The folk East Anglia and a bit of Sus- cially denying that the Museum Yearbook and Diary 2004 a field guide Africa today. It is so easy for us Challenge of Enforcement - Ille- sex. They are a set of around 50 was in any way at fault. This true westerners to criticise - maybe its gal, Unreported and Unregulated Edited by David Cromack By Phil Wilson & Miles King very small lakes linked with four story is gripping, like a novel one time we first understood the issues. Fishing” one learns that one can rivers. The words of the author in wants not to put down. The au- Buckingham Press, English Nature & WildGuides Ltd re-flag vessels in other countries, his Foreword encapsulate this thor is a man of exceptional 55 Thorpe Park Road, www.wildguides.co.uk in order to avoid the treaty obli- book. To quote “I am an academic courage, a true scientist, who Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Management Guidelines gations, with the click of a mouse ISBN: 1-903657-02-4 and enjoy the proper role of aca- continued to investigate this PE3 6LJ, UK. for IUCN Category V on a website. demics to say what I think and not 2003/312 pp/£15.00stg This publication aims to exam- killer alga against all the odds. ISBN: 0 9533840 71 Protected Areas what is politically expedient or lo- This attractively presented, ex- ine the mosaic of new international cally convenient. I hope this is a 2003/352 pp/£13.50stg Protected Butterflies emplary guide identifies the rare fisheries instruments and measures ruthlessly honest account.” This (plus £2.00 postage in Europe) and declining wild plants of UK Landscapes/Seascapes and to interpret them in a set of book is a breath of fresh air. It Now in its 24th year this year- By Dick Vane-Wright arable land and is a practical hand- By Adrian Phillips clear rights and obligations which, brings the Broads to life: its his- book is, as usual, full of informa- book to their conservation. A wide- if properly implemented, will help Natural History Museum tory, freshwater biology and condi- tion. The features sections include ranging introduction discusses the IUCN - The World address this conservation problem. Publishing tions, vegetation, fauna and flora, new discoveries, animal website history, cultural significance, ecol- Conservation Union 2002 It includes the text of the Interna- and geology. He carried out major www.nhm.ac.uk/shop survey covering overseas birds and ogy, conservation and biology of www.iucn.org/bookstore tional instruments that can be used research in the Broads for many birding locations, directory of Eng- plants often dismissed as ‘weeds’. to enhance sustainable fisheries. ISBN: 0 565 09179 4 ISBN: 2-8317-0685-8 years from his base at the Univer- lish language and bird magazines. In the main section, 100 species This book is a must for anyone in- sity of East Anglia. The book has 2003/112 pp/£9.95stg Other sections include: day by day accounts have a colour photograph 2002/122 pp/£14.50stg volved in fisheries. 17 chapters but it is Chapter 16 that diary; log charts explaining the & and concise description, a distribu- This is a very important refer- carries all the punches, entitled new BOU order of species lists; di- tion map, and notes on habitat, ence source for anyone such as Making Waves “What Can Be Done? The Current Dragonflies rectory lists; book publishers; management, seed biology, life Government, Local Planners or Integrating Coastal Conservation Condition of the Waters and their equipment, holidays; bird reserves history and reasons for decline. By Steve Brooks NGOs involved in planning or in Restoration”. The author is true to and observation; county directory, Other sections cover keys, man- managing protected landscapes/ and Development his word - the book is a revelation. Natural History Museum etc.. As always, highly recom- agement, native and threat status, seascapes. In the IUCN system of By Katrina Brown, Emma L. It is ruthless and honest about what Publishing mended for the bird enthusiast. and references. A masterpiece! protected area categorisation, it is is necessary if the Broads are to be Tompkins, W. Neil Adger ISBN: 0 565 09180 8 – John Akeroyd known as Category V. This ap- saved. Earthscan Publications Ltd. (Dragonflies) Bound for Australia proach is not a soft option. Manag- ing the interface between people www.earthscan.co.uk 2002/96 pp/£9.95stg The loss of the emigrant ship Links between Killer Algae “Tayleur” at Lambay on the coast and nature is just about the tough- Knowing little or nothing about Biodiversity Conservation, ISBN 1 85383 912 4 The True Tale est challenge facing society. The butterflies, I have been given a of Ireland book has seven main sections lay- 2002/164 pp/£`17.95stg of a Biological Invasion Livelihoods and Food wonderful insight into these beau- By Edward J. Bourke Security ing out principles and policies. In- Worldwide over a billion peo- By Alexandre Meinesz tiful creatures through this book. It cluded also are 26 case studies ple live in what is defined as Available from leading The sustainable use of wild (translated by Daniel Simberloff) contains easily understood text and from most continents. Essential coastal zones. This makes the booksellers or from the wonderful photographs: a batch of species for meat reading. challenge of sustainability in these University of Chicago Press eggs laid under a stinging nettle publisher, Edward Bourke, 33 Edited by Sue Mainka and areas crucial for the multiple-use leaf; a butterfly beautifully pre- Rushbrook, Blanchardstown, ISBN 0-226-51922-8 Mandar Trivedi resources which are constantly served in a piece of Dominican Dublin 15, Ireland. Achieving Sustainable 1999/360 pp/US$25.00 under pressure from so many dif- amber - about 20 million years old; ISBN: 09523027 3 X IUCN - The World Fisheries ferent sources. The authors present In 1982 a beautiful green algae a mocher swallowtail with her Conservation Union 2002 € Implementing the New a variety of methods and tech- (seaweed) Caulerpa taxifolia ar- tongue hanging out. These are but 2003/236 pp/ 18.00 www.iucn.org/bookstore International Legal Regime niques that can be used to high- rived at the Oceanographic Mu- This is the story of the sailing an example of many detailed but- light and promote sustainable seum of Monaco where it was ship “Tayleur”, which was lost at ISBN: 2-8317-0638-6 terfly photographs and the book By Charlotte de Fontaubert decisions among the various users. cultivated in the tanks. Two years Lambay, just north of Dublin, on also provides some photographs of 2002/135 pp/£13.50stg and Indrani Lutchman The most important message com- on the alga was discovered in the the differences in butterfly species 21st January 1854. Of the 650 These proceedings from a work- With David Downes & Carolyn Deere ing from this book is that all stake- sea occupying only a square worldwide. One learns from the aboard only 290 survived - shop on the sustainable use of wild holders need to be involved in the metre, under the windows of this text how long a butterfly lives, its amongst those only three of the IUCN - The World species for meat are a revelation. selection of evaluation criteria. world-renowned institute. Six courtship, mating, laying eggs, eat- hundred women and three of the Conservation Union 2003 We hear much of declining num- Local residents may not be aware years later the alga was noted 0.5 ing habits, communicating. The fifty children reach shore alive. bers of wild animals in many coun- www.iucn.org/bookstore of the important and complex en- kilometres from Monaco along butterfly has at least five senses: There were several Inquiries, tries in Africa, many of whom are vironmental impacts of certain de- the French coast. It was growing smell, sight, hearing, touch and which sought to explain the loss of ISBN: 2-8317-0697-1 being killed by humans. But be- velopment and regulators or unrestrained, covering and then taste. a brand new ship. She was at the hind this problem is the fact that 2003/177 pp/£16.00stg scientists may not understand eliminating many plants and ani- The Natural History Museum forefront of sailing design and was there are people in need of food. This is a major contribution to local issues. Thus this book is es- mal species. By 1997 it had in- have also published a similar book the longest sailing ship in the For example in rural areas in what is necessary to achieve sus- pecially suited to planners, scien- vaded 99 sites, west as far as on dragonflies and like the butter- British fleet. The author has under- Kenya 80% of households con- tainable fisheries worldwide. It tists and NGOs. Spain and east into the Adriatic fly book this brings you through taken wonderful research into the

For further information phone: 028-220116 The Islander’s Rest Email: [email protected] * Accommodation Website: www.islandersrest.ie * Bar & Lounge SHERKIN ISLAND * Weddings West Cork * Private Parties * Business Meetings 21 ensuite bedrooms with TV & direct dial phone * Marina Facilities Proprietor: Mark Murphy Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 25

species of snails and slugs, fea- ture on the science curriculum. They offer much - it is fun New Publications from finding them, their shapes are diverse, and they move and feed in different ways. Mini- Central Fisheries Board beasts are being encouraged to make their homes in the educa- tional area by providing • Wild Salmon And Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Fisheries Statistics ‘hotels’ in the form of low Report 2001 - 2003 piles of logs, stones, and old flower pots, all discreetly This report contains data relating to the 2001-2003 commercial salmon fishing located in the vegetation under seasons and 2001 and 2002 angling seasons. The report provides the trees. information on commercial and recreational salmon and sea trout catches and Third, consideration is being fishing activity. Price €10 given to using the churchyard as an inspirational area for art Photos: © Jenifer Baker and for writing. For instance, • An Economic/Socio-Economic Evaluation of Wild Salmon in Searching for ‘mini-beasts’ in the educational area, Ruyton-XI-Towns Ireland - Prepared by Indecon International Economic Consultants churchyard, Shropshire, UK. children may be asked to walk around slowly, then sit for a lit- for the Central Fisheries Board

The report provides an economic and socio-economic evaluation of the wild salmon resource in Ireland and analyses both the commercial and tourism Conservation angling sectors and makes recommendations on how Ireland's wild salmon resource can best be managed in the future. Price €20 and Education • Quantification of the Fresh Water Salmon Habitat Asset in Ireland This study gave an estimate of the wetted area of river channel accessible to salmon in the major 173 salmon rivers in Ireland. This information will be in Churchyards used by the National Salmon Commission and its' standing scientific committee to calculate salmon spawning requirements By Jenifer Baker on each of these rivers. Price €25 Prices include Postage and Packaging. CHURCHYARDS often Copies are available from the contain remnants of ancient Central Fisheries Board, grassland, never ploughed or Mobhi Boreen, re-seeded and consequently Glasnevin, Dublin 9 rich in species. Typically there Tel: 01-8842 600 Fax: 01-8360060 are also other habitats (such as Email: [email protected] Website: www.cfb.ie old trees, hedges, banks, and walls) each with its character- istic species, so in general churchyards may be regarded as oases for a rich variety of wildlife. Their significance for conservation is reflected in the The hay-meadow management technique (cutting once a year to fact that many English and encourage wild flowers) in operation at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Eli Lilly S.A. - Irish Branch churchyard,Yorkshire, UK. Welsh churchyards have been designated as sites of impor- First, experimental enclo- tle while in a quiet place, then Pharmaceutical Manufacturers tance for nature conservation. sures in the oldest little-visited close their eyes and become For example, in the arable areas have been left uncut to aware of sounds (such as bird landscape of Norfolk, six see what flowers appear song). Their feelings then species of meadow plants have throughout the year. There has become the basis for creative at least 50% of their county been a succession of butter- work such as writing a short population within churchyards. cups, speedwells, ox-eye poem. Like many churchyards, In Ceredigion (west Wales), daisies, birds-foot trefoil and there is a special atmosphere of 99% of the county’s green- other striking species, forming peace, of the sacred, which Eli Lilly wishes “Sherkin Comment” winged orchids are in an obvious contrast to adjacent may be sensed by children if churchyards. Butterflies, bees, regularly mown areas. All resi- only they are given the oppor- continued success. and a variety of other inverte- dents of the village have been tunity. brates also find a haven, as do given the opportunity to make What could be more appro- birds and small mammals. comments through the parish priate than using some of our Ecological work carried out newsletter, and there have been sacred space as a Noah’s Ark during 2003 in the churchyard some expressions of interest for species under pressure? As Eli Lilly S.A. - Irish Branch of my own village (Ruyton-XI- and no objections. It is there- Nigel Cooper (biologist and Dunderrow, Towns in Shropshire, UK) has fore proposed to manage these priest) has said ‘The more we Kinsale, turned up over 100 species of areas like hay-meadows, with are able to manage church- native plants, many of which cutting once a year during the yards for wildlife, the more we Co. Cork are rare or non-existent in the summer holidays. This means may be able to influence others Telephone: 021-4772699 surrounding countryside; and that in the summer term, the to do the same for whatever Fax: 021-4775152 an interesting diversity of children will have the opportu- land they have responsibility Email: [email protected] insects including a rare species nity to see and identify plants, for. Churchyards can become Website: www.lilly.ie of bee. At the same time, the to make comparisons between highly visible examples of nearby primary school has been cut and uncut areas, to observe good practice in nature conser- looking for a place to use for butterflies feeding on the flow- vation’. wildlife and conservation edu- ers, and so on. cation, and has concluded that Second, a secluded area Dr Jenifer Baker has worked there is nowhere suitable within under the trees at one end of all round the world as an the school grounds. The obvi- the churchyard is being devel- environmental scientist ous solution is for the school to oped as ‘hotels for specialising in oil spill response, use part of the churchyard as an mini-beasts’. Mini-beasts, and is currently a theological educational area, and this is meaning small invertebrates student. currently being developed such as wood-lice, millipedes, Answers That Matter along the following lines. earwigs, worms, and various Page 26...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Junior Pages Junior Pages Junior Pages Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 27

IF any bird were to score a zero in the national bird popularity stakes it would have to be Magpie! Its loud raucous nature and unwelcome habit The of feeding on many of our nesting garden birds has made it one of our most unpopular birds! The reason for the Magpie’s suc- cess is that it is an opportunist and is Magpie as much at home feeding from our birds live for several years and raise ing song which is often overlooked overflowing dustbins and rubbish large clutches. Some have several as it is very quiet compared to its bags as it is plundering a Blackbird’s broods each year, so there is always loud ‘rattle’ calls. During spring nest. Their omnivorous diet includes a surplus of young birds for Spar- pairs of Magpies can regularly be By Declan Murphy fruit, seeds, worms, grubs, eggs, rowhawks and Magpies to exploit. seen carrying sticks to their selected young birds, carrion, small mice, For each pair of adult songbirds, nest site, usually high up in a tree. BY feeding wild birds in our gar- insects and frogs. only two chicks need survive to There, over a period of days, they den we can help many birds make it Despite their fearsome reputa- breeding age to replace the parents. will construct their large domed nest through the hardships of the winter tion, Magpies rarely capture This means that some species can and line it with mud and fine grass. months. Birds have many pressures on full-grown birds. They usually con- lose over thirty of their offspring After an elaborate mating ritual them from loss of habitat, so a reliable source fine themselves to robbing nests and during their lifetime and the popula- involving much displaying, ‘tail- of food can make all the difference to the birds. eating chicks in spring and summer tion will still remain stable! The wagging’ and presenting of food Here are some ideas about how to help the birds in when birds are nesting. By contrast, Magpie even has its own natural offerings by the male, the female your area. the Sparrowhawk kills birds all year predator, namely the Hooded Crow, will lay 3-5 whitish eggs which she A simple wire mesh peanut feeder will attract a host of birds to your round and consumes about 16 kilos which takes its eggs and kills its incubates for 18 days. The young are garden. Greenfinches, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits and House Spar- of songbirds every year, a far young. Even adult Magpies are then fed in the nest for a further 24 rows will all willingly feed from this type of feeder. The three members greater quantity than any Magpie. sometimes killed by Hooded Crows. days. After leaving the nest they will of the tit family will display many acrobatic feats as they all jostle to get Likewise, cats have a far greater In nature, predator and prey num- stay with their parents for a further at the choicest peanut! Depending on where you live you might get the impact on songbird numbers than bers are always in balance, so six weeks. There are over 80,000 brightly coloured Goldfinch visiting to feed on your feeders. They have Magpies. In Britain, cats kill 4.5 predators never exceed prey - other- pairs of Magpies in Ireland, and only learnt to take advantage of this food source in the past few years and million birds a year, while Magpies wise they would starve! Predators although their numbers appear stable are still learning. They usually come in flocks of half a dozen or so and kill 1.1 million. In city suburbs, cats keep down prey numbers so they in the countryside they are increas- are sure to brighten up a dull day. Siskins often arrive at peanut feeders are much commoner than Magpies. don’t exceed what their habitat can ing in urban areas as they learn to from mid-winter on and provide great entertainment as they feed upside In suburban Britain, there are about support. Hence songbirds always take advantage of the food supplies down and defend the feeder from other, larger finches. Another unusual 25 cats to every Magpie territory - outnumber Sparrowhawks and Mag- there, such as waste bins visitor is the Redpoll, a small member of the finch family with a neat red and the 25 cats kill about 400 birds pies, and Magpies always outnumber Magpies are as much a part of our patch on the top of its head. It is a shy bird and not often seen in gardens. in total every year. Hooded Crows. birdlife as Robins. So, next time you Peanuts are not the only food you can put out. A small plastic seed feeder Of course, our garden birds have Although not often heard, the see one, watch it for what it is, a will enable you to supply sunflower seed. Many shops sell ‘wild bird seed’, had to devise methods of survival Magpie has a very pleasant twitter- beautiful member of the crow family. a mixture of sunflower seed and various types of grain which the smaller against the Magpie, and many song- birds are unable to eat and throw out onto the ground (where it will attract crows and pigeons). Pure ‘Black Sunflower’ seed is more popular than the ‘striped’ variety which has a tougher shell and less energy-rich kernels – MANY of the Christmas cards we an old shed or outdoor building and and yes the birds can tell the difference! Sunflower seed is especially pop- receive have a Robin on them. is made of moss and soft grasses. You ular with Coal Tits, who can be seen endlessly flying to and fro with a seed Despite being one of our best known can always put up a nestbox to attract in their bill to cache it in a safe place for retrieval at a later stage. The birds, the lifestyle of the Robin is them in or simply use an old kettle Not all birds feed from feeders, and a selection of old apples and pears often full of surprises! placed low down in a hedge – make from the local market placed around the garden will attract such birds as The Robin is one of our common- sure the spout points downward so it Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, as well as Starlings. During hard weather est birds; it seems to be everywhere, doesn’t fill with water! The 4-5 white you might also get Redwings visiting your garden to feed on the apples. with over one and a half million and red speckled eggs hatch after These are a migratory thrush from Scandinavia, so called because of the Robin pairs of Robins breeding in Ireland about 13 days and the young leave lovely flash of red on the underside of their wings. If you cut some of the and many thousands more arriving in the nest after a further 13 days but are apples in half and spear them onto the branch of a tree you might attract a the autumn to spend the winter with still dependant on their parents for a Blackcap, a type of warbler that visits Ireland in the spring and summer us. Although the Robin is resident in another two weeks. Most pairs will months but which overwinters in small numbers. This is mainly due to the Ireland, staying in the same place all rear a second brood, and occasionally fact that they have learnt to feed at bird tables and feeders and no longer year round, in some other countries a third! need to rely on their normal summer diet of insects. they are migratory and many of the With all these youngsters arriving, Finally, don’t forget to provide a fresh supply of water. This can easily be Robins we see in the winter will it would appear that the countryside done by placing an upturned dustbin lid between two bricks and filling it with have come from either Scandinavia should be over-run with Robins, but water. Place a small rock in the centre so birds won’t get stuck and drown. or continental Europe. most have a very short lifespan. 90% A regular garden bird, the Robin of young Robins will die in their first is a frequent visitor to the bird table. year and the remainder usually don’t Unlike finches and sparrows the live for more than 2-3 years. Occa- BirdWatch Ireland Robin is not a seed eater. Their pre- sional individuals can live for much The following leaflets can be run the Garden ferred food is worms, grubs and longer, with some birds living until downloaded from the Birdwatch survey insect larvae, but they will take their ‘teens. Losses are usually due BirdWatch Ireland Website: each year from Bird Quiz December to crumbs and grated cheese or fat to cats, Magpies, Sparrowhawks and February. It is great from the bird table. Some Robins the harsh winter weather. Feeding Garden Birds Name three species of fun and helps teach have even learnt to feed from peo- The Robin is one of our best song- Gardening for Birds thrush which you can you about all the ple’s hands especially when a tasty sters and can be heard singing in our attract to your garden. different birds that titbit such as a mealworm is the gardens all year round. However he Simply go to The first five correct come to your garden. reward. Always the gardener’s doesn’t sing the same song all year. Full details of the www.birdwatchireland.ie friend, the Robin often perches on a During the winter months the song answers drawn will each survey, as well as a and click on ‘downloads’ They receive a copy of survey form, can be spade handle. However it is not changes from the familiar lively are filled with information ‘The Usborne Spotter’s downloaded from the friendship that they have in mind spring song to a slower, more melan- on foods to put out and Guide to Birds’ BirdWatch Ireland but the worms that are being dug up choly winter song. This mellow air Answers on a postcard to website. A selection with each spadeful! can be heard right in the depths of plants to grow that of birdfeeders, books “Sherkin Comment”, Robins are very faithful birds and the winter, even when there is snow will attract birds and many other items mate for life, with both birds sharing on the ground. In built-up areas Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. to your can also be purchased the same territory for their lifetime. Robins often sing at night under online at the garden. BirdWatch Ireland During the spring the male Robin street-lamps or near brightly lit website. becomes extremely aggressive and houses. As a result, many people will attack anything red in his terri- think we have Nightingales in Ire- tory – try sticking a bunch of red land, though these renowned song Join Birdwatch Ireland at www.birdwatchireland.ie feathers in a nearby tree and see what birds are only very rare visitors to happens! The nest is often located in this country. Page 28...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Seared Trout with Tomato Coulis & Garlic Vinaigrette Ingredients Cook tomatoes for 3 minutes. In a small saucepan mix all ingredients • 4 x 170g / 6oz fillets of trout Continue to cook, adding diced except onion, courgette and herbs. • Salt and freshly milled black pepper butter little by little. Boil for 30 seconds and then remove • Olive oil Season and add a pinch of sugar. from heat and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Method Garlic Vinaigrette Strain, check taste and add onion, Heat 2 tablespoons oil in frying pan. courgette, thyme and fennel. • 2 tablespoons olive oil Season trout and quickly sear/fry trout • 2 cloves garlic - crushed for 3 minutes each side. Remove. To Serve • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar Arrange trout on hot plates and sur- • 2 tablespoons cold water Tomato Coulis round with tomato coulis and • Juice of half lemon vinaigrette. • 4 tomatoes - skinned, seeded and • 4 tablespoons very finely chopped Serves 4. blended onion and courgette • 25g / 1oz butter - diced • Chopped thyme and fennel Fish alternatives - salmon, arctic char. • Pinch castor sugar • 1 bay leaf

Harvesting the Sea’s Renewable Resources Photo: © BIM

Answers to HIBERNATE

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page 29 SNAKE

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An Bórd Iascaigh Mhara, The Irish Sea Fisheries Board, I FFN I RDDT L S DRIZZLE (11, 3, SW) 3, (11, DRIZZLE

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PDOOLFHC C TY TY C PDOOLFHC (Over, Down, Direction) Down, (Over, Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 29 WINTER Winter SLEEP Weather HIBERATION, or winter sleep, is a CPDOOLFHCDCOTYD ARCTIC way for animals to avoid the hardship of BITTER NRCWRHO I SLYBSRS CHILLY looking for food during winter. They CLOUD just go into a deep sleep until the VEVOAET I OEDDOED COLD warmer weather arrives and food is DARK CSP I LCHUTRRFRTN plentiful again. DRIZZLE FLOOD The dormouse is a good example of a HSLDRDDT I ZDFFN I FORECAST hiberating mammal. It eats so much GOODNIGHT! RULATS I ZAGMEM IW FREEZING during the autumn months that it With the help of the pictures above FRESH becomes very fat in a short time. When LRDEQYZFRENPXWK FROST unscramble the words below, fitting the air temperature drops below a HAIL them into the grids. Use the highlighted QE E Z C LWBR AWN I AR certain level the dormouse curls itself HURRICANE letters to solve the hidden word. ICE into a tight ball and falls asleep in a nest Clue: Zzzz Zzzz Zzzz Zzzz I LCEEHHOCENBADU ICY it has made. It will sleep there until PRESSURE GHDOEHEG SDH I RZ I I NEEFSAX temperatures rise again, living all the RAIN DMRUSEOO VPMHNARLCS I ZHRC RAW while on the fat in its body. RUTLTE SHELTER While asleep an animal that truly NESKA BITTERWILDGMIKY SHIVER “hibernates” drops its body RIQREUSL SLEET temperature, reduces its breathing and TAB ZPCGUICYSYWCVNZ SNOW lowers its heartbeat. Because so little GOFR STORM ONAHARET LEHSEEG energy is being used, the store of fat in RAEB WEATHER WIND the body is absorbed very slowly. Once FORECASTORMORKJ

N Clipart: © 1995 SoftKey International Inc., and its licensors WINTERY the warmer weather of spring arrives, the animal wakes up, much thinner but 1 2 3 4 5 not weak and is ready to start breeding. HIBERNATION The winter sleep for all animals that TRAIL are said to hibernate are not the same. Some may just sleep more than usual, It is hard for the bear to A others might wake up briefly during the find food during the cold winter months. Many cold-blooded winter months so it will animals such as frogs, toads and snakes, hibernate for the winter. are also said to hibernate, but not in Can you follow the the same way as mammals. instructions to bring it Hibernating animals include the safely to the cave where it B dormouse, hedgehog, bat, bear, snake, will find shelter? Help the frog, toad and squirrel. bear collect berries and nuts along the way to build up its Hidden in the Shadows body weight. This stored energy will help it survive The squirrel is jumping from branch to branch in search of nuts. Can you identify the correct during the long, cold winter. shadow? C Column 1, Row B&C = thick forest; colour the squares green Column 2-4, Row C = cliff edge; colour the squares black D Column 3-5, Row A = deep river; colour the squares blue Column 2-4, Row E = mud slide; colour the squares brown E Column 5, Row E-F = large boulders; colour the squares grey

When you have coloured in all the obstacles, draw a path to the cave. F Page 30...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 “Still Smiling” The President’s Award Army Survival Course

ON a four-day army survival training programme on the Wicklow Mountains jointly organised by The President’s Award – Gaisce and the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment of The Defence Forces. Twenty-six participants from all over Ireland were selected for this gruelling four- day event. The President’s Award is the national challenge award from The President of Ireland to young people between 15 and 25 years of age. Photos: © Stephen Peers Claire Costigan from Glasnevin in Dublin, with Sgt. Richard Deegan of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment of The award has increased in popularity with almost 9,000 (nine thou- The Defence Forces. sand young people) entering for the Award in the past year. Almost half experiences but what made this trip so memo- The Army’s planned activities and the Gaisce of those who enter for the award eventually succeed in earning an rable were the people. Everyone that took part personnel’s encouragement and support com- award. from the participants to army and Gaisce per- bined to make this a really great experience. sonnel had a great attitude. Team spirit and The motto of the trip was “Still smiling” and After being togged out in our Khaki clothes, mutual support and good humour were the key for the most part we were. By Claire Costigan our faces resembling masterpieces (green is ingredients. For my part I loved it all from wak- definitely my colour) we were loaded onto the ing up in the morning and seeing the trees For further information about the awards A COUPLE of months ago while looking up army trucks ready to begin our adventure in silhouette towering over me to trying new contact Mr. John Murphy, Chief Executive, information for my Bronze Award on the Presi- Wicklow. Our first task as a team was to canoe activities and most of all seeing people at their The President’s Award - Gaisce, Dublin Castle, dent’s Award website I noticed an offer for an across a lake to find our rations – our daily best and doing what they love. Dublin 2. Tel: 01-4758746 Army Survival Course in Wicklow. Falling off rations included two cooked meals; breakfast Because of the constant variety of activities [email protected] mountains and other near misses seemed and dinner and snacks for in between. After it was easy perhaps too easy to forget the peo- strangely familiar so I decided to apply. Amaz- canoeing we jumped back on the trucks and ple who made this all happen. or Website: www.p-award.net ingly I was chosen. That is why on Tuesday 1st headed to the forests to set up camp. July at 10 00 hrs 26 Gaisce participants from Everyday brought new and exciting chal- Derry to Kerry traded our creature comforts for lenges. Try to imagine being woken at 6.30am, four days to undertake whatever challenges the taking down our tents then wolfing some 2nd Field Artillery Regiment of the Army breakfast. Next we started a five-hour hike over decided to throw at us. We met at McKee Bar- a rocky terrain followed by an abseil down pure racks, waved goodbye to civilisation and rock face near Glendalough. The next task was embarked on an incredible journey. From the to cross the river from a towering precipice moment we arrived we were made feel welcome. using three different methods one involving We turned in our civvies and donned the Army lying on the rope on your belly and pulling Khaki. We were given our lunch and no one can yourself to the other side. Indiana Jones eat say that they left the barracks on an empty stom- your heart out. The fun continued into the night ach. The 26 of us aged from 15-19 years were where anyone of these activities could be on the divided into teams and each team was assigned a agenda – raft building, orienteering and lots team leader. For the next four days we set up more. camp together and whatever challenges had to be This was no ordinary trip where there would faced we undertook them as a team. be just one highlight. Each day brought new

Part of the course involved a five-hour hike over a rocky terrain followed by an abseil down pure rock face near Glendalough. Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35...... Page 31 The Northern Lights

THE northern lights are a dazzling display of coloured light, sometimes seen in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. Similar displays occur in the night sky of the southern hemisphere. Scientists call these lights aurora, with the northern lights known as aurora borealis and the southern lights known as aurora australis. These lights move across the sky in the form of luminous arcs, sometimes flashing like giant searchlights. These displays are caused by huge explo- sions, called flares, on the sun. When these flares take place they throw huge quantities of solar particles into space. Travelling at over a million kilometres per hour, these clouds of particles can reach Earth within two to three days. As they close in on Earth, the Earth’s magnetic field captures the particles and guides them towards our two magnetic poles, the geomagnetic north pole and geomagnetic south pole. On the way to the poles, the particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, which acts as a shield. This collision causes the particles to send out light, which result in fantastic displays in the night sky. The northern lights are best viewed from northern Canada, northern Scot- land and northern Norway and Sweden, but sometimes the lights can be seen as far south as Ireland, as shown in these photographs taken on Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, this November. Photographs © Robbie Murphy Colour the RNLI Rescue Join Storm Force the RNLI’s club for young people, and you will be sent an exciting members’ pack filled with lots of goodies. Four times a year you will receive the action packed Storm Force News magazine full of exciting stories, paintings, ideas or jokes from Storm Force headquarters.

To join just send your name and address, with a cheque/P.O. for €7.50 to: Storm Force HQ, RNLI, 15 Windsor Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel: (01) 2845050 Fax: (01) 2845052 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rnli.org.uk Reproduced from “Storm Force” the RNLI’s club magazine. Page 32...... Sherkin Comment 2003 - Issue No. 35 Sherkin Island Marine Station Environmental Competition for Primary School Children in Munster 2003 THE response to Sherkin Island Marine Station’s Environmental Competition for Primary School Children in Munster for 2003 was wonderful. We were delighted to have Cllr. John Mulvihill, Deputy Mayor of Cork County, presenting the prizes at the prizegiving ceremony at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. We would like to take this opportunity to again thank our sponsors for this year. Above: Banogue N.S., Banogue, Croom, They were: BIM (Irish Sea Fisheries Co. Limerick. Board), Central Fisheries Board, City Print Cllr. John Mulvihill, Deputy Mayor of Cork Cork, Cork City Council, Cork County County presenting the prizes at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Also present Council, Denis McSweeny Photoshop, are Mr. Paul Bourke, Central Fisheries Board, Cork, Dept. of the Environment, Heritage Mr. Bob Cooke, BIM, Mr. Jim Murphy, Janssen & Local Government, Evening Echo Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Ms. Lynne Morrissey, Cork Newspaper Cork, Janssen Pharmaceutical County Council and Mr. Matt Murphy, Sherkin Ltd. and Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals. Island Marine Station. Here is a very small selection of some of the 405 prize-winners.

Above: Scoil Iosagain, Aghada, Midleton, Co. Cork. Cllr. John Mulvihill, Deputy Mayor of Cork Above: Our Lady of Mercy Convent N.S., County presenting the prizes at the Carrigaline Bantry, Co. Cork. Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Also present Cllr. John Mulvihill, Deputy Mayor of Cork are Mr. Paul Bourke, Central Fisheries Board; County presenting the prizes at the Carrigaline Mr. Bob Cooke, BIM; Ms. Niamh Hunt, Janssen Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Also present Pharmaceutical Ltd., Ms. Lynne Morrissey, Cork are Mr. Paul Bourke, Central Fisheries Board; County Council; Mr. Eddie O’Sullivan, Pfizer Mr. Bob Cooke, BIM; Mr. Jim Murphy, Janssen Ireland Pharmaceuticals and Mr. Matt Murphy, Pharmaceutical Ltd. and Mr. Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine Station. Sherkin Island Marine Station. Photos: © Robbie Murphy Above: Kildimo N.S., Kildimo, Co. Limerick. Above: St Mochulla's N.S., Tulla, Co. Clare. Cllr. John Mulvihill, Deputy Mayor of Cork Cllr. John Mulvihill, Deputy Mayor of Cork County presenting the prizes at the Carrigaline County presenting the prizes at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Also present Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Also present are Mr. Paul Bourke, Central Fisheries Board; are Mr. Paul Bourke, Central Fisheries Board; Mr. Bob Cooke, BIM; Ms. Niamh Hunt, Janssen Mr. Bob Cooke, BIM; Mr. Jim Murphy, Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Mr. Eddie O’Sullivan, Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Ms. Lynne Morrissey, Cork Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals; Mr. Matt County Council and Mr. Matt Murphy, Sherkin Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine Station and Ms. Island Marine Station. Lynne Morrissey, Cork County Council.