SHERKIN COMMENT

Issue No. 39 Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station 2005 INSIDEINSIDE AA triptrip ofof aa lifetimelifetime toto thethe SouthSouth AtlanticAtlantic Mapping & Monitoring the Environment Golden Plovers

“Stand off” at the South Atlantic Photographer: Paul Kay Page 2 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Contents Editorial EDITORIAL: An Independent Review is Essential Matt Murphy’s view on the needs of the marine sector in Ireland. An Independent Golden Plovers...... 3 Oscar Merne tells us about one of our most numerous migratory wintering waders. Review is Essential Irish Eyes on Nature ...... 4 Ireland’s contribution to garden writing is outlined by John Akeroyd. shots as to our fish stock resources. We There’s more to reed than meets the eye ...... 5 By Matt Murphy need to show independence and think of Jenifer Baker on this valuable member of the grass our fishermen first and worry less about

family. THE development of our marine how many committees we chair. Photo: © Paul Kay The Fire Mountains of Lanzarote ...... 6 resources offers considerable prospects for It is time to review where we are and to job and wealth creation at all levels: decide where we want to be in 10 years the country. We cannot afford two. The Anthony Toole on the Timanfaya National Park. national, regional and local. Our marine time with regard to our marine resources. government has recently introduced a spe- Faroe: The Unknown Islands...... 8 resources offer unique opportunities for An independent review is needed to cial fund for efficiency in the universities Daphne Mould sheds a little light on these economic and social development, espe- develop a policy with all those involved in – the Marine Institute should take notice. isolated islands. cially along our south-west and west coastal the marine sector, such as fisheries, aqua- The Marine Institute has been most suc- cessful in creating a link with the National A Spotlight on World Environmental Matters ...... 9 areas. As a nation we have failed miserably culture, marine tourism, marine to develop these resources, especially when environment, role of government, state Cancer Institute, Maryland US. One of Interesting news on the world’s environment from their scientists visited Ireland in 2004 to Alex Kirby. one makes a comparison with other Euro- agencies and third level institutions. pean coastal countries, e.g. Norway. A model for delivering a national strat- discuss Biotech R&D using marine Litter Action & Local Image ...... 10 We are at present seeing the decline in egy for the future development of our species, especially those found off our An important and informative leaflet from ENFO. both fish landings and farmed salmon, the marine resources already exists for the west coast, in the Porcupine Bank region. The Fishing Industry must change ...... 11 latter has declined by approximately 50% in non-marine sector throughout the country. He visited various Universities to speak to their Biotech Departments and look at Jason Whooley looks to the future of the fishing industry. the last few years. This is a matter of grave This document, Ahead of the Curve, their facilities. We have many excellent Fisheries & Hydroelectric Schemes ...... 12 concern when account is taken of the level adopted by the Enterprise Strategy Review of state and EU financial support granted to Group, was published in summer 2004. scientists in our institutions involved in A fisheries environmental perspective from Patricia companies in the industry over the years. The marine sector would benefit greatly Biotech research, who can deliver if fund- O’Connor. Aquaculture is a very intensive technol- from a similar exercise. (www.enterprise- ing becomes available. The Marine Air Pollution: Asking the Questions ...... 13 ogy-led industry and R&D is essential for ireland.com) Institute must resist the temptation of get- Alex Kirby asks some tough questions of all of us. future development. The Norwegians have It is imperative that the Marine Institute ting involved with such research at their new fisheries research centre. Why waste Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála strongly defends the shown this to be so, yet here in Ireland, does not undertake such a review. They despite increased state support for have a vested interest in marine research at precious funding on a new facility when Board’s independence ...... 14 these facilities are already available else- John O’Connor expresses his views. Research and Development (R&D) there Galway and Abbotstown. A review would is little evidence of new species being need to be objective and independent in where in the country? While the Marine A trip of a lifetime to the South Atlantic...... 15/16/17 farmed to offset the decline in farmed looking at all research within the State. Institute undoubtedly has major strengths Paul Kay’s adventure on the high seas. salmon output. Along with this the Marine Institute has it is vital at this urgent point that they iden- Mapping & Monitoring the Environment ...... 18 One must accept that our strategy is lost the confidence of many and are looked tify their own weaknesses. We continually read of major multi-national companies The Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, seriously deficient and not working; there on as being too self-centred and self-serv- divesting themselves of their non-core Peadar McArdle talks to Matt Murphy. is too much fragmentation in the whole ing. They are being perceived as wanting aquaculture industry. A rethink is urgently to control and keep most of the funding for operations so as to concentrate on their Origins of the Acid Rain Problem in North America needed in order to promote communica- marine research and then divide the core products. The Marine Institute should and its Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems...... 20 tion, co-ordination and partnership among crumbs from the table between as many embrace this. Their core products are fish Tom Clair highlights this air pollution problem. the various bodies, government depart- institutions as possible. This policy of related – commercial and aquaculture. In Gurnards (Triglidae) in Irish and European Atlantic Seas ..21 ments, state agencies, third level spreading funding between so many is doing so they should especially look at the Declan Quigley on this relatively large family of institutions, industry and tourism. There is wrong. There is a huge waste in adminis- transfer of their salmon research at Fur- nace, Co. Mayo to the Central Fisheries demersal marine fishes. so much to be done in all areas. R&D, tration costs. The Marine Institute has Board, who with the various fishery Utilising manure and slurry while protecting human health ....22 education, training, administration and been most successful in attracting EU above all enterprise. Research institutions funding to Ireland, but together with the boards, has the responsibility for the man- The EPA’s provides guidelines to assist farmers, and the industry must work together. Links huge annual sum from the exchequer, it is agement of our rivers and lakes, especially farm managers, advisors, etc.. between business and academia must be imperative that we get value for money. salmon and trout. This responsibility Danes see light at end of Irish waste tunnel ...... 23 strengthened; the latter must be more real- The state scientists, pre-Marine Institute at surely means that all research and man- Brendan Keane on how the Danes have made a istic and join the real world. This go it Abbotstown, most now in retirement, must agement into these species should be under the auspices of the Central Fisheries success out of Irish waste. alone attitude with all agencies/institutions be so envious. In the 1970s and 1980s they must stop. No one organisation has all the were often confined to their desks for long Board, which is the body most suitably Publications of Interest ...... 24 positioned to carry out this task. The Ten Steps of Catching Specimen Fish ...... 25 necessary expertise, knowledge, skills and periods as there was not even travel money resources to achieve the essential employ- available to go around the country to carry The Marine Institute is central to the A remarkable story of dedication to fishing from ment that could be generated along our out research. The industry, both commer- success of the development of our marine Bill Ryan. southwest and west coastline. cial fishing and aquaculture, welcomed the resources. The onus is on the Marine Insti- Captain Cockle’s Log ...... 26 Ireland’s commercial fishing industry is then announcement of a new Fisheries tute to be successful in fulfilling its More exciting facts from John Joyce. now in free fall; decommissioning of Research Centre which is now being built mandate. There are huge reservations in trawlers is now a reality with the recent at Oranmore, Co. Galway. However many many quarters of the direction of their Seabirds ...... 27 present strategies. I have made some BirdWatch Ireland keep you informed on bird matters. announcement by the government of query whether such a colossus was neces- financial incentives. Conservation areas sary at a cost of €50 million? Why the observations on some of these. Regret- Snappy Puzzle ...... 28 have been introduced and more will come. need for an auditorium (see website tably there are others which must also be Put your mind to the test with a jigsaw of the edible crab. The industry is critical of the scientists and www.marine.ie)? Is there a hidden addressed before the Marine Institute Nature Activities ...... 29 want direct participation in how the agenda? Are we seeing the foundations for regains the confidence of many in industry and academia. An activity to show how all living things in the research is carried out. They believe there yet another third level institution for has to be a partnership between fishermen higher degrees for Master and PhDs? Prior to the establishment of the Marine rockpool are interdependent. Institute the Minister for the Marine had a Gold President Awards 2005 ...... 30 and scientists. They want the Marine Insti- Indeed, the upkeep of the two buildings tute and their European colleagues to get under construction will be a very heavy Chief Scientific Advisor. Maybe the time Presentation of the Awards by President Mary real in fish stock research. The process at burden on the Marine Institute’s budget has come to give serious thought to creating McAleese. the moment does not quantify the actual and could affect research funding. such a position again. He/she would give Storm Force/RNLI & BIM Recipe...... 31 fish landings. Heads are in the clouds and The philanthropist, Dr. Tony Ryan has independent advice to the Minister. This A lifeboat puzzle and a recipe for “Sole some gale force winds are needed to clear funded the building of the Martin Ryan advice would be essential in the present cli- mate when such immense pressure is on our Benedictine” the air! There is a strong belief that ICES Institute in UCG and is generously fund- fish stocks, fishermen and our future. Trusting Science...... 32 (International Council for the Exploration ing an extension. Let us have one marine of the Seas) in Copenhagen are calling the research centre of academic excellence in Michael Ludwig on the ups and downs of science. +++++Subscription details on page 22+++++Subscription details on page 22+++++Subscription details on page 22++++ Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 3

in numbers of breeding By Oscar Merne Golden Plovers in Ireland, and the contraction of their range, I VIVIDLY recall back in are not fully understood. How- the 1970s, when I was doing a ever, the great increase in lot of aerial surveys and cen- GoGoldldenen forestry plantations in upland suses of wintering waterfowl peatlands has probably con- in Ireland, flying north over tributed greatly. In addition, the callows of the River Shan- high stocking densities of non and Little Brosna on a day sheep in the uplands has in mid-October. Being quite Plovers Plovers resulted in erosion and degra- early in the winter season the dation of Golden Plover numbers of most waterfowl habitat, especially in the west. species were still fairly low, Increasing recreational distur- other species. Nevertheless, majority of these sites (c.36) but the major exception was bance in the uplands may also counting of wintering water- are coastal (estuaries, shel- the huge flocks of Golden have caused desertion of some fowl in Ireland since the 1970s tered bays, polders, etc.), Plovers, which had probably breeding areas. Avian and has enabled us to build up a while the remainder are just arrived from their breed- mammalian predation of eggs picture of their distribution inland. At these sites observers ing grounds in Iceland. There and chicks may also have con- here, and an estimate of total generally find the Golden were several flocks of between tributed to the decline, while numbers. We now believe that Plovers roosting in dense 5,000 and 10,000 birds, the impact of the growing at least 200,000 Golden flocks, with little feeding totalling about 40,000 in all. It number of upland windfarms Plovers spend the winter here, activity evident. It’s not clear was a wonderful sight to see has not yet been fully evalu- the first few arriving in late when and where many of the the tight flocks, like clouds, ated. Mortality due to collision August, with major immigra- flocks actually feed: they may wheeling and twisting in the with the windfarm structures is tion occurring in October and engage in nocturnal foraging sky before settling again after one possible hazard, but dis- November. The birds stay until in grassland areas away from the aircraft passed by. placement of birds due to the April, with the last disappear- the wetlands. Several times at Golden Plovers are one of presence of the turbines and ing northwards in early May. dusk, I saw c.5,000 Golden the most numerous of our Golden Plovers are one of the most numerous of our migratory the associated disturbance On first arriving, very large Plovers flying back and forth migratory wintering water- wintering waders. may also be a problem. In flocks concentrate in a few low over the sea off the north fowl. However, they are rather order to ensure the survival of places, such as the callows, Co. Wexford coast near difficult to census as they and it is believed that this population. The vulnerability the dwindling Golden Plover and these then break up and Cahore Point, but have no idea often occur in very large small breeding population has of the relatively small breed- breeding population, effective disperse to about 45 main tra- what they were up to. So there flocks, and sometimes in areas declined further and may now ing population of Golden conservation of the remaining ditional sites, holding at least are still some things to be well away from the wetlands number about 300 pairs. Cur- Plovers in the European Union nesting habitat is vital. which support a variety of 2,000 birds each. The great learnt about the behaviour of rently, Birdwatch Ireland, was the reason for including these birds! funded by the National Parks the species in Annex I of the Oscar Merne recently retired We know from looking at & Wildlife Service, is carrying EU Birds Directive in 1979. the recoveries of ringed birds out a survey and census of This classification highlights as head of the Bird Research that the vast majority of our upland breeding birds, includ- the importance of applying Section of National Parks & wintering Golden Plovers ing the Golden Plover, so we special conservation measures Wildlife Service, Department breed in Iceland, where the will soon have an accurate for the species and its habitat. of the Environment, Heritage population is estimated to be total for the present breeding The reasons for the decline and Local Government. 300,000 pairs. That’s 600,000 adults, plus their young in the autumn. If the estimate of 200,000 wintering in Ireland is correct, huge numbers must be moving elsewhere for the win- ter – perhaps south along the Atlantic coast to France, Spain and Portugal, and as far as Little Brosna Estuary, Cos. Offaly and Tipperary, where large flocks of Golden Plover can be seen wheeling and twisting in the sky. Morocco, all countries where wintering Golden Plovers are known to occur. The Golden Plover is divided into two distinct popu- lations or sub-species. That which breeds in the southern part of the species’ range is (not surprisingly) known as the Southern Golden Plover, the nominate sub-species Pluvialis apricaria apricaria, while the northern sub-species, which in summer has more intense black plumage from its belly up to its eyes, is P. a. altifrons. It is the southern sub-species River Shannon callows. which breeds in Ireland. A hundred years ago Golden Plovers were recorded as breeding in fourteen counties in Ireland, and possibly in a further five. By 1968-72, when the first survey for the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland took place, the range of the species had contracted considerably, with most of the remaining population confined to Connemara, West Mayo, the uplands of Sligo and Leitrim, Donegal and Antrim. At that Photos: © Oscar Merne time it was estimated that It is believed that at least 200,000 Golden Plovers spend the winter in numbers were about 600 pairs, Ireland. A major location is Bannow Bay, Co.Wexford. Page 4 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Irish Eyes on Nature

sway in Dublin with his garden of another friend, poet By John Akeroyd mighty pen, saw the emer- Alexander Pope (“All garden- gence of a strong Irish link ing is landscape painting”), by THIS last winter the British with that English tradition. At the Thames near London. Library in London held an my old school, Charterhouse, Pope’s friends included exhibition on ‘The Writer in two great men of letters first Delaney, Swift and the great the Garden’. It took a broad met and became friends: quiet landscape architect William view of garden writing, from Englishman Joseph Addison Kent. The stage was set for the journalism to novels, and of (1672–1719) and fiery Irish- parks and gardens that so rev- landscape and styles of gar- man Richard Steele olutionised 18th century dening – from aristocratic (1672–1729). They went on to landscapes. parks and pleasure gardens to found ‘The Spectator’ and Proceeding to another cen- modern suburban plots. other magazines, writing as a tury, in 1861 the head gardener Reviewing this remarkable team, and both held govern- of a Leix estate, William assemblage of books, quotes

ment posts in Ireland; hence Robinson, moved to England. Photo: © Matty Murphy and illustrations, it struck me Addison’s Walk, a double yew His book ‘The Wild Garden’ Ilnacullin (Garnish Island), Co. Cork, together with so many other great Irish gardens are the epitome of the anew just how gardens, gar- avenue at Glasnevin, and the (1870), in which he advocated Robinsonian ideal. dening and nature writing have nearby Addison Lodge pub bog, woodland and naturalistic permeated English culture. (where friends and I planned rock gardens rather than formal Robinsonian ideal, as embel- ism. Literary Ireland was writing of their English coun- Irish or Anglo-Irish writers many botanical excursions!). bedding, caused a sensation in lished with subtropical and absorbed elsewhere – although terparts, but possess their own might have dominated other Addison probably never lived gardening circles. He would be warm-temperate exotica. W.B. Yeats himself had been a special voice – from the pan- literary exhibits, but not per- at Glasnevin but his younger a major influence on Edwar- Back in Ireland, writers keen naturalist in his youth, theistic philosophy of John haps one on garden writing. friends Thomas Tickell and dian garden guru Gertrude looked to wild nature rather and a strong undercurrent of Stewart Collis to E. Charles This genre has been somewhat Patrick Delaney laid out infor- Jekyll, and together they would than gardens. Robinson’s nature exists in his work and Nelson’s horticultural scholar- marginalised in Ireland, mal grounds – radical for the expand the English passion for career overlapped the pre- that of J.M. Synge and others. ship and Michael Viney’s although Irish writers have a time – on or near the site of ‘cottage gardens’, still fashion- 1916 half-century “heyday of Even diehard freedom fighter inspirational essays in The keen eye for landscape and today’s National Botanic Gar- able – even in TV programmes Irish Botany” that I described Ernie O’Malley, travelling Irish Times. countryside; even those Irish den, established in 1795. In and each May at Chelsea in Sherkin Comment 38. This undercover on foot or bicycle saints famously enjoyed close gardening essays Addison pro- Flower Show. Nature in the fertile period spawned modern during the Troubles of Dr John Akeroyd, who has links with nature. moted “Luxuriancy and garden well suits the English Irish natural history writing, 1919–22, often by night, studied Irish plants for 25 In fact, nobody can say that Diffusion of Boughs and temperament, but better still it notably the genius of Robert recalled evocative images of years, edited The Wild Plants Ireland hasn’t made a signifi- Branches” – rather than pre- suits an Irish climate! Mount Lloyd Praeger, his autobio- the Irish countryside for his of Sherkin, Cape Clear and cant contribution to garden cise layouts, his own plot “a Usher, Dereen, Garnish Island graphical ‘The Way that I memoirs. Irish writers have writing. The early 18th cen- Confusion” of controlled wild- and so many other great Irish Went’ (1934), a classic of perhaps avoided the conven- adjacent islands of West Cork tury, when Dean Swift held ness. He influenced too the gardens are the epitome of this evocative scientific journal- tional garden and nature (1996).

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Victoria Cross, Cork Telephone (021) 4545655 Facsimile (021) 4342996 Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 5 THERE’S MORE TO REED THAN MEETS THE EYE By Jenifer Baker

THE common reed (scien- tific name Phragmites australis) is a variable member of the grass family and is Measuring reed performance, Reed bed nature reserve, widespread in most parts of south-west England. Netherlands. the world. Once established, clumps and patches of reed may survive for a very long time if the environmental con- ditions are relatively stable; some patches have been esti- mated to be about 1000 years old. The most obvious tradi- tional uses of reed beds are for thatch production and wildlife conservation, and in some places (notably the Nether- lands) reed has also been used for stabilisation of mud flats

on newly reclaimed polder Photos: © Jenifer Baker Reed in brackish conditions, Humber Estuary. A recent high tide has land. Reed water consumption Reed bed in high nutrient conditions, receiving agricultural run-off, south-west England. left a narrow band of oil trapped at the base of the stems. Here it will is high and it is grown for a eventually degrade, without killing the reed. few years to dry out the polder sometimes as much as 90% of mass is usually contained estuaries and the edges of • The underground system metal compounds) may be and render it fit for arable it – consists of a perennial within the top 20 – 30 cm of lakes. It tolerates a wide range introduces oxygen, so aero- immobilised in the humic farming. underground system of rhi- soil. of pH and nutrient values, and bic bacteria and other acid produced by the Its annual shoots, typically zomes (creeping underground Reed can be found in a vari- both fresh and slightly saline micro-organisms can flour- plants. growing 1 to 2.5 metres tall, stems) and roots. These can go ety of habitats but it is most water. In static wet conditions ish on the huge surface area The excellent water clean- will be familiar to most people, down to 2 metres or more usually associated with areas the soil may be poorly oxy- provided by all the roots ing capability shown by but there’s more to reed than below ground level, though subject to flooding, wetlands genated, but reed is well and rhizomes. These specially constructed reed meets the eye. Most of it – most of this underground bio- such as marshes and fens, adapted to this with an oxygen micro-organisms are essen- beds really makes one appreci- diffusion pathway leading tial for degrading the vari- ate what a good job natural along air spaces down the ous compounds which may reed beds have been doing all shoots to the underground rhi- be found in waste waster. the time! zome system and roots. Hence • The plants can take up CONNEMARA if shoots cannot grow above some of the waste water Dr. Jenifer Baker has worked water level, or if ice or waves compounds or degradation all round the world as an remove dead reeds in winter products, for example ni- environmental scientist, thus flooding the stubble, the trates resulting from bacte- specialising in oil spill subsequent reed growth may rial oxidation of ammonia. NATIONAL PARK response, and is currently a be limited because of poor Other pollutants (such as theological student. oxygen supply. LETTERFRACK, CO GALWAY Recent years have seen NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE much interest in a new use for reed beds – treating sewage and other waste water. ‘Root GUIDED NATURE WALKS WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE PARK Zone Biotechnology’ involv- Leaving from the Park Centre at 10.30am ing specially constructed reed JUNE – Monday, Wednesday & Friday beds was pioneered by Profes- · Exhibition on the Connemara Landscape JULY & AUGUST – Monday, Tuesday, sor Reinhold Kickuth in Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (multi-lingual) As these walks cover rough, wet, boggy Germany, and is now wide- · Audio Visual Show (multi-lingual) terrain, it is essential visitors have spread, being used by appropriate footwear and rainwear organisations such as Water · Information Desk Authorities. Water purifica- · Connemara Ponies CONNEMARA PONY INFORMATION tion is carried out by the · Picnic areas (Indoor and Outdoor) History and Management of Connemara Ponies combined action of physical, chemical and biological fac- · Tea Room JULY & AUGUST – Monday, Wednesday & Friday From 2pm to 4pm tors such as sedimentation, · Nature Trails flocculation, consumption by · Postcards, Maps, Booklets FUN WITH NATURE FOR KIDS micro-organisms, take-up by Childrens activities for 5–12 year olds the growing plants and loss to JULY & AUGUST the atmosphere. Thus the reed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday OPEN DAILY bed simultaneously acts as a 11.00am–1.00pm TH TEA ROOM trickling filter, a percolation UNTIL 9 OCTOBER 2005 Please bring boots and rainwear APRIL & MAY Home baking with filter and a settling and diges- ADULT MUST STAY WITH CHILD/CHILDREN 10.00AM – 5.30PM Teas, Coffee,Cakes, tion basin. Three key features JUNE, JULY & AUGUST Salads, Sandwiches, of the plants which make this 9.30AM – 6.30PM Soups CHARGES: Adult €2.75 Family €7.00 possible are as follows: Groups catered for SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER Child/Student €1.25 Senior/Group (20+) €2.00 • The processes of growth 10AM – 5.30PM and natural die-back in the extensive underground sys- tem, create channels CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK through which water can PHONE:095–41323/41054 FAX:095–41005 pass. Reed in low nutrient acid conditions, south Wales. Page 6 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 TThhee FFiirree MMoouunnttaaiinnss ooff LLaannzzaarroottee

they see the real glories of the Montanas del Demonstration of geothermal energy – burning gorse cuttings at Islote de Hilario. By Anthony Toole Fuego – the Fire Mountains. At the car park itself is the ‘El Diablo’ restau- more intimate view of the geology and biology The most important work in the National WITH its rubble-strewn landscape, arid cli- rant, where the highest temperature in the of Timanfaya. The shorter walk follows a 3.5- Park occurs out of sight of the tourist. In the late mate and sparse vegetation, Lanzarote looks National Park has been recorded at 610oC, 13 kilometre trail at the southern edge, and is 1980s, a laboratory for scientific research was like an island under construction, which indeed metres beneath the surface rocks. Because of suitable for school or family parties. A more established at an old dromedary shed in the cen- it is. While the landmass was created by vol- the intense heat, special foundations had to be demanding 9-kilometre walk takes a coastal tre of the park. This is concerned largely with a canic activity over the past 17 million years, laid to avoid overheating in the buildings. path, where the lava meets the sea, and rapid study of volcanology and seismic processes, about a quarter of its present area grew out of a A 5–metre-deep pit, inside the restaurant, colonisation by marine life is taking place. together with monitoring and the assessment of series of eruptions that occurred from 1730 to serves as an oven. The temperature at the mouth 1736. Much of the south-western end of the of the pit reaches 200oC, whilst hot air entering island owes its appearance to this period of vol- from the side walls can rise to 350oC. Just out- canism, together with a smaller eruption that side the restaurant is a set of underground metal occurred in 1824. pipes into which water can be poured to create

So recent was this activity that the colonisa- an artificial geyser. A further demonstration of Toole Anthony Photos: © tion of the lava by plants, and its conversion geothermal energy is seen nearby, in the burn- into soil, are at an early stage, and the land is ing of gorse cuttings in a 1.5–metre-deep pit, still centuries away from a steady state. This where temperatures at the bottom have been makes it an ideal natural laboratory for the sci- measured at 245oC. entific study of land evolution. The Mancha Blanca Visitors’ Centre stands In 1974, 5107 hectares (19.7 square miles) of outside the park itself, 4 km north of the bound- the most pristine land around Timanfaya was ary. Its true size is camouflaged by its being declared a National Park. In 1993, UNESCO three-quarters submerged in the surrounding declared it a Biosphere Reserve, and the fol- lava field. The building contains offices and an lowing year, the European Community made it exhibition of the volcanology, flora and fauna a Special Protection Area for Birds. of the area, explained with the aid of impressive Because of the fragility and importance of the video and interactive displays, with spoken and landscape, 96% of the National Park area is written text in Spanish, German and English. It reserved strictly for scientific use. Motorists has won several National prizes for its architec- entering the National Park from the main ture. through road must leave their vehicles at the car A service offering guided walking trails was Flower (Pelargonium capitatum) growing in volcanic ash. Opening into a volcanic tube. park of the Islote de Hilario. Only by coach, can introduced in the Park in 1990 to give visitors a

Entrance to the National Park. Signpost designed by Cesar Manrique. Lava field. Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 7

risks from possible future eruptions. In 1993, canology, ecology, botany and zoology of the first gravimeter, for measuring gravity vari- Timanfaya. ations was installed. Other instruments were The lack of human activity in this new land- added to study seismic events, land deformation scape, together with its warm, dry climate, and changes in the tilt of the land. make Timanfaya ideal for the study, not only of An important project, funded by the Euro- volcanic phenomena, but of the natural pean Union as part of investigations into a processes of biological colonisation. long-term energy strategy, has involved a study A recent research project by scientists from of the geothermal fields to measure the rate of Oxford University compared the breakdown of heat transfer from the underlying rocks to the lava by lichens with the physical weathering surface. caused by wind and rain. The work is important A meteorological station holds complete because these processes bring about the first weather data on the sub-Saharan climate of stage in the creation of soil from igneous mate- Lanzarote going back to 1990. rial. The soils thus formed will, in a few more In the Mancha Blanca Visitors’ Centre is a centuries, be necessary for the colonisation of small library, which contains reference books, the land by higher plants. both of a popular and scientific nature, as well These particular investigations are also of as many research papers concerning the vol- significance as they can be compared with sim-

Cacti growing on the Timanfaya lava field. Photos: © Anthony Toole Anthony Photos: ©

ilar research carried out in the much wetter, but Cory’s shearwater, Leach’s petrel and the Bar- otherwise analogous environment of Hawaii. bary partridge. Kestrel and peregrine falcon are The dominant plant forms on the lava fields also found here as well as a few pairs of Egypt- are the lichens; 71 species have been cata- ian vulture. logued, but the full population has been The inevitable increase, over the coming estimated at around 200. The aridity has led to years, in the tourism on which Lanzarote only slow invasion by higher plants. Those that depends for its prosperity, will put severe pres- do survive here depend on dew and on water sures on Timanfaya National Park. The present vapour rising through cracks from the hot rocks. system of management appears to be working These plants have evolved specialised root sys- well. Not only does it allow the tourist to enjoy tems as well as hairy and globular leaves to the spectacle of a landform that is unique in conserve water. Europe, but it preserves that landform in its There are 120 species of invertebrate, but the pristine purity. only terrestrial vertebrate animals are the Haria’s lizard, the gecko, the Canary shrew, the M.A. Toole, 65, Cheswick Drive, Gosforth, rabbit and the hedgehog. 17 species of birds Dromedary rides on the lower slopes of Timanfaya mountain. nest in the Park. These include Bulwer’s petrel, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5DW, U.K. Page 8 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 FAROE: The Unknown Islands parts; I have seen them in the Hebrides, and an Icelandic seaman friend tells me he saw a mirage of the Faroes from a hundred miles away, in sharp detail, even to the communica- tion masts on the hilltops. Torshavn (Thor’s harbour) claims to be the smallest capital city in the world. Faroes got home rule – at long last – in 1948, under the Danish crown. All but one little village is on the coast, for this is a nation of fishermen and small-scale farming. They have sailed and The old way of taking wool (sometimes called “Faroese gold” – was to do sail far over the northern wait till the natural moult and then pluck it off, as being done here. seas and pay the price; “not one Sheep come in white, brown and black colours. man’s grave on land” one Faroe woman told me of her extended family. You will find memorial crosses with slabs set round

Photos: © Daphne Pochin Mould them, each engraved with the Faroe mountains built of Tertiary period lavas – the same that gave us the Giants Causeway and Scotland, ship’s name and its lost crew. Fingal’s cave. Model ships hang in the (Lutheran) churches. Money By Daphne was scarce in Faroes so when British fishermen began to Pochin Mould replace their sailing smacks with engine powered vessels, IT is probable that all that the islanders bought the old most Irish people know of the smacks and went on using Faroe Islands is that they sent them. Many of these lived on The mail boat unloading at Skuyov.This 1965 shot was taken as they a football team to play Ireland and on, and were given engines. were installing a power winch, for even for the few hours for postal And Faroes, like Iceland, has delivery etc.., the boat had to be hauled ashore. But homes had a high last summer (Faroes lost) and standard of living and electricity. that the Irish played the return kept careful records of these match on the islands at the ships, their owners and history beginning of June (Ireland and published them. So I can won again). We do not holiday tell you that “Gamla Pride” in the Faroes and so miss out (Old Pride – there is a new one) on one of the world’s most which I saw still around in lovely island clusters. 1965, was built in Brixham Look at the map of the (England) in 1898. North Atlantic. There is Ire- Presently there are some land, with its own little 47,000 Faroese people, bilin- necklace of offshore islets. gual in Faroese and Danish, North, off Scotland’s west and good at English. With coast, the Hebrides and the regard to language they dif- stormy Minch. North of Scot- fered somewhat from their land the Orkney island and Icelandic neighbours. Iceland beyond them, the Shetlands. became a nation of writers and readers, of makers of poetry, The price of fish: Memorial to lost crews. Each slab records a boat Go another 300 km (186 and crew. miles) further on and you history, stories, the written language lives on, now also in arrive at the 18 Faroe Islands word keeping the old Norse written form. (all inhabited bar one). language alive, so that modern Faroese cow, with modern house and beyond the church with its Faroes claim 250 species of Iceland is some 430 km traditional grass roof. Icelanders talking into their birds, of which 70 nest there. (266 miles) further, bigger mobile phones would very Birds crowd the great cliffs and than Ireland, high tech, adven- Therefore one scholar thinks ries. You can take your car to nearly be understood by the were a vital food source in the turous, splitting the water the name may be Gaelic, “fear Faroes (Aberdeen to Lerwick, first Viking longships to come old days. They are still taken molecule to get hydrogen to an”, far islands. Whatever the join Smyril Line’s big car ferry exploring our shores. Faroese, and enjoyed – it was on run hydrogen powered buses name came from, the sheep ship there, which then goes on however, starting from the Mykines, the westmost island, as part of Reykjavik’s public undoubtedly ate all the to Torshavn in Faroes and Sey- same roots, was never written that I first enjoyed the dark, transport. But Iceland and islands’ original, much denser disfjordur in east Iceland). down and its complex gram- tasty meat of the puffin, served Faroes share a common his- cover of plants and scrub, as Faroes have their own airline mar teased out until the last with boiled potatoes, jelly and tory: both were visited by they have still been doing in and an airfield on Vagar, but hundred years or so! It should imported potato crisps. Pilot Celtic monks who fled when Ireland. again nothing direct from Ire- have been swamped by the whales could be driven ashore Norse explorers appeared and Every one of the 18 islands land. Danish of its long time rulers in certain little bays – lookouts began to settle. Icelanders joke that make up the Faroe group, It is a foggy part of the but these few people on their on the headlands spotting them that the Faroese were the ones has its own special character North Atlantic. Faroes joke remote islands kept it alive by and alerting all boats within A procession for the start of a who got sea sick en route and and beauty. There is a marked about “Faroese sunshine” – dancing round in a ring! festival. reach to go out and herd them jumped ship! north/south variation, the mist, and that you can experi- The ring dance ends every in. Everyone taking part, in boat The monks, or people with southern islands are lower and ence their entire climate in the celebration. A singer stands Football, brassbands, regat- or on shore, gets a share of the them, brought sheep to the greener, the northern ones changes of a single day. But central, knowing the long and tas and the ring dance are all meat. Fish were dried on special islands and it is sometimes higher, rockier and with the when the sun shines, this is a ancient ballads by heart, and part of the enthusiasms of this shore side pavements; beef is claimed that Faroe means the mightiest sea cliffs in all world of the intense vivid everyone else forms a ring ancient island people, now still hung in special slate houses Sheep islands. The Danish Europe. Getting around means colours of the North; a round him, joining in the enjoying independence and the to dry to rock hard blocks, and word for sheep is “faar”, but crossing water, though easier sparkling world of sea and refrain, part acting out the new life of the 21st century. then thinly sliced to eat: the Faroes called them “sey- today with good roads, tunnels rock, and grass as green as Ire- story. You can join or leave the Well worth the effort of getting uncooked and very good. dur” (Icelandic “saudfe”). cut through ridges and car fer- land’s. Mirages occur in these circle as you wish. And the old there from our own island. Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 9 A Spotlight on World Environmental Matters by Alex Kirby

Living Beyond Our Means many albatrosses. It’s not only birds of whale, dolphin and porpoise strandings kakapo – fat, green, musty-smelling noc- which are threatened: sea lions, dol- in the UK has more than doubled in the turnal parrots, which cannot fly but The world is living so far beyond its phins, turtles and sharks may all fall past decade. It found that strandings which can climb trees – now stands at 86. ecological means that attempts to reduce victim to the hooks, according to the had risen from 360 in 1994 to 782 in Spring has well and truly sprung. poverty are likely to be compromised, Galapagos Conservation Trust. It is a 2004. The biggest increase has been in scientists say. The Millennium Ecosystem nice irony, and one that is probably lost the past five years, the NHM says. It The World’s Most Assessment, compiled by 1,300 on the plan’s supporters, that the Gala- attributes the increase to winter researchers from 95 countries over four pagos are forever linked with the name strandings of short-beaked common dol- Endangered Feline years, says human activities now of Charles Darwin. But with the islands’ phins and harbour porpoises in But it’s not all doom and gloom. The threaten the Earth’s ability to sustain population up from fewer than 2,000 south-west England. It says the figures Iberian lynx, described as the world’s future generations. The report says the people in 1960 to nearly 27,000 today, are misleadingly conservative, as many most endangered feline, is said to have damage we are doing to the environment the pressure for long-lining to start may dead cetaceans sink out at sea. The rea- the dubious distinction of being likely to means efforts to halve poverty by 2015, prove irresistible. sons for strandings include sickness, be the first big cat to follow the sabre- as spelt out in the Millennium Develop- disorientation, natural mortality, toothed tiger into extinction. Lynx ment Goals agreed by world leaders five The Cooling of the Gulf Stream extreme weather, or injury. One sug- numbers have declined from 100,000 a years ago, are in question. The assess- gested cause of death is the accidental century ago to around just 100–120 in ment says an unsustainable rush for And there could be worse to come. A catching of animals in fishing nets, which the wild today. In captivity there are natural resources was triggered by the US scientist writing in the journal Nature has prompted efforts to ban pair trawl- reported to be only 13 animals. But the requirements of a growing world popula- says that if the Gulf Stream (which keeps ing, where a large net is strung between good news is that one of them has tion after the second world war. More north-west Europe warmer than it could trawlers, in British waters. recently produced three cubs, raising land has been converted to agriculture reasonably expect to be were to switch hopes that oblivion may be kept at bay. since 1945 than in the eighteenth and off), this could mean a collapse of the Population Increase of Dam building, road deaths, hunting and a nineteenth centuries combined. More North Atlantic plankton stocks to less decline in wild rabbits are believed to than half of all the synthetic nitrogen than half their initial biomass. And that World’s Rarest Birds have led to the lynx’s downfall. fertilisers ever used have been spread on could have what he called “catastrophic” And from New Zealand comes news farmland since 1985. The result of this effects on fisheries and human food sup- that the numbers of one of the world’s Alex Kirby is a former BBC pressure for resources, the scientists ply. The Intergovernmental Panel on rarest birds, the kakapo, have just environment correspondent, now say, is a substantial and largely irre- Climate Change said in 2001 the Gulf increased, with the successful hatching writing and broadcasting on versible loss of the diversity of life on Stream (properly known as the Atlantic of three chicks. The population of environment and development. Earth. They estimate 90% of the total thermohaline circulation) would weaken weight of the ocean’s large predators has this century, but not stop. But another vanished in the last few years, with 12% US researcher has put the chances of a of all birds, 25% of mammals and more switch-off by 2100 at 45%. The UK Met than 30% of all amphibians thought to Office says the amount of fresh water risk extinction by 2100. entering the Arctic Ocean from its tribu- tary rivers is increasing, and appears to Depletion of Fish Stocks be about 20% of the amount needed for the circulation to shut down. One illustration of the extent of the losses Nature is sustaining comes from Rabies Fear in Europe’s Foxes researchers compiling the Census of Marine Life. They say a conservative Some of the news on terra firma isn’t estimate is that cod on the Scotian Bank much more encouraging. Europe’s fox off the east coast of North America population has grown as much as eight- have declined by 96% since the 1850s, fold in the past decade, and this has from 1.26 million metric tons in 1852 to raised fears that rabies could easily get less than 50,000 metric tons today. out of control. There’s concern the dis- They say just 16 small schooners of the ease is once again threatening western pre-Civil War era could hold all adult cod Europe, and emergency teams have been currently estimated to be on the once- busy in four German states and neigh- rich shelf. The researchers used New bouring parts of France, trying to England schooner records of daily catch vaccinate enough foxes to stop rabies locations and fleet activity on the fish- spreading. The reason for the flare-up ing grounds, which they say provide a appears to be patchy vaccination of wild solid, reliable basis for stock assess- foxes in the German state of Hesse. ment. Other researchers using entirely Officials at Germany’s national rabies different types of data and methods laboratory have said they will stamp out recently showed similar levels of deple- the infection this year. But their coun- tion for North Sea fish stocks. terparts in France, Switzerland and Belgium are concerned that large areas Long-lining in the of Europe where rabies had been eradi- Galapagos Archipelago cated could be reinfected. In the Galapagos archipelago, 600 Whale & Dolphin Strandings miles off the coast of Ecuador, there Although size obviously matters, it are plans to introduce one of the most probably won’t help you that much in the destructive fishing methods, long-lining. waters round the UK. The Natural His- Globally this is blamed for the loss of tory Museum in London says the number about 300,000 seabirds a year, including Page 10 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 “Litter pollution degrades the Litter Law Enforcement skips and you fail to take meas- Irish environment, spoiling the ures to prevent litter appearance of otherwise attrac- by Local Authorities • You place unauthorised articles tive areas. It imposes unnecessary The Litter Pollution Act, 1997 or advertisements on and clean-up and other costs on pub- gives local authorities a wide range deface any structure or other lic and private bodies, which of powers to tackle litter more land, door, gate, window, tree, could be devoted to more produc- effectively and requires a more pole or post visible from a pub- tive purposes; it damages structured approach to litter man- lic place. particular sectors of the Irish agement planning. • You operate a mobile outlet and economy, including the tourist Make no mistake, local authori- you don’t provide litter bins or industry. In social terms, litter ties are catching up with litter louts. don’t clear up litter resulting can be a symptom of deeper social Since the introduction of the Lit- from your activities. problems confronting an area ter Pollution Act to end 2001, there • You put advertising leaflets on and its people; it can also accen- has been a significant improvement the windscreens of vehicles or Litter Action tuate these problems through the in local authority enforcement distribute material in a public careless attitude it fosters. Litter action generally. place contrary to a local author- pollution can be dangerous to ity bye-law. human health through, for exam- Education & Awareness Action Get your free copy of the, “Lit- ple, broken bottles and cans left by Local Authorities ter and the Law” leaflet available strewn across play areas. Finally, from the website litter presents the wrong image of In addition to stepping up www.environ.ie/press/litter.html, & Local Image enforcement of the litter laws, Ireland and the Irish and is a seri- your local public library, council ous embarrassment at a time local authorities are now more office or from Enfo. when we have a lot to be proud of committed than ever to litter pre- as a nation.” vention through education and raising public awareness. Local What you can do to help Extract from National Anti-Litter Forum Report, July 2000 authorities nation-wide are work- put an end to litter … ing with Tidy Town groups, Litter does not simply happen – This page outlines the various National Spring Clean and the it is caused. programmes of anti-litter action Green Schools programme, a • Think tidy and initiatives already underway European award scheme which Make a habit of thinking tidy and in planning by local author- acknowledges schools action on from now on and you take the first ities (town, city and county litter and waste. A number of inno- step towards lessening litter. councils), national government vative strategies have also been • Pick up and others. It also provides adopted, including: A little effort can make a lot of information you need to stay • Local authority/local commu- difference to the appearance of within the litter laws and nity anti-litter partnerships your home, your school, your explains how you can get involving local area plans. workplace and their surroundings. involved in helping combat our • County wide Anti-Litter It only takes a moment to pick up a national litter pollution problem. League challenges. piece of litter and put it in the bin. • Litter Road signs. • Take home Double Standards when • School theatre programmes. The only proper place for refuse • Freephone services to allow the it comes to Litter is in the bin. But if you are out and public report instances of ille- about and no bin is available, take A national survey on the envi- gal dumping. it home for disposal. ronment, “Attitudes and Actions”, Further details of local authority • Speak out published in April 2000, shows “best practices” against litter are It is your environment that is that Irish people have double stan- available on www.litter.ie. being damaged so you are entitled dards when it comes to litter. Over to speak out. If you see someone one third of Irish people sponta- Government dropping litter, comment politely neously reply that rubbish on the Anti-Litter Action but firmly. If you come across ille- streets is their top national envi- gal dumping then report it to your ronmental concern, yet almost half Although there is a lot of anti-lit- local authority. of us admit to having littered! Fur- ter action underway, still more • Get involved thermore, around seven in ten needs to be done! A Government If there is a tidy town competi- people are fairly or extremely con- programme to support more effec- tion, National Spring Clean event cerned with litter, graffiti and the tive local authority action against or anti-litter campaign in your area appearance of their localities. Yet a litter is being pursued. Since 1997, – support it! If there is none, per- similar proportion of the popula- grants totalling €3 million have haps you can get one going with tion have never joined with local been allocated to local authorities your neighbours or community groups to help clean-up! There is for local anti-litter initiatives; the association. some good news, however, – the 2002 provision was €635,000. It’s easy to make a difference survey also shows that over six in Local authorities also use annual ten people said they would like to Local Government Fund money For further information: Contact do more to help the environment, and other resources to intensify your local authority litter control sec- demonstrating a positive public action against litter. tion for information on what is will to clean up our act. happening in your area. Your BUSINESS may suffer as Anti-Litter Unit, Department of the Don’t Litter and Don’t YOU are breaking the law when … Environment and Local Govern- Tolerate Those Who Do • You create litter in the carrying ment, Custom House, Custom House Further information can be on of a business, trade, or activ- Quay, Dublin 1. Tel:01 888 2060/ found on the campaign website ity or in loading, transporting L Call 1890 200 021 Fax:01 888 www.10steps.ie or handling anything. 2691 Website:www.environ.ie • You present your commercial/ ENFO Information on the Environ- What litter costs the public purse business waste for collection in ment, 17 St Andrew St, Dublin 2. Tel:01 888 2001/LoCall 1890 200 Local authorities spend about a manner that creates litter 191. Fax:01 888 3946 €60 million annually on their street • Your premises occupy land Email:info@enfo .ie cleansing and litter warden opera- along a public road, in a speed Website:www.enfo .ie tions. Dublin City Council alone limit area, and you fail to keep Issued by: ENFO – The Environ- spent over €20 million in 2002 on footpaths, pavements or grass mental Information Service, 17 these services. verges along the road in front St.Andrew Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. If there was less litter and dirt to of your property free of litter. Tel:1890 200191 Fax:(01)888 deal with, local authorities would • You own or drive a vehicle 2946 e-mail:[email protected] have more money to spend on used to transport goods or www.enfo.ie other public services in their areas. materials or you own or hire Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 11 THE FISHING INDUSTRY MUST CHANGE

tions, some of them nonsensical. We, as a coun- prices for fish has seen an increase in the num- By Jason Whooley try, have been too eager to implement many of ber of boats going out of business. these regulations, often to the detriment of our My view is simple; decommissioning has to THERE is no doubt that the fishing industry industry only. Unfortunately, whether we like it form part of our future. There are many fisher- in Ireland is going through one of it’s most dif- or not, Brussels is here to stay and so is the men who would like to get out of fishing and this ficult periods ever. Everyone involved in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). With the will give them an option. For those who are left, sector feels isolated and frustration is the most advent of Regional Advisory Councils (RAC), there should be larger quotas for distribution. common sentiment around the coast. Fisher- we will have an opportunity to address some of FIFG funding is an area where we have a cer- men’s representatives are running from one the problems with the CFP. The RAC’s in my tain amount of national discretion in how and problem to the next. This fire brigade manage- view represent the best chance for the industry where it’s spent. We need to discuss how we ment is characteristic of our fishing industry across Europe to introduce a degree of realism prioritise this spending in relation to a long- with short-term problems dictating work sched- into the CFP. term strategy. Recently, new vessel buildings ules and agendas. We are failing to address the Leaving aside the EU element, the question have absorbed a large amount of this budget and trends that are developing in our sector and are must be asked, are we fully utilising our rightly so. In the future, with the moratorium at not differentiating between the immediate and resources/quotas? I don’t think we are. Our sys- EU level on the grant aid of new vessels, other the more important long-term problems. Our tem of quota management needs to be reviewed. areas need to be examined. A priority funding short-term focus is hindering the industry’s Without some degree of management by the area needs to be decommissioning. Any such long-term development. producers it is difficult to achieve the kind of scheme needs to be focussed on fleet sectors, To put this industry on a solid footing, we market led fishing patterns that will deliver the stocks that are being targeted excessively need, over a period of 6 to 12 months, to best return on our resource. should see fleets reduced. develop a long-term plan. It must be driven by As part of a discussion on resource manage- What you’ve read above is one man’s view, the fishing sector with total political involve- ment, we need to look at alternatives to our there are many other views out there, we need to ment and support. The hard issues facing the present quota management system. Everything hear them. At present, our industry is not having sector will have to be discussed and difficult should be on the agenda including Individual these discussions, we are too busy fire fighting.

decisions will have to be taken. If we take on Transferable Quotas (ITQ’s). There is no doubt Photo: © Paul Kay As an industry, we need to look to the future, we that task however, we can secure a viable future. that ITQ’s are controversial but they could play always decreases returns. The hake fishery of need to develop strategies that will enable us to A discussion on the long-term future of the a role in our future. We may find that the current the early nineties is a classic example of the deal with the challenges we will undoubtedly industry needs to be wide ranging. Every aspect system is the most favourable but it may not be. gold rush mentality. Our future direction should face in the long term. If we don’t undertake this of our industry from the “net to the fork” must Without this discussion we will continue with address this situation, should we have more task soon at a national level, we will be doing be critically examined. One of the key areas that the current uncertain situation regarding track restricted access to fisheries? Should vessels be the industry we represent a serious dis-service. needs to be covered is resource management. records and participation in already pressurised confined to certain categories? The ability to This in itself is a huge subject but one that Ire- fisheries. Right now, if a fishery becomes prof- drift from one fishery to another can make short land inc. has failed to tackle. It is true that many Jason Whooley, Manager, Irish South & West itable, it attracts more and more term economic sense but does it lend itself to Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd, The Pier, of our resource issues are driven by the EU and long term planning and management? effort/participation. This is detrimental from a Castletownbere, Co. Cork. are largely outside our control. Fishing has stock point of view but also from a marketing The rising costs of operating a fishing vessel www.irishsouthandwest.ie become overshadowed by EU rules and regula- perspective where additional supply nearly combined with quota restrictions and poor Page 12 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Fisheries & Hydroelectric Schemes A Fisheries Environmental Perspective

the region with potential for Fisheries Board’s must assess development. these implications together In upland sites, high head with mitigation proposals at schemes either utilise water the scoping and planning drawn directly from the river stages of any proposed devel- with “run of river” intakes or opment. Up to now guidelines

through abstraction from lakes were unavailable to provide Photos: © SWRFB modified to create additional information to prospective de- Restored Mill Site. storage or from man-made im- velopers or planners on fish- poundments. Additional flow eries requirements. Guidelines straightforward however there formation is currently un- has also been provided by are currently being prepared is also a dearth of knowledge available on potential impacts transferring water from one by the Fisheries Boards in con- on the impact of some aspects on fisheries, etc etc..? system to another. junction with the Engineering of hydroelectric schemes on The principles of sustain- Potential for hydro devel- Division of the Department of fisheries and further consider- able development require pro- opments to impact on fish- Communications, Marine and ation must be given to issues tection of the natural resource, eries is generally determined Natural Resources to address such as the quantification of however the type and extent of by their scale, nature and lo- issues including the following. compensation flows required mitigation required for fish- cation within a river system • Are there locations within to maintain aquatic habitats eries protection can only be Restored Corn Mill, Macroom, Co. Cork. and on the nature of the fish- catchments which are ac- and wetted perimeter, the im- made when there is sufficient ery present. For example; ceptable for the develop- pacts of extended sustained information available on made small high head schemes schemes on lowland main ment of hydro schemes? low flows on aquatic habitats. which to base an assessment. By Patricia more lucrative. river channels have the po- For example: above ex- The water flow required satis- Questions raised above in- In principle, the Central and tential to totally or partially tremes of spawning limits, fying effective fish passage; is clude a range of issues to be O’Connor Regional Fisheries Boards obstruct movement of migra- above impassable falls, on it acceptable to have fish addressed when assessing po- supports the generation of en- tory fish, interfere with fish- rivers which have no movement curtailed because tential impacts of hydro WATER for power genera- ergy from renewable resources ing and fish spawning and salmonid migration due to of reduced flows caused by schemes on fisheries and there tion has been used in Ireland as an aid to the reduction in nursery areas, affect water manmade impasses, on generation? What specific are obviously many more since the early 18th Century, fossil fuel usage and carbon quality; create poaching ven- rivers where flow availabil- flow regimes are acceptable to questions requiring answers. initially through the mechani- emissions. However, hydro ues by holding and congrega- ity significantly exceeds provide for protection of The preparation of guidelines cal use of waterwheels to turn developments have the poten- tion of salmon below return generation capacity. spawning and juvenile fish? will be the first step in ad- millstones and drive shafts. tial to significantly impact on points and cause physical • Are there unacceptable lo- Will periodic cessation of ab- dressing these informational These were replaced by tur- the fishery resource and it is damage and mortalities in cations where development straction facilitate spawning requirements. bines producing electricity and essential that such schemes are fish. Equally, schemes at high should not be permitted? escapement, etc.? Note: A consultation document were then used in some in- permitted only where it can be head locations can interfere For example: those with In addition other aspects prepared by the Fisheries Boards and stances for the generation of Engineering Division of the Department demonstrated that the fishery with aquatic fauna and flora, potential impacts on must also be addressed. Is electricity for domestic sup- of Communications, Marine and Nat- can be protected, i.e. without salmonid spawning and nurs- spawning, nursery areas there a requirement to amend ural Resources will be available shortly ply; e.g. Ashgrove Mills on the interference to fish movement, ery areas, angling, water and aquatic habitat, where Fisheries Legislation to im- Sheen River in County Kerry habitat, flora and fauna and quality, and obstruct move- sustained low flows are prove protection for fish- For further information con- supplied electricity to Ken- water quality. ment of fish stocks. Addi- proposed, on spring salmon eries? Should cost/benefit mare Town. tact Patricia O’Connor, Se- In the South West of Ireland tional impacts can occur if fisheries, on exceptional analyses include the costs of Traditionally hydroelectric nior Fisheries Environmental there are several differing high head schemes include angling waters. Where the environmental impact mitiga- schemes were located in low- Officer, South Western Re- types and size of hydro impoundments. creation of a lake Impound- tion and grant aid? Is there a land areas, abstracting water gional Fisheries Board, Mac- schemes operating in lowland Such impacts can have seri- ment is proposed requirement for the precau- from rivers through the use of room, Co. Cork, Ireland. main channel and upland ous consequences for the re- The answer to some of the tionary principal to be weirs with diversion of river headwater rivers. The follow- spective fisheries and the above questions are relatively adopted where sufficient in- flow to a millrace or millpond ing lists some of these and de- and from there to the turbine scribes environmental issues house, sometimes located a associated with these opera- distance downstream with tions. This paper identifies water returned to the river some issues to be addressed in below the turbine house a more comprehensive assess- through a tailrace. ment of impacts and mitiga- More recently, a number of tion which will assist these schemes have been rede- developers and help to insure veloped with the introduction future hydro scheme develop- of modern more efficient tur- ments have minimal interfer- bines with higher generating ence on fisheries. capacities. The utilisation of Hydroelectric schemes on modern technology has also lowland main river channels opened the way for the gener- include the impoundment of ation of energy from high head the Lee River at Carrigadrohid sites in upland mountain areas, and Inniscarra by the Electric- with pipelines servicing tur- ity Supply Board to generate bines extended distances electricity, the operation of downstream. turbines at the Cork City Wa- The generation of electricity terworks originally as a water from hydro power is also sup- pumping station and more re- ported by various EU funded cently for electricity genera- schemes such as the Valoren tion, the restoration of the old Programme and more recently mill sites such as those on the Alternative Energy Resources Bandon River in Bandon, the (AER) and ALTENER Sheen River at Ashgrove schemes. This funding has Mills, Kenmare and Baelick made hydro-generation more Mill near Macroom now a attractive to developers and Heritage site. There are also with the advances in turbine many disused corn, woollen and pipeline technology has and shovel mills throughout Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 13 AIR POLLUTION: Asking the Questions

greater threat — climate change. The pollution The German city of Munster has imposed a By Alex Kirby so far has helped to protect us from the effects of 30 kph speed limit on 85% of its streets. This rising global temperatures, and to conceal or con- means it is much safer to cycle, and many peo- EVERY TIME I come to a Sherkin confer- fuse the evidence that the world is warming. If ple ride their bikes instead of using cars. Could ence I learn a lot. I remember at one conference the air is cleaner, scientists say, then the effects of we cut the damage air pollution does to health someone saying: “The environment is what we the warming will be increasingly plain. by learning to move around more slowly, or do to where we live.” That’s relevant to us at Scientists have found that between the middle even to forgo some of our assumed right to be this conference on air pollution, because we all and the end of the twentieth century the amount as mobile as we want? live under the one sky, sharing the Earth’s one of sunlight reaching the Earth declined by one or Will governments start to give greater prior- atmosphere — and what we do to it may not be two per cent every decade. They suggest this ity to public than private transport? And if they quickly undone. The other Sherkinism I think is process of global dimming is caused as pollution do, will we make use of it? How much do we especially relevant was someone saying: from burning fuel reflects sunlight back into love our own cars? I remember once hearing the “When it comes to throwing our rubbish away, ble. Experts think the impact of chronic expo- space and also makes clouds more reflective then British Environment Secretary, John Gum- we have to remember there’s no such place as sure is many times worse. A European than normal, again reflecting the solar radiation mer, on the subject. Someone had arrived late at ‘away’.” The other side of that, of course, is that Commission study found all forms of air pollu- away from the Earth’s surface. So by shielding a press conference, and said they’d been caught there’s no such person as The Other. The tion caused 310,000 premature deaths annually the oceans from the Sun’s full power, the pollu- in the traffic. But Mr Gummer replied: “It’s no stranger, the unknown, the alien is you and me. across the EU. The least affected country was tion may be disrupting the pattern of global use blaming the traffic. You are the traffic.” But that’s a road to follow another time. Finland, with Ireland next — loss of life rainfall. Even more seriously, it may be exerting What will we do to slow the onset of climate There are some environmental problems expectancy here was 3.9 months, with 13.6 a cooling effect which has offset the warming change? we’re pretty confident we’ve solved. Ozone months lost in worst-hit Belgium. caused by greenhouse gases and has misled How far are we prepared to go to help people depletion is one: acid rain is probably another. In April the World Health Organisation said experts into thinking the climate was robust in the developing world to save their health and And I guess a third problem most of us believe particulates alone shorten the life of everyone in enough not to show much response to huge their lives by enabling them to find ways of we’ve largely cracked is air pollution. Yet air the European Union by an average of 8.6 quantities of carbon dioxide. But without the cooking that will not choke them? pollution is a problem not just for the chroni- months. Particulates irritate the eyes, nose and cooling, climate sensitivity could be enough, By now, perhaps, some at least of you may cally sick, but for all of us. Its cost is measured throat. Larger ones, like PM10, are filtered out some scientists believe, to allow global average be feeling the need for a reviving smoke. Be in lives stunted, foreshortened and stopped dead in the nose or throat, but the smallest ones that temperatures by 2100 to be 10 degrees Celsius very careful. An Italian study found the smoke in their tracks. reach deep into the lung may be absorbed into higher — more than twice the difference in tem- from a single cigarette produces as much par- We know the nature of the problem has the blood stream or cause lung problems. Parti- perature between the last Ice Age and today. ticulate matter as running a diesel engine for a changed over the past 40 years or so. The smoke cles smaller than 2.5 micrometers So here are some of the questions we may hundred minutes. and sulphur dioxide associated with the smogs (two-and-a-half-millionths of a meter across, need to ask about air pollution: of the past, which were such a feature of my known as PM2.5) come mainly from vehicles, How far do we want to go to protect some of Liverpool childhood, have declined. But pollu- Alex Kirby is a former BBC environment and are the most dangerous. Today, with the the most vulnerable members of society — the correspondent, now writing and broadcasting on tion from vehicles has increased, and is decline of coal burning, it is diesel vehicles that young, the old, the chronically sick, the unborn? environment and development. This article is a increasing. Although engines are becoming are the main source of urban particulates, some Is it in the interest of the wider society to give shorter version of a paper presented at the Sherkin more efficient and fuels cleaner, the number of of which are linked to cancer and poisoning. them any special protection against the effects vehicles is still growing faster. The Earth Policy Air pollution can even harm infants before of pollution, when this is likely to mean a finan- Island Marine Station conference on “Air Institute in Washington has calculated that if they are born. Last year the WHO reviewed the cial penalty for the rest of us? Pollution”, held in Carrigaline in April 2005. Chinese car ownership were to reach the US latest research on the effects of pollution on level of 0.77 cars per person, China would have children’s health and development, and con- a fleet of 1.1 billion cars in 2031— well beyond cluded that exposure to particulates in the the current world fleet of 795 million. If the BE PROUD OF womb could lead to impaired lung growth. Sig- 2005 International Blue Flag YOUR BEACH Chinese used oil at the same rate as Americans nificantly, the WHO says no-one has been able now do, by 2031 they would need 99 million to identify a threshold below which particulates Beaches in County Cork CARE FOR IT barrels of oil a day. The world currently pro- have no effect on health. duces 79 million barrels a day. A number of cities are tackling the problem The International Blue Flag campaign is a voluntary scheme co-ordinated in Ireland LEAVE YOUR We know the individual pollutants which are by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, with support from the Department of FOOTPRINTS on an area basis, reducing or banning traffic in the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and on behalf of the Foundation ON THE SAND to blame. The key ones are particulates, from congested districts at peak hours or when the for Environmental Education (FEE, www.fee-international.org). AND NOT road vehicles, especially diesels; nitrogen diox- weather intensifies the pollution. This can bring This international award ensures the following Beach Quality criteria: ide; low-level ozone; sulphur dioxide; volatile - excellence in water quality and a commited monitoring programme YOUR WASTE. temporary relief to the hotspots, but often sim- - Provision of adequate safety and services, safety equipment and warning signals organic compounds like benzene; carbon ply shifts the problem somewhere else. of potential hazards. monoxide; lead; and toxic organic micro-pollu- And one country’s emissions often cause its - Beach Management programme, Good Infrastructure, accessibility and litter control. tants (TOMPS): polycyclic aromatic neighbours problems too. Only 41% of the - Provision of environmental information and education hydrocarbons, PCBs — polychlorinated This year Cork has been awarded 10 Blue Flag Beaches an increase of one from the PM2.5 pollution in Germany is estimated to be 2004 bathing season. These awards reflect the work carried out and the continued biphenyls — dioxins and furans. Large amounts home-produced. But German emissions repre- commitment by the Councils local area offices, Environment Department and of dioxins are released on and around bonfire sent 21% of Denmark’s total and 20% of the Voluntary Community Groups. The International jury were very pleased with the night. In my home town, Lewes in Sussex, you efforts of Cork County Council and the Owenahincha local community groups who Czech Republic’s. This operates over national worked in partnership to address their 2003 litter problems to regain their Blue Flag The Blue Flag Operators in wouldn’t want to know what happens on frontiers, and across oceans as well. Last year status for the 2005 bathing water season. Ireland urge the public to help November the fifth. Yet there’s massive protest retain Blue Flags at beaches by an international experiment began to track and doing some simple things when at the prospect of an incinerator five mile away. sample the polluted air crossing the Atlantic ✧ Youghal Frontstrand visiting the beach. On your next If we really are worried about dioxins, we might from the US to Europe. “There’s no such place Claycastle beach visit do away with bonfire night. Tobacco smoke is - Use litterbins provided and as ‘away’.” ✧ Shanagarry Garryvoe recycle where possible also a source of TOMPS. Air pollution harms other forms of life. Sul- - Proper disposal of your pets ✧ Old Head of Kinsale Garrylucas waste, nappies, glass and Air pollution causes not only short term ill- phur dioxide hinders photosynthesis, and cans. Garrettstown effects, but long-term damage and even nitrogen oxide stimulates plants on heathland, - Keep dogs on a leash premature death. For example, brief exposure to ✧ - Join in beach activity moors and blanket bogs to prolong their grow- Clonakilty Inchydoney programmes eg high levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause imme- ing phase. Some plants in habitats like these ✧ Roscarbery Owenahincha Environmental information diate temporary discomfort, while repeated roadshow where provided. depend on soil poor in nutrients, so the pollu- Warren - Organise your own beach exposure to asbestos or lead can lead to chronic tion can alter the composition of species found ✧ clean/activity days or local Skibbeereen Tragumna improvement schemes and illness, because their effects are cumulative. there, and of butterflies and other insects that ✧ let your local authority For people with problems already — bron- rely on them. Mizen Head Barleycove know - We may be able to chitis, perhaps, asthma or heart disease — or the help! I haven’t mentioned one of the worst sorts of - Obey beach safety very young or old, air pollution can be signifi- air pollution — that which happens indoors, For further information : guidelines ➢ cant. At very high levels, or over long periods of mainly because of smoky stoves and cooking on issues of beach management and water quality contact the environment - respect fragile dunes time, it can also cause some conditions which section, cork county council The Blue flag award has benefits fires. It’s not really a European problem. But as 021– 4532700 www.corkcoco.ie or local area office. to the local community, where did not exist before. it’s estimated to kill more than one-and-a-half- ➢ For information on Blue Flag Beaches contact: An Taisce Blue Flag Office, amenities and environment are And it is a serious killer. UK government Tailors Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8. enhanced and a shared respon- million people a year in the developing world, it sibility for the beach and the tel 01– 7077068 www.blueflag.org researchers have found that acute effects may local environment is promoted. does help to put our own problems in perspec- ➢ cause from 24,000 to 32,000 premature British On issues of information regarding special protection areas, natural These awards also have a posi- tive. heritage areas contact Heritage unit, tive knock on effect for tourism deaths every year. Many will be people who are If we do finally succeed in reducing air pollu- Cork County Council 021–4818006 in the County. ➢ already very ill, but some at least are preventa- tion, we may ironically only intensify an even On issues of water safety contact www.iws.ie Page 14 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála strongly defends the Board’s independence

AT the publication of Bord Pleanála’s open, the full file is available to the public ued in 2004 to date with the percentage of Annual Report, 2003, on 25th November after each decision is made and each decision cases being decided within the 18 week Customer Service 2004, the Chairperson of the Board, John is accompanied by the reasons for the Board’s statutory time objective increasing from As part of its ongoing programme to O’Connor, strongly refuted accusations from decision and, where appropriate, the reason 74% in 2003 to 82% in 2004 to date. The improve service to customers and stakeholders some sources questioning the independence of for not accepting the recommendation of the average time to dispose of cases has come the Board has adopted a detailed customer the Board. He regretted that there was an inspector in the case. The core principles of down from 16 to 14 weeks. service action plan which states clearly the increasing tendency for some people, when independence, impartiality and openness are • Reflecting the increase in the intake of level of service its customers can expect. This they did not get the decision they wanted from fully respected by everyone in the Board. cases, the number on hands at the end of includes an improved system for dealing with the Board, to cast aspersions on the Board’s The Chairperson said he wanted to state cat- October 2004 was 1513. complaints from customers. The Board also independence. He said that it was necessary to egorically that in his experience there has It is the Board’s overall strategic objective continues with its programme of meeting deny this kind of allegation in the strongest never been any attempt to interfere with the to dispose of 90% of cases within the 18 week major stakeholder interests on a regular basis possible terms since, left unanswered, it could independent exercise by the Board of its dis- period. This recognises the fact that there will to ensure that it is aware of their concerns. damage public confidence in the Board as well cretion. He fully respects the right of anyone always be a certain element of cases that, for as morale within the organisation. to disagree with a decision of the Board on the one reason or another, often outside the Design Standards The Board was set up in law as a completely merits of the case but attempts to denigrate Board’s control, it is not possible to decide independent arbiter of planning appeals and decisions by impugning the independence of within this time frame. However, the Board is The Chairperson referred to concerns he major local authority projects. It is obliged to the Board are an entirely different matter and constantly striving to further improve the expressed previously about the design stan- operate in a quasi-judicial manner. It is a legal are irresponsible. timeliness of decisions by reviewing the rea- dards for many new developments across the offence for anybody to attempt to improperly Referring to the general performance of the sons for delays and the efficiency of country. He acknowledged that design stan- influence the outcome of any case before the Board, he said that he was pleased that the operations. dards had improved over recent years, Board. Systems and procedures, designed to decision times on appeals and other cases con- particularly in the larger urban areas, and paid protect the decision making process from tinue to improve despite the substantial tribute to the efforts being made by the archi- external influence other than through the increase in the Board’s workload this year. General Trends tects’ and planners’ professional bodies in this process are laid down by law. The member- The following facts give an indication of the The following general trends in normal regard. However, too many developments ship of the Board is governed by detailed current state of affairs in the Board. planning appeals in 2003 may be of interest: coming before the Board still exhibited poor legislation to ensure a proper balance of inter- • The intake of planning appeals and infra- • The percentage of local planning deci- design standards. Lack of design quality at ests. Members, staff and consultants engaged structure cases in 2004 is showing an in- sions appealed continues to be fairly con- planning stage can result in developments that by the Board are all subject to a detailed code crease of 12% over 2003 and is heading for stant at 7%. offer a poor living environment to future of conduct and there are procedures to ensure over 5,300 cases. • The share of local decisions appealed occupants and the general acceptance of aes- that any potential conflicts of interest are • The improvement in the timeliness of deci- which are reversed by the Board was 30%, thetic mediocrity. Where the Board considers avoided. The Board’s procedures are very sion making recorded in 2003 has contin- down from 33% in 2002. design to be substandard it may refuse permis- • First party appeals against refusal fared sion or if the development is amenable to better in 2003 with 22% resulting in grants being redesigned within the parameters of the of permission compared to 20% in 2002. planning application it may request the devel- • Third party appeals against grants of per- oper to upgrade the design. The Chairperson mission were somewhat less successful said that additional resources put into the resulting in 41% refusals compared to design phase of a development will always 45% in 2002. pay dividends for the developer in terms of the amount and value of development that can be achieved, as well as facilitating planning per- Cara Partners wish continued Major Projects mission. Major infrastructure projects come before success to Matt and his team at the Board either by way of planning appeal where they are privately sponsored or by way Rural Housing Sherkin Island Marine Station of direct approval where they are local author- As requested by the Minister at the time of ity sponsored. The Board is keenly aware of their publication, the Board has regard to the infrastructure deficiencies and their impact on draft planning guidelines on Sustainable Rural social and economic development. Recognis- Housing in deciding appeals in relation to one- ing the importance of avoiding delays at the off houses in rural areas. Generally, in line planning stage of these projects the Board with the guidelines, the Board takes a positive continues to improve systems of processing attitude, subject of course to observation of these cases. For example, this year in 22 of site specific good planning principles, to rural the 26 local authority project cases oral hear- generated housing needs or housing for people ings were commenced within six weeks of the with genuine links to the local rural commu- expiry date for objections. 14 major national nity. A survey of appeals relating to one-off road schemes were approved by the Board rural housing developments decided since the from the start of 2003 to date. At the present guidelines were published shows that 47% of time there are only 4 national road cases the 350 cases decided were located in areas awaiting determination by the Board and the under strong urban influence, with only 17% oral hearings have been held in 3 of these. being in weak rural areas. The survey also This year 90% of private infrastructure plan- shows that drainage and settlement policies ning appeals were reported on to the Board are the most common reasons for refusal (27% within 17 weeks of the appeals being received. each) with traffic hazard (18%) and landscape Priority is also accorded to housing schemes (17%) also prominent. of 30 or more units and a special team of Inspectors is concentrating on these cases. John O’Connor, Chairperson, An Bord Overall, the Board considers that it would be Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. difficult to improve significantly on present Phone: (01)858 8100 or Lo-call 1890 275 timescales within the parameters of existing 175 FAX (01) 872 2684 Email legislation. There is a strong tendency for [email protected] www.pleanala.ie infrastructure cases (particularly in the waste area) to be challenged by way of judicial review after the Board’s decision. Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 15 A trip of a lifetime to the South Atlantic

with divers, working to raise beach would often result in a finally extensively repaired in the two sealing ships sunk in penguin wandering up to Falmouth) and spent a few the whaling station harbour. within a few feet, totally days there. We managed to Our trip had effectively unconcerned about the strange dive in the Beagle Channel, ended when we hit that rock visitor. Many penguins were which was remarkably like (which is now accurately young and still had their diving in a Scottish sea loch shown on the Admiralty chart!) brown covering. Others stood but with slightly different The Argentinian port of Ushuaia seen from the east along the Beagle Channel. Many Antarctic bound vessels but we spent several days in in the icy waters of a milky marine life, before flying leave from Ushuaia, the most southern town in Argentina. Grytviken where the wildlife glacial melt river, fully home. spent only a couple of days greeted by fur seals (of which was incredibly tame, and even adapted to its cold. The Antarctic Peninsula still By Paul Kay there and scuba dived once in we had to be a little wary) and a glorious day visiting St This day was one we had beckons. If we ever get the the amazing giant kelp found climbed up through the deep Andrew’s Bay where vast num- whilst the ship underwent chance to go again it will be in WE all too often take our around the islands, the Falk- and dense tussock grass to see bers of penguins, together with checks, having had holes tem- an icebreaker – nothing else cosy and generally safe lands were a place that I would albatrosses on their nests. fur and elephant seals allowed porarily repaired by the hardy will now do! world for granted, and this very much like to revisit. Later we used the Zodiac us to view and photograph wetsuited Chilean divers from extends to all aspects of our South Georgia on the other inflatables to run up to the top them with no fear whatsoever. the salvage tug. As we set sail Paul Kay BSc FRPS is a highly organised and cos- hand was a complete contrast. of the bay to see more seals It was possible to watch away from St Andrew’s Bay professional photographer, seted lives. So it can be a Two days sailing to the east of and some penguins. The young fur seals plaguing the amidst an unprecedented num- specialising in marine wildlife shock when not everything the Falklands, the island scenery was spectacular; gla- penguins by nipping at them ber of icebergs, we were photography and the sale of goes according to plan. appeared before us as moun- ciers (we saw Shackleton’s out of a devilish sense of fun treated to a spectacular display underwater photographic In January of 2005 my wife, tainous, desolate, cold but Gap, mountains and rivers of (just like naughty children), of low sun, snow capped equipment. Stock Underwater father-in-law and I were fortu- incredibly beautiful. The over- glacial melt water. adults balancing on chunks of mountains and icebergs. This Photography nate enough to be able to take a all impression, though, was All too soon it was time to go washed up iceberg, and ele- is perhaps my most enduring www.marinewildlife.co.uk. trip to the South Atlantic where one of isolation. back to our icebreaker. An amaz- phant seals cooling themselves memory of the trip. Suppliers of Seacam Silver we were to visit the Falklands, If anything this sense of iso- ing day, to be followed by an with scoops of damp sand But the voyage was over. Underwater Photo Equipment South Georgia and the Antarc- lation was reinforced when we unforgettable evening. The con- thrown over their backs as it We sailed straight back to www.underseacameras.co. tic Peninsula. A trip of a stepped ashore. We manoeu- versation in the dining room was was a sunny (although not hot) Ushuaia in Argentina for the Tel. 0044 1248 681361 or lifetime! And one accompanied vred amongst icebergs in our buzzing with what everyone had day. Sitting on the gravely vessel to be inspected (she was 0044 7702 411614. by members of the Scottish ship (an icebreaker) into King seen, but was interrupted when Royal Geographical Society Haakon Bay on the south side our vessel graunched noisily to a and the Tom Crean Society. of the island and landed in sudden stop. As if we didn’t The Falklands proved to be Cave Cove – the same spot already know that something windy, hilly and virtually tree- where Shackleton made land- was seriously wrong, the list that less but beautiful and with fall after his epic voyage in the the ship now took on confirmed much wildlife. Although we “James Caird”. We were this. In fact we had struck a rock pinnacle and were stuck on it. Our situation was now worry- ing. The nearest habitation was at Grytviken, on the north side of the island, where there are no rescue facilities. We were aware of a British destroyer within two days sail of us but beyond that knew of no other vessels in the vicinity – South Georgia is isolated! As the island is below the Antarc- tic convergence, the water temperature was no more than 5 degrees Centigrade and whilst the lifeboats were cov- ered, the nearest viable landfall would have meant negotiating icebergs and shal- low reefs in twilight or at night. The potentiality of the situation was far from good. Our captain did the only thing he could. He managed to corkscrew the vessel off the rock using his engines in a series of thrusts and coun- terthrusts. Fortunately, the ship was a very toughly built ice- breaker with a double hull and it was this which probably saved us. During the night we

Photos: © Paul Kay motored around the island to An elephant seal enjoying the sun at St Andrews Bay. Grytviken to find a salvage tug Page 16 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 17

A trip of a lifetime to the South Atlantic

Photographs by Paul Kay (see article on previous page) Fur seals apparently like a challenge. It took ages for this one to climb onto a precariously balancing Up to half a million penguins can be seen in St Andrews Bay. iceberg remnant which had washed up. Once achieved the aim was boring and after a few seconds of triumphant balancing the seal hopped down and away.

A Falkland curra-curra – mischievous eyes do not lie, they are thieves and will steal The sun is lovely but hot and cooling down means a shower of damp sand flicked over St Andrews Bay – penguins and sea – for all the world as if they are on a family outing! most things that they can carry including hats! your back with an handy kick.

An albatross chick in the Falklands.

An unprecedented number of icebergs floated off the north coast of South Georgia. Fur seals on the beach at the top of King Haakon Bay, made famous Standing as if on sentry duty – two juvenile penguins lean against each other as they stand in steaming, smelly water. as Shackleton's landing place after his epic sail. Page 18 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Mapping & Monitoring the Environment

THE Geological Survey of Ireland is one of of rock or subsoil. This allows us to assist local throughout the country. They are used by a the most important state bodies in the field of authority planners by describing appropriate whole range of people including engineers, research. I put questions to the Director of responses to various planning applications and planners, prospectors and students. We have the GSI, Dr Peadar McArdle, so that readers development plans. now started a new series of 1:50,000 maps, would get an understanding of some of the Matt Murphy: What about your Minerals based on modern mapping but showing point work carried out by him and his staff. Program? data such as outcrops and boreholes. These will Peadar McArdle: Mining and mineral devel- allow users to estimate the accuracy of maps Matt Murphy: Can you describe what the opment are activities that GSI has always been and are urgently needed by many. GSI does? associated with. Companies undertaking explo- In parallel we produce a map series showing Peadar McArdle: The GSI mission, stated ration in Ireland lodge reports with our parent the distribution, approximate depth and nature coldly, is to provide geological advice and Department (of Communications, Marine and of subsoils. These are called Quaternary Maps information relating to Ireland in support of Natural Resources) and we have built a sub- after the geological age in which the Ice Age national and local objectives. Our bedrock and stantial database which assists not only future prevailed because many deposits result from the its overlying subsoil define our physical envi- mineral exploration but also a range of other development and melting of the ice sheets, ronment – they control where we live and work activities. Modern mining meets strict environ- which once covered our countryside. We are and spend our leisure time. During our conver- mental and safety standards and generates currently mapping in Louth and Westmeath, sation we will look at some examples of the important foreign reserves and employment backed up by systematic drilling, and the result- influence of geology on our lives and the ways opportunities. Accordingly it is important that ing maps are used not only by students but also in which GSI adds value to the quality and the potential for mineral discoveries is under- by engineers, local authorities and industry

safety of our communities. stood not only by mining companies but also by interested in sand and gravel deposits and her- Photo: © Geological Survey of Ireland local authorities. GSI undertakes a methodol- itage features. Dr Peadar McArdle Matt Murphy: What staff do you have? ogy – Minerals Potential Mapping – that Peadar McArdle: Currently we have less ensures the mineral potential is understood and Matt Murphy: You mentioned heritage fea- of the products we undertake for them assist in than 90 staff and this is remarkably lean when that areas with high potential are not sterilised tures. What heritage role does GSI have? making decisions regarding competing land you consider the range of tasks we carry out. through competing land uses. Peadar McArdle: Many people are unaware uses, in establishing county development plans Our geological staff work for a wide range of Another dimension of mineral extraction is of the importance of landscape and geological and ultimately, of course, in deciding on plan- sectors, including groundwater protection, min- the availability of aggregates to support con- heritage. They will look at, say, the Burren and ning applications. Groundwater Protection ing and quarrying, construction and transport struction and infrastructure development, such appreciate its unique flora and fauna, and its Schemes and Aggregate Potential Mapping will routes, hydrocarbons, fisheries, navigational as transport routes. Aggregates may be derived remarkable historical and archaeological her- in future be available on our website so that safety, heritage and education. So we have quite either from crushed rock or sand and gravel itage without realising that none of these would individuals as well as local authority officials a range of geological, geographical and scien- deposits. Aggregates are assessed through exist were it not for the underlying foundation have easy access to them. In addition, GSI is tific skills. We also have information Aggregates Potential Mapping, a methodology of those beautiful limestone pavements that routinely consulted in relation to a variety of management skills, which are key to our mis- to assist planners make land use decisions while make the Burren so unique. We work with both planning issues, including environmental sion. We are also fortunate in that we have being conscious of the distribution of important the National Parks and Wildlife Service and impact assessments. superb support services – administration, for aggregates resources. The methodology delin- local authorities to identify and prioritise fea- example, runs our one-stop Customer Centre, eates the probability that aggregates exist within tures of geological heritage on both a national Matt Murphy: How does GSI assist in road Technical Service manages drilling services and an area and assigns relative potentials to each and county basis. This is done on a thematic building by the National Roads Authority? Cartography the production of our publications. area. Factors such as overburden thickness, basis and involves good science and peer serv- Peadar McArdle: While we do not work nature of rock type, proximity to market and ices. We are fortunate that in every part of directly with the National Roads Authority at Matt Murphy: How do you help the ordi- accessibility are all evaluated. The resulting Ireland, not just the Burren or the Giant’s present, we do make significant inputs to sup- nary person? map shows areas categorised on the basis of Causeway, there are remarkable stories in our port transport routes and other construction Peadar McArdle: Your question implies that aggregate potential, ranging from very high to landscape and its bedrock. On Valentia Island, infrastructure. We have already spoken about much of our work is geared towards organisa- very low. for example, are the preserved footprints of one Aggregate Potential Mapping which is impor- tions rather than individuals – and that is of the world’s earliest known salamanders and tant here. We also maintain a database – called correct. However we have considerable contact Matt Murphy: Does GSI do any work on the locality is greatly appreciated by local resi- the Geotechnical Database – which provides with ordinary members of the public. We natural hazards? dents. systematic information on the nature and depth receive over 4,000 queries each year by phone, Peadar McArdle: The stability of our physi- of overburden especially in urban areas. Our fax, mail or personal callers. These may be from cal environment is central to our quality of life. Matt Murphy: Do you find that local com- database is built from engineering and geologi- persons wishing, for example, to sink a water- For example, it is only recently we all became munities are interested in your work? cal reports received from consulting engineers, well on their property, or seeking additional conscious of the risk of landslides. Working Peadar McArdle: Many communities main- site investigation companies and local authori- information on the underground of their locality with its partners, GSI has built a database con- tain contact with us particularly in relation to ties – and these are also the customers for this – perhaps with construction in mind. We realise taining almost 100 historical landslide events landscape tourism and the associated opportuni- database. With more than 50,000 records, it is that sometimes people find it difficult to reach on the island of Ireland and these claimed a total ties to establish sustainable economic now being transformed digitally for ease of use. the right information within GSI and we have of 32 lives. We intend to undertake susceptibil- enterprises, which deliver real benefits locally. set up the Customer Centre to facilitate access ity mapping to identify areas at risk, particularly We began this process of engagement some Matt Murphy: What maps do you produce to all they need. from bogflows which are relatively prevalent in years ago by preparing walking and driving and is the whole country up to date? Ireland. There are additional hazards, such as guides, often in co-operation with our col- Peadar McArdle: Our main map product is Matt Murphy: I want to ask you about the mine hazards, surface subsidence, contaminated leagues in the Geological Survey of Northern the 1:100,000 scale bedrock map series and this contribution of the various GSI Programmes land and water, where GSI has had an involve- Ireland. Now we tend to be partners in multi- is available for the whole country. However, to the Nation, starting with Groundwater? ment. We need to carry out systematic baseline disciplinary projects, which are underpinned by work on the more detailed 1:50,000 scale map Peadar McArdle: Groundwater is the unseen and repeat surveys in order to monitor our envi- European funding. The Breifne project, for series with site-specific information, has only part of the water cycle and yet on a national ronment. Many of these would be airborne or example, is a Cross-Border initiative centred on just started and it will take a generation to com- basis it provides 25% of our water supplies. We satellite-based and very cost-effective as a the uplands of the northwest, which is develop- plete. It is being done on a prioritised basis, have important aquifers – areas of water-bear- result. ing a new tourism brand, based on the wherever there are complexities or the level of ing ground – such as the limestones of the integrated resources of its landscape. A similar the existing data is weak. For subsoils, or Qua- Midlands, the sandstones in the south and the Matt Murphy: GSI also runs geological project is underway along the Waterford coast, ternary, maps, we have only 50% coverage and, extensive areas with sand and gravel deposits. mapping programmes? the Copper Coast Geopark, one of a network of again, we are proceeding on a prioritised basis, The EU Water Framework Directive has Peadar McArdle: While GSI uses a variety European Geoparks. These are exciting projects with emphasis on supporting the National Spa- ensured that groundwater is considered as an of remote sensing techniques to survey both where we can add value to the commitment and tial Strategy. We do not publish other onshore integral part of water resources and GSI has offshore and onshore, there is an ongoing need contribution of vibrant local communities and maps but there are a total of 55 digital databases worked with the EPA and other partners to for field-based mapping, including Bedrock and done in collaboration with local authorities and available in GSI, including the various layers of ensure successful river basin district manage- Subsoil Maps. Bedrock maps at a scale of additional partners. the Groundwater Protection Schemes, Aggre- ment. In addition we do Groundwater 1:100,000 are now available for the whole gates Potential Mapping, distribution of Protection Schemes on a county basis, where country and each has an explanatory booklet. Matt Murphy: How do local authorities bedrock exposures and boreholes. Every effort we outline important aquifers and determine These maps are rapid compilations of existing benefit, especially with planning applica- is made to respond pragmatically to customer which parts of the aquifers are vulnerable to information but show the local geology in some tions? needs but we have to recognise that, in many pollution – in other words areas where the detail – for example, the distribution of rock Peadar McArdle: We regard the local author- cases, countrywide coverage is a long-term aquifer is not overlain by an impermeable cover types – and illustrate the rich variety of bedrock ities as being among our key customers. Many commitment. Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 19

Matt Murphy: Can Ireland gain economi- Galway Marine Grid is also an effective infor- Matt Murphy: What about all the other emphasis on customer needs. We take many cally from the Seabed Survey? mation delivery system for our customers in the bays and harbours? opportunities to listen to our customers and to Peadar McArdle: Readers of Sherkin Com- state agencies, the third level research sector Peadar McArdle: These will not be completed discuss how best to meet their needs, taking ment will already be familiar with the work of and many schools. before the end of 2005 when this phase of the account of international best practise. We do the Seabed Survey. The Survey of the deepwater Information management is equally critical for Seabed Survey comes to an end. At present GSI this both formally and informally. Every four seabed was outsourced to the private sector and, customers of our onshore data. Customers want and MI are preparing a case for Government years we carry out a marketing survey, called since 2002, the shallow water area has been sur- integrated datasets, which are customised to their Funding beyond 2005 to allow the completion of “Mapping the Customer”, and we are careful to veyed by the Marine Institute, as our strategic needs and delivered in a user-friendly way. In these and other shallow water surveys. Soon after take account of the results. Another value is our partner. The two organisations have a Joint response we have developed a digital Document the Seabed Survey started in 1999 it was commitment to work in co-operation with a Working Group to ensure maximum benefit is Management System with over 500,000 scanned acknowledged that all its objectives, especially range of partners, including state agencies and derived from these surveys. Our seabed classifi- records. At the same time, we are developing a inshore surveys, could not be completed with the local authorities, in order to maximise the cation maps, when combined with fish stock geographical information system and a unified available budget. But the Government would national benefits. And underpinning these val- data, are used to prepare fish habitat maps, database system. These are essential stepping- want to be convinced of the value and efficiency ues is a commitment to the continued which not only assist fisheries but can also stones to eventually making our information of surveys to date before it would sanction fur- development of our own staff in order to meet inform national and European policy. The edge system web-enabled. We want customers to be ther expenditure. That is our task at present. the evolving challenges we face. of our continental shelf is marked by an interna- able to do business with us remotely, so that the tionally-recognised spectacular development of quality of our service is independent of our loca- Matt Murphy: Do you have an educational Matt Murphy: Finally, what are the chal- cold-water coral. Located in topographically tion. This is important as we plan our relocation page on your website for schools? lenges facing GSI? distinct carbonate mounds, their distribution has to Cavan. We realise that we have some distance Peadar McArdle: We have a number of fea- Peadar McArdle: GSI is committed to pro- been extended and their shape detailed by our to travel still, but we were pleased to have tures on our website which are of interest to viding relevant services to key sectors of Irish surveys – activities that are important in terms of 175,000 visits to our websites in 2004. schools. There are teacher notes to support the life. As Irish society changes so does the nature both biodiversity and heritage. This summer we video/DVD versions of the TV series “Written in of services it requires and so GSI must evolve to have the exciting prospect that the Integrated Matt Murphy: Most of the charts available Stone”. We are in discussion with the Association provide them. During the 1990s, we expanded Ocean Drilling Program, a world-class initiative, for bays and harbours around Ireland are up of Geography Teachers of Ireland and others the range of sectors we serve, embraced digital will drill some boreholes at these mounds and to 150 years old. Can you comment? concerning the provision of training resources to technology as a means of delivering services this is an important opportunity for Irish Sci- Peadar McArdle: Shipping in Irish waters support teachers involved in the new Leaving and worked hard to become customer-respon- ence. Working with our partners, we have also has had to rely on maritime charts which, in the Certificate Geography Syllabus and some are sive. Looking to the future, we need to deliver done some deep seismic surveys on the remote absence of an Irish Hydrographic Office, have likely to be web-enabled. Our “Geology for products and services over the web, complete Hatton Bank which will provide a framework been maintained and updated by the UK Hydro- Everyone” page is well worth a visit – it features the Seabed Survey, undertake targeted surveys for future hydrocarbons exploration. graphic Office. Some of these charts are based landscape images from across Europe (“Europe’s in priority areas to support the security and on information collected as early as the mid- Living Landscapes”) which marked the acces- health of our communities, develop monitoring Matt Murphy: Are the results readily avail- nineteenth century. The Seabed Survey has sion of new EU member states during the Irish services to support our environmental partners able to the public? provided modern and accurate survey data for Presidency last year. Having said all this, we and provide scientific validation for our work Peadar McArdle: GSI has made considerable some areas, including Clew, Killala and Dublin recognise that we could provide more materials programmes through support of third level investment in its information management sys- Bays. The new Clew Bay chart, based on a for schools on our website and we will be look- research. In conclusion, I would like to thank tem to ensure the results are readily accessible. recent airborne laser survey, has significantly ing for new opportunities to do so. Sherkin Comment for this opportunity to talk about the work of GSI. A major data storage system has been built, cur- updated the older chart. In Dublin Bay, ship- Matt Murphy: What values drive your rently holding in excess of 3.5 terabytes of data board surveys have documented the delicate work programme in GSI? on the Seabed Survey. We have placed a copy of sand waves of the Burford Bank, for example, Peadar McArdle: A key value of GSI is that Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggars Bush, all this data on the Marine Grid of NUI Galway. and other high-resolution features. These new its work is knowledgeable and based on sound Haddington Road, Dublin 4 . Tel 01 This is essentially a supercomputer which charts contribute to improved navigational defensible science. We expect that as a result 6782834 Fax 01 6782579 Website: ensures we have a valid copy of all data should safety and can be a basis for new shipping our products can be used in an authoritative and www.gsiseabed.ie difficulties arise with the GSI system. The NUI developments. impartial way. A second value for us is our

Wyeth Newbridge Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Telephone: (045) 447000 Facsimile: (045) 434113

Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. In our Newbridge facility, where we manufacture a wide range of market-leading solid-dosage pharmaceuticals, we are continually developing an expert and highly motivated workforce of close to 1,400 people, through leadership, teamwork, education and training. This 1,000,000 sq. ft facility has become a centre of manufacturing excellence for global and regional supply of existing product portfolios as well as being the manufacturer of choice for new and innovative therapies currently in the R&D pipeline. Located within driving distance from Dublin, we are engaged in ongoing investment and strive to recruit enthusiastic people who share our belief in quality of life and who seek a genuine opportunity to develop their career with a world leader. In return, we offer an excellent salary, benefits package, and work environment. Page 20 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Origins of the Acid Rain Problem in North America and its Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems

began in North America early buffering material and thus eastern Canada from 1850 to By Thomas A. in the 20th century, and remains high in acidity and 1975 (Figure 4). The greatest peaked in the late 1970’s when low in calcium and magne- changes occurred in central Clair health and environmental sium. We applied the Model of Ontario which contained the damage began to be reported. acidification of groundwater in world’s largest single sulphur IN North America, acid rain Legislation was enacted in catchments (MAGIC) (Cosby pollution source in the INCO is produced in large part by the both Canada and the United et al. 1985) to 410 lakes scat- nickel smelter. Acidity condi- combustion of coal for electri- States which reduced SO2 by tered across a 3000 km stretch tions have improved cal production in the Ohio almost 50% in 20 years. Cur- of eastern Canada (Figure 3) to significantly in all regions, but Valley and the East Coast of rently, acid emissions in North assess how their chemistry has not to pre-acidification levels. the United States, and metal America are back to levels not changed over the last century Based on our modelling, we smelting and refining in cen- seen since the 1920’s (Figure and a half. We estimated pre- predict that pH values will still tral Canada (Figure 1). These 2) which have resulted in acidification conditions, the not return to pre-acidification industries produce sulphur large-scale changes in sulphate period of the worst deposition in the next 25 years, even with dioxide (SO2) which is con- deposition patterns. (mid-1970’s), current day, and a further 50% reduction in sul- verted to sulphuric acid Many soils in eastern North into the future. We estimated phur emissions. (H2SO4) in the atmosphere. America have been depleted of future water chemistry, based We then narrowed our focus Figure 4. Distribution of modelled and measured pH values at the Nitric acid (HNO3) is also pro- buffering substances from a on current Canadian agree- to a number of rivers in Nova study sites. Within each regional block, the 1st box shows the duced by the combustion of distribution of modelled pre-acidification values, the 2nd shows 1975 century of acidification abuse. ments and proposed United Scotia (located on the east (worst case) distribution, the 3rd shows year 2000 values, while the gasoline in transportation, and As rain water is filtered States reductions. coast far from pollution contributes approximately 4th box describes expected values under further agreed-to Canadian through these damaged soils The pH distribution (ie acid- sources) and found that a num- and currently proposed US emission reductions. The number of sites 20% of total atmospheric acid- on its way to streams and ity of water, the higher the pH, ber of rivers which used to in each region is given. Lines within the boxes are median values, box ity. lakes, it encounters little the lower the acidity) of lakes contain Atlantic salmon limits are 25 and 75 percentiles, and whiskers show the 10 and 90 percentile values. Large-scale SO2 emissions in each of the study regions (Salmo salar) populations shows that water chemistry have lost them due to acidifi- survival for another 100 years This result is the legacy of was very much influenced by cation. Application of the in a number of rivers, even decades of acidification on acid rain in each part of eastern MAGIC model has shown that with very aggressive acid rain highly sensitive soils. As with Canada. We show that pH water chemistry conditions reductions (Clair et al 2004). many other environmental decreased significantly all over will not be suitable for salmon problems, even when the source of the problem has been dealt with, the effects will con- tinue to be felt for a long time to come. Reference Clair, T. A., Dennis, I. F., Amiro, P., and Cosby, B. J.: 2004, ‘Past and future chemistry changes in acidi- Figure 1. Sources of sulphur in North American air pollution. fied Nova Scotian Atlantic salmon Industrial sources include mostly metal smelting and refining. (Salmo salar) rivers: A dynamic modelling approach’, Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 61, 1965–1975. Cosby, B. J., Hornberger, G. M., Gal- loway, J. N., and Wright, R. F.: 1985, ‘modelling the effects of acid deposition: Assessment of a lumped parameter model of soil water and streamwater chemistry’, Water Re- sour. Res. 21, 51–63.

Thomas A. Clair PhD, Research Scientist, Environment Canada, PO Box 6227, Sackville, New Brunswick, CANADA Figure 2. Historical sulphur emissions in North America. Values are in Figure 3. Location of 410 lakes in eastern Canada where geochemical modelling was conducted. relative units. (from Belanger et al.) Ronnie Moore Limited Unit 9b South Cork Industrial Estate Vicars Road Cork Tel : 021–4277841 / 4962533 Fax : 021–4277014 Email – [email protected] Whatever you need for your office, just call us Office Supplies Office Furniture Office Design Office Layout Digital Copiers / Printers Fax Machines Scanners Shredders Ricoh Digital Colour Copiers and Printers Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 21 By Declan T.G. Quigley Armed Gurnard Peristedion cataphractum GURNARDS (Triglidae) or Sea The Armed Gurnard is essentially a Robins as they are known in North Gurnards (Triglidae) deep-water species, usually found on America, belong to a moderately large soft sand and muddy bottoms at family of demersal marine fishes com- depths down to 500m, but occasion- prising about 14 genera and 100 ally at 30–80m (particularly species in tropical and temperate seas juveniles). This species is common in worldwide. In European Atlantic seas in Irish and European Atlantic Seas the Mediterranean and the Atlantic the family is represented by 4 genera from Biscay southwards via Morocco including 9 species, only 5 of which to Angola. The species is extremely have been recorded from Irish waters Piper Gurnard – Trigla lyra rare in northern European waters; to date (Table 1). The Flying Gurnard The Piper Gurnard is primarily a there are only about 6 records from as (Dactylopterus volitans) which deep-water species, normally found far north as the English Channel, all belongs to a separate family (Dacty- on the upper continental slope dating from the 19th century. lopteridae), has only recently been (300–700m) but occasionally closer Although there are no Irish records to recorded (4 records) from Irish waters. inshore (10m). It is distributed from date, it may occur in deep offshore All gurnards have the lowest three north of the British Isles and North waters off the Irish coast. The species (2 in Peristedion) rays of each pec- Red Gurnard – C. cuculus Grey Gurnard – C. gurnardus Sea, southwards to Walvis Bay is easily distinguished by its enor- toral fin thickened and separate. In (South Africa), including Madeira mously long snout extended into two life these rays are used as tactile and the Mediterranean Sea, but flattened projections. The body is organs to search the sea-bed for food absent from the Black Sea. Although completely covered with hard scutes, and also to raise the fish off the bot- there are very few records from Irish each with a backward pointing spine tom, thus increasing its range of waters where it has no commercial and there are a number of fine barbels vision. Gurnards have heavily value, the species may be more com- on the lower jaw. It grows to a maxi- armoured heads with strong spines mon in deeper offshore waters. It mum length of c.40cm. and rows of sharp spines along the

Photos: © Declan Quigley reaches a maximum length of about back and each side of the dorsal fins. Tub Gurnard – C. lucerna Streaked Gurnard – C. lastoviza 60cm. The opercular spine is very They are gregarious fish, which form long, reaching backwards to the mid- Commercial Landings loose shoals. The name “gurnard” is species, living at depths of 20–50m, around the Irish coast, it appears to be dle of the pectoral fins. Its biology is Gurnards have long been regarded thought to derive from the French exceptionally from 10 to 140m, com- particularly common off Co Mayo virtually unknown. as an epicurean fish in several Euro- “grogner” (to grunt). Gurnard can monly on sandy bottoms but also (72.1%) and Co Donegal (16.7%) pean countries, particularly France produce audible growls or grunts by with decreasing frequency on mud, where almost 90% of the ISFC speci- and Spain. The total annual European muscular contractions acting on the shell and rocky bottoms. It is also fre- mens (weighing >2.268kg) have been Long-finned Gurnard catch is estimated at 8–9,000 tonnes. swim bladder. Sound production is quently caught near the surface at recorded (Figure 1). The pectoral fins Chelidonichthys obscura Over the last decade, gurnards have thought to help keep shoals in contact night. The species is distributed from reach well past the vent in this species. become an increasingly important The Long-finned Gurnard inhabits during feeding and spawning and Iceland, Norway and the southern commercial species in Irish waters shallow inshore waters (15–55m), may also be used as a form of aggres- Baltic southwards to southern with annual live weight landings aver- mainly over rocky ground. It is dis- sive behaviour. Gurnards spawn Morocco, Madeira and the Mediter- Streaked Gurnard aging about 90 tonne, valued at tributed from the southern coast of the during the summer months. After ranean, including the Black Sea. It is c.€735k. The main commercial Chelidonichthys lastoviza British Isles to Mauritania, including hatching, the young remain pelagic perhaps the most common and widely gurnard species in Irish waters are The Streaked Gurnard can be the Azores, Madeira, and the Mediter- for a short period (6–10 weeks) distributed gurnard species found in grey, red and tub, estimated to repre- found from shallow inshore waters ranean, but it is absent from the before assuming a demersal mode of Irish waters. Like the Red Gurnard, it sent 75.6%, 19.9% and 4.2% of the down to moderate depths (150m), northern Aegean and Black Seas. The life. appears to be particularly abundant total catch in the Irish Sea respec- over sand and muddy ground inter- species is extremely rare in northern off the SW (Co Kerry, 13.2%), NW tively. Counties Donegal (33.1%), spersed with rocky patches. It is European waters. Indeed there are (Co Mayo, 16.2%), N (Co Donegal, Dublin (26.5%) and Cork (18.2%) distributed from the British Isles only about six records from the west- Red Gurnard 26.9%) and NE (Co Antrim, 25.7%) appear to account for almost 80% of southwards via the Azores, Madeira ern English Channel, all dating from coasts where >80% of all rod & line all the Irish landings (Figure 1). Chelidonichthys cuculus and the Mediterranean Sea (except the mid 19th century. There are no caught specimens (weighing The Red Gurnard can be found the Black Sea) to the Cape of Good confirmed Irish records to date. A rel- >680gm) have been recorded by the from shallow inshore waters down to Hope (South Africa) and northwards atively small gurnard (maximum Declan T.G. Quigley, Dingle ISFC (Figure 1). The Irish record, moderate depths (250m), over a wide to Mozambique. However, the length c.40cm), the second dorsal fin Oceanworld (Mara Beo Teo), The weighing 1.39kg, was captured off variety of substrates, including sand, species is generally regarded as rare spine is greatly elongated and twice as Wood, Dingle, Co Kerry. Mobile: Rosslare, Co Wexford in 1967 and mud, gravel and even rock. It is dis- north of the English Channel, and not long as the remaining spines. Its biol- 087-9080521; Email: exceeds the UK rod & line record of tributed from the British Isles (rarely common even there. Indeed, it is con- ogy is virtually unknown. 1.105kg, captured off Caliach Point, [email protected] in the North Sea and S Norway) sidered to be an occasional late Mull, Scotland, in 1976. It grows to a southwards via the Azores, Madeira summer migrant in northern Euro- maximum length of c.50cm. The pec- and the Mediterranean Sea (rarely in pean waters; rare in the North Sea, toral fins are short and do not reach northern and eastern parts) to Mauri- with only one record from Sweden. the vent in this species. tania, north of 15oN. Although the Until recently, the species was species is relatively common in Irish regarded as scarce in Irish waters, but waters, it appears to be particularly Tub Gurnard recent evidence would suggest that it abundant off the SW (Co Kerry, may be relatively common, at least in 14.7%), NW (Co Mayo, 20.4%), N Chelidonichthys lucerna some areas (e.g. SW Kerry & NW (Co Donegal, 41.4%) and NE (Co The Tub Gurnard is a relatively Donegal) where it may have been Antrim, 16.7%) coasts where >90% abundant species in inshore waters of previously confused with the Red of all rod & line caught specimens 20–150m, extending in decreasing fre- Gurnard. A relatively small gurnard (weighing >907gm) have been quency to depths of 300m. Large (maximum length c.40cm), it is char- recorded by the Irish Specimen Fish specimens tend to be solitary, but acterised by the near vertical head Committee (ISFC) – (Figure 1). The smaller specimens often live in small profile and a body covered with dis- Irish record, weighing 1.63kg, was schools on mud and muddy-sand or tinct traverse ridges of skin captured off Belmullet, Co Mayo in gravel bottoms. It is sometimes found originating at the lateral line. It feeds 1968 and exceeds the UK rod & line in surface waters and penetrating into exclusively on crustaceans, espe- record of 1.295kg, captured off Sark estuaries. The species is distributed cially swimming crabs, which may Island, English Channel, in 1995. It from Norway to West Africa (Cape explain its observed gregarious grows to a maximum length of Blanc), including the Mediterranean behaviour near the surface. Although c.50cm. The snout ends in three short and Black Seas, but excluding it is not currently recognised by the spines each side and the pectoral fins Madeira and the Azores. This is the Irish Specimen Fish Committee, only just reach the vent in this species. largest of the gurnards found in Irish specimens weighing up to 976gm waters (maximum length c.75cm). (Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo, 1970) The current ISFC rod & line record, have been recorded on rod & line in Grey Gurnard weighing 5.547kg (Achill, 1973) mar- Irish waters. The latter specimen sig- Chelidonichthys gurnardus ginally exceeds the UK record of nificantly exceeds the current UK rod 5.528kg (Langlan Bay, Wales, 1976). & line record of 637gm (Loch Goil, The Grey Gurnard is an inshore Although the species is found all Scotland, 1971). Page 22 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Utilising manure and slurry while protecting human health contain large numbers of mi- crobes can range from negligi- crobial pathogens (faecal bac- ble distances in compact clay teria, Cryptosporidium and soils/subsoils to 20 m/day in viruses). These microbial sand and gravel and up to pathogens pose a significant kilometres in karstic areas. So, risk to human health and if when determining the suitabil- they enter groundwater, render ity of land for the acceptance it unsuitable for drinking. of slurry from off-farm Soils and subsoils provide pro- sources, the type and thick- tection to groundwater by fil- ness of the soil/subsoil needs tering out and slowing down to be determined. It is ac- the movement of microbes, knowledged that organic fer- which have a limited survival tilisers and wastes, such as time in this type of environ- animal slurries/manure from ment. The longer the microbes intensive farm enterprise, are retained in the soils/sub- sewage sludges, poultry litter

Photo: © Geological Survey of Ireland soils, the more groundwater is and industrial waste water Subsoil overlying bedrock protects wells from microbial pathogens protected as the microbes treatment plant sludges are, have more time to die off. The and will continue to be spread THE EPA has produced a soils as a result of natural degree of protection depends on agricultural land and pro- booklet to assist farmers, farm earth-forming processes may on the type and thickness of vide beneficial nutrients to managers, advisors, etc., de- be shallow or highly perme- the soils/subsoils with greater crops. However, many of velop a scope of work for the able. Such soils render under- protection being afforded by these materials are also poten- Example of part of a groundwater vulnerability map (courtesy of assessment of risk to ground- lying groundwaters vulnerable thick soils/subsoils with a tially polluting if not properly Geological Survey of Ireland) water under lands where it is to pollution from surface ac- high clay content. Microbes managed and can pose a risk intended to recover organic tivities. These areas of ground- are known to survive in soils to groundwater and surface (the aquifer underlying help one identify and docu- wastes, through controlled water vulnerability must be and groundwater for up to 100 water quality. the proposed spreadlands) ment areas where groundwater landspreading procedures. It identified and documented so days. Microbes can move con- The risks to groundwater • The type and state of veg- is at risk from – vulnerable to also explains the reasons why that appropriate landspreading siderable distances in the sub- and surface water quality are etation – pollution from landspread- a groundwater risk assessment strategies can be devised/im- surface under the right influenced by: • The weather ing activities. is required. Certain soils/sub- plemented. Animal wastes conditions. Movement of mi- • The chemical and micro- biological content of the Table 1 outlines some of the waste key guidance elements for “Landscaping of Organic • The method, timing and groundwater protection in Waste – Guidance on rate of application relation to landspreading Groundwater Vulnerability • The groundwater vulnera- activities. In summary there Assessment of Land” bility should be no landspreading • The proximity of a over Regionally Important Produced by the groundwater source Aquifers where the soil cover Environmental Protection (water supply, i.e. Local is less than 2m, and no spread- Agency, PO Box 3000, Authority Supply, Group ing over other aquifer classes Johnstown Castle, County Water Scheme, Private where the soil cover is less Wexford, Ireland. www.epa.ie borehole or spring) than 1m. The Best Practice ISBN: 1–84095–110–9 • The groundwater resource Guidance in the document will Price: €7.00 (GWPS Groundwater Protection Scheme) SUBSCRIPTION FORM SHERKIN COMMENT is a quarterly publication of Sherkin Island Marine Station aiming to promote the awareness of our natural resources, their use and protection. SUBSCRIPTION: to receive a year’s subscription to “Sherkin Comment”, please send a cheque or money order for €6.68 for Ireland and £6.00stg for the U.K. (sterling cheques accepted from UK); send €9.50 for Europe and €10.67 for the rest of the world (surface postage) – payable to Sherkin Comment, Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. Ireland. Tel: 028–20187 Fax: 028–20407 Email: [email protected]

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Name ...... Address ...... Signature ...... Date ...... STAFF: Publisher, Matt Murphy; Editor, Matt Murphy; Editorial Assistant, Susan Murphy Wickens; Typesetting, Susan Murphy Wickens. ISSN 0791–2447 © 2005 Sherkin Island Marine Station website: http://homepage.eircom.net/~sherkinmarine Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 23 Danes see light at end of Irish waste tunnel

from Ireland. an expanded team which will include ensure that valuable jobs are But our Danish colleagues don’t on-site chemists for testing and retained in the area while the com- just safely dispose of this material, checking material prior to arriving on munity prospers from a port with they get a beneficial re-use of the ma- site in road tankers. a future. terial and use its energy value to heat So even though our Danish friends • The final benefit of Foynes also and light the homes of the local com- get most of the benefit of this ‘dis- helps the Irish nation. Last year munity of 25,000 people. While carded’ material, some benefits will solvent waste amounted to almost Kommunekemi’s three waste inciner- also apply in Ireland. For example: 80% of Ireland’s hazardous waste ators safely turn hazardous materials • Less tanks of material will ply up exports. Through expanding an into carbon dioxide and water vapour and down the main Dublin Cork already existing operational facil- they also provide all of the district road and while this might only ity and applying the right controls heating and electricity for the nearby seem to be less congestion, it via an EPA licence Ireland town. This is done by recovering as also means less valuable diesel becomes almost totally self-suffi- much of the heat as possible from the being used. cient. As a consequence there is burning of the waste and utilising this heat/ energy to benefit the commu- nity. Current Irish imports provide all of the heating needs for 2,500 houses and electricity for 1,250 homes – all from waste material that Irish produc- ers need to safely dispose of. In time it as estimated that the

Photos: © Kommunekemi a/s Foynes facility could provide enough The integrated Danish Waste Management Solution – Kommunekemi. material to heat 13,000 houses and electricity for 8,000 – all through the expansion of the already existing fa- Once these tanks have been filled cility at the port of Foynes. By Brendan Keane the mixed solvent is pumped out of As the existing storage tanks of these vessels into the hold of a wait- Foynes are already used for distribu- AN existing facility under expan- ing ship. These ships are the same as tion of solvent, its re-export through sion at Foynes in Co. Limerick will those already delivering the new sol- the expanded facility is not expected soon change the way solvent waste vents and are loaded across the same to significantly change the traffic in generated in Ireland is dispatched from custom designed jetty. the area, especially as it now has ac- Ireland and disposed of elsewhere. From Foynes the ship departs to cess through the newly opened port In September 2004, Irish Bulk Liq- Denmark and at the port of Nyberg it is road which avoids the picturesque uid Storage (IBLS) received a licence Energy production at the Kommunekemi facility. off-loaded into a newly built quay-side town of Foynes. Through the use of from the EPA to receive and process facility that can accept up to 10,000 state of the art handling systems no waste solvents. tonnes of solvents at a time. solvent laden vapours will be allowed • The transport in one large spe- no need to build and operate The existing facility has for the last This large storage facility feeds di- to escape from the operation ensuring cially designed double hulled another expensive resource simi- 20 years stored new solvents in bulk rectly into the integrated Danish Waste that the local community and envi- vessel from Ireland also reduces lar to that which has taken the tanks prior to distribution by road Management Solution – Kom- ronment are fully protected. Finally, the risk on sea voyages in con- Danes over 20 years to get to the tankers to the Irish chemical and munekemi. as the whole operation operates under tainer ships. level of excellence that it now pharmaceutical industry. The new ex- In 1974 a far thinking Danish gov- an EPA licence, it will always operate • The beneficial re-use of the mate- enjoys with its nearby contented panded facility simply operates in re- ernment established the first inte- within strictly defined standards de- rial in Denmark and transport in community. verse. Once the user of the solvent grated National Waste Management signed to minimise any risk for the bulk ship provides significant has finished with the material it can Solution. Kommunekemi handles all environment or community. financial savings to hard pressed be safely re-dispatched to the newly of Denmark’s Hazardous Waste. IBLS itself has a long history of Irish industry in its fight to pro- Some Facts licensed plant at Foynes. Here the Since its establishment, it has become working safely within the community vide jobs and stay competitive • Kommunekemi operates at material will be carefully analysed to a centre for excellence in hazardous without incident. This expansion of while staying at the forefront of greater level of efficiency than a check its composition prior to its waste management, and in 1996 it the facility will operate with the same environmental compliance. standard peat powered generator transfer into one of two 1,000m³ stor- started to receive hazardous waste team of professionals bolstered with • The expansion at Foynes will station. age tanks. • The local Nyberg community en- joys the lowest charges in Den- mark for heat and electricity. • Kommunekemi currently processes 150,000 tonnes of waste annually and generates approximately 46.000MWh of power. • On average 4 tonnes of Irish waste will heat 1 home in Den- mark and provide half its electri- cal need for the whole year. • Irish industry could save up to 40% of its hazardous waste costs when this facility is operational. • Increasingly across Europe this type of bulk blending is being used to get hazardous waste ready to use its energy value.

Brendan Keane, Managing Director, Cedar Resource Management Ltd, Cedar House, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01– 4010250 Fax: 01– 4010260 Page 24 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Publications of Interest

The New Encyclopaedia graphs, clear concise graphs and in- This is a beautifully illustrated UNESCO Publishing, relation to land use and develop- teresting case studies. The authors and informative guide to the www.unesco.org/publishing ment. New prospects for research of Birds show how a changing world re- hedgerows which are so symbolic are explored, and principles are ISBN: 92-3-103649-1 Edited by Christopher Perrins quires a new adaptive approach to of the Irish countryside. Their his- illustrated using both colour and the problem of how to manage the tory, folklore and importance in Price: €16.80/2000 black & white figures. The topi- Oxford University Press, water resources for an increasing terms of biodiversity are all ex- Water and air, two of the most cal subject of deforestation is www.oup.co.uk population, while maintaining the plained. This book illustrates that fundamental components of the covered in depth, and the range of ISBN: 0-19-852506-0 balance between our needs and an hedgerows form a vital living net- planet, are the subjects of this disciplines and nationalities en- increasingly unsettled environment. work linking habitats that have be- small yet stimulating book. El sures a well-rounded and bal- Price: £35.00stg/2003 come fragmented as a result of Nino Fact and Fiction seeks to en- anced approach. What we have here is quite sim- modern development, particularly lighten the reader to the truth be- ply the ultimate single volume Energy Law and since Celtic Tiger and the resultant hind this most elusive Marine Protected Areas Promoting Change, covering water guide to the planet’s birds. After a Sustainable Development urban development. We are shown phenomenon. By using clear and supply and sanitation, water for en- For Whales, Dolphins and concise introduction dealing with how to plant and manage precise language, together with ergy, health and agriculture. The IUCN Environmental policy classification and the evolution hedgerows and the ensuing bene- colour photographs and diagrams, Porpoises final section, Taking Stock, is a and biology special, we are taken and Law paper No. 47 fits to wildlife in general. Suitable the book explains that El Nino is A World Handbook for timely reminder that water must be on a tour through the dazzling Edited by Adrian J Bradbrook for novice wildlife enthusiasts and neither a “mysterious” force nor Cetacean Habitat managed. A book to recommend array of creatures that constitute & Richard L. Ottinger experts alike, this publication is a the wrath of ancient Aztec gods, Conservation for decision makers. the order Aves. Over the span of timely reminder of how vital these but a drastic displacement of six hundred beautifully illustrated IUCN By Erich Hoyt www.iucn.org wildlife corridors really are. weather systems that causes the Strategic Environmental pages, each of the worlds 172 fam- desert to become a flood and the Earthscan ilies is dealt with in turn, drawing ISBN: 2-8317-0726-9 marsh to turn to dust. El Nino at www.earthscan.co.uk Assessment in Action on the knowledge and skills of Field Guide to the Price: £15.00stg/2003 present still deifies prediction, but many of the world’s leading or- Bumblebees of Great ISBN: 1-84407-064-6 (s) By Riki Therivel The biggest question in sustain- as this book shows it is beginning nithologists and bird photogra- ISBN: 1-84407-063-8 (h) Earthscan able development is “how to most Britain & Ireland to yield its secrets. Secrets that phers. Each chapter is sub-divided Price: £24.95stg/2005 www.earthscan.co.uk effectively implement the Kyoto give us enormous insight into the into headings covering breeding By Mike Edwards & Martin Jenner “climate machine” that is the As befits a publication by the biology, diet, conservation and en- Protocol”. This book’s aim is to ISBN: 1-84407-042-5 Ocelli Limited planet Earth. WDCS this is the definitive hand- vironment, distribution and form provide some of this much-needed Price: £24.95stg/2004 information. To help guide the key www.ocelli.co.uk book to the status and conservation and function, alongside a factfile This book is intended as a man- members in the energy debate, to- needs of the world’s cetaceans. for each family. Throughout the ISBN: 0-9549713-0-2 Ocean Sciences ual to help people to set up good wards the development of renew- The major part of the book consists book, these are interspersed with Bridging the millennia strategic environmental assess- able energy sources. By using Price: £9.99stg/2005 of a region by region site gazetteer, photo-stories and articles of spe- ments. It focuses in particular on detailed scientific data and analy- This field guide uses colour A spectrum of historical listing in detail the measures being cial interest. Anyone remotely in- the implementation of the EU Di- sis, this complex and detailed book photographs and easy to use keys accounts taken at marine sanctuaries across terested in birds should buy this rective 2001/42/EC and the United outlines methods of renewable en- making it simple even for the be- the planet. Included in this section book – your passing interest could Edited by an IOC-FIO panel Nations Economic Commission ergy production. That could help all ginner bumblebee enthusiast to are case studies and a comprehen- quite easily become a lifelong fas- for Europe Protocol. It explores nations develop sustainable devel- identify species in the field. Each UNESCO Publishing and sive contact list, making this an in- cination. what the strategic actions and SEA opment. By explaining how the use species has it’s own page which China Oceanic Press (COP) valuable source for students and are and the benefits and con- of energy legislation can influence provides information on habitat, www.unesco.org/publishing workers alike. straints, together with examples. Rehabilitation & nations environmental constraints distribution and flight times. The The first four chapters highlight ISBN: 92-3-103936-9 The people who should be in- on energy production, and there- layout means that all information the conservation strategies, prob- Restoration of Degraded volved, How to describe the base- fore bring about the development about any particular species can be Price: €45.00/2004 lems and concerns facing the ma- Forests line environment, Different types of alternative energy technologies. accessed without having to flick to The History of the oceans is a rine environment in general and of alternatives to strategic action, different sections of the book as is vast and deep subject, as the seas the 84 known cetacean species in By David Lamb & Don Gilmore How to predict, evaluate and miti- so often the case with field books. are themselves. But it is also the particular. These features com- IUCN gate impacts. The final chapter re- Complete Irish Wildlife While easy to read, this book also topic of this volume of works that bined with superb coloured plates, www.iucn.org visits the concept of SEA quality provides information on the physi- were presented at the sixth inter- which include a simple but effec- By Paul Sterry and how to assure it, together with ISBN: 2-8327-0668-8 ology, habitat and conservation of national congress, on the history tive ID guide makes this a most at- Introduction by Derek Mooney how long it takes. A book essential bumblebees for those with a more of oceanography in 1998. The va- tractive volume. Price: £12.00stg/2003 for consultants and planners, espe- HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd in depth interest in these insects. riety of papers presented is exten- This book aims to inform of the cially in local government. www.collins.co.uk sive, ranging from the lives and problem of degraded forests and World Water Actions ISBN: 0 00 717629 5 achievements of the founders of provide approaches for restoration Climate Change biological oceanography, to the Making Water Flow For All and rehabilitation. Based soundly Price: £14.00stg/2004 The Burren and By Guy Jacques & Herve Le Treut rise and fall of the tide mill, with on the principles of the Convention By F. Guerquin, T. Ahmed, the Aran Islands Another title in the Collins special focus on the papers pro- on Biological Diversity, it uses fig- UNESCO Publishing M. Hua, T. Ikeda, V. Özbilen range of photo-field guides, this vided by the host country, China. Exploring the Archaeology ures, tables and photographs to www.unesco.org/publishing & M. Schuttelaar book does an admirable job of pre- All are carefully written in a style compliment the text. Socio-eco- By Carleton Jones senting the entire spectrum of Irish ISBN: 92-3-103938-5 easily understood by the scientist Earthscan nomic and ecological changes are wildlife in just one volume. The www.earthscan.co.uk The Collins Press, West Link € and lay person alike. Overall this explored in context using a range range of species covered is truly Price: 14.50/2005 Park, Doughcloyne, Wilton, volume provides insight and dis- ISBN: 1-84407-078-6 (h) of worldwide case studies to high- impressive including around 650 This interesting book should Cork. covery for any reader interested in ISBN: 1-84407-085-9 (s) light the theories presented. A very vertebrates and over 650 plants – have this sub title: Everything you history or the oceans. ISBN: 1-903464-61-7 (h) thorough and well presented text. indeed, the non-specialist would wanted to know about Climate Price: £25.00stg/2003 ISBN: 1-903464-49-8 (s) have to dig pretty deep to find a Change but were afraid to ask. This report is a result of an in- € € Change plant or animal from these shores It covers the subject from every Beyond Tropical ventory of water actions and im- Price: 35.00(h)/ 25.00(s)/2004 which is not included here. The possible angle from the climate in Deforestation plementation of commitments of One so often reads of the impor- Adaptation of water resources quality of the photos is such, that the past and how it effected histor- governments and organisations, tance of the flora of the Burren but management to climate change given goods views (in the case of ical views, to the modern era Edited by Didier Fabin from the international to the grass- not so about the equal importance where it focuses on the complex mobile species) identification UNESCO Publishing/Ciarad roots level, since the Second of its archaeology. This book gives By Ger Bergkamp, Brett process that are and may have been should always be possible. The www.unesco.org/publishing World Water Forum in The Hague, a fascinating insight into both the Orlando & Ian Burton the causes of climate change. It ex- choice of plant photos is equally www.cirad.fr the Netherlands, in 2000. It Burren and Aran Islands monu- IUCN thoughtful. All in all, this would be plains how these processes, once demonstrates how this world ments and their people over the www.iucn.org the perfect companion anyone with studied, can be used to make mod- ISBN: 92-3-103941-5 water community has progressed past 5,000 to 6,000 years. In his in- a casual interest in natural history els of the complex systems giving Price: €59.80/2004 in the better use and management troduction the author has so aptly ISBN: 2-8317-0702-1 useful predictions, which can be and planning a visit to Ireland. This is a collaboration of orig- of water and water resources. said “When we visit a megalithic used to aid future environmental Price: £10.50stg/2003 inal research papers written by There has been significant tomb we can touch the same stones decisions. Despite being only 139 Global warming and climate specialists from around the world, progress in creating a more en- that were quarried, split, heaved Irish Hedgerows pages long the book covers a diffi- change, two phases not often used including ecologists, forest re- abling environment for water use and hammered into place by other Networks For Nature cult and complex subject well with when discussing water resource searchers, geographers and envi- and management. Much is hap- hands long before our time and it is a stimulating and informative style management. An area of science Edited and compiled ronmental engineers. The pening at the community level. well to remember these monu- accessible to the non-specialist. and engineering not often consid- by David Hickey contributors cover issues of de- The book has three major sec- ments were built by individuals. In ered, or talked about by the general forestation, forest cover dynamics tions. The first Assessing Chal- their time they were as real as we Networks for Nature, public. As this small but informa- and forest development and are lenges, Initiating Change, includes are today. The descriptions, photo- PO Box 9184, Churchtown, El Nino tive book shows, the impact of cli- separated into sections based on topics such as financing water in- graphs and drawings of the arte- Dublin 14. Fact and Fiction mate change on the management of changes in forest cover estimates, frastructure and services, and facts excavated make it a superb our limited water resources has ISBN: 0-9549060-0-4 Bruno Voituriez the range of human/forest interac- water management. The second guide to two of Ireland’s most pre- begun to shift. Using colour photo- section Focusing on Key Areas, cious areas. Price: €12.50/2004 & Guy Jacques tions and forest area dynamics in

Books reviewed by: Ann-Marie Barnard, Matt Murphy, Riann Sheehy, Ben Tinker, Fergal Twomey, Jessica Wiegand, Julian Wyllie Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 25 The Ten Steps of Catching Specimen Fish

IN 1976 The Irish Specimen Fish Committee I could see the bottom for yards out and there with the mullet gear and fresh white bread I was decided to recognise the achievement of an wasn’t a hint of a wave. “Autumn surf where June 1984: Smoothound (8.27 lbs) armed in a minute! I placed some bread on the angler who has authenticated specimen are you now?” I thought. Suddenly the rod Tinnebearna, Co. Wexford surface ahead of my target and tackled up! As claims for 10 different species of fish. Bill buckled and I was into a good fish. Lesson 7: If you are not a distance caster, a big the mullet were feeding on my offerings I intro- Ryan, who describes himself as an “ordinary After a decent scrap I beached my best bass bait in close sometimes works! duced my bread with the sting and one got angler”, tells us how he achieved this ever which I estimated to be about 9 lbs. An stung! What a fight! It tried to go under the specimen angling milestone. angler fishing nearby thought it was bigger and July 1985: Homelyn Ray (5 lbs 9 ozs) bridge and when I turned it, it skimmed the Lif- told me to get it weighed quickly. I went to a Killoughter, Co. Wicklow fey wall where line snagging weeds and briars I am an ordinary angler who has had extraor- shop in Castlegregory and had the weight con- My friends and I had taken a number of good were growing out. Finally I had it on the surface dinarily good fortune. Any angler who puts firmed at 10 lbs 1 oz. My first specimen, a bass, thornback ray from the shore at Killoughter, Co. and ready for the drop net. I got my daughter to some thought and time into the sport will suc- out of the blue! Wicklow. One night I had a ray which looked hold the drop net just under the surface as I ceed! Most of the information one needs is in Lesson 1: Specimen fish can be caught in all different! I had it checked out at the Central steered the mullet over it. “Pull”, I shouted, to the Irish Specimen Fish Committee Reports the wrong conditions! Fisheries Board by biologist Dr. Paddy Fitz- be heard all over the city and we had it safely in which contain a mine of information. I have had maurice and it turned out to be a specimen the net! A specimen grey mullet at 5.06 lbs. Ten many great adventures on my quest and the Homelyn Ray of 5 lbs 9 ozs. different specimens after an 18-year quest. journey has been an enjoyable one. I hope you Lesson 8: Learn to identify your fish – if its Lesson 10: Perseverance pays off! have as much fund in your angling endeavours looks odd, consult an expert! as I have had so far and always be mindful of In achieving my goal of ten different Speci- the words of Izaak Walton, “Tis not all of fish- men Species I acknowledge the support and August 1995: trigger fish (4.23 lbs) ing to fish”. patience of my family and friends and a special The Bridges of Ross, Co. Clare thanks to the staff of the Central Fisheries Lesson 9: You never know what might turn up 1958 – the beginning Board for all their help, advice and tips and the – be alert! Growing up by the sea in Kilkee, West Clare Irish Specimen Fish Committee for setting tar- I was destined to be bitten by the sea angling gets for us anglers! August 1996: grey mullet (5.06 lbs) bug. After all the Atlantic was outside the hall My next target 50 specimens. I have 5 to go! River Liffey, Dublin. door and sometimes in winter, inside as well! Photo: © Irish Specimen Fish 2004 Bill Ryan, 9th December 2004 How I tried and tried to catch a specimen As a young lad growing up in the sixties I Specimen trigger fish of 3.28 lbs taken by Bill Ryan grey mullet! I have chased this fish all over the watched as the fishermen in summer returned in September 2004 country from Clare to Lough Furnace in Co. From the Irish Specimen Fish 2004 – Annual with their currachs laden with mackerel which Mayo, to Cork and Kerry and finally caught it at Report of The Irish Specimen Fish Committee. they had caught on hand lines and mackerel October 1978: flounder (2 lbs 10.75 ozs) a train station in Dublin! Unfortunately room does not allow us to spinners – no Ugly Sticks, multiplier reels and Kilkee Bay, Co. Clare. I had to bring my daughter Jennifer to Dublin feathers then! Great shoals of mackerel would reproduce Bill Ryan’s adventures for all ten Flounder fishing can be very good at the one day and, like all anglers, as I neared boil in the bay in summer and my late father specimen fish. His full story is available in the western end of Kilkee Bay in September and Heuston Station, I just had to check the Liffey! would take us fishing with mackerel spinners, Annual Report which is available on the web October. It was the day after a wedding and I There, under the wall, were two huge grey mul- light spinning rods and fixed spool reels. I still www.irish-trophy-fish.com. was suffering badly. My younger brothers bor- let cruising idly by. As I travelled everywhere get the same thrill catching mackerel today on rowed my fishing gear and my bait and went light gear as I did then. fishing. Later in the day I decided to see how One day, my father, who was a very success- they were doing. They had a few nice flounder. ful salmon angler, mentioned salmon bass! “Have a cast yourself”, one of them offered. I When the salmon were not running he fished for did not feel too good but had a go anyway. It bass on the local beach in Kilkee. Eight years of A Sherkin Island Marine Station was not long before the rod tip nodded vigor- age, armed with a hand line, and lugworm ously and the line dropped before tightening up mounted on hooks dangling from a brass pater- again. I struck and was into a good flounder noster I threw it into the surf at the east end of which planed its way along the bottom in zig Kilkee and caught a 5 lbs. bass! My father zag fashion before being beached! It looked helped me land it and he was rewarded by being good and weighed in at 2 lbs 10.75 ozs. Speci- spiked by the bass! That was the start of my Publication men number two and two in one year! great adventure! Lesson 2: Never pass up a chance to fish! Now a A Beginner’s Guide to July 1978: bass (10 lbs 1 oz) July 1979: painted ray (11 lbs 8 oz) Brandon Bay, Co. Kerry. Doughmore Beach north of Doonbeg, I caught many bass from the West Clare Bestseller! Co. Clare. beaches of Kilkee, Doughmore and The White Lesson 3: Set targets and experiment. Ireland’s Strand during the sixties before I heard of a specimen bass and the magic weight of 10 lbs. January 1981: lesser spotted dogfish (3.26 lbs) By 1968 I had moved to Dublin to work, but for Doughmore, Co. Clare. the next ten years I dragged my wife Jacinta to Winter sea fishing was unheard of in Kilkee Seashore Castlegregory in Kerry every autumn, to fish when I was growing up and when I came to the storm beaches for bass. I had heard of the Dublin in 1968 I left all my fishing gear at home “A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s great bass fishing exploits of Inland Fisheries in Clare. I was then introduced to winter Cod Seashore” is a pocket-sized guide, Trust staff, namely the late Des Brennan and his fishing and my fishing season was extended to suitable for beginners of all ages. angling partner, the late Kevin Linnane, and cover the whole year! Back to Clare late Janu- was determined to get some of the action! With the help of this book you will be ary I decided to fish Doughmore in winter. Though I caught many good bass in Kerry and able to explore the wonders of Frozen mackerel was all I had and again out my wife had read a library of books, the ten marine life on the shores around of the blue I catch a lesser spotted dogfish pounder eluded me! Then in the summer of Ireland. Available for €6.34 at all which looks a bit bigger than usual. It weighed 1978 Jacinta announced that we were going to good bookshops. in at 3.26 lbs. Kerry in the summer for a change. Lesson 4: Fish never look at a calendar! On the first day of this summer holiday in Kerry, the sun was shining, Brandon Bay was Order Form for “A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore” August 1981: wrasse (5.42 lbs) flat from The Magharees to Brandon Pier and I Available at all good Baltard, near Doonbeg, Co .Clare. I enclose a cheque for ...... for ...... copy(s) despaired. Sometime during the day I managed bookshops or order from: Lesson 5: Follow up good tips and be prepared @ €6.34 plus 63c p&p per copy. to dig lug and when the question was asked that Matt Murphy, to explore! evening, “would you like to go fishing for a Sherkin Island Marine Station, Name ...... while?” I jumped at the opportunity. More in Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland. April 1984: twaite shad (2 lbs) Tel. 028–20187 Fax: 028–20407 Address ...... hope than anything else I tried opposite the St. Mullins on the River Barrow Email: [email protected] ...... Telephone ...... Grotto at the Fahamore end of Brandon Bay. Lesson 6: Rest up sometimes and soak in the Signed ...... Date ...... Putting eight lug on a 6/0 hook I cast out and scenery! ISBN: 1-87-049296-X waited. Page 26 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Junior Pages Junior Pages Junior Pages Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 27 Learn about birds with SEABIRDS BirdWatch Ireland By Declan Murphy Migration Leaflet Learn about the important phenomena of migration – the IRELAND is very fortunate in having a long and varied movement of birds between different areas, at different coastline, which combined with the rich feeding grounds of seasons, in order to increase their chances of survival. It our inshore waters provide for a variety of seabirds to breed explains why birds migrate, when they migrate, which birds and rear their young. The waters around Ireland are fed by and routes taken.: the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream which brings nutrients across the Atlantic and these provide the building blocks for a com- Download this leaflet from the Learn about Birds section plex food chain upon which our seabirds feed. on BirdWatch Irelands website at www.birdwatchireland.ie One of the highlights of any birdwatchers year is a visit to one of the many seabird colonies around the coast. Some of Learn how to identify the birds in your garden with our the offshore colonies are easily accessible by ferry such as Free Garden Bird Charts. Send a SAE to: BirdWatch Skellig Michael off Co.Kerry,Great Saltee off Co.Wexford and Ireland, Rockingham House, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Irelands Eye off Co. Dublin. Other colonies such as the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare are easily viewed from the mainland. The noise (and smell!) at these colonies is often amazing, BirdWatch Ireland has over 10,000 members and has branches throughout the country which organise events and outings in your with many thousands of birds all nesting within a few feet of area. Why not get your school to join? Write to us or visit our web- each other.The first birds seen will most likely be Gulls espe- site for details: www.birdwatchireland.ie cially the Kittewake, which nest in large colonies on cliff ledges. These are amongst the most vocal of our seabirds Bird Quiz BirdWatch Ireland has two educational web sites, catering for and their name comes from the sound of their calls – Kit-i- learning about birds in schools. wake! Other Gulls such as Herring and Great Black Backed Where do Puffins make their nests? 0 can be seen patrolling the cliffs ready to snatch an Visit the Migration web site to learn about the unguarded egg or chick. Cormorants and Shags can be seen The first five correct answers drawn will each fascination of bird migration 0 along the lower reaches of the receive a copy of ‘The Usborne Spotter’s Guide Visit the Working with Birds web site to learn about watching and feeding birds cliffs while literally thousands of to Birds’ Answers on a postcard to ‘Sherkin Guillemots and Razorbills will be Comment’, Sherkin Island Marine Station, Simply go to www.birdwatchireland.ie and go to the ‘learn about crammed along the cliff ledges. Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. birds’ section

BirdWatch Ireland, Rockingham House, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Tel: 01-2819878 Fax: 01-2819763 Email: [email protected] The Gannet Website: www.birdwatchireland.ie The Gannet is our largest and most impressive seabird with a massive six foot wingspan.They are striking birds with a pure white body and jet black wingtips. During the breed- ing season they develop a light buff colour on their heads. They have long dagger like bills which are off-white in colour. Their method of feeding is equally impressive – scanning the sea below them for fish, they will suddenly fold their wings and plunge like an arrow into the sea. They often do this from a height of up to 30 metres. By plunging from such heights they are able to catch fish at a depth of several metres. To protect them from the shock of the impact their foreheads are specially reinforced with bone while their dagger like bill helps to streamline their bodies so as to lessen the shock. They feed chiefly on Herring and Mackerel and also sprat and sand-eel. Gannets like to nest in large colonies called Gannetries. Some of these can be enormous – the Gannetry on the Skelligs off Co. Kerry is estimated to have almost 30,000 pairs of Gannets. It is amongst the top five most important Gannetries in the world.On Great Saltee off Co.Wexford you can get quite close to the Gannets and watch them as they go about their business of raising their broods. Gannets build a substantial nest consisting mostly of seaweed and often adorned with bits of ‘rubbish’ such as plastic, rope and whatever else they find floating in the sea around the colony.They lay a single egg which they incubate for 44 days. Both parents take turns to incubate the egg under their webbed feet. The chick leaves the nest after 90 days whereupon it learns to fish for itself.

The Puffin is one our most colourful seabirds with its huge multicoloured bill giving it a clown-like appearance. Like other members of the Auk family (Razorbills and Guillemots) it is black above and white below. However, its distinctive bill quickly separates it from other auks, even when seen at a distance. Puffins use their colourful bills during their elaborate courtship displays and can sometimes be seen on the cliff tops bowing and shaking their bills at each other. Unlike other auks which nest on cliff ledges, Puffins prefer to nest underground, usually in a disused rabbit burrow. Because of this Puffins can usually be seen on the grassy slopes on the cliff tops, where there are frequently many rabbit burrows,and not lower down on the cliff faces.The single egg is incubated by both parents for 40 days and the chick remains in the burrow for a further 40 days until it flies down to the sea and learns to fend for itself. The adult Puffins can be seen throughout the breeding season bringing fish to their young in the burrows.They can carry several Murphy Audrey Sketches: © fish at the one time in their large bills and feed mainly on sand-eels, sprats and young herring. Puffins can be seen on many of our offshore islands such as Great Saltee and The Skelligs.They can also be seen quite well on the Cliffs of Moher. The Puffin Page 28 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Snappy Puzzle

1 2 3 Edible Crab Here you have a chance to make your own jigsaw! You can cut out Cancer pagurus the pieces (make sure you have Portán dearg permission to use the scissors) and place each piece in its proper box. THE edible crab is one of the largest crabs found around our coast. It's shell with a pie-crust edge and black tipped pincers If you don’t want to cut out the 4 5 6 make it easy to recognise. Its two pincers are very powerful but pieces then you could place the the creature often pretends to be dead to avoid being captured. appropriate piece number in its There are 8 legs used for walking, which have hairs on them. box. The first number is in place Some edible crabs have been known to live over 20 years. to start you off. Colour: Reddish brown with black tipped pincers. Or if you feel like being creative Size: Usually up to 15cm but can reach sizes of over 25cm. draw the picture into the box 7 8 9 Habitat: In rocky cracks and crevices and mud from the lower shore to deep waters. square by square and then colour Diet: Other crabs, fish, shrimps and starfish. it in! Answers on page ??

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34 35 Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 29 EVERYONE DEPENDS ON NATURE ONE ANOTHER Contents: To experience the interdependence of all living things in the rockpool. Objective: to recognise that ACTIVITIES living organisms are interrelated and depend on each other. “Where does the water in lakes and rivers come from?” Type of activity: thoughtful “How strong are ants?” “Do fallen trees serve a purpose?” No. of participants: maximum THESE are some of the questions that you might expect to hear in a classroom or 20 people during a trip through a forest. Instead of answering them directly, the handbook A Age: 7 years and older Day of Adventure in the Forest – Environmental Activities for Protected Areas Time limit: minimum 15 minutes offers suggestions for activities to develop guided excursions into forests, pro- tected areas and other natural spaces, and encourages participants to discover the Materials: postcards of animals and plants. Cord or wool string answers for themselves by experiencing nature using all their senses. The handbook is designed to support and promote new and creative activities Preparation: not applicable related to environmental education within the protected areas of Panama, Central Weather conditions: not applicable America. Though it presents various alternatives and suggestions for guided excur-

sions within Panama’s forests, these can be easily adapted for many different DEVELOPMENT: Sketch: “A Day of Adventure in the Forest” situations. ❑ Distribute the postcards of marine animals or plants. The handbook has the following objectives: ❑ Everyone forms a circle and each person assumes the role of the animal/plant shown ❑ To share values on his postcard. ❑ To generate happiness about and interest in the forest ❑ The guide, who should act as the rockpool, using the corresponding postcard, joins the ❑ To promote admiration for the forest circle with a ball of woollen string in hand, and begins with a question, “Who provides ❑ To broaden consciousness and awareness about life shelter under which animals live?” You, as the rockpool, hold one end of the string in ❑ To encourage relationships with the friends of the forest one hand and throw the rest to the person who acts as the seaweed. ❑ ❑ To pass on knowledge about forest ecology Now it is a question of finding out who lives under the seaweed. It could be the blenny, and the string is thrown to that person. The string continues and continues until all ❑ To create a desire to get to know the forest the animals are united by the string and have formed a web. ❑ To promote behavioural changes ❑ Each time an animal or plant is added to the web that has formed, the string is lifted. ❑ To highlight the job of nature guide Similarly, when a species has been eaten, that person must stoop. This demonstrates ❑ To present forest sustainability as a model which animals are interconnected and also which animals eat how many other animals On the right is an activity adapted for the environment in a rockpool... and what kind. For example, if the dogwhelk eats barnacles, the barnacle population The handbook is available, free of charge plus postage & packing from IUCN Publications – decreases; and when there are few barnacles, the dogwhelk population decreases and www.iucn.org/bookstore ISBN: 9962-8806-0-2 the number of barnacles increases because they are not being eaten by the dogwhelk.

SUGGESTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT: ❑ Obviously, the game can be played using other species of flora and fauna such as micro-organisms living in the soil. ❑ The guide must imagine the web before beginning the game in order to guarantee the Eli Lilly S.A. – Irish Branch logical sequence. ❑ If there is a species that could cease to exist in the rockpool, such as the seaweed Pharmaceutical Manufacturers that provides shelter and food, the player lets go of the string and the web disinte- grates. ❑ What happens if the rockpool dries out? ❑ This activity is ideal as a follow-up after an excursion to the seaside. ❑ The interdependences are not limited to ‘eat or be eaten’. The game can be played tak- ing into account other aspects such as: • The habitat: the hermit crab living in the empty dogwhelk shell. Eli Lilly wishes “Sherkin Comment” • Parasitism: barnacles living on limpet shells; sponge living on the backs of crabs. • Other relationships: periwinkles preserving themselves from water loss by closing continued success. up; seaweeds that can withstand drying out. EXAMPLE OF INTERDEPENDENCE IN A ROCKPOOL (for a group of eleven people): Postcards/drawings needed: rockpool, seaweed, blenny, crab, plankton, mussels, starfish, barnacles, dogwhelk, hermit crab, limpet. ROCKPOOL ➦ Eli Lilly S.A. – Irish Branch ➥ Seaweed: Seaweed grows in rockpool providing shelter and food for animals. Dunderrow, ➥ Blenny: Blenny lives under seaweed. Kinsale, ➥ Crab: Crab eats blenny. Co. Cork ➥ Plankton: Crab produces babies which is part of plankton in the water. ➥ Mussel: Mussel feed on plankton. Telephone: 021–4772699 ➥ Fax: 021–4775152 Starfish: Starfish eats mussel. ➥ Crab: Crab attacks starfish and eats arm. Email: [email protected] ➥ Website: www.lilly.ie Starfish: Starfish arm sends particles into water. ➥ Barnacles: Barnacles eat particles. ➥ Dogwhelk: Dogwhelks eats barnacles. ➥ Hermit Crab: Empty dogwhelk shell provides home for hermit crab. ➥ Crab: Hermit crab kills small crab. ➥ Blenny: Blenny fishes on crab meat. ➥ Barnacles: Barnacles filter feed on blenny’s eggs. ➥ Limpet: Barnacles settle on limpets. ➥ Seaweed: Limpets lives on large seaweed. This is a very limited example of some of the interdependence that exists in a rockpool. Answers That Matter There are many other plants and animals playing an active role in the life of the rockpool. Think of other animals, plants or aspects that can be taken into account. Page 30 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 Gold President Awards 2005

Remarks by President Mary set yourselves deadlines, pushed yourselves McAleese at the Presentation of to the limit. You earned the right to be here. Gaisce would not have reached its very the Gold President’s Awards – high standards without a huge support struc- Gaisce, Dublin Castle. Tuesday, ture which embraces sponsors, fundraisers, 22nd February 2005. schools, families, employers, the remarkable Dia dhíbh go léir tráthnóna. Tá mé iontach President's Award Leaders, teachers, youth sásta bheith anseo libh ar an ócáid speisialta leaders, Gardai and designated persons in seo agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur third-level colleges and centres like Activity in iúl díbh as an fáilte fíorchaoin. Ireland. I would like to thank them and It is good to be here with you all this everyone who has helped to make this great afternoon at what is a double celebration – adventure possible for so many. the presentation of Gold Awards to well- The President's Award is very much a deserving young women and men and also the team effort but particular thanks are due to twentieth year of the Gaisce awards. Last Photos: © Gaisce Ned Sullivan, Chairman of the Awards, the Damien O’Donovan from Bantry, Co. Cork, with his year the awards attracted a record eleven PAL, Robert Shannon receiving his Award from Council, and the Award Staff team so ably and a half thousand young people and this President McAleese. led by John Murphy. We all owe a particular year we hope that record will be matched Lt. Andrew Shinnick from Fermoy, Co. Cork, debt to Paschal Taggart who has been instru- and, better still, beaten. receiving his Award from President McAleese. any compulsion, submitted themselves to the mental in supporting the development of the I can think of few if any of my functions as toughest of tests. They have triumphed and award in Northern Ireland. President that give me as much pleasure as their investment in the President's Awards Looking at the enthusiasm and dedication learning about the experiences of the many, has been a huge investment in tomorrow's of this year's Gold Award recipients before many young people who undertake either a Ireland. These are the backbone of family, me, it is fair to say that the generosity and Gold, Silver or Bronze Gaisce challenge. That community, workplace, society – young people faith demonstrated by everyone associated challenge involves a journey of self-discov- who are transcending life's ups and downs with the Awards has been truly repaid. The ery, a journey which reveals so much about with a spirit of "can do". future is in good hands. We are incredibly yourself to yourself and others. I think you'll Today these 67 admirable young men and proud of you and full of faith in you. agree that Brendan Kennelly put it well when women, each with an utterly unique story to Comhghairdeas libh arís inniu. Go raibh he presented Silver Gaisce Awards a few tell, will receive the highest accolade this míle maith agaibh go léir. years ago. He said that 'you are not compar- country offers to any citizen – the Presi- ing yourself with anyone; you are not dent's Gold Award. When you wear the pin, For further information about the awards contact competing with anyone; what you are actually when you write of it on your CVs, others will Mr. John Murphy, Chief Executive, doing is creating yourself.' know the calibre of person they are dealing The President’s Award – Gaisce, Dublin Castle, with – for you went out and deliberately Gaisce, the President's Award, is the best Dublin 2. Tel: 01–4758746 of pursuits for young people who seek adven- sought life's challenges before they tripped [email protected] or Website: www.p-award.net ture that is matched with a wish to you up – you made yourselves uncomfortable, contribute something to society. The young people in this room, you the award recipients, have set for yourselves demanding chal- lenges, tough tests that have stretched you John Murray from Ballinhassig, Co. Cork, receiving to your emotional, intellectual and physical his Award from President McAleese. limits and you haven't just scraped a pass in those tests, you have done so with flying under any compulsion to undertake the Pres- colours. No-one can now doubt that you have ident's Award but who volunteered those most important of skills to take you themselves to be tried and tested. through life – perseverance, self-discipline, You are part of a long established vibrant leadership ability and, most importantly, car- spirit of adventure and discovery amongst ing skills. These are things that no-one else the people of Ireland. Our history is full of can give you nor can money buy. But they are inspiring people – some more famous than hugely important gifts for a decent civic others. One lesser recounted story and a The Islander’s Rest society. A decent society does not happen by favourite of mine is about the Old Countess accident. People have to make it happen and of Desmond, who is reported to have trav- keep on making it happen day in and day out. elled to London in 1604 at the age of 140, The more people committing to these awards, pushing her ninety-year-old daughter in a SHERKIN ISLAND the better the future we all have to look for- cart, to petition James I for the return of ward to. You have challenged yourselves to her home. Now there's perseverance! Or the achieve personal excellence. You have chal- feat of the young Ulster princes, O'Neill and West Cork lenged yourselves physically and mentally. O'Donnell, escaping from this very Castle in But you have also challenged yourselves to the depths of a vicious winter. The spirit of contribute in turn to the betterment of the Tom Crean and Ernest Shackleton, too, lives community. on, encouraging a new generation to goals of 21 ensuite bedrooms with TV & direct dial phone Gathered here are people who have physical effort and mental stamina. Proprietor: Mark Murphy engaged in some wonderful pursuits – one From those and so many other inspirational worked as a volunteer for more than a year achievements through the past, new genera- * Accommodation with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland; tions of young people have learned the another set up a folk group in Cashel and complementary lessons of self-reliance and * Bar & Lounge then undertook a 90km expedition in France; co-operation. The ability to plan and execute * Weddings another helped in a Romanian orphanage and a task requires enterprise and imagination. It * Private Parties then went to India as a lay missioner. One also demands the flexibility to respond to a young man cycled through the Pyrenees to challenge while recognising the needs and * Business Meetings raise funds for the National Council for the strengths of others. Leadership and the * Marina Facilities Blind of Ireland, another who holds another moral fibre to take decisions and accept the Gold – that one in the World Special consequences are the products of reflection For further information phone: 028–20116 Olympics – hiked 80km from Killarney to on personal performance, acceptance of fail- Bantry and raised thousands for charity in ings, learning about and building on our Email: [email protected] the process. And there are many, many more strengths. stories that have lifted my heart and make It is often said that you should test your Website: www.islandersrest.ie me feel privileged to be amongst such a fine friends before you need them. The young group of young people – not one of who was men and women in this room have, without Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39 ...... Page 31

(RNLI) Join Storm Force the RNLI’s club for young people, and you will be sent an exciting

Storm Force Force Storm 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.

Reproduced from 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

SOLE BENEDICTINE Photo: © BIM

A dish for special times, sophisticated but simple.

INGREDIENTS • 8 medium fillets lemon sole • 55g/2ozs hazelnuts • 55g/2ozs butter • 2 tablespoons Benedictine or liqueur/liquor of choice • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoons dill or herb of choice • Salt and freshly milled pepper

METHOD • Roast hazelnuts in pan – remove. • Melt butter, add liqueur/liquor, lemon juice, seasoning and herbs. • Add fish and hazelnuts, cover and cook for 8–10 minutes. • Spoon juices gently over fish occasionally and serve with sprinkling of dill. * You can substitute plaice, brill, megrim, black sole.

Serves 4. Page 32 ...... Sherkin Comment 2005 – Issue No. 39

lack of absolute certainty. variability of the natural world heads and 46 % are tails). In recent years the under- is an important component of With that error, should we dis- standing of what “science” is the process. No matter how card the general hypothesis and does seems more and hard we try to eliminate uncer- that the results are equally Trusting Science more lost on more and more tainty, it remains a part of likely to be heads or tails? people. To many people, any- And, by focusing on the 4 per- thing but absolute certainty is cent discrepancy, has the focus inaccuracy and unacceptable been shifted from the 96 per- certainty of uncertainty. From “answers” to environmental “No matter how in decision making. Because cent accuracy? By Michael the early part of the twentieth issues. For instance, the argu- hard we try to science usually cannot provide An interesting example of century science has been mov- ment over whether global eliminate answers with absolute cer- the problems created by focus- Ludwig ing from absolute certainty, to warming is occurring rages on tainty, it seems to be failing us. uncertainty, it ing on the uncertainty and probable certainty, to relative in the halls of government But, perhaps we ask too much remains a part of error is a power cable under DO you believe statements certainty in an effort to be even as climate and natural of it? Accurately predicting virtually every Long Island Sound that con- made by scientists? A growing more accurate. At the same resources are adapting to the natural events is difficult. nects Long Island and number of people no longer time, the need to have answers changes. The majority of the statement and Consider weather prediction – Connecticut. One of the con- trust scientific results. Appar- supported by absolute cer- scientific community has decision dealing how often have you looked out cerns was that northern lobster ently scientific credibility is in tainty has risen, dramatically. moved on to determining how with natural the window to see something (Homarus americanus) would trouble and it is getting worse. Error is unacceptable. This sit- dramatic the changes will be, different than was predicted? events.” be confused by the electro- This problem seems to be uation has created problems rather than trying to convince When assessing environmen- magnetic field (EMF) created related to expectation and the for everyone looking for those demanding or using the tal situations, recognising the virtually every statement and by the direct current passing decision dealing with natural through the wires. EMFs rep- events. Characterising uncer- resent one of the most tainty with probability of common and fastest growing certainty or relative certainty environmental influences, simply recognises that there about which anxiety and spec- are occasions when inaccuracy ulation are spreading. occurs, not that the fact is Northern lobsters are one of incorrect. Curiously, recogni- the species that use variations Harvesting tion that inaccuracy exists is in the earth’s magnetic fields often used as “proof” that to navigate around their habi- existing conclusions are tat and might be influenced by the Sea’s “wrong” and, by inference, unnatural EMF emissions. science is undependable. The opponents to the cable Whether talking about the argued that the cable’s EMF impact of human activities, or would interfere with lobster Renewable the likelihood that Florida migration and cause them to would be hit by four hurri- walk back and forth along the canes in a single summer, cable. EMF experts were Resources natural variability limits cer- brought in but because of nat- tainty but it shouldn’t obstruct ural variability, they could not reasonable actions. Inciden- state, unequivocally that “no tally, real estate values in northern lobster would be Florida are increasing. affected” only that it was Unfortunately, the lack of highly unlikely. Although absolute certainty has become research has shown that EMFs such a concern that some deci- a thousand times stronger that sions are being postponed or those generated by the cable burdened with restrictions had no impact, natural vari- which neither improve under- ability precluded absolute standing nor resolve issues. certainty. The lack of one hun- This becomes a problem when dred percent certainty was the concern focuses on the used to argue that the available uncertainty rather than cer- science was wrong or at best tainty aspects of a situation. incomplete and a problem During a dredging project existed. You’ll be happy (?) to somewhere between 2 and 5 learn that three years of moni- percent of the sediment being toring has revealed that cable moved cannot be accounted induced EMF do not appear to for. Should the project be cause northern lobsters to con- stopped because it “lost” that gregate over one. Is the issue material or should we consider addressed? Probably not the implications of the loss but because there are a lot of dif- focus on the 95 to 98 percent ferent voltage cables and that can be tracked? The ques- lobsters out there. Who tion becomes more knows, maybe there are some complicated if the sediment is individuals that like walking polluted. near cables. The application of scientific This is the best of times and methods can address uncer- the worst of times: both the tainty by providing the power and corruption of sci- Generating investment, employment probability that an unexpected ence are presented daily for our outcome will occur. Weather consumption. This is not new: and market opportunities in the fishing forecasters rely on probability in 1883, with tongue firmly in when they report “there is a 20 cheek, Mark Twain wrote in and aquaculture industry percent chance of snow.” Giv- Life on the Mississippi (p.120): ing us the probability of an “There is something fascinat- event not an absolute certainty ing about science. One gets lessens expectation. For rela- such wholesale returns of con- tive certainty, the amount of jecture out of such a trifling An Bórd Iascaigh Mhara, The Irish Sea Fisheries Board, variation is used to describe investment of fact.” Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland. the outcome. Doing 50 flips Tel 01 284 1544. Fax 01 284 1123. of a coin might get 27 heads Michael Ludwig, NOAA, Email [email protected] Website www.bim.ie and 23 tails. That is close to NMFS, 212 Rogers Ave., the expected result but there is Milford, CT USA 06460-6499 a 4 percent error (54 % are