SHERKIN COMMENT

Issue No. 51 Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station 2011

Hannah Hauxwell’s Legacy The Antipodes Islands & their Albatross An Afternoon on High Island (Ardoilean) Torsc Teo Ireland’s First Cod Farm The unique legacy of a remarkable woman An insight by Julia Baer into subantarctic John Gore-Grimes visits a unique island off the An innovative project becoming an integral is explained by Anthony Toole. 5 Antipodean Albatross research. 8 North West coast of Connemara. 12 part of Ireland’s aquaculture industry. 23

Centre pages: IRELAND’SIRELAND’S Hidden Depths

Photograph  Paul Kay:: Compass Jellyfish 2 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 Contents Editorial EDITORIAL: The Skype Generation...... 2 Matt Murphy argues for a teamwork approach to help stop the stem the flow of emigration. The Skype Generation Copeland Bird Observatory ...... 3 Established in Co. Down in 1954, Oscar Merne ing members. It is perhaps time for co-ops or existing projects, offering over 300 new looks at an observatory still going strong today. By Matt Murphy to re-evaluate their roles and again become jobs. They could not be assisted due to the the leaders and the promoters of local enter- EU Directive. The Directive operates as a Meet Me in St. Louis...... 4 We are engulfed in the midst of a seri- John Akeroyd gets a tantalising glimpse of North prise. This initiative must come from its blanket prohibition, without regard to sci- ous financial crisis, our youth see no ordinary members and shareholders in the entific or site specific factors. In many America’s native wildflowers and vegetation. prospect of work and 50,000 of their num- knowledge that their family’s future instances there is no environmental Hannah Hauxwell’s Legacy ...... 5 ber are emigrating to seek employment in depends on them. adverse issue and the current approach The unique legacy of a remarkable woman is Canada, Australia and other parts of the Co-ops have professional management needs to be appropriately addressed. In world, leaving behind 450,000 of their fel- explained by Anthony Toole. and corporate structures, command huge stating that we point out that Sherkin low countrymen and women unemployed. financial and human resources. They are Island Marine Station has promoted envi- Business Development in Inland Fisheries Ireland ...... 6 We are being drained of our most produc- ideally placed to invest and actively partic- ronmental protection since its foundation tive and talented resource, as many of our Ciaran Byrne on Inland Fisheries Ireland’s aims ipate in the many good and worthwhile in 1975. Its record on monitoring pro- youth will never return. The social fabric to develop the business potential of angling. local projects and ideas struggling to get grammes on plankton, the rocky shore, of our country is being destroyed with off the ground. Unless initiatives such as terrestrial plants is well known. It has Greening the Built Environment ...... 7 cities, towns and parishes suffering the this are pursued the only way many will undertaken educational programmes for The fourth & final article from Walter Mugdan closure of local pubs, post offices and see their children and grand children in the schools and has a extensive list of publica- on the evolving “green construction” movement. shops. Countless communities are finding future will be on Skype. tions of environmental interest. it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain The Antipodes Islands & their Albatross ...... 8 New policies and incentives must be It is the role of government to untangle sporting and social activities, due to loss of An insight by Julia Baer into subantarctic applied at National level and with public, the net that is choking the development of players and participants to emigration. private and institutional participants work- the aquaculture industry. There are, for Antipodean Albatross research. Many of our youth, currently in Second ing together. No one sector or organisation example, over 500 license renewal applica- Promoting Duhallow’s Local River ...... 10 and Third level education, accept emigra- has all the answers and a teamwork tions currently awaiting a decision from the tion or unemployment as their unavoidable Patrick Fitzpatrick on how a local rural approach offers the best chance of success. licensing authority. What is not realised is fate. This level of low morale must not, development company are restoring their river. In this regard there is a glimmer of hope that French companies now own nearly 40% and cannot be allowed to continue. that may offer a template for many other of Irish oyster farms and as other Irish oys- Ireland’s Wild Flowers Magnificently Revealed...... 11 There is a huge sense of anger at the sectors of the economy where jobs can be ter farmers get older they will also sell their John Akeroyd on a landmark book in the study of behaviour of bankers and developers who created. Recently the Department of Agri- farms. In five years time 60% of the farms the Irish Flora. were largely responsible for the present culture, Fisheries and Food published a will be foreign owned and by 2020 over state of affairs. There is also a realisation An Afternoon on High Island (Ardoilean) ...... 12 strategy report, “Food Harvest 2020”. This 85%. The reason for the take-over is simple, that the regulators, who were supposed to Ireland has unpolluted crystal clear waters, John Gore-Grimes visits a unique island off the oversee the banks, failed miserably in car- report lays out a vision for Ireland’s largest superior to any in Europe. This demon- North West coast of Connemara. rying out their duties. Against this indigenous industry namely the agrifood strates that the vast potential of the industry unregulated background, together with and fisheries sector which collectively City of Ships ...... 14 is recognised abroad and yet we fail to massive bank bonus payments, cheap employs some 150,000 people with an Daphne Pochin Mould Cork Harbour’s history. realise this and its long term economic ben- credit and a get-rich-quick mentality, peo- annual output of over €24 billion. The efits, instead the industry has been totally Groundwater Quality in Ireland 2007-2009...... 15 ple spent as if there was no tomorrow. Report was prepared by a committee of 31 hampered by red tape, some of it from the Matthew Craig on working towards achieving Consumer products were purchased with people from various public companies, EU in Brussels. In similar fashion potential water quality targets for 2015 & 2021. credit and massive loans were taken out to organisations and semi-state bodies. Rec- ommendations were made for ten specific also exists in salmon, trout, turbot, cod, sea Ireland’s Hidden Depths...... 16/17 fund the acquisition of properties, both at home and abroad. It was assumed that sectors, mainly agriculture, horticulture, urchins and abalone farming. Sherkin Island Marine Station’s latest publication. matters would continue, in this fashion, seafood and related activities. Aquaculture is but one area where signif- World Class Facility in Ireland ...... 18 into the foreseeable future and that the At Sherkin Island Marine Station for the icant jobs can be created. Commercial past 35 years, we have been particularly fishing is another and has vast added value Michael Guiry’s taxonomic database Algaebase.org much heralded “soft-landing” would ensure that everything would be fine in the vocal on the potential for environmentally potential. Marine tourism such as angling, Redfishes & Rockfishes in Irish & European Atlantic end. It was not to be and could not be. sustainable marine and seafood sector sailing and adventure sports can also be part Waters ...... 19 Massive mistakes were made, crimes com- development, thus certain aspects of the of the increased job mix. The sea is a Declan Quigley on a large sub-family of fish. mitted and billions in debts placed on the Report are to be very much welcomed. resource, which can provide sustainable The seafood target output envisaged for ongoing jobs. Let us now use it sensibly and Beware - Landgrabbers at Work ...... 20 shoulders of our blameless youth for gen- 2020 is €1 billion per annum. The current sensitively for the benefit of our people and Alex Kirby on the price being paid by some in erations to come. We must now learn from the mistakes of value of output is €700 million. Aquacul- the protection of our pristine environment. order to produce food. the recent past, stop the blame game and ture volume output is expected to increase If one were to ask if Ireland can step Control of Hottentot Fig on Howth Head ...... 21 consider how best to repair and develop by 78%. A startling fact in the Report is back from the edge of the economic Working to stop the spread of this aggressive our still great nation – and great nation it is. that 88% of fish caught in Irish waters is precipice, the answer must surely be that it can. There are areas of opportunity – the invader. It must be remembered that the evolution by non-Irish vessels, with very little, if any, landed in Irish ports. Increased land- sea is but one. It requires vision and leader- Marine Fisheries - Tested to Destruction ...... 22 of the Celtic Tiger had its roots in the self- sacrifice, community spirit, and prudent ings in this country would create ship. We must rally to the cause so that the Edward Fahy gives his thoughts on the subject. management of earlier generations, who additional jobs on-shore and would com- export of our human talent is stopped. This Torsc Teo Ireland’s First Cod Farm ...... 23 remembered past periods of recession. Let pensate, to some extent, for the depletion is the key factor to our recovery. The answer to our problem is not to be found in Paul Casburn on an innovative project becoming us now return to the values of these gener- of our valuable fisheries resource. articles written by internationally an integral part of Ireland’s aquaculture industry. ations, in the knowledge that we have a To achieve the targets outlined in the young and well educated population, eager Report we must have a new government renowned economic gurus, or in the busi- Publications of Interest...... 24 to work, if given opportunities. approach and policies must be undertaken, ness pages of our daily papers. There is no West Cork - A Place Apart ...... 25 It was a striking feature of rural Ireland, as present problems faced by the seafood instant solution or silver bullet. The answer A new book from Jo Kerrigan & Richard Mills. in the not too distant past, that those difficult and aquaculture industry demonstrate. lies with us as a nation, learning from the mistakes of the past. Let us make our coun- Captain Cockle ...... 26 times brought forth a community spirit, out There is a lack of joined-up thinking and a of which emerged the Co-operative move- lack of focus on how objectives might be try a place that our people can have More exciting facts from John Joyce. ment. This movement was led by selfless achieved. It is unbelievable that in 2010 employment and enjoy the fruits of their Learning Birdsong with BirdWatch Ireland! ...... 27 individuals committed to their communities, BIM returned €5 million to the exchequer labour. Let the Skype generation be free to The Lifeboat Crew ...... 28 who put the interests of their neighbours as they could not grant aid companies or return to work in the land of their birth if Lifeboat Wordsearch ...... 29 before their own and who worked tirelessly individuals to expand in or on land at 18 they so wish. One job created is one less family that has to leave. Great patriotic Gaisce - The President’s Award ...... 30 for the common good. This movement bays around the coast because of an EU transformed rural Ireland and succeeded in Directive that such financing cannot be men and women formed our country and 5-day Charity Relay Cycle Mizen 2 Mizen developing agriculture, and indeed other given in SACs (Special Areas of Conser- sacrificed much for the common good. Test Quiz ...... 31 sectors to become world class industries. In vation). What is even more disturbing is They were not perfect but they were noble. Fish, Tyres and the Environment ...... 32 recent years, profit became the top priority that for 2011, BIM will return an estimated How will future generations judge us? Mike Ludwig on the problem with making reefs and many co-ops became large public com- €3 million of a €3.5 million allocation. from used tyres. panies where shareholder remuneration Over 80 firms in 2010 made submissions Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine often displaced the objectives of the found- for grant aid for the development of new Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland. SHERKIN COMMENT 2010 Issue No 50 ______3 Copeland Bird Observatory Images courtesy of Oscar Merne Copeland Bird Observatory building.

shores from its highest point 40 m above sea level. The bed rock is lower Palaeozoic shales and slates and this is overlain by glacial till. Until the lighthouse was closed in Copeland Bird Observatory notice at landing place. 1884 and moved to the nearby Mew Island, Lighthouse By Oscar Merne Island was farmed, but then abandoned until the bird THE bird observatory on observatory was established in Cape Clear Island (next door 1954. Since then, manage- to Sherkin Island) is probably ment for nature conservation the best know observatory in has largely involved (a) plant- Ireland, but not the only one. ing of native trees and shrubs Ireland’s first bird observatory to provide shelter, cover and Mew Island at dawn. was located on Great Saltee feeding opportunities for off the Co. Wexford coast and migrant birds, and (b) mowing 25,000 km. Ringing has also White’s Thrush, Common operated through the 1950s rides of grassland, to encour- shown that some birds live to Rosefinch, Fox Sparrow and and early 1960s. Other bird age rabbits to create a network over 50 years, and probably Scarlet Tanager. The most observatories were on Tory of burrows which are then fly well over one million kilo- numerous passerine migrants Island and Malin Head in Co. used as nesting sites by Manx metres in their lifetimes. ringed (each with totals over Donegal. But the one on the "Heligoland" funnel trap for catching migrants. Shearwaters, and also to pro- Of course, while the Manx 1,000) have been Swallow, Copeland Islands off Co. vide landing and take-off Shearwaters on Lighthouse House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Down was established in 1954 “runways” for the shearwaters Island are the most important Starling, Sedge Warbler, Wil- and is still going strong today. coming and going at night. birds, Copeland Bird Obser- low Warbler, Chiffchaff, During its first 56 years of The mowing also seems to vatory, like bird observatories Goldcrest, Robin, Blackbird, operation I never managed to benefit a variety of orchids elsewhere, also carries out Song Thrush, Linnet and fit in a visit, even though I was and other plants that require studies of bird migration dur- Lesser Redpoll. very familiar with the bird short grass swards. ing the spring and autumn Lighthouse Island is a desig- observations and studies being The Manx Shearwater periods. These involve record- nated Area of Special carried out, and also knew a colony on Lighthouse Island ing of visible migration and Scientific Interest and a pro- number of the people involved has grown from perhaps 300 the catching and ringing of posed Special Protection Area in these. Finally, in September pairs in the 1950s to nearly migrants that drop in to rest under the European Union’s 2009, a plot to get me there, 3,000 pairs now (with c.1,800 and feed on the island. The Birds Directive. It is owned by hatched by Neville McKee of additional pairs nesting on Big Copelands are not on a major the Northern Ireland National the observatory and Lorraine Copeland). Increasing num- migratory flyway, though the Trust and managed by the bird Benson of the BirdWatch Ire- bers of both adults and their North Channel may act as a observatory. Access is by boat land Tolka Branch, came to chicks have been ringed since “corridor” for birds that are from Donaghadee and there BirdWatch Ireland group with Neville McKee (second from left) the observatory was estab- fruition when I was persuaded relaxing at the bird observatory. following the coastlines, and are relatively sheltered landing to join a small group from the lished, and the cumulative the lighthouse on nearby Mew places on the east and south Tolka Branch (Lorraine, Sean with Neville acting as our off the north Co. Down coast total ringed to date is very Island may attract night sides of the island. Permission Kingston, Rosemary Doyle expert guide. Then at night we at the south entrance to close to 30,000 birds. These migrants when the skies are to visit the island should be and Marie Sinnot) for a week- switched our attention to the Belfast Lough from the North ringed birds have generated clouded over. Over 100,000 obtained from the bird obser- end visit on 11th to 13th hundreds of Manx Shearwa- Channel. On a clear day, the about 250 recoveries, mostly birds of c.150 species have vatory (www.cbo.org.uk). September. We set sail from ters coming in from the sea to Mull of Galloway, in south- in the northern winter from been ringed at the observatory Visitors are accommodated in the attractive harbour at Don- their nesting burrows, and the west Scotland, can be seen to the coasts of Brazil, Uruguay since 1954. Scarce/rare the spacious observatory build- aghadee and landed on the soon-to-fledge young shear- the east. and Argentina in South Amer- species among these include ings, where most “mod-cons” bird observatory island at waters coming out of the Copeland Bird Observatory ica, but with Copeland birds Quail, Little Stint, Mediter- are available. A modest fee, 19.00 hrs on the Friday, and burrows to get a “fix” of the is located on Lighthouse also reported from South ranean Gull, Little Auk, which includes the boat fare, is remained there until 16.30 hrs stars to aid their first migra- Island, the middle of the three Africa, Angola, United States Hoopoe, Wryneck, Ashy- charged. I strongly recommend on the Sunday. We were tions to South America and Copeland Islands. This island and Canada. The recent use of headed Wagtail, Red-backed a visit to this lovely island! blessed with excellent weather back. During our short visit is roughly oval in shape, c.500 tiny electronic geolocators and Woodchat Shrikes, Icter- we saw no less than 56 differ- m long (north to south) and attached to Manx Shearwaters and were able to spend all the ine, Melodious, Barred, Oscar Merne retired from daylight hours exploring the ent bird species on the island. c.350 m wide and covers c.16 has shown that some birds go Subalpine, and Yellow- The three Copeland Islands ha. There are low cliffs on the as far as Tierra del Fuego, at Ireland’s National Parks & island, catching some migrant browed Warblers, Firecrest, Wildlife Service in January birds for ringing, observing – Big Copeland, Lighthouse eastern side but otherwise the the southern tip of South Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2004. the other fauna and flora – Island and Mew Island – lie island slopes gently to rocky America, a round trip of over Nightingale, Bluethroat, 4 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 Meet me in St. Louis white weather-boarded houses where they lived are still there, even the famous fence that Tom persuaded the other children to whitewash. Scarlet cardinals and handsome American robins (more a thrush) flew from bush to bush but, alas, introduced European periwinkles dominated the ground flora beneath native horse chestnuts, Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia). However, the previous few days had given me a tantalizing glimpse of North Amer- ica’s native wildflowers and vegetation. I was in the USA as a guest of old friend and colleague Dr Peter Wyse Jackson, formerly

Director of the Dublin Botanic Gardens in Image courtesy of US National Park Service Glasnevin, now President of Missouri Botani- Redbud (Cercis canadensis) cal Garden and a Professor at Washington University in St Louis. The day before I’d delivered a public lecture at the Garden on my work in Transylvania, Romania (see Sherkin Comment 32 & 40), and it was good now to relax in such stimulating new surroundings. We’d driven up on the freeway from St Louis through a countryside of low hills surprisingly

Image courtesy of Kaldari covered by trees, here and there with limestone Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) outcrops colonized by dark junipers, rather similar to what one sees in southern Europe. – the very place where Huckleberry Finn hid Groups of Redbud (Cercis canadensis), so sim- By John Akeroyd after escaping from a brutal drunk father, and ilar to the Judas Tree (C. siliquastrum) of the where he met up with Jim, runaway slave and Mediterranean, splashed bare spring woodland IN early April I found myself transported to thus fellow fugitive. From here the pair set off margins with coral pink pea-flowers. A diver- familiar scenes from late childhood. I stood on their epic raft journey south. Just below me sion to collect dandelions – Peter was making beside a miniature lighthouse on a bluff above lay the small riverside town of Hannibal, Mis- ‘dandelion honey’ from an infusion of these – the Mississippi River, pouring south with souri, home to Huck, his over-imaginative took us into a small valley nature reserve with mighty currents. Across the mile-wide water, a sheet of blue Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia friend Tom Sawyer and their equally imagina- Image courtesy of Kaldari near the Illinois bank was a long wooded island virginica) and patches of pale pink Dutchman’s tive creator Mark Twain. The 19th-century, Claytonia virginica, the Eastern spring beauty. Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) beneath the just-emerging foliage of oaks and sycamores. For my first visit to America, I’d clearly woods, but is undoubtedly richer – and a visual arrived at a good season. Late snows had spectacle on a par with the bluebell woods of melted and, despite some warm spring weather, Ireland and Britain. the fierce summer heat was still some time The day after my arrival we had visited away. Two days earlier Peter had taken me to another local protected area, the Native Ameri- the Shaw Nature Reserve at nearby Gray Sum- can mounds at Cahokia, slightly to the east in mit, owned by the Botanical Garden, a happy Illinois. Here in our early Middle Ages, thou- mix of prairie fragments and deciduous wood- sands of people lived in North America’s then land. Restoration Biologist Dr James Trager, an largest settlement and hub of the highly devel- ant specialist but clearly an expert all-round oped Mississippian culture. The custodians naturalist, took me around his domain, enthusi- have retained a remarkable feeling for this astically showing me the colourful spring flora. landscape of massive earth mounds, created by Dry stony grassland had some early prairie hard human effort, alongside the lakes, grass- wildflowers, although the main flowering was lands and bird-filled cottonwood thickets of the yet to come. Two members of the borage fam- great river valley. St Louis is imbued with his- ily, golden yellow and scarlet, splashed the tory – for example, it was from here that Lewis ground among dry grasses. Other prairie and Clark set firth in 1804 to explore the West. species had yet to flower, such as patches of I’m left not only with abiding images of var- American Aloe (Manfreda virginica), Iris and ied and beautiful woodland wildflowers, but Clematis that paid tribute to the restoration also violet-blue sheets of handsome Dooryard efforts of the Nature Reserve staff. Violets (Viola sororia), similar to dog-violets, But the real spring treasures were in the on the front lawns of both grand and humble woods, especially damper and more humid homes, and in Tower Grove Park. There also places near streams: more Virginia Bluebells, were great drifts of palest pink Eastern Spring especially in damp bottomland forest near the Beauty (Claytonia virginica) that burst into Meramac River, along with the dicentra, flower as the sunshine became increasingly anemones and dog-tooth violets (Erythronium warm. Not to mention a fine Botanical Garden, albidum), Wild Sweet William (Phlox divari- magnificent streetside Magnolia trees, spa- cata), at least three violets including Yellow cious parks and some elegant 19th-century Forest-violet (Viola pubescens), even a few houses in St Louis, and that great Mississippi Trillium (although these grow better further River itself winding south towards Memphis east). Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and New Orleans – as well as so many friendly which is often over by this time, formed and welcoming people. whitish patches, while the first flowers of Sas- safras (Sassafras albidum), such an iconic plant Dr John Akeroyd, an expert on the European and a member of the tropical laurel family, flora, who has worked since 1990 on brightened bare branches with greenish-yellow botanical surveys at Sherkin Island Marine flowers. Other attractive flowering trees were Station, is the author of A Beginner’s Guide Serviceberry (Amelanchior arborea) and to Ireland’s Wild Flowers (2008) and The Choke Berry (Prunus virginiana), both with Natural History of Sherkin Island (2009). showy white blossom. This flora has similari- ties with that of our European springtime SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______5 Hannah Hauxwell’s Legacy dered, and it is during this period that the meadows achieve their colourful glory. Among the variety of grasses are fox-tail, sweet vernal and crested dog’s-tail, while the flowers include ox-eye daisy, ragged robin, eyebright, wood cranesbill, marsh marigold, bird’s foot trefoil and the rela- tively rare globe flower. Clover is important as its roots contain nodules that har- bour bacteria capable of fixing nitrogen from the air. Another important plant in maintaining the balance between flowers and grasses is yellow rattle. This is a parasitic plant, which fastens onto the roots of grasses, absorbing some of their nutrients and so limiting their growth. In late summer, the hay is Images courtesy of Anthony Toole Anthony Images courtesy of cut and allowed to lie for two Hannah Hauxwell in 2010, (aged 84) or three days, giving time for She first came to promi- ground for skylarks, meadow the seeds to fall to the ground. By Anthony Toole nence in 1973, when a pipits and waders such as lap- After the hay has been baled Yorkshire Television film, wing, redshank and curlew. and taken into storage, cattle BALDERSDALE is a high, ‘Too Long a Winter,’ depicted The north-west corner of the are grazed on the late grass, isolated valley, trapped to the her struggles to survive, with a upper meadow is occupied by during which time their hooves north, south and west by the negligible income, in this Hannah’s Barn. This was in a press the seeds into the soil, bleak moorlands of the North extremely beautiful, but very state of dilapidation when it thus aiding their germination. Pennines. Its river, the Balder, harsh part of England. Sixteen was acquired by the Trust. A November brings the year’s rises in the soggy peat of the years later, a follow-up film, new roof was added and the final act, in which the ewes are Cumbria-Durham border and ‘A Winter Too Many,’ told of walls repaired and re-pointed brought into the meadows to runs, in its ten miles, through her later tribulations, culmi- using local stone. It now run with the ram, in preparation three reservoirs, Balderhead, nating in her reluctant sale of serves as an unmanned visitor for the cycle to begin again Blackton and Hury, before join- the farm and move to a cottage centre, and contains examples with lambing in the spring. ing the Tees at the village of in Cotherstone. of traditional farming imple- At the age of 84, (in 2010), Cotherstone. It is served from While at Low Birk Hat ments and displays illustrating Hannah Hauxwell still lives the east by a minor road, which Farm, Hannah kept a small the history, farming methods alone in her cottage in Cother- splits at Hury, though neither number of sheep and one or and wildlife of Baldersdale. It stone village, though now she branch travels far, leaving the two pigs, the sale of which is reached by way of a wooden is surrounded by neighbours. western exit accessible only to brought her the bulk of her boardwalk along the northern Indeed, her recipe for a con- a determined walker. annual income of less than edge of the meadow. tented life is, ‘Good health, The Pennine Way long dis- £300. She was most fond, The fields are leased to the good friends and good neigh- tance footpath descends to the however, of her cattle, of owner of High Birk Hat Farm, bours.’ Understandably frail in approximate mid-point of its which she had a maximum of which stands at the roadside, appearance, she is, neverthe- 265-mile length at Blackton, ten at any time. Throughout just above the pasture. He less, remarkably sharp in her just beneath the Balderhead her years at the farm, and those tends the meadows in the tra- mind. She can give vivid dam. Here, it passes through of her ancestors for four gener- ditional manner, which accounts of her life in Balders- Low Birk Hat, one of the scat- ations, farming was carried out maintains the plant diversity. dale, but admits that she hated tering of small farms that using strictly traditional meth- Each year, the Durham the winters. Her television provide Baldersdale with its ods, which allowed no use of Wildlife Trust carries out sur- fame brought her the opportu- meagre population. The fields artificial fertilizers on the veys at a number of sites to nity to travel through Europe, that lead down to the farm fields. The result of this was ensure that the meadows con- and even to America. She has buildings are now maintained the evolution of meadows with tinue to thrive. no regrets, and though living as a nature reserve by Durham an extremely rich diversity of Management of the mead- only five miles from Low Birk Wildlife Trust. Their collective wild flowers. In fact they are ows follows an annual cycle. Hat Farm, she does not return, name, Hannah’s Meadow, regarded as among the finest Spring is when the lambs are feeling that her memories are commemorates one of the examples of upland hay mead- born. After they have been too poignant. most unlikely of television ows in England. moved onto the pastures, Regardless of the re-draw- celebrities of the last decades When Low Birk Hat went manure is spread onto the ing of the county boundaries, of the twentieth century, Han- up for sale in 1988, the fields. This maintains a low nah Hauxwell. which in 1974 took Balders- Durham Wildlife Trust nutrient regime which encour- Hannah, an only child, was dale out of Yorkshire and into obtained a grant of £25 000, ages the growth of flowers at born in 1926, at Sleetburn Durham, Hannah still calls which enabled it to buy two the expense of the grasses. If Farm. When she was three, herself a Yorkshirewoman, meadows and a pasture, of the grounds were too nutrient- her parents moved less than a and despite the unremitting total area nine hectares. These rich, as would be the case if mile down the valley to Low harshness of the winters she fields became Hannah’s artificial fertilizers were used, Birk Hat, where she lived endured, remains grateful to Meadow Nature Reserve, and then the grasses would out- until 1988. Her father died have lived in one of the most were declared a Site of Special compete the flowers. when she was seven, leaving beautiful places in England. Scientific Interest. Fertilizers also tend to destroy her mother and an uncle to run The highest field, sloping many of the fungi that are the farm. When they died, Durham Wildlife Trust down from the valley road, is essential for the natural health Hannah found herself, alone www.durhamwt.co.uk the pasture. This is somewhat of the soil. at the age of thirty-five, look- acidic in nature, containing From late spring until the (“Season of My Life” By ing after the farm, in which sedges and soft rush. In beginning of August, the hay Hannah Hauxwell and Barry From top: Hannah's Meadow; Inside Hannah's Barn; Ragged robin; there was no electricity or springtime, it is a breeding crop is allowed to grow unhin- Cockcroft 1989 ISBN: 0 09 Lapwing; Hannah's Meadow and Barn, and High Birk Hat Farm; indoor running water. 972970 9 Arrow Books Ltd.) Baldersdale – Blackton and Hury reservoirs from Balderhead dam. 6 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 being developed and will be available on the IFI website (www.fisheriesireland.ie) over the coming months. It is no secret that the economy is in a very Business Development in precarious state and Ireland inc. badly needs to focus on core business to help it move out of recession and start the process of rebuilding the new balanced economy which is not over reliant on the property and banking sectors. Ire- land has a natural competitive advantage over Inland Fisheries Ireland other countries in the area of tourism, and this is the primary reason why tourism has been identified as one of the core areas which will help to kick start the new economy. Broadly By Ciaran Byrne following the eminent Harvard business Pro- fessor, Michael Porters 1990 theory on the ON July 1st Inland Fisheries Ireland was competitive advantage of nations, Ireland must established following the amalgamation of the focus on its competitive advantages and really Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. This build on them. Inland Fisheries Ireland has a action was probably the biggest structural very important role to play in this regard, as the change in the inland fisheries sector since the agency responsible for the management, pro- formations of the Boards in 1980. The estab- motion and development of the inland fisheries lishment of IFI provided the perfect and recreational sea angling one of our most opportunity to critically appraise the marketing important natural resources. Thus a second aim and promotional work being done by the fish- of the Business Development Division is to eries service and identify where it could be work with the sector, the tourism agencies and developed and expanded to enable it to respond any other relevant bodies to increase the num- to the changing external environment. ber of overseas visitors coming to Ireland to Following this process it was apparent that partake in angling. while the fisheries service, working closely IFI has built an excellent relationship with with the various tourism interests, has built up the States two main tourism agencies, Failte considerable experience and expertise in pro- Ireland and Tourism Ireland. In this regard we moting Ireland as a premier angling have worked closely together to identify the destination, much more could be done to potential gaps in our international angling encourage the domestic participation and offering. With the exception of some of the spe- development of angling. Such development of Images courtesy of Inland Fisheries Ireland cialist angling areas, angling broadly follows angling should be implemented and managed them to take more responsibility for the devel- working with the National Angling Federations the overall trends in tourism and therefore the on a local basis, but it generates a national ben- opment and promotion of the fisheries to put in place structures which will facilitate biggest market for overseas anglers is the UK efit from the improvements in the resource resource. Up and down the length and breath of local development works making it easier for and like the overall tourism numbers the num- It was in this context that the Business the country there are angling clubs who, on an clubs to access various funding streams, the ber of angling visitors coming from the UK has Development Division was established. One of unpaid voluntary basis, are working extremely expertise required to draw up and implement declined. Thus the job is very clear, to enhance the aims of this Division is to focus on, and hard to develop their particular fisheries. This fisheries development plans and most impor- the status of Ireland as a premier angling desti- develop the business of angling with the ulti- effort is all done on a local basis for individual tantly reduce the red tape. IFI is developing a nations. Any increase in overseas anglers will mate aim of encouraging more people into the fisheries, and in most cases is never really cap- number of web based ‘how to’ guides which generate a positive return in local communities. sport and supporting those who derive some or tured, however there is a significant national will deal with various aspects involved in Most importantly the communities which ben- all of their income from angling as well as benefit derived from such works. Unfortu- developing fisheries and these guides will com- efit the most from angling tourism are typically empowering the local angling stakeholders to nately much of this effort is unstructured and plement the work of the IFI staff on the ground. in rural areas where there are precious few promote and develop the resource. has, in many cases been hampered by a lack of The perception is that funding, or more pre- other income generating opportunities, thus Thus the first job is to work with the recre- funding, skills and the proverbial red tape. The cisely the lack of funding is one of the biggest angling revenue is particularly important for ational angling sector to help and empower Business Development Division is currently limiting factors preventing clubs from engag- rural communities. In this context the aim of ing in local fisheries development works. the Business Development Division is to However when this area is critically examined increase the number of people who derive some there are actually quite a range of potential or all of their income from angling tourism, by sources of funding available to angling clubs, increasing the number of tourists. If we can and the issue is not one of funding per se but generate additional jobs or support existing the access to and the management of funding, jobs by improving the numbers of angling as almost all of the funding streams have con- tourists then it will be a job well done. ditions and governance requirements attached. IFI is actively working to make it simpler for Dr. Ciaran Byrne, CEO, Inland Fisheires clubs and federations to identify and access Ireland. For further information and details potential funding streams. In short this aim in relation to the above article please contact could be summarized by the phrase “helping Ms Suzanne Campion, Head of Business the sector to help itself”. Much of this effort Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland, will in the first instance be in the form of how to guides and booklets which are currently Swords Business Park, Swords Co. Dublin. SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______7 been renovated several times. These activities, along with GREENING THE BUILT new construction, generate huge amounts of construction and demolition (C&D) debris. EPA estimates that some 136 ENVIRONMENT million tons of C&D debris are generated annually in the U.S.. A large fraction – 50% The Fourth in a Series of Articles or more – can be recycled. This includes bricks, stone, concrete, asphalt, wood, and By Walter Mugdan1 able manner. (The Forest upscale projects: the huge carpeting. Buildings should Stewardship Council is one of Destiny shopping mall under be designed from the start construction in Syracuse, New IN previous editions of the most well established of with their “end of life” already York is procuring more than Sherkin Comment I have writ- these.) Sustainability can also in mind, so that components 20% of its building materials ten about the evolving “green be considered when selecting and materials can be more from recycled sources. construction” movement, the types of wood used in a easily recycled when that day Materials used inside a which seeks ways to make our building project. For example, arrives. Deconstructing build- building also have environ- “built environment” more fast growing bamboo can be ings in a manner so as to mental footprints that can and eco-friendly and sustainable. used in place of slow growing maximize the recycling poten- should be minimized. Paints, The first installment focused hardwoods, and/or hardwoods tial can be more costly, but carpets, carpet adhesives, and on ways to reduce the “carbon from tropical rain forests. experience at facilities such as composite wood products footprint” of buildings. The All major construction proj- Kodak’s huge industrial park (used in many kinds of furni- second focused on ways in ects use concrete – indeed, it is in Rochester, New York show ture) are all sources of volatile which traditional air pollu- the second most widely used that substantial offsetting sav- organic emissions that tants associated with material on earth (after only ings can be realized by adversely affect indoor air. construction can be mini- water). Large amounts of fos- avoiding disposal costs and Low-volatile alternative prod- mized, and the third looked at sil fuel are used to manufacture Images courtesy of US EPA selling valuable secondary uct lines are now available ways to reduce water con- Portland cement, the ingredient Coal combustion products — that is, materials. with excellent performance sumption and pollution. This in concrete that makes it all coal ash — from coal-fired power This series of four articles characteristics. plants can be used to replace a fourth and final installment stick together. Concrete there- has provided a brief glimpse Lighting consumes nearly significant fraction of the Portland considers how building mate- fore has a heavy “carbon of the many innovative ways 10% of a building’s electric- cement that would normally be rials can be selected, used and footprint,” accounting for more needed for use in concrete. in which architects, engineers, ity. Energy-efficient, high recycled so as to reduce the than 5% of the world’s green- builders and building owners performing “green lighting” is short useful life, because of overall environmental impact house gas emissions. As it and managers can minimize therefore an important part of the rapid advancement in tech- of a building project. happens, coal combustion the substantial environmental the equation. Almost any- nology) have significant In considering that environ- products — that is, coal ash — impact of the built environ- where an incandescent environmental consequences. ver are extracted by the most mental impact, it is essential from coal-fired power plants ment. Not every strategy will lightbulb might have been Many hazardous materials go primitive and environmentally to consider the complete life- can be used to replace a signif- be available to every owner; used, a compact fluorescent into the manufacture of high- risky means. Software tools cycle of a given material or icant fraction of the Portland but every owner can – and lightbulb (CFL) can and tech electronics, including now exist to help electronics piece of equipment. How cement that would normally be should – do something. should be used. Likewise, the lead, cadmium, mercury and purchasers select electronics 1 much energy, water, pesticides needed for use in concrete. Any opinions expressed in this arti- energy efficiency of appli- beryllium. The equipment uses that have been designed and and fertilizer went into grow- The coal ash would otherwise cle are the author’s own, and do not ances like refrigerators, electricity throughout its life manufactured, and can be necessarily reflect the position of the ing and harvesting a natural have to be disposed of in a heaters and air conditioning (as much as 8% - to 10% of operated and disposed of, with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. product like wood? How landfill. Every ton of coal ash unit should be maximized. total building use). And at the fewer adverse environmental much energy went into assem- used in concrete offsets about Computers and other elec- end of its useful life it is typi- impacts. Walter Mugdan, Director, bling, manufacturing, and one ton of Portland cement tronic equipment are present in cally either disposed of in a Finally, what goes up must transporting an item to the and, in turn, reduces GHG Emergency & Remedial many buildings. The manu- landfill, or sent to an impover- come down. In the long run building site? What haz- emissions by nearly a ton. Response Division, U.S. facture, use and especially the ished third-world country nearly every building will be ardous wastes were generated Moreover, concrete made with Environmental Protection disposal of such products where useful materials such as demolished, and during its along the way? How much coal ash is actually less perme- Agency, Region 2, New York (which generally have a rather copper wire, lead, gold and sil- lifetime it will probably have energy will a piece of equip- able, more durable and City, USA. (August 2010) ment use over the course of its stronger than concrete made service life? How difficult with Portland cement alone. will it be to disassemble and “Green” concrete is not new – recycle the material at the end it was used 80 years ago in the of its useful life? Developing construction of the massive accurate estimates of these Hoover Dam in Nevada impacts is difficult; but soft- (though the choice had nothing ware tools now exist that to do with environmental con- allow designers to do just that. siderations). Green concrete Wood is one of the most was also used in the recent widely used building products. reconstruction of a major high- As they grow, trees sequester way bridge in Minneapolis, carbon. If new trees are re- Minnesota after its collapse in grown (by planting or natural 2007. reseeding) on land where older Many other building mate- trees have been cut, while the rials can be made entirely or cut wood is incorporated into partially from recycled mate- new buildings, the combined rials. Recycled steel is very effect may be neutral or even common, but other recycled beneficial from the perspec- materials can also be used. tive of an overall “carbon Examples include plastic lum- budget.” But the sustainability ber (made from recycled of forestry practices varies plastic bottles and the like); widely around the U.S. and recycled glass (used in coun- around the world. In many tertops or in place of crushed places forests are cut for tim- rock in drainage fields); and ber and replaced with farms recycled bricks (aesthetically and human habitations. But it pleasing and therefore very is now possible to buy wood fashionable). Even the weath- products that have been certi- ered wood from old barns in fied by an independent third the U.S. is in great demand. party as having been harvested And these products are by no in a widely accepted sustain- means useful only in small, 8 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 The Antipodes Islands & their Albatross

location and costs involved. Once the treacherous trip An insight into across the Southern Ocean is overcome, the researcher hut subantarctic is a surprisingly comfortable place to stay. It has no heating Antipodean and can be damp, but thanks to solar energy one can plug in Albatross a laptop and keep the satellite research phone going. Because the space is small, cooking on the camping stove warms up the hut in the evening when everyone has returned from a By Julia Baer long day pushing through the tussock to locate breeding albatrosses. Introduction An annual average of 5136 The Antipodean albatross is Antipodean albatross pairs endemic to the New Zealand breed on the island (census subantarctic, with over 90% of 1996), with a total mature pop- the population breeding on the ulation estimate of 17 000 Antipodes Islands. The birds. Most of these birds Antipodes Islands are the most breed in areas of tussocky low- south-eastern of the five island land, at a density of 5.5 – 8.5 groups that make up the New nests/ha. Nests are built in tus- Zealand subantarctic, situated sock vegetation high enough 730 km south-east of the New to afford protection from pre- Zealand mainland at 49°41’ S vailing westerlies, but not so and 178°48’ E. This is exactly Images courtesy of Julia Baer dense as to prevent an easy the opposite side of the globe to Antipodean Albatross breeding pair, showing courtship display.The female is on the left, easily distinguished by an all-brown neck and belly. take off. Antipodean alba- London, hence the name Antipodes Island, Jan '10. trosses feed pelagically on ‘Antipodes’. The only other squid, fish and crustacean and known breeding location of the islands, inhabited only for restricted to stay offshore and Waterhouse (358m) as the two unfortunate sailors scribbled are relatively frequently Antipodean albatross is on short periods by sealers, ship- can only view the island ‘from highest points. Captain Henry on the inside walls. The crew caught by tuna long-line fish- Campbell Island (NZ), with up wrecked castaways and the outside’. The Antipodes Waterhouse of the British ship of the Spirit of the Dawn was ing boats, particularly off East to 10 breeding pairs. Wander- researchers. Farm cattle, comprise a main island of HMS Reliance was the first even more unfortunate. Their Cape, New Zealand: 31% of ing albatrosses (Genus sheep and goats were intro- 2025 ha (about 7 km × 5 km), person to chart the island ship foundered off the coast all banded Antipodean alba- Diomedea) have been split into duced in the late 1800’s, but five smaller islands, and sev- group in 1800. His discovery on 1893, five men died; the trosses found dead between 5 different subspecies (DNA had trouble coping with the eral islets and stacks. The sparked a sealing boom which remaining 11-man crew was 1969 and 1994 suffered fish- confirmation pending), of harsh climate and quickly died vegetation is dominated by lasted less than 10 years unable to locate the castaway eries-related deaths (unpubl. which Antipodean albatross out. Today, the only alien tussock grass (Poa littorosa), before the fur seal population hut and lived on raw mutton- data, New Zealand Banding Diomedea (exultans) antipoden- species are a few herbaceous which can grow up to 2 m was all but exterminated. birds, mussels and roots for 87 Office). New Zealand govern- sis and Gibson’s albatross plants, some self-introduced high along the cliff tops. Today there is a small but days before attracting atten- ment observers have been on (Diomedea e. gibsony) consti- passerine birds, and the house There are no trees and only healthy fur seal population, in tion of the steamer Hinemoa. board fishing vessels to docu- tute 50% of all wandering mouse (Mus musculus). The small areas of the low woody addition to several elephant The second hut was built in ment and return all birds albatrosses. Because the Antipodes Islands are a shrub Coprosma antipoda. seal haul out and pupping 1978, replacing a more basic caught in the New Zealand Antipodean albatross breeds at Nature Reserve administered The island’s geology is of vol- sites. There was never any hut and tents. This hut is EEZ for autopsy. The results fewer than five locations world- by the Department of Conser- canic origin, with conspicuous permanent construction on the reserved for researchers that for the 2006/07 fishing season wide and the population vation (DOC) New Zealand, basalt cliffs and volcanic island except two wooden visit the island, however infre- (NIWAAutopsy Report 06/07) number is declining rapidly, the with a very strict quarantine plugs. Cliffs of 150 m height huts. One of them is the cast- quently. There was a period of showed that in the longline species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ and visitor control. Only surround the island, but the away hut which was over 15 years until the early fisheries overall, albatross taxa (IUCN). researchers with work permit central areas of the island con- constructed in 1886 and has 90’s when no research was made up about 70% of The Antipodes are one of are allowed to land on the sist of low rolling hills, with not been modified since; one undertaken on the island returned birds, with the pro- the world’s least modified island, all other visitors are Mt Galloway (366m) and Mt can still see the signatures of whatsoever, due to the remote portion of albatross taxa

Antipodes Island Main Hut (left) and Castaway Hut (right). In the background Anchorage Bay and Perpendicular Head (150m). Antipodes Island, Dec '09. SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______9 highest in the chartered tuna most used by breeding on Antipodes are planned for fishery (ca. 80%) and in the Antipodean wandering alba- the coming years, which ling fishery (64%). trosses. The implementation of makes a continuation of the Antipodean albatrosses were stricter fishing quotas and fish- albatross study highly prob- caught exclusively by longline ing practises that reduce lematic unless new sources of fisheries. There is serious con- bycatch in combination with funding are found. cern that the population will higher observer coverage not sustain the level of would be very important in Julia Baer was a volunteer at bycatch, which caused the ini- these areas. Sherkin Island Marine tiation of the privately funded Because the albatross mon- Station in 2001. All of the Antipodes albatross monitor- itoring programme is above data (unless otherwise ing programme in 1994. This continued largely with private long term study is carried out funding, it is often carried out mentioned) is derived from on the Antipodes Islands and in conjunction with other Department of Conservation aims to determine the effect of research projects on the (DOC) publications by Kath bycatch on population size and island. Whenever possible Walker and Graeme Elliot, the calculation of sustainable field researchers assess the the principal Antipodean levels of bycatch. The pelagic breeding success of the previ- albatross researchers and ecology of wandering alba- ous season’s nesting in chosen funders of the ongoing trosses is still subject to study areas, band chicks for monitoring programme. Images courtesy of Julia Baer speculation and albatrosses future recruitment measure- Male Antipodean albatross in flight, with a wingspan of up to 3.20m. Antipodes Island, Jan '10. have rarely been observed ments and determine breeding feeding naturally when not pair numbers. Recruitment in attracted to bait. To locate for- albatrosses is most difficult to aging areas frequently visited assess since chicks spend the by Antipodean albatrosses, a first 5 years of their lives out number of breeding and non- on sea and after that spend breeding adults on Antipodes only little time on land until Island have been equipped they breed at 10 years of age. with satellite transmitters since This requires a large sample 1996. The transmitters were of banded chicks and it takes a fixed to the birds by harness, decade before the survivors of tape or glue. The deployment these chicks are recruited into of harness transmitters was the breeding population. The soon abandoned because of an average Antipodean albatross increase in mortality rate, chick fledging success desertion and weight loss, between 1994 and 2001 on while taped or glued transmit- Antipodes Island was 75.1%. ters did not appear to affect Since then fledging success fitness. The results from the declined steadily down to a satellite data showed that the record low of 56.6% in 2009. average length of breeding These numbers document the Antipodean albatross foraging declining health of the popula- trips lasted for 14 days until tion and show the crucial role hatching, shorter trips of up to of monitoring projects such as 4 days during guard stage and the one undertaken on an alternation between short Antipodes Island. In the past 5 and long trips during chick- years albatross research was rearing. Favoured foraging carried out in conjunction areas varied between birds and with a white-chinned petrel sexes, but overall the seas to monitoring programme. the north-east and south-east Unfortunately 2010 is the last of the Chatham Islands (800 year of this programme and no km east of NZ) are the areas other research projects based

Antipodean albatross chick close to fledging.View south-west of Orde Lees and Windward Islands. Antipodean Island, Dec '09 10 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 Promoting Duhallow’s Local Rivers

ing in the project and learning By Pat Fitzpatrick about all aspects of river life. RIVERS are seen as a vital This aspect of the project resource to Duhallow, with involve students documenting the North Cork/East Kerry flora and fauna they find region being birthplace to Ire- around their homes, which land’s second largest river, the will then be collated together Munster Blackwater. The on maps, which will be avail- river, which is designated as able online. an SAC, is famously known The project drawn together as a salmon angling river but by IRD Duhallow is managed is also home to other river and developed by a steering species and birds, including group including members the greatly endangered Fresh- from the Kanturk and District water Pearl Mussel. It is our Trout Anglers, Blackwater duty to protect and conserve Salmon Development Group, rivers and streams for future Statutory Agencies, IRD generations to enjoy, and to Duhallow’s Environmental maintain ‘good ecological Forum and Inland Fisheries status’ for these species and Ireland, which are responsible birds which are dependant for undertaking some of the upon them. actions in the project. IRD Duhallow LTD, a It is the intention of IRD Rural Development Com- Duhallow to make this a flag- pany based in Newmarket ship project in Ireland Co. Cork, was initially estab- Image courtesy of Matt Murphy ensuring completion of a suc- lished in 1989 to promote the The Munster Blackwater, near Banteer, Co. Cork. The River is Ireland’s second largest and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. cessful environmental tourism potential of the local conservation project while quality as well as stock health a high standard. pearl mussel has attracted a lot pearl mussels’ temporary rivers in Duhallow. It admin- also satisfying the needs of and productivity. Selective The species targeted by the of interest in recent years due hosts. In their early life stage, isters LEADER and Local relevant stakeholders includ- pruning of bankside trees can project include the Freshwater to its interesting ecology, life they attach to the gills of the Development programmes as ing farmers and landowners. improve fisheries and bank pearl mussel Margaritifera cycle, ability to produce pearls fish or trout, and nourishment well as running the Rural Michael Twohig, Chairman of revetment can enhance biodi- margaritifera, Atlantic salmon and, most importantly, its is taken from this fish host Transport and Warmers IRD Duhallow says “We are versity while also reducing the Salmo salar, otter Lutra lutra, decline which has left the until they are large and mature Homes Insulation and a meal working with our communi- risk of flooding. These works kingfisher Alcedo atthis and species in danger of extinction. enough to exist independently service for the elderly. IRD ties, schools, farmers, angling should result in the improve- dipper Cinclus cinclus, species Pearl Mussels have a symbi- (they increase to about six Duhallow was one of two clubs and environmental ment of the water quality of that once thrived in the area but otic relationship with salmon times their original length), at successful Irish applicants to interests on this project. We the river, thus maintaining it at are now in serious decline. The and trout as they act as the which time they fall into the receive funding from the EU have long believed that our substrate of the river. The fish LIFE+ Environmental Pro- natural resources, if properly provides the essential step in gramme, targeting the Upper developed with an eye to con- the mussels’ life cycle, and Blackwater River, with vari- servation hold the best mussels improve water quality ous river restoration works prospect of economic revival by filtering water. Each mussel outlined to ensure the conser- for Duhallow. The project will has the ability to filter up to 50 vation status of riverine provide a template that can be litres of water per day. Hence, species while promoting this used nationally illustrating pearl mussel requires very high natural resource as an how landowner’s needs as quality rivers with clean river amenity to be enjoyed by the well as the needs of the envi- beds and waters with very low whole community. The IRD ronment can work in tandem. levels of nutrients and a mini- Duhallow LIFE project with With the sensitive develop- mal threat of siltation. a total project budget of ment of our rivers through An important aspect of the around €2 million (with improved river water quality project is engaging local com- almost half of that from the and fish stocks, the Upper munities and promoting the LIFE+ fund) began in 2010 Blackwater catchment has the importance of local rivers and and ends in 2014. potential to generate tourism the species which local rivers The river restoration works based on angling, ecotourism contain. The project is con- proposed will be specifically and wildlife appreciation to ducting a public awareness undertaken on the Allow benefit the entire community campaign for these targeted River, which flows through while also enhancing agricul- species in the Duhallow area Freemount and Kanturk tural practices in the area. where leaflets and brochures before joining the main Black- are being distributed and field water Channel outside visits conducted. Another Pat Fitzpatrick, Project Co- Banteer. Examples of pro- integral part of the project is ordinator, IRD Duhallow posed works will include education, whereby local Life, James O’Keeffe Institute, halting river bank erosion schools both at primary and Newmarket, Co. Cork. through bank revetment, secondary level are participat- www.duhallow.com introducing alternative forms of cattle drink sources for livestock along the river and control of river weed, these 20 full sets of works are targeted at negative impacts on the river that have SHERKIN COMMENT occurred overtime. Careful land management practices still to give away! undertaken in such a way will result in an improved and pro- We have surplus copies of Sherkin Comment to give to good homes (Nos. 1 – 50). A set is free to anyone who will cover the tected environment. For postage of €15 in Ireland and €20 outside of Ireland. instance, fencing and alterna- Contact us for further information at: tive cattle drinks can reduce Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co Cork. sediment and nutrient inputs [email protected] Courtesy of IRD Duhallow leading to improved water Available on a first come first serve basis. SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______11 Ireland’s Wild Flowers Magnificently Revealed A Review by John Akeroyd

LAST September appeared a true masterpiece from one of Ireland’s most distinguished and learned botanists*. It was also a landmark in the Dublin city and its suburbs. He understands and study of the Irish flora, being both a popular conveys the value of stone walls, churchyards, account of the island’s botanical richness and an orchid-rich railway cutting through an esker one of few wild flower books written from an or glacial debris ridge, the old gravel workings Irish perspective. Most flower books provide an that support the few Irish populations of Red account of the British flora, with Ireland (mainly Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis angustifolia), or the the Burren) as an afterthought, and field botany centuries of horse grazing that have allowed has perhaps been regarded in Ireland as a ‘Big outlying mountain grassland plant communities House’ activity. But Dublin, a centre of learning to persist on the Curragh of Co. Kildare. He and a place liberal in outlook, has long been a tells the stories of some of the naturalized alien hotbed of field botany. The author of this book, plants such as Oxford Ragwort (Senecio a lifelong Dubliner, learned much about plant squalidus), which has long made its home in identification from Howard Hudson, a veteran Cork City, and welcomes newcomers such as Dublin botanist who had been instructed in Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), botany by J.P. Brunker, author of the 1950 Flora once a local plant in southern Europe, now an of County Wicklow. Brunker himself learned his integral element of Irish walls! He dissects the trade from Nathaniel Colgan, a great naturalist human landscape of Ireland – for example, his of the late 19th to early 20th century – that ‘hey- plea to seek out interesting introduced plants in day of Irish botany’, according to the legendary older small towns – like a botanical William Professor David Webb, whom Declan Doogue Trevor. He also fully understands the science, also knew well. It’s been my great pleasure to notably the role of genetics, variation, ecologi- accompany this amiable enthusiast in the field cal gradients and evolution in shaping our flora for more than 30 years, notably with the Dublin and, rather than fret about the loss of native veg- Naturalists Field Club, and seen him pass on his etation, he enthuses about how plants have own vast knowledge. survived and often thrived in Ireland. Neverthe- The book is sumptuously produced, a large- less he is ever conscious of the constant threats format coffee table book but one with an to our heritage of wild flowers, such as the authoritative text. Picture captions well link the impact of some aliens or the loss of wet grass- text and Carsten Krieger’s numerous fine colour land, with plants such as the once-widespread photographs. These are beautiful, sometimes Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) now in decline. slightly overpowering in their detail but fre- The book’s final section, on that quintessential quently deeply evocative, and they will sell the Irish place, the Burren, brings together many of book’s message even to those who are only the author’s themes. His succinct account of slightly aware of flowers. Of Ireland’s thousand everything from the rarities to the diminutive or so native plant species and long-term intro- winter annuals of rocks and walls shows how ductions, the book concentrates on 300 innovative management of this unique region common or widespread plants, with plenty of might be a lesson for the conservation in Ire- reference to some scarcer species. Declan land. He ends with a well-chosen reading list. Doogue begins by stating how plants indicate The book, enthusiastic, perceptive and clear, environmental factors and changes, which we is the output of somebody who has devoted his can follow by looking at associated climatic, life to teaching children (and adults). The style ecological, geographical and historical data. He is gentle, persuasive and didactic, as if we’re considers lawn and garden weeds, then takes us out with a real expert on an excursion, as indeed through urban wasteland, sand-dunes, rivers we are. The author shows why our wild flowers and canals, lakes and bogs, fens, hedges are important and thus we need to conserve (including their wild roses), grassland and them. Here is an effortless synthesis of informa- woodland (not least rare swamp woodland), tion on the places, patterns and processes that always explaining the basics of ecology and give rise to a rich and ever-changing flora in this threats from habitat loss – he well explains the small and increasingly human-disturbed island. dynamic nature of habitats and plant communi- Above all, Declan Doogue gives a feel of what ties. Finally he guides us round the flora of the it’s like to be a botanist, and captures the sheer Burren, a special treat he leaves until the end excitement of looking for plants and building up (and thus not overshadowing all the other won- a detailed picture of the Irish flora. There is a derful things in the book). He explains Latin timely warning though – botanical skills are names, their derivation, construction and value dying out in universities and in the wider com- as a universal language; he also shows the munity. How one wishes that the author’s excitement of plant recording, and how the trap- sanity, wisdom, knowledge and sensitivity to ping, handling and displaying of these data are nature were present in the academic world. And so relevant in today’s automated digital age. All among politicians and those who make deci- this and the information he gives on the legal sions on our behalf. protection of plants, including the EU’s impor- * The Wild Flowers of Ireland. Carsten Krieger & tant Habitats Directive, is probably unfamiliar Declan Doogue. Pp. 320 pp. Gill & Macmillan, to many people. The book exudes ideas for Dublin. 2010. Hardback. £29.99, €29.99. ISBN 978- botanical projects – here is a science, like 0-71714-661-1. astronomy or meteorology, where anybody can contribute important data and ideas. Dr John Akeroyd has studied the Irish flora for over One of Declan’s greatest strengths is his 30 years. He edited The Wild Plants of Sherkin, affinity with the habitats that derive from Cape Clear and adjacent islands of West Cork human activity – he has always been a driving (1996) and is author of A Beginner’s Guide to force for recording plants (and animals) within Ireland’s Wild Flowers (2008). 12 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 An Afternoon on High Island (Ardoilean)

Plan of the monastery on High Island, Co. Galway.The solid line equals definite wall faces, whereas dotted lines indicate conjectural ones (Map reprinted with kind permission of Grellen Rouke).

guided St. Féchín to the shores of Ardoilean in “Ireland remembreth the Feast of St. the 7th century. Féchín, that he was the King’s bloud, and Perhaps too the island may have enjoyed Abbot who cured many of the flixe or floxe High Island which lies off the North West coast of Connemara. middle to late Bronze Age inhabitants. Pollen and dyed thereof himself”. evidence suggests crop agriculture at some St. Féchín died of the yellow plague in the It was the ‘peregrinatio’, in the sense of wan- period after 1000 BC. There is a good reason year after the Council Whitby on the 20th Feb- By John Gore-Grimes dering at sea without plotting a course or to believe that men and women of the Iron Age ruary 665. When next you pass through seeking a direction which guided Brendan the may have lived on High Island. Materials used Termonfeckin, spare a thought for this ener- HIGH ISLAND is just 2 ½ miles off the Navigator to the Islands of Sheep (Faroes), the in the church flooring indicates dates of getic saint whose brother, a man of equal North West coast of Connemara. It was chosen Island of Smiths (Iceland) and onwards to Vin- between 300 BC and 20 AD. energy, was King Conn of the Hundred Battles. by Irish anchorites as a place of exile for the th land (America) and the Islands of Birds (West If it was St. Féchín who founded the 7 cen- Landing on High Island sent a tingle from love of God or the peregrinatio pro amore dei. Indies). Although a lesser journey, it may have tury monastic settlement, he was a busy man. the soles of my shoes to the top of my head. He founded his first monastery at Fore in West- We were stepping into the history of old Ire- meath, where there was eventually a LEAVE YOUR land. Your mind will race to try and get some community of 300 monks. At Fore, St. Féchín FOOTPRINTS sense of the life which the tiny community of 2011 Beaches Awards for ON THE SAND AND drew water from the marsh by cutting a tunnel Bronze Age and Stone Age people endured or NOT YOUR WASTE. through the rock to establish a watermill. perhaps enjoyed in this remote place. You will There was a watermill on High Island close to County Cork On your next beach visit feel but not see the presence of the small com- REMEMBER: the ruins of the monastic settlement, but the munity of monks moving silently through the Blue Flag Award - Stay safe. Adhere to safety signage. evidence suggests that the mill was a 10th cen- long grass. The bell will ring to call the broth- An Taisce-The National Trust for Ireland, with support from the Department of the Not all beaches are life guarded. Know which are – and obey the tury development. ers to prayer but you will not hear it. Environment, Heritage and Local Government and on behalf of the Foundation for Lifeguard flags when displayed. Environmental Education (FEE). The International award is one of the worlds most - Use litter and recycling bins provided St. Féchín founded and built other monaster- The landings are steep and the grass is long. recognised Eco Labels and is universally recognised as the benchmark for beach quality. at the beach or better still follow the ies at Imaid Island, and on Omey Island close th It ensures the following beach quality criteria are maintained: Pack it in Pack it out initiative On the 18 June 2010, we saw no rabbits. High - excellence in water quality and a committed monitoring programme. implemented on many of our Cork to High Island. He founded a monastery at beaches and bring your litter home Island is a special place and before you reach - provision of adequate safety and services, safety equipment and warning signals of with you. Ballysadare and established several churches in the medieval monastic enclosure, you will pass potential hazards. - Respect the fragile habitat, the area of his birthplace near Bella in the - beach management programme, good infrastructure, accessibility and litter control particularly the sand dunes. Sand two places of accommodation / storage. Walk- dunes are a very important townland of Coolooney, Co. Sligo. - provision of environmental information and education. ecosystem and coastal defense ing south, the large black shed on the right is system. Please do not trample the Dr. Hammer in his ‘Chronicle of Ireland’ Duchas property. So too is the stone / timber Green Coast Award dunes - use footpaths and designated The Green Coast Awards were first operated with Authorities in Wales and now extend pathways. Driving, motorcycling observed: building on the left-hand side but it was the scrambling and horse riding destroys to the coastline of Ireland for the fourth year running. The Green Coast Award is a the dunes. Please try and prevent symbol of excellence which recognises: these activities. - Excellent Water Quality - Good Management - Bring Your camera!!!!!! - High Environmental Standards - Community Involvement The Environmental Education unit of Green Coast beaches may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet An Taisce are running a Clean Coast Photographic Competition as part of the criteria for Blue Flag Status, however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy a their Clean Coast programme. This is rich coastal heritage and diversity. Community involvement through local Coast care open to all amateur photographers . groups is a requirement for the Green Coast Award and Cork County Council would like For more visit to commend the excellent work and commitment of our local community/Coast Care www.cleancoastphoto.org - Cork County Council Beach Byelaws groups in the management and care of their local coastline. To find out how you can 2011 have recently been adopt a beach and form a coastcare groups contact Annabel McLoone, An Taisce implemented on our Cork Beaches. [email protected] and www.beachawards.ie For Further information on Images courtesy of John Gore-Grimes Commencement, Interpretation, An Taisce recently announced 11 Blue Flag awards and 12 Green Coast awards for Authorised Persons, Prohibited Acts, County Cork bathing areas at an awards ceremony held in Wexford June 9th where Control of Dogs, Horses, Recreational presentations were made by the minister of the Environment Mr Phil Hogan. Craft, Permits, Offences ETC please visit WWW.CORKCOCO.IE BLUE FLAGS GREEN COAST - THE BEACH IS A PUBLIC PLACE. Dog owners please respect the safety of Youghal Youghal Front Strand others. Keep your dog on a leash and (Main Beach) clean up after your dog. On the spot Youghal Claycastle Youghal Claycastle fine of €150 for dog fouling. Protect Redbarn Ring Strand/Greenlands public health and be responsible. Shanagarry Garryvoe Garryvoe - Get your school involved in beach Ardnahinch activity days-marine education days IT'S A organised by your local authority. Midleton Inch GREAT Remember – There is a BLUE FLAG Carrigaline Rocky Bay CERTIFICATE awarded to schools who DAY carry out marine/beach activities. For Old Head of Kinsale Garretstown Oysterhaven more contact Annabel McLoone An Garrylucas TO BE Taisce at [email protected] Clonakilty Inchydoney Redstrand AT THE Roscarberry Owenahincha BEACH! BEACH AWARDS have benefits to the Warren local community where amenities and environment are enhanced and a shared Skibbereen Tragumna responsibility for the beach and the local Schull Ballyrisode environment is promoted. These awards Galleycove also have a positive knock on affect for tourism in the County. The local Authority Mizen Head Barleycove depends on the full cooperation of the Beara Garinish public in maintaining and progressing the blue flag and green coast awards along Part of the monastic enclosure. Sheeps Head Penninsula Dooneen Pier our beautiful coastline. SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______13 property of the poet Richard Murphy, who owned the Island from the early 1960’s until 1998. Murphy’s poem ‘High Island’ describes this tranquil place beautifully. There are seven verses and the first four are quoted below: A shoulder of rock Sticks high up out of the sea, A fisherman’s mark For lobster and blue-shark. Fissile – and stark The crust is flaking off, Seal-rock, gull-rock Cove and cliff. Dark mounds of mica schist, A lake, mill and chapel, Roofless, one gable smashed, Lie ringed with rubble. An older calm, The kiss of rock and grass, Pink thrift and white sea-campion, Flowers in the dead place. The monastic enclosure at the southern end

of the island is located on a fairly strategic site Images courtesy of John Gore-Grimes in a small valley with a lake close by and a The graveyard has beautifully engraved headstones. The monastic enclosure at the southern end of the island. small pond some short distance south of the mill pond lake. The shelter from winter storms and its proximity to the mill pond provided the with High Island and more or less with the time possible that those shy anchorites of the bird and much to be learned, and if you cannot go best convenience. The east wall of the cashel, of St. Gormgil included Maelsuthunius, world, the corncrake, might rest or even breed there and still have an interest in it, you can or what remains of it, is set into the bottom of Celechaius, Dubthacus, Dunadach, Cellachus, there. With high grass and no murderous hay- purchase a copy of “High Island” – An Island a steep hill which reaches up to the Ardoilean Tressachus, Ultun, Mgelmartinus, Cormachus making machines these birds might just find Monastery in the Atlantic, by Jenny White peak at 62.3 metres. This location offered no and Conmachus. These monks thought nothing the solitude which they seek. Perhaps the elu- Marshall and Grellan D. Rourke, published by defensive opportunity to the community of travelling alone without road or signpost to sive Morning Dove has paid a visit to High Town House and Country House, Dublin. It is beneath the fast rising ground but that too may distant places such as Fore in Westmeath and Island. They have been sighted on Inishbofin a beautiful publication which will make it dif- have been deliberate. There is a carefully perhaps to Durrow to pray at the Altar of Fin- (the island of the white cow) but they are ficult for you not to visit Ardoilean after you restored grave-yard with beautifully carved ian the Recluse. The cashel on High Island extremely rare. If it has not already been have read its pages. headstones set in to the ground to the east of the encloses a church with a leacht (altar) below its undertaken, a survey of the birds on High church wall. There are just two cells within the east facing window. The church itself is further Island might produce some interesting results. John Gore-Grimes, Cavendish House, enclosure but there are three fairly spacious enclosed with a robust enclosure wall. High Island is and thoroughly deserves to be a Smithfield, Dublin 7. chambers which are set into the outer wall or Apart from Richard Murphy and Duchas, it Special Protection Area (SPA). If you go there cashel. On the south side of the west entrance, is reputed that the Island was, for a time, owned please tread carefully. There is much to be seen located on the shore of the mill pond, is a large by Brian Boru. Much is written of Boru which chamber which, it is suggested, may have been has been manipulated by fictional interpreta- a guest house. The community on High Island tion of his adventures published to suit one would have received penitent visitors, none cause or another, including the spectacularly more renowned than Brian Boru who came to well published account of this noble King say- visit Abbot Gormgil there. ing mass in his tent on the high ground above It is hard to say how many monks lived Clontarf on the 23rd April 1014 when he was within the small cashel which enclosed the killed by a few Norsemen who were fleeing the monastery at High Island but the suggestion is battle and happened to stumble upon him. that it may have been ten or perhaps a dozen Boru was certainly killed, but as a layman it is monks. St. Gormgil was the High Island Abbot at least doubtful that he was ‘saying’ mass. in the latter part of the 10th century. No clear Looking around High Island on a fine day all date of his lifespan is to be found. He was the usual suspects were bickering away on the thought to have been the most saintly man of rocky outcrops and cliff ledges. A few were his time and he was renowned as an Anmchara seen at the edges of grass. The absence of rab- or soul friend. Other holy names associated bits allows the grass to grow high and it is just

The east facing window of the church (above); the leacht (altar) below the window. 14 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 metrically opposite” received her broadside, reserving our Britain had it, “ague” they called it. Sailing ships had long learned fire till, we came yard arm to yard The dash and initiative attributed about the world’s prevailing winds arm when every shot counted and a in the old romantic stories to Knights that swirl round our planet and used most desperate engagement ensued, Errant appeared again in the 18th some of them, such as the “Trade which for the time it lasted, was the century in the ranks of the Privateers Winds”, to carry their goods to mar- hottest ever known. and what person of spirit would not

Image courtesy of Robbie Murphy ket in far distant lands and bring back I had 12 marines with me on the wish to join them. Two daughters of a City of Ships rum and coffee, sugar and tea. The forest-castle which was my station nobleman are reported to have owned writer of the Hibernian notes how the and proved the hottest in the ship, as a ship. A privateer was no private but transport taking convicts to Australia the enemy attempted to board us a person who owned and sailed a regularly sailed round the world, there twice, the flikes of our anchors small fighting ship. The owner must going with the winds. were fast in their fore-chain; the first provide all the ship’s needs, guns, “The transport vessels which con- attempt to board us, the French first ammunition, sails, supplies of all vey the convicts sail from Cork or Lieutenant jumped on our gunnel and sorts food and what the old writers ports in southern England, sail south made a push at me with his small called the ship’s “furniture”. Then and if they do not arrive at some of the sword, which pushed through my you must find a crew willing to be led African islands, do not touch at any coast, waistcoat and shirt, without by you. Fellows who knew how to port till they reach the Brazils, though hurting me. I disengaged myself from work the ship, fore her guns and to sometimes they may be obliged to him, and gave him a cut on the head fight. All hoped to make money. In steer a south and easterly course and with my hanger, which laid him the British Navy, prize money was enter the Cape of Good Hope. They sprawling on the gangway gored in awarded according to rank. An Admi- afterwards proceed easterly till they blood, with half on my hanger stick- ral seeing the action from far off, pass all the oriental islands leaving ing in his skull. The Frenchmen could get the biggest share, the sea- them to the northward of their course, fought bravely until their Captain men who fought and died in the and afterwards reach the western Chevalier de Romain fell. When they actual conflict the least. But a priva- shores of the New South Wales, arriv- ran from their quarters immediately teer was on his or her open and could ing between the latitude of 40 and 50 we boarded them and cut their ensign divide the loot far more rationally. south of the Equator, double the Cape from the staff they then all went down To become a privateer you had to be of that southern continent, and sailing on their knees and begged for quar- officially licensed by your govern- north by east, arrive at Fort Jackson, ters which was granted. The carnage ment, given “letters of marque (mark)” where after landing the convicts and in so short a time was amazing, they which allowed you to attack enemy stores, proceed homewards across the had 30 men dead on their deck and ships but none other. The Americans Pacific Ocean, the Streights of Magel- 70 wounded; we had only 5 men even gave the skippers a printed list of Tied up at Cork Docks. lan, and the Atlantic, making the killed and 15 wounded. Our great the rules at the first briefing. They were whole about 32,800 miles. guns shattered their hull most terri- to behave as gentlemen and not as better armed, better provisioned. The All this was done with none of bly; most of their men were killed by pirates. The seas were full of them and By Daphne Pochin English Navy, which had been based today’s equipment. There were maps the marines with small arms. I had the newspapers of reports of their cap- at Kinsale, moved to Cork and but without the detail of today. A three men killed by my side and seven ture, and recaptures. Mould Haulbowline Island (now the head- knotted, weighted line called the Log wounded, myself and another remain- These days it is hard to visualise a quarters of the Irish Navy and in gave you your speed in knots (a knot ing unhurt out of twelve. I had indeed sea almost never empty of ships and a THE world’s harbours are number- which women now serve with the is one nautical mile an hour) and a most miraculous escape. My right constant stream of vessels entering or less, ranging from the very large to men!). Also came oil tankers, con- another weighted line, marked in fath- eye is a little hurt by the wind of a 12 leaving Cork Harbour. Convoys could the very small, from places where tainer ships, cruise liners and flotillas oms (6ft), gave the depth of water pounders, which wizzed past my face, be up to 100 ships, with at wartime a fleets of ships for war or peace could of yachts and yachts men and under you. They used a sextant to and took my Sarjent’s arm off by the Naval vessel to provide an armed moor at their ease, to the very small women. Cork claims the Royal Cork determine latitude. But you were on shoulder. After the first broads I was escort. All of which was done by sail and difficult to access yet useful ports Yacht Club, funded in the 18th cen- your own in vast and often unfriendly as cool as if I had been eating my din- power alone. Since the coming of of call. Cork’s Harbour is one of the tury, as the world’s oldest. Its old sea, with no possible communication ner, although the first shot wizzed engines, we wonder how it was done world’s finest – very spacious and clubhouse at Cobh is now the Sirius with the land. Had the ‘Titanic’ not past me as thick as hail; it would but it was and done very well. very beautiful. St. Finbarr may have Centre; the club’s present base is at had the newly installed wireless, we have shocked anyone to see me after The ships brought Cork cargoes of begun urban settlement on high, dry Crosshaven. The people who owned would never have known what hap- the action was over, being all over everything: Jamaican rum, choice land above the river and marsh where the big houses, with their great gar- pened her. Yet most ships made it besmeared with the blood and brains French wines, London Porter, though the round tower once stood and now dens and estates, discovered the joy safely by sail power alone and the of my brave men who feel by my side. Cork had its own breweries and dis- the great cathedral. However Cork, of “messing about in boats” and built skill of the sailors. The cutter never fired a shot, but tilleries. From farms and mountain the Marsh, grew out of dry islets yachts to sail and to race. Sadly, warfare of one sort or lay off and on and when she saw her pastures came a stream of butter on where the swans nested, and little Cork’s first newspaper was the another, fuelled by local or interna- consort’s flag struck, bore away for the Butter Roads to the Butter Market, ships could navigate the many Hibernian Chronicle, which dates tional political, has been the Brest, I suppose to tell their country where it was graded and packed for streams into which the river Lee split from 1769. It recorded most things background to most of Cork’s, and men the news”. The British ship had a export worldwide. Cork had many as it met the sea. that happened in Cork, and all the Ireland’s, history. In the 18th century lot of damage which had to be things produced locally but imports The Harbour is vast, enclosing ships coming into the Harbour – the continental papers kept folk repaired on the spot but sailors of were even more diverse. New foreign many lesser anchorages and islands, ships’ names, where from, where to, informed and the Chronicle read and wooden sailing ships were expert in seeds and plants, luxury fabrics, thou- including Great Island (Cobh) and masters’ name, cargo. So from that summarised them. France, Britain, repairs at sea. Young Simeon was put sands of quills to make pens Spike, with its star-shaped fort that date you can consult the library Spain, the American war of Indepen- in charge of the prize, with 14 marines (everything hand written until set in guarded the entry up river to the City. archives (or micro film). Did your dence – we can relive them, not only and 120 prisoners to guard. “She is the type) and feathers for the ladies hats. Here came the people of Celtic Ire- family have a boat trading into or out from official reports but from peo- largest frigate yet taken; she is 138 Those convoys sailed the Atlantic to land in small wooden boats and later of Cork or a son in the Royal Navy ple’s letters. What was it like to face feet keel and 35 feet breath of beam; the New World, or rounded the Cape the far-ranging Vikings in Norse like the young captain of the ‘Kanga- cannon fire on a sailing ship? and been only four days out of Brest, of Good Hope to get tea from China ships, triumphs of the ship builders’ roo’ Sloop of War, who while The Chronicle printed an abstract was bound on a cruize, so was well and Indian goods. craft – long and fast for warfare. Fat- cruising off the Cork coast, spotted of a letter from Simeon Busigny, stocked with provisions and stores, We can only image the talk of skip- ter and rounder, their knorr ships the French “Armada” heading for Ire- Lieutenant of Marines, on board the has 500 pipes of wine on board, a pers of those ships in the taverns and carried cargoes, families and farm land and Bantry Bay and got the news “Flora” at Falmouth, on August 16, to dozen live sheep, four bullocks, two coffee houses of Cork, where men animals to settle new lands. through to the Admiralty? his parents in Liverpool. calves and two dozen of fowls.” who had sailed the China seas gos- Ships and more ships came. Mer- An article in the Hibernian Chron- “I am just arrived here in La (It was normal to ship livestock to siped with others who had spent the chantmen and men of work, icle of 1801, writes: Nymphe, French frigate of 38 guns, kill during the voyage and provide summer fishing cod on the New- adventurers and explorers, people “The circumnavigation of the twelve pounders which we took on some fresh meat, to augment the foundland Banks and drying them for who could help map, and coal boats globe had been heretofore supposed Thursday the 10th inst. off Ushant everlasting ships biscuits, salt meat, export. And the local fishermen who for Cork’s ever-hungry fires. Later to be an attempt of the most daring after an engagement of an hour and dried peas etc..). had just come in with a good catch of the first steam boats and paddle ships and astonishing nature, and therefore 10 minutes. Such was 18th century warfare, herring caught locally. crossed harbour and crossed Channel, the voyages of the Spanish navigators Being ordered to join the grand bloody bloody violent, but not the Today, of course, Cork imports to Britain, with little “Sirius of Cork” and also of Sir F. Drake were read fleet, we sailed from Spithead the 7th main killer in warfare. Until our own enormous amounts of all sorts of making the first steam trip all the way with avidity, yet such was the igno- inst.; nothing material happened till time, that has always been disease. goods and sends out loads of other across to New York. rance of the true figure of the earth, Thursday the 13th, when we per- These 18th century vessels were rav- Steam eventually replaced sail items. But we are hardly aware of all the numbers, even of those termed the power. People questioned the coming ceived a French frigate and a cutter aged by fevers of one sort or another, this enormous business for it is now learned of for centuries, imagined the of iron ships – was it possible a metal ahead, bearing down on us; we as were settlements in new lands. Yel- all container vessels with a quick accounts of such voyages, not well vessel would float? “I threw mither’s immediately turned all hands to quar- low fever reduced whole ships’ crews turnaround. Oil flows silently from comprehending how those who set off poker in the loch and it sank”. So ters and hoisted English colours., to a few sick and shaken men. tankers and they are off for more. in an easterly or westerly direction, many hopes and fears – bigger ships, Ushant bearing S.S.E. seven leagues, Malaria was becoming confined to Cork and Ireland still depend on sea should return a trace or course dia- at 5pm we came within gunshot, and hot countries though in earlier times born trade. SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______15 Groundwater Quality Images courtesy of EPA in Ireland 2007-2009 Progress – but more to do

However, direct discharges, poor status due to statistically By Matthew Craig e.g. from wastewater treatment significant upward nitrate works, may also be the cause trends at water supply wells Background of water quality problems in and because of the legacy of surface water. historic pollution from mining The implementation of the activities and industry. Water Framework Directive in 2000 required a common Groundwater Overview Figure 1: Groundwater issuing from a spring in Co. Galway approach to the assessment of Overall, 85% of groundwa- Nitrates & Phosphates stones aquifers in the south- water quality across Europe, ter bodies were of good status Generally pollution of east. However, nationally, the firstly by identifying the pres- in accordance with the Water groundwater has decreased nitrate concentrations remain sures (and impacts) on water Framework Directive (WFD) somewhat in recent times, highest in the south-east and quality and then through an assessment process (Figure 2). with an overall reduction in south of the country. overall evaluation of the state Problems are evident in the nitrate e.g. Figure 3, and phos- or condition of our waters. The west of Ireland in areas with phate concentrations. Above first assessment cycle has just shallow soils and subsoils. average rainfall has played a Ammonium & finished and the results form Although the pressures from key role, and it is likely that the basis of much of the EPA’s industry, humans and agricul- implementation of the Good Microbial Pathogens Water Quality in Ireland 2007- ture are relatively low, the Agricultural Practices Regula- At the majority of monitor- 09 report. absence of subsoils enables tions, in particular, the ing locations, the mean Often the focus is on the pollutants to enter groundwater increase in farm storage for ammonium concentrations water we can see at the surface relatively easily. Water can manure and slurry, and the were below the Drinking and groundwater is forgotten, readily travel through the frac- reduced usage of inorganic Water limit. Increases in however groundwater often tured limestone aquifers and fertilizers have been benefi- ammonium were probably as a drives the quality of water at ultimately the pollutants dis- cial. The dilution from rainfall result of above average rainfall the surface as groundwater dis- charge in the streams, rivers is more prominent in the pro- and pollutants not being atten- charges (e.g. figure 1) to rivers, and lakes, significantly con- ductive aquifers with uated by the soils and subsoils lakes and estuaries. As such, tributing to nutrient enrichment monitoring data indicating that i.e. areas with extreme vulner- poor quality water in surface problems in these water the greatest reductions in ability. Positive faecal water may be the result of pol- courses. A small number of nitrate concentrations have coliform counts were detected lution in groundwater. groundwater bodies were at occurred in the karst lime- in 35% of water samples taken. Microbiological prob- lems were observed in the areas where groundwater is more vulnerable to pollution Figure 2: Chemical Status of groundwater bodies (particularly at spring moni- The main reason we see high or good quality. toring locations) because they pristine water is lack of pres- The principal and most have little natural protection sure from people, agriculture widespread cause of water pol- from organic inputs. If or industry and good practice lution in Ireland is nutrient abstraction wells are properly when locating and installing enrichment resulting in the designed and installed, and are potentially polluting activities. eutrophication of rivers, lakes located in areas where the The reality is that Ireland does and tidal waters from agricul- groundwater vulnerability is not suffer from an industrial tural run-off and discharges of lower, the impacts of organic legacy and the same level of wastewater. Further improve- inputs should be minimal. agricultural intensification as ments in groundwater quality many of our European coun- are required for both environ- The Way Forward terparts and consequently we mental and public health In Ireland we perceive our do not have the same overall reasons. Key measures should waters to be clean and whole- degree of water quality prob- include the optimal applica- some; resulting in good lems seen elsewhere. tion by farmers of organic and quality drinking water and Generally, as we move along inorganic fertilizers at times good quality water in our water courses from upland and in a manner that min- groundwater, rivers, lakes and areas to lowland areas and imises leaching, and coastal waters. Generally this estuaries the influence and householders ensuring that perception is reality, with impact of pollution becomes their on-site wastewater treat- many of our rivers and lakes, greater and waters are gener- ment systems, such as septic The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) aims to promote particularly in upland areas, ally no longer pristine, tanks, are located, constructed compliance with sea-fisheries and food safety law by supporting being of pristine quality. although they may still be of and maintained properly. While there is evidence of an and helping the industry to understand their legal obligations overall improvement in water under this legislation. The SFPA will continue working in co- quality in Ireland, further operation with the industry to further develop a culture of actions are essential if we are to achieve our water quality tar- compliance to ensure the growth of a sustainable, profitable, and gets for 2015 and 2021 as world class fishing industry in Ireland. required by the Water Frame- work Directive. The EPA will work with the network of local authorities and other agencies The SFPA is the independent statutory body, legally charged with in tackling the water quality the State’s sea-fisheries law enforcement functions. challenges ahead. Confidential Line: 1890 767676 Fax: +353 (0)23 8859300 E: [email protected] W: www.sfpa.ie Matthew Craig, Environmental Protection Figure 3: Nitrate concentrations in groundwater Agency, Dublin. www.epa.ie 16 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______17

Jewel Anemone

By Paul Kay to those in which they would normally live. Yet photographic images, either moving or still, remain the way that most people are IRELAND has an immensely diverse able to see the marine environment, even marine environment, with massive varia- now in the twenty-first century. tions in both the shallow coastal seabeds and I realised a long time ago that I really was their inhabitants. The undersea off the coast extremely privileged to be able to explore changes just as much as the coast itself. For the undersea world directly for myself. most people it remains a largely unknown When I first visited Sherkin Island, in Co. world, perhaps fleetingly glimpsed in televi- Cork, as a volunteer I had no idea that it Ireland’s Hidden Depths is sion programmes, sometimes mentioned on would be a life changing experience and that IRELAND’S available from all good IRELAND’S the radio or occasionally shown in maga- my life's course would be irrevocably zines. It is only seen directly by the fortunate bookshops and can also be altered. Back in the early eighties underwa- bought directly from Sherkin few who are able to scuba dive and visit it ter photography was difficult and frustrating Island Marine Station for themselves. and producing a satisfying image was some- www.sherkinmarine.ie. Sherkin Island Marine Station’s decision thing of a triumph. Now something of these Retail: €17.99 (plus €2.00 to produce a second book on Ireland's images are a historic record in underwater p+p) • marine environment means that it is now photography terms. ISBN: 978-1-870492-53-9 possible to show off the richness with the 160 pp • Softback (with The images in this book span some 30 • benefit of new technologies. It is nearly 20 french folds) 277 x 227 mm years of underwater photography and are all • 200 colour photographs years since Matt Murphy first published Hidden Depths from around the Irish coast. Having recently Orders can be be made online A gully off Sherkin Island "Ireland's Marine Life, a World of Beauty" revisited some of the sites that I first dived using Paypal. which showed off Ireland's rich and spectac- back in the early eighties, I am also very ular undersea world and its inhabitants. In aware that the photographs are actually very the intervening years technology has pro- valuable as a comparison to how the same Photography by Paul Kay gressed and has profoundly altered places look today. In many cases there are Kelp forest underwater photography with digital imag- slight differences as encrusting creatures

Images courtesy of Paul Kay ing having rapidly taken over from film.

have grown or disappeared or have been Images courtesy of Paul Kay It would be marvellous if our understand- replaced. On the whole though the differ- ing of, and care for, the marine environment ences are trivial and similar species can still had also progressed at such a rate. Unfortu- be found. nately, accessing the undersea world around Today the need for long term information Ireland still remains the difficult and often about the seas and their inhabitants has never physically challenging affair that it has been been greater so any underwater images from since scuba diving became viable. There decades ago can now be of scientific use. As have been changes though, and now there I originally trained as a scientific photogra- are several marine aquaria around Ireland's pher this means that I have almost returned coast where some of the sea's inhabitants to my roots although not in a way that I can be seen alive and in conditions similar might ever have anticipated.

Fireworks Anemone Cushion Star

Rough Periwinkle Hermit Crab with Sponged Covered Shell Edible Crab amongst Common Starfish 18 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 A World-Class Facility in Ireland

the seaside) are the main components, but ben- By Michael Guiry thic (attached) and pelagic (free-floating) forms are included, as are prokaryotic (lacking ALGAEBASE is a world-class taxonomic a nucleus, i.e. the bacteria) and eukaryotic database with extensive nomenclatural, distrib- (possessing a nucleus, i.e. everything else!) utional, and bibliographic information on organisms. (Scientists do love funny words marine, freshwater and terrestrial algae that is and brackets, don’t they?) based in Ireland. The existing data are freely Even an ancient Roman would be proud of Image courtesy of www.algaebase.org available on the internet and are extensively AlgaeBase as it includes about 58 classes used daily in over 210 countries, particularly arranged in three empires, four kingdoms, and amongst researchers with poor access to taxo- 15 phyla, although the classification at the class nomic resources. level changes almost daily, and is enough to Algae are a revolting mix. They include a make you well dizzy, as they say. As we taxon- whole range of phylogenetically unrelated pho- omists have been beavering away in our ivory tosynthetic (light-harvesting) organisms that towers in universities and museums since Lin- basically don’t fit anywhere else and are naeus’s time, there are about 127,000 names of rammed uncomfortably into the general cate- algae swilling about, of which only about gory of “plants” and photosynthetic “animals”. 30,000 have been verified as valid species, They are mostly aquatic, requiring water for although that is more than enough for one small reproduction, and are usually considered head. This compares with about 400,000 flow- “primitive”. You can’t say that algae are ering plant species, and over 1.5 million animal “plants” if you are a botanist—although it’s species (mostly insects, and most of these are only a venial sin—but it is fine for the rest of beetles!), of which only about 9,000 are mam- the relatively sane population! mals. Estimates of the number of species that Freshwater and terrestrial algae (what my live with us varies between 10 and 100 million. AlgaeBase is available at http://www.algaebase.org children used to call “green slime”) and sea- About 10% of seaweeds probably remain undis- weed (more green red and brown slimy stuff by covered, mostly in warm and very cold waters, (INCO-DEV, FP6 and FP7. Such riches we suffering from the downturn. We are in the but it is likely that more than 50% of all may never see again. process of developing a plan to allow us to seek microalgae have not yet been described. For We estimate that, to date, AlgaeBase has cost funding from sponsors, and while we may not many years we used nets that had a mesh size about €850,000 in data-entry, €180,000 in pro- be as popular as Munster Rugby, we do hope to gramming, and €65,000 in capital equipment, a that was too large, through which many the raise some sponsorship in Ireland to keep our pelagic algae gaily sailed. There is now good total investment of over 1 million Euro, and world-class service free, particularly to those evidence that these tiny algae (nanoplankton this does not include the host’s overheads (NUI less fortunate than ourselves. and picoplankton) are keeping spaceship Galway). It would be a shame to lose such a Earth’s atmosphere healthy despite the depreda- resource for a lack of continuance funding. tions of one particularly populous, and Currently, AlgaeBase, the only Global Prof. Michael Guiry, Ryan Institute, NUI aggressive mammal of the genus Homo. Species Database that I know of in Ireland, is Galway, Galway, Ireland. Over 45,000 bibliographic references (books and scientific papers: haven’t we been busy?) are included with about 3,000 downloadable PDFs for your bed-time reading on your iPad, mostly of obscure and difficult to find, out-of- copyright 18th- and 19th-century literature, often excruciatingly rare and beautiful, with hand-painted colour plates. In excess of 168,000 distributional records from 250 coun- Phycodrys rubens tries and states (of larger countries) are included world-wide, mostly from national check-lists and taxonomic monographs, and we are delighted to allow downloading of our “instant” national checklists for everybody. Only published information is currently uti- lized. Some 10,500 images (mostly of seaweeds with some terrestrial and freshwater algae) are available free of charge for educa- tional and/or non-profit use. In the year 2010, there were 410,000 indi- vidual visitors to the algaebase from 208 countries with 2,567,000 page views, which is equivalent to 25 million so-called “hits” or two million “hits” per month, an increase overall of 30% on the previous year. The top ten coun- tries using AlgaeBase are in order: USA, Spain, Brazil, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Mexico, Italy and Portugal. Not surprisingly, the USA accounts for 18% of all usage. The lowest usage is from the Caribbean and Pacific Islands and from African and South American countries with poor internet connectivity. AlgaeBase was initially a personal attempt in 1996 on my part to put information on sea- weeds on the internet using a personal site, and initially required no funding. Like Topsy, it grew and grew, and from 2000 various national sources in Ireland provided funding (mainly Structural Funds and ERDF, and most particularly the Department of Education and Asperococcus Science and Higher Education Authority’s compressus Programme for Research in Third-Level Insti- tutions) and from the European Community Courtesy of Sherkin Island Marine Station SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______19

occurrence was only authenticated (10-150m; max. 760m). The species is for the first time during 1968 and of limited, albeit growing economic since then, only 7 juvenile specimens importance in northern latitudes. REDFISHES & ROCKFISHES (10.0-18.5cm TL) have been reliably identified, all from depths <200m in (Family: Scorpaenidae; Sub-Family: Sebastinae) the Dingle Bay area. It is possible that these juveniles were derived

from the dispersal of planktonic lar- Courtesy Jonathan Ready in Irish & European Atlantic Waters vae from more northern latitudes. A single specimen was reported from following an exceptional inflow of Kerry during July 2008 (the current the Isle of Man (Irish Sea) during By Declan T. Quigley Atlantic water during 1991 but num- Irish Specimen Fish Committee mini- 1927. There is only one recently authenti- bers have declined since 1997. mum specimen qualifying weight is cated record from Irish waters: a REDFISHES or Rockfishes belong Deepwater Redfish The Blue-mouth is relatively com- 0.9kg). The UK record, weighing specimen weighing 340g was cap- to a large sub-family (Sebastinae) of (Sebastes mentella) mon off the west coast of Ireland 1.431kg, was captured off Loch Shell, tured by an angler at the mouth of fishes represented by 7 genera and The Deepwater Redfish is a bathy- where they are sometimes taken as a Stornoway (Outer Hebrides, Scot- Larne Lough, Co Antrim in 1997. The about 133 species worldwide. The pelagic (300-1441m) species which by-catch by commercial fishing ves- land) during 1976. The IFGA World UK rod & line record, weighing 836g, vast majority of species are confined is found on both sides of the North sels. The species is vulnerable to Record, weighing 2.35kg, was cap- was captured off Southend-on-Sea to the North Pacific. Atlantic. In the Eastern Atlantic the over-exploitation because of their tured off Norfolk Canyon, Virginia, (Essex) during 1975. In European Atlantic waters, the species ranges from SW Ireland slow growth rate (max. 47.0cm T.L.), USA during February 2009. Blue- Sebastinae are represented by 3 gen- Spiny Scorpionfish late maturation (50% of males mature mouth are daytime predators (9am to era and 5 species (Table 1). An (Trachyscorpia cristulata echinata) @ 26.0cm & age 15; 50% of females 3pm), feeding voraciously on a wide additional species, the Arcadian The Spiny Scorpionfish (sub- @ 23.0cm & age 13) and longevity variety of benthic organisms for a Rockfish (Sebastes fasciatus), which species T. c. cristulata) is a (max. 43 years). short period and then remaining inac- Courtesy Declan Quigley is common in inshore waters (70- bathy-demersal (200-2500m) species, tive. Specimen-size Blue-mouth were 592m) in the NW Atlantic (Canada & confined to the Eastern Atlantic, but recently found to be feeding heavily USA) has occasionally been cap- ranges widely from the Rockall Bank on Dragonets (Callionymus spp.) off tured in western Icelandic waters. In southwards via the Western Mediter- the SW coast of Ireland. addition, two Pacific species have ranean to Senegal (NW Africa). been recorded as rare vagrants/intro- Courtesy Declan MacGabhann Golden Redfish Despite its widespread distribution ductions in UK (1935) and Dutch (Sebastes norvegicus) [= S. marinus] and relatively large size (max. 55.0cm (2009) waters: False Kelpfish The Golden Redfish is a bentho- northwards to the Arctic Ocean (Bar- TL), it does not appear to be commer- Although the species has been (Sebastiscus marmoratus) and pelagic (100-1000m) species which ents Sea, Spitsbergen & Iceland) and cially important and little is known subject to increasing commercial Korean Rockfish (S. schlegelii) is found on both sides of the North in the Western Atlantic from Baffin exploitation in European waters respectively. The Sebastinae are Atlantic. In the Eastern Atlantic it Bay southwards via Greenland to since the mid-1980s, it is worrying characterised by internal fertilization extends northwards from SW Ireland Nova Scotia (Canada). The species is that there is still no specific quota and give birth to live young (vivipa- long-lived (max. 75 years), can grow (Figure 2). During 2009, global Courtesy R. Banon Diaz rous) which have an extended to a relatively large size (58.0cm TL) catches amounted to about 5.993 pelagic phase. Many species have and is commercially important in tonnes, 46% of which was taken by venomous spines and a few Pacific northern latitudes. Quantities have

European countries (Spain accounted Courtesy Declan Quigley species are known to produce sound occasionally been landed by vessels for c.35% while Ireland only (soniferous). fishing in deep-water off the west about its biology. Nevertheless, it was accounted for 10 tonnes). Due to Many species are commercially coast of Ireland. estimated that more than 55,000 spec- their relatively small size, it is esti- important but are vulnerable to over- imens were discarded by deep-water mated that only a small proportion of Small Redfish (Norway Haddock) exploitation due to their slow growth (rarely) via the Kattegat to Spitsber- trawlers fishing in the Rockall Trough the catch is actually landed. Indeed, (Sebastes viviparus) rate, late maturity and longevity. gen, eastwards to Novaya Zemlya, during 1995. A sub-species T. c. during the height of its exploitation The Small Redfish (or Norway Many species are similar in appear- and westwards to Iceland. In the cristulata is recognised in the Western in 1995 (8,848 tonnes landed) it was Haddock), as the name would suggest, ance and are difficult to distinguish, Western Atlantic, it extends north- Atlantic, ranging from Massachusetts estimated that 413 tonnes, represent- is one of the smallest species of redfish and this has led to major problems wards from New Jersey (rarely) via southwards to the northern Gulf of ing 7.5 million individuals, were (max. 35.0cm TL & 1.0kg) but it is with the management of individual SE Labrador (Canada) to Greenland. Mexico. discarded. also slow-growing and relatively long- stocks, compounded by introgressive The species is long-lived (max. 60 Since 2002, a growing number of lived (max. 40 years). The species is hybridization between some species years), can grow to a very large size Declan T. Quigley, Dingle pioneering anglers have been target- confined to the NE Atlantic, ranging (e.g. S. mentella & S. fasciatus in (100.0cm TL & 15kg) and is com- ing Blue-mouth near offshore from the southern North Sea (rarely) Oceanworld (Mara Beo Teo), Canadian waters). Indeed, most mercially important in northern seamounts and reefs off the SW coast to northern Norway (Finnmark), Ice- The Wood, Dingle, Co Kerry. species are simply marketed as latitudes. of Ireland. The largest specimen taken land and eastern Greenland. It is a Mobile: 087-6458485; “Redfish” or “Ocean Perch” Golden Redfish have rarely been on rod & line in Irish waters, weigh- demersal species, usually found in rel- Email: [email protected] (Sebastes spp.). From a peak of recorded in Irish waters. Indeed, its ing 1.32kg, was captured off Co atively shallow inshore waters 676,816 tonnes (62.0% taken by for- mer USSR states) during 1976, global landings of Sebastes spp. col- lapsed by 91.0% to 60,351 tonnes in 2009 (Figure 1). Although a total of 29 countries targeted the species group during 2009, the top 6 coun- tries accounted for 90.5% of total landings: Iceland, 24.9%; Canada, 20.1%; Portugal, 17.3%; Faroe Islands, 10.8%; Lithuania, 9.2%; and Spain, 8.2%. The combined quota for the North Atlantic during 2011 is 46,403 tonnes (the EU has 37.5% of the total quota but Ireland has none). Blue-mouth Rockfish (Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus) The Blue-mouth is a widespread bathy-demersal species, inhabiting continental shelves and upper slopes (50-1100m). In the Western Atlantic it extends from Nova Scotia (Canada) southwards to Venezuela. In the East- ern Atlantic it extends southwards from Iceland and Norway to the Mediterranean and South Africa. Unusually large numbers of juvenile Blue-mouth invaded the North Sea 20 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 BEWARE - Landgrabbers at Work

been acquired in the last worse? It is a persuasive argu- what they are doing, and they By Alex Kirby few years or is in the ment. So keen, in fact, are should obtain the free, prior process of being negotiated some of the host country gov- QUESTION: how do you and informed consent of local by governments and ernments on the arrangement people. A certain minimum feed a hungry populace wealthy investors working that 15 African states have percentage of crops produced when you can’t grow enough with state subsidies.” combined to set up what is should be sold on the local on your own territory (and It may help to put the called a Green OPEC. But don’t want to declare war)? Ethiopian scheme into per- Oxfam raises two questions: market, and the fundamental Answer: you persuade a coun- spective to know that Saudi how far do the incomers go in human and labour rights of try poorer than yours to let Arabia made itself self-suffi- seeking the consent of the local farm workers should be pro- you use some of its land cient in wheat by using water communities whose land they tected. instead as a huge market gar- from a fossil aquifer, which is wish to exploit, and what are It all sounds necessary and den. It’s not an academic not replenished. It has har- the consequences of their right. But in a world with a question, either. The UN’s vested close to three million arrival for the environment? growing population, with more Food and Agriculture Organi- tonnes a year, but in 2008 it The days of colonialism are people entering the middle sation says world food prices said the aquifer was largely supposed to be history. class and able at last to indulge rose to an all-time high in Jan- depleted. So its rulers face No doubt there are benefits uary, according to its Food some stark choices, and no to be derived when the the appetites most of us in the Price Index, which measures doubt remember the part that scheme runs as it should. But developed world have for the cost of a basket of basic high food prices have played there have been protests over decades been able to satisfy, food supplies – sugar, cereals, in upheavals in North Africa. landgrabbing in Tanzania, water, soil and the crops they dairy, oils and fats and meat – The lure of Africa for coun- Madagascar and Ghana, and produce will steadily become across the globe. The index tries with shrinking domestic accusations that companies more potent symbols of wealth rose by 3.4% in the first food supplies – and shortages have given farmers mislead- and security. Whether for month of 2011 – the seventh of other goods deemed essen- ing information and have energy or for food, bountiful monthly increase in a row – to tial – is the subject of a report ignored the environmental harvests will give their owners its highest level since records by the development agency impact of what they are doing. began in 1990. Oxfam, Africa: up for grabs. Forests are felled to make way growing control in a precarious Africa is a particular target This concentrates on the acqui- for biofuel crops: in Ethiopia, world. And what price local of the landgrabbers, as they sition of land for growing land inside an elephant sanc- communities then? are known (they include both crops to make agrofuels, but it tuary was cleared. companies and governments). also details a variety of other The most serious charge is Alex Kirby is a former BBC John Vidal wrote in the Lon- uses. The seeds of the jatropha that allowing foreign interests News environment don Observer on 7 March plant can produce a high-qual- to control land can make food 2010 of his visit to what was ity biodiesel, and Oxfam says supplies for local people still correspondent. due to become Ethiopia’s 23 million hectares (56.8 mil- more precarious. Even with largest greenhouse, an initia- lion acres) in Ethiopia have jatropha, which is said to tive by a Saudi entrepreneur: been identified as suitable for grow happily on marginal “The farm manager shows cultivating jatropha. The land, there is a risk that agro- us millions of tomatoes, report’s other findings include: fuels in particular, and other peppers and other vegeta- • Kenya – foreign companies foreign farming schemes, can bles being grown in 500m eye up to 500,000 ha. simply increase food insecu- rows in computer con- • Mozambique – investors rity. There have been cases trolled conditions… 1,000 plan to acquire 4.8m ha. when food crops have been women pick and pack 50 • Congo – Chinese company cleared to free land for jat- tonnes of food a day. Within asks for 1m ha. ropha, which needs pesticides 24 hours, it has been driven • Angola – 500,000 ha and consumes scarce water. 200 miles to Addis Ababa designated for agrofuels. Oxfam’s recommendations and flown 1,000 miles to the • Cameroon – part-foreign for protecting Africa against shops and restaurants of owned palm oil plantations the damage that can be caused Dubai, Jeddah and else- expanding on 60-year by landgrabbing include the where in the Middle East. lease. scrapping of the political tar- Ethiopia is one of the hun- • Benin – 300-400,000 ha of gets that increase demand for griest countries in the wetlands to be converted biofuels, especially the Euro- world with more than 13 to oil palm cultivation. pean Union’s mandatory million people needing food • Ghana - 335,000 ha target for increasing their use. aid, but paradoxically the acquired by foreign It also suggests that African government is offering at companies, with contracts states should suspend further least 3m hectares of its most for 400,000 ha more. land acquisitions and invest- fertile land to rich countries • Sierra Leone – Swiss- ments in biofuels, giving and some of the world’s based company acquires priority instead to the devel- most wealthy individuals to 26,000 ha for sugarcane. opment of food sovereignty. export food for their own You could say it makes good More widely, it argues for an populations. The 1,000 sense for countries with cash to energy revolution which hectares of land which con- spare to spend some of it on would see a reduction in the tain the… greenhouses are others with land to spare, to energy used for transport, and leased for 99 years to a satisfy the needs of both. After investment in public transport Saudi billionaire business- all, it is a way of creating jobs and ways of encouraging man… His Saudi Star com- and transferring money to peo- walking and cycling. pany plans to spend up to ple who have little, offering It wants would-be landgrab- $2bn acquiring and devel- them the chance of develop- bers to be required to prepare oping 500,000 hectares of ment. And when you consider full environmental and social land in Ethiopia in the next the role played by virtual water impact assessments before any few years… An Observer (the water contained in many sale or lease of land is agreed, investigation estimates that of the crops exported from arid with the involvement of local up to 50m hectares of land regions to the markets of the communities. Companies and – an area more than double North, with their abundant and investors, it says, should the size of the UK – has reliable rains), is it really any accept full legal liability for SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______21 Control of Hottentot Fig on Howth Head

ing 47 years it has grown into removal and restoration of native By Matthew Jebb patches up to 40 metres across – a vegetation) proposed the experimen- steady 1 metre a year without hin- tal removal of a number of the & Noeleen Smyth drance. In addition numerous smaller smaller patches to observe the effec- patches, as well as its presence on tiveness of chemicals for control of HOTTENTOT FIG (Carpobrotus each of the southern headlands this species along with monitoring of edulis) is a popular garden plant from (Drumleck Point, Lion’s Head and the potential of the plant to re-estab- South Africa. Unfortunately it is also Baily Lighthouse), demonstrated that lish. Physical removal was deemed an aggressive invader of coastal it was actively spreading and estab- costly, dangerous and since cut stems habitats, forming vast mats to the lishing new colonies. Allowed to can be used by nesting seabirds such exclusion of all other plants. On the continue unchecked it would totally as shags and cormorants and incor- Gower peninsula of Wales and along carpet the entire south face of Howth porated into nests, exacerbating the the Cornish and Devon coasts of in the next 50 years. The greatest les- spread of the plant. In addition, Great Britain it has formed extensive son to be learnt from tackling exposing bare surfaces can encour- colonies smothering many kilome- invasives species is not to delay, but age erosion or germination of seeds. tres of coastal cliffs. On the drier to act early while populations are Chemical control was conducted fol- eastern coasts of Ireland it poses a manageable. On Howth, where we lowing full EPA and SAC guidelines serious ecological threat. had the biggest population of this in relation to other wildlife and to The first record for Carpobrotus species in Ireland, we were fast adjacent waterbodies. An applica- edulis in the wild in Ireland is from approaching a point at which we tion to the Heritage Council under its Howth Head, Co. Dublin, with an would pass that opportunity. Heritage Management Scheme was Atlas record for 1962 (Reynolds Nothing eats Hottentot Fig in Ire- successful, and work began in 2010. 2002). A further 11, or so records land, thus a colony not only displaces As the area affected by Hottentot occur in Ireland in counties Cork, native plants, which are a food fig (Carpobrotus edulis) on Howth Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and source for bees, butterflies and Head lies within Howth Head SAC Images courtesy of Matthew Jebb Down. None of these latter colonies moths, but the dense carpets repre- 000202 no experimental work or Left: Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis); is large, comprising single patches Top right: Andy booth at the bailey sent a dead zone in regard to insects, treatments could be carried out during lighthouse population; each of which could be removed, this and thus the birds that feed on them nesting season March – September. Bottom right: Carpobrotus edulis treated work is planned for the summer and (the only known beneficiary are rats, The experiment chemical treatment with Resolva weedkiller after 37 days autumn of 2011. The largest colonies that eat the fruits). The consequence and native species recruitment experi- known are those on Rockabill and on is that the cliffs are becoming a life- ments planned were carried out at an challenging sites where a large patch Howth Head. less zone for insects, warblers, alternative coastal site in Wicklow, (width 30m, length 10m) existed was The plant has been present at stonechats and other birds. the Breaches (ca. 6km South of Grey- on the south-west face of the Baily Howth at a site called the Needles The National Botanic Gardens stones, Co Wicklow). The Breaches Lighthouse and extended around to site since 1962, and in the interven- (which has expertise in alien plant comprises a set of lagoons on the the eastern front of the lighthouse. on the treated stems were found to inside of the railway track, and the The lighthouse keeper and his family have viable seed which germinated only major break in the long shingle were very generous and allowed at the National Botanic Gardens dur- bank between Greystones and Wick- access to the railings for ropes and ing April 2011 and many of the seed low, that forms the Murroughs. water was provided on site. The sites pods found on site had been chewed The three chemicals trialled and on Howth were treated during Sep- by rats. It will be interesting to see their active ingredients are displayed tember 2010. Andy Booth of during the summer how many of in the table below. Conservation Services and Ronan these seeds will have found their way The results were clear after 40 Mullen of the Adventure Agency in to the seed bank and are capable of days the middle plot treated with 3 Wicklow abseiled down the rock on germinating. Invasive species control g/l glyphosate and 0.3g/l diquat had a rope and the power sprayer reel was is not a one stop shop, treatment is greater than 95% kill. used to access and chemically treat often required over many years to The next challenge was to chemi- the different patches. ensure that once a species is treated, cally treat the cliff side sites at The sites were revisited during a site can return to natural vegetation Howth. A wheelbarrow power March 2011 and the carpeting stems and not a second invasion. The sprayer (KS, 120 litre tank, petrol of Carpobrotus edulis were found to botanic gardens will be monitoring motor) was wheeled to access points be withered and dead where chemi- the site at Howth over the long term along the cliff path and the 30m hose cal was applied. This was a great ensuring the native species can find Copier and Printer Solutions extension to the tank meant that result, though expected from our their rightful footholds once again. operators could access the Hottentot pilot experiment in Wicklow. When a The work outlined here was in fig without having to wear a cumber- site as challenging as the cliffs on large part supported by the Heritage · Ability to set Print / Copy Quotas some knapsack sprayer. Knapsack Howth were involved we had to Council under its Heritage Manage- sprayers (10 litre) were used at the make sure each “chemical hit” was a ment Scheme, and we are extremely “kill”. More excitingly seedlings of grateful for their support, which we · Help to increase Revenue Streams sites near Sutton Sailing Club, Sea cottage and Lion’s Head where it was many native coastal cliff plants were hope has had a lasting impact in pro- safe for operators. Volunteer labour seen to be establishing in the vicinity tecting Irish Biodiversity. · Regulate and reduce prints / copies was used and the chemical (3 g/l of the chemically treated shoots. Sea glyphosate and 0.3g/l diquat) was Campion, sea plantain and Scurvy Matthew Jebb, National Botanic grass were particularly noticeable. It · Help to reduce your school's Carbon mixed on site. Water was filled at Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Howth pier or brought along in is planned to do a full botanical sur- [email protected] drums and transported by wheelbar- vey of the sites during June 2011. Noeleen Smyth, National Botanic Unfortunately some seed pods found Footprint row once on site. One of the most Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 [email protected] · Decrease term for your return on Deborah Tiernan, Fingal Co. Council, P.O.Box 174, County Hall, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin. investment [email protected] Hans Visser, Biodiversity Officer, Contact: Eamon Quinlan at 021-4962533 Fingal County Council, P.O.Box 174, County Hall, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin [email protected]. 22 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 MARINE FISHERIES Tested to Destruction By Edward Fahy driven. Species which co-ex- fish stocks. Bluefin tuna epit- isted with brown trout were omises what is happening: also drawn into investigation IN old God’s time, when eighty years ago bluefin and, in time, the species list ex- Matt Murphy was a boy, an fetched the equivalent of tended to marine fin-fish ex- American author, John Stein- €0.15 per kg and the flesh was beck, published a work of ploited by anglers. Although I used for dog food. The first had only passing associations non-fiction “The log from the bluefin of 2011 sold on the with the IFT their enthusiasm Sea of Cortez”; it recorded his Tokyo market, which handles for the work they did was in- six week voyage, along with 80% of worldwide sales, for others, one of them the biolo- fectious and impressive. Most of my working life, hitherto, €880 per kg, a rate of inflation gist Ed Ricketts, to the Gulf of of almost 6,000%; the fish, a California inside the Baja has been spent in the public 324 kg carcass, was destined peninsula. Copiously supplied service, within the Department for the sushi market. With fi- with beer, the crew explored responsible for fisheries and its and delighted in the wonders agencies, the largest employers nancial rewards of this magni- of a tropical paradise whose of biologists in the country. It tude the possibility of fauna was largely undocu- was not always an inspiring sustainably managing this mented. The book was an in- existence nor, necessarily, the species is almost nil and, in- JEWELLERY BOX spiration, particularly to one best way to get value for deed, the illegal capture of money, something which may university Department of Zo- bluefin has been compared now be examined amid the ology where its heady mix of with the drugs trade. Extinc- beer and biology persuaded ruins of our economy. Ireland’s Hidden Gems The 1960s was an idealistic tion is its almost certain fate. many to invest their under- If the case of bluefin appears graduate years in marine sci- decade. Science was the obvi- remote from Sherkin Island, DARAGH MULDOWNEY is a renowned nature photographer. ence; I was one of them. ous solution for problems much of the same malaise af- Since the Dublin Launch of Dúlra Photography in February In 1883 T.H. Huxley had de- which would be solved if only one knew the right thing to do, fects all of our marine fisheries 2003, he has exhibited his range of Nature images throughout clared “probably all the great an approach which proved ex- now. Species like whiting, Europe. Having started exhibiting his photography on Stephen’s sea fisheries are inex- cessively innocent. Man does which was the staple of domes- Green in Dublin, within a short space of time he was hailed as haustible”. The theory had a not relish continual strife and tic demand in mid-last century, “an up and coming artist “ (Irish Independent), and within a long run in Ireland where, in some administrative and trade economics was later added to yields less than one third of its year as “a leading fine art photographer” (Art Ireland). His lobby groups today, it is alive the problem-solving mix in the peak landings today. Cod is photography is simple and captures the elements as they present “Jewellery Box – and thriving. The commercial hope that would do the trick. It commercially extinct in the themselves naturally, without the use of artificial light or filters. Ireland’s Hidden Gems” is did not. Problem solving re- available to purchase for fishing press of the late 1950s Irish Sea, once its stronghold, Daragh’s interest in photography came about as a result of a €19.95 (plus postage) at quires hard work and tenacity referred to fish stocks around and recovery plans devised by Scuba Diving course that he completed in 1992. Shortly after www.dulraphotography.com. and the public service of yes- our shores as “limitless”. All EU and national agencies, hav- this he bought a Canon AE-1 program camera, a 30 year old one required was the technol- teryear was not sufficiently ro- ing received less than whole- model he still uses today, and began to learn about photography. His love for nature ogy to harvest them. But how bust to maintain a resistant hearted co-operation from the broadened during his overseas travels and he began to focus entirely on Nature. His to get the industry moving? armour against the persuasive industry, failed to resuscitate it. private collections include Ireland, UK, France, Holland, Belgium, South Africa, Exports would have distrib- aggression of big business. More recovery plans are envis- Hong Kong, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand. uted the excess but a home Of course, science had to be justified in commercial terms. aged for other sea areas. Even The book “Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems” features over thirty images market was a pre-requisite. Freshwater species whose biol- some of our invertebrate stocks focusing on the elements of nature found in rock pools all around Ireland, in the shape Our per capita consumption of fish in the 1950s was approxi- ogy was described by the IFT, which underwent a population of periwinkles, anemones, urchins and seaweeds of all types. Daragh’s photographs mately 5 kg per year and that might lure visitors and become explosion when their fin-fish shows an instinctive ability to see colours, texture and patterns of nature translated into included canned salmon – im- a valued ingredient of tourism; predators were fished down, some amazing abstract works of art. As an inspiration for everyone interested in rock marine fisheries could, it was ported of course. The only have shown signs of going in pooling, the photographs have brought back wonderful childhood memories for argued, provide employment market for fish was on Thurs- the same direction. The largest Daragh of exploring pools where tiny creatures in their own magical world kept him for 100,000 people, a figure day, to satisfy the penitential fishery for brown crab, our entertained for hours. Travelling around our beautiful island of Ireland in his requirements of the day after which in reality was whittled third most valuable species a campervan, gave him great insight into the variation of Ireland’s landscape, geology and Lent was the bonanza of down to 10% by depletion of handful of years ago, was pro- and life of our seashores and he now looks forward to sharing these images with those the year. It was easy to over- fish stocks and technology that are interested in our shores. supply that limited demand. creep – the improvement of nounced “uneconomic” in An obstacle to reaching it was fishing catching methods. Sci- 2010. Its collapse is attributa- the lack of an effective distri- entists found employment on ble to over-fishing. bution system. The solution to all sides of what became com- Ireland today staggers about everything was a government plex value choices: on one in the wake of unregulated agency and Bord Iascaigh hand the elucidation of property boom orchestrated by Mhara (BIM) was formed to species’ ecology provided en- big business. Less publicised do the work in 1952. The na- vironmentalists with the is the fact that marine fisheries knowledge to protect and ra- tion had high expectations of have suffered the same fate. BIM whose budget overshad- tionally manage them but it An extraordinary recently owed all others’ combined also armed fishers with the in- published document, Ireland’s within the sector. There were formation to harvest species so many tasks to be attended to more effectively and often de- “Response” to Brussels on the that it rapidly assumed monop- structively. latest review of the Common oly status, thereby creating re- The appetite for seafood Fisheries Policy, might have sentments among groups and has universally increased for a been written by the largest individuals with financial am- number of reasons ranging fishermen’s lobby group, the bitions of their own. They were from health concerns about Federation of Irish Fishermen not slow in expressing their meat to perceived benefits of (FIF). It proposes, among views. eating fish and more affluent many other adjustments, that In 1951 the Inland Fisheries nations disproportionately in- the FIF should manage our Trust (IFT) – which eventually creased the quantity of fish remnant fisheries, rather than evolved into the Inland Fish- they consume. Emerging mar- the Department or its agencies. eries Ireland - was set up to im- kets such as China and India prove brown trout fishing in with a growing middle class the Republic. Its agenda was are already imposing enor- Edward Fahy, formerly of the research and management mous additional pressure on Marine Institute. SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______23 Trosc Teo – Ireland’s First Cod Farm

mum competitive advantage from juveniles were reared from egg in the By Paul Casburn using a customized cod farming Martin Ryan Lab Carna. The parent- stock that has enhanced performance age was generally Irish sea origin capacity. While this concept is being though there was some Scottish eggs Introduction exploited with cod in Norway, early in the trial. In the recent cohorts World map showing the distribution of Cod and their ranges in the Northern Canada and Iceland, this is the first 07 and 08, the parentage has been Trosc Teo has pioneered the devel- atlantic. Note that Ireland is at the Cod southern range of distribution. Red indicates occasion where a national breeding totally wild Irish origin, stripped in high densities of cod stocks areas and yellow less dense areas of Cod stocks. opment of this wonderful new program has been employed in Ire- the Celtic sea by the MRI and MI. farmed species for Ireland, which is land and it represents a significant Main issues that have cropped up in in high demand from both domestic step forward and a major support for some poor egg batches include, and international customers. In its the industry. The program aims to skeletal deformities that can be short six year history it has been concentrate on juveniles that come found in marine fish hatcheries. The shown that Cod farming has a future from eggs collected in surveys of the causes of these deformities are being in Ireland and should become an Celtic Sea and was first initiated in investigated and Norway and Canada integral part of the existing aquacul- March 2008. The juveniles were then have seen significant decreases in ture industry in the West of Ireland. on-reared at the Carna facility. The percentages of deformities. These This has been an integrated pro- parentage of these fish is known and deformities are commonly referred gramme of innovation between the the growth performance of the differ- to as stargazers, in the case of a private and state sectors. The support ent groups will be monitored up to deformed neck, or they may have a of NUI Galway (MRI Carna), Údaras market size with the better perform- deformed tail. In Trosc teo’s last har- na Gaeltachta, Marine Institute, ing groups being selected for use in vest in October of 08 there was an Cod broodstock being stripped and tagged (photo courtesy of the MI) WDC, BIM, local salmon farmers future breeding activities. Upon leav- 18% downgrade at harvesting due to and the Department of the Marine ing the nursery in the MRI lab the deformities from extreme to mild. Further points on Cod farming has been key to the success of this fish are put to sea for Trosc teo to The flesh quality of the Cod is not in Ireland and Trosc teo: project. ongrow. Thus Trosc teo is an integral affected at all. • Over 30 tons harvested so far. The Cod are being on grown on an part of EIRCOD. old salmon farm site, based in The product has been well Beirteraghbui Bay, Connemara in Performance Issues received in the Market with interest for Organic Cod from County Galway. The clean waters of Trosc Current Cod Stocks The performance of the Irish Cod the Galway Connemara coast are mainland Europe and the Trosc teo currently has 3 year compared to the other farming coun- Middle East. proving to be suitable in the rearing classes (07-09) of Cod at sea. There tries of the world has been amazing • Irish seawater temperatures of Atlantic Cod. Temperatures range is also 1 year class (2010) in the to say the least. There is no doubt from a low of 7o degrees to a high of have shown not to be a nursery of the Ryan Institute (RI) that Cod farmed in Ireland grow hindrance to Cod culture and 17o. Based in Beirteraghbui bay Carna and currently newly hatched every bit as good as their Norwegian between Carna and Roundstone, may be more suitable than those out larvae from this year (2011), in counterparts notwithstanding the fact temperatures in Norway and Trosc teo was established in 2005 the same facility. The first year class that Norway has been putting to sea Taking a fin clip of a Cod for DNA when the first Cod were transferred other countries. at sea are the 2007 year class which its best 35% juveniles compared to analysis (photo courtesy of the MI) • to sea from the Ryan Institute No parasites/lice treatment are being kept as broodstock. There Ireland's total juvenile production. In required in six years farming, as Marine lab Carna. Since then Trosc 2007 and 2009, were carried out are 75 fish and they are averaging other words Norway can select for monitored by the Marine has carried out feed trials, growth yielding 30.4 tons of Cod averaging approximately 4kg. This 07 year their best fish, due to volume of pro- Institute. trials and examined the economics class is made up of a number of fam- duction, while Ireland has used all 2.5kg whole weight have been har- • The support of the local of Irish Cod farming. Trosc teo is vested by Trosc teo. Since November ilies from the Celtic sea. These fish standards of juveniles due to our low community has been evident also the commercial partner for the 2010, up to ¼ ton of Cod per week have gone through a recent matura- number of production to date. Ire- from the inception of the EIRCOD Cod broodstock project, has been harvested and sold on local tion where they were studied to land, based on temperature alone has company. All employees are administered by the Ryan Institute markets, for prices of up to €4.50/kg assess the extent of maturation and significantly more degree days than local creating a skilled local Marine Lab in Carna, owned by NUI head on gutted. This is a new strategy weight loss and their eggs have been Norway. Ireland does not get as hot workforce. Galway. It takes approximately 36 fed back into the hatchery. in the summer as Norway nor as cold for Trosc harvesting small amounts months for a Cod to grow from egg The second year-class from 2008 in the winter. Cod stop growing both more frequently. Challenges Ahead: to 2.5kg minimum size while indi- currently has an average size of when its too hot and too cold. • The attraction of investment viduals of the same age can be approximately 2.2kg. Numbers in Paul Casburn, Research Officer, into cod farming and in 3.5kg. With selective breeding its this cohort stand at 8000 fish. This 08 Carna Research Station, The Ryan particular Trosc teo. hoped to bring this growth period Harvesting cohort are also of Celtic sea origin. Institute, Environmental, Marine & • The identification of further down to about 32 months. Harvesting Cod from Trosc teo The third year-class that Trosc has at Energy Research, The National suitable sites for Cod culture. sea, come from the 2009. They num- first commenced in early 2007 when University of Ireland Galway, • The expanding of the sea cage ber 8200 fish and their average the first farmed cohort of fish was EIRCOD Carna, Co. Galway, Ireland. operations to at least 250 tons weight is 700g. Lice checks and tem- harvested. The fish were very well nationally. EIRCOD is funded under the Sea perature monitoring have been received in the market. The second Change Initiative of the Marine Insti- ongoing by staff from the Marine harvest began in early 2008 but har- tute and the Marine Research Institute. Most lice checks have been vesting was suspended between Sub-programme of the National completely negative. When the odd April and October 08 due to a large Development Plan 2007-2013. This louse has been detected its shown to amount of wild fish on the market. EIRCOD initiative represents a natu- be not a species that's caused prob- Trosc teo also wanted to see if the ral continuation and extension of lems for salmonids. DNA analysis large 2kg+ fish could survive an Irish earlier work and its overall objective and individual tagging of Cod takes summer. All reports were that the is to design, establish and operate a place when fish are batch weighed. larger the fish the more likely that Cod Broodstock and Breeding pro- This is building the data base of Cod temperature would affect them in a gramme, customized for the Irish DNA which is again an integral part negative way. All these fears were environment and underpinning the of EIRCOD. This DNA work is car- allayed as the fish came through the native fish farming industry. It will ried out by Dr. Luca Mirimin and his with no problems. All the Cod were draw on the potential genetic reser- team based in the MRI lab Carna. harvested in situ and iced immedi- voir of local cod populations and ately. The fish were then transferred utilize the best available technolo- Quality of Fish to the Kilkerrin fish packing plant gies, with necessary and appropriate where they were gutted, graded, Teo Trosc Images courtesy of International links, such that the The Cod juvenile quality put to sea packed and sent out to customers. In Tagging, recording and DNA equipment used at Trosc teo (photo courtesy of the MI) emerging industry can gain maxi- by Trosc teo has been very good. All total 9 individual harvests between 24 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 The Otter By James Williams Merlin Unwin Books www.merlinunwin.co.uk PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST ISBN: 978-1-906122-22-5 Price: £20.00stg/2010 and travelled in prehistoric times, about are beautiful photographs are available for the Bio-based Economy, and Biogas. own photographs to illustrate species and There have been living in a ringfort based on Breton Law many of birds. (Audrey Murphy) Section 3, “Actor Involvement” which plantings. He also adds a section on some very few natural his- and about the first tourists to the Burren in includes Policy-making, Bio-based Indus- suitable plants not listed by Robinson. He tory books written the 12th century. Other articles include trialisation and Public Debate and Sus- most ably brings an old book to life – and birds, bats and goats and researching for- Self Sufficiency tainability of Biofuels. Finally section 4: encourages the continuation of a style of about the otter. It A practical guide may be that the otter gotten uses of Burren plants. The previous Transition in Action includes four papers gardening ideally suited to both the Irish is a nocturnal animal issues, which are still available and are as for modern living on Developments in Brazil, Germany, climate and temperament. (John Akeroyd) and few have seen interesting, fulfil the mission of Burren- Canada and the Netherlands. The book is By Liz Wright them. This book is by beo Trust and all have wonderful colour a very important contribution to a transi- The Wildflowers of Offaly James Williams who photographs. The newsletter costs Euro www.octopusbooks.co.uk tion towards a bio-based economy. (MM) has spent years me- 6.00 (plus Euro 1.90 postage in Ireland & By John Feehan N. Ireland - Euro 4.50 elsewhere). For in- ISBN: 978-1-856-75313-5 thodically recording and systematically The Wild Garden Offaly County Council surveying the otter. formation write to Burrenbeo Trust, Main Price: £20stg (hb) / 2010 His interest in otters began in the 1940s Street, Kinvara, Co. Galway. Info@bur- Today more and By William Robinson www.offaly.ie renbeo.com www. Burrenbeo.com (MM) when he accompanied his father on his lit- more people are be- The Collins Press ISBN: 978 1 85635 673 2 tle autocycle to sabotage otter traps set by ginning to question Price: €40.00/2009 a local gamekeeper. Sometime later his fa- Ireland’s Animals how and where their www.collinspress.ie food has been pro- Recent years have ther bought the estate where the game- Myths, legends and folklore ISBN: 978-184889-03500 (Hb) keeper was employed. The day he signed duced. Most want to seen the publication Price: €29.99/2010 of major new floris- the purchase his father drove to the game- By Niall Mac Coitir grow their own fruit keeper’s house and fired him! The author and vegetables and William Robin- tic works on Coun- Original watercolours by Gordon D’Arcy brings us through his boyhood otter con- some want to keep son (1838–1933) re- ties Cavan, Dublin, servation, the vanishing of the otter in the The Collins Press their own animals mains one of the Cork, Waterford and and poultry. The reasons are many. They most influential gar- NE Ireland. Now 1970s, up to its return in the late 1980s. www.collinspress.ie He tells of frequent signs of an otter using include: den writers of all Co. Offaly has its the stream that runs through his garden, ISBN: 978-1-84889-060-2 (hb) • Reducing the costs of the household time. His promotion own work – less a of naturalistic and Flora than a book but in 21 years at his house, he has only Price: €27.99/2010 food bill • Getting the freshest taste informal plantings, about wild flowers seen it twice. (Similarly biologists from This book is • Enjoying healthy outdoor exercise including use of na- and botany within the context of the the Station that have been studying the about the animals that produces more than just a sweat tive wildflowers county. Dispensing with a conventional otter here on Sherkin and the Islands have that have shaped the • Reconnecting with the land alongside hardy exotics, as a reaction introduction, John Feehan launches recorded the presence of otters on most of landscape of Ire- • Growing organic food against the gaudy and laborious bedding straight into full-page accounts of individ- the many islands in Roaringwater Bay but land. It is neither a This is a most up-to-date handbook and prevalent in Victorian gardens, has had a ual species: each has a discursive mini- have rarely seen otters over the 20-year book of natural his- will guide one through every aspect of lasting and valuable impact. Robinson left essay, colour photograph and, listed period.) In the book it is intriguing to learn tory nor a livestock self-sufficiency. It is full of practical infor- his native Ireland – although he would re- prominently, its names in Latin, English of the life of the otter; about holts and manual. It looks at mation and expert advice. It is ideal for the main a frequent visitor – and within five and Irish, its flowering period and fre- spraints, new born cubs, night fishing and another important person who has a small garden and wants years had abandoned professional garden- quency. Many species have an illustration its diet. The author’s lifetime work with aspect to animals - to grow vegetables, to the person that ing for journalism, writing and magazine gleaned from one of the classic botanical otters is intertwined with beautiful per- their place in folk- wishes to relocate to the countryside. The publishing. He was hugely successful and works, and some have diagrams of polli- sonal experiences. lore and myths. The book brings together various sections include preparing veg- so able to purchase Gravetye Manor in nation mechanisms (an innovative and He is not afraid to address controversial stories and poems that exist in the Irish etable plots, sowing, pest control, com- Sussex, where he created his own much- valuable feature) or identification notes to issues. The section “Misusing otters for tradition. posting, timetable of planting and admired garden. Charles Nelson, in his distinguish similar closely related plants. “nimby” purposes” gives a number of ex- The 28 animals in this book are harvesting, and vegetable, fruit and herb latest enjoyable and erudite book on plants This book is a most welcome initiative amples where “the killjoys” attempted to arranged according to the classical ele- directories. Each will help towards getting and gardens, presents Robinson’s The from a County Council clearly concerned use the presence of otters to oppose certain ments of fire, earth, air and water. “Fiery” the very best from ones labour. Wild Garden (1870) to a 21st-century with the protection of biodiversity and developments. The worst case of this mis- animals are those perceived to have a For those that relocate there is a section readership. He provides an introductory landscape. The author and his collabora- use of the otters was when an official of the fierce and noble temperament. “Earthy” on “Raising your own”, which includes an- essay on an enigmatic writer, for whom tors are to be congratulated on raising Environment Agency in the UK rang him animals are perceived to have a passion- imals such as chickens, geese, turkeys, bees, we have few biographical details, and the awareness of these issues in a county that to enquire whether otters had returned to a ate, sensual nature. “Airy” to have cold, pigs, goats, sheep, cows and horses. Yes, various editions of this, his most famous has not attracted as many botanical visi- river. The author told him they recently intelligent and calculating temperaments. one can learn about a plan for backyard book. Alongside a faithfully reprinted tors as some other districts of Ireland. had. “Oh! good” he exclaimed “now we Lastly, “water” animals are those whose poultry keeping, what are suitable breeds of text, Nelson gives copious taxonomic and (John Akeroyd) can oppose that bungalow”. Readers might habitat is water or close by is. hen to keep and even the number of eggs descriptive notes and a selection of his find it difficult that in his earlier years he Each animal is covered in a separate they lay – up to 300 per year if the hens are participated in otter hunting. He gives a chapter under three headings: Folk Beliefs well fed! In “From crop to kitchen” one full chapter to it and explains his reasons in and Customs, Myths and Legends, Rela- learns about preserving, drying, freezing, full. Throughout the book there are over tions with Humans. There are wonderful jams and bottling. Yes, this book is highly SUBSCRIPTION FORM 120 wonderful photographs of otters and paintings of the animals by Gordon recommended for one who wants to make a their habitats. This book is a must, firstly D’Arcy, which alone is reason to buy this start on the road to self-sufficiency. It is the SHERKIN COMMENT is a quarterly publication of Sherkin for anyone that would like to know about book. This is a most informative book and ideal starting point. (MM) the otter but more importantly it is the es- highly recommended. (MM) Island Marine Station aiming to promote the awareness of our sential text book for decision makers, re- natural resources, their use and protection. searchers and planners by a man who has The Biobased Economy given his lifetime to understanding otters. Bird Songs and Calls SUBSCRIPTION: to receive a year’s subscription to “Sherkin There are few like him in Britain and sadly Biofuels, Materials and € By Geoff Sample Comment”, please send a cheque or money order for 7.00 for no one in Ireland with such a length of ex- Chemical in the Post-oil Era Ireland and £6.50stg for the U.K. (sterling cheques accepted from perience. Most of this book is highly rele- HarperCollins € vant to Irish otters. (Matt Murphy) (MM) Edited by Hans Langeveld, Johan UK); send 11.00 for Europe and the rest of the world (surface www.harpercollins.co.uk Sanders and Marieke Meeusen postage) – payable to Sherkin Comment, Sherkin Island Marine ISBN: 978-0007313297 Burren Insight Earthscan: www.earthscan.co.uk Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. Ireland. Tel: 028–20187 Hardback 32pp CD 74 mins ISBN: 978-1-84407-770-0 Fax: 028–20407 Email: [email protected] www.burrenbeo.com Price £14.99stg/2009 Price: £65.00stg (hb)/2010 Price: €6.00 (plus postage) Please send a 1 year subscription – beginning with Issue No...... ‘Bird Songs and The main objec- The Burrenbeo Calls’ is an excel- tive of this book is Please send a 2 year subscription – beginning with Issue No...... Trust was set up to lent resource for to explore the po- create a greater ap- any home or school. tential of a biobased I enclose cheque/postal order to the sum of €...... preciation of the Being able to economy and to de- Burren’s unique nat- choose a particular termine how to steer Name ...... ural and cultural her- habitat to focus on its implementation itage. It achieves this made using this in such a way that it Address ...... through educational book an easy expe- leads to an optimal ...... programmes, re- rience. The songs environmental, eco- search and conserva- and calls were so clear that even children nomic and social performance. The book Tel ...... Email Address ...... tion projects and by can recognise many bird calls and can com- is divided into four sections: the first, “To- producing informative publications and a pare the sounds they hear. This is a very wards Sustainability” with six papers by Date ...... Signature ...... website. For the past three years, Burren- comprehensive guide and so is very suit- various authors. They include “Transition STAFF: Editor, Matt Murphy; Editorial Assistant, Susan Murphy beo have published an annual magazine able to both beginners and more knowl- Towards a Bio-based Economy”, “Princi- with articles on the Burren. The current edgeable bird enthusiasts alike. It gives ples of Plant Production” and “Biomass Wickens; Typesetting, Susan Murphy Wickens; Publisher, Matt Murphy. issue has a continuous theme – the impor- clear and concise information on how birds Availability”. Section 2: “Biomass Refin- ISSN 0791–2447 © 2010 tance of the community. It gives an insight sing and call out and also different accounts ing and Conversion” includes papers on Sherkin Island Marine Station website: www.sherkinmarine.ie into how previous communities farmed of how birds behave. Along with that there Bio-refineries, Production of Chemicals in SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______25

The final Chapter At the World’s End explore the Beara Peninsula and there is so much to see. Just 15 minutes by ferry from Bantry is Glandore Church of Ireland. Whiddy Island – 5km long and 2.5km wide – WEST CORK the mountains to right must be taken in on a WEST CORK an ideal visit for a few hours. Some 10km fur- ther on from Bantry is Glengarriff, West Cork’s fine day so that one can enjoy the true beauty most famous tourist destination, which is noted of the area. The cable car on its way to Dursey, for its lush greenery, magnificent trees and gen- with the angry sea below, is one of my AA PlacePlace ApApartart eral abundance of vegetation. The real gem in favourite images from this book, closely fol- the area is Garnish Island once as bare as the lowed by the Glengarriff River sweeping moorlands and mountains on the mainland. In through lush woodlands with wild flowers Ballydehob bridge. 1910 Belfast born Annam Bryce purchased the abundant on its banks. island. He and his family created a garden on The book is a real treat, as much for those Reviewed by Matt Murphy Chapter two The Road Winds West – the island, transporting additional soil and who dream of visiting West Cork, as for those explores the coast road via the Old Head of humus from the mainland and blasting rocks to who know it well. I am delighted that Jo and WEST CORK is often only thought of as just Kinsale, Garrettstown, Kilbrittan and Timo- create better spaces to plant. Today horticultur- Richard have combined their talents to produce a coastal region. The book “West Cork – A league, with its ruined Abbey – once one of the ists and lovers of trees and shrubs all round the this wonderful literary and photographic jour- Place Apart” highlights not only its coastline, largest and most important of the religious world are familiar with the 37 acre island gar- ney through a very special part of the world – but its inland beauty as well. The text is by Jo houses in Ireland. The journey continues den of rare beauty. Ferries operate between West Cork. Kerrigan, the journalist who writes regularly around the Seven Head peninsula, which March and October from Glengarriff. for the Irish Examiner and the Cork Evening stretches through Timoleague around to Dun- The final journey takes one to Castletown- West Cork - A Place Apart by Jo Kerrigan & Echo. Jo is daughter of the famous Joe Kerri- worley Bay, to the village of Ring and then to bere, Bere and Dursey Island and Allihies. The Richard Mills. O’Brien Press www.obrien.ie the town of Clonakilty. Clon was once the gan, a wonderful outdoor adventurer of the 50s wonderful views of Bantry Bay to the left and ISBN: 978-1-84717-166-5 Price: €24.99/2010 and 60s, who was a pioneer of canoeing and stronghold of that wonderful highly practical handgliding, and someone who motorcycled up garment the West Cork Cloak, worn throughout Ireland’s highest mountain Carrigtwohill. The the region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Mist over the Gearagh. stunning photographs are from the camera of In the Model Village on the outskirts of Clon- Richard Mills, whose wildlife images has won akilty is a waxwork model of an old woman him many international awards and whose wearing just such a cloak. On the way to Skib- landscape photography in this book is equally bereen one can detour to Galley Head and its inspiring. Richard’s many photographs – over lighthouse and the two magnificent beaches of 100 – present a visual story throughout the Red Strand and Long Strand. Jo includes a book, complimenting the text wonderfully. short interview with Carmel Brown, whose The book explores the region in four jour- father was a lighthouse keeper at Galley Head. neys, starting with the valley of the River Lee, It depicts the simple life she and her fourteen which stretches due west from Cork City. To siblings had growing up at the lighthouse. The guide the reader, maps at the back of the book journey continues on to Castlefreke woodlands accompany the four chapters, helping one visu- and castle and Rosscarbery where St. Fachtna alise each journey. established a monastery in the sixth century The first chapter, True West, gives one a and then to Castletownshend where Edit choice of leaving Cork City from either the Somerville and her cousin Violet Martin lived north or south roads bordering the Lee. North- and wrote, creating the unforgettable characters wards the narrower quieter road meanders immortalised in the Irish RM hunting stories. through Dripsey, once the home of prosperous One can discover Blind Harbour, Toe Head woollen mills which produced fine rugs, blan- and of course Lough Hyne, Ireland’s only marine kets and tweeds, and then onwards to nature reserve. Inland is the town of Skibbereen, Coachford and Carrigadrohid, with its real which hosts the Heritage Centre, a permanent showpiece castle. The south road takes one Famine exhibition. Nine miles to the sea is the Cliffs at Mizen Head. near Kilcrea Castle and friary and crosses the village of Baltimore and the departure point to Lee at Dunisky causeway, constructed when the islands of Sherkin and Cape Clear. Again this the 1950s hydroelectric scheme was built. In chapter has many photographs of well known the midst of the lake stands the bridge that once landmarks, of coastal views, as well as the annual crossed the little Buingea River. Both roads horse racing on Courtmacsherry beach. bring one through Macroom, with its Castle in Chapter three Of Smugglers and Shipwrecks, the town centre. Turning southwest just before charts a course around the Mizen Peninsula. Jo Macroom on the south road one meets the brings one from Kilcoe to Ballydehob, Schull, Gearagh – a flooded forest, a lake, a haven for Goleen and Crookhaven, around Mizen Head birdwatchers, botanists and nature lovers and and finally to Sheep’s Head. With Richard’s now a protected nature reserve. This part of the photography you glimpse Kilcoe Castle, journey is the highlight of the book for me as it restored by the actor Jeremy Irons, Long Island brings back memories of stories I had heard near Schull, the splendid twelve-arched bridge about this area, prior to the hydro-electric at Ballydehob, the Fastnet Rock lighthouse, and scheme in the Lee, where moonshiners distilled the Napoleonic tower on Rocky Island near the finest poteen, an illegal spirit! The journey Crookhaven’s long headland. Ruined cottages in continues to Inchigeelagh, Ballingeary and to Brow Head are a reminder of the copper mining Gougane Barra, where the River Lee is no industry in the distant past and the spectacular more than a peaceful clear stream, and then photograph of the rugged cliffs of Mizen Head, eventually on to Keimaneigh and Bantry. shows off Ireland’s most south-westerly point. Images courtesy of Richard Mills 26 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 JUNIOR PAGES Happy Mother’s Day Mrs. Lobster Marine animals, such as fish, crabs and starfish produce many thousands of eggs, just to make sure that at least some of their offspring survive in the harsh conditions of the sea. In March this year a female ornate rock lobster (Latin name Panulirus ornatus) produced thousands of eggs that were all hatched out at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) headquarters in Townsville. Because ornate rock lobsters are very difficult to breed in captivity, this was a great breakthrough. It paves the way not only for a farmed lobster industry in Australia, which will ease fishing pressure on the wild stock, but will also allow scientists to restock lobsters back into the wild. Lobster restocking is already being investigated in Ireland, using the native species (Homarus vulgaris) at the Shellfish Research Laboratory of NUI Galway. Because our domestic lobsters tend to eat each other, each tiny lobster has to be raised separately until they are large enough to release into the wild. At this point they are delivered to the bottom by divers to protect them from being eaten by carnivorous fish on the way down.

“The Love Life of Sea Horses” Captain Sea horses mate for life and perform a complicated courtship “dance” as part of their mating ritual. The Cockle’s Log dance takes place between a pair of sea horses for Copyright John Joyce 2011 about an hour each day for about a week until, on the last day, a much longer dance of up to eight hours Log onto www.captaincockle.com takes place. At the end of this dance the female sea horse places her eggs in a special pouch that the male has on his belly and he hatches them out. Tests have shown that if the male is taken away from the female after a day or so at the beginning of the week, she will happily accept another male to give her eggs to. But if that first male is brought back again and reintroduced to her later, she will not accept him. It is almost as if he “jilted her” and she is angry at having been “stood up” on a date. Sea horses are under threat in Asia because their dried bodies are used in Chinese medicine and for the souvenir trade. This is why a number of projects all over the world are experimenting with ways of breeding them in captivity to provide live animals that might be restocked back into the wild or used as a substitute for wild sea horses in the future. You can learn more about these fascinating creatures on www.seahorseaquariums.com

“How Big is it?” Game One way of understanding how big marine animals are is to take a long piece of clothes line and mark it off with tape as follows: 2 metres – seal / 6 metres - Great White Shark / 9 metres – Killer Whale / 33 metres – Blue Whale. (Idea from Jim Wilson) SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______27

SONG THRUSH When - November – July. Learn about birds with Where - High up on trees. Song - Loud, far carrying clear notes EARNING with repeated phrases. BirdWatch Ireland L Habitat - Gardens, parks and woodland.

Feeding Wild Birds Leaflet BLACKBIRD Download this leaflet from the Learn about Birds When - February – June. section on BirdWatch Ireland’s website at BIRDSONG Where - Medium height on trees and www.birdwatchireland.ie wires. Song - Melodic, mellow far carrying fluting at slow tempo. Learn how to identify the birds in your garden the easy way! Habitat - Gardens, parks and woodland. with our Free Garden Bird Charts. Send a SAE to: BirdWatch Ireland, P.O. Box 12, Greystones, with BirdWatch Ireland Co. Wicklow. ROBIN THE lengthening days of Spring bring with When - All year. them the uplifting sounds of birdsong. Yet Where - Usually from a low branch. BirdWatch Ireland has Song - Slow, quiet phrases with long however delightful the sounds of birdsong over 10,000 members and appear, many people find it extremely pauses. Wistful. Habitat - Gardens, parks and woodland. has branches throughout challenging to tell them apart. Even seasoned the country which birdwatchers can find it hard to tell some organise events and species apart – so where does one start? In the DUNNOCK outings in your area. Why garden of course! When - February – May. not get your school to Many of our best songsters are frequent Where - Tops of bushes. join? Write to us or visit garden visitors so it stands to reason that any Song - Loud and clear. A short ‘squeaky our website for details: bird you hear in your garden is very likely to be trolly’. www.birdwatchireland.ie Habitat - Gardens, parks and scrubland. one of the following ten species

1. Song Thrush BirdWatch Ireland has two educational web GREAT TIT 2. Blackbird sites, catering for learning about birds in schools. When - January – May. 3. Robin Where - Low down in bushes and trees. 0 Visit the Working with Birds web site to 4. Dunnock Song - Loud, ringing repetitive, varied learn about watching and feeding birds 5. Great Tit two note song. 6. Blue Tit Habitat - Gardens, parks and woodland. Simply go to www.birdwatchireland.ie and go to 7. House Sparrow the ‘learn about birds’ section 8. Starling BLUE TIT 9. Chaffinch BirdWatch Ireland, P.O. Box 12, Greystones, 10. Wren When - January – May. Where - Low down in bushes and trees. Co. Wicklow. Song - High pitched ‘light’ trilling. Tel: 01-2819878 Fax: 01-2819763 The best way to learn these birdsongs is to Habitat - Gardens and woodland. Email: [email protected] attend one of BirdWatch Ireland's Dawn Chorus events which are held nationwide during Website: www.birdwatchireland.ie May each year (Visit www.birdwatchireland.ie for full details). HOUSE SPARROW Alternatively buy a specialist CD or book & CD When - February – June. Where - On buildings, gutters and low set to help you learn to identify the songs by bushes. listening to them (see publications page 24). As Song - Monotonous ‘cheeping’. well as listening to the CD the key points to Habitat - Gardens and buildings. identifying the 10 species listed above are detailed below. A wide selection of CD’s and books are available STARLING at www.birdwatchireland.ie which will help you When - February – May. become more proficient in identifying the Where - On buildings and wires, occasionally trees. different species – Happy listening! Song - noisy chattering, squeaks, whistles and mimicary. Habitat - Gardens and buildings. 4 Key Points to Learning CHAFFINCH Birdsong When - February - May Where - Medium height trees and When? bushes. Different birds sing Song - fast decending song with a wolf during different months. whistle at the end. Habitat - Gardens, parks and woodland. Where? Many birds sing at a specific height or location. WREN Song When - All Year. Each species has distinctive Where - Low down, in cover. characteristics. Song - Amazingly loud. Long rolling and trilling song. Habitat Habitat - Gardens, parks and woodland. Bird images courtesy of Robbie Murphy 28 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51

Crew Members The Lifeboat Crew

Ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. Lifeboat crews are mostly volunteers, who come from all walks of life, and give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues and save lives at sea on the lifeboats. With over 3,300 lifeboat crew members in the United Kingdom and Crew members on all weather 1,500 in the Republic of Ireland (of which over 340 of the total are and inshore lifeboats are all women), lifeboat crews are dedicated and make a major commitment – volunteers. Anybody can which could ultimately include risking their life. They respond at a become a crew member providing they are physically moment's notice, no matter where they are or what they are doing when fit, can learn the necessary the pager goes off. Crews are regularly called away from their families, skills and can work as part of a their beds and their work, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Often team. They work with the they'll leave a place of comfort to brave the cold and wet in situations coxswain or helmsman and carry that test their skill, strength and courage. Their lifesaving work is out duties to operate the essential, often difficult and sometimes dangerous. Valentia Lifeboat – image courtesy of Robbie Murphy lifeboat during rescues and also ensure the safety of the people that have been rescued. Coxswain New Crew Needed! The commitment of crew Discover the exciting world of lifeboats and lifeguards with Storm Force, the RNLI’s club members isn't only measured in The coxswain is in for young people. Do you know a youngster who would enjoy being part of Stormy Stan’s the time spent involved in charge of the all rescues. Increasingly, new crew? Storm Force membership is ideal for children aged 5-11 years and, at just weather lifeboat and equipment and faster boats also £7.50/€10.50 a year, it makes a fun and educational gift that lasts. is in command when means that regular training at sea. He/she is Members receive: programmes account for much • responsible for all a Membership pack containing exclusive ‘crew’ bag, pencil tin and of the time. This training the operations contents, stickers, map and colouring poster, postcards and a includes boat handling, radio connected with launching the lifeboat, bumper activity booklet communications, first aid, ensuring the safety of all the lifeboat • four issues of Storm Force magazine a year; packed with rescue navigation and radar training. crew on board, and it is the coxswain's stories, news, activities, comic strips, water safety advice, The number of crew on a duty to use every effort to safeguard and educational articles and competitions with cool prizes All text and images lifeboat varies according to the rescue the lives of those in danger. At the • a Membership card with unique membership number courtesy of RNLI type of lifeboat; generally three end of a rescue the coxswain ensures that and a shiny new badge for every year of membership. (Royal National on an inshore lifeboat and six on the lifeboat is ready for service and that Club mascot Stormy Stan replies to each and every letter, drawing, Lifeboat Institution). an all weather lifeboat, including the equipment is all in order. photo or joke submitted and there are special gifts for those www.rnli.co.uk the coxswain or helmsman. Most coxswains are volunteers published in the magazine too. although there are a few full-time coxswains. The all weather lifeboat has FOR MORE INFORMATION: a second coxswain who acts as a deputy http://www.rnli.org.uk/how_to_support if the coxswain is not available. _us/membership/storm-force

Download a free and exciting newsletter for children, featuring interesting and informative news on nature and Helmsman Hovercraft Commander the environment. The helmsman is a volunteer who is in The inshore rescue hovercraft (IRH) charge of the inshore lifeboat during commander is a volunteer who is in Produced by Sherkin Island Marine Station launching, at sea and when it is being charge of the hovercraft during launch- recovered to make sure it is ready for ing, when at sea and also at the end of a the next rescue. The helmsman is rescue when the hovercraft is being Visit www.naturesweb.ie responsible for the safety of the crew recovered to make sure it is ready for on board and for everything that the next rescue. The duties of a com- happens during a rescue. At inshore mander are the same as for a helmsman lifeboat stations the engines and at an inshore lifeboat station. (There machinery are maintained by the are no hovercrafts in the Irish branch volunteer crew members. of the RNLI.)

Mechanic Every all weather lifeboat station has a full-time mechanic who is responsible for maintaining the lifeboat's engines and all the machinery at an all weather lifeboat station. The mechanic has a detailed planned maintenance programme to carry out; over a period of time every piece of machinery is checked and maintained. At sea the mechanic checks that the engines and other machinery are all working properly. All weather lifeboat stations also have assistant mechanics

to take over when the mechanic is not available.

rescue (16,8,SW); sea (9,1,SE); station (2,10,E); team (4,12,E); volunteer (3,2,SE); weather (20,13,S); wet (12,1,S). wet (20,13,S); weather (3,2,SE); volunteer (4,12,E); team (2,10,E); station (9,1,SE); sea (16,8,SW); rescue

,N); (19,20 radio (2,3,SE); training radar (6,9,NW); pager (11,20,NW); navigation (9,9,N); mechanic (17,16,W); lifesaving (9,20,NW);

at lifebo (9,19,E); launching (13,8,NE); inshore (1,19,N); commander hovercraft (9,11,W); helmsman (18,1,SW); aid first (6,20,NE);

(14,18,W); cold (13,15,NE); communication (3,3,E); coxswain (19,3,S); crew member (19,3,SW); dangerous (18,18,N); difficult (18,18,N); dangerous (19,3,SW); member crew (19,3,S); coxswain (3,3,E); communication (13,15,NE); cold (14,18,W);

all weather lifeboat (2,18,NE); boat handling (20,1,S); brave (20,1,S); handling boat (2,18,NE); lifeboat weather all (Over,Down,Direction): – WORDSEARCH LIFEBOAT TO ANSWERS SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______29

RVSDZLWESOAWNDZYFFTB LIFEBOAT EWVWJ EUACENE ZMPWI AEO DRCOMMUN I CA T I ONRORCA Wordsearch NEAULKRENQMROSSBOROT ARZD I UKXADREKTEHERXH

All these words below are connected to the work of RNLI MJELAPN I HYHQAFSWUGSA Lifeboats. Can you find them in the grid? (Answers on page 28) MRZGQRHTCBJ I I NMTGPWN

ALL WEATHER LAUNCHING OYWRABTNELDL I EDRLLAD LIFEBOAT LIFESAVING CRURGPVRMERPMNEB XN I L BOAT HANDLING MECHANIC TSTAT IONAERBUSQ I XSN I BRAVE NAVIGATION FNAMSMLEH I EUCJELBUYN COLD PAGER AKOTEAMTDRNU I TPDLOKG COMMUNICATION RADAR TRAINING RTQ I KAAWXAE I LHLWMRMW COXSWAIN RADIO CREW MEMBER CDARTE JMSOBUNOO I NEGE RESCUE DANGEROUS RYKOWAWOHACJ CGGX I GKA SEA DIFFICULT ERCLB IGGN I VASEF I LNOT STATION FIRST AID VPLQYEE I FNAWGPWFYA I H TEAM HELMSMAN OAQMGJFFVEVARBDZZDDE VOLUNTEER HOVERCRAFT HLBYDH I I LAUNCH I NGZAR COMMANDER WEATHER HCRFPDLB L J NP L LEQFVRK INSHORE LIFEBOAT WET

Sherkin Island Marine Station Publications Ireland’s Hidden Depths Just €17.99 + €2.00 p+p

Explore, with nature photographer and author Paul Kay, the beautiful, intriguing and fascinating creatures that can be found in the shallow waters around Ireland's coast. City Print Ltd., Carrigrohane Road, ISBN: 978-1-870492-53-9 • Softback (with french folds) • 277 x 227 mm • 160 pp • 200 colour photographs Victoria Cross, Cork T +353 21 4545655 F +353 21 4342996 email [email protected] www.cityprint.ie

Printers of Ireland’s Hidden Depths Available from: Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co Cork Tel: 028-20187 Fax: 028-20407 [email protected] www.sherkinmarine.ie Books can now be purchased online using Paypal. 30 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51

Gaisce – The President’s Award 5 Day Charity Relay Cycle Mizen 2 Malin

travelling near on 1000km to finish on Malin By Majella Killeen Head late on Friday evening. Day one we travelled through the highways “5 Days 35 stops 12 Counties, over 400 and byways of Cork in beautiful sunshine, participants and over 15,000 euro for Charity” despite the October day. Joined by Alan “the So the song goes...“I like to Ride my Bicy- biker” Waters and the Order of Malta there were cle, my Bicycle”...As Gaisce-The President’s no casualties to report, except for Stephen get- Award staff reviewed the events to celebrate ting a puncture before we started this morning!! our silver jubilee, the relay cycle from Mizen Day two saw us leave the Rebel county with Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal, was an early start to avoid the rush hour traffic, and considered one of the events of the year. travel through Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Images courtesy of Gaisce The intrepid development officer team of finishing in Offaly. Yet again we had a fine day Left to Right: Deirdre Hughes, Appeals Director, Friends of St. Luke’s Hospital, Anna Whittington, Séamus Stephen Peers, Mary Yore, Michael Collins and and were boosted by our national coverage on Whittington, Mary Yore Gaisce, Manus Whittington Stephen Peers Gaisce, Michael Collins Gaisce, Charles Majella Killeen invited participants through “AA Roadwatch” and the good will of the par- Whittington, Comdt. Edward Matthews Order of Malta Ireland, Majella Killeen Gaisce & Barney Callaghan, Chief Executive, Gaisce - The President's Award. their PALs to help us complete a relay cycle ticipants, their PALs and parents as we from Mizen Head to Malin Head by cycling a travelled through the country. maximum of 20km per group. The invitation Day three we travelled from Offaly to Gal- also asked each group to consider raising some way and finished in Longford. Today I found much needed funds for our nominated charities myself reflecting back on the journey to date as which were the friends of St Luke’s Hospital we had passed the half way stage of our chal- and Order of Malta Ireland, Bethlehem Mater- lenge. The ethos of the award is development nity Hospital or a local charity of their choice. through personal challenge. I had observed this As usual our PALs did not disappoint, the at every stage of the journey, from the parents response saw over 40 groups with over 400 and principals of schools arranging the pickup participants volunteering for the challenge. of the bikes at the finish, to the PALs cycling This is my personal reflection on the event. with the students and encouraging them as they 8am on a beautiful windswept October completed their personal journey of the relay - morning as I stood on Mizen Head at the start all creating a very positive experience for those of stage one of our challenge, the uninterrupted of us driving and organising the event. beauty of the area around me, answered my Day four we were in Yeats County where we question as to what I was doing here at this had the local press and radio waiting to inter- hour of the morning. The convoy lined up as view and chat about our experience to date. we started out on our journey, a journey that With the Order of Malta wanting casualties, I would take us through the Island of Ireland thought I would give them something to do by getting on the bike for a stage of the relay, but "This downhill bit is easy!" alas, I managed with the encouragement of the Gaisce Mizen 2 Malin young participants to complete the stage. Charity Relay Cycle Schools/Clubs List Remarkable really considering I hadn’t being Abbey Vocational School, Donegal on a bike in years!! Banagher College, Co Offaly Day five the end of the journey was in sight, Borrisokane Community College, Co Kilkenny Carndonagh Community School, Co Donegal one that started in bright sunshine, ended in Carrigaline Community School, Co Cork rain, but it could not dampen our spirits as we Carrick-on-Shannon Vocational, School broached the last twelve miles up-hill to Malin Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Head. The delight of the team was palpable; Colaiste Daibhead, Cork Coola Post Primary School, Sligo we had completed the challenge, with the sup- Crana College, Buncrana, Co Donegal port and encouragement of our network of Dunmore Community School, Galway volunteers from Cork to Donegal. Errigal College, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Finn Valley, Stranorlar, Co Donegal I write this as a PAL no longer employed by Gairmscoil Mhuire, Athenry Vocational School.Galway Gaisce. I cherish the memories of that week – Glenties Comprehensive School, Co. Donegal Alan Waters and Michéal Maguire on their Gold Award Participants: Paddy Clarke, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Amy Roddy, Christine Hickey and Emmet Ryan motorbikes patrolling the convoy to ensure the Grange Post Primary School, Sligo safety of the participants, fixing punctures and Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, Limerick replacing car bulbs. Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Sligo Mary Yore co-ordinating the press and con- Loreto Secondary .School, Letterkenny, Co Donegal LYIT Society, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Co Donegal tacting the local media throughout the Country, Magh Ene College, Bundoran, Co Donegal a PR guru in the making!! Marist College, Athlone Michael Collins ensuring we left each stage Mercy College, Sligo Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon, Co Longford on time in the lead car, joined in the latter half Majella Killeen with her fantastic Order of Malta friends. Mohill Community School, Co Leitrim of the challenge by his wife Mary. Moville Community College, Co Donegal Stephen Peers, not just organising the event, ticipants, parents, supporters, and sponsors take young citizens. Today we salute them, tell them Oldcasltle Post Primary School. Co Meath PCC Falcarragh, Co Donegal but cycling some of the journey as well as coor- a bow, your enthusiasm, goodwill, friendship how much we admire and respect them and Rosses Community School, Dungloe, Co Donegal dinating the groups ensuring their bikes were in and support of one another and the Gaisce team thank them for taking on the Gaisce challenge Saint Christopher's School, Longford order and all participants were wearing their will be my treasured memory of the Mizen 2 and for seeing it through all the way. Whatever Saint.Attracta's Community School, Sligo helmets and hi-vis jackets. Saint.Brendan's Community School, Birr, Co Offaly Malin Charity Relay Cycle 2010. I conclude the role you have played to arrive here today Saint.Columba's College, Stranorlar, Co Donegal Germanus Whittington, accompanied by his this piece with the words of our Patron Presi- thank you for being a light, a much-needed, Saint.Eunan's,Letterkenny, Co Donegal brother Charles assisted tremendously on the dent Mary McAleese spoken at a recent Gold much appreciated light in a place where there Saint.Jarlath's Vocational School, Tuam, Galway event. Germanus and his family are avid ceremony. “Gaisce’s individuals are young is much cursing of the darkness.” SaintMuredach's College, Ballina, Co Mayo Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Donegal fundraisers for the Friends of Saint Luke’s. men and women who have a highly developed Sligo Grammar School, Sligo The network of members from Order of sense of belonging to family and community, Majella Killeen, Gaisce President’s Award Summerhill College, Sligo Malta Ireland who volunteered their time and they can be community builders, leaders, Swanlinbar Cycling Club, Co Cavan Leader, Gaisce Gold Award Holder and ambulances to ensure the safety of the partici- Ursuline College , Sligo sources of strength, “can-do” people, team recipient of a Gaisce Hillery Medal in 2010. Wilson's Hospital School, Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath pants throughout the challenge. players, steeped in values of generosity and Youthreach, Gortahork, Co Donegal Last but by no means least, all the PALs, par- voluntarism. Here are the very best of Ireland’s SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 ______31

his quiz will Draw a Ttesting your observational skills. Can you Dolphin match up the Test Quiz The dolphin, of all the wild images with their correct title creatures, is the one that most captures the below? All these imagination of young children. images appear in It has so many things going this issue of for it: intelligence; Sherkin Comment. friendliness towards people, atheltic behaviour; “smiling” Some are a little face. It is easy to see why Narture is available from Gordon D’Arcy, Killeenaran, tricky as their children love it. Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, Ireland. It costs €25.00 per copy (plus names can be a To draw a dolphin 1 2 3 €3.50 p&p per copy). For little misleading! successfully is quite simple further information contact provide you give it life. This Gordon D’Arcy directly at a. Monastic Site best achieved by drawing it [email protected] as jumping out of the water. b. Hotteton Fig c. Common Starfish d. Tagging Cod e. Ragged Robin 4 5 6 f. Copeland Islands g. Great Tit h. Mizen Head i. Blue-mouthed Rockfish

Gordon D’Arcy e=8; f=7; g=1; h=2; i=4. h=2; g=1; f=7; e=8; 

7 9 d=6; c=5; b=3; a=9; Answer:

8 Sketch Ideal Gifts

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Ireland’s Bird Life. A World of Beauty Ireland’s Bird Life - A World of Beauty contains photographs from the vast collection of Richard Mills, who is recognised as one of Europe’s finest photographers. The book contains 200 colour photographs from his vast collection which show the great talent of a man who is a craftsman with his camera. Published by Sherkin Island Marine Station For more information contact: € € Price: 12.00 plus 1.00 p&p. ISBN-10: 1 870492 80 3 ISBN-13: 978-1-870492-80-5 Softback A4 160pp IFA Aquaculture Section, Irish Farmers’ Association, Bluebell, Dublin 12 Available from: Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co Cork ph: 01-4500266 fax: 01-4551043 Tel: 028-20187 Fax: 028-20407 [email protected] www.sherkinmarine.ie e-mail [email protected] Books can now be purchased using Paypal. 32 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2011 Issue No 51 Securing tyres to the seafloor is difficult so, By Mike Ludwig it was no surprise that the anchoring “solu- tions” poured forth as fast as the tyres rolled EARLY fishermen probably recognized that into the preparation sites. Hey, we were creat- many aquatic species liked to be near struc- Fish,Fish, TTyresyres andand ing new habitat for fish, improving recreational tures. Because so much of the ocean and fishing opportunities, and using an environ- seafloor are without features, adding something mentally friendly recycling programme to get that changes the topography or currents attracts aquatic species. Fish, crabs and even some the Environment rid of old tyres! Tyres were holed, split, the Environment inverted, banded, cabled, secured to and shellfish tend to congregate around structures. And, it is not just the bottom (benthic) species; embedded in concrete, tied to anchors, fitted more than 300 species of fish that live between with old concrete test samples to be made into the bottom and the surface (pelagic species) configurations and shapes on the seafloor. appear to like some structure in their lives. Skeptics required that all tyres headed for a reef Some fishermen take advantage of this be marked with the owner’s name and placed in attraction and carry stuff offshore to improve water depths below the wave energy zone, or so their catches. Instead of chasing the fish, they it was thought. When other tyre recycling lure species to congregate around the struc- options were precluded by changes in environ- Osborne Reef, tures. These floating “fish aggregating (or an artificial reef off mental regulations, recyclers scrambled to get aggregation) devices” (FAD) and their seafloor the coast of Fort their tyres to sea and pocket the money they counterpart, artificial reefs, have a purpose; Lauderdale, Florida received from tyre dealers. Tyre reefs were making it easier to catch fish. But, not everyone Image courtesy of US Navy quickly proposed everywhere. Then the tyres likes these structures or their purpose. Conflicts tyres. It is said that Americans wear out one problems were a warning that tyres and water started coming loose from where they were are created by different groups targeting differ- vehicle tyre for every resident, every year. should not be mixed, but the warning was placed and crashing into natural reefs and com- ent species or just fishing in similar areas. Most worn out tyres cannot be reused. By the missed. The next tyre recycling idea was pure ing ashore. These problems were compounded Often, structures are left at sea creating other 1970s, tyre dumps were running out of space. genius; use tyres for artificial reef construction by the discovery that tyres are not very good problems. Hitting an unmarked FAD floating On occasion and either by accident or design, material! Artificial reef proponents were always aquatic habitat. Today, every time there is a 200 miles offshore can be exciting or deadly some of those tyre piles caught on fire. Moun- looking for construction material. Here was an storm, a waterfront property owner may get depending on what you are driving. Then there tains of burning tyres proved virtually unlimited supply of material that solved the tyre another pile of reef tyres and maybe there is a are the things dumped on the bottom. Some impossible to extinguish. A burning tyre gives disposal problem in an environmentally phone number to call for their removal. Florida recreational fishermen dumped old cars into off large amounts of black smoke and nasty friendly manner. While the tyre reef idea may is removing Osborne Reef but it is likely to the Gulf of Mexico to improve fishing. Unfor- odours (making them protestors’ “tool” of not have originated in Florida, it was at the take more than eight years. Since 2007 they tunately, storms dispersed the cars across the choice). Enter the recycle wizards. Osborne Artificial Reef in Broward County, have removed about 100,000 of the approxi- seafloor. Shrimp fishermen catching those cars Floating breakwaters were the oceanographic Florida that it reached its highest use. That reef mately 2,000,000 out there. In the Northeast a rather than the valuable shrimp they sought darling of the moment back then. Tyres became was started in 1972 but was really expanded by lot of the tyres on reefs sank into the seafloor were not happy. Trust me, getting a 1948 Ford the material of choice for those breakwaters placing about two million tyres at the site. The and are no longer habitat or visible. And, we out of a shrimp net is not easy. Seeing these (cheap and available). And, they could be a effort even had a Tyre Company dump a gold went back to burning old tyres only this time, problems, regulatory agencies created pro- FAD. Unfortunately, tyre breakwaters tend to painted tyre into the waters off Fort Lauderdale cleanly and for making energy. grammes to manage artificial reefs. One of the break apart and drift onto shorelines. Removing from their Blimp. Local support groups first requirements was that the reefs be made of tyres from someone’s beach is difficult and watched the event then tossed their cargoes of appropriate materials. That created some inter- costly. Floating tyre breakwater construction reef creating tyre “habitats” from their own Mike Ludwig, Ocean and Coastal esting problems itself. died pretty quickly, but some were successful boats. The reef would “grow” to cover more Consultants, Inc., 35 Corporate Drive, Ste One of the approved materials was worn out and continue to function today. The breakwater than 36 acres of Gulf of Mexico bottomland. 1200, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA.