SHERKIN COMMENT

Issue No. 45 Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station 2008

Clare Island Survey Cruising Antarctica A Slow Approach From Botany Bay to Glasnevin Michael Guiry on a unique survey, carried out Jim Wilson’s position as an ornithologist aboard A look at Prof. Brian Bary’s long and impressive Daphne Pochin Mould looks at the origins of by naturalists nearly 100 years ago & followed a cruise ship in the Antarctic proved to be a career as an oceanographer and his some familiar plants, many of which came from up by the Royal Irish Academy in 1991. 5 dream job for the wildlife photographer. 15 commitment to monitoring. 18 hotter climates on the other side of the world. 25

The Calf Islands in Carbery’s Hundred Isles (Page 11)

Yellow Flag Iris. Photograph by Robbie Murphy 2 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 Contents Editorial EDITORIAL: What is the future for Ireland’s aquaculture industry? ...... 2 Matt Murphy gives his views on the industry. What is the future for Ireland’s Coastal Birds in West Africa...... 3 Oscar Merne writes about his visit to The Gambia and Senegal and tells about its coastal birds. aquaculture industry? A Spotlight on World Environmental Matters ...... 4 News from Alex Kirby on worldwide issues. which were so positive about the future Norwegian owned Marine Harvest. Their Clare Island Survey...... 5 By Matt Murphy for aquaculture. New species were then at main operation is at Fanad in Donegal. In Michael Guiry describes the richness of the Clare the developmental stage, two of these recent years they have taken over a fish THE insane overfishing of the world’s Island flora and fauna. abalone and sea urchins. A hatchery on farm at Killary, Co. Mayo and the latest seas continues unabated. Few countries The UK’s National Trust ...... 6 Bere Island, Co. Cork, mastered the tech- information is they are now taking over are prepared to face up to this reality. niques but the grow-on in a number of the site of Ocean Farms in Donegal Bay. Tony Burton explains how they are protecting the Indeed, the seas are a free for all and big- sites around the coast have yet to produce How is it that the Norwegians, the world UK’s national treasures. ger and bigger vessels are being build adults in commercial quantities. There has leaders in salmon production at over world-wide with more sophisticated ENVision brings maps to EPA website ...... 7 also been hatchery success with sea 600,000 tonnes annually, want to expand equipment to locate and catch fish. Many Useful and interesting information available at the urchins but again few adults for commer- in Ireland – obviously they see the poten- of the world’s fish stocks are close to touch of a button, as explained by Fiona Lawlor. cial sale. Turbot development took place tial of our clean waters. At present there being wiped out. The greatest example of Pomfrets in Irish and Northern European Waters....8 on Cape Clear and what a success – it was are sufficient licensed sites around the this is the cod fishery in the waters off coast to grow up to 40,000 tonnes of Declan Quigley tells us about another unusual fish against all the odds. In 1996, they had an Canada’s east coast. Continuous warnings salmon. The question must be – what is in Irish Waters. for the need to introduce conservation annual production of 33 tonnes whilst the might Norwegians were still researching wrong that these sites are not utilised? Food for Thought...... 9 were sounded from the early 1970s but no The foreign buy out of salmon sites is one listened until the 1990s and by then and developing the same fish. Tragedy hit A look at the amounts of food wasted in households. in 1997 when a disease from the wild now coming to the oyster section. French stocks were down to a few thousand companies have already bought out Irish- A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Wild Flowers...... 10 tonnes which in the 1960s saw catches of (through the sea water) occurred. Under A new book from Sherkin Island Marine Station. EU regulations any fish with such a dis- owned sites and Dutch interests have done around 800,000 tonnes annually. so with some in the bottom mussel sec- The Calf Islands ...... 11 In its latest report, the FAO (Fish and ease had to be destroyed. The Department of the Marine at Abbotstown ordered all tion. Again they obviously see the John Akeroyd writes about three gems in Agriculture Organisation) in Rome has the fish to be killed – in all 60,000 fish. potential of our coastal waters. Roaringwater Bay. stated that of the total 90 million tonnes of It is interesting to read in the 2006 commercial and aquaculture fish landings Compensation was refused by the Depart- A True Pioneer ...... 12 ment of the Marine (see Sherkin report, the section on research grants to in 2005, aquaculture production con- institutions – 27 projects in all. It is pre- Looking at the career of Prof. Enrique Balech, Comment No. 24). The great tragedy is tributed over 48.1 million tonnes. The sumed these are being funded to help from Argentina – a unique scientist. that when the strain was identified, it was FAO estimated that by 2050 aquaculture develop the aquaculture industry. But the a different strain to that which effected Wastematchers.com ...... 13 would need to produce 85 million tonnes, question that needs to be asked is, do salmon and trout, so there was no need to An free online service for exchanging unwanted goods. as the world fish catches will decrease these projects fulfiling their brief? If the have killed the fish. The Cape project from its present tonnage. This leads one to aquaculture industry is to deliver the Gov- Rural Settlement in Medieval Ireland ...... 14 closed down and they were without funds Ireland’s aquaculture industry. ernment’s 2008–2013 National Another informative leaflet from Enfo. to re-build the stock. The recently published “Status of Irish Development Plan for aquaculture we The decline in farmed salmon is the Cruising Antarctica ...... 15/16/17 aquaculture 2006” raises many questions, must have practical and progressive most worrying, only 11,174 tonnes was Jim Wilson on his visit of a lifetime to Antarctica. the chief being why production has research. What good are degrees in aqua- produced in 2006 less than the 12,368 A Slow Approach ...... 18 declined or is close to static in a number culture to young people if there are no of species. I find this unacceptable as we tonnes in 1993 – over 13 years earlier. The Matt Murphy speaks to Prof. Brian McK Bary jobs in the industry, which is the case have wonderful clean waters for produc- peak year was 2001 with 23,312 tonnes. about his years as an oceanographer. today? BIM and Udaras must face the ing fin fish and shellfish. In 1994 Sherkin Something is wrong with the Irish owned challenge and lead on what development Maderia – Portugal’s Wild Atlantic Garden ...... 20 Comment produced a supplement on section of the industry. The most success- and research is needed if aquaculture is to Tony Toole visits one of Portugal’s Islands. aquaculture in that we had many articles ful fish farming company in Ireland is the deliver the government’s 2008–2013 A Nature Trip with a Difference...... 22 plans. What is equally important is that Ian Boler on a natural history club he started in the industry itself needs to carry out an Malaysia. SUBSCRIPTION FORM indepth examination of its role in how it represents the industry. A Real Insight into CFB Research ...... 23 SHERKIN COMMENT is a quarterly publication of Sherkin Island There is a great future for aquaculture Matt Murphy gives a favourable review to the Marine Station aiming to promote the awareness of our natural resources, development in Ireland. I have been con- Central Fisheries Board’s research summary report. their use and protection. vinced of this for over 30 years since those Publications of Interest...... 24 great pioneers David and Angela Tonge SUBSCRIPTION: to receive a year’s subscription to “Sherkin farmed trout, on a shoestring, in Dun- From Botany Bay to Glasnevin...... 25 € Comment”, please send a cheque or money order for 7.00 for Ireland and manus Bay, Co. Cork. We at the Station Daphne Pochin Mould looks at the origins of £6.50stg for the U.K. (sterling cheques accepted from UK); send €11.00 supported them with monitoring when red some plants, which have come from abroad. for Europe and the rest of the world (surface postage) – payable to Sherkin tide took most of their stock and which, in Captain Cockle ...... 26 Comment, Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. the end, made the project financially un- John Joyce on the wonderful world of worms. Ireland. Tel: 028–20187 Fax: 028–20407 viable. We have continued this monitoring Reedbed Singers ...... 27 Email: [email protected] work in Roaringwater Bay ever since. Declan Murphy writes about these spring and For many years we have heard that the Please send a 1 year subscription – beginning with Issue No...... IT industry will be a substitute for the early summer visitors to Ireland. Please send a 2 year subscription – beginning with Issue No...... declining fishing industry in coastal vil- The Sandy Shore...... 28 lages and towns. It has not and will not. Information and a quiz from Sarah Varian. I enclose cheque/postal order to the sum of €...... Companies are leaving Ireland for cheap Staying Afloat ...... 29 labour in other countries. The future is to Name ...... use the wonderful seas around our coast. Guidelines from Irish Water Safety on Personal Address ...... These seas are gold and farming them, Flotation Devices. whilst continuing to care for the environ- Dr Patrick Hillery...... 30 ...... ment, will deliver rich pickings and jobs. An appreciation by Majella Killeen of the late ...... We must farm new species, both in the sea President’s involvement with Gaisce – the and on land (with re-circulation tanks). Signature ...... Date ...... President’s Award Aquaculture, if properly lead, can create long-term jobs. Can the challenge be met? A Picture to Colour In ...... 31 STAFF: Editor, Matt Murphy; Editorial Assistant, Susan Murphy Wickens; Is Biodiversity a Good Assessment Tool? ...... 32 Typesetting, Susan Murphy Wickens; Publisher, Matt Murphy. ISSN 0791–2447 © 2008 Sherkin Island Marine Station website: www.sherkinmarine.ie Matt Murphy, Director, Sherkin Island Mike Ludwig poses the question and gives his views. Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______3 Coastal Birds in West Africa

Mozambique. The common local terns were the magnificent giant Caspian Terns (as large as Herring Gulls), Royal Terns and Lesser Crested Terns. I had tantalising The Bijol Islands, the only offshore islands in The Gambia. glimpses of rings on some tern legs and wondered if some might be from Reserve and lie about two kilometres the Irish colonies on Rockabill and By Oscar Merne off the little fishing centre at Brufut, Lady’s Island Lake. where we joined two Rangers from There were also quite a few MY wife and I spent a month (1st the reserve for the motorboat trip out migrant waders on the shores of the November to 1st December 2007) in to the islands. The islands, joined Bijol Islands, notably Oystercatch- The Gambia and Senegal, in tropical together at low tide, are flat rocky ers, Ringed Plovers, Grey Plovers, West Africa, between about 12.30 reefs covered in most parts by fine, Knots, Sanderlings, Bar-tailed God- and 16.30 degrees N. We chose this white sand, and with a few small wits, Whimbrels, Redshanks and part of Africa, and this time of year, trees and herbaceous vegetation Turnstones, and a few Curlews and because the area is renowned for its above the storm tide line. We spent a Greenshanks – all familiar on Irish diversity of birdlife, including couple of hours walking slowly coasts. The only West African wader Afrotropical species and migrants around the islands and found 28 species that we saw on the islands from Europe. It is possible to visit species of birds, mainly gulls, terns was the scarce White-fronted Plover, The Gambia on one- or two-week and waders. The former two groups a small plover similar to the Euro- A large colony of white-fronted African Great Cormorants (a distinct sub-species of package holidays, and there are were a mix of European migrants and our Cormorants), breeding on one of the islands. pean Kentish Plover. Clearly the waters around the islands have abundant and varied fishlife, for we counted eighteen Ospreys perched at intervals on the

Photos: © Oscar Merne sandbanks and rocks, making occa- sional short-distance forays to catch their next meals. They seemed to be successful every time! Also on the Bijol Islands was a nice flock of 65 loafing Great White Pelicans, a separate group of five African Pink-backed Pelicans, a scat- tering of Grey Herons (the same as ours), and some attractive dark West- ern Reef Herons, which look like white-chinned, slate-grey Little Egrets, even having yellow feet. A couple of weeks later, we trav- elled by road to Dakar, the capital of Senegal, specifically to visit Les Isles Above: The larger of the Les Isles de la Madeleine – a small national park off the coast A large flock of Great White Pelicans seen on the Bijol Islands. de la Madeleine, a small national Park of Dakar in Senegal – is sparsely vegetated, with a few stunted dwarf Baobab trees. a few kilometres out in the Atlantic Below: The island is appears to be a volcanic crater. Ocean from the city of Dakar. They many good bird-watching locations tropical species. The commonest plateau with sparse vegetation and are actually the most westerly point of within twenty-five kilometres of the gulls were the local Grey-headed small numbers of very stunted dwarf the African continent, at about 17.30 main coastal resorts south of Banjul, Gulls, but there were also hundreds Baobab trees. The exposed western degrees west of Greenwich. The the capital. However, for longer of migrant Lesser Black-backed rim is mainly bare black basalt, Ranger post is tucked in between the stays, and the opportunity to travel in Gulls, and, in decreasing numbers, which, like the Giant’s Causeway in fishing centre and the casino on the the interior of The Gambia and in Yellow-legged Gulls, Kelp Gulls Northern Ireland, cooled into octago- west side of the Dakar peninsula, and Senegal, it is best to travel independ- (very like our Great Black-backed nal columns. On these structures was in the evening we arranged a day trip ently. This is what we did, so we Gulls, and here near the northern a large colony (probably 2,000–3,000 to the islands for the next day. The were able to visit many of the coastal limit of their range), Audouin’s Gulls pairs) of white-fronted African Great charge for the two of us was and inland areas of The Gambia and and Slender-billed Gulls. The last Cormorants, a distinct sub-species of CFA10,000, which converted to also the Dakar region of Senegal and can be found also in the Mediter- our Cormorants. It seemed to be the €13.33. The Rangers took us out to the Senegal River delta around St. ranean area. beginning of the breeding season as the islands at 10.00 hrs and picked us Louis on the Mauretanian border. We saw seven species of terns, many nests were still being con- up again at 16.00 hrs, and we brought With my own particular interest in including a mixed flock of 3,000 structed, while others had freshly laid along our picnic lunch, lots of water, coastal birds, we spent much of our European migrant Common and eggs. The other seabird species breed- and sunblock, as there is little or no time in coastal habitats – sandy Sandwich Terns, with some Gull- ing on Les Isles de la Madeleine, and shelter on the islands from the relent- beaches, muddy estuaries, man- billed Terns and a handful of Roseate probably nowhere else on the West less tropical sun. There are two main groves, lagoons, saltmarshes, coastal Terns – detected mainly by their dis- African coast, and which had drawn In my next article I will write islands, the smaller being a precipi- freshwater marshes and other wet- tinctive calls as they are very us to the islands, is the beautiful Red- about the waterbirds of the Senegal tous and jagged black rock, slightly lands, and on a couple of the very difficult to distinguish in their winter billed Tropicbird, a large, graceful, River delta, particularly the reminiscent of Little Skellig – but few small islands along the c.500 km plumage. Common Terns and some black-and-white tern-like species with UNESCO World Heritage Parc without the Gannets. The larger of the Senegambian coast. Sandwich Terns spend the winter in extraordinarily long central tail feath- National des Oiseaux de Djoudj. appears to be a volcanic crater, with Soon after our arrival in The Gam- this part of Africa, while the Roseate ers. Small numbers nest in crevices on the landing place located inside and bia we visited the tiny, low Bijol Terns move on south to the Gulf of the high cliffs on the landward side of with a narrow gap in the crater rim Oscar Merne retired from Ireland’s Islands, which are the only offshore Guinea, and many Sandwich Terns the main island, and we were lucky allowing small boats to sail right in. National Parks & Wildlife Service islands in The Gambia. These are continue as far as the Cape of Good enough to see about twenty individu- Much of the main island is a high in January 2004. part of the Tanji River (Karinti) Bird Hope, or even around the cape to als flying about. 4 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 A Spotlight on World Environmental Matters by Alex Kirby EU to Cut Carbon Emissions said the targets were putting up food Ireland 34th on Environmental way of securing future energy supplies prices and threatening food supplies for while fighting climate change. The gov- The European Commission aims to cut the poor. It wants the EU and the UK to Performance Index ernment will build no plants itself, but 20% from Europe’s carbon emissions by concentrate on using so-called sustain- Ireland came in at number 34 in the says it wants to encourage private oper- 2020 compared with 1990 levels, and able biofuels like waste vegetable oil, World Economic Forum’s Environmental ators to build them. Any plants will be hopes to generate 20% of Europe’s and to develop more efficient biofuel Performance Index, after being tenth in built at or near existing reactors, and power from renewable sources by then. technologies. The RSPB said current 2006. Drinking water pollution and there are hopes the first could come As its contribution, the United Kingdom biofuels targets were farcical. threats of legal action by the European on-stream by 2017. No nuclear plant has will have to obtain 15% of its energy for Commission to enforce water standards been built anywhere in the world with- heat, electricity and transport from Amazon Deforestation on the Rise were particular problems explaining the out public money. The government has renewables like wind, wave, tidal, solar slippage. Sweden, Norway, Finland, and not decided yet how much new nuclear Satellite measurements have shown and biomass. Only 2% of the UK’s energy Costa Rica performed well, while Mali, operators should pay towards the cost is renewable today, the lowest percent- that Amazon deforestation is on the Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Angola, and of building underground caverns as a age of any major European country. rise again. The loss for the last five Niger brought up the rear. The Index is permanent storage site for Britain’s Biofuels used in the EU must be shown months of 2007 was 3,235 sq. kilome- based on 25 indicators across six cate- nuclear waste. Until a suitable site can to provide a real saving in emissions of tres, up on the previous year and gories: environmental health, air be found, waste will continue to be at least one-third compared with fossil surprising because the damage usually pollution, water resources, biodiversity stockpiled above ground at what are fuels, and must not be produced on land tends to drop in the wet months at the and habitat, productive natural described as “interim” facilities at Sell- of high biodiversity. Nor should they be end of the year. In a world panicked by resources, and climate change. afield, in Cumbria. Existing nuclear grown on forest land, wetland – including its own carbon footprint, the forests of power stations produce about 20% of peat – or permanent grassland. the Amazon are the planet’s largest Countries at Risk From Violent Conflict the UK’s electricity and many existing absorber of carbon dioxide. Figures nuclear and coal-fired power stations Biofuels Ineffective & Expensive obtained by another Brazilian govern- A report by International Alert, an are due for closure within 20 years. ment agency said the real figure was independent London-based peacebuild- British members of Parliament say closer to 7,000 sq. km. The Environment ing organisation, says 46 countries with World Climate Out of Balance the EU should abandon its biofuels tar- Minister, Marina Silva, said the rise was 2.7 billion people are experiencing cli- gets because they are damaging the caused mainly by higher commodity mate change and water-related crises The American Geophysical Union says environment. The Environmental Audit prices. Deforestation and food prices which create “a high risk of violent con- the world’s climate is “clearly out of bal- Committee said biofuels were ineffec- had both fallen in 2005 and 2006, and flict”. And it says 56 more countries, ance and is warming”. It said changes in tive and sometimes expensive. It also now both were on the rise. with 1.2 billion people “are at high risk temperature, sea level and rainfall were of violent conflict.” The UN Secretary- best explained by the increased concen- General, Ban Ki-moon, says the growing tration of greenhouse gases from human crisis over water should be at the top of activities and urged a cut of more than the global agenda in 2008. Speaking at half in carbon emissions by 2100. The 100 Full Sets of the World Economic Forum, he said AGU said the world faced a tough chal- shortages of water were helping to lenge: “Even the lower limit of impending cause poverty and social hardship in climate change – an additional global Somalia, Chad, Israel, the Palestinian mean warming of 1.0C above the last territories, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Haiti, decade – is far beyond the range of cli- SHERKIN Colombia and Kazakhstan. mate variability experienced during the past 1,000 years. Warming greater than Planning Approved for 9th 2.0C above 19th century levels is pro- Concrete Storage Bunker jected to be disruptive, reducing global OMMENT agricultural productivity, causing wide- C In north-west England Cumbria spread loss of biodiversity, and – if County Council has approved plans for a sustained over centuries – melting of ninth concrete storage bunker at a low- much of the Greenland ice sheet.” The to give away! level radioactive waste site. It said the AGU, the world’s largest society of bunker, at Drigg, met safety guidelines. Earth and space scientists, has 50,000 The site has stored waste for the last members in 137 countries. half-century but had been expected to We have surplus copies of Sherkin Comment to give run out of capacity in the next 12 Alaskan wilderness Opened Up to to a good home – 100 full sets in total (Nos. 1 – 45). months. The 137m wide, 5.5m high vault Logging, Mining & Road-building These are free to anyone who will cover the postage will store waste from the nuclear plant at Sellafield, and from hospitals, the oil The US Administration says it will of €15 in Ireland and €20 outside of Ireland. industry, universities and other govern- open more than 3m acres (about 5,000 ment and military sites. The bunker will square miles) of Alaska’s wilderness, the Contact us for further information at: need more than 185,000 tonnes of con- Tongass National Forest, to logging, Sherkin Island Marine Station struction materials. It will be built and mining and road-building. Environmental operated by LLW Repository Ltd, previ- Sherkin Island groups say it will devastate the region. ously BNG Sellafield Ltd. The forest is a refuge for grizzly and Co Cork. black bears, wolves, eagles and wild [email protected] A New Generation salmon. But supporters of the plan say it of Nuclear Power Stations will revive the state’s timber industry. The forest, nearly 17m acres in extent, The UK Government has given formal is the largest in the US. Available on a first come first serve basis. backing to the building of a new genera- tion of nuclear power stations. It said Alex Kirby is a former BBC environment they would give a “safe and affordable” correspondent. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______5 Clare Island Survey By Michael Guiry

EVEN the Irish can be for- given for confusing two of our most famous islands: Cape Clear Island (Oileán Chléire), Co. Cork and Clare Island, Co. Mayo. Both are well known to Irish biologists and to natural- ists all over the world, Oileán Chléire for its Bird Observa- tory, the source of many Clare Island, Co Mayo, which was first surveyed from 1909–1911. unique sightings of rare migra- Academy in several volumes tory and storm-blown birds, from 1910–1912. The biologi- and Clare Island for the Clare cal results of that first Survey Island Survey, an amazing last were quite extraordinary: hurrah of the Victorian natu- nearly 9,000 organisms were ralists’ taste for surveys, forays recorded (3219 plants and Photos: © Royal Irish Academy Photos: © Royal Irish and species lists. 5629 animals) of which nearly Why did an innocent little 2000 had not been previously island at the mouth of Clew known to occur in Ireland, and Bay become a by-word 11 plants and 109 animals were amongst archaeologists, natu- completely unknown any- ralists, geologists and Above left: Algal growth on the Cistercian Abbey on the island. Above right: The walls were laboriously cleaned. where in the world. By anthropologists? Schoolchild- contrast, the taxonomic might ren are well acquainted with of the Natural History Museum Clare Island as the island in London was only able to fortress of Ireland’s pirate muster 5,280 organism for the queen, Grainuile Uí Mháille much larger, but similar, island (Grace O’Malley also known of Mull of the west coast of as Gráinne Mhaol and a huge Scotland in the 1970s. This lat- number of variants, c. ter survey, it was claimed by 1530–1603), who is reputed to the Museum, was the most have been the seaborne comprehensive such investiga- scourge of much of the west tion in the British Isles. and south coast of Ireland in Above left: The abbey contained some of the best preserved The New Survey of Clare the 16th century. She is said to mediaeval wall-paintings in Ireland. Above right: Drawing of the same. Island was initiated by the have visited the first Queen 1909–1912. The Blaskets and That there was easy access Academy in 1991. To date, 6 Elizabeth’s court and was of an expected 10 volumes accorded the courtesy of one the Aran Islands were also from Roonagh Quay south- considered by a survey com- east of the island and a have been published. This formidable woman to another, time, the survey is being car- even though she was found to mittee, but Clare Island was protected harbour on the chosen because it was neither island, that there was an hotel ried out at a more leisurely have secreted a small dagger pace and with less focus on on her person before entering too near or too far from the on the island, and that the mainland, and because it had natives spoke English were lists of species and artifacts the royal presence. and more emphasis on the Clare Island was chosen the physical height and the other major considerations. range of habitats thought to Propelled by Praeger, and context, the environment and essentially by Robert Lloyd climate change. Nevertheless, Praeger, Ireland’s best-known be desirable to produce an enthusiastically supported by extensive and comprehensive the Royal Irish Academy, differences have emerged botanist and the prime mover from the first Survey. For of the first Survey of list of animals and plants. hordes of eager geologists, anthropologists, archaeolo- example, the archaeology of gists, botanist, zoologists, and the island has turned out to be virtually every manner of sci- much richer than previously entist, some 100 in all, and appreciated, partly because many from outside Ireland, time was available for a sys- scoured the island from tematic and comprehensive 1909–1911, collecting and assessment, and a number of examining every natural pro- species new to science and duction and artifact of Clare new to Britain and Ireland Island and the “adjoining dis- have been discovered. How- ever, most of all, the baseline effects of climate change. surface), re-roofed and reno- trict” stretching from Achill in Indeed, the authors of Vol- vated in a very sympathetic the north to Connemara in the that was the original Survey ume 6, just published, manner and with the greatest south. The results were pub- has been augmented so that consider that the island’s care by the Office of Public lished by the Royal Irish we will be able to assess the freshwater algal flora may Works, and is now open to the have changed substantially public. The Royal Irish Academy (Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann), since the first survey, perhaps The people of Clare Island The Ninth Party, Clare Island Survey, June 1910. Robert Lloyd Praeger chartered in 1785, is Ireland’s premier learned academy due to the island becoming have been most encouraging is seated at the back, dressed in white. (http://www.ria.ie) for sciences and humanities, and is the drier, perhaps as a result of and supportive of the New Irish equivalent of France’s Académie Française and climate change. Survey and the workers on Robert Lloyd Praeger (1865–1953) was born in Belfast of Britain’s Royal Society. Membership, currently about 385, is Other very tangible and wel- the Survey have been made Dutch extraction but spent most of his working life in Dublin. by election, and about 20 persons, mainly from Ireland, are come developments have taken very welcome by all. On the A graduate in engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, elected each year by the existing members. Those elected are place: the Cistercian Abbey on island, one still feels that we Librarian in the National Library, and President of the Royal permitted to use the letters M.R.I.A. after their names. The the island, which contained are following the way that Irish Academy, he dabbled in archaeology initially but went Academy has been prominent in promoting many scholarly some of the best-preserved Praeger went. on to become Ireland’s foremost botanist, mostly in his spare projects since its foundation and maintains a important mediaeval wall-paintings in Ire- time. The author of several remarkable books, the one for library in its premises on Dawson Street in Dublin. Many of land, has been cleaned Michael Guiry, Director, which he is best remembered, and which is still in print, is The the prized artifacts currently in the National Museum came laboriously (green algae were a Martin Ryan Institute, NUI Way that I Went, an elegant view of a naturalist’s Ireland. from the Academy’s collections. major problem on the painted Galway. 6 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 We look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, At a glance… archaeological remains, castles, The National Trust is: nature reserves and villages. • The UK’s We’re committed to maintain- Independent of the Government and receives no The UK’s direct state grant or subsidy for our general work ing the highest standards possible in the care and conser- • The UK’s largest landowner after the Ministry of vation of our properties and Defence and the Forestry Commission their assets, and to enable peo- • Responsible for saving and caring for thousands National Trust ple to be inspired by and enjoy of historic buildings in England, Wales and National Trust them. Our conservation staff Northern Ireland dating from the middle ages to and volunteers care for an modern times; ancient monuments, nature astonishing range of structures reserves, gardens, landscape parks, woodland and contents, everything from and farmland leased to over 1,000 tenants 26 sets of samurai armour, and • A champion of volunteering with 49,000 19 magnificent paintings by volunteers Turner, to the Oscar awarded to George Bernard Shaw, the • A major employer with 5,000 staff and training national collection of lawn- schemes for young people wishing to learn mowers, 57 meat strainers and professional skills and embark on careers in a photograph album the size of horticulture and conservation. a postage stamp. And it doesn’t stop there! The History Matters cam- belt and the countryside But in today’s consumer paign and our astonishing around towns are important to culture, do history and the nat- visitor and membership figures people and what more we can ural environment still matter? have clearly demonstrated the do to maximise people’s I would argue that they are enthusiasm out there. What enjoyment of them. In even more important today as we’d like to do now is to turn response we’ve been flooded we face new challenges in a this into more active support – with emails and letters. rapidly changing world. The and to encourage people to get One of the biggest chal- scale and power of the involved in all aspects of our lenges we face as an Photo: © ©NTPL/Joe Cornish response we received in our work. We’d like local commu- organisation is also an issue Sheep and drowned drumlins at Strangford Lough, Co. Down, in the pink light of the dusk. 2006 History Matters – Pass nities and visitors to have a which resonates strongly with It On campaign with other genuine dialogue with staff the daily lives of our visitors and gardens, and 1,100km of of the country’s designated heritage organisations left us and volunteers about our and wider society – climate By Tony Burton coastline across England, sites and buildings of natural confident that a large portion work. This could be at every change. We’re already seeing Wales and Northern Ireland on and cultural significance. We of the public agrees. We set THE National Trust is a level– from the hanging of a the impacts of it on the land behalf of the nation, together have 3.5 million members and out to ask visitors to our prop- registered charity founded in portrait or planting of a gar- and buildings in our care – with a significant proportion over 49,000 volunteers. erties and the wider general 1895 to look after places of den, through management of ranging from coastal erosion, public why history matters to historic interest and natural our great landscapes and 18th century drainpipes over- them. In response 10,000 beauty permanently for the acquiring places at risk, or whelmed by heavier rainfall, postcards were sent in, 20,000 benefit of everyone across choices over how we influ- through to dry lawns, and people made declarations of England, Wales and Northern ence public policy. One book collections damaged by support and 46,000 people Ireland. current example of this is a pests now surviving our wrote ‘One Day in History’ It is over a hundred years debate we’ve been leading warmer winters. We’ve pro- diaries online. More than a since an Act of Parliament set since November 2007 on duced an award winning million people visited heritage out the National Trust’s mis- ‘green places’. We’ve been photography exhibition which sites in England, Wales and sion promoting: ‘the permanent asking why local green space, documents the impacts on our Northern Ireland during the preservation’ of the UK’s most such as urban parks, allot- properties and sites – which is campaign’s open weekend. beautiful and historic places ments, historic gardens, green designed to show that climate ‘for the benefit of the nation’. change is a here and now issue This was in response to con- – and shows how we’re adapt- cerns about the impact of ing to it. We have even industrialisation and uncon- launched National Trust trolled development. The Green Energy (with npower) National Trust was set up to helping our members support act as a guardian to protect renewable energy and get threatened coastline, country- advice on making their homes side and buildings. Our remit more efficient. would be to protect valuable We’re working to reduce public spaces, heritage and the environmental footprint of habitats, and to manage them all National Trust sites and for public benefit. organisational activities, and A century on, we are managing our land to con- Europe’s largest conservation serve carbon, for example by Photo: © National Trust Photo: © National Photo: © NTPL/Joe Cornish body. We protect and manage The Giant's Causeway, Co. Antrim, is a geological phenomenon restoring peatlands which History Matters, Little Morton Hall, Cheshire, UK. over 250,000 hectares of coun- renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, caused by a have been damaged by years tryside, 300 historic houses volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. of pollution and erosion. We’re also hoping to inspire our supporters to live in more environmentally friendly What makes it possible… ways, by promoting energy • We rely on the membership fees, legacies, donations and the custom of efficiency, local and seasonal millions of generous people, and thousands of volunteers who give up their food, and holidaying at home. time for free. • A vital income source is our membership – at more than £100 million this is Tony Burton is Director of almost one third of our total income. Policy and Strategy at the • Our volunteers contribute 2.96 million hours per year which equates to a National Trust. If you’d like notional value of more than £21.3 million. to find out more about our work then visit our website at • The cost of maintaining historic buildings is rising at four times the rate of inflation; £6 million just to repair the roof and make the building watertight at www.nationaltrust.org.uk Photo: © NTPL/David Levenson Castle Drogo in Devon. Across the country we face urgent repairs worth £162 Back view of children walking through a meadow holding nets, as million. they hunt for insects on the `Bug Safari' activity funday at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, UK. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______7 ronmental data tool has become apparent by the num- ber of references to Envision as an information source that ENVision brings are appearing on a number of other websites: Local Authori- ties and Universities in particular refer to it as a key information source for envi- ronmental data. maps to EPA The data on Envision will be constantly updated and improved, and it will act as a complementary source of infor- mation to major EPA reports, particularly the upcoming 2008 website State of the Environment Report (expected later this environment is vital in helping to the full license information year). Other developments will By Fiona Lawlor us understand the environ- for that facility via the EPA include access to the data for Figure 1: Water Quality data available from the Envision site. ment around us. ENVision Website Licence Search Facil- GIS users via web services. AS part of a complete places environmental data ity. ENVision is the new home ENVision is instantly revamp of their website where it belongs: on a local for the Air Access Maps, with accessible on www.epa.ie (www.epa.ie) the Environ- setting, and so acts as a win- the site locations visible from the EPA Maps link mental Protection Agency dow to the environment. against very detailed (located in the top right hand have launched Envision, an Anyone with an Internet con- orthophotography (provided corner of the screen). interactive map viewer (simi- nection can access Envision by the OSI). Each air site links The GIS Unit in the EPA lar to sites like Google Earth) from the EPA home page to the live air quality data for are responsible for the mainte- that places environmental www.epa.ie. the location, or to a full Air nance and updating of maps at your fingertips. Currently there are forty- Quality Assessment report in ENVision and welcome your Envision was officially one different layers on the case of sites where the comments and feedback, launched at the EPA Environ- assessment cycle has been which should be addressed to ment Ireland conference on Envision. They include water completed. the GIS Unit in EPA HQ (053 the 3rd of September 2007 by quality data from the regular ENVision is home to some 9160600) or via email to Mr John Gormley T.D., Min- EPA Water Quality in Ireland and Water Quality Indicators more technical “specialist” [email protected] ister for the Environment, data such as soil and subsoils Heritage and Local Govern- reports presented against the backdrop of very detailed maps completed by Teagasc Fiona Lawlor, Office of ment, who was very and the European Environ- river, lake and catchment Environmental Assessment, impressed by the speed and ment Agency landcover data user friendliness of the site in boundary maps. ENVision Environmental Protection expands on the previous water for Ireland (figure 2). This a demonstration given by Dr will have particular rele- Agency, PO Box 3000, quality mapping tool available Mary Kelly (Director General, vance to environmental Johnstown Castle Estate, from the EPA by showing the Figure 2: Teagasc soils map, available from the Envision site. EPA) and Larry Stapleton engineers and environmental Wexford. water quality for lakes, estuar- (Director, EPA Office of Envi- researchers, making it ies and groundwater, as well as ronment Assessment). quicker and easier for them river biological quality results The EPA has an important to access the data they need. ENVision Technical details: for the last reporting periods role as a data provider and the Envision has received more ENVision should be viewed at a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. ENVision is sup- (Figure 1). Technological delivery of the ENVision sys- than 5,000 visits since it was ported in Internet Explorer and Firefox, there is no requirement to download software and no advances in river biological tem is just one part of an launched in September 2007, user name or password are required. While performance is better on broadband connections, it surveying equipment mean overall strategy towards mak- with Ireland and the UK being is possible to access ENVision with a dial-up connection (speed will be somewhat slower and that ENVision will soon be ing data easily accessible to the heaviest consumers. The performance can be improved by limiting your view or data queries to a small local area). those that require it, in a for- showing biological river water value of Envision as an envi- mat that makes it easy to quality data the day after it is understand. We are all stake- collected in the field. holders in environmental ENVision shows all the protection but access to cur- EPA active IPPC and Waste rent information about the licenses, each location linked

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Victoria Cross, Cork Telephone (021) 4545655 Facsimile (021) 4342996 8 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 western offshore waters); and Norway, 35. It is not Long-finned Bream or Faroe Islands, 1; Norway, 10 known whether or not the lat- Bigscale Pomfret and Iceland, 3. In Iberian ter adults are derived from Pomfrets (Bramidae) in Irish waters, the species is caught juveniles carried across the (Taractichthys longipinnus) occasionally on lines set for Atlantic in the Gulf Stream & The Long-finned Bream is Ray’s Bream at depths of North Atlantic Drift or from and Northern European Waters primarily an oceanic pelagic about 80m, whereas in North- stocks in the southern NE species found in sub-tropical ern European waters, Atlantic (e.g. Guinea). the European coast. Adults by mid-summer and NW and warm-temperate waters of specimens have been taken Although the species is By Declan T. Quigley appear to be opportunistic Scotland and Norway by the N & S Atlantic Ocean but from both inshore (<200m occasionally caught by line feeders with a wide and varied autumn. During the winter absent from the Mediter- depth) and offshore waters, fishermen off Spain and Portu- POMFRETS belong to a diet, although mainly com- months of some years, signifi- ranean. Although it is a from near the surface (<5m) gal at depths of around 128m, relatively small family posed of small mid-water cant numbers have been found Photo: © Richard Lord www.sealordphotography.net down to meso-pelagic and most of the specimens recently (Bramidae) comprising 7 gen- fishes and squids. stranded on North Sea coasts, benthic depths of 500–600m. captured for the first time in era and c22 species of highly Some recent Irish specimens In the NE Atlantic, Ray’s possibly due to disorientation Irish waters were taken by migratory, oceanodromous, were taken as a by-catch in Bream supports a seasonally caused by decreasing water mid-water pelagic trawlers tar- pelagic, benthopelagic and mid-water pelagic trawls tar- important fisheries resource, temperatures (<13oC). geting Blue Whiting at depths bathypelagic marine fishes geting Blue Whiting including a directed long-line Although the vast majority of 500–600m. However, the found in tropical and warm (Micromesistus poutassou) in fishery for the species off (>80%) of Ray’s Bream majority of the specimens temperate waters of the offshore waters. However, Galicia (NW Spain). Off the recorded from Norwegian Atlantic, Indian and Pacific recorded in Irish waters have very little is known about its SW coast of Portugal, it is the waters were found stranded, Oceans. Only 6 species (rep- been taken by commercial biology. second-most abundant com- possibly due to the disorientat- resenting 5 genera) are known trawlers, the species has occa- highly-migratory species, it mercial species in the ing effects of decreasing water from the North-eastern sionally (between 1965 and appears to be nowhere com- semi-pelagic hake long-line temperatures. Atlantic and only 4 of these 1979) been captured by mon and there are only 4 Silver Pomfret or fishery. It is also taken, albeit (representing 4 genera) have anglers off the S, SW & W known records from Northern intermittently, but sometimes Atlantic Fanfish been recorded from Northern coasts, from both inshore (e.g. European waters: the first, in significant quantities, by Conclusions European and Irish waters. Tramore, 2; Kinsale, 1; Court- from Valentia Island, Co (Pterycombus brama) Spanish long-liners targeting Until recently, relatively lit- macsherry, 4; Caherciveen, 2; Kerry (May, 1914); the sec- The Silver Pomfret is an hake at depths of 200–600m tle was known about the Valentia, 2; Dingle, 1; Kilkee, ond from Sandvoe, Shetland oceanic pelagic species of Ray’s Bream off the west coast of Ireland. biology, distribution and abun- 1; Galway, 1; and Clifden, 2) (October 1961); the third from Bramid which appears to be Despite its commercial dance of Bramids in Irish or Atlantic Pomfret and offshore waters (e.g. Por- SW Biscay (March, 1969) and confined to both sides of the importance, relatively little is waters. However, in recent cupine Bank, 3). It is the fourth from NW Biscay N Atlantic Ocean but absent known about the species’ pop- years there has been a signifi- (Brama brama) interesting to note that the lat- (June, 1977). Very little is from the Mediterranean. In ulation dynamics. For The Ray’s Bream is a cos- ter specimens were taken near known about its biology. the NE Atlantic, the species cant increase in the quantity of example, it is unclear why the mopolitan and highly the surface with feather/mack- Ray’s Bream landed by mainly occurrence and abundance of migratory oceanic and erel /jigs during the hours of Spanish long-liners. Further- Ray’s Bream appears to fluc- Rough Pomfret more, due to increasing quota epipelagic species occurring darkness. Although the largest tuate widely from year to year restrictions on Mackerel dur- throughout the North & South specimen captured on rod & (Taractes asper) Atlantic, Indian and South throughout its range. ing the same period, many line in Irish waters to date The Rough Pomfret is con- Pacific Oceans. In the Eastern Although the species was first large Irish pelagic trawlers weighed 2.842kg (Valentia, sidered to be a relatively Atlantic, it ranges from Nor- recorded from Irish waters in have started to specifically tar- 26.08.1978), an even larger uncommon oceanic bramid Photo: © Declan MacGabhann way southwards to South 1843, it was still regarded as get Blue Whiting for human fish, weighing 3.6kg, was which appears to be distrib- Africa. Although it occasion- scarce up until the late 1950s. consumption rather than the taken by a commercial trawler uted world-wide in the middle ally occurs in inshore waters, it During the 1960s and 1970s, traditional production of fish in Dingle Bay during Septem- layers of warm and temperate extends from N Norway is generally found on the conti- relatively large numbers were meal. This scenario has pro- ber 1966. The Irish Specimen waters. Larvae and young southwards to the Gulf of recorded but rarely during the vided scientists with a valuable Fish Committee (ISFC) speci- forms have been found in trop- Guinea, while in the W following two decades. Nev- Atlantic it extends from opportunity to examine the by- fies a minimum qualifying ical and sub-tropical waters. ertheless, the species would Newfoundland southwards to catch associated with this weight of 2.268kg for the appear to have made a come- the Caribbean and Gulf of meso-pelagic fish, including species. The weight frequency back over the last five years Mexico. Bramids (and other species) distribution of all specimens (2003–07), with increasingly Spawning apparently takes previously considered to be significant quantities landed taken in Irish waters is shown Photo: © Declan MacGabhann place year round near the edge rare in Irish waters. by commercial long-liners off in Figure 2. The UK Rod & Photo: © Declan Quigley of the continental shelf off E nental slope (at depths down to the west coast (Figure 1). Line (Shore) Record, weigh- Florida, but young are most ing 3.621kg, was captured 1000m), and appears to under- The monthly frequency abundant in the Gulf Stream Declan T. Quigley, Dingle take daily vertical feeding occurrence of Ray’s Bream in during October 1967 off In the NE Atlantic, the during February. Although migrations and temperature- Irish waters appears to be Crimdon Beach, Hartlepool, Oceanworld (Mara Beo Teo), species has been found, albeit juveniles have also been related seasonal migrations to strongly seasonal with the vast Durham, while an even larger The Wood, Dingle, Co Kerry. rarely, from Madeira (both found off the coast of Guinea and from temperate waters. majority (91.6%) of speci- fish, weighing 4.5kg, was young and adults) northwards (NE Atlantic), all of the speci- Mobiles: 087-6458485 & The species is known to breed mens recorded between July taken by a commercial trawler (adults only) to N Norway. A mens found in Northern 086–8057227; Email: in the Mediterranean during and October. It is thought that off Norfolk during November total of 27 specimens have European waters have been August and September at water the species migrates north- 1974. The species is thought [email protected] been recorded from Northern immature adults: France, 2, temperatures >20oC while the wards from the Iberian to achieve a maximum weight European waters to date: UK, 1; Ireland, 19; Scotland, young have been found in the Peninsula during early sum- of c6.0kg, total length of France, 6; Ireland, 7 (all from 3; Faroe Islands, 1; Iceland, 5 mid-Atlantic but nowhere near mer, reaching the Irish coast 70.5cm and age 12 years. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______9 Food for Thought

awareness and understanding are willing to listen and act. of the environmental implica- Research underlines the tions of food waste. The importance of food manage- public does not appear to have ment even before leaving made the connection between home to do the shopping. the food thrown away and the More thoughtful pre-shop environment. preparation, including menu There is a need to ensure planning, checking of what people are more aware of the ingredients are in stock and cost to the environment and compiling – and sticking to – the contribution that food a shopping list are all routes waste in landfill makes to leading towards less food the UK’s greenhouse gas being wasted. This backs up production. As it is, many other research that found a people believe that food lack of planning makes home waste doesn’t have any cooks wasteful. But only environmental impact at all, about two-thirds make a shop- as it is ‘natural’ and ‘bio- ping list most of the time, and degradable’. almost everyone surveyed – From the same research with the notable exception of one in seven (14%) of the older consumers – confessed people surveyed say they are to overshopping. The survey identified more than 30 reasons for food waste in the home. making a ‘a great deal’ of An Ipsos MORI study for effort towards taking per- WRAP shows a clear divide who do write a list (or make a sometimes. Again, those who sonal actions to address between those who plan mental list) stick to it most of are older are much more likely climate change and almost a before going shopping who A recent survey by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), the time and only a quarter are to make lists and waste less. third (32%) claim to be mak- make a list, and those who in the UK, found that overall around 6.7 million tonnes of food is never or rarely tempted to ing ‘quite a lot’ of effort. So make up their minds in the waste by householders each year. stray from the list and buy if, as is hoped, the environ- store. Even some who write For further information and unplanned items. The figure is EACH year in the UK mate change. When food is mental messages on food lists say they use them more excellent tips on reducing food higher for those with children, people throw away about one thrown away people waste all waste come clear and are as reminders for key items, waste visit: 44% of shoppers with children third of all the food they buy the carbon generated as it was taken on board, there seems rather than a definitive plan. www.lovefoodhatewaste.com stray from the list at least and at least half of this is food produced, processed, trans- to be a ready audience who Indeed, less than half (48%) that could have been eaten. ported and stored. This is WRAP (Waste and Resources particularly important given Action Programme) has that the whole food supply Why Do We Waste Food? committed itself to working chain accounts for around with retailers, consumers, 20% of the UKs greenhouse The simple answer is we buy more than we need and we throw away food that is still perfectly edible. local authorities, community gas emissions. The carbon The underlying reasons are diverse: from a change of mind to a change of plan; from an unwillingness to eat leftovers to a lack groups and stakeholders and savings would be equivalent of knowledge of how to use them; from too little storage space to confusion over whether products can be frozen. This is a com- partners to reduce consumer to taking an estimated 1 in plex issue, with a major survey by Brook Lyndhurst sought to address. The study identified more than 30 reasons for food waste food waste. every 5 cars off the road if we in the home including: Overall around 6.7 million avoided throwing away all the • Buying too much – particularly being tempted by special offers e.g. ‘buy one, get one free’; tonnes of food waste is pro- food that we could have eaten. • Buying more perishable food – often as the result of trying to eat more healthily; duced by householders – that The public is much more • is about a fifth of the UK sensitive to packaging waste Poor storage management – not eating food in date order (choosing food on domestic waste. Most of this than food waste, with almost impulse, often driven by ‘spontaneous’ and ‘top up’ shopping); waste could have been eaten. three-quarters agreeing that • Ad hoc, rather than methodical, ‘spring cleaning’ of stored products; This wastes good food and ‘discarded food packaging is a • High sensitivity to food hygiene – 1 in 5 say they won’t take a chance with food adversely impacts on the envi- greater environmental issue close to its ‘best before’ date, even if it looks fine; ronment. In the UK, the vast than food thrown away’. • Preparing too much food in general; majority of food waste ends Apart from damage to the up in landfills. As food rots in environment, throwing away • Not liking the food prepared – 22% of families with children stated that not liking landfill it can produce food that could have been a meal was a cause of food waste; and methane, one of the most eaten is also a considerable • Lifestyle factors – not having the time to plan meals, or having fluid work and potent greenhouse gases and a waste of money. Research has social patterns – particularly true of young professionals. significant contributor to cli- found evidence of a lack of Visit www.naturesweb.ie

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Produced by Sherkin Island Marine Station 10 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Wild Flowers WILD FLOWERS are everywhere.They Written by John Akeroyd brighten and add colour to waysides, fields, woods and Photography by Robbie Murphy sometimes even towns.They give Published by Sherkin Island particular pleasure when we know Marine Station their names and can find out 208pp ISBN-13: 978-1-870492-23-2 something about each one. For Size103mm wide x 140mm high every wild flower has a story. The success of our book Clockwise from far left: Meadow "A Beginner's Guide to Ireland's THE GUIDE INCLUDES: Vetchling; Greater Stitchwort; Seashore", has prompted us at Common Poppy; White Water Lily; • colour photographs of 162 wild flowers Bluebells in woodland. Sherkin Island Marine Station to produce another guide for • their common, scientific and Irish names beginners.This has given us the • clear and simple descriptions, including opportunity to promote the wild colour, size and habitat flowers of Ireland, which we feel • an introduction to each wild flower family, deserve more recognition. highlighting important features • information on the different types of plant Photos: © Robbie Murphy In “A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s habitats. Wild Flowers” we have included only a selection of the 830 or so Irish wild flowers.These are plants you are likely to see around your home or workplace, on a walk or on holiday. We hope this book will help you find and identify some of Ireland’s more widespread or common wild flowers – and even some of the scarcer ones!

Available for €7.50 plus €1.00 p&p from: Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland. Email: [email protected] Website: www.sherkinmarine.ie SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______11 JOHN AKEROYD considers a remote cluster of islands in Roaringwater Bay

THAT well-worn phrase ‘Carbery’s Hundred Isles’ welcomes tourists to West Cork. And for the visitor, especially the naturalist, the Island Photos: © Daphne Mould/Sherkin Marine Station indented coasts, rocky islands and white West Calf Island Middle Calf Island East Calf Island strands are indeed a paradise. Some islands are easy enough to get to, such as Sherkin, Cape Clear and, in recent years, Heir or Inis Uí Drisceoil. Others, such as the smaller Carthys and Calfs (or Na Laonna) at the entrance to Roaringwater Bay, are more remote, unpopu- lated and seldom visited, with few of us lucky enough to see them. The greatest thrill of the The Calf Islands work on the flora of the islands was the chance to land on deserted rocky or sandy strands that farm life arrived too late: East Calf was aban- gan family purchased East Calf; West and other botanists might never have explored. doned in the 1920s, West Calf in the ‘30s and Middle Calf were sold to tenants in 1890. The Calfs can be clearly viewed from high Middle Calf in 1940. Today East Calf has a hol- Life was hard – in winter, Atlantic gales ground on Cape Clear: West Calf (65 acres, iday home, but otherwise the islands provide could maroon islanders for weeks – if relatively 22 m at its highest point), Middle Calf (78 pasture for cattle from the mainland. Hares healthy and self-sufficient. Stone walls pro- acres, 11 m) and East Calf (75 acres, 19 m). have replaced people. vided shelter, as the islands are treeless. The They look sadly deserted now, with their roof- Geologically the Calfs are formed from land yielded hay and tillage for potatoes, cere- less cottages and outbuildings, but farming Devonian rocks of the Castlehaven Formation, als, roots and cabbage, the sea provided communities survived here within living mem- purplish mudstones and yellowish sandstones seaweed and beach sand to fertilize potato ory. It’s easy to forget just how densely that also outcrop on Heir and Turk Head to the ridges. Other food came from the eggs of a few populated Western Ireland was before the mid- north-east. The soil, derived from eroding hens, milk from a cow or two, and bacon from 19th century, and that such small, low-lying, rocks and glacial drift, is fertile enough for the pig, with shellfish and carrageen seaweed windswept offshore islands frequently sup- good cultivation. Politically and ecclesiasti- among seashore rocks for extra protein and ported farms. There was even a school on cally, West and Middle Calf are part of Schull minerals. But, as if high winds, salt-spray, Middle Calf from 1835. But like so much of parish; East Calf belongs to Anghadam parish, poverty, isolation and recurring potato blight rural Ireland, the Calfs never fully recovered which includes Heir and the adjacent main- were not enough, grasping landlords forever from the Great Famine. Potato blight struck the land. East Calf also had different ownership, demanded their dues. In 1886, after some islands in 1846–7. In 1841 there were 19 fami- being for many years the property of the islanders had failed to pay rents, a coastguard lies on East Calf, in 1851 just eight; in 1861 wealthy Townsend family of nearby Whitehall, gunboat landed police to help bailiffs enforce “one family”, although rising to 16 in 1891. who for a time cleared the islanders to make evictions on West and Middle Calf. Alas, subsequent changes and improvements to way for a summer cottage. In 1876 the O’Re- The people are all gone but the islands remain an inspiration to botanists. Each of the

Calfs has some blown sand, always good for Flower Photos: © Robbie Murphy plants, and there are shingle strands on East Elecampane (Inula helenium) and Middle Calf – where the nationally rare Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) grows. Heathland Other Calf specialities include two medicinal on higher ground of East Calf, somewhat shel- plants persisting near ruins: Wormwood tered to the south-west by the other islands, is (Artemisia vulgaris) on Middle Calf, and the home to Spotted Rock-rose (Tuberaria gut- giant yellow daisy Elecampane (Inula hele- tata), known here since the 1930s but not nium) on West Calf. Certainly the Calfs are an rediscovered until 1992 by Karen Clarke, an Irish national treasure! American botanist from the Marine Station. This tiny yellow-flowered annual of bare rocky Dr John Akeroyd, who has visited ground, growing in thin, winter-wet peaty soil, occurs in a few places in Roaringwater Bay Roaringwater Bay since 1986, edited The and, like Sea Kale, is included in the Irish Red Wild Plants of Sherkin, Cape Clear and Data Book of threatened species. Another rarity adjacent islands of West Cork (1996). For is Bird’s-foot Clover (Trifolium ornithopodi- further information on the Calfs and some oides), found here only in 2002. A small lough other islands, he recommends Heir Island. Its on East Calf has both a reed-bed and water history and people, by Eugene Daly (Heron plants that are scarce in the islands, including Press, 2004). three pondweeds and three water-crowfoots.

Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) 12 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 me fully of his achievements lish so I had time to put as a scientist. I found out later together the funding. At the that he worked on plankton back of my mind I hoped the from many areas of the world. sales would bring back the In his Antarctic work based on cost of printing. With such a samples from 12 cruises he specialised book, it took a discovered 60% of the species while for the sales to equal the A True Pioneer accepted today from that costs but I was so happy I did region. His studies from the what I did. Gulf of Maine and the Enrique died on 27th Caribbean increased the August 2007 at the age of 95. Looking at the life of Prof. Enrique Balech records from 76 to 262 He still had students studying species. From the south-west- under him almost to the end. ern Atlantic he produced the Incredible to think he had a most important monographic career that spanned nearly 70 work for the Southern Hemi- By Matt Murphy years. He wrote a number of sphere and one of the greatest books and published over 130 for any oceanic region, in GOING through life I have scientific papers but his great- which 375 species are always been impressed and est achievement was as a described, most not men- influenced by people with teacher – as Dr Karen Stei- humility, kindness and under- tioned before in the region. More of Enrique’s studies dinger stated in a tribute to standing. I have been fortunate him in the monograph we in meeting many who fit into were on plankton from the printed for him: “He is a that mould. However, there are Mediterranean, the Arctic, skilled scientist who willingly few that I can say have always Baltic, North Java and Philip- shares his knowledge and time been the ultimate master in the pines Seas. to explain how to look for and field they work. One such per- In 1980 he was the first to recognise the smallest detail. son was Professor Enrique recognise that two men in Balech from Argentina – the Argentina who had eaten He is careful and meticulous world authority on certain shellfish had died from the in his approach and technique, phytoplankton. paralysing shellfish poison and most importantly he is a In 1987, we organised a (PSP), produced by dinofla- teacher. He recognises that we workshop at the Marine Sta- gellates and transmitted by will always be students and tion “The Problems of Toxic mussels. He guided the inves- need to continually learn.” Dinoflagellate Blooms in tigations and from then on he Red tide research world- Aquaculture” on the island. I devoted his work to the study wide has many researchers. invited 12 scientists from of the dinoflagellates which No one has replaced this great around the world who were produced the toxins, included genius. Sadly a few believe involved in red tide research. in the genus Alexandrium. He they can but they are more Most were experts in their The career of Prof. Enrique Balech (second from left), a world authority on dinoflagellates, spanned gathered material from interested in their image and field. Amongst those was a nearly 70 years. around the world, such as spend little time over the Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, 79-year-old Argentinean Pro- President to the National ing I wondered was he ever He left Sherkin with a new microscope. What is so sad is Kamchatka, New Zealand, fessor who I was told by Prof. Council of Science as an anything but an amateur, electric one, with the compli- that some of these seem to be Tasmania, Turkey and many Barrie Dale of Oslo Univer- investigator with full inde- given the difficulties he had in ments of some of us at the able to command much fund- other places. Of course as he sity, who helped organise the pendence and a salary. He earning a salary. workshop. He said that when ing, yet no one questions the was the world authority on workshop that he was a world retired in 1981 as a principal I asked him had he a mod- looking at phytoplankton he results. The worrying thing is this work, numerous special- authority on dinoflagellates investigator as he found him- ern microscope? Smiling, he drew much as drawings gave that there are some hardwork- ists from South America, (an important group of plank- self becoming too much of a said: “I still use the same one him time to look at detail; ing scientists in institutions Mexico, USA, Canada, ton causing many red-tides). bureaucrat. As he said, he for over 50 years, but I do with the photographs one world-wide who want to try Europe and Australia were Because of his age, I insisted became an amateur scientist need a good typewriter; the misses a lot. He made his own and follow in the footsteps of guided by him. he stay in my home. Oh, what again! Listening to him talk- one I have is not very good.” camera lucida (an optical Enrique Balech but in the Another side to Enrique’s a wonderful decision on my device used to make accurate modern world so many fund- part as he, like me, was an studies was oceanography. In drawings from images seen in ing agencies are taken in by early riser. We had breakfast 1957, he had undertaken the microscopeaid) from image, and worthy scientists together around 6am each oceanographic work on the string, a mirror, a can and don’t receive funding. To morning and he talked to me California coast whilst at the pieces of timber. As he spoke I them I say, remember Enrique of his long life as a scientist. famous Scripps Institute and started to think of the other Balech who carried out his As a student he had decided scientists at the workshop who Hopkins Marine Station. In to study bats but he became 1964 he spent time at the work of almost 70 years on were from major institutes not very modern microscopes, enthusiastic about the micro- world-wide, and who worked Department of Oceanography which in today’s institutes scope and this began his on microscopes costing thou- of Texas University on further would be museum pieces. To life-long love for phytoplank- sands and thousands of oceanographic work. the funding agencies I say that ton. This was away back sin pounds. Yet despite their In his oceanic studies of the identifying phytoplankton 1934 in the Museum of sophisticated equipment, seas off Argentina he was able may not have a prestigious National Science in Buenos when we all sat around the to show that those seas were Aires, Argentina. Freshwater table for dinner in the poor for fish production - image within science, but the phytoplankton was his first evenings and discussed much less than the seas off fanciest of molecular investi- research but he soon moved marine matters, all present let Peru and Africa. He felt that gation of phytoplankton is of on to marine research the final word to the man they Argentina was at risk of over- very limited use unless the At the same time he taught recognised as the true master. fishing and that this called for species is correctly identified in a high school for a liveli- In our hours of talking this attention. He was a prophet (otherwise the investigators hood. In 1941 he began great man never once before his time. The above is literally don’t know what they studying marine phytoplank- bemoaned the fact that he had but the tip of the iceberg of are talking about!). ton, especially tintinnids and so little of the material things the oceanic studies Enrique He never waved his own dinoflagellates. in life. One thing is sure, he carried out. flag but in 50 years time his He returned to teaching in a had an abundance of content- My great privilege was to work will still be the reference high school from 1947 to ment and happiness. As he publish his monograph on the for scientists needing to iden- 1961 to earn a salary. All this talked I mentally compared genus Alexandrium. Whilst on tify certain phytoplankton time he continued with his him with some of those scien- Sherkin he mentioned he had species. The likes of Enrique phytoplankton work. In 1961 tists in his field world-wide finished this work but no one we will not see again. he was appointed to the Mar who were so convinced of had offered to publish it. I Del Plata Institute which was immediately said I would, not their own greatness and so full Matt Murphy, Director, created for marine researchers of arrogance. of course telling him I had no by three universities. In 1962 idea where the money would Sherkin Island Marine Enrique Balech in 2002. Enrique being the humble he resigned and was immedi- man that he was did not tell come from. The manuscript Station, Sherkin Island, ately appointed by the had to be translated into Eng- Co. Cork. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______13 WASTE MATCHERS.COM

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Crannógs Settlement Another form of rural settlement was the crannóg: this was an artificial island con- structed by a natural shoal, by timber piling and laying down of brush wood, often with the in Medieval addition of clay and frequently with plan-floor- forts are an Irish phenomenon – What we can ing – sometimes the name is applied by Ecclesiastical Settlement say is that there are far less ringwork castles in extension to lakeside occupation sites. Its ori- In essence, many of the monasteries were Ireland in comparison with Britain gins are to be found in the Neolithic period – identical with larger ring-forts, with buildings Ireland some of the most important excavated exam- and huts of wattle and daub (which is a mixture Motte and Bailey Castles ples originate in the later Bronze Age and of manure, straw and mud) were crowded A feature that we know much more about is occupation of this type of settlement continued within an enclosing wall of earth and stone. the motte and bailey castle of the Anglo- Nor- until at least the 17th century, where they seem However, not all of ecclesiastical settlements mans. A motte can best be described as a mound to have been used as defended strongholds in comprised small communities in isolated areas of earth, usually artificially constructed, with a the wars of that period – however, most arch where they could easily commune with God. fosse (ditch) around its base. The top of the evidence tends to indicate that few crannogs One of the most successful of them was Glen- motte was surround with a wooden palisade with were used in the Anglo-Norman period. dalough,where a large monastery existed. The a platform on the inner side: inside this was a principal monastic remains consist of a round wooden tower, used as a watchtower, storage of Although Ireland is one of the smallest coun- Hill-Forts tower, the ruined cathedral and several stone weapons, a firing-post and a refuge. At its base tries in Europe, examples of medieval Unlike some of the smaller ringforts, hill- churches. These ecclesiastical settlements took the motte was surrounded by a wet or drive archaeology are widely spread throughout the forts were principally built as defensive sites on urban functions as the centuries progressed ditch, which served both for defensive purposes country, from crannógs (which were first con- and generally functioned as tribal, rather than and large number of people, both lay and and as a quarry provided material for the motte. structed in the Neolithic period), to the great family centres – they were a focus for settle- ordained, were attracted both to their thriving Beyond the ditch was a lower courtyard, the bai- defensive castles of the Normans, founded in ment. There are only about 60 probable religious centres and to the increasing eco- ley, which was often roughly oval or kidney the late twelfth and thirteen centuries. hillforts in Ireland and excavations have shown nomic activities surrounding them. shaped and was defended by a ditch and an Throughout Ireland, people live side-by-side that most of them were long abandoned before internal bank supporting a timber palisade. by these archaeological gems,which have sur- the start of the eleventh century – because they vived in various states of repair. How often do were so few, it is obvious that they were not an Everyday Life within these you climb a mound not realising that this was important form of settlement in the immediate Structures once a great motte castle; or play among the pre-Norman period. ruins of what was a thriving religious commu- For everyone in the early period of medieval nity; underground passages are great for Promontory Forts Ireland, be they kings, monks or the poorest of exploring but once provided space not only Promontory forts (the name refers to the farmers, their homes were comparatively storage space, but somewhere for people to point of land that juts into the sea) – were cheerless – smoke from the fire on a central hide when under attack. It is important for us to another form of settlement – their most recog- hearth could only escape through the roof or preserve our heritage – it is the heritage of an nisable features were their earth or stone banks through the door – this would have led not only area that makes it unique and gives it a charac- and their fosse that cut off access to both the to horrible eye problems, like conjunctivitis but ter all of its own. The first step in protecting our coast and inland. also meant that fire was an ever-present threat heritage is raising our awareness, understand- for both secular and religious settlements. Once ing and appreciation. This can be achieved by Soutterrains a fire started it spread rapidly – Glendalough arranging talks or producing leaflets to pro- Another feature associated with the pre-Nor- was destroyed by fire nine times between 775 Stone Castles mote our local heritage. Farmers and those who man rural landscape were the Souterrain and and 1071. Within all dwellings in this period, Soon after the Anglo-Normans consolidated own land on which there is a protected site or the horizontal mill. The Souterrain refers to an bones and kitchen refuse were not removed but their military position along the eastern monument should be aware of the level of pro- ‘artificially built cave’ and it is basically an covered over with successive layers of clay – at seaboard of Ireland at the end of the 12th cen- tection these sites and structures have under underground passage often found in associa- night, the only light came from rush candles – tury, they began to erect permanent stone national legislation. Schools and third-level tion with ringforts or promontory forts. There houses were small and in these conditions, edifices at important settlement centres. These institutions could develop local heritage web- function was two-fold: firstly for storage and even well-to-do families slept in dormitory stone castles would have played a part in the sites and establish links with local authorities secondly as safe hideaways for the inhabitants fashion on beds of straw and hides: privacy was subinfeudation of the areas in which they were to identify these protected structures. This of the nearby surface settlements. Excavations limited and people lived in constant contact built. Defeat of local opposition and the secur- leaflet will identify some of these monuments have produced evidence of traps or some form with the rest of the family and with retainers. ing of areas by the construction of fortified and structures, many of which can be found in of obstruction to confuse the intruder and This was the scene in medieval Ireland in the castles went hand-in-hand with the process of YOUR area. They are part of our heritage and examples of this can be found at Tyrella in Co pre-Norman period – it comprises an image of subinfeudation which rewarded supporters and thus, part of us, and should be both admired Down and Donaghmore in Co Louth. indigenous settlement, dominated by the dis- greatly increased the chances that the settle- and protected by US. persed defended farmstead, the ringfort, but ment would be permanent – the use of the also comprising various other features includ- world castellaria to define the extent of the area Ring-Forts ing souterrains,monasteries and crannogs. The around a castle suggests a type of subinfeuda- The ring-fort is a general term applied to cir- rural landscape would soon change under the tion designed primarily to provide a garrison cular enclosures, surrounded by one, two or colonists and the first features we will examine for the defense of a castle. These imposing even three banks or earth and stone, with or comes the heading of earth and timber castles. structures can be found dominating the land- without ditches. The ditches were up to two scape all over Ireland: Trim in County Meath is metres deep and the banks were made from the the largest Norman castle built in this country; earth taken from the ditches – ring-forts had a Features on the Landscape after the Carrickfergus in County Antrim is the best pre- strong defensive capacity. These enclosures arrival of the Normans Castles served early medieval castles in Ireland; contained houses, of different types, possible The great majority of Norman castles built in Roscommon Castle has one of the most mag- outbuildings and even sometimes an under- the first few decades after the invasion were of nificent examples of a powerful gatehouse. ground refuge or Souterrain, which we will earth and timber. These were favoured materi- These castles played a very important role look at in more detail below. Ring-forts vary in als because of the speed with which castles within our heritage: they are not simply testa- size from around 15m in diameter to as large as could be erected; early castles were of two ments to the architectural genius of the Norman 80m and their function varied. Although in the principal types: mottes and ringworks. invaders – they also played an important role in main they functioned as defended farmsteads the development of settlements within their of one family grouping, archaeological evi- Ring-Work Castles immediate area. dence has shown they were also centres of In 1963 de Bollard defined a ringwork as ‘a industrial activity, such as iron working as well class of small circular embanked enclosure of From the ENFO leaflet “Rural Settlement in as spinning and weaving, with smaller exam- apparently medieval date’. Ringwork castles are Medieval Ireland”. ENFO – The ples serving as pens to protect cattle in a real enigma in Ireland – the surface morphol- Environmental Information Service,17 St pre-Norman Irish society. Ring-forts are ogy of ringworks is virtually indistinguishable Andrew Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Tel: (01) numerous throughout Ireland, with 1,300 in from that of the indigenous ringforts – there are County Down alone. There are several exam- 8883911 (01) 8883933Fax: (01) 888 3946 about forty-five examples that we know of. We e-mail: [email protected] web site: ples of ring-forts still being occupied can’t compare this problem in Britain as ring- http://www.enfo.ie. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______15

Photos: © Jim Wilson Photos: © Jim CruisingCruising AntAntararcticactica southern summer is relatively good for cruising. called because it looked like a circular island Tour operators visiting Antarctica are gov- until it was discovered to be a caldera, a sunken erned by the rules of the International volcano big enough for our ship to enter. It is in Association of Antarctic Tour Operators the Bransfield Strait, named after a Cork man (IAATO). Part of these rules state that no ship who was a very famous 19th century Antarctic carrying over 500 passengers can carry out explorer, almost unknown to people in Ireland. landings on Antarctica and any ship carrying Passengers here got their first real look at out landings can only have a maximum of 100 Antarctic penguins. There are nearly 100,000 passengers ashore at any one time. As our ship Chinstrap Penguins nesting on the island. We Jim Wilson spent six weeks on board the cruise ship Marco Polo, showing people birds and other wildlife in was at the upper limit of these rules it meant then cruised south on the Gerlache Strait, along one of the most amazing places on earth. that landing operations had to be run with mil- the Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by jaw itary precision to ensure everyone got ashore dropping scenery. Mountains rising over 1000 safely and that we adhered to the rules. meters almost vertically from the sea, massive By Jim Wilson I met with the rest of the team at Buenos glaciers slipping slowly into the sea dropping Aires. The team comprised our expedition icebergs on the way. One of the hardest things ON the 13th December 2007 I joined the leader Allan Morgan who coordinated all the for me to take in was the scale of the place, cruise ship Marco Polo at Buenos Aires in Antarctic activities on the ship and liaised with with only the occasional ship to remind me just Argentina. I was starting a job as ornithologist the other ships visiting Antarctica to ensure how vast the place really is. This area provided with the expedition team coordinating the there is no trouble with our landing schedule. us with a memorable show of icebergs of all Antarctic season on the ship. I could hardly Allan was assisted by our assistant expedition shapes and sizes and as many as 60 Humpback believe what was happening. I was being leader Rich Kirschner. Both have vast experi- Whales in a day, some passing within meters of employed to show people birds and other Chinstrap Penguins heading to sea to hunt for Krill ence in the Antarctic. Dick Taylor, with 25 the ship. We then spent the next few days land- wildlife in one of the most amazing places on for their hungry chicks. years experience on Ice Breakers coordinated ing at a number of penguin colonies where earth. Quite a number of cruise ships spend our tip of south America, is the main destination for the landing of passengers on Antarctic. Other everyone got close views of the nesting pen- winter in the southern hemisphere and an these cruise liners, mainly because it is the members of the team included the Zodiac guins and the ever present Leopard Seals. increasing number take tourists to Antarctica. shortest distance to Antarctica from the nearest driver team leader and a group of experts who Following our last landing at Half Moon The Antarctic peninsula, south of the southern port and also because the climate there in the spent the season giving lectures to the passen- Island in the South Shetland Islands group we gers on Antarctica, assisting in the landing headed out into Drake Passage passing an operations and interpreting all aspects of the armada of giant icebergs, some of which were ecology of Antarctica for the passengers. Our bigger than the ship and one which we conser- team included a geologist, marine biologist, vatively estimated was over a kilometre long. historian, artist, ornithologist, marine mam- On the Drake Passage we had amazing views mologist, a Japanese translator and an Antarctic of albatrosses, especially the Wandering Alba- management expert. tross with its outsized wings longer than any The ship was booked out for the season, so other flying bird. They would follow the ship once on board our first cruise took us down the and occasionally glide over the deck like small coast of Argentina where we encountered our first aeroplanes watching by stunned and amazed albatrosses and paid a visit to the Valdes Penin- passengers. sula where Charles Darwin spent some time Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego is the nearest while working on his theory of evolution. The port to Antarctica and the base for most cruise peninsula is the location of the famous scenes of ships going there. It is a rapidly expanding Killer Whales beaching themselves to grab seal town set on the shore of the beautiful Beagle pups. It was the moulting season so there were no Channel under magnificent mountains. I was Killer Whales but there was over a hundred lucky enough to visit the national park, just female Elephant Seals hauled out to moult look- outside the town and could not believe my ing like a long row of giant sausages on a pan. lucky in capturing on film the ridiculously After that memorable, but all too brief stop beautiful Magellanic Woodpecker digging out we cruised south to the Falkland Islands and grubs from the many dead trees in the vast for- spent another day in and around Port Stanley. I est. Following a day in Ushuaia it was back to saw Magellanic Penguins, amazing Long- the ship, a new batch of passengers and the tailed Meadowlarks and Falkland Streamer beginning of another four unbelievable cruises Ducks, a species found nowhere else on earth. to the Antarctic Peninsula. Then it was on to Westpoint Island on the west Antarctic is a unique place and the last side of the Falkland Islands, home to a breed- unspoilt continent on earth. It is very vulnera- ing colony of over 14,000 Black-browed ble and while tourism is and will have an Albatrosses and 5,000 Rockhopper Penguins. increasing impact on it its impact will be noth- Watching the small Rockhopper Penguins ing compared to the eventual exploitation of its climb over 100 meters and walking over half a resources. As I write bigger and “better” ships mile from the sea to their chicks in the colony are being designed and launched to explore the was fascinating. white continent for oil, gas and minerals. The We then headed for the Antarctic Peninsula. continents remoteness and hostile climate has On the way we crossed the Antarctic Conver- deterred us from invading it but as we squander gence, a border between the relatively warm the resources we have at present it is only a waters of the temperate South Atlantic Ocean matter of time before our way of life will pro- and the much colder water of the Antarctic vide us with reason to go there. Whether the Ocean. Our arrival in Antarctic waters was amazing wildlife that lives there can co-exist always greeted by the appearance of Cape with our need to exploit Antarctica resources Petrels that would follow the ship and circle it, remains to be seen. I can only hope it will. offering exciting photo opportunities for the passengers. Our first close view of land in the Jim Wilson – www.irishwildlife.net Antarctic Peninsula was at Deception Island, so 16 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______17 Photos: © Jim Wilson Photos: © Jim

A skull-like 80 metre high Iceberg off the Antarctic Peninsula. A Cape or Pintado (Painted) Petrel following the Marco Polo. CCrruuiissiinngg

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – the Antarctic cruise centre of South America. AAnnttaarrccttiiccaa A stunning Magellanic Woodpecker, as big as a crow, hunts for grubs in a Southern Beech forest near Ushuaia. Photography by Jim Wilson www.irishwildlife.net

Female and young Elephant Seals hauled out on the Valdes Peninsula, Argentina.

Up to 60 Humpback Whales seen in a day from the Marco Polo while cruising the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck, found nowhere else in the world.

A Rockhopper Penguin on the Falkland Islands waits patiently for its mate to return from sea. A Wandering Albatross, the star of any Drake Passage crossing. Young Gentoo penguins begging for food. A calm sunny day on the Gerlache Strait along the Antarctic Peninsula. 18 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 Photos courtesey of Brian Bary

Bary and his plankton-catcher (an early prototype), on board the R.V.Whitethroat, Canada, 1965. Brian Bary (centre) on a trip to Canada, towing a large plankton net. A Slow Approach

MATT MURPHY first met Brian McK Bary (now retired) in the early 1980s when Brian lab. Space, material, equipment was accepted. It seemed to Institute, was demanding, was Professor of Oceanography at University College Galway. It was to be the beginning of and a full-time assistant. provide an opportunity in often successful, and usually a wonderful friendship. Brian encouraged Matt to continue the plankton monitoring work After three years and the which his experience to date generous. being carried out by Sherkin Island Marine Station, work which is now in its 31st year. Matt conclusion of the research, could be used to advantage. The biological oceano- recently spoke with Brian about his life’s work. Brian returned to N.Z., was And so it proved. graphic unit was by now well seconded to the N.Z. Oceano- Eleven years that followed established and Brian (now a BRIAN BARY first devel- underwent a familiarising plankton, bottom sediments graphic Institute and included supervising student Prof.) believed a change of oped a close interest in course in the force to which he and observed sea birds, proceeded to revise and add research, training and teach- scene was desirable. It was matters marine in New was suited, followed by whales, dolphins and weather. further data to those of his ing. Additionally, he was able timely, therefore, that the Zealand (N.Z.). As a boy, he research in topics relevant to Plankton samples were sorted, Ph.D. thesis. Several papers to pursue his own research opportunity to inaugurate the holidayed often in the Sounds the force’s perceived interests specimens identified and on zooplankton systematics, which included underwater Dept. of Oceanography, at – sea-filled, old river valleys – or requirements. Bary was counted, and water samples distribution and ecology scattering of echo-sounder Univ. College, Galway, was at northern South Island. accepted into the Corps and analysed, ashore. Data resulted. pulses (at 11–200 Khz) by proposed. Some marine-ori- Small boats, fishing, sea birds his marine interests ensured obtained were “worked up” On completing his naval zooplanktonic organisms ented studies were already – and sea water – became his assignment to the Royal and provided material for a Commission, an opportunity and/or fish; occurrences of being followed at the College ingrained in his make-up! N.Z. Navy. Ph.D. (University of N.Z.). arose to work with the Hardy organisms relative to “water and their presence suggested a However, it took a war, the After a period at shore-side At this juncture (1952) he Plankton recorder team at the bodies” (defined by T and S sympathetic background to Korean conflict, to provide establishments, he went to sea was seconded to the National Leith (Edinburgh) lab. Of the properties), for eastern North the new department. Here was the opportunity to promote for 12 months in the hydro- Institute of Oceanography, Scottish Marine Biological Atlantic waters (Recorder a situation with potential – this early relationship into a graphic surveying frigate, U.K., to research a topic of Association; this was data) and Canadian fjords; something to dream about! full-grown career. H.M.N.Z.S. “Lachlan”. Lach- defence potential, viz., the accepted. However, the long- design and evaluation of a Basically there appeared to That war encouraged the lan’s cruises covered mainly effects of pulsed electric fields established procedures were high-speed plankton sampler be two lines of approach for N.Z. authorities to establish east coast areas, primarily of (d.c.) in sea water on an organ- personally restrictive and and its electronic sensors and the new department. First the “Defence Scientific South Island and Stewart ism (fish, either mullet or bass). when an offer to “head up” a control (along with other, could have been a more tradi- Corps” into which “promis- Island. During these he sam- This was a co-operative effort unit of “biological oceanogra- orthodox samplers); a world tional one wherein individuals ing” university science pled, as regularly as feasible, with physics staff at the Insti- phy” at the Institute of survey of the copepod genus followed their own perceived students were competitively for sea water (temperature, tute and R.N. Physiological Oceanography, Univ. of Calanus. Obtaining funding, ideas in research and teaching. recruited. A new recruit salinity, phosphate), net- Lab., Alverstoke, that provided British Colombia, arose, he in addition to support from the Or second, it could embrace a

21 ensuite bedrooms with TV & direct dial phone Proprietor: Mark Murphy * Accommodation * Bar & Lounge * Weddings * Private Parties * Business Meetings The Islander’s Rest * Marina Facilities For further information phone: 028–20116 SHERKIN ISLAND Email: [email protected] Website: www.islandersrest.ie West Cork SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______19 programme of research and into and coastal waters out of Director of the Geological only a small proportion of this stemmed, it seems, from a this was limited to what the teaching (and training) in Galway Bay; current patterns Survey, the Department of assessed potential was realised. government dominated by an College could afford. It which the “traditional” was in the Bay; phytoplankton Oceanography and promoted Universities and technical col- agricultural agenda in research included an annual stipend, interleaved with a broader species and distributions in by the Council for Scientific leges absorbed a fraction more. and development. Little inter- support for two (on occasion field, with the aim to attack the Bay and along the coast to and Industrial Research. Dur- Commendable as these efforts est or support extended to three) technicians and secre- more directly marine prob- Shannon estuary; and the dis- ing its re-fit, the Department are, why did upwards of 30 matters marine. Even fisheries tary; conversion costs of lems besetting Ireland – in tribution and changes therein specified suitable deck equip- years have to elapse before a investigations struggled, with out-buildings and several effect a more “applied” of species relative to fresh ment and its layout, and the major attack on marine prob- limited success, to defeat this rooms of the mostly unoccu- approach. (river) water and oceanic design of labs. and accommo- lems was developed. This had attitude (if not hostility) to its pied old Grammar School to The second attack became water in the estuary. Rough dation. The conversion cost to await the advent of the gov- advancement by adequately labs., workshops, library, departmental philosophy. The pre-sorting of samples by was met by Government, ernment-funded Marine supported R. and D. At least office and storage space (it department would formulate a “casual” students aided sev- through C.S.I.R., a welcome Institute and its ships. These now, advances, belatedly, are was this conversion that comprehensive “theme” and eral of the samples by advance in attitude towards years were largely wasted being made. enabled the Department to engender research topics ap- Department’s lab. and sea- marine science. The ship whilst data from oceanic and The Department of exist); provision of a pick-up propriate to the theme in the for transporting equipment; belief that that this had the po- and a most necessary person – tential to lay early foundations a caretaker. for solving problems, not only Additional financial sup- of scientific merit, but that had port was obtained via periodic practical applications. Integrat- consultant projects, e.g., two ing observational data from topographic surveys (Fenit physics, chemistry and biology harbour and inner Galway of the sea was intended to Bay); several site studies for recognise interrelationships prospective fish farms; an amongst the three. For exam- electronic wave recording ple – would a change in either buoy in Bantry Bay; a direc- or both physical or chemical tion-finding system for properties affect planktonic current studies, and others. species’ distributions and Such projects were a drain on abundance or population struc- the limited manpower and ture? Such methodology and were time consuming. Con- information would also have versely, they enabled the immediate application to fish department to obtain essential and fisheries. equipment and gave scope for To adequately process the additional training at sea for thematic approach required Lieut. B. McK. Bary, R.N.Z.N. (right) when a member of the Defence The early years: the first public display from the then Department of all personnel. Scientific Corps,Wellington, New Zealand. Oceanography, University College Galway. staff in physical and chemical Initially, a sum of oceanography and eventually IR£50,000 was envisaged to two appointments were made, going activities would have markedly increased the inshore waster were urgently Oceanography certainly made found the Department and both in physical aspects. halted without the dedicated Department’s ability for field needed – 3 or so years of data progress over the years, but it develop research facilities, Unfortunately, personal input by technical staff (par- work and training of all per- relevant to problems in fish- could, and should, have been (labs. and equipment for sea- research efforts largely pre- ticularly Tom Furey, John sonnel. Although she was eries, fish distributions, given the opportunity, through and shore-activities, ship- cluded sustained input to the Coyne and Miriam Pybus). “lively”, fairly reliable sam- abundance and population government financial support, time), but this did not “thematic”, although the sec- Other, temporary assistants pling was feasible; it dynamics; to the potential of to develop the broadly-based eventuate. In fact, the first ond appointee confirmed a were hired as stretched extended between Galway sites for fish-farming; to food programme originally pro- grant was for IR£5,000 pounds clockwise circulation about finances permitted in attempts Bay and Shannon Estuary resources – planktonic species, posed. Such could have – plus a committee to advise Ireland – information relevant to reduce mechanical, techni- and occasionally further their distribution and abun- included research, analyses on its disbursement! Contrast to plankton distributions. cal and analytical backlogs. afield, e.g., to Smerwick Har- dance, population dynamics – and interpretations, backed up that with the €50m spent ini- Thus, the broadly integrated Much later, a dedicated analy- bour and Bantry Bay. to mention but a few aspects. by adequate sea-going ability tially on the Marine Institute! approach could not be pro- sis unit, funded by the College, Clearly, progress was made Why, again, despite out-of- (even by the Naval Service, as An annual one-tenth of one gressed sufficiently to greatly reduced chemical by the Department from its date navigation charts, is in England, N.Z., Australia, percent of that outlay, i.e., properly attack that wide analyses in the Department. bare beginning. But – what hydrographic surveying only Canada, etc. etc.) and both €50,000/annum, would have range of problems evident in The advent of the R.V. additional progress could have now being addressed? Even ship-borne and shore-side provided the basis to make Irish marine matters. “Lough Beltra” was a mile- been accomplished? A compre- such an abbreviated “hind- equipment and facilities and a worthwhile inroads into what Even so, among student stone for marine sciences in hensive assessment for sight” review underlines a suitable ship. in Ireland, was an almost research projects, occurrences Ireland, and especially the developing marine research lamentable neglect of a con- It must be said, however, totally neglected and unknown of species of each of chaetog- Department of Oceanogra- requirements in Ireland was certed, co-operative effort to that much of the progress area of marine understanding. naths, ctenophores and phy. Acquisition of this proposed by Brian prior to his attempt to satisfy the urgency made was attributable to con- Where-with the potential of copepods were related to Dutch-built, 70-ft trawler was appointment. There was no of marine research in Ireland. tinuing support, over the the original dream? effects of oceanic intrusions strongly advocated by the response to this. In the event, Much of this situation has years, by U.C.G. Inevitably,

necessary – but was it? I wonder, but bless her for willingly Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society, the Kerry Maga- acceding to an enforced loneliness. zine and others. At times, patience could become strained – as, when the Despite tribulations, minor or major, that Valerie has per- A Strictly Personal Note family, weary and almost impecunious, waited in England force handled over the years, whilst tending her husband’s for me to return from an extended, exciting visit to Russia, career, she has now found her niche; she is at home and happy the porter of the hotel approached Valerie with a message – in it. May it long continue. SEVERAL holidays, often lengthy; strong ancestral ties, from Copenhagen. Turning to the bemused daughters, my Brian Bary especially for my wife; and a belief in oceanographical wife said, “Will you tell me what is your father doing in prospects, brought us to Ireland. Despite occasional frustra- Denmark?” tions, all has proven worthwhile – and is reason enough now to On another occasion, Valerie and our daughters were arriv- call Ireland home. ing at Southampton by ship from New Zealand. Either the ship For me, however, there is another strongly motivating and, had berthed early or, for unexplainable reasons, I was very late: so far, unspoken factor – Valerie, my wife. In 1946 we married they and baggage had already landed. After a search and a help- at the small, early-colonial, Pro-Cathedral in Wellington, ful customs official they were at length traced down to a hotel. barely out of studentships at Victoria University College. I was met, by three-year-old daughter, with a stare, a wagged While I continued studies, Valerie took up teaching. This sup- finger and “Daddy’s a naughty boy”! Patience, justifiably, portive attitude towards my career has continued to be just that, again wearing thin! at all times. Although absent “at sea” and frequently at meet- However, Valerie has gone beyond being in thrall to her hus- ings overseas, it was, as she states, “being apart that enabled band. As a child, she had an Irish granny who instilled an the marriage to survive” – and even so, it is still strong! “Pack “Irish-ness” with her tales (factual, as it turned out) and and re-pack” was a serious factor in our lives and it was Valerie inspired Valerie to pursue her ancestral background and the his- who accompanied our goods and family of two girls on the sev- tory of Ireland’s earlier days. She has applied that knowledge eral occasions, to and from various countries, whilst I jetted off to her published works – a book about fast-disappearing impor- “to fulfil career demands”. At the time it seemed natural and tant houses of Kerry as well as numerous articles for such at the Valerie and Brian Bary outside their home in Co. Kerry. 20 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 MADERIA Portugal’s Wild Atlantic Garden

View over the Laurissilva from a levada tunnel. By Anthony Toole from the rest of Europe. species, the most prominent ferns, fungi and flowering BECAUSE of its richness Portuguese sailors first of which are several members plants, many of which are and diversity of plant life, Toole Anthony Photos: © settled the ‘Ilha da Madeira’, of the evergreen laurel family. found only on Madeira. And Madeira has been described as or Isle of Timber, in the fif- These include Tiltree, Vin- crawling through this richness a garden floating in the teenth century. They immedi- hatico, Pau Branco, Barbu- are more than 500 species of Atlantic. Its islands, together ately began to clear the sano and Madeira Mahogany. insects, spiders and molluscs. with those of the Azores, the forests, for fuel, building ma- They are accompanied by two The water absorbed by the Canaries and Cape Verde are terials and agriculture. How- kinds of holly and numerous forest is harvested and trans- known collectively as Mac- ever, unlike elsewhere in shrubs, such as Faia, San- ported by a system of aronesia, the Fortunate Isles. Macaronesia, Madeira still guinho and Folhado. Some channels, known as levadas, According to Greek mythol- retains large areas covered plants, such as Bilberry, the of such low gradient that the ogy, it was here that the gods by the primeval forest. heather, Erica arborea and water flows as an almost silent brought the heroes when their The Laurissilva, or laurel Lily of the Valley have re- trickle rather than a rush. The adventurous lives were over. forest of Madeira comprises sponded to competition from Levada dos Caldeirão Verde, Despite their relative prox- some 15 000 hectares, or one- the laurels by evolving into for example, falls only ninety imity to Europe and Africa, The Picos do Madeira from Pico Ruivo (Madeira’s highest summit). fifth of the land area, mainly variants that grow as tall as metres over a distance of 6.5 these archipelagos have never in the northern part of the trees. The result is that the kilometres. Many levadas fol- been part of the continental island. This is well over half steep valleys and mountain- low tunnels or cross islands stand as largely sub- by a series of Ice Ages, dur- mainland. They were formed of the world’s remaining total, tops of much of Madeira are precipitous faces, with the merged mountains, with only ing which much of the north- by volcanic activity during 90% of which is confined to clothed in a largely impene- maintenance pathways pro- their summits rising above the ern hemisphere lay gripped the Tertiary geological Macaronesia. So rich and trable jungle. viding often the only means surrounding deep ocean. by glaciers. The Macarone- period, which began around valuable is the ecology of the The Laurissilva attracts the by which walkers can enter The Earth’s climate began sian archipelagos were suffi- 65 million years ago, when Madeiran Laurissilva that it moisture of Atlantic winds, so the forest. The total length of to cool some 25 million years ciently isolated to escape the the tectonic plates moved the was declared a UNESCO that the northern parts of the the levadas exceeds 2000 kilo- ago, leading into the Quater- major effects of glaciation, thin oceanic crust over hot World Heritage Site in 1999. island are often misty and metres, and is more than nary period of the last two so that they retained the Ter- plumes of the Earth’s mantle. This unique habitat is home damp, while the south basks double the distance covered million years, characterised tiary forests that vanished The resulting basaltic to more than 700 plant in sunshine. The climate can by all of Madeira’s roads. change over a period of an The Laurissilva forest is hour, or from one valley to the only part of the Madeira Nat- next. This moisture is released ural Park, which occupies into a sodden soil, giving life two-thirds of the island, to an almost unbroken carpet including virtually all land of hundreds of varieties of above the 300-metre contour. mosses, lichens, liverworts, Within the park are several

Bird of Paradise flower. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______21

valleys, others are tree-cov- ered, giving the scenery something of a Peruvian appearance. To the east is the Photos: © Anthony Toole Anthony Photos: © high moorland of Paul da Serra, flat, misty and windswept, with a sparse cov- ering of bracken, heather, broom and gorse. The plateau was once suggested as the site for Madeira’s airport, but the frequent mists and unstable wind conditions precluded this. The isolation of Madeira is such that there are few land vertebrates. Apart from sheep, goats and cattle, and the rats and cats that arrived on ships, mammals are represented by three endemic species of bat. The only native reptile is a small lizard, which is largely Zebra spider Heather trees – Erica arborea. confined to coastal areas, but can be found in the forests and agricultural land can be delete- genuine wilderness into which even darting across sun- rious, and it has often been a person can disappear. As we warmed rocks in the illegally shot or poisoned. The are now becoming aware of mountains. Madeiran government allows the concept of wilderness, and Birds, on the other hand, limited culling, under strict its indispensability both for arrived early in Madeira’s his- control, a difficult balancing our own well-being and the tory, and have had time to act, as the Trocaz pigeon has a good of the planet, the preser- evolve into distinct variants of high level of protection under vation of this wild garden of their continental relatives. On EU regulations. the Atlantic must grow ever his visit to the Galapagos, an Some sea birds, such as more important. archipelago of similar origin Bulwer’s petrel, Cory’s shear- and isolation, Darwin noticed water and Manx shearwater Useful information variations among finches that are thriving, if not specifically on Madeira, then elsewhere in Berlitz Holiday Map: Madeira. must have shared a common Excellent touring map, but with practi- ancestor. Similarly, the Europe. The exclusively cal data and much additional Madeiran chaffinch has Madeiran Zino’s petrel, how- information about places of interest. evolved into a distinct sub- ever, is among the rarest Useful in conjunction with.... seabirds in the world. In fact, species, as have the linnet, rock Berlitz Pocket Guide: Madeira. Con- sparrow, blackbird, spectacled until the late 1960s, it was cise, well illustrated and easy to use warbler and firecrest. Berthel- thought to be extinct. As few and slip into the pocket. Madeira in a nutshell. lot’s pipit is a species found as 60–75 breeding pairs have been recorded. Despite being Madeira: Globetrotter Island Guide Crossing a cliff on the Levada dos Calderao Verde. Lichens on a laurel tree. only on the Madeiran and Canary islands. Birds of prey a bird of the sea, this petrel by Terry Marsh (New Holland). More breeds on some of the least detailed guide to all the places to see include subspecies of kestrel, and visit on Madeira. contrasting environments. To flowers, for which Madeira is anthuriums, wisterias. Some, sparrowhawk and buzzard. accessible crags of the central the west and south, the space world famous. Though these like the blue agapanthus, deco- The most distinctive of mountains. It is vulnerable to Madeira Islands Walking Festival. left by the cutting of the lau- are best seen during spring and rate the roadsides, while the Madeira’s native birds is the predation by rats and feral cats An excellent introduction to the forests, rels has been filled with trees summer, many can be found in Bird of Paradise flower has and to degradation of its habi- levadas and mountains of Madeira and Trocaz pigeon, a large, blue- the adjacent island of Porto Santo. 13th from elsewhere: pines from bloom throughout the year, and become an emblem of Madeira. grey bird, which lives in the tat by grazing animals. A – 17th January 2009. www.madeirais- Northern Europe, eucalypts add colour to even the highest As well as a climatic north- lower reaches of the laurel for- programme of eradication of landswalkingfestival.com and acacias from Australia and most barren-looking south divide, Madeira also predators and removal of est. Though its numbers are in Birdwatching. For half-day and full- and Africa. The climate is mountain summits. There are shows a more physical east- the thousands, it breeds only sheep and goats from the day trips: www.madeirawindbirds.com such that plants from almost Madeiran varieties of foxglove, west separation, marked by the on Madeira and is classed as higher mountains has brought anywhere can thrive here, so vetch, geranium, thrift, butter- pass at Encumeada. To the vulnerable. It feeds on the about a small recovery in that trees and shrubs that are cup and a yellow violet, as well west are the rugged central fruits of the laurels, so its numbers of this very rare bird. M.A. Toole, 65, Cheswick native to China, Madagascar, as much rarer orchids. Most of peaks, culminating in the spreading of seeds is crucial to Madeira is a tiny island, Drive, Gosforth, Newcastle India and the Americas are the flowers, however, come 1800-metre-high Pico Ruivo. the forest ecology. Unfortu- only marginally bigger than upon Tyne, NE3 5DW, U.K. found in abundance. from overseas: begonias, Some of these rise like pillars nately, its presence near the Isle of Man. It has, never- The same applies to the bougainvilleas, oleanders, of bare, red rock above deep theless, significant areas of

Lichen – Lobaria pulmonaria. The western sea cliffs of Madeira. 22 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 A Nature Trip with a Difference

Lakes and mangroves in Kuala Selangor Park. surviving in the world). Much of lowland very special site for Fireflies in By Ian Boler Malaysia is developed or agricultural Malaysia... (Oil Palm, Rubber trees, rice paddies, Twelve hardy adventurers departed I WORK as a Biology/Chemistry fruit trees, etc), but many rivers traverse Kyuem at 1:30pm, taking the newly Teacher at Kolej Yayasan UEM in Penin- the lowlands and much Mangrove and opened road to Batang Burjuntai and on sula Malaysia. The college is a Malaysian Swamp forest remains in places. The to Kuala Selangor Nature Park. We were ‘science’ college teaching the Cambridge wildlife in these remaining areas is very greeted by our knowledgeable and enthu- A’level syllabus to Malaysians with spon- rich, with elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, siastic Guide, Mr Raz, who gave us a sorships to then study subjects such as tapirs, monkeys and very many species of brief introduction to the park. The whole Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology and birds (over 700) and insects (over 1,000 area was once mangrove forest, but a Physical Engineering at top UK (mainly), butterflies alone!). mound was built to stop the sea flooding. USA and Australian Universities. But, in the jungle, wildlife is very hard This left a thinner area of coastal man- The college is situated in a small vil- to see (too many trees!), thus many grove and, behind the ditch, brackish lage about 60 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian citizens have seen little of lakes and secondary forest. It is surrounded by hills covered in Rub- their own wildlife, or even know little Our guide then took us through the ber trees, Acacia trees and Oil Palms as about Natural History. For these reasons I secondary forest, where we saw Silvered well as areas of Virgin Jungle. A short started a Natural History Club at the col- Leaf Monkeys and numerous butterflies, distance away are the central mountains lege to seek out and learn about to a tower overlooking the lakes. Here we Much mangrove and swamp forest remains in places on the lowlands rising to over 2,000 metres which are Malaysia’s wonderful Natural History for gained fantastic views of the lakes and of Malaysia. mostly covered in Virgin Jungle. Penin- our Malaysian students. We meet once a forest, watching a pair of majestic Brah- sula Malaysia has retained much of its week, with fortnightly outings to see miny Kites flying by and Grey Herons Mountain Rainforest and some very large wildlife around the college and bi- and Great Egrets in view. The captive tracts of Lowland Rainforest (e.g. the monthly trips to other parts of Malaysia breeding of Milky Storks had been Taman Negara) which is reputed to be to visit special sites for wildlife. The fol- stopped due to raids by Long-tailed over 300 million years old (the oldest lowing is a review of one of our trips to a Macaques and the large enclosure empty, but four of the birds were still present on the reserve. Our tour then moved round the lakes to the Mangrove walk, with our guide describing many of the plants ecology and uses on the way. Here we saw two types of Mud Skippers, tiny blue Fiddler Crabs and Water Monitors. Wandering back through the forest to the centre A mudskipper seen on the Mangrove walk. brought us into contact with the Macaques who were quarrelling bitterly as usual and some were trying to get into the van! At the centre we were given a detailed briefing about the fireflies natu- ral history. At the park were non-synchronous species only, Pteroptyx valida, but along the rivers is the syn- chronous species Pteroptyx tener, which flashes 3 times a second in unison. They have a lifespan of 9 months but the adult beetles only live for 10 to 20 days. Dinner at 6:30pm was at a marvel- lously sited seafood restaurant on the bank of the Selangor River watching the sun set. Then it was on to the highlight, the Fireflies themselves. Arriving, in the dark, around 8:00pm, we boarded three A long-tailed Macaque monkey on van! separate boats, each propelled by an oars- man. We were each taken along the bank where many of the bushes were belit by dazzling arrays of simultaneously flash- ing lights – the fireflies. Each firefly has Photos: © Ian Boler a light-producing segment (males two, females one) on their abdomen. It was so dark, however, that the fireflies them- selves couldn’t be seen, only their lights. It was a fantastically, spectacular and peaceful experience!

Ian Boler works as a biology/chemistry teacher in Kolej Yayasan UEM in Malaysia and was a former volunteer at Sherkin Island Marine Station. Members of the Natural History Club relaxing after a day’s outing. SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______23 It is understood the cost of Importantly, the CFB the research for these 53 proj- believes it must provide for the ects was €3 million. The long-term environmental sus- A Real Insight into CFB Research broad-based research pro- tainability and biodiversity of gramme shows very important Ireland’s ecosystems and that issues are being addressed, they must identify sustainable such as: its Research Projects sum- easily readable, interesting – • When will an interim/final fishing opportunities. Ireland’s • Atlas of Freshwater fish in By Matt Murphy maries, 2007. It was a breath of even fascinating and short. report be available to the inland waterways are so Irish lakes fresh air as the 53 projects in One immediately has informa- Board important for all its citizens. SO often annual scientific • Most of our drinking water its programme are treated indi- tion on: • What was the cost of the Lake trout stock surveys reports from institutions and comes from these sources. The vidually, with questions and • The remit of the project project and the source of • Dynamics of fish semi-state bodies are just a CFB and the Regional Fish- public relations exercise with answers on each. This report • Why is the project being funding populations in Irish waters - studies of fish stocks in eries Boards are very much little or no information for the or, more correctly, this compi- undertaken • To whom will findings be lation of reports on individual large Irish lakes overseers of that heritage. reader. So many researchers • Sponsors/people in charge made available This report needs a broad and diverse freshwater projects • Fisheries development on get caught up in their work of project • What progress has been circulation, especially to the and forget the broader picture is for the ordinary man in the navigable waterways • When is the planned com- made to date national and local authorities’ of educating the public on the street, the angler, the fishery • • An environmental elected representatives and to necessity for such projects. owner, the commercial salmon pletion date of the project What are the findings of assessment of the ponds angling clubs. Action is Recently the Central Fish- fisherman, civil servants and • Who will benefit from the interest and to whom within Phoenix Park, needed to help preserve Ire- eries Board (CFB) published other scientists. The reports are project • What are the next steps? Dublin land’s waterways, as many are • National assessment of under severe pressure from attainment of river pollution and the lack of specific salmon proper management. Anglers conservation limits (CLs) especially can help in influ- • A fish stock survey of encing government to invest River Suir catchment more in the work of Fisheries • Water Framework Directive Boards. This report is avail- (WFD) surveillance able on line at www.cfb.ie. monitoring - lakes • Water quality monitoring Matt Murphy, Director, and pollution abatement Sherkin Island Marine programme for inland Station, Sherkin Island, navigable waterways. Co. Cork. AN EXAMPLE OF A PROJECT SUMMARY

PROJECT TITLE: To investigate the impact of a refurbished weir on the River Nore in Kilkenny city on the standing crop of juvenile salmon in several sub-catchments upstream. Remit of the project The remit of this project is to compare the standing crops of ju- venile salmon at selected sites upstream and downstream of Kilkenny city and review available historical data in this area. Why is the project being undertaken? The Office of Public Works (OPW) requested the Central Fish- eries Board (CFB) to carry out this study to establish if the flood relief scheme on the R. Nore main channel in Kilkenny had a negative impact on salmon production further upstream in the catchment by temporarily impeding the upstream move- ment of adult salmon. Sponsor/person in charge of the project? The main sponsors of this project are the Engineering Services Section of the OPW/Dr M. O’Grady, CFB. When is the project planned to be complete? Field work was completed by the CFB, with the assistance of Southern Regional Fisheries Board (SRFB) staff, in 2007. A final report will be prepared in the first quarter of 2008. Who will benefit from the project? The main beneficiaries will be the OPW, the SRFB and the CFB. When will interim and/or final reports be available to the Board? A final report will be available in the first quarter of 2008. What was the cost of the project and source of funding? All costs were met by the OPW. Who will the fingings be made available to? The finding will be made available to the OPW - the agency funding the project. They are also likely to be made available to the Fisheries Boards and angling clubs in the Nore catchment. What progress has been made to date? The field work element has been completed. Data processing and report writing will be completed in Q1 2008. What are the findings of interest and to whom? Findings will be of interest to all of the parties named above. There was a “public perception” that this drainage scheme, at the works stage (2005/06), seriously impaired the upstream move- ment of adult salmon. What are the Next Steps? To inform all concerned parties of the results of this study. 24 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 Environmental Ethics and International Policy Edited by Henk A. M. J. ten Have PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST Unesco www.unesco.org/publishing ISBN: 978-92-3-104039-9 The Hook Peninsula, County is easy to use for iden- me; you can identify several different The Birdwatcher’s Yearbook € tification when explor- kinds of birds.” As someone who would Price: 22.00/2006 Wexford ing freshwater habitats not call himself a birdwatcher, I was sur- 2008 The purpose of this book is to raise aware- By Billy Colfer and I find this book is prise that when I read down the list he Edited by David Cromack just right. The intro- give, I knew them all. And I was even ness among policy Cork University Press duction has short para- more surprise at how many more I could www.birdsillustrated.com makers and the general www.corkuniversitypress.com graphs on the various add myself! 978-0-955033-96-4 public about the moral aquatic habitats. The chapter “A present from my fa- dimensions of environ- ISBN: 1 85918 378 6 (hb) Price £16.75stg/2007 Meres, fens, brackish still waters, la- ther” is a beautiful piece and tells of how mental issues. It ex- Price: €40.00/2004 goons and dune slacks are but a few that the great naturalist Sir Peter Scott was en- For 28 years The plores how this Birdwatcher’s Year- The Hook Penin- are explained in simple language. The couraged by his father the explorer, Scott relatively new disci- book and Diary had sula is located in Co four main sections are Microscopic of the Antarctic. It was the last message pline can assist. Eight leading scholars in provided the essential Wexford. It forms the Freshwater Life, Aquatic Plant Life, that Captain Scott left to his wife “Make environmental ethics were asked to pres- facts and figures relat- eastern boundary of Aquatic Life and Insects. Over 900 the boy interested in natural history.” It ent their ideas and recommendations with ing to the birdwatching Waterford Bay, which species that one can see with the naked worked and his son became Britain’s most regard to the main issues in this field of scene. The features is fed by the three sis- eye are described and illustrated - more famous naturalist of his time. The author applied ethics. They include: section has the or- • ter rivers, the Barrow, than plenty for the beginner. The book is talks of how his father encouraged him. It Environment, ethics and policy nithological news of • Nore and Suir. The pocket-size and so great for fieldwork all began with a present of the Observer Ethics and global sustainability 2007, an item on British Birds – the • author Billy Colfer and ideal for young and old. It would be Book of Birds, which was then a small Must we give up environmental ethics monthly magazine which is now 100 years • was born in London but was a newly born an asset in any home or school library. and affordable book. In the many other Putting environmental ethics to work old, as well as details of English language infant when he went to live in his father’s chapters, the author tells how bad bird- As a lay person I found myself over- bird magazines. The diary section has a native Hook. Growing up in this peninsula watchers can so enjoy nature’s free gift. In whelmed by the many important issues New Naturalist: A History of day by day diary plus blank sheets for and his love affair with this secluded area this day of so called fiction, let us get back raised by the different scholars. I hope recording, as well as an events guide for began then and from an early age he was Ornithology to nature. We adults need it, but more es- policymakers will take the time to read 2008 and those looking for lecturers on fascinated with local history. The chapters pecially our children and grandchildren. and absorb the issues, which are vital for By Peter Bircham birds. The trade directory section includes begin with the landscape and environ- This book will lead the way. Enjoy it. the future planning of the environment. list of book publishers, bird garden sup- ment, followed by pre-historic and early HarperCollins What would be most helpful would be if plies, equipment and optical manufactur- Christian, medieval and modern land- UNESCO published a summary booklet www.collins.co.uk Making Peace with the Earth - ers and a County directory. Finally I scapes. The research that the author under- of some 20 pages. would like to quote a comment made by took brings the peninsula alive and it ISBN: 978-0-00-719969-3 (hb) What Future for the Human the editor in the Preface. “I’m constantly makes one wonder has any other coastal 978-0-00-719970-9 (pb) Species and the Planet? frustrated by the time it takes to sift the Flight Identification of area been so well documented. This book Price £45stg (hb) £25stg (sb)/ 2007 wheat from the chaff. Properly edited is no doubt a labour of love by the author Edited by Jérôme Bindé European Seabirds books and magazines perform that filter- and should be on the shelves of secondary This book has been a www.unesco.org/publishing ing service so that time-pressured readers by Anders Blomdahl, Bertil Briefe & school libraries especially so that the pres- true labour of love – don’t have to. At a rough estimate, I Niklas Holmstrom ent generations can understand and appre- seventeen years of re- 978-92-3-104069-6 reckon that Hilary and I spend five months ciate the past. The book is beautifully search, which as the au- Price €16.99/2007 Christopher Helm thor states, lead to more a year in assembling and checking the in- www.acblack.com produce with 450 illustrations, 50 maps, When I received research. It was a mam- formation within the pages of each edition historical sketches and drawings as well as this book and saw ISBN: 978 0-7136-8616-6 moth task, which has of the Yearbook.” This book is a must for marvellous aerial photos. the title, I thought lead to the author trac- any birdwatcher. Price: £24.99/2007 here we go again, ing the history of ornithology from early Newly available in another lecture of How to Identify Edible times. The first chapter “Up to the Sixteen paperback, this is a doom and gloom on Renewable Electricity and the Century” tells of Aristotle (384 BC – 322 case of a book doing Mushrooms how to save the BC) and Pliny AD 23-79) being among Grid – The Challenge of what it says on the planet. What a sur- Patrick Harding, Tony Lyons, Gill the first scholars to write about birds. This cover. Following an prise I got. I found Variability Tomblin chapter has beautiful colour illustrations introduction dealing people who are positive about the fu- from the Sherhorne Missal, produced by Edited by Godrey Boyle with the art of sea- Collins Publishers Ltd ture if we stop the practice of being a the Benedictine Abbey, Dorset c 1400 – watching and seabird gatherer economy. We are living on Earthscan www.collins.co.uk especially the heron, my favourite bird. identification, the bulk credit and our measure of the world’s www.earthscan.co.uk Chapter two “The First Bird Book” is a of the book deals with 136 species family ISBN: 978 0 00 725961 8 wealth overlooks the essential fact - short and succinct history of the principal ISBN: 978-1-84407-418-1 by family, the “classic” seabirds being Price: £12.99stg/Re-issued 2007 our ecological debt, in the form of birds noticed by Pliny and Aristotle. augmented by grebes, gulls and wildfowl. those non-renewable resources we Price: £60.00/2007 A well illustrated, William Turner, who has been called the Each species is given it’s own spread with continue to use and squander as This book is very informative book on Father of British Ornithology, wrote this an average of five quality photos showing though they were infinite. I learned timely as more and fungi, which covers a first book. The seventeenth century pro- the birds in flight, both at sea and over- that to produce a pair of jeans it takes more emphasis is broad spectrum of duce two outstanding ornithologists, head, and a comprehensive text. As well 32 kilos of non-renewal material, plus being placed on re- species from the com- Willughby and Ray, and the author gives as covering distribution, identification 8,000 litres of water are consumed. I newable electricity. mon field mushroom us a very concise story of their achieve- and call, this has instructive sections on suspect most people could stretch the Wind power develop- to the elusive summer ments. I found the chapter on Alfred New- silhouette and flight & flocking. In addi- life of their jeans by a few months at ment in Ireland, both truffle. ton and the foundation of the British tion, each family has it’s own introduc- least if they knew this. Think of the at sea and on land is The book not only Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) most fasci- tion, giving information on characters and contribution that would make to the very much on the in- deals with the identification of fungi, their nating. He was Professor of Zoology at aging & moult. Given Ireland’s richness environment worldwide. Another ex- crease, with local opposition becoming a location or habitat, but also the most likely Cambridge University - what an individ- of prime seawatching sites, this would be ample is that it takes eleven tons of problem for expansion. What this book season to find them. There are also some ual. He has been described by James a very worthy purchase for anyone con- non-renewable natural materials to does is discuss the technical issues. These handy hints on how to cook them. Fisher in 1966 as “one of the last great fig- sidering birding around her coast. manufacture a personal computer. make very interesting reading as they are Its in-depth chapters on poisonous ures at the end of the age of great figures. The author continues “We are living the issues that arise when wind power de- species would be invaluable knowledge There is nobody like Newton in ornithol- beyond our means by currently con- velopment is proposed. Such issues are: Recent EPA Publications and a relief to the avid mushroom hunter. ogy today.” His great legacy was the 1000 I enjoyed the chapters on folklore and suming 122 per cent of the planets re- • What happens when the wind does not page Dictionary of Birds. www.epa.ie the healing powers of fungi, which make sources.” We must change our ways blow? In all there are 20 chapters in this won- ERTDI REPORT NO. 60: Biological for both amusing and interesting reading. and get away from satisfying artifi- • The reliability of dispersed offshore derful book, which is a must for anyone Approaches to Nutrient Removal in the In these times of locally-sourced, or- cially inflated human needs and the wind power interested in ornithology. Irish Food Sector – Final Report. ganic food being of the utmost impor- competition culture, putting everyone • Cost estimates ISBN: 1-84095-224-5 tance, it’s a shame that more people don’t against everyone else. • Total extra costs of wind energy ERTDI REPORT NO. 72: Digital use this great natural resource. How to be a bad birdwatcher In the chapter “Quo Vadis. World of • Where are the wind resources? Water”, A.K. Biswas believes that from The eleven chapters discuss the many is- Soil Information System for Ireland – Simon Barnes research carried out at his Third World sues associated with renewable electricity. Scoping Study – Final Report. Freshwater Life (Britain and Short Books Centre for Water Management in Mex- They include: ISBN: 1-84095-242-3 ico, the indications that the world is fac- • Variable Renewables and the Grid: An ERTDI REPORT NO. 75: Eutrophica- Northern Europe) www.shortbooks.co.uk ing a water crisis because of a physical Overview tion from Agricultural Sources – Pathways Malcolm Greenhalgh & Denys 1-904095-95-X scarcity of water is erroneous. The water • A Renewable Electricity system for for Nutrient Loss to Water with Emphasis Ovenden on Phosphorus – Synthesis Report. 2004/ Price £7.99stg (sb) crisis is due more to the widespread the UK. mis-management of water. Dr. Biswas’ • Planning for Variability in the Long ISBN: 1-84095-245-8 Collins Pocket Guide So many of us believe chapter alone makes this book essential Term. ERTDI REPORT NO. 76: Eutrophi- www.collins.co.uk we know nothing about reading. The other chapters by various Anyone interested in Renewable Elec- cation from Agricultural Sources – Soil birds - Simon Barnes dis- ISBN: 978 0 00 717777 6 authors are excellent and make one tricity will find this book an important ref- and Phosphorus: Catchment Studies – agrees. “You are lying stand back to look at issues before erence. It answers many of the question so Synthesis Report. Price: £20.00stg pb/2007 through your teeth. It is jumping in with comments. I highly rec- often raised in public debates. It is very ISBN: 1-84-95-248-2 I look at this book as a beginner with a impossible to know noth- ommend this book. much a technical book. love of nature. I like to have a book that ing about birds. Trust SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______25 From Botany Bay to Glasnevin

and skins, bones, dried plants planted an avenue of them). By Daphne and descriptions and draw- The last remnant of a now van- ings displayed – new animals, ished garden or estate may be a Pochin Mould new birds, new plants and solitary, non-native, great tree. brilliant flowers, new trees Some needed much care to do Fuchsias are now avail- and tales of the new taste of well, but others became able in many varieties and exotic fruit. And it came to a invaders, ready to take over the are widely grown. I have Europe eager for science and country. One was the rhodo- seen them flourishing in the for the laying out of great gar- dendron from North America sun in Reykjavik’s botanic dens. It was when a British and Asia. For the great gardens, garden in Iceland, though ship turned into a bay on the its strong growth and enor- they need to be indoors in Australian coast, that the vast mous, brightly coloured winter. Orange and lemon display of so many and so flowers, was a dream come trees, bearing fruit are now new plants, almost named true. Today we are fighting to available at garden centres. itself, “Botany Bay”. control it and halt its destruc- Interesting and very orna- It was not a peaceful time – tion of our native woods. For mental, but you will risings in Ireland, the failed rhododendron allows no oppo- probably get your main sup- “French Armada” off Bantry sition and forms a dense thicket ply from the shops. Bay, Britain at war with almost impossible to force a “Botany Bay”. For 19th France, Napoleon seeking to way through. century England the name rule all Europe and the British And then there was a pretty was the usual shorthand for navy holding them in check. shrub from South America, the Australian penal settle- Meantime the Botanic Gar- named for a certain Dr Fuchs. ments. Convicts and flowers? dens of Paris and London Fuchsia, “from Chile... thrives – no connection, but with (Kew) placidly went on corre- in light rich soil... cuttings

Glasnevin and the Botanic sponding about plants. Jane Photo courtesy of http://flickr.com/photos/80824546@N00/2306622272 root freely under a hand glass, Garden, a great deal. For Austen was writing her nov- The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin holds wonderful records of plants and plant descriptions, many admitting air occasionally to Glasnevin holds a great els in which the great houses brought back long ago on sailing ships from the other side of the world. prevent damping off”. The archive of dried and pressed and their grounds form a produced a crop: planted and familiar – the ordinary to ripen but cucumbers were Knight of Kerry, establishing plants, and drawings and background. against a sunny wall and orange, lemon, citron, lime grown in open fields in the his great garden on Valentia descriptions written with quill It was a time when there fronted with glass. Some still and shaddock. “Shaddock”? south of England for pickling. Island in Kerry, was soon pens on heaving sailing ships were many people with survive today – Fota’s has A native of China and Japan, The person with hot houses writing to the London on the other side of the world. money and land, and labour been restored, as have some from where one Captain could have them any time. In “Times” of the virtues of the From the mid 18th century on was cheap, so those great of the great glass houses, Shaddock brought it to the the early 1800’s, in March in fuchsia as a shelter belt to pro- saw the world being mapped, estates could be laid out and such as at Glasnevin. Piner- West Indies. From there it London, cucumbers were a tect other more delicate with compass and sextant, planted, with lakes and deer ies and vineries were got to England and was first guinea a dozen, in late sum- plants. The invasion of Ireland sun, moon and star sights and parks (there are still white important for the Big House cultivated there in 1789. Its mer, one penny. (A guinea is by the fuchsia had begun. positions – the lead line to fallow deer at Mallow). The folk – like their hot house thick skin meant it would £1, 1 shilling). But except as a Irish people named it ‘Deora plumb the depths and shal- industrial revolution had grapes and their pineapples – stay fresh longer aboard a curiosity, nobody wanted to De’ (“the tears of God” in lows. You could sail round the made it possible to make big which were grown on a very sailing ship but its taste was grow the tasteless breadfruit. Irish). Roadside verges turned world, though it would take a sheets of clear glass, to be set hot compost of tan yard too bitter for contemporary “Five plants were brought to deep red from the dropped couple of years, and all that in strong frame works of residues. A learned Dr. Sick- palates. Today we enjoy it England from Otheite by the petals of the fuchsia hedges. time no contact with home. wrought iron: the big glass ler wrote a book in 1815 and call it “grapefruit”. unfortunate Captain Bligh in The Knight had one enormous Only on return would people houses rose up and were listing over 70 species of cit- Melons and cucumbers 1788”. Equally exotic was the bush which he just let alone, know you were still alive. heated, so hot climates could rus, but those grown by the came from the East Indies banana, “the fruit is eaten raw, and every year, the entire Discoveries would be told be mimicked. Orangeries Big Houses was far shorter about 1570. Melons need heat or roasted, in fritters, pre- household gathered round it to serves and marmalades, the measure its ever-enlarging cir- fermented juice makes an cumference. And, unlike other Eiffel excellent wine”. immigrant species, the fuchsia The old sailing ships has become a symbol of Ire- brought treasures of colour, land – almost a rival to the Photo courtesy of Photo: © Robbie Murphy shape, and new tastes – trees, shamrock. Not bad for a little shrubs and flowers, brought in bush that survived a long sea as seeds and rooted saplings. voyage to get to these parts, Irish gardeners took them barely two hundred years ago. greedily. Palms flapped their leaves in seaside gales, mon- Quotations are from J.C. key-puzzles rose in suburban Loudon. “Encyclopaedia of gardens (at least one Big House Gardening” 2nd Edition, 1824. CC-BY-SA-3.0 United States CC-BY-SA-3.0 bdesham Photo courtesy of

Fuchsia – a shrub from South America, which now adorns many The brightly coloured flowers of rhododendron may have been a dream The Big Houses could afford to build hot houses in which to grow hedgerows in Ireland. come true for gardens but are now a major threat to native woods. heat-loving fruits such as oranges and lemons. 26 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 JUNIOR PAGES SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______27

Photo: © John Fox Learn about birds with Reedbed BirdWatch Ireland

Feeding Wild Birds Leaflet Download this leaflet from the Learn about Birds section on BirdWatch Ireland’s website at Singers www.birdwatchireland.ie Learn how to identify the birds in your garden with our Free Garden Bird Charts. Send a SAE to: BirdWatch Ireland, P.O. Box 12, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. BY DECLAN MURPHY

BirdWatch Ireland has During the Spring and early summer our reedbeds over 10,000 members and are home to a number of birds, including some has branches throughout migrant warblers, which fly from Africa to spend the country which the summer months here in Ireland. organise events and outings in your area. Why not get your school to join? Write to us or visit Sedge Warbler our website for details: Arriving in mid-April, Sedge Warblers can be found throughout www.birdwatchireland.ie Ireland wherever there is an abundance of reeds, water and damp willow scrub. They are an extremely vocal species and their presence is made known by their loud song, a mixture of varied fast chattering Timmons Photo: © Clive BirdWatch Ireland has two educational web phrases which often includes mimicry of other species and varies in sites, catering for learning about birds in schools. pitch. Sedge Warblers are rich brown colour with black streaks on their 0 Visit the Working with Birds web site to back and wings and pale underparts. However their most striking learn about watching and feeding birds feature is a prominent white stripe over the eye contrasting with a darker crown. Except when singing they can be quite skulking, Simply go to www.birdwatchireland.ie and go to clambering around the reed stems and foraging in the scrub. the ‘learn about birds’ section The nest is built by the female and is cup shaped, made of grass BirdWatch Ireland, P.O. Box 12, Greystones, and located close to the ground. Up to 5 eggs are laid which hatch Co. Wicklow. after about two weeks and the young fly after a further two Tel: 01-2819878 Fax: 01-2819763 weeks. Their diet consists almost entirely of insects although they Email: [email protected] will eat berries in late autumn to help build up far reserves for their long migration. Sedge Warblers are long distance migrants and fly up to 3,900 km from Ireland to Southern Africa, many returning to the same breeding site each year. Website: www.birdwatchireland.ie

Grasshopper Warbler Also arriving in mid-April, Grasshopper Warblers are another secretive brown warbler which also frequents the same type of habitat as Sedge Warblers, although they usually prefer a slightly Photo: © Dick Coombes drier part of the reedbed. As with Sedge Warbler these are best located by their song as they are very skulking and very hard to see. The song is a remarkable insect like trill which can be sustained for several minutes without a break. Its uniform tone and pitch have been likened to the mechanical sound made by an angler’s reel. The sound appears to change in direction and volume as the bird turns its head from side to side. When seen they are usually flushed from low down in the scrub or seen moving furtively through the vegetation almost at ground level. They are olive brown in colour, slightly paler below, with dark streaking on the upperparts. The nest and location are the same as the Sedge Warbler and the incubation time for the eggs is also the same. Their diet also consists mostly of insects and occasionally berries.

Reed Warbler (see main picture) This is our rarest reedbed warbler with only a handful of pairs breeding each year in Ireland and confined to the largest areas of reedbeds such as those in Wicklow, Wexford and Cork. They are larger than either of the previous species and are plain olive brown in colour. Their song is a series of slow chattering notes on an even pitch and is usually quite low in volume. 28 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 Animals on the sandy shore We all know that sandy beaches are a great place for building sand castles but what about the creatures that live there? At first glance, the beach might seem like a barren place, but that’s because most of the animals are hiding! Where would you hide from predators if you were a creature living on the sandy shore? Under the sand of course! It’s nice and soft and easy to dig a burrow. Another good hiding place is under the dead seaweed and debris that are found up on the beach’s high tide mark or strand line. Some animals also use camouflage to avoid their enemies. This means that they can blend into their background, making it difficult for predators to see them. The animals that you see walking around on the sand surface are usually the top predators, like seabirds and humans!

Sandy Shore Quiz

Have a look at the seven seashore animals 1. Cockle below. See if you can match the animal 2. Oystercatcher The Sandy Shore names with the correct picture. You can 3. Razor Shell use the clues beside each picture to help 4. Lugworm Photo: © Sarah Varian you. All these animals live in and around 5. Flatfish the sandy shore. 6. Shrimp Skeletons on the inside and

Skeletons on the outside This animal likes to eat cockles Many of the animals living under the sand also have shells and mussels. to protect themselves. In fact, shells are actually a kind ______of skeleton! We have our skeletons on the inside to A support all our organs. If we didn’t, we would just be a blob on the floor. But most of the animals on our planet actually have their skeletons on the outside in the form of a You have to look very carefully to see shell. Some marine animals, like jellyfish, don’t these animals in a sand pool because need any bones because the seawater supports they are masters of camouflage. their body and tentacles. These jelly animals collapse when they are out of the water. B ______

Go paddling on a sandy beach and you Plants on the might feel one of these wriggling under your toes.

Photo: © Robbie Murphy sandy shore ______It is difficult for plants to live on C the sandy shore for all sorts of reasons. Seaweeds that we might Molly Malone used to sell these animals see on the rocky shore can’t live on in Dublin’s Fair City. the sand because there is nothing for them to attach on to. Land ______plants also find it hard to live on the D sandy beach because the sand doesn’t hold enough freshwater and nutrients for them to grow. There Imagine somebody trying to shave are only a few plants, like marram with a shell! grass, that can live in these ______conditions. Marram grass is one of Marram Grass the most important plants on the E sandy shore because its long roots bind the sand together to form sand dunes. The dunes habitat provides a special place for all sorts of wildlife, including rabbits, mice, foxes, This animal lives under the sand in a snails, moths and butterflies, birds, insects and flowering plants. U-shaped burrow.

______

1=D; 2=A; 3=E; 4=F; 5=C; 6=B. 5=C; 4=F; 3=E; 2=A; 1=D; QUIZ: TO ANSWERS

F Sketches: © Sinead Begley Developed by Sarah Varian & Sherkin Island Marine Station for the Living Coasts Living Seas Project SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______29

It is intended for use by those who are competent swimmers and who are near to the bank or shore, or who have help and means of rescue close at hand. These PFDs have minimum bulk, but they are of limited use in disturbed water, and cannot be expected to keep the user safe for a long Staying period of time. They do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect people who are unable to help themselves. They require active participation by the user. Recommended for Dinghy sailors, windsurfers, water- skiers & Personal Water craft where the user might reasonable expect to end up in the water. Afloat! The 100 Newton lifejacket is intended for those who may have to wait for rescue but are likely to do so in sheltered and calm MANY of us will be out in boats and other watersports equipment over the turer’s recommendations. On a regular water. Whilst these lifejackets are less summer months and will be wearing our lifejackets. Lifejackets and buoyancy basis, you should visually check the PFD for bulky than those with more buoyancy, they are only intended for use in relatively shel- aids come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes it can be quite confusing to wear and tear especially at the folds, tered waters. They may not have sufficient know what level of support they give. Irish Water Safety have produced a very straps and fastenings. On inflatable life- buoyancy to protect people who are unable helpful guide to Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Lifejackets & Buoyancy Aids. jackets, check to see if the gas bottle is full, fitted correctly and has no signs of to help themselves and may not roll an corrosion. If used in salt water, you should unconscious person onto their back particu- What is a Personal Floatation Device? tened and that you understand how to oper- regularly wash out you PFD with fresh larly if they are wearing heavy clothing. ate it. In sports like jet skiing, water skiing, water and allow it to dry fully before The 150 Newton lifejacket in intended This is a generic term used to describe dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, repacking. Ensure you disarm any automatic for general offshore and rough weather lifejackets and buoyancy aids. The main wearing the right personal floatation device inflation mechanism before washing your use where a high standard of performance difference between lifejackets and buoy- (PFD) will give you the confidence to enjoy PFD to avoid accidental inflation. is required. It should turn an unconscious ancy aids is that a lifejacket is designed to your activity even when your in the water. Don’t use your PFD as a cushion as this person into a safe position and requires no turn an unconscious person face up on For other activities wearing an appropriate may compress, and thus reduce the effec- subsequent action by the wearer to keep entering the water. A buoyancy aid is not PFD can give you extra time for the search tiveness of the buoyancy. Like most things their face out of the water. Its perform- guaranteed to do this and is as the name and rescue services to find and rescue you. they do not last forever. If you PFD is look- ance may be affected if the user is wearing describes, an aid to keeping you afloat. ing tatty it may not work so get a new one. heavy and/or waterproof clothing. Recom- Caring for you mended for general use on coastal and Wearing Personal Floatation Devices inshore waters when sailing, fishing etc. Personal Floatation Device The right Personal Floatation Device? where the user would not expect to end up It is vital to wear a buoyancy aid or a in the water. Your PFD could save your life, so it is Personal floatation devices are available lifejacket when afloat or if your activity The 275 Newton Lifejacket is intended important to look after it. You should have with foam-only buoyancy, air foam buoyancy takes you near the water. You must ensure primarily for offshore and extreme condi- it serviced in accordance with the manufac- or air-only buoyancy. The most suitable that it is the correct size, properly fas- type for you will depend on the type of tions and for those wearing heavy activity and the distance you are likely to protective clothing that may adversely be from the shore. affect the self-righting capacity of the Foam only personal floatation devices lifejacket. This lifejacket is designed to provide buoyancy at all times. They may be ensure that the wearer is floating in the bulky, but in addition to providing buoyancy, correct position with their mouth and nose they often provide additional protection clear of the surface of the water. Recom- against wind and cold. mended for offshore cruising, fishing and Air-only lifejackets are likely to be the commercial users. most compact and comfortable and may be Look for a Lifejacket that is Cara Partners wish continued automatically activated on entering the IMO/SOLAS approved. These are mainly water or inflated manually or orally. Spare carried on certain commercial vessels like success to Matt and his team at gas cylinders and automatic inflation mech- passenger boats. They are usually anisms should be carried. intended only for use when abandoning Sherkin Island Marine Station The effectiveness of a lifejacket will be ship as they tend to be bulky and difficult affected by the type and amount of cloth- to use when working. ing worn. If air becomes trapped in clothing, or if a floatation suit is worn in Text courtesy of IRISH WATER SAFETY, addition to a lifejacket, it may reduce the The Long Walk, Galway, Ireland. ability of a lifejacket to roll you face up in Phone : 091 564400 Lo-Call: 1890-420.202 the water. Choosing a PFD with more buoy- Fax: 091 564700 E-mail: [email protected] ancy may counteract this. It is recommended that all personal Visit www.iws.ie for floatation devices are fitted with a whistle. Light and retro-reflective strips and should further information on have crotch straps. For some sports such as jet skiing, water Water Safety skiing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, specialised personal floatation devices are available which are specifically designed to suit these sports.

Understanding Personal Flotation Devices Buoyancy is measured in Newtown – 10 Newton equals 1 kilogramme of flotation. There are 4 European standards for per- sonal floatation devices, which must all carry the CE mark. The 50 Newtown Personal Flotation Device is commonly called a Buoyancy aid. 30 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45

DR PATRICK HILLERY Long May His Vision Continue Photo courtesy of Gaisce

Dr Hillery at the An Gaisce Golf Classic in June 2006.

bronze, silver or gold award by committing our achievement, but he continued with a cycle on a budget. The Aim and Ethos of the By Majella Killeen “just one hour per week,” working on four request – and that request was to stay involved Adventure Section is to encourage a spirit of different sections, personal skill, community with Gaisce by becoming a P.A.L. (President’s adventure and discovery whilst undertaking a DURING the launch of Gaisce – The involvement physical recreation and a venture Award Leader). His personal commitment journey in a group. To provide participants with President’s Award, back in 1985 Dr. Patrick activity, this was the challenge then and during these early years saw the President a challenging and memorable achievement. Hillery, stated that his “admiration for and faith in continues today. attend the inaugural bronze and silver award The journey should be undertaken in a group in the young people of Ireland are unlimited.” Now I was representing the Order of Malta at that ceremonies in Monaghan, Kilkenny, Cork, an unfamiliar environment, requiring twenty three years on as I reflect on the passing of meeting and so I decided to promote the award Galway and Dublin. determination and perseverance, thus providing President Hillery, I still admire his vision to through the Order of Malta programme. The Starting the journey, by setting goals in each a sense of independence, self-sufficiency and encompass the zest for life of young people with consequence of this decision was that the section, allowed me to visualise my dream….. discovery. The highlights live long in the a personal challenge from him to achieve young people concerned challenged me to Yes, it was attainable, because I was memories of the participants. recognition through personal development. As complete the programme myself. I guess it was challenging myself. There was no race to the President Dr. Patrick Hillery instilled in me one of the first participants of Gaisce - The a case of “actions speak louder than words.” finish, there was no first prize; just a a vision to stay involved in Gaisce, the aims of President’s Award, I am now in the enviable The young people were prepared to participate commitment of one hour per week in each which are to get young people working, position of reflecting on my involvement in this at bronze award level, if I would participate at section of the award. This was and continues to striving, achieving, quietly, under the radar, wonderful organisation that continues the gold award level. I completed my gold award be the beauty of the Gaisce challenge. Now as bringing out the very best in themselves and personal challenge, through our Patron Mary in 1987 and it was with great pride that I a Presidents Award Leader (P.A.L.), I have building up the essential qualities of human McAleese the President of Ireland, to all young received my gold medal from the President of continued my involvement with Gaisce. I have decency, human endeavour that make for people between 15 and 25 years of age. Ireland, Dr. Patrick Hillery, on the 10th April witnessed at first hand the amazing healthy individuals and communities. My involvement with Gaisce goes back to 1989. There in lies the vision of Dr. Hillery. transformation of the young award participants At a recent Gold award in Dublin the 1985, when John T. Murphy and the Gaisce As the first group of 19 people received our who are lead through Bronze, guided through current Patron of Gaisce President Mary Silver and then lead us, the PALs, through their road show arrived in Galway to promote the Gaisce gold awards, Dr Hillery took the time to McAleese made the following remark, “In a Gold award. By sampling a new skill through award. His mission was to get us to earn a meet and speak with us, he congratulated us on world where there is, on the one hand, a the award a young person can then go on to use culture of instant celebrity that requires little the activity throughout their adult life. It can personal effort and, on the other, so much LEAVE YOUR sometimes lead to a fantastic career. A gold worry about the way that drugs and alcohol FOOTPRINTS award participant of mine – who had already can distract our young from achieving their 2008 International Blue Flag ON THE SAND AND NOT YOUR WASTE. completed his bronze and silver award took on true potential, here we see Ireland at its first aid as his skill and he has recently qualified absolute best. Here are young people working, Beaches in County Cork as a medical doctor. The Blue Flag Operators in striving, achieving, quietly, under the radar, Ireland urge the public to help Giving time to community is never easy, The International Blue Flag campaign is a voluntary scheme co-ordinated in Ireland bringing out the very best in themselves and retain Blue Flags at beaches by especially if you’re young; we rarely hear or by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, with support from the Department of doing some simple things when building up the essential qualities of human the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and on behalf of the Foundation visiting the beach. On your next see the work that our young people do in their decency, human endeavour that make for for Environmental Education (FEE, www.fee-international.org). beach visit: community. The community involvement healthy individuals and communities” This International award is universally recognised as the benchmark for beach - Stay safe. Know your flags. quality. It ensures the following Beach Quality criteria are maintained: Look at the safety signage section allows the young person to give back to - excellence in water quality and a committed monitoring programme and follow your lifeguard’s the community and to learn from that Majella Killeen is the first holder of the Gaisce - Provision of adequate safety and services, safety equipment and warning signals advice. experience. In a recent article on the endless of potential hazards. - Respect the fragile beach Gold Award and continues to give back to the habitat, particularly the possibilities of Gaisce, Clare Walsh a student of - Beach Management programme, Good Infrastructure, accessibility and litter control. young people of Ireland by her involvement as a sand dunes. Sand dunes St. Dominic’s Cabra described her visit to the - Provision of environmental information and education are a very important President’s Award Leader. The voluntary effort This year Cork has been awarded 9 Blue Flag Beaches. These awards reflect the natural ecosystem and elderly in her area, as a highlight for both the work carried out and the continued commitment by the Councils local area offices, coastal defence system. elderly and the young people, because it has led was rewarded when President Mary McAleese Environment Department and Voluntary Community Groups. Please do not trample the dunes – use footpaths and to the fostering of friendships and the building presented her with a Civic Merit Award in designated pathways. of strong community relationships. 2003. This award is presented to President’s ✧ Driving, motorcycling, Youghal Claycastle scrambling and horseriding The physical recreation section focuses the Award Leader that have voluntary given of ✧ destroy the dunes. Please young person on their own personal fitness, a their service for a period of five years or more. Shanagarry Garryvoe try and prevent these must in these days of academic pressure and the ✧ Old Head of Kinsale Garrylucas activities. More information from: GAISCE – THE - Follow the beach code of sedentary lifestyle of some of our young people. Garrettstown conduct. PRESIDENT’S AWARD, The State Finally, the adventure section allows the young ✧ - Use litterbins if provided or Apartments, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. Clonakilty Inchydoney better still Bring Your Litter person to plan and go on a venture, a hike or a ✧ Home with you! Web site: www.gaisce.ie Rosscarbery Owenahincha - Recycle at the local The Warren facilities provided. Follow the signage. Department of Education Teacher Training Summer Course ✧ Skibbereen Tragumna - Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your dog. ✧ Mizen Head Barleycove - Respect other beach users. 'The Child, the School and the Community; SESE in Action' - Join in beach clean/activity days or organise your own Date: 7th July – 11th July (9.30 am – 14.30 pm) if you have the initiative. For further information : Venue: Lifetime Lab, Lee Road, Cork City The Blue Flag award has ➢ on issues of beach management and water quality contact the environment € section, cork county council benefits to the local community, Cost: 50 where amenities and 021– 4532700 www.corkcoco.ie or local area office. ➢ environment are enhanced and The course is designed to take a practical approach to the SESEG area of the National Curriculum, and For information on Blue Flag Beaches contact: An Taisce Blue Flag Office, a shared responsibility for the Tailors Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8. beach and the local if your school is working on An Taisce's Green Schools programme this course will help you integrate the tel 01– 7077068 [email protected] www.blueflag.org environment is promoted. These programme into the curriculum. It will also provide you with relevant computing skills to enable optimum ➢ On issues of information regarding special protection areas, natural awards also have a positive exchange of information and best practice examples. heritage areas contact Heritage unit, knock on effect for tourism in Cork County Council 021–4818006 the County. The local authority For more information or to register contact Birgit O'Driscoll ➢ On issues of water safety contact www.iws.ie depends on the full co- operation of the public in Tel.: 085-1530064 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greenschoolsireland.org maintaining and progressing the Blue Flag Scheme along our This course is offered to you in coordination with An Taisce's Environmental Education Unit and is part funded by the Environmental IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE AT THE BEACH! beautiful coastline. Awareness and Research Unit of Cork County Council and Cork City Council SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 ______31

The female lobster keeps the eggs underneath her tail for about 9 months. They then hatch into the water and become part of the plankton. Once these larvae get larger, they fall to the bottom and it is thought that they burrow down into the sand or stones to hide until they are big enough to come out.The lobster grows by

Colour Me moulting i.e. it sheds its shell and replaces it with a new, larger one.

The Water Framework Directive

WHAT IS THE WATER FRAMEWORK? WHEN WILL THE SAMPLING TAKE PLACE? The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a European Directive introduced in The monitoring of river, lake and canal sites must take place between July and December 2000 establishing a new framework for the protection and management September when all species of fish are available for sampling. The estuarine of water resources throughout the European Union. There is a statutory obligation sampling programme can continue until October. Some preliminary sampling has on each country to monitor fish at selected sites in rivers, lakes and estuaries. already commenced, however the main bulk of the sampling effort will not begin until July. WHO WILL DELIVER THE FISH ELEMENT OF THE WFD? The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are delivering the fish element of the WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON THE FISHERIES WFD and they will compile information about the fish species occurring at certain ELEMENT OF THE WFD? specified locations, their abundance and age patterns. In addition they will be The preliminary report on the sampling programme undertaken in 2007 can be working closely with all stakeholders including Fishery Owners, Angling accessed on the Central Fisheries Board website (www.cfb.ie). Dr Fiona Kelly is the Associations, Fisheries Representative Bodies and other Government Agencies to project manager for the WFD. Dr Kelly will be happy to deal with more detailed ensure successful delivery of this programme. queries in relation to the fisheries elements of the WFD going forward.

WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON THE WFD IN 2008? In early 2008 the Fisheries Boards successfully completed a comprehensive All enquiries to: recruitment and training programme and now have the team of research scientists in Dr Fiona Kelly place ready to roll out the fish sampling programme. In addition a significant number Water Framework Directive Project Manager of meetings have been held with relevant stakeholders to finalise elements of the The Central Fisheries Board sampling schedule. Swords Business Campus The spring has also been a very busy time, the research scientists have been Swords Co. Dublin processing the fish samples collected during the field sampling programme in Tel: 01 8842600 2007, compiling the WFD fishery database and also putting the information into Email: [email protected] GIS format. Web: www.cfb.ie 32 ______SHERKIN COMMENT 2008 Issue No 45 human agricultural practices for instance, who can afford a biologically diverse corn, wheat or potato field? No farmer wants a field full of Is Biodiversity a Good Photo: © Robbie Murphy biodiversity. But biodiversity is driven by the chance that representatives of a diverse assortment of species can co- exist in a location. And, it is Assessment Tool? unlikely that the chances will be always positive in their outcome. It is more likely that there are more negative or species means that there is an environmental health. This ecosystem, species, and the earth. The new role for bio- failed colonisation attempts By Mike Ludwig increased likelihood of adapta- shift has left some wondering genetic diversity. Our present diversity as a measure of a than there are positive ones. tion to change. But, in some if the change is wise. The day biodiversity is the result of locale’s well-being should be This is reflected by successful BIODIVERSITY is an arenas biodiversity or biologi- term, biodiversity, is typically several hundred million years carefully considered. Because, colonisers taking advantage of important component of sus- cal diversity has gone from a defined to mean the variety of of continued species adapta- along the redefinition path- their success and dominating tained life on the earth. measure of species variety and life in all its forms, levels and tion to the ever changing way, there has been a the community. Having a good diversity of adaptability to a measure of combinations and includes environment and ecosystem of corresponding decline in the Habitat functions and val- appreciation that ecosystems, ues can be influenced by species and genetic makeup all unnatural as well as natural contain limitations on an conditions. But without know- organism’s ability to survive. ing what the influence is, the Without that appreciation, use of biodiversity to measure there can be an expectation ecological health is restricted. that systems are stable. Some of the most commonly Without getting into who is overlooked examples of this is causing global climate change, seen in species restoration / it is generally agreed that the re-introduction efforts. How earth is in a state of constant often have we seen a wetland change. As a result of the mitigation site planted with changes, some species are suitable species only to watch being displaced by environ- them fail or be displaced by mental conditions and / or the other species? Similarly, I influx of better adapted species. once tagged 6,000 Bay scal- There are other possible rea- lops, placed them in what we sons for change but the end considered to be ideal habitat, result is that change is occur- only to discover that they did- ring. And, biodiversity is being n’t agree and swam away. influenced by the change. Both cases had failed to But, biodiversity is driven appreciate the limits of the by chance. What are the species adaptability. They chances that all the elements could not be restored to the of survival are present at any area even though it may have place or that the elements will been well known for the remain stable long enough for species. The question is: an organism to adapt to the “what are the chances that this local conditions? How many location includes this species coconuts drifted past Hawaii in its community today or has before one floated ashore and it become more suitable for how many of those that other species?” A simple washed ashore didn’t grow check is to ask: “does Mother and survive? It might take Nature allow it to use the only one, relatively minor, area?” If the answer is “yes” modification of a habitat or she’ll provide some clues. We species characteristic to pre- need to find them. Biodiver- clude or enhance a survival / sity is constrained by local presence. That modification conditions and unlikely to be then triggers a difference in uniform at different sites. the community structure and Comparing the biodiversity at an accompanying variation in two or more sites will cause biodiversity. For instance; you disappointment and it most shellfish spawn in the may mean nothing more that summer because spawning in the two sites are different in the winter isn’t successful. ways we can’t determine. But, have most shellfish Claiming that a difference or always spawned in summer decline in species diversity or did environmental condi- indicates environmental dam- tions select those with a age without understanding summer birth date to domi- what is changing the situation, nate the population? Without may be premature. an in-depth assessment of the Biodiversity does not lend habitat and species character- itself easily to the challenge of istics, the cause(s) of contrasting two locations. presence or absence might Using biodiversity as a tool to not be recognised. These assess the ecological health of days, these steps are some- an area is not likely to help times skipped and an alarm advance our understanding or goes out that there is a biodi- the importance of the diversity. versity level change. All too often the lack of a Mike Ludwig, Ocean & species can be related to its Coastal Consultants, lifestyle, the habitat, or preda- Trumbull, CT 06611, USA tor / prey relationships. Take