SHERKIN COMMENT

Issue No. 33 Environmental Quarterly of Sherkin Island Marine Station 2002 Price 95c

INSIDE Forests in the Sea The Fascination of Mangroves RHODODENDRON The major conservation concern for Killarney National Park Geological Mapping Ireland’s 19th Century Field Geologists Page 2...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 Contents Editorial Editorial: Dioxin Emissions from the Burning of Household Waste ...... 2 Dioxin Emissions from the Burning Matt Murphy comments on the latest EPA report on dioxins. Birds of the North Wicklow Coastal Marshes ...... 3 of Household Waste Oscar Merne talks of a place for which he has had a This EPA report for the first time gives us domestic waste charges, will rise hugely in great fondness for many years. By Matt Murphy information of the levels of dioxins from coming years - the question is, will people Greening the urban landscape ...... 4 various sources. The issue of dioxins has want to continue to pay more and more? We A number of innovative environmentally friendly THE recent report from the EPA Inven- been emotive and controversial for many already have negative reaction to the current building projects are looked at by Judy Jones. tory of Dioxin & Furan Emissions to Air, years. The mere mention that a thermal increases. Sacrificial Beach Nourishment ...... 5 Land and Water in Ireland for 2000 and treatment/incineration plant could be The Irish people need guidance in this 2010, brings into the public arena very Michael Ludwig discusses the practice of putting located in an area has seen comments of the whole matter of waste. The agency for that is important information, especially on the dire consequences to health. There is no the EPA. They are the people that will have sand on eroded beaches to recreate or expand them. issue of incineration/thermal treatment. doubt that this report shows that uncon- to issue licences for any waste operation. I Rhododendron...... 6 The main objectives of the report were to: trolled fires are the major culprits in dioxin believe that if they agreed to licence inciner- Chris Barron tell us how these invasive plants have • Identify the principal sources of dioxin emissions. Many amongst us have been ation plants then it should be accepted. Do become quite a problem in Killarney National Park. emissions guilty of burning our own domestic waste. we cherry pick their advice when it suits us? Time to change - The Future of Fisheries Management ...... 7 • Quantify these emissions on the basis of It contributes 17.9g annually to air and land. If that is the case then the well being of the Fishermen lead the way in conservation. reported information. It would seem that the opponents of inciner- environment is doomed. The EPA in its 10 • Consider the likely future impact on the ation should be campaigning to reduce the years of existence has made huge inroads Geological Mapping: Ireland’s 19th C Field Geologists ...... 8 inventory resulting from the establish- uncontrolled combustion figures. Indeed into the appalling attitudes to the damaging Enda Gallagher tell us about the history of Irish ment of thermal treatment and other in- properly run incinerators could drastically of the environment by all citizens. The EPA geological mapping and those who carried it out. dustrial plants. reduce dioxin emissions to our environ- has much more to do however in order to Flowers of Ireland ...... 10 The report shows that the biggest source ment. It might surprise people to read from gain people’s trust. It must continue to rise to Daphne Mould looks at some of our well-known of emissions to both air and land is from this report that the so popular Halloween even greater heights to protect our now very flowers and tells us about their names and habits. uncontrolled combustion processes ie: fires contribute 0.9g to the annual national fragile environment. Some of the EPA’s i) Burning of domestic waste total - much more than the nine incinerators major achievements have been the issuing of The Deconstructionists...... 11 ii) Accidental house fires at present operating in the country. 500 (environmental) licences to industry and A company in the US that recycles housing materials, iii) Domestic heating and cooking In Ireland we could have three outlets for 100 licences for waste disposal by local gives us food for thought. iv) Halloween bonfires our waste - recycle, landfill and incinera- authorities and others. The Race to the Destruction of the Marine Fisheries The total estimated emissions of dioxins tion. Recycling can take out a reasonable The Minister for the Environment and - The Argentine Case ...... 12 in 2000 were 93g of which 68g (70%) came amount of waste if people are prepared to do Local Government, Mr. Martin Cullen, hav- Argentina’s doomed fishing industry is outlined by from the above four sources. it and markets can be found. Incineration ing received the report, stated: “Controlled Prof. Enrique Balech. In comparison the emissions from nine can be licensed, with stringent controls. The sources of dioxin emissions are required to existing hazardous waste incinerators landfill Directive requires successive reduc- deliver progressive improvements in emis- Wembury Voluntary Marine Conservation Area ...... 13 amounted to 0.0068g (0.015%) of the total tion in the percent of organic wastes being sion performance. For example, the power Mandy Wilkinson tells us about an educational to air in 2000. landfilled. In short this means more organic generation sector will shortly be subject to project for schools children in southern England. The reports states that if by 2010 1 mil- materials will have to be more stringent emission controls under a Implications of Use of On-site Wastewater Treatment lion tonnes of municipal waste and 100,000 composted/digested or otherwise recycled new EU Directive on Large Combustion Systems for Houses in Unsewered Areas ...... 14 tonnes of hazardous waste were to be ther- or thermally treated. With landfill there are Plant. Similarly, vehicle emission controls Donal Daly talks about the possible problems of mal treated by 2010 the dioxin emissions to also major questions down the road for the will continue to improve. Clearly, uncon- air would amount to 0.5g or 1.65% of the coming generations. How successful will trolled combustion processes are our main one-off housing. total projected emission to air. The inciner- the linings, to stop leachate, be long term? concern, if we are to reduce further national Forests in the Sea - The Fascination of Mangroves...... 15-17 ation ash from such plants would be The costs of monitoring landfill sites will go dioxin emissions to air. In particular, the Jenifer Baker explains why mangroves forests must landfilled under controlled conditions at on for 25-50 years after they are full to burning of waste households is an apparent be protected. licensed facilities and be 18% of total dioxin capacity and closed down. The cost of such problem which the public will have to face Impact of Habitat Degradation on Fish Stocks ...... 18 emissions to land. monitoring, which is now included in up to.” The Fisheries Boards have been helping to improve the quality of rivers in order to enhance fish stocks. Environment in Focus 2002...... 19 The EPA report on important indicators for the environment. After Thoughts by an American Regulator...... 20 David Killoy suggests that Ireland might learn from the planning mistakes of the US. Spider! ...... 21 John Akeroyd takes a humourous look at the spider! Publications of Interest ...... 22 Monks Take On A New Habit ...... 23

Declan Quigley on large-headed monk or angler fish. Source: EPA report - Inventory of Dioxin & Furan Emissions to Air, Land and Water in Ireland for 2000 and 2010 Teesmouth National Nature Reserve - Industry and Nature in Partnership...... 24 A demonstration from Anthony Toole of how industry SUBSCRIPTION FORM can enhance rather than confront their surrounds. SHERKIN COMMENT is a quarterly publication of Sherkin I enclose cheque/postal order to the sum of €...... Captain Cockle and The Pond...... 26 Island Marine Station aiming to promote the awareness of our The third of an exciting four part story by natural resources, their use and protection. Name ...... John Joyce - Attack of the Swans! SUBSCRIPTION: to receive a year’s subscription to Address ...... Itsy Bitsy Spider...... 27 “Sherkin Comment”, please send a cheque or money order for Its a race to become to the King of Arachnids! €5.72 for Ireland and £5.60stg for the U.K. (sterling cheques ...... accepted from UK); send €9.40 for Europe and €10.67 for the Spider, Spider Puzzle Page ...... 28 ...... Fieldfare and Bird Care Recipes ...... 29 rest of the world (surface postage) - payable to Sherkin Enfo teach us to draw the fieldfare and gives us Comment, Sherkin Island Marine Station, Sherkin Island, Co. Signature ...... Date ...... recipes for feeding birds this winter. Cork. Ireland. Tel: 028-20187 Fax:028-20407 E-mail: [email protected] STAFF: Publisher, Matt Murphy; Editor, Matt Murphy; Irish Fish Stew or Chowder from BIM ...... 30 Editorial Assistant, Susan Murphy Wickens; Typesetting, Susan Please send a 1 year subscription - beginning with Issue Environmental Competition for Primary School Children in Murphy Wickens. ISSN 0791-2447 © 2002 No...... Munster 2002 The President’s Awards - A Challenge to Young People...32 Please send a 2 year subscription - beginning with Issue Sherkin Island Marine Station website: No...... Are you interested in the challenge of a lifetime? http://homepage.eircom.net/~sherkinmarine Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 3

2km south of Greystones. The first stretch, extending south to Kilcoole railway station, is mainly reedbed and carr, with standing open water during winter floods. Between Kil- BirdsBirds ofof thethe coole and Newcastle station lies the area known as The Breaches, which until about ten years ago was largely saltmarsh, partly inundated by high North Wicklow spring and storm tides entering the North Wicklow marshes by a narrow cutting in the shingle barrier. This cutting is the exit for a number of small streams which flow down into the marshes from the Coastal Marshes eastern slopes of the Wicklow Moun- Coastal Marshes tains, and is the only drainage outlet other than the mouth of the Vartry River at Broad Lough at the south end of the marshes. Now the north

Photos: © Oscar Merne and south ends of the Kilcoole-New- The Breaches, between Kilcoole and Newcastle station, Co. Wicklow. castle stretch have been separated by drains and dykes from the salt- stretch of coast, and interesting birds marshes – for improved grazing at the By Oscar Merne could be seen at all seasons of the year. north end and a small airfield at the For the last twenty-five years I have south end. Continuing southwards EVER since my early teens (over been living in Bray and during this from Newcastle there are access forty years ago) I’ve had a great fond- time have frequently revisited this roads (from the R761 Greystones- ness for the marshes which extend favourite place of my bird-watching Rathnew road) at Five Mile Point and along the Wicklow coast from just youth. I regret to say that the fifteen- Killoughter/Ballybla. Here the south of Greystones to Wicklow town. minute comfortable car drive has marshes vary in width between 0.5 In those early years I lived at Seapoint, taken over from the more energetic and 1km and are a mixture of fresh- beside Dublin Bay, and it was quite an cycle ride over Bray Head. On the water reedbeds and easy cycle ride from there to Bray and other hand, the quick drive to Kilcoole drained/“improved” lands, some of Greystones, and on southwards along and back leaves more time to walk the latter being very attractive to a The Murrough which separates the down the coast and watch the birds in flock of wintering Greylag Geese. marshes from the Irish Sea. It was a the marshes. The most southerly section of the Pale-bellied Brent Geese, from NE Arctic Canada, fly daily from their night roost in good place to watch birds, because of The North Wicklow Coastal area is occupied by Broad Lough, Dublin Bay to graze on the rich grasses at Kilcoole. the variety of habitats along this 16km Marshes start at Ballygannon, about which is the tidal estuary of the Vartry River. There are extensive reedbeds and areas of saltmarsh around the lough. The whole system is separated from the sea by a long, narrow shingle beach crested by low dunes, along which the Dublin-Ross- lare railway runs. In high summer the area is most important for its long-standing breed- ing colony of Little Terns. These birds overwinter on the coasts of West Africa and return to Ireland to breed between April and August. Up to 50 pairs, about a quarter of the entire Irish breeding population, breed on the upper levels of the shin- gle beach – usually between Kilcoole and Newcastle. Because of the importance of this colony and its vul- The Whooper Swan is an important wintering species on the marshes. nerability to disturbance and predation, it is afforded full-time pro- for this species as it regularly holds European Union’s Birds Directive, tection each summer by BirdWatch more than 1% of the entire European and there are proposals to extend the Ireland and Dúchas The Heritage Ser- wintering population. Another impor- SPAs. In addition most of the North vice. tant wintering species, found mainly Wicklow Coastal Marshes have been Another important feature of the at Kilcoole, is the Whooper Swan proposed as a Natural Heritage Area marshes during the summer is the high which comes here from its Icelandic and a Special Area for Conservation density of breeding Lapwings, a breeding grounds. Usually between (EU Habitats Directive). BirdWatch species which used to be common and 40 and 50 are seen on the marshes. As Ireland also has a bird reserve area widespread throughout Ireland, but mentioned above, Greylag Geese just south of Kilcoole station. which has declined dramatically due to (also from Iceland) are regular visi- The North Wicklow Coastal Marshes drainage and agricultural intensifica- tors, especially to the fields north of are an ideal area for general birdwatch- tion. Various other waterfowl species Broad Lough. Between 200 and 300 ing. They are easily accessible from the also breed in the area, e.g. Oyster- are counted each winter. Other regu- Greater Dublin conurbation, there is catchers and Ringed Plovers on the lar visitors to the marshes include good car parking at Kilcoole railway sta- beach, Redshanks, Mute Swans, Mal- Cormorants, Wigeon, Golden tion, and it’s an easy and pleasant walk lards, Teal, Shelducks in the marshes. Plovers, Curlews, and several gull down along the coast for as short or as During the “winter” months of species. When SE gales lash the coast long a trip as time and energy allow. September to April inclusive the and huge waves crash on the beach There are interesting birds to be seen at marshes are an important area for a large numbers of Little Gulls appear all seasons and many are tolerant of peo- variety of migratory waterfowl. The and feed on small creatures churned ple walking along the path beside the most important of these are the Pale- up in the breakers. When the gales railway line. It helps if you bring binoc- bellied Brent Geese from NE Arctic abate the Little Gulls disappear as ulars, and, of course, beware of trains! Canada which fly daily from their quickly as they appear, back to their night roost in Dublin Bay to graze on offshore foraging areas. Oscar Merne heads the Bird the rich grasses at Kilcoole. Usually Because of their importance for the Research Section of National Parks 500-700 occur, but sometimes over various birds mentioned above, two & Wildlife, Dúchas The Heritage areas have been designated as Special 1,200 have been counted. The site is Service, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. classified as internationally important Protection Areas for birds, under the Page 4...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33

Environment Agency won a BRE award for environmental excellence for siting its Star- Greening the urban landscape cross Laboratory in a disused Defra building in Devon. From hospitals to eco-villages, there are trail-blazing projects out there Grass-sprouting which show that being green is no sacrifice. Judy Jones looks at some of ‘green roofs’ them. The momentum towards IF you drive a lorry with a Porritt, to help it achieve that top floor. environmentally-sound con- smoking exhaust onto the aim. To date, some 200 tonnes of struction is slowly helping to Great Western Hospital site in “Carillion took the bold waste has been recycled, com- create new sustainable com- Swindon, you may be let off decision to embrace sustain- pared with 158 tonnes going to munities, and mitigate climate with a caution. If you haven’t ability not merely in terms of landfill. “The really clever change. But in some parts of got it fixed by the time you the fabric of the building, but thing is to put learning about the country, it is also promot- return with another delivery, in the thinking behind design, sustainability into the supply ing biodiversity and a you won’t get your load past and the “metabolism” of the chain,” says Dr. Everard. “It renaissance of threatened the security barrier. hospital throughout its life,” wasn’t just about using eco- species. Take the Black Red- Sustainability has not only says Dr. Mark Everard, sec- efficient products, but doing start, for example, an urban been welded into design and onded by the Environment things differently.” dwelling bird rarer than the construction of this replace- Agency to become Director of As the six storey hospital Golden Eagle, that thrives on ment for Swindon’s ageing Science for TNS. with 559 beds prepared to brownfield sites. Princess Margaret Hospital. A sustainability action plan open its doors to patients in One of the aims of Deptford Environmental stewardship was drawn up to inform the December, the building con- Action Photo: © Carillion/Environment Creekside’s £8.2 million urban has also been the green thread tendering process, and give tractors admitted that the Warming to sustainability: roof insulation at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital did away with the need for radiators on the top floor. renewable programme in running through workforce suppliers incentives to inno- construction process had not south London is to encourage In the future the impacts of BedZED is the first major training and the supply chain. vate in conserving finite always been a smooth ride. wildlife, as well as attract new developments will need to be “carbon neutral” community Political controversy about natural resources. The walling “It’s been a learning experi- employment opportunities and reduced over their whole life- and aims to cut household the procurement of the hospi- contract went to Lafarge of ence for us and our partners,” inward investment to the area. cycle. By looking further than water consumption by a third tal under the Private Finance Avonmouth, which produced says Jas Dhami, Carillion’s The new wooden-framed “production” costs, you make through devices such as rain- Initiative has all but obliter- an energy saving one-ply building economist. “The Nat- Creekside Education Centre sustainable construction and water storage facilities and ated one of the Government’s board which needed far fewer ural Step gave us the tools to and the Laban Dance Centre drainage more cost effective. highly visible water meters. A aims in commissioning the brackets and fixings than tradi- think about sustainable devel- have each been fitted out with ‘Living Machine’ consumes project - to produce a flagship tional versions. Offcuts were opment, and find solutions that a special “green roof”, a layer Goodbye energy-guzzlers waste water in a greenhouse for sustainable construction. backloaded onto delivery lor- fit the environment as well as of crushed bricks and cement Many construction busi- filled with plants. A healthy When Carillion, the Uk’s ries for recycling back into the the hospital.” Jas Shami points recycled from the derelict site. nesses are finding a ready living centre, café, nursery and largest construction company, manufacturing process. out that true sustainable con- These aggregates-based market for energy efficient sports facility are incorporated won the contract to build the The thermal efficiency of struction is still the exception roofs, popular in Germany and housing and associated devel- in the scheme, which was hospital, it invited the interna- the roof insulation was rather than the rule in the Switzerland for 20 years or so, opments. The familiar gated designed for the Peabody tional sustainability charity upgraded from the original building industry, partly are good for wildlife - includ- cluster of traditional energy- Trust. The Natural Step (TNS), specification, to do away with because of ill-founded fears ing invertebrates - because guzzling executive homes As energy minister Brian whose chairman is Jonathon the need for radiators on the that it means higher costs. they sprout grasses and herbs sitting cheek by jowl on a Wilson observed during a visit after installation. Once estab- greenfield site, miles from to the Buildings Research lished, they are also said to shops and other services, may Establishment (BRE), the reduce the pressure on sewer- soon be on the way out. demand for such buildings will age/drainage systems by When Gusto Homes sold grow. “The technologies are absorbing rainwater. the first houses on its pioneer- available to deliver practical Dusty Gedge, who runs the ing Millennium Green systems. The challenge now is Redstart Action Plan for Lon- development in the village of for the construction industry to don, points out: “There are Collingham near Newark, new mobilise the supply chain to residents were delighted with fewer than 15 pairs of black their solar powered homes and their recycled rainwater sys- tems for washing machines and flushing toilets. Such was their enthusiasm, they drew up a rota to run the show house and sell the environmental virtues of the development to prospective buyers. Officers from the Environment Agency’s Midlands Region Action Trust/Environment Photo: © Creekside Education have been working with Gusto High flier’s overhead: Deptford’s wooden-framed education centre is and Severn Trent Water evalu- fitted with a “green roof”, good for wildlife such as Black Redstarts. ating the scheme’s water meet this demand.” redstarts across London, and savings. The [UK] Government has two of these pairs are at Dept- Other developers have gone made clear to the construction ford Creekside. Green roofs further by integrating the prin- industry that it expects it to are good news for this threat- ciples of social and economic contribute to the target of pro- ened species, because they sustainability into their envi- ducing ten per cent of UK replicate aspects of the brown- ronment-friendly designs for electricity from renewable field land that attracts the bird. living and working. resources by 2010. In Septem- There are several other envi- The pioneering suburban ber 2002 the BRE published a ronmental benefits, so it’s eco-village BedZED aims to sustainability checklist for important to get green roofs show that green living is real developers, planning authori- into many more urban regener- and affordable. It is a large 82- ties and their advisers to use in ation schemes.” home development on a all types of construction. brownfield site (a former New buildings are of course sewage works) in Beddington only part of the equation. Con- Judy Jones is a freelance write in Surrey, with office space versions, restorations and who has worked for The and live-work studio apart- refurbishments have an in- Observer, The Guardian and ments. The ZED stands for built advantage when The Independent on Sunday. Zero Energy Development - it opportunities for sustainability The article was reproduced from only uses energy from renew- are being assessed: the build- “Environment Action” - able sources generated on site. ings are already up. The www.environment-agency.gov.uk Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 5 Sacrificial Beach Nourishment

ferent in summer and winter because levels and revenue generation. In ficial beach nourishment treats the depths over 70 feet and, perhaps, two By Michael Ludwig the waves striking them are different. eroding coastal areas with low popu- visible result of erosion not the or three miles offshore. When the Waves move sand offshore in winter lations, the relationships of benefits underlying causes. The placed sand seafloor slope is altered, erosion BEACHES are constantly chang- and return some of it as the summer derived from beach protection, often, is expected to erode, “sacrificed” to accelerates as the system reestab- ing. Wind, waves, changes in sea progresses. This is the offshore - do not exceed the cost of undertaking the forces of nature. Projects are lishes a “stable” profile. Ocean City level and even beach visitors cause onshore sand cycle. Rising sea level it. If a community has the money to planned with periodic sand replace- has an unstable seafloor profile and those alterations. Beach changes, is altering shorelines, permanently. attempt a solution at such a beach, it ments included. Once started, the cannot correct it. Adding sand to the particularly erosion, were not a prob- Is it any surprise that beach erosion may be undertaken, generally, with- practice must be continued or one beach actually increases the rate of lem until coastline property had control is a growth industry? For out regional or national funding. faces the wrath of the affected. erosion by making the slope angle economic value. Beach ownership every situation, there are many dif- Most of those efforts are insufficient Coney Island Beach in New York more severe. The problem can be seems natural now, but a century ferent and, often, and fail. At the City receives more than 20 million copied in small scale, by watching ago, living near the water was expensive ways other extreme visitors per summer. The sitting area sand castles disappear. Waves strik- deemed perilous and avoided. After to “save the “Beach nourishment is only are beaches like is maintained by additions of sacrifi- ing the castle walls instantly convert World War II, shoreline property beach.” The list part of the term applied to the Miami Beach, cial sand. In a persistent storm, the them into gentle slopes that lead value rose quickly and erosion of solutions is Florida, Coney sand will disappear in about 17 away from the collapse. It takes only became a concern. Erosion control practice of putting sand on longer than the eroded beaches to recreate or Island, New hours. The sandy beach along the a few waves to reestablish the natural was used, even though it earned a coastline they York or Ocean Million Dollar Mile of Hotels in beach slope. A good beach nourish- dubious reputation. For much of its were intended to expand the dry and intertidal City, Maryland. Miami is a major part of the area’s ment project offers the added sand to history, erosion control meant save. The portions.” In these cases, attraction. It could erode away in Mother Nature in the hope that she installing large structures designed to designs include tourism revenue less than a day. In both locations, will take it away, slowly. Ocean City alter erosion patterns. Often, the artificial seaweed, concrete blocks in and capital investment justify major storm induced losses of sand occur does not have a good beach. Erosion structures do not work and they may every shape and configuration imag- and long term, government involve- infrequently and the beaches are re- has doomed it to ever escalating ero- even increase erosion. Walk on any inable, beach dewatering systems, ment. nourished on a routine basis. sion control expenses and a certain beach with a groin structure and look groins, jetties, revetments, offshore After years of trial and error, In Ocean City, Maryland, a large death. at the difference in beach height breakwaters of every possible mate- beach erosion control has come to concentration of tourism, investment Beach stabilisation is a concept our from one side to the other. One side rial, buoy fields and beach rely on beach nourishment. Beach and local pride exist. Unfortunately, forefathers laughed at. It is a lesson in benefits at the other’s expense. In nourishment. None have been able nourishment is only part of the term their erosion is a daily, not a storm, losing that we learn as children. None the last two decades, most erosion to stop erosion. No matter what applied to the practice of putting event and occurring faster and some- of those experiences seem to give us control efforts have stopped using humans do to change the outcome of sand on eroded beaches to recreate or what differently than at Miami or the ability to accept a natural cer- structures. the confrontation, continued erosion, expand the dry and intertidal por- Coney Island. Beach erosion is con- tainty. Enjoy the beach today. It will No two beaches are alike and all expenditures and frustration are the tions. The whole technical term is sidered, often, to be a shallow water not be the same tomorrow. are constantly changing. They react only certainties. sacrificial beach nourishment. Why problem. That is not true. Beach sta- to local as well as global events and The importance of a beach, to is sand placed on an eroding beach, bility is dependent on the slope or Michael Ludwig, NOAA, NMFS, conditions in seasonal, cyclic and humans is usually defined by use sacrificial? The answer is that sacri- angle of the seafloor out to water permanent ways. Beaches look dif- Milford, CT USA 06460-6499, USA. Page 6...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33

is ten to twelve years old. land plants and insects for In order to rid a habitat of By Chris Barron Each flower head produces their survival. Rhododendron a number of 3,000 to 7,000 seeds, and a The leaves of Rhododen- steps have to be followed. RHODODENDRON is small bush may produce over dron contain andromedo toxin, Rhododendron is cut down known to many as the beautiful one million seeds each year! which is highly poisonous if using bow-saws or chain- garden plant which brings a Having flowered in early sum- eaten by mammals. For this saws. vivid display of colour to mer, the seeds are ripe by reason the plants are generally All stumps are destroyed, many gardens every year. December, and are dispersed avoided by grazing animals, either by digging out of the However, there may be more between then and March. The giving them a significant ground, or by treating with to your favourite plant than seeds are some of the smallest advantage over other plants in herbicide. you realise! to be found in the plant king- woodland or on bog. It also Cleared woodlands need to There are over 600 species dom, and are scattered by re-grows vigorously when cut, be visited again to remove any of Rhododendron in the world. wind, water and animals. They making it difficult to remove seedlings that have germinated One of these, Rhododendron can travel over a distance of from an area once it has after initial clearance work has ponticum has its main and between 100m and a kilometre. become established. been completed. This is vital, most continuous natural distri- Once established, Rhodo- Its poisonous nature, vigor- as new seed often enters a bution in the region of the dendron can grow under heavy ous reproductive strategy, and cleared area from adjacent Photos: © Killarney National Park Education Centre With each flower head producing 3,000 to 7,000 seeds, a small Black Sea, but it is also native shade. It often forms dense affinity for acidic soils makes Rhododendron plants which bush may produce over one million seeds each year!

ance are of all ages and nation- Even then, there is usually a alities. The lower age limit is hike which could be anything 17 but the upper limit is 65 and up to a 30 or 40 minute walk anyone is welcome as long as up the mountainside to the RHODODENDRONRHODODENDRON they are reasonably fit! The area to be worked in. volunteer workforce this year Groundwork relies on large The major conservation concern for have not yet been cleared. was made up of people from numbers of Irish volunteers Groundwork, a voluntary 16 different countries, includ- coming onto the workcamps Killarney National Park organisation which is affiliated ing New Zealand, Australia, for various reasons, but the to the Irish Wildlife Trust has Greece, The Czech Republic, most important one is, so that of parts of Portugal and South- thickets that allow only about Rhododendron ponticum a been clearing Rhododendron Poland and the USA, with a suitable volunteers can be ern Spain. It is also widely 2% of total daylight to reach highly effective invader of nat- from the woodlands of Killar- total of 223 vol- trained up to act introduced in many European the woodland floor beneath it. ural habitats on acidic soils. ney and Glenveagh National unteer weeks “Its poisonous as voluntary countries including Ireland This exclusion of light pre- Rhododendron is one of the Parks since the early 1980’s. being worked. nature, vigorous leaders and assist and is a popular garden shrub. vents tree regeneration, and biggest conservation problems At the beginning of Septem- The majority of in leading work- Rhododendron ponticum is growth of other plant species, facing Irish woodlands today ber, the volunteers completed the volunteers reproductive strategy, camps in future evergreen, with dark green, thus lowering the plant diver- and the eradication of it from their 2002 work programme in would normally and affinity for years. Unfortu- waxy, oblong leaves, produc- sity in any community where it an infested habitat is a huge Killarney, which again con- be students but a acidic soils makes nately the ing conspicuous pinkish purple becomes established. Very challenge. Efforts to control centrated on some of the more large number of Rhododendron numbers of Irish flowers in May and June. Indi- few insect species are associ- Rhododendron in Killarney inaccessible woodlands on the people with other ponticum a highly volunteers vidual shrubs can grow to ated with Rhododendron, due and Glenveagh National Parks western side of the Park. professions also effective invader of recently have reach a height of two to twelve to its toxic nectar and poison- have been in progress for well During the last 22 years come along. natural habitats on been dropping metres. Rhododendron is ous leaves. This in turn means over twenty-five years and the Groundwork volunteers have The work is acidic soils.” and it is only highly adapted to wet acidic that little food is available for future of large areas of bog cleared (and most importantly supported by through the gen- soil conditions. It does not the birds and mammals that and native woodland are under are keeping clear) Rhododen- Dúchas, who erosity of people usually produce flowers until it depend on these native wood- threat from this invasive plant. dron from approximately provide the volunteers with giving up a week or two of 360ha of the ancient oak wood- hostel accommodation and their summer holidays that this lands of Killarney. The work plenty of food while they are vital work will be able to be often involves tackling some of on the workcamp. Dúchas continued. the most heavily infested also provide the transport nec- Anyone who would like to woodlands of the Park. essary to get the volunteers to find out more information The volunteers who come to the worksite, which takes the about the impact of Rhododen- the Park to help with the clear- form of Landrover and boat. dron or would like to join the volunteers in the woodlands of Killarney or Glenveagh National Park should contact GROUNDWORK at 107 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. Tel. 01 676 8588 or visit www.groundwork.ie

Chris Barron, Killarney National Park Education Centre, Knockreer, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Clockwise from top left: An example of the level of infestation on the slopes of Sheehy mountain Killarney National Park. Volunteers travelling to the worksite by boat. Groundwork, a voluntary organisation which is affiliated to the Irish Wildlife Trust has been clearing Rhododendron from the woodlands of Killarney and Glenveagh National Parks since the early 1980’s. All stumps are destroyed: here volunteers are burning rhododendron. Volunteers working to clear Rhododendron from O'Sullivans Cascade. Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 7 TTimeime toto changechange -- TheThe FutureFuture ofof FisheriesFisheries ManagementManagement

ery is extremely important to ings of the group was the co- spawning grounds in the Celtic This will build on information established the same commit- By Jason Wooley the economy in areas along the operation between the industry Sea during the main spawning gathered during the past 12 tee for whitefish species. It ANYBODY who knows south and south-west coasts and the scientists, in particular period. months. means that productive real anything about fishing knows particularly during the Octo- Mr. John Molloy of the Marine Finally the entire fishery In my view this initiative time management decisions that the Common Fisheries ber to March period. In 2001 Institute. The committee began was closed in early February demonstrates how fisheries can be made knowing that the Policy hasn’t worked, in par- the Total Allowable Catch by identifying gaps in the scien- before the seasonal quota had ticular its conservation policy (TAC) was 20,000 tonnes of tific advice and then set about been reached. This was has been a disaster. The con- which Ireland's share was filling those gaps. A scientific because of continuing con- servation policy has failed 17,290 tonnes or 86%. As a work programme was organ- cerns about the high primarily because blunt instru- result of very poor acoustic ised aimed at obtaining proportion of small herring in ments like quota cuts were surveys the initial scientific additional scientific informa- the catches. Following this identified as solutions to com- advice for 2002 was that the tion. This programme included closure a pair of vessels took plex stock issues. Bureaucratic quota should be reduced to an experimental commercial part in a trial fishery for one initiatives diluted by politi- 4,000 tonnes. fishery, a scientific survey to night each week to examine if cians have compounded The industry disagreed with locate and map adult fish, an the size distribution had problems. Politicians from 15 the advice and established the acoustic survey on a Commer- increased. As there was no evi- member states could never South and West Pelagic Advi- cial vessel and the involvement dence of this the Committee agree on these crucial issues, sory Committee. The of processors in biological data decided to retain the closure imagine what will happen with Committee consists of fisher- collection. for the remainder of the sea- Photos: © ISWFPO 25 states. Identifying what has men, salesmen and processors, During the season the Com- son. The net result was management should work. The majority of the industry sup- gone wrong with the industry observers from the Depart- mittee introduced a number of reducing the total catch for the industry as a whole is working ports the initiative. isn’t rocket science, identify- ment and the Marine Institute important conservation meas- season to the lowest recorded with the scientific community This management model is ing the solution is where we also attend meetings and serve ures as a result of the enhanced since the early 1980’s. This towards a common goal. Man- far from perfect, in time its need to be clever. How can we in an advisory capacity. The scientific programmes. These proves that the industry led agement decisions are more operation can be refined but move forward? Without ques- Committee operate an open measures were aimed at reduc- initiatives were not superficial informed, it doesn’t mean it’s for now it’s light years ahead tion we can’t continue as we door policy, anyone who ing catches of small first time but were driven by the desire palatable to everyone but the of our current pan - European have done. I’m convinced that wishes to attend and become spawning herring. It was to enhance the state of the scientific logic is clearly evi- model. we need to break down our more informed may do so. decided that all efforts should Celtic Sea herring stock. dent. The involvement of current system into regional One of the main aims of the be made to eliminate catchers The Committee is at present stakeholders is the most Jason Wooley, Manager, bodies. These groups will be Committee is to improve the of herring that contained more drawing up a further scientific impressive feature of the com- I.S.&.W.F.P.O. Ltd., able to tailor management assessment of the stock by than 50% of individual fish programme for future seasons. mittee, we have now Castletownbere, Co. Cork. decisions to regional needs. ensuring that the data required below 23 cm. This threshold Critical to this devolved sys- to carry out assessments is size level was selected as it tem will be increased adequate, including biological corresponded with the onset of stakeholder involvement, sampling and surveys. The sexual maturity for this stock. something that is absent at the Committee has also adopted a Throughout the season a large moment. management policy that aims amount of fish were measured My support for regional bod- to “manage the stock accord- by processors, fishery officers ies comes from my exposure to ing to the best available and scientists from the Marine the South and West Pelagic scientific advice and to main- Institute. This data was rou- Advisory Committee. I believe tain the stock at a level tinely submitted to the weekly that in this group we have the whereby it can sustain annual meetings of the management role model for future fisheries catches of around 20,000t. The committee and was used as a management in Europe. Committee will also introduce basis for management deci- such measures as are neces- sions. Eventually all fishing sary to prevent landings of was prohibited from the area The South West Pelagic small and juvenile herring east of Mine Hd. (Co. Water- including closed areas, and or ford) from mid January 2002. Advisory Committee appropriate time closures”. This, in fact, prohibited fishing The Celtic Sea herring fish- A critical feature of the work- on some of the most important

Continued Success to Sherkin Island Marine Station Page 8...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 By Enda Gallagher

MAPS are a form of illustration and illustra- tions often communicate a message more effectively than words. Geology is quite a dif- ficult science for non-enthusiasts to acquaint GGeeoollooggiiccaall MMaappppiinngg:: themselves with. It follows then that geology lends itself particularly well to the use of maps to illustrate complex geological concepts. But where did geological maps come from origi- nally? What kinds of people researched them Irelland’’s 119th CCentury FFiielld GGeollogiists and how did they do it? This article will attempt to answer these questions by discussing the his- tory of Irish geological mapping with a particular emphasis on the people that carried out the mapping. Why? - The historical context As far back as 1786 saw one of the first pub- lic calls for a geological map of Ireland, the rationale being that it would assist in identifying mineral resources. The first geological maps produced in Ireland, and indeed predating a map produced by William Smith for England and Wales, generally considered to have been the ground-breaker for geological maps, date back to around 1800. The main problem with Sketches: © Geological Survey of Ireland geological mapping around this time was the Fastnet Rock, Co Cork. lack of a base map (ordnance survey map) on which to record observations. A base map What were the conditions like? would allow the field geologist to note and align Toe Head, Co Cork. It is important for us to consider the type of the position of rock outcrops to the detail lifestyle these 19th century field geologists must already incorporated into it. In 1824 this prob- in Co. Donegal. In the meantime it had been inch and two of the one-inch (OS sheets). One of have had. Surely it must have been a lonely exis- lem was addressed with the establishment of the decided that publishing six-inch geological the six-inch sheets was a working sheet onto tence to be away from home for long periods of Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI). By 1846 the sheets for the whole country was too mammoth which all exposures of rock had to be marked in time? Indeed where was home? What must the whole country had been mapped on a six-inch a task to complete. So from the 1850’s onwards pencil during the day’s fieldwork. In the evening wives and families have thought of their work and to one-mile scale (six inches on the map to one whilst the fieldwork was done on the six-inch his job included the tracing of all notes and illus- did they have to follow to the area of fieldwork? mile on the ground – 1:10,650). sheets the work was actually published at the tration in Indian ink on a fair copy. Also he had We can’t paint a vivid picture of their lives In map terms the six-inch to one-mile scale is newer OS one inch scale. The resulting one- to find time during evenings or wet days to dupli- without some degree of guesswork. Yet there lavish, and, when in 1845 the Geological Sur- inch series (1:63,360) numbered 205 sheets cate his work on the second sheet. He then had are some interesting insights in records of the vey of Ireland (GSI) was formed, geological (together with accompanying descriptive mem- to transfer his work to each of the two one-inch day. We can discern for instance that the men mapping at this scale was venturing into the oirs) providing full coverage of the whole sheets that provided him with a broader context. were educated and often from Britain. It seems unknownPhoto: © John Griffin in world terms. It turned out to be island. By 1890 the one-inch geological map of When a one-inch sheet was complete it had to be certain that some of them felt that the people perfect for the task since the breadth of topo- Ireland was finally complete and public. sent off to HQ in London for approval, Then fol- amongst whom they had to move and live were graphical detail meant that rock outcrops were lowed a series of returns until all required details peasants and far beneath them. One of the first virtually unmissable. Also the sheets them- were included and all parties were happy, before How was the mapping done? written descriptions of life as a GSI field geolo- selves were big enough to record vast amounts it went to the colourists in England for publica- gist comes in 1845 from a gent named Smyth. of geological details. GSI’s brief was to map the During the 42 years of this field-mapping pro- tion. All of the water-colouring of the maps In a letter to a superior he wrote about two of entire country and the process that started that gramme the field geologist (always male) was (individually hand-painted) was done in England his colleagues – a “Welsh Squire” who was “in year in Co. Wexford was finished 42 years later despatched to an area with two copies of the six- to maintain consistency of every sheet. misery in Ireland” and “the captain who sports a ferocious pair of egg-brown moustaches.” From the records we know that for the most part the men travelled on foot during the course of their day and rented lodgings nearby by night. In 1847 Wicklow was the main area of interest but parts of the county proved to be quite remote. One of the officers involved in the survey there was Willson who, it seems, was unable to find lodgings for the area around Kings River and Table Mountain. Thus, he sought and was granted permission to hire a horse and cart by day to get him to these areas in a timely fashion. However, a later record from 1856 indicates a low budget for such incrementals “and always the staff were wasting long hours tramping between their lodgings and their ground because there was never available sufficient money to allow for the regular hire of cars and horses.” The records also reveal some interesting implications of the weather, the seasons and other natural conditions on the mapping pro- gramme. In 1847 we find mention of the famine which was obviously creating prob- lems when in March officers were given a day’s leave in recognition of the great tragedy unfolding. Bad weather in 1852 ren- dered impossible surveying for two full months. In 1854 there are reports of officers meeting delays with “extensive spreads of

Photo: © John Griffin peat and impenetrable thickets of furze.” In

Near Smerwick Harbour, Co Kerry. Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 9

1856 another bad summer was recorded having particularly adverse effects on mapping. In 1887 the final county to be mapped, Donegal, was completed. The last bit was around Ramelton and it was delayed until after the harvest because it was easier to access parts of the area then. Who were the Field Geologists? Many of the field geologists were studious in all aspects of natural history and produced engaging and important books, articles and stud- ies of all kinds of topics including archaeology, bats, fish, botany, meteorology and zoology. Many of them were also accomplished artists. Many of these original sheets are decorated with all kinds of illustrations, some relevant i.e. a sketch of the landscape, some totally irrelevant e.g. a fair day scene or a dog chasing a hare! Often times they would artistically record their drawings and illustrations on woodblocks. With woodblocks illustrations were drawn in reverse – imagine how difficult that must have been! – so that it would transport to the paper in its proper manner. Once drawn they would be “engraved” sometimes by the artist, then ink is rolled over the woodblock surface and finally pressure is applied to the block onto paper leav- ing an image. Woodblocks were the main means of printing illustrations for the memoirs written by the men as a description of the maps being Sketches: © Geological Survey of Ireland produced. Woodblocks would later be super- A view of the Blasket Islands, Co Kerry. seded by photography. fowl in the bogs of Co. Mayo! A further suc- almost constant use today in the offices of the Alongside these many diverse gifts often the cessful day for him, this time with a rod instead GSI. Their value is undiminished with the pass- field geologists managed to find time to indulge of a gun, resulted in him landing 102 salmon ing of years, decades, indeed centuries, Enda Gallagher, Geological Survey of Ireland, other passions such as fishing and shooting. and grilse in and around Lough Melvin in particularly now with the arrival of advanced Beggar’s Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4. Indeed on occasion, complaints were relayed to Leitrim and Fermanagh! scanning and digital technologies to extend their Research and Quotes from “North from the superiors by gamekeepers about members of the life-cycle even further. Unlike us, mere humans, Hook” G. Herries Davies, GSI, 1995, and mapping team. One of the mappers, a man the maps have a virtually infinite life-cycle, yet “Illustrating Irish Geology” Exhibition 2000, Conclusion it was precisely the excellence of the original named Wilkinson, in his autobiography tells us Matthew Parkes, Petra Coffey, Elaine Roche, Perhaps the most amazing thing about these that his most noteworthy day’s shooting human effort which has made them so valuable, men is that the maps they produced in the sec- Cartography Section GSI. resulted in 125 successful shots at game and back then, today and far into the future. Hoorah ond half of the nineteenth century are still in for the original field geologists! Page 10...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 FloFlowwererss ofof IrIrelelandand By Daphne Pochin Mould

Fuchsia A pretty South American arriving in Ireland, settling in and becoming a symbol of Irishness: this is the fuchsia’s story. Around AD 1700, the French king’s botanist, a priest, Father Plumier, made several voyages to America in search of plants. After long, slow travel in sailing ships, the precious roots and seeds were brought back. The fuchsia was named after Leonard Fuchs, whose “History of Plants” had been published in 1542.

The great botanic gardens of Photos: © Daphne Mould Paris and Kew in London “Fraochan”is the Irish name for these berries that appear amongst the heather (fraochlach), but for maintained friendly relations most of us they are blueberries. even when Britain and France big that each year the Fitzger- plague flower - supposed to be were at war. Kew got its first alds would assemble around it Coltsfoot a cure for a plague. fuchsias in 1788. and measure its new circumfer- “Is ‘mo galan ar ar maich an Among the Irish gardeners ence. In fact, fuchsias were sponnc” is the Irish of it, colts- who began to grow them was growing like that all over foot is good for many ills. Foxglove Peter Fitzgerald, the knight of south-west Ireland, thick Coltsfoot is one of the many Foxglove, Our Lady’s glove Kerry (1808-1880). He had hedges dripping their petals to bright golden flowers of early (French, gants de Notre moved to Glanleam on Valentia carpet roadsides in red. Irish spring, sending up its little Dame), goblins’ gloves Island and was developing people called them “the tears of stems topped each with a (Wales), Fairies’ thimbles, what was to become the God”. golden flower head, long Fairy Fingers, Folksglove, and famous, sub-tropical garden Fuchsias these days come in before the large leaves, more right out of sequence, blobs. It there. The fuchsia he found, a great variety of form and or less horse hoof shaped, got the Latin version, Digitalis and wrote to the London colours and hardiness, and there appear. A plant of waste (digit, finger, digitalis, thim- “Times” about it, was an excel- are Fuchsia Societies of their ground, widely distributed ble), in 1542 in Fuchs’ (for lent shelter belt shrub behind devotees. All a very long way through Europe, a “weed” but whom the fuchsia would later which more delicate plants from a French priest nursing his with an enormous reputation be named) “History of Plants”. could flourish. He had one Each bell of the foxglove produces a multitude of tiny seeds, plants on a long, rough voyage in the past. The tall plant with its spire of fuchsia, planted in 1854, and and these are scattered widely as the wind sways the tall on a sailing ship back to France. Its Latin name is Tussilago bells, purple outside, deli- just let it alone and it grew so stems. farfara, tussis, a cough, and a cately spotted within, is one of cough cure. In fact, Latin dic- the our most splendid wild tionaries will give it under flowers and the Irish name Lus several names, tussilago, far- mor is perhaps the best of the farus, and lastly chamaeleuce litany of names. which is simply its Greek At the start of summer, name written in Roman letters. June, they begin to flower, the The Irish name, sponnc, comes bells opening series, the low- from its use as tinder: the cot- est first, and bumble bees busy tony plumes of the seeds, the in them, and carrying the fer- down on the underside of the tilising pollen on their hairy dried leaves, would catch light coats from flower to flower. from a spark from your flint They stand, tall sentinels along and steel in your tinder box, to roadside or wood or by ditches ignite fire or candle. The and streams. Each bell pro- Greeks apparently used to duces a multitude of tiny smoke it as a cure for asthma, seeds, and these are scattered and indeed its use continued, widely as the wind sways the smoking the leaves for that tall stems. Most foxgloves and other chest complaints. live two years, flowering the Linneus called the Butter- second, but the seed can lie bur, Tussilago petasites, but dormant it would appear for other botanists put it in a sepa- decades. For come a clear, rate family, Petasites vulgaris. felled bit of forest or other It is sometimes called Italian land, and suddenly it seems, coltsfoot. Like coltsfoot it has the whole is ablaze with pur- somewhat hoof shaped leaves, ple, close packed spires, a but a lot larger, and the flowers slight to wonder at. are a dull purple, borne in big Digitalis purpurea is nor- clusters on a single stalk. Like mally purple but a few white coltsfoot, it grows on ditches, ones occur in the wild, and there waste places, but appears later are garden varieties of other in the year. Also known as colours. The plant was found Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 11

to be a source of a useful drug us they are blueberries. The nosum are plants of moor and for certain heart conditions, so English often call them mountain all over Europe and that digitalis, the Latin thim- whorthleberries, which the into Russian Asia, but Ireland ble, became the name of a well Oxford English Dictionary lacks the bog variety. Iceland known product in medicine. somewhat romantically sug- has both, Adalbláberjalyng The Deconstructionists gest may be from French and Bláberjalyng (bog blue- heurte. Hearaldry’s roundel berry) and goes berry picking Bog Myrtle azure, which indeed the in summer with much enthusi- DeConstruction, which started in 1999, is Scents are powerful triggers berries are. Irish English asm as other Scandinavians one of just eight companies in the United of memory. Escallonia is a speech has shortened whortle- do, and the Irish once did. States whose sole service is environmentally damp Cornish lane, crushed berry to “hurts”. They are eaten raw with cream sound demolition. But business is booming. and trodden grass at a country Blueberry, of course, goes or with skyr, Iceland’s tradi- So far, the company has completed 350 proj- show, and bog myrtle, sweet back to the Norse, blár, blue, tional thick yoghurt (a plain ects, and its workload has nearly doubled gale. To any hill and moor- one, like the Greek style every year. Part of that success is pure price land walker, the scent of bog would do). Or they can be competitiveness. Because deconstruction myrtle triggers a memory of made into jelly. companies resell the materials, rely less on wide upland spaces and the Folklorists have, I think, con- costly machinery, and avoid disposal whaup (curlew) crying. fused the great ancient expenses, they can often outbid traditional Myrica gale, in Irish, mountain pilgrimages of which demolishers; even when they can’t, customers roideog, bog myrtle, sweet Croagh Patrick alone survives, willow, is a small shrubby are willing to pay a bit more. “People often with the general exodus on Gar- call us because they’re well aware that materi- plant often growing thickly land Sunday (the last in July) to over moorland: all over north- als like redwood are going to the landfill, the hills for berry picking. The never to be seen again,” says Joel Fox of ern Europe, America, Asia. In end of July is when they are winter, there are the bare Beyond Waste, Inc., a company based near ripe, and Sunday the only free San Francisco. thickets of its little branches, day most people then got from with spring, the catkin flowers Jim Primdahl of the Institute of Local Self- work. Not so long ago, before Reliance, a non-profit organisation that helps appear, male and female sepa- our hedges and roadsides were rately. And later come its people start environmentally sound busi- mechanically shaved to Sketch: © NRDC nesses, says that a trained crew can recover as myrtle like scented leaves destruction, they grew there too much as 85 percent of a single-family house. which people have used like and you could pick a basket About the only items that can’t be reused are lavender to leave a pleasant full; there were little tracks in By Carolyn Szczepanski materials containing hazardous asbestos, and smell in the linen cupboard. the grass to the bushes where certain plastics and plasters. It is not a showy plant but the Fuchsia, a common sight in children going to or from IN a Portland, Oregon, suburb, the six-man Recycling sceptics usually greet new pro- sight and the scent of it breathes south-west Ireland, originated school, would pick a handful. crew of DeConstruction, Inc., enters a three- in South America. grams with dark hints that the market isn’t the very spirit of the hills. On the hills more have been lost bedroom house and, with hammers and there, and deconstruction is no exception. Will and so through the Scottish to forestry and over grazing, but crowbars, starts tearing the place apart. The Fraochan blaeberry to blueberry, and if you find them, eat them. Or cabinets and carpet are first to go. Then the Turley, director of Construction Building Materials, asks,”Who wants to buy a twenty- In Irish, the word is sometimes bilberry. Vac- grow the cultivated variety at doors are unhinged and the hardwood floors year-old toilet from public housing?” “fraochan”, the berries that cinium myrtillus, and the very home, but without the glamour pulled up. Over the next week, the whole But DeConstruction is having no prob- appear amongst the heather similar, with slightly larger of a day berry picking on the structure, windows to light fixtures to lumber, lems unloading its wares. As natural (fraochlach), but for most of fruit, bog blueberry, V. uligi- mountains. will be hauled out onto the lawn, sorted, and sacked. But unlike the wreckage generated by resources dwindle, prices for some virgin 95 percent of demolition jobs across the coun- materials have skyrocketed - so much so that try, this stuff isn’t headed for the landfill. It DeConstruction has sold items as old Dou- will be resold at a discount rate, making a glas Fir flooring even before they were Don't dump your profit for the company and contributing almost unloaded from the company truck. “I’m nothing to the estimated 65 million tons of always walking through these resale yards waste that traditional US demolition compa- thinking no one in the world is going to buy nies send to the dump every year. this or that,” Primdahl says. “But the next “We give everything a chance,” says Brian day someone is loading that item into his McVay, a DeConstruction manager. “We har- car with a smile on his face that says he just vest as much as possible, from the fireplace found the treasure of a lifetime for a couple WASTE mantel to the foundation rock.” All of this ends of bucks. It’s wonderful.” up at a local resale yard, where buyers looking for a deal can find straight two-by-fours for 25 Reproduced from “OnEarth Magazine”, cents, or antique claw-foot bathtubs for about NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council -

$300 - 50 to 90 percent cheaper than new ones. NY, USA) www.nrdc.org Arachnids

OIL is belong spiders which to group the of name The Sherkin Island Marine Station’s

19th Annual Environmental Answers from page 28: page from Answers Conference

Dispose of it at an approved depot. UERESPID GSHJ H S NG I L R DE I P S E R MUGE

QP UYTREWQASDTFG I EQDPO SUARTHROPODALMNMEKL Tackling

See local papers for dates and locations JOREOVBRZX YOELLLSDF

SYRESTSPNUITENCWEBS Pollution of for the collection of Hazardous Materials USHHTOECOSYSTEMHNKG

S K TUTAMVDFNPE I CKY I OST Inland & (including waste oil) by L I I HESAEUEUEYAROIOP

Cork County Council IOPUD NPPOSRETLXZTYU Coastal Waters IEWENRLREIGHTLEGSDE

NG PKVN KLOPT EPKKWVBNJ GNFGI SIASPTMWSACNBMKIOTN on Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd May, 2003,

Sponsored by: I BLACKWIDOWSPIDERLS at the Carrigaline Court

GLEF ITHEWYUO I J BGELEESFX Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.

ALIN A RUISEJ E S I ERQU EAP S NT I GAAL

RAMSSKSC OEYP I SACS K S ORBAAMHS

JDEFANGSBCRWKSLZIOO For details contact: BANTRY BAY TERMINAL I LK I S SWENKL T I AQLWFR Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine Station,

Whiddy Island, Bantry, SOSEGMENTEDBTYHDFUU Sherkin Island, Co Cork, Ireland. Co. Cork. YV E TX DF S I I UTVMH P S DG Tel: 028-20187 Fax: 028-20407

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[email protected] SIARACHNIDSWMJMQOUN Page 12...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 THE RACE TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MARINE FISHERIES The Argentine Case The distribution of our hake is clearly associ- sive Economic Zone), with closed areas and ated with the sub-Antarctic waters of the seasons (generally in areas of spawning and Prof. Enrique Balech Malvinas current. Its area extends from 54o juveniles). In spite of the fact that these impor- 34oS, some times reaching a little lower latitude. tant stocks are part of the integral Argentine LIKE other natural resources, marine fish- Therefore it is totally distributed on our conti- fisheries, we may not protect them. eries have become the prey of powerful nental shelf. Nonetheless it is also caught in the To avoid this, in 1995 the UN (United international companies. They have only one jurisdictional waters of the neighbouring repub- Nations) issued special rules for protection of target and ideal in mind and that is their own lic of Uruguay. Thus a rather large CZ transzonal organisms. Seemingly they have not financial prosperity. The internationalisation of (Common Zone - a zone where the fishing yet reach these high southern latitudes because laws provides them with better chances for the rights are shared by two nations) was agreed. no changes have been noticed. possession of the golden calf. The nations that In the 1970s the catches amounted to Although the Malvinas war was short, the are the natural owners of any resource now have between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes. Soon big political changes which followed it are more little chance of defending it. Spanish factories vessels arrived and the far-reaching and ominous. A long time ago European nations lost most catches rose to 460,000 tonnes - exceeding the As soon as the war ended the British admin- of their fisheries through overfishing, so now MAC (Maximum Allowable Catch). In spite of istration of the Islands established a large EEZ ARGENTINA they try to recuperate this food source in other these alarming figures, in 1991 they reached and, at the same time others of 200 miles around At night if you travelled easterly from an places. However this is not achieved by normal 520,000 tonnes, largely exceeding the allowable two litigial Antarctic Archipelagos of S. Geor- Argentinean port, you would be surprised as commercial procedures but instead in a more amount. These figures refer to EC (Effective gias and the Sandwich Islands, in spite of the you approach the 200-mile mark by the lights profitable manner: sending their ships to where Catches - the capture and bringing to port: it fact that the Antarctic Treaty postponed sine die that seem to illuminate the sky like those of a the fish are. These pillaging ships go from does not take into account the discarded catch). any national claim in the Antarctic realm(!!) place to place annihilation fishing grounds and Thus to this enormous amount should be added The EEZ of Malvinas (Falkland Islands) modern town. The foreign fleets operating leaving behind bankrupt local industries. the discarded losses which are mainly small fish partly overlaps the Argentinean. Thus the along the 201-mile mark, bordering our EEZ European countries including the then USSR sizes. One of the reasons for the often large Malvinas administration propounded (1990) a form this well illuminated area. In fact many of initiated this practice of fishing far from home. proportion of discards is the use of “socks” neutral zone around the Islands of a width of 50 these vessels frequently invade the EEZ. In a Later on the Asian tycoons enlarged the group. (nets of smaller mesh that the fishers introduce miles, called FOCZ (Falkland Outer Conserva- short survey a naval plane detected 161 intrud- In 1997, according to the FAO (Food & Agri- into the legal net). Foreign vessels frequently tion Zone). However by its own decision it was ers. Few of them are seized. A fair estimation culture Organisation), there were 17 main world use the sock. annexed to the Islands (1993). of the ratio of captures to intruders would be no fishing grounds; half of them had already been The second biggest source of discards is due Immediately after establishing its EEZ the more than 1:200. destroyed and four of the remaining ones were in to the partial overlapping of the distribution of Islands abundantly sold fishing licenses, and There are various reasons to explain this low great danger. The FAO warned that fishing fleets young hake and the dense populations of red consequently the regional fisheries’ licenses performance. It is almost impossible for had to be reduced; “simply there is not fish for so shrimp - a crustacean of excellent quality and, suffered an uncontrolled exploitation. In 1989 Argentina to constantly survey this long coast. many ships.” The reaction was the opposite to consequently of high demand and price. The 425,000 tonnes of fish were caught by these what was expected. The last most significant dis- The invaders are many and are backed by major fishermen who catch shrimp want to have their licenses. financial investors and countries. This pro- aster, so well described by Matt Murphy (Fishing holds totally free of fish. Therefore any fish, Argentina reacted to this unfair competition duces political and international complications. Update, 1995), occurred in the Canadian Atlantic including hake, is waste so these dead fish are and sold cheaper licenses to fish in its own EEZ When the intruder catches sight of the patrol it fishing grounds. It was then evident that the next now thrown back into the sea. The proportion - a much larger areas. Thus several countries rushes to the mile 201, usually with the help of victim would be the SW Atlantic. of shrimp to fish is generally around 1:26. Thus moved their vessels (Japan, Taiwan, and others) one tonne of shrimp caught produces the to the Argentina zone, and Korean and Spanish other ships. For all these fishermen the com- The South West Atlantic Fisheries destruction of 26 tonnes of fish. Since most of fleets kept their Malvinas’ licences. mon enemy is the local law. The illegal the hake caught are juveniles, the real loss to the Of course the main victims of this competi- fishermen use many tricks to keep their busi- The Regional Zone fish population is much higher. tion were the regional fisheries. One of the ness going. One is the use of twin ships. They are vessels of the same size, shape, name and South of 35o S there is only one country bor- To avoid this, the INIDEP (National Institute unfortunate consequences was the almost total colour of an authorised vessel. dering the west Atlantic: Argentina. It is for Fisheries Research and Development) annihilation of the southern hake. The Argentine rules for foreign investments elongated north-south and, together with Chile, invented a net that separates most of the fish The most abundant fish is the longtail hake or from the shrimp. It is seldom used because grenadier; in five years its capture rose from it is one of the southernmost countries of the are probably the freest in the world. The astro- fishermen object that it reduces their catches a 5,000 to 20,000 tonnes. A prohibition had to be world. It has some 4,500 km of coastline. This nomic external debts and the goodwill of little. These enormous fish moralities are more established for the southern blue whiting for the configuration permits Argentina to have warm corrupt authorities impose this generosity. preferable to them than an insignificant reduc- ridiculous period of five months. waters in the north and cold sub-Antarctic It is interesting to compare Argentine laws tion to their own profits. This net should be Even much more abundant is the Argentine waters in the south. and those of other countries. Then amazing mandatory and they should be forced to use it. squid, a mollusc of a quite peculiar biology. It is While Argentina narrows to the south, its sub- oddities are seen. Meanwhile the Patagonian boom had already very fast growing and it has a short life, lasting marine shelf widens attaining a maximum width begun, and the newspaper readers began to only a year. Therefore in one year the whole of nearly 900 km at latitude 51-52o. That is around learn of the existence of previously unknown stock is replaced. It usually spawns in dense Argentine Rules four times the width of the corresponding land. fish such as the long tail hake, the Patagonian groups on the continental slope. Its peculiar With agreement from the EU, several old This geography should have pushed grenadier, the southern codfish, etc. biology creates catching opportunities and, at vessels of the EU have been incorporated into Argentina to exploit its marine resources, but These exotic and almost untouched fish the same time puts it at high risk. It makes it our fleet. However they are allowed to operate that did not happen. Instead it developed into a aroused the greed of foreign fishermen. Russ- impossible to predict the population of the next under their own flags and crews “in a temporary country of agricultural and stock farmers, pro- ian and Polish vessels initiated the intensive year, and if the main captures consist of pre association with a domestic company”. Sixty ducers of grain, cattle and wood, together with catching of the Patagonian grenadier and long spawning animals, the risks of annihilation are eight foreign vessels are authorised to fish in some other products such as fruits and wine. tail hake. Very soon the Asiatic fleet also high. Twice, strong evidences of stocks being our EEZ. They are from Japan, Korea and Tai- Fishing became a minor industry, with a few appeared. fished to destruction obliged us to prohibit any wan. They take the biggest share of our squid. people involved. In 1982 two events occurred that were of squid fishing. As in the case of some other pro- These countries forbid the buying of squid During the first half of the 20th century the paramount importance for these fisheries: the hibitions the difficulties arise from the fact that exported from Argentina. It has to be caught by yearly catches were some 40 to 70 thousand final approval of the so-called Law of the Sea, only the boats operating in our EEZ obey it. In their own vessels or by Argentine ships associ- tonnes, almost all caught along the coasts of the and the war of the Malvinas (Falklands). other words, the coastal state does the worrying ated with a company of their own nation. province of Buenos Aires, extending from 35oS The Law had positive and negative aspects while others make the profits. to 41oS. The rest of maritime Argentina consti- for us. Positive, because some order and rules Anyway the tonnage of squid captures rose to tutes what is generally named Patagonia, replaced a chaotic situation. Negative, because the almost incredible figure of 612 000 tonnes Man versus Wildlife roughly extending to 55oS i.e. at the gates of the the country has an exceptionally wide continen- per year. The SW Atlantic alone supplies a There is a clear case of competition between Antarctic realm. tal shelf. Several important species are quarter of the total world tonnage of squid. Man and the fish. The odds are against the fish. The hake excels among the fish resources. It transzonal (i.e., accomplishing important Japan was the first exporter of squid before I have already put forward the many unwise is abundant, of good quality and in demand. migrations from rather shallow waters to the overfishing destroyed the Pacific squid. Now it acts relating to fisheries. Any significant decrease In some way the fishing for hake is a good slope), or their area is almost as wide as the depends on our species. of fish, crustaceans and molluscs unavoidably sample of the forced evolution of the Argentine shelf. An artificial, political limit leaves them Beyond our EEZ a big fishing fleet operates. carries risk to the survival of other animals. The fisheries. without the partial shelter of the EEZ (Exclu- risks are enhanced by the sought-after fish. Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 13

In our region we have had huge losses in fauna because of oil spills, toxic red tides, etc.. but the most significant are those produced by man. Seemingly the South Georgias, in the North Antarctic region, saw the biggest butch- WWemburyembury VVoluntaryoluntary ery of marine mammals. In these islands some 1,200,000 sea lions and some 200,000 blue whale, the biggest animal ever to exist, were slaughtered. The whole surveyed region is a refuge for MarineMarine ConservationConservation AreaArea quite interesting fauna. In the Patagonian shores you can see dense populations of nesting pen- guins, cormorants and other birds, and mating By Mandy sea lions etc.. In the Uruguayan isle of Lobos there is a colony of thousands of the fur sea lion Wilkinson - an almost extinct species because the high price of its fur made it the target of hunters. WEMBURY Voluntary Marine The point of most interest is the Valdes Conservation Area (VMCA) was Peninsula (42-43oS). The British explorer and established in 1981 by people and writer Gerald Durrell expressed his wonder- organisations with an interest in ment in his book “The whispering Land”, when the area. They recognised that it he visited the peninsula. Every year this Penin- had significant marine wildlife sula attracts multitudes of biologists and importance and was under a lot of tourists (164,000 in 1998). UNESCO declared pressure from visiting school it World Patrimonium. This is deserved groups, scientific research, people UK because in the gulfs surrounding the Peninsula, collecting specimens, other recre- an amazing fauna congregates, especially for ational activities and small scale Wilkinson Photos: © Mandy reproduction. fishing. Wembury is managed by David Bellamy the famous The main star is the southern right whale that an advisory group of 38 organisa- naturalist visits arrives in number of 500-600 for mating. First tions which have different and the female gives birth, having conceived the sometimes conflicting interests. previous year, and after a short nursing period Since 1981, during the summer they mate again. The birth of the babies, the Wembury, are unique in that visi- Wembury Marine Centre also months the Devon Wildlife Trust spectacular jumps of the whales, their emer- tors are guaranteed an encounter reaches a different audience – has provided wardens (funded ini- gence and submergence all add to the show for with a huge variety of colourful, those not attracted to wandering tially by WWF-UK) to guide tourists. diverse and sometimes rare wild over the rocks – so even if their school trips to the area and carry You can also see the killer whale attacking animals and beautiful plants. only direct contact with the marine out the aims and objectives of the the young sea lions. And the giant of the pin- The area is very important for environment is sitting on the nipeds - the Sea Elephant (the adult males advisory group. In 1994 the Wem- primary and secondary school beach, the message that the area is weight some 4 tonnes). bury Marine Centre was opened to trips from Plymouth and surround- special is still passed on. The provide an educational resource ing districts. Schools book their interpretation boards next to the Now, how is all this connected with the fish- Dolphin community arts day eries? Quite simply, almost the whole of that sea that could amongst other things visit and the next step is an inter- beach inform visitors about the life lives on one fauna, the one constituting the give visitors a glimpse of the rich active talk at the school….”Okay, area’s conservation status, attrac- bulk of our fisheries. If this becomes exhausted nature of the area’s marine wildlife all put your hands in the air and tions and the Seashore Code. that entire fauna is condemned to famine. The and pass on local and general spread out your fingers. Pretend Codes of conduct are distributed effects are reciprocal: the elimination of this marine conservation messages. you’re an anemone! If you were, by the warden and volunteer war- competing fauna would enhance the fishing Wembury VMCA lies six miles and if every finger was a tentacle, dens throughout the summer. As stocks. Thus it is necessary to act wisely basing along the coast from Plymouth in then you’d have 200 fingers with all VMCA’s, the protection of our decisions on careful research. the Southwest corner of the UK (gasps!!!). And every one of your habitats and species relies on users Of course, the owners/investors of the fishing and stretches along four miles of tentacles would have a little sting following straightforward rules companies strongly argue for a war on this “par- coastline from Plymouth Sound to and an invisible dart. Pretend to and advise. The Seashore Code the mouth of the river Yealm. It be an anemone shooting out your outlines how to enjoy exploring asite fauna”. Joining them are other Big nippers, little nippers industrialists: an Asiatic company offering to extends from the line of high water darts at your prey passing by (lots the coast while putting minimum community arts day kill hundreds of thousands penguins. Fortu- springs out to the 10m depth con- of noise and ‘piowing’)!” One of pressure on its wildlife. towards special projects and nately the offer has not yet been accepted. tour. the typical mimes that children Activities such as bait digging, events such as World Oceans Day, In my opinion Uruguay found the right way of The rocky shore and reefs of join in with during a school talk. peeler crab collecting and winkle WWF-UK, the Devon Wildlife managing the colony of sea lions in the Isle of Wembury VMCA owe their rich The pre-visit talk provides chil- picking are all discouraged Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and oth- Lobos. They have succeeded in maintaining a and complex habitats and associ- dren with a good basic knowledge because the indiscriminate turning ers increase the knowledge and healthy and stable colony, even obtaining a profit. ated flora and fauna partly to the so that they can get maximum of stones and non-back filling of geology of the area. Tilted slates enjoyment from their visit to the holes can lead to loss of marine understanding that all visitors gain are interbedded with mudstones, shore. Volunteers are recruited to organisms. Shore anglers are when they come to marine areas. Final Words siltstones and conglomerates to work with the warden and take handed codes of conduct and are They start to realise that although I often mention abuses and illegalities perpet- create an abundance of crevices small groups of six to ten students reminded to put back territorial on the surface the sea looks the uated by foreign crews and authorities. Now I and fissures. The aspect of the on to the rocks and enthuse them fish such as wrasse to prevent dis- same, the seabed and the sea com- want to make it clear that I do believe that the rocks shelters them from the surf with the amazing life in the rocky turbance of their breeding success. bine to form a complex jigsaw of most culpable people are IN ARGENTINA. and provide shade from the sun; shore habitat. They are also asked to take away habitats. These irregularities cannot be carried out with- perfect for rocky shore species. The success of a visit may their spare lines and weights. Additional reading: out the co-operation of native influential Rocky reefs such as Wembury reef depend on work put in by the Harder to warden is the amount Boalch, GT, Holme, NA, Jeph- accomplices. are sheltered by the Great Mew- teacher beforehand, so teacher of damaged “ghost” nets drifting son, NA and Sidwell, JM (1974). The above facts show the imminent destruc- stone, an island owned by the training days are held at Wembury. into the area. The Great Mew A Resurvey of Colmans’ Intertidal tion of the SW Atlantic fisheries is near. They Ministry of Defence. Other areas A teacher’s pack has been devel- Stone supports nationally signifi- Traverses at Wembury, South are rapidly joining the FAO list of destroyed are fully exposed to the wave oped with funding from WWF-UK cant populations of breeding Devon. Journal of the Marine Bio- world fisheries. action, so the overall result is an to help plan lessons. It includes cormorants and shags, but a num- logical Association, UK, 54, Which is next? I imagine it will be the Chile- area comprising different commu- briefing notes and fact and activity ber of birds are thought to drown 551-553. Peru fishing grounds. nities and great habitat diversity. sheets for children and contains in the nets every year. Colman, J (1933). The nature of In conclusion, I would like to know whether Gullies, overhangs, rock pools titles such as “Who eats what?” Diving is an extremely popular the Intertidal Zonation of Plants the managers of these big fishing enterprises and flat-sided boulders provide and “What’s that?”. activity, and one of the largest dive and Animals. Journal of the realise that their actions are suicidal? Evidently support to some unusual flora and Rockpool rambles most week- centres in Europe is within the Marine Biological Association of Homo stultus is not able to accomplish the final fauna: corkwing wrasse build ends are an important part of the VMCA. Divers are discouraged the United Kingdom, 18, 435-476. step of its evolution to Homo sapiens. intertidal nests the size of oranges wider awareness activities aimed from collecting marine organisms. that are guarded by the males; at encouraging sensitive interac- Wembury VMCA was set up to Mandy Wilkinson was formerly a Prof. Enrique Balech, Necochea, Argentina. Cornish suckerfish attach their tion with the marine environment. protect the marine wildlife of the volunteer at Sherkin Island Prof. Balech is a world renowned scientist and eggs to the bottom of rocks; and Other events including World area and raise visitors’ awareness Marine Station and currently author. His first publications appeared over cowries and painted top shells are Oceans Day and Marine Week also of the local and national marine works for the Wembury VMCA. found among the boulders. Rocky 60 years ago. help open people’s eyes to the environment. Through helping to shore habitats, especially those at wonders of the marine world. set up VMCAs, giving grants Page 14...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 ImplicationsImplications ofof UseUse ofof On-siteOn-site WWastewaterastewater TTreatmentreatment SystemsSystems forfor HousesHouses inin UnseweredUnsewered AreasAreas

soil and subsoil thickness is <2.0 m (in rently. Site assessors require specific train- migrate underground at a sufficient rate to pre- By Donal Daly areas where the bedrock permeability is ing. This is being provided by a FÁS Course vent ponding. The only option then is to high, the groundwater is under threat; 'Site Suitability Assessment for On-site discharge to surface water with a licence from EVEN the thought of writing on so called where the permeability is low, surface Wastewater Management', which is run the local authority. However, in the vast major- 'one-off rural housing' in the current climate water is at risk); jointly by the GSI and EPA. In the near fu- ity of circumstances, this will not be a viable brings to mind phrases like 'sitting duck', 'head • The reality is that there are many houses, in- ture when sufficient numbers have been option as there are seldom streams nearby with over the parapet' or alternatively 'life is too cluding relatively new ones, where the efflu- trained, I believe that before a site is deemed a sufficient continuous flow (especially in sum- short, why bother'. However, for those who ent is either piped into streams or is getting suitable, it should be certified by a 'compe- mer) to dilute the effluent adequately. In most mightn't agree with some of the views given into the ground too rapidly. (I have stayed in tent person'. Therefore, future site assessors hydrogeological settings, these areas corre- below, keep in mind that neither I nor the GSI some of them while on holidays in the west may require certification by FÁS to be spond with poor aquifers where summer make the planning decisions! This article is of Ireland!) deemed a 'competent' person. baseflow is low and consequently small streams based on my own experiences as a hydrogeolo- • For many houses in rural areas, wells and • On-site systems, both conventional septic dry up or have very low flows in summer (not gist looking at this issue over the last 15 years, on-site systems are (or for future houses, tank systems and advanced systems, should to mention the fact that there are seldom flow and as someone with a rural background and a will be) on the same site or nearby. In other be installed under the supervision of a 'com- data available). I suspect that there are many concern for the future of rural Ireland. words, we are getting our drinking water petent person' and certified by that person. houses (I have seen several!) where effluent is from a point a few tens of metres away from Both systems can give problems if not in- piped directly into seasonal drainage ditches Summary of the Past and Present where we dispose of our faeces and urine, stalled properly and maintained. All effort in and small streams. Clearly these situations pose • leaving the potential for a particular form of evaluating a site is totally wasted if the sys- a threat to human health as well as impacting on Over 50 million gallons of effluent are pro- recycling that is not recommended, as the tem is not installed as designed. surface water quality. duced by on-site systems daily. This effluent zone of contribution of private wells often • It has been argued that only advanced sys- • While (a) using the EPA Manual and the is disposed of in the ground. • includes the area containing the percolation tems should be used in the future. I do not Groundwater Protection Responses, (b) in- Almost 36% of new houses in recent years pipes. This is inherently risky, unless the agree with this view. In a significant propor- stalling conventional systems on readily are 'one-off', using on-site wastewater treat- ground conditions are suitable, particularly tion of the country, where the subsoil is free suitable sites and advanced systems on less ment systems. • with regard to the depth to bedrock. draining ('T' values 1-50) and sufficiently suitable sites, and (c) having trained person- Effluent from on-site systems pose a threat thick (>3 m), I would recommend conven- nel available, represents great progress for both to human health and the environment. • tional septic tank systems, provided they are the future, much of this progress will be hin- Conventional septic tank systems produce The Future suitably located, installed properly and dered unless there is a massive increase in an effluent that is a significant hazard, par- In the coming years, hundreds of thousands maintained (see Daly (2001) for discussion the level of enforcement and monitoring by ticularly in terms of microbial pathogens of houses will be built. Could continued per- on this issue). However, there is still a large local authorities. It would be particularly im- (several million faecal bacteria per litre of missions for houses in unsewered areas, proportion of the country which would be portant that advanced systems should be effluent) and nitrogen (N) entering ground- particularly urban-generated housing, pose a deemed suitable using the EPA Manual - for monitored, as these are usually used in areas water and surface water, and phosphorus (P) significant risk to the environment and human instance, shallow rock areas and areas with that are not suitable for conventional septic entering surface water. While effluent from health? There can be no doubt but that the 'T' >50, but with 'P' between 1-50 - where I tank systems. Ideally the installation, inspec- advanced systems reduce the numbers of answer is 'yes'. A more critical question is 'can personally would use, and my judgement tion and maintenance of such advanced sys- pathogens and the concentrations of N and P the risk be mitigated or managed such that there would be to recommend, a reputable ad- tems should be tracked to a local in effluent, and therefore reduce the risk of is no significant impact?' The answer is 'it vanced system. Therefore, I feel that they authority-held database. This might be in- environmental pollution, the effluent never- depends!'. What does it depend on? How can have a vital role to play in the future. corporated as a planning condition. As re- theless still poses a threat to human health the risks be managed and minimised? Are there • I do not see 'groundwater pollution' being an sources to enable this to happen are not and the environment. Also, advanced sys- areas/situations which are not suitable for on- issue in itself that would prevent permission readily available, perhaps local authorities tems do not reduce the quantity of effluent. site systems? • being given for a house with an on-site sys- should be allowed to charge a sufficient The degree of microbial contamination of My views and recommendations are as fol- tem, unless the groundwater in the area has planning application fee to cover the costs? groundwater in Ireland is very high. I am not lows: high nitrate levels, provided all of the re- aware of any other country in the EU with • It is vital that the EPA Manual (2000) and quirements of the EPA Manual and the the same levels. The EPA recently recorded Groundwater Protection Responses (2001) Groundwater Protection Responses are fol- Summary that 36% of samples tested contained faecal should become the guidance documents for lowed. Essentially sites can be 'engineered' In conclusion, the management of the risks to bacteria. In County Roscommon, 58% of the location of on-site systems (for instance, to minimise the likelihood of groundwater human health and the environment of effluent samples from Group Schemes contained in the Building Regulations), and in particu- pollution by microbial pathogens, even from houses in unsewered areas depends on the E.coli. It is likely that there are areas where lar, for site assessments. Use of these docu- though it may be difficult and relatively ex- site hydrogeology, proper site evaluation and more than 70% of private wells contain fae- ments will help ensure minimal pensive in some circumstances, such as in selection by trained staff, use of appropriate cal bacteria at some time during their use. environmental and health impacts and will areas of outcrop and shallow rock. However, technology, use of the EPA Manual and the While the faecal bacteria themselves pose a discourage use of less suitable sites. I sug- I would not advocate dependence on disin- Groundwater Protection Responses, saying 'no' threat to human health, particularly to babies gest that the Agrément Certificates should fection of effluent as the solution to micro- when justified and, above all, enforcement and and old people, viruses and Cryptospiridium not apply to the site suitability aspects of site bial contamination of groundwater, as it monitoring by local authorities. For the sake of may add to the threat. In my view, microbial selection. In particular the Site Characterisa- cannot be guaranteed that the disinfection our rural environment and the future health of pathogens are the single greatest threat to tion Form in the EPA Manual should be used unit will be maintained. householders in rural areas, let us give this issue groundwater in Ireland. The two main po- for all site suitability assessments. I would • In contrast, I believe that there are circum- a high priority and let us get on as soon as pos- tential sources are organic wastes from recommend that those local authorities who stances where the impact on surface water sible with the required changes. farming and effluent from on-site systems. are not already doing so should use the Site • cannot be prevented in practice. These are as The key factor in Ireland leading to this sit- Characterisation Form at the back of the follows: uation is that our bedrock is fissured and EPA Manual as a means of collecting the rel- - where both 'P' and 'T' values are >50 (a References provides little purification, and there are evant information. This is also available on failed site according to the EPA man- Daly, D. 2001. The conventional septic tank and percola- many areas of shallow rock. The depth of tion area - the sustainable (relatively speaking!) system for the EPA website (http://www.epa.ie). ual); subsoil over bedrock is the critical factor in on-site wastewater treatment. The GSI Groundwater Newslet- • Good information on the 'ground' conditions - where P is between 1-50 and 'T' is >~80 ter, No. 39, 6-9. keeping our groundwater clean and safe and is necessary as a basis for good decision- (this value may vary somewhat depend- DoELG/EPA/GSI. 1999. Groundwater Protection the critical consideration in the assessment Schemes. Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin. making. Groundwater protection schemes ing on the circumstance, particularly the of potentially polluting activities, from a hy- DoELG/EPA/GSI. 2001. Groundwater protection (DoELG/EPA/GSI, 1999), which compile slope of the site). This circumstance is responses for on-site wastewater treatment systems. Geologi- drogeological perspective. and make available relevant geological and cal Survey of Ireland, Dublin. • not explicitly deemed a failure in the In Ireland, a significant proportion of the hydrogeological information, can be of great EPA Manual - it is left to the expert Environmental Protection Agency. 2000. Wastewater treat- land surface (perhaps up to 40%) is not read- ment manuals: treatment systems for single houses. assistance. Proper site assessment and selec- judgement of the site assessor; ily suitable for on-site systems. Two con- Environmental Protection Agency, Wexford. tion requires a multidisciplinary knowledge. - outcrop and shallow bedrock where the trasting scenarios comprise this area: In my view, no one profession, whether hy- bedrock has a low permeability (typi- - Low permeability soils and subsoils, Donal Daly, Geological Survey of Ireland drogeologists, engineers, planners, environ- cally many of the 'poor' aquifers, for in- which become saturated in winter; Article in GSI Groundwater Newsletter, No. mental scientists or environmental health stance, in the west of Ireland). - Outcrop and shallow bedrock, where the 41, December 2002 officers, have sufficient knowledge cur- In these situations, the effluent cannot Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 15

Mangroves are also important for coastal stabilisation. Existing man- groves may be protected, or new mangroves planted, to protect shore- lines or river banks from erosion. They have a strong influence on the adjoining coastal waters and associ- FFoorreessttss iinn tthhee SSeeaa ated ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. For example, they trap and stabilise sediment which might otherwise limit the growth of corals. The Fascination of Mangroves In recent decades there has been significant loss of mangroves because of increased conversion for uses such as industrial-scale fish culture ponds and salt production, or reclamation for rice fields, road construction, port and industrial development, resettle- ment and village development. Canalisation and changes in drainage associated with these uses modify the natural water supply and may be detrimental to remaining mangroves. Such non-sustainable uses lead to loss of the mangrove habitat, and associated losses of shoreline, organic matter production and species dependent on the habitat and mangrove-based food chains. Recog- nising these threats, several countries Photos: © Jenifer Baker (notably in south-east Asia) have Fishing in a mangrove creek in the Philippines. established national mangrove com- mittees to consider conservation By Dr. Jenifer Baker within mangrove forests at low tide sue which communicates to the air are ideal breeding and nursery objectives and to provide the neces- (though often with difficulty because through small pores on the trunks and grounds for young fish and shrimps, sary input for adequate mangrove of the mud and the prop roots round the above-ground prop roots or while the prop roots, lower trunks management. There are many differ- THE term mangrove refers to the bases of some of the trees) but at breathing roots. and mud surface usually support a ent conservation objectives, and salt-tolerant species of tree or shrub high tide you can swim with the In optimum conditions mangrove varied fauna of oysters, snails, barna- priorities will be different in different which grow on sheltered shores and fishes who come in to feed. forests are one of the most productive cles, crabs and other invertebrates. In places. Some examples are: mainte- in estuaries in the tropics and some Mangroves are outstandingly ecosystems, and from the beginning some parts of the world ponds for nance of ‘reservoirs’ for natural sub-tropical regions. There are about adapted to growing in seawater, of history they have traditionally pro- aquaculture are excavated in man- restocking of adjacent exploited 60 species which occur exclusively in which they desalinate by an ultrafil- vided fish, shellfish and a variety of grove areas. For example, ponds in areas; protection of breeding and this habitat, and some of them grow tration process. Mangrove roots plant products for local communities. southeast Asia are traditionally used feeding areas important for fisheries; into magnificent trees over 30 m typically grow in mud where it is dif- Fallen mangrove leaves are broken for the culture of milkfish which are protection of shorelines from erosion; high. Mangroves may occur as nar- ficult for oxygen to penetrate, and to down by bacteria, fungi and herbi- introduced as fry. The fish feed on preservation of rare and endangered row fringes on steeper shores and overcome this problem many species vores, and the resulting detritus algae and in some areas the yield is species. river banks, or as extensive forests on have their own air conditioning sys- supports food webs including large improved by green manuring using Depending upon the specific flat deltas - forests intersected with tems - the underground roots receive populations of invertebrates and fish. mangrove leaves. Products from objectives for any area, mangrove winding tidal creeks. You can walk oxygen through spongy aerating tis- The calm waters in the forest creeks mangrove trees include logs, fuel- conservation can be achieved by wood, charcoal, wood-chips, paper management on a sustainable basis, pulp, scaffold poles, piling and con- and/or by creating protected areas. struction material, stakes for fish For example, the Malaysian man- traps and fishing platforms, railway grove committee has recommended sleepers, wood for furniture making that not more than 20 per cent of and carvings, material for roof existing mangroves in a given district thatching, bark for tannin, medicinal should be cleared for new aquacul- products, sugar, alcohol, acetic acid ture pond construction, and that there and dyes. In some areas modern should be a 100-metre buffer zone exploitation for such tree products along the coast between pond sites has increased to industrial levels, and and the mean high-water level of the the application of proper forest man- sea. agement practices based on cutting cycles and specially designed Dr. Jenifer Baker has worked all round tree-extraction systems has been nec- essary in order to maintain a the world as an environmental scientist, sustainable yield. specialising in oil spill response, and is currently a theological student.

Avicennia mangrove, showing the ground covered in “breathing roots”. Page 16...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 17 Photos: © Jenifer Baker In the Philippines, a traditional fish trap in a mangrove creek. A selection of molluscs from mangroves in the Strait of Malacca.

Cutting mangroves for fire wood in Nigeria. FFoorreessttss iinn tthhee SSeeaa The Fascination with Mangroves

Photographs: Jenifer Baker

Traditional fish trap on the edge of a mangrove forest in Borneo.

Traditional fishing boat in a mangrove creek in Gabon. Aerial view of a mangrove forest in the Niger Delta. Mangrove roots, which are covered in oysters, on the edge of a creek in Nigeria. Inset: close-up of oysters. In Nigeria, fully grown Rhizophora trees showing prop roots. Page 18...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 By Martin O’Grady Habitat Degradation Impact of Habitat Degradation Many causes of habitat degradation can be blamed on human interference such as increasing domestic and industrial demands for water and intensification of agricul- ture, leading to trampling of on Fish Stocks banks and excessive erosion. LAND management practices have had a negative impact on many of our rivers and lakes. Rerout- two-stage channel, confining Fertilisers, and chemicals ing of channels, changing their natural shape and the removal of bankside vegetation all have impacts summer flows to the original result in pollution which fish width can prove very success- stocks battle to survive. on their capacity to support fish and all other forms of wild life. ful. Different habitats are needed Boulders placed on the bed by salmonids at different stages rehabilitated to include the typ- well aware of these problems. designing and implementing will create scour channels, during their lifecycle. It is ical physical and ecological What is being done Over the period 1995 to 2000 solutions to riverine problems. providing more individual ter- essential that rivers and chan- features, which accommodate The Central and Regional they invested over €20m in This involved surveying ritories. nels are maintained or salmonids throughout their life. Fisheries Boards have been identifying problem areas and 2,000km of riverine channel The removal of obstacles and carrying out rehabilitation is often the most cost-effec- programmes on over 400km of tive way of increasing channel length. Rehabilitation available habitat. Fish river and stream reaches var- passes can be expensive but ied in width from as little as provide access to large areas 1m to sections of the lower of good habitat on a perma- Cork Blackwater, which were nent basis. 57m wide. Fencing of bankside areas Natural materials (rocks and can greatly aid the rate at logs) were used to restore which vegetative recovery channels and subsequently takes place once grazing pres- repaired channels were always sure is eliminated. fenced off to allow the bank- Cattle trampling can dou- side vegetation to regenerate. ble the width of a small Planting of native deciduous stream, making it too shallow trees is a key element of many and muddy to support fish river enhancement pro- stocks. grammes providing additional Where instream and bank- stabilisation to the bankside side stability is restored, there areas. Where flood relief is a marked recovery in the demands an excavated chan- aquatic flora, fauna, fish nel, the construction of a stocks and bird life.

April 1999: Bank trampling by animals can cause serious damage to a river. Photos: © Central Fisheries Board The same river one year later, healthy and protected by fencing. Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 19

In one case a 350% increase in salmonids, along with clean soil, rainfall and other climatic gravel, which accumulate at one year old salmonids was loose gravel for spawning. conditions. Vegetation needs the tail of pool areas. Log noted. Additional bird species In upland valleys, boulder- to be maintained to prevent weirs can maintain excellent will be present and the physi- strewn riffle/pool sequences excessive bank erosion, to pro- pools in small streams, neces- cal form of the river will be a are important as spawning and vide cover, food and shade for sary for salmonids to rest and single channel, with good nursery areas and are also fish, to reduce high summer hide when they return to bank cover. likely to support resident temperatures and to limit silt spawn and home to many stocks of small adult trout. and fertiliser run-off. salmon and trout over one year What should a healthy The deep water of pools old during low-flow periods. provides shelter and refuge. Pool Restoration In vortex rock weirs, flows are river look like? Lower down, rivers tend to be concentrated to the centre of slower and more sinuous. Rif- The reconstruction of pools the pool, scouring the General physical form: fles tend to form on either side is often an essential feature of riverbed, creating depth and larger catchments contain a of a bend, providing an area rehabilitation programmes. providing cover. wide variety of channel types, for salmon and trout to spawn. They can be constructed in dif- which include certain typical Picture: a vortex rock weir concentrates the flow to the centre of ferent ways, although particular physical or ecological fea- Martin O’Grady, Central the pool, creating depth and providing cover. techniques are only appropriate tures. Fisheries Board, Balnagowan, River banks in certain circumstances. Typically, four years after completed, increases will have Clean and well-oxygenated Mobhi Boreen, Glasnevin, Bankside vegetation will Pools are important for restoration works have been been recorded in fish stocks. water is essential for vary depending on altitude, spawning opportunities in the Dublin 9. www.cfb.ie EnEnvironmentvironment inin FFocusocus 20022002

THE recent report from the EPA, Environment in Focus 2002, is the second national environ- Some of the Important Indicators mental indicator report for Ireland. ENVIRONMENTAL indicators are key statis- Packaging waste includes tics that summarise a particular environmental materials such as glass bottles, issue. Their strength is in delivering concise, tin cans, aluminium containers, scientifically credible information, that can be paper and cardboard. By December 2005, 50 to 65 per readily accessed by decision makers. In essence cent (by weight) of packaging their purpose is to simplify, to quantify and to waste is to be recovered with communicate. In recent years the use of envi- further stipulations concerning ronmental indicators has emerged in the recycling rates of packaging international arena as a powerful tool that can materials. Targets can be assist in measuring environmental performance achieved by energy recovery and progress towards sustainable development and recycling, however, owing to and in influencing environmental policy. the absence of municipal waste It states that its main objectives are as follows: incineration capacity in Ireland, • To help inform policy makers, both in the en- these targets have to be met by vironmental field and across the key eco- recycling alone. nomic sectors, of the main environmental Recovery Rates of Packaging Waste challenges to be addressed; • To assist in evaluating the impact on the en- Waste management is one of the most problematic and vironment of existing national policies and challenging environmental measures; • issues in Ireland at the present To assess Ireland’s progress in meeting cer- time. The latest figures show tain international obligations; and clearly that waste quantities are • To help guide further environmental policy continuing to increase. This development where needed. increase places a severe In 2000, the EPA published its State of the pressure on the environment Environment Report - Ireland’s Environment: A and on the existing waste Millennium Report. This assessment reviewed management services and how Ireland’s record economic growth has given infrastructure. rise to accelerated pressures on the environment Almost 2.3 million tonnes of and it identified a number of environmental household and commercial challenges facing Ireland as a result. The five waste were generated in Ireland main challenges identified were: in 2000 - representing an increase of almost 62 per cent in • Reducing pollution of inland waters; five years. Household and Commercial Waste • Managing waste and preventing litter; • Protecting the urban environment, particu- larly from transport impacts; • Controlling greenhouse gas emissions; and This indicator highlights the • Protecting natural resources. remaining licensed landfill capacity available within the The selection of the 50 indicators for Environ- various regions. Nationally, ment in Focus 2002 has centred around these are an estimated 10.38 evaluating Ireland’s progress in meeting these million tonnes of landfill capacity five key environmental challenges and assessing available for municipal waste the effects on the environment of the main disposal. However, based on strategic economic sectors. Measuring Ireland’s current municipal waste disposal progress in meeting its international environ- rates, licensed landfill site mental obligations has also been an important capacity in Ireland will run out in influence. approximately four and a half years. The report is available from EPA Publications, Richview, Clonskeagh Road, Dublin 14, for Source: Environment in Focus 2002 - EPA Remaining Landfill Capacity €7.00. Page 20...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 After Thoughts by an American Regulator

a late, lamented cartoon character, defined unique attributes of Irish culture, history, THE ROAD NOT TAKEN By David H. Killoy our dilemma when he said: “ We have met the landscape, environment and tradition which Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, enemy and he is us.” define our people and our land.” The goal And sorry I could not travel both AFTER travelling around the Southwest In some ways our current problem was also however defined should be used as the guid- And be one traveler, long I stood and West of Ireland, (surviving driving on driven by the Cold War Paranoia of the times ing principle for national, county, and local And looked down one as far as I could the left), and attending the Sherkin Island in that our interstate highways system has as laws and ordinances for all development. To where it bent in the undergrowth. Conference in Carrigaline, Co Cork, I have a major purpose it’s use for national defense The Goal at the National level should result entered that land government employees gen- in transporting troops and supplies as in passage of an Act, which will define the Then took the other, as just as fair, erally avoid like a minefield, retrospective required in wartime. Portions are even parameters to be used in assessing develop- And having perhaps the better claim, thoughts on where we have gone wrong and designed with geometry that allows them to ment project. It should also establish a Because it was grassy and wanted wear; what we are doing to make things right. be emergency airfields. What was not fore- regulatory agency to implement the Act with Though as for that the passing there Ireland, on my brief, but unbiased, view seen was their impact upon traditional land no connection to a particular interest group Had worn them really about the same. appears to be at a point where the US was in use patterns particularly at the entrances and but a mandate to represent the general Public the late 1940’s and 50’s. At that time in the exits. These have become prime sites for Interest in the implementation of the ACT. And both that morning equally lay US we had a booming post war economy, and commercial and industrial development. County and Local governments could pass In leaves no step had trodden black. optimism that good times would continue; a This has often shifted the focus of local and complementary acts and administer them Oh, I kept the first for another day! chicken in every pot and a car in the garage. regional economic and social activity away after the National Agency reviewed and con- Yet knowing how way leads on to way, Ireland appears to be in a similar condition at from existing defined, and often historically curred in their compatibility with the ACT. I doubted if I should ever come back. this time based on the changing conditions in significant, town centres to these amorphous The ACT should include reasonable review Europe eliminating trade barriers and it’s and often ill planned highway junctions timelines to prevent bureaucratic foot drag- I shall be telling this with a sigh possession of a well educated work force catering to the automobile addicted public. ging and suitable compensation to land Somewhere ages and ages hence: capable of effective participation in high tech Characteristically these are indistinguishable owners burdened in the public interest by Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— industries and associated service industries. from each other throughout the US. restrictions on the use of their property. In all I took the one less traveled by, In the early 50’s we were at a crossroads with We did not start to pull our head out of the of the above it must be understood that it can- And that has made all the difference. much of our traditional infrastructure still sand until the late 1960’s, by which time it not be done small or on the cheap. Good Perhaps Ireland might take the road less intact. Much of the population lived and was apparent to large numbers of the citi- people are the essential element and they traveled by. worked in close proximity to zenry that they were have to be paid well and a lot of them will be their homes with their jobs breathing bad air, swimming needed. David H. Killoy. P.E., C.P.G., Chief, Permits within a short distance “In this we generally in polluted water and drink- In summary Ireland is at a fork in the road and Enforcement Section, Regulatory Division, accessible by bus, trolley or dismissed and ing it also. What we now which will determine what it’s children will New England District, US Army Corps of even walking. abandoned perfectly refer to as “quality of life” have. I was reminded of the following poem Engineers, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA OUR MISTAKE is that serviceable was not what it had been in by Robert Frost: 01742, U.S.A. we were entranced, infrastructure such as our youth. We then pro- beguiled, ensnared by the ceeded to attack the problem automobile and the new railroads, trolleys, river with enthusiasm but no clear technologies and infrastruc- and coastal transport to direction. There are a great ture that serve it. In this we place most of our many interest groups with generally dismissed and development into the very a specific resource abandoned perfectly service- automobile. We did this which they, justifiably, able infrastructure such as by embracing, without believe needs protection. railroads, trolleys, river and much thought, the They also often believe that coastal transport to place their interest and resource is most of our development fallacy that change is paramount. We put in place into the automobile. We did progress.” a large number of laws to this by embracing, without protect specific resources much thought, the fallacy such as the Clean Water Act, that change is progress. An example of this National Fish and Wildlife Protection Act, was when designing a section of underpin- Clean Air Act, National Historic Preservation ning for the Washington DC subway system I Act, Endangered Species Act, etc., etc.. All encountered trolley tracks coming though the of these are well meaning and have achieved pavement in wide streets capable of carrying some improvement in at least slowing down trolleys in both directions simultaneously. A environmental degradation and in some cases multi-million dollar project was built to reversing it. They also have contradictory replace what we had within living memory and mutually exclusive aspects which, imple- and actually could have put back at much less mented by different agencies with differing cost. internal philosophies and politics, delay the This service to the automobile led us to a review and effective regulation of major general disregard for the environment into infrastructure projects. This is often resolved which the highways, service areas, inter- through time consuming negotiation, postur- changes etc. would be inserted. After all ing and chest beating by various interest highways were progress, they were good for groups until a compromise, usually with lin- business, they brought jobs, they brought gering dissatisfaction on all sides. These families together and took them on vacation. delays are usually at the expense of the envi- Who would oppose them? If historical build- ronment and public frustration over the ings and archaeological sites had to be inefficiency of government. demolished or moved how could this be I define an educated man as one who is allowed to hinder progress. Wetlands were aware of his own ignorance. In that perspec- cheap land to place highways on. Farms in tive I will now suggest how Ireland might existence for many generations could be attempt to avoid the mistakes we have made bisected so long as the farmers received ade- in the US. At the National level a goal must quate compensation for the land used. Great be established that is clear, simple and vistas could be changed though the trace of a endorsed by the majority of the Irish Public. major highway passing through. Don’t hide Something to the effect of: “To protect, main- it, it’s the mark of the future. Pogo Possum, tain and, to the extent possible, restore those Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 21

G.S.I. NATIONAL Spider! SEABED SURVEY assess any room-mates. I from a nail. Keeping him Maps Available Now! By John Akeroyd climbed on a chair to inspect under observation, I rushed to the cornice, but all was appar- the wash-basin, grabbed a FIRST let’s come out of the ently in order! tooth-mug and trapped him Did you know that……. closet: I am a confirmed That night I ascended the against the wall. Fortuitously arachnophobe. I can’t bear spi- rickety stairs to my room. As spotting a post-card within ...... Ireland's seabed area is 10 times the size of its ders to walk on me, although I soon as I opened the door and reach among my possessions land area? find them absorbing to watch put on the light I spotted a on the bed, I slid it under him ...... in its deepest areas you could hide complete (admittedly from a safe dis- slight but definite movement and he was my prisoner. mountain ranges? tance). I also appreciate their in a corner of the ceiling. Much frantic scrabbling, ...... most of it is unmapped and unknown? valiant work killing pests and Upon my arrival, a large spi- with a hideous patter of tiny ...... it represents a large untapped resource of great maintaining ecological bal- der had ventured forth from clawed feet on the card! I potential to many sectors? ance in the fierce world of some snug hideout in the grudgingly admired his splen- mini-beasts. And I never harm cracked plaster. He (probably did hosiery, yellowish-brown In others words 90% of Ireland's territory is them deliberately, even though she!) moved rapidly, smoothly mottling and greyish ovoid underwater, undeveloped and undiscovered! they infest my office. and apparently purposefully abdomen a centimetre and a For spiders like offices, towards me, as I stood in the half long. His rather lemony especially those with plenty of centre of the room beneath the colouring reminded me of the quiet corners behind book- single bulb. I could see he had patterns on the geckos that So how can we learn more about it? cases and piles of journals. a fairly substantial body and also share one’s lodgings in Occasionally I purge Pholcus wide-spreading, somewhat the Aegean, sometimes a fea- ...... a comprehensive survey of Ireland's entire or ‘daddy-long-legs spiders’ curving legs, which appeared ture of ceilings at bedtime. seabed is currently underway. from the ceiling – I love how to be wearing stripy rugby Most notably, where honest ...... it is a multibeam sonar survey of an area of they agitate their tatty webs, as stockings in brown and yel- creatures keep their bottoms, 525,000 sq. km in size. if in sheer fury, when dis- lowish-beige. I could fancy I he had huge spinnerets – pre- ...... it is one of the largest surveys of its kind ever turbed – although they do could hear him shouting that sumably the very font of his decimate other invertebrates, considerable abseiling skills. undertaken anywhere in the world including fellow spiders. I also This gave a strong clue to his remove the odd large Tege- identity: a species of Dras- Who benefits? naria house-spider or “No way could I sleep sodes or similar, a nocturnal · Marine industries e.g. fishing, mineral and oil/gas woodlouse spider (Dysdera), in the presence of hunter (its prey includes other and my cat eats some plumper spiders) that has conspicuous exploration, marine engineering and such a professional – infrastructure, renewable energy developments individuals. Then, one warm doubtless a much- spinnerets. Unkind thoughts of summer night, a spider over- pickling him in local raki and marine policy-makers stepped the mark. Sleeping on decorated member of came into my head. I felt he · Marine biologists and research groups e.g. the office floor (after a good some arachnoid SAS – belonged in a museum, and he universities supper with friends nearby), I who would surely find was clearly a threat, if only to · Marine heritage and protection awoke, my upper arm in fear- his way on to me from their mental health, to visitors · EVERYONE! Yes everyone! Irish society as a ful pain, as if from a wasp above or below.” and locals alike. I imagined whole benefits from all of the above. sting. In the half-light, I him a determined spiderling flicked away something dark high on a gossamer, wafting A wide range of data is being collected from the survey and clingy – a large spider! across from Libya – North Next morning, still in discom- Africa is home to some quite and many different types of products are resulting from fort, I examined with a he was on his way to get me. nasty spiders – on a warm the data. The primary products are bathymetric (water hand-lens a bruise-like patch Arriving almost over my head desert breeze. But he was depth) and seabed classification maps of the Irish on my arm – yes, a pair of pin- he stopped and instantly probably perfectly indigenous, offshore. Maps are available now in paper and digital prick jaw-marks. The ‘bruise’, launched himself from the as all sorts of arachnids are form. To learn more please contact: presumably broken blood-ves- ceiling to abseil precipitously native to Crete. I tossed him sels, took a fortnight to to the floor. He hit the deck hard out of the window to seek Enda Gallagher, disappear. running; and scurried beneath his fortune in the mean streets Geological Survey of Ireland, So, some months later when the bed. No way could I sleep of Soughia, suddenly panick- Beggars Bush, a springtime visit to south- in the presence of such a pro- ing that I might have landed Haddington Road, western Crete found me in fessional – doubtless a him on a passing reveller or, Soughia, a miniature seaport much-decorated member of worst-case scenario, an irasci- Dublin 4. of tavernas and holiday lets, I some arachnoid SAS – who ble policeman. was wary of spiders. Having would surely find his way on I slept soundly that night. Tel: 01 678 2834 lived well for a few days, I to me from above or below. He Fax: 01 678 2579 decided to economise by rent- was clearly a psychopath, and Dr John Akeroyd has travelled ing a small whitewashed room totally committed to frighten- in Greece for more than 30 http://www.gsiseabed.ie over the police-station for ing me to death at the very years, mostly in search of http://www.estore.ie/home/gsiestore for purchasing online about €10 a night. It was clean least, an impression amplified plants but always with an eye enough, but plaster was crack- by the way he then launched ing where walls met ceiling. himself at frenzied pace up the on the animals and people. As a veteran Greek traveller, wall in the direction of my my immediate reaction was to jacket, on a hanger suspended Page 22...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33

Alpine Flowers of Britain rectory lists book publishers and other tradespeople serving bird- and Europe (2nd ed) watchers. What is most interesting Collins Pocket Guide is a directory of over 80 lecturers who are available to talk to inter- By Christopher Grey-Wilson Publications of Interest ested groups. & Marjorie Blamey HarperCollins measures and recommendations. 1989) electrical equipment on how productive stretches, stock levels, eties. It describes cloud formation, Vital Signs This is an essential reference for all to identify if that equipment con- average size, catch records, local shape, structure, transparency and www.fireandwater.com botanists and ecologists interested tains PCBs. It also sets out legal permit requirements (names and how clouds are arranged in the sky. The trends that are shaping ISBN: 0-00-220017-1 in ‘lower plant’ conservation. obligations in relation to notifying, addresses, emails, websites), best It explains about visibility, winds, our future 2002-2003 – Leander Wolstenholme using, decontaminating and dis- flies to use, open and close season precipitation, severe weather and 1995/£14.99 stg (pbk) Earthscan Publications Ltd., posing of that equipment. PCBs dates, best fishing times of the year. weather systems and even helps the The mountains of Europe hold a 120 Pentonville Road, London, are a group of organic chlorinated This new edition also includes, reader to understand weather maps rich and important assemblage of N1 9JN, UK. Water Treatment Manuals chemicals whose new use is for the first time, lists of local fish- and satellite images. By following wild flowers. This standard work banned and whose old use is being ing guides and flytyers, important each clearly explained section it is www.earthscan.co.uk. includes not only the gentians, sax- Coagulation, Flocculation and phased out. local tackle shops and details of possible to see how cloud and wind ifrages and louseworts of the high Clarification ISBN: 1 85383 918 3 The report entitled Management disabled angler’s facilities. can relate to forthcoming weather pastures and rocks, but also the EPA Publications, Dublin Plan for Polyclorinated Biphenyls and may enable the reader to 2002/£14.95 stg plants more characteristic of dry Regional Inspectorate, (PCBs) is available from EPA (see roughly forecast local conditions. This book focuses not on the grasslands in Alpine valleys, or of Richview, Clonskeagh Road, above). A Farewell To Greenland’s spectacular events that dominated weed communities about settle- Dublin 14. Wildlife news coverage but on the deeper, ments. The authors have wisely In Search of Nature www.epa.ie more chronic trends that define the taken into account post-1990 politi- Kjeld Hansen Wildlife Quiz and health of people and the planet. We cal change, and this revised edition ISBN: 1-84095-090-0 By D.A. Ratcliffe Amazing Facts Available from NHBS learn that an estimated 150-300 covers both western and northern 200 2 / €20.00 Mailorder Bookstore, Peregrine Books, J. & M.A. million hectares of cropland - 10- Europe and the plant-rich Don Conroy & Chris Wilson 2-3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon Whitaker, 20 percent of the world total - is Carpathian Mountains of eastern The EPA has recently published Mentor Books, 43 Furze Road, TQ9 5XN, UK. now degraded. More than 2 billion Europe. Poland, the Czech Repub- a water treatment manual on coag- 27 Hunger Hills Avenue, Sandyford Industrial Estate, people live in water-stressed coun- lic, Slovakia, Hungary and Roma- ulation, flocculation and clarifica- www.nhbs.com Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5JS, UK. tion. It sets out the general Dublin 18 tries in which water supplies are nia are now easy to visit and contain ISBN: 0 9536543 11 ISBN: 87-89723-01-5 insufficient to meet food, industrial some of the finest stands of moun- practices that should be followed www.mentorbooks.ie 2000 £28.00 stg + £2 (p&p) and household needs. It also out- tain vegetation in Europe. Here is by those involved in the produc- 2002/£15.00 stg ISBN: 1-84210-155-2 lines positive trends, for example HarperCollins at its best: authorita- tion of drinking water. It follows Kjeld Hansen, in this astonish- This book is fascinating. Derek € that China is now a world leader in tive text and elegant illustrations. on from manuals on filtration 1999/ 8.50 ing book, highlights the problems Ratcliffe’s tremendous love of na- producing the compact fluorescent This pocket guide is of the highest (published in 1996) and disinfec- This is a fun book for wildlife facing in Greenland from over ture is on every page. He begins tion (published in 1998). Where with his boyhood summer holidays lamps and that wind energy gener- standard – and provides an indis- lovers of all ages. Crammed full of fishing and over hunting. For criteria and procedures are pub- on his grandfather’s 90 acre farm ating capacity jumped 37 percent. pensable companion from the Pyre- facts from all aspects of animal and more than 100 years the wildlife in lished by the EPA, pursuant to its in Norfolk where he learned much There are a host of key indicators nees to Iceland or Transylvania. plant life, from worms to walla- this arctic environment has been powers under section 60 of the of his early natural history. listed with comments. Economic, – John Akeroyd bies, boas to boars and zebras to over exploited. The Endangered EPAAct, 1992, a sanitary authority What a wonderful youth Derek atmospheric, environmental, health zoonosis. Find out what is the Species List is growing and if must, in the performance of its had, learning about plants, birds feature etc.. This book should be an greediest eater of all, if a barking something is not done within the Mosses, Liverworts & functions, have regard to such cri- and insects, from self-taught natu- annual purchase for anyone in deci- spider really barks and if an ele- next 20 years this destruction will teria and procedures. ralists of humble background who sion-making, both in the public and Hornworts phant can really detect water un- be unrepairable. Decisions need to The manual provides practical derground. inspired and encouraged him. In private sector. Compiled by Tomas guidance to those involved in plant be made now on how to repair the 1956 he joined the British Nature This fascinating collection of damage; there are many ways - Hallingbäck & Nick Hodgetts operation, use, management, main- facts will entertain for hours and Conservancy and spent his whole The status of natural tenance and supervision. There are close seasons, conservation areas, career with them. He takes the IUCN/SSC Bryophyte will hopefully leave you with very regulation of hunting methods and resources on the high-seas Specialist Group chapters describing the processes few questions unanswered. reader through the early years of of coagulation, flocculation and equipment, issuing of permits, ap- his career, which was a wonderful Available from IUCN ISBN: 2-8317-0466-9 clarification in the manual as well plying quotas and the limiting of adventure in the mountains and Publications Services Unit, as chapters on process control, Rivers of Ireland commercial sales. Hansen stresses moorlands of Britain. 2000/£15.00 stg 219c Huntingdon Road, record keeping, operation and A Flyfisher’s Guide that work must start immediately Produced by the IUCN-World but it will take many generations to Cambridge CB3 0DL, U.K. Conservation Union Species Sur- maintenance and management and 5th Edition restore living resources. The Birdwatcher’s www.iucn.org vival Commission, this is a review control. Detailed descriptions of of the status of bryophytes world- the chemicals used in the processes Peter O’Reilly Yearbook and Diary 2003 ISBN: 2-88085-250-1 are also included in the manual. How to Identify wide, with examples of habitats Merlin Unwin Books, 7 Corve Buckingham Press, 2001/£12.00 stg currently rich in bryophytes. These This manual will provide practi- Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 WEATHER 55 Thorpe Park Road, These proceedings highlight the plants are often overlooked be- cal guidance to those involved in 1DB, U.K. Peterborough, PE3 6LJ, UK. issues that need to be taken into ac- cause of their small size and lack water treatment. Storm Dunlop count in man’s exploitation of the of conspicuous or colourful repro- www.countrybooksdirect.com [email protected] HarperCollins Publishers Oceans. Little is known of the ef- ductive structures. However, they ISBN: 1873674538 ISBN: 0953384055 Management Plan for www.fireandwater.com fects of high seas fishing, dump- form an important component of 2002/£20.00 stg 2000/£15.00 stg ing, mining or even scientific ecosystems and can even have or- Polychlorinated Biphenyls ISBN: 0 00 220202 6 research. Some of the most valu- namental value, e.g. Japanese moss (PCBs) Completely revised, updated, This yearbook/diary is now in 2002/£12.99 stg able resources under threat are, gardens. The Action Plan provides and with much new information, its 23rd year and is a must for all EPA Publications The weather can be difficult to seamounts, deepwater coral, sub… a focus for conservationists world- this deeply-researched guide to birdwatchers. Even though most (see above) predict at the best of times but this canyons, seabirds, cetaceans and wide with an interest in mosses, every trout and salmon fishing of the information is for the bird- guide from the Collin’s “How to fish stocks. In most cases we dis- liverworts and hornworts, and fo- www.epa.ie river in Ireland will now be even watcher in Britain, with national Identify” series provides a detailed cover the impacts after the fact. cuses on the classification of more useful to both visiting and and county listings of bird and na- ISBN: 1-84095-095-1 look at what to expect. With accu- The need for Marine Protection is bryophytes, their importance and local anglers. ture organisation and groups, it € rate details, diagrams and excellent discussed and suggestions are the threats they face. It looks at 2002/ 7.00 This is the only comprehensive also has a comprehensive overseas colour photographs, it introduces made. This book is essential read- their habitats and gives regional In response to EU and Irish leg- guide to Irish rivers available. It section. The 2003 diary with the reader to the 10 major cloud ing for policy makers, fishing lead- overviews (each one focusing on a islation, this publication provides contains a description of each river, events calendar and page per types and the sub-types and vari- ers and scientists. continent); and lists conservation information to users of old (circa the game species present, the most month for bird notes. The trade di-

GOING TO CORK? Travel with Service every hour, every day in both directions, between Cork, Limerick, Galway, Tralee, Killarney and Waterford. Service every two hours between Cork and Dublin. Eight services every weekday between Cork, Skibbereen and Bantry - four on Sundays. Enquiries: Cork 021-4508188 Dublin 01-8366111 Galway 091-562000 Killarney 064-30011 Limerick 061-313333 Tralee 066-7123566 Waterford 051-879000 Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 23 MonksMonks TTakeake OnOn AA NewNew HabitHabit after 6 years is about 5kg. Spawning takes place By Declan T. Quigley during spring and summer in deep offshore waters (down to 2000m). The eggs are laid in TWO species of monk fish or angler fish ribbon-like gelatinous sheets which can be up to occur in Irish and Northern European waters: 9m in length and 3m in width. Lophius piscatorius, the white bellied and L. Both species of angler have traditionally been budegassa, the black bellied angler. Although taken as a by-catch in the mixed demersal fishery, the geographical distribution of L. budegassa is although over the last decade, they have increas- centred in the Mediterranean, its range is now ingly been fished for specifically with demersal known to extend well into northern European gill nets. Annual commercial landings in Irish waters. Nevertheless, it’s occurrence in Irish waters have increased from about 100 tonnes in and UK waters was only confirmed during the 1977 to about 2000 tonnes in recent years and mid 1970’s. L. piscatorius, on the other hand, most of the catch is sold fresh to continental predominates, particularly in inshore waters Europe. Although L. piscatorius accounts for the (<200m), and has a more northerly distribution. bulk of the total catch, its relative contribution has The main distinguishing features between both fluctuated between 65 and 85% between 1984 species are summarized in Table 1. and 1990 and seems to be declining.

Feature L. piscatorius L. budegassa Colour of peritoneum dark light Dorsal fin rays 11-12 9-10 Anal fin rays 9-10 8-9 Pectoral fin rays 24-26 22-24 rd Xanthochromic black bellied angler fish from Mizen Head 1988 3 cephalic dorsal spine Long (11.6-19.9% of SL) Short (7.8-12.4% of SL) L. budegassa Spines above gill opening 2 (sometimes 3) 3 Small fleshy flap above eye absent present exhibiting xanthocromism (yellow/orange pig- still remains uncertain, the potential involve- ment) were examined by MAFF in 1993. They ment of radioactive and non-radioactive Table 1. Main distinguishing features between L. piscatorius & L. budegassa discovered that the eyes of the albino specimens contaminants or the possibility of genetic muta- were consistently rudimentary or deformed, tions appears to have been ruled out. Despite Angler or monk fish are so-called because The colouration of angler fish is very vari- while the eyes of the xanthochromic specimen the fact that thousands of angler fish have been they possess a fleshy fishing lure (esca) at the able, dorsally; ranging from reddish-brown to were normal. They also noted that all of the routinely examined at various locations around tip of a specially modified first dorsal fin ray greeny-grey with irregular markings, while ven- specimens examined were heavily infected with the Irish coast, the overall incidence of colour (illicium) which they use to entice prey close to trally; the colouration is usually white, with the microsporean parasite, Spraguea lophii, abnormalities still appears to be very low. their cavernous mouths. The enormous head of black/grey edges on the fins. It is interesting to particularly the brain and peripheral nervous the angler fish constitutes about half of its total note that a number of unusually coloured angler system. It was speculated that this heavy infes- Declan T. Quigley, Carrigadrohid Smolts Ltd., length. A large well-concealed predator, angler fish have been captured during the last couple tation of the nervous system might result in Macroom, Co Cork. Mobile: 087-9080521; fish lie motionless waiting patiently for prey to of decades in various parts of the NE Atlantic neuropathy, thus affecting epidermal and ocular Email: [email protected] come close enough for them to engulf at light- (including Irish, UK, French and Spanish tissues. Although the aetiology of the condition ening speed. Although both species feed on a waters) as well as the Mediterranean. Indeed, an wide range of fishes, particularly Norway pout, albino specimen of L. piscatorius was recently whiting, bib, poor cod, herring and Nephrops reported from Castletownbere, in the November prawns, some unusual prey items have been issue of both The Marine Times and The Irish found in their stomachs, including seabirds and Skipper. Details of all know records of unusu- a brass tea-tray! ally pigmented angler fish recorded in Irish L. piscatorius appears to grow to a relatively waters are summarized in Table 2. larger size than L. budegassa. The largest spec- Several abnormally pigmented angler fish imen captured on rod and line in Irish waters from SE Ireland and SW England, including weighed 42kg (Belfast Lough, 1985). The mean specimens of both L. piscatorius and L. bude- weight of L. piscatorius in the north Irish Sea gassa exhibiting albinism and L. budegassa Photos: © Declan Quigley Albino white bellied angler fish L. piscatorius from Dingle Bay 1995

Species Date Location T.L. Weight Pigmentation (cm) (kg) L. piscatorius 25.04.1990 NW Skelligs 63.0 2.695 albinism (gutted) L. piscatorius November 1994 Dingle Bay 63.5 3.300 albinism L. piscatorius August 1995 Dingle Bay 51.0 1.625 albinism L. piscatorius October 2002 Castletownbere - 2.000 albinism L. budegassa December 1988 Mizen Head 59.5 3.047 xanthochromism

Table 2. Irish records of unusually pigmented angler fish Page 24...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 TTeesmoutheesmouth NationalNational NaturNaturee ReserveReserve Industry and Nature in Partnership

dunes to the north of the estu- gish water. Here, redshank and By Anthony ary were notified as Sites of dunlin wade through the mud, Special Scientific Interest. pecking for invertebrates, Toole Much of this area was declared while teal and the occasional a National Nature Reserve, by little grebe paddle the stream. TEESSIDE, in the North- English Nature, in 1995. In Here also, even on the cold- east of England, is one of view of its importance in est days, seals bask in easy Britain’s major regions for bringing nature to the general view of motorists, though the heavy industry. Most of this is public, the site has been given approach of a pedestrian will concentrated around the the status of Spotlight send them sliding back into the mouth of the River Tees. To Reserve, one of only 31 water. the north is the port of Hartle- throughout England. As a result of pollution and pool. Between this and Teesmouth National Nature hunting, seals became extinct Middlesbrough, to the south, Reserve covers more than 350 on the Tees Estuary by 1860. A stand oil terminals, storage hectares on the north bank of century later, common and depots and refineries. There the Tees estuary. It lies in two grey seals began to return, and are jetties for the handling of sections, separated by Seaton by the late 1980’s the common containers and iron ore, a Channel. The north side of the seals had started to breed. steelworks, a nuclear power channel forms the southern “Around four or five pups station and one of the largest boundary of the Hartlepool are born each year,” says Mike chemicals manufacturing nuclear power station. This in Leakey, English Nature’s site complexes in Europe. manager. “This is a smaller Surrounded by this indus- “Teesmouth is a number than we would expect trial landscape, and dominated shining demonstration from a population of about by it from every viewpoint, is seventy, but it is steady, and the Teesmouth National of how successful co- Photos: © Anthony Toole Anthony Photos: © operation rather than we monitor the numbers Nature Reserve. Not only does closely. Teesmouth remains, Oystercatchers foraging in a tidal pool, North Gare. nature survive in this most confrontation with so far, the only regular breed- unlikely of settings, under the industry can be in ing ground for common seals watchful eye of English preserving and on the north-east coast of Eng- Nature, it thrives. land between Lincolnshire and Industry is not new around enhancing thriving habitats for wildlife.” Lindisfarne.” the Tees estuary. In medieval Skilled volunteers have car- times, sea water was evapo- ried out a detailed bird count rated to obtain salt. Defensive turn is flanked on two of its every month for the past banks against the tides were remaining three sides by North twenty years, so that estimates built and the land, upon which Gare, an area of salt marsh, old of bird numbers are reliable. the modern industries stand, sea wall and coastal sand These reveal that more than was reclaimed. dune. 20,000 individual water birds A few miles to the west is Seal Sands comprises the visit the Estuary during a Stockton, from which in 1825, southern half of the reserve, given year. Twenty years ago, amid the earliest rumblings of and is the largest region of the number of wintering shel- the Industrial Revolution, the intertidal mud flats between duck was around 2000, but world’s first commercial the Humber and Holy Island. this total has fallen steadily to steam railway service carried Throughout the year, it pro- only 500 birds. passengers and freight to vides a sanctuary for migrating “We don’t know for certain nearby Darlington. waterbirds. why this has happened,” com- During the period of heavi- The path from the main road ments Mike Leakey, “but a est pollution, in the nineteenth to the edge of Seal Sands fol- shift to coarser, sandier sedi- century, wildlife maintained lows, for half-a-mile, the ments is implicated, along the most precarious foothold southern bank of Greatham with the growth of mats of around Teesmouth. With the Creek. This is tidal, and when smothering weed over the tidal clean-up of industry during the the tide is out, shores of grey- flats. In contrast, during the latter half of the twentieth cen- brown mud, fringed along same period, the cormorant tury, it began to move back. their upper limits by bladder population has risen nearly Salt water lagoon, steel works and oil refinery. In 1966, Seal Sands and the wrack, slope down to the slug- eightfold.”

For further information phone: 028-220116 The Islander’s Rest Email: [email protected] * Accommodation Website: www.islandersrest.ie * Bar & Lounge SHERKIN ISLAND * Weddings West Cork * Private Parties * Business Meetings 21 ensuite bedrooms with TV & direct dial phone * Marina Facilities Proprietor: Mark Murphy Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 25

The industrial ambience different environment where Hartlepool Port Authority and creates some unexpected skylark and meadow pipit BASF, has formed the opportunities for birds. Secu- nest. Lapwing and flocks of Teesmouth Industry and rity fencing around industries curlew often dozens strong Wildlife Partnership. These bordering the National Nature stalk the pastures alongside the companies together donate Reserve limits disturbance by approach road. Short-eared £25,000 each year toward deterring visitors from some owls find a rich source of food management of the National areas, while the lighting among the dune grasslands. Nature Reserve. enables waders to feed In summer, flowers domi- Teesmouth is a shining throughout the night. nate the scene at North Gare. demonstration of how success- A bird-watching hide at the Lady’s bedstraw, bird’s foot ful co-operation rather than south-west corner of Seal trefoil, vetches and four confrontation with industry can Sands gives a panoramic view species of orchid grow among be in preserving and enhancing across the mud flats. To the adder’s tongue fern and rare thriving habitats for wildlife. It east, steam clouds rise above grasses. These attract butter- provides a model for what can the steelworks, seeming to flies and moths, many of them be achieved elsewhere. match in volume the natural rare, along with several vari- clouds that hang over the eties of beetles, spiders and M.A. Toole, 65, Cheswick backdrop of the Cleveland snails. Drive, Gosforth, Newcastle hills. To the north, the power English Nature is to intro- upon Tyne, NE3 5DW, U.K. Seal Sands and Hartlepool Power Station. station appears almost clini- duce a carefully controlled cally clean. And dotted around system of grazing by the intervening quadrant, at Hebridean sheep. This is any time of the year, are the intended to keep the strong- birds. growing grasses in check, In winter come knot from while allowing the flowering the Arctic, teal and shelduck. plants to proliferate. Spring brings ringed plovers Beyond the barrier of the and sanderlings, while in sum- dunes lie more sand and mud mer sandwich terns come to flats. Here, oystercatchers for- feed. As the year moves toward age for cockles and autumn, curlew, redshank and sanderlings race the waters at cormorant replace many of the tide’s edge. In the distance, these. Even raptors, such as the surreal view of a ship sail- merlin and peregrine search for ing out of the Tees recalls prey across Seal Sands. images of tankers passing The cleaning-up of the river through Suez. has led to an unforeseen prob- English Nature maintains lem, in that mats of weed are strong contacts with industry, now covering much of Seal and along with companies Sands. “This,” says Mike such as British Energy, Leakey, “makes feeding diffi- Phillips Petroleum, BP, cult for birds as it not only Northumbrian Water, Tees and reduces the number of inverte- brates on which many of the waders feed, but also makes it easier for those invertebrates that are present to hide from the birds.” To the south of Seal Sands, English Nature has created a tidal lagoon known as the ‘Intertidal Project’. Con- structed in 1993, this functions by allowing a controlled flow of water through a pipe in the sea wall. Invertebrates, brought in by the tides, attract birds like redshank, curlew, grey plover and oystercatcher to the muddy margins, while shelduck, and teal feed in the shallows. A second hide affords good views to bird-

watchers. Photo: © Robbie Murphy The sand dunes and grazing Lady’s Bedstraw marshes of North Gare offer a

Seal Sands backed by the Teesside Iron and Steel Works. Page 26...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 J

Captain Cockle and The Pond u

Abridged in four parts - Episode Three - ATTACK OF THE SWANS n leaving a huge opening that towered above them. Dr Cockle took one look at the watching magpies, one look at the opening door and yelled to Jenny.

“Come on, run to the corner of the door and slip i inside!” They found themselves inside an enormous kitchen, o where a giant woman was standing by a solid wooden table as big as an oil rig. Its curving brown legs rose

smoothly from the floor to its vast wooden top, and on r a slab of wood, like a beached whale, was the dead body of the pike that had swallowed ROVER. The woman gutted it, put the guts into a bowl for her cat and placed the bowl on the floor. Then she lifted the

enormous pike into the air and dropped it into the sink. P There was a ringing boom as it hit the metal and a clat- ter of water as the great taps were turned on to wash the fish.

“If that woman leaves, can we get ROVER back a from that bowl, Granny?” But Dr Cockle was watching the water flood into the g sink and listening to the roaring rush as it surged down the plug hole. “I wonder where that drain goes?” she said softly. Back on the Cormorant, down at the pond at the e other end of the drain, Captain Cockle and William had finished checking the submarine’s batteries and were taking a breather on deck.. s “There!” said Captain Cockle. “Now all we have to do is find another source of electricity and we can recharge them again.” “What’s that noise?” asked William. Suddenly the whole tunnel was filled with a wall of churning, rushing water that swept over the nose of the Cormorant, pushing it out of the pipe into the open J on the pond and throwing Captain Cockle into the water! “Don’t panic William. I’ll swim back to you!” u “Behind you, Grandad! Behind you!” From over Captain Cockle’s left shoulder came a

thundering hiss. He turned his head and found him- n self staring into the angry eyes of a giant pair of swans! Very carefully, with her eyes fixed on the partly open kitchen door, Dr Cockle led Jenny along the base i

of the cupboard towards the great enamel cat dish, o took out a sharp scalpel from her medical bag and began slicing carefully at the huge muscular sac of the fish’s stomach. There was a ripping, wet, sucking sound, and out popped the small orange torpedo shape r of ROVER, together with a dozen gallons of foul- smelling greenish fluid that slopped and splashed all over their shoes. Sketch: © John Joyce “Oh no!” moaned Jenny. “I’ll never be able to get rid P All at once the rat jerked in surprise as it was caught of the smell!” By John Joyce from behind. Its jaws clopped shut on empty air and the From beyond the door to the garden came a soft, rat, still stuck in the can, swung upwards until its head padding thud, thud, thud. The clear door of the plastic THE STORY SO FAR: Captain Cockle, along was staring down at them from above. Something had cat flap suddenly went dark and then burst inwards. a with his wife Dr Catherine Cockle and their grand- the rat by the tail and was swinging it too and fro. There was a sudden rush of tortoiseshell fur, a heavy children Jenny and William, have been accidentally “Whatever is it?!” yelled Jenny. thump as four enormous paws hit the floor, and Dr

shrunk to the size of sausages when their amazing The rat slid backwards out of the hole in the tin. Cockle and Jenny were staring into the dark slit eyes of g flying submarine Cormorant was struck by light- Above it, with flapping wings larger than a Jumbo jet a cat larger than the largest lion that ever stalked the ning. While William and the Captain are busy was the most enormous magpie they’d ever seen. earth. trying to find a way to get them all back to full size, Will Dr Cockle and Jenny end up as cat food? For an endless second they listened to the wind rush- e Jenny and Dr Cockle have gone off in search of ing through the torn metal as the can fell to earth, gave Find out in the next episode – Escape - only in Captain Cockle’s ROVER remote camera, which a bone-crunching “smash” and rattled to a stop on the Sherkin Comment. has been taken to a giant farmhouse in the stomach soft grass of the lawn. s of a pike, and been attacked by a giant rat . . . “Are you all right, Granny?” Abridged by the author from “Captain Cockle and the Jenny couldn’t take her eyes of the horrible brown Dr Cockle pulled herself off the sticky metal and Pond” published in Ireland by Poolbeg Press and teeth as the rat peeled back a large piece of aluminium rubbed her head. available from all good bookshops. from the cola tin they were hiding in and poked its head “I’ll live,” she said. “Quick, let’s get out of here inside. The wriggling snout hit Dr Cockle in the ribs before the magpies come after us!” Visit Captain Cockle and friends online at and its mouth opened . . . The vast slab of the cottage door swung inwards, www.cockle.com Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 27

SPIDERS belong to a groups of animals called Arachnids. This group also includes animals such as scorpions and mites. Here the spider has woven a web to catch some flies to eat. The web is sticky so the flies cannot move once they are caught. The spider will not Itsy Bitsy stick to its own web because it has an oily liquid on its feet. Spider!

This game is for two “spiders”. The object is to collect the flies as you move clockwise around the web. The winner is the first to reach the spider in the middle and that spider becomes the King of Arachnids! Each of you chooses a marker. You could copy the drawing of the spider above onto a piece of card. Put your markers on the first fly on the outer section of the web. Throw a dice and move the stated number of spaces, only on the outer section. Take turns and keep moving around the outer section until a throw lands you directly on the fly again. Move onto the fly in the next section, immediately. Continue on until you reach the inner section. You can only move onto the spider when your throw lands you directly onto the last fly! Page 28...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33

Did you know…

...a spider sheds its Spider, Spider skin a number of times throughout MENTION spiders and a shiver runs down many its life. This is peoples’ backs! Most people think they are called moulting. dangerous and wipe them away with a cloth, suck The new skin them up with the vacuum cleaner or squash them hardens each time. with a newspaper. Spiders do use ...that if a spider poison or venom to kill their prey breaks a leg in a but Ireland doesn’t have any fight, it can grow a spiders that are poisonous to humans. In fact, there are very new one when it few spiders that are known to be moults. poisonous to humans. One such ...spiders will eat spider is the Black Widow other spiders! Spider but none of these are native to Ireland! ...a person studying Insects are the prey of spiders spiders is called an and spiders play a very important arachnologist. role in our ecosystem as they catch insects that ...baby spiders are can be annoying and harmful. called spiderlings. Many people think spiders are insects. In fact they are not. They do, however, belong to the ...a spider can lay same group (or phylum) in the animal kingdom - up to 2,000 eggs in Arthropoda (which consist of animals, with their reproductive segmented bodies and jointed legs or arms). sac.

INSECTS vs. SPIDERS ...spiders do not Insects usually have three pairs of legs - spiders have an inner have four pairs (making it eight legs!). skeleton but an The insect’s body is segment into three parts - exoskeleton (a the spider’s body has only two segments. skeleton on the Insects usually have two compound (complex) eyes outside). - spiders have eight simple eyes. ...there are more Insects usually have antennae - spiders do not. Insects usually have wings - spiders never do. than 30,000 Insects can eat plants - spiders never do. different types of spiders known to Spiders belong to a group called Arachnids, and man! this group also includes scorpions and mites. ...spiders taste and Spiders produce silk which they use to make smell with their houses, diving bells, cocoons, traps, parachutes feet. and lifelines to save themselves if they fall. Organs called spinnerets, which are on their ...spiders don’t have abdomens, or undersides, make the silk. At first teeth, they have the silk is a liquid and is made in fangs. certain glands in the body. This liquid is forced out through ...their fangs hold many little holes in the their poison, which spinnerets and as soon as it they use to reaches the air, the silk dries into paralyse and kill a line that looks like a long their victims! strand of hair. This silk is ...triangle, orb, sticky and it allows them to catch funnel, tangled and insects that brush against it. Most sheet are all names spiders spin webs to catch small flying insects such as flies, moths for webs. and butterflies. They poison their victims with ...the thread of silk venom from their fangs and wrap it in the silk a spider hangs threads to be eaten later. from is called a Look for all the words in bold on this page in the dragline. wordsearch box above. (Answers on page 11) ...claws and pads on Can you rearrange the letters below to spell the their legs enable name of the group to which spiders belong? spiders to run up (Answer on page 11) walls and along H D A S A R N C I ceilings. ______Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 29 Fieldfare ONE of the most attractive members of the thrush family is the colourful fieldfare. A winter visitor to our shores, it is usually found in flocks often mixed with redwings and our own resident song thrushes and mistle thrushes. It has a grey head, a reddish-brown back, a grey rump and a black tail. It’s under parts are orange-buff with a white belly. It’s bill has a yellow base to it. They will feed in loose, scattered flocks over farmlands, or may be seen in hedgerows feeding on berries. They will also frequent parks and football pitches. Orchards can be very important for these birds if the weather is severe, where they will feed on rotting fruit. If you would like to help feed birds in very cold weather, use our Bird Care Recipes given below. Here is a sketch you might like to tackle. Pencil in the basic egg shape and then build up as in fig. 1. The detail was put in with a thin brush and a fine tipped pen. Good luck! Bird Care Recipes Bird Cakes Apples and scraps Produced by Don Conroy for ENFO Before you start, remember when Thrushes, larger birds and even you are cooking the bird cakes, you Blackcaps often prefer to feed on the must always get an adult to help you. ground. Be sure to spread the food out These fact sheets, along with other fact sheets, are available from ENFO - The Environmental Also, ask an adult to help you when you in the open, where the birds will be Information Service, 17 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2. Tel 1 890 200191 (price of local call) Fax are hanging the cakes and containers safe from predators. An apple pegged 01-8882946 Email: [email protected] Fact sheets are also available at their Website: www.enfo.ie outside. to the ground with a thin stake, to pre- Basic Pudding 1 vent it being moved by larger birds, can Ingredients: Seeds, peanuts, cheese, often give additional pleasure to the porridge oats, dry cake, scraps & observer who can watch the birds for a melted fat (Rough quantities: 2lbs of longer period of time. mixture to 1lb of fat) Do NOT forget WATER Put the mixture into a container and Birds need to bathe even in the cold- pour the hot melted fat over the mix- est weather to keep their feathers in ture until it is covered and leave it to good order. A shallow dish or an set. Turn out onto a table, unless you inverted dustbin lid will do. (You could have prepared it in a tit-bell or coconut make or buy a more elaborate struc- holder. ture if you like). Remember to break AVOID: Dessicated coconut - it the ice on those cold mornings. A night swells inside the bird and can kill it light under the container creates Salted peanuts - they make the bird enough warmth to keep the ice away very thirsty. but make sure the water itself does Basic Pudding 2 not get heated. Ingredients: 3 cups porridge oats, 1 Do NOT give up! cup currants, 1oz grated cheese, Once you start to feed birds, you 1oz canary seed, ½lb of fat or margarine. must continue to do so on a regular Melt the fat and stir in all other basis. Small birds will come to rely on ingredients. Pack into margarine tubs or this source of food. In a really harsh other suitable containers. Allow to set spell of weather it is the hunger that and then hang up. (If you put a piece of kills, not the cold. string through two holes in the bottom Summer feeding of the container, it will help you to tie up Recent thinking on the summer feed- the pudding when the mixture has set. ing of birds has changed. Certainly, Seed and peanuts feeding of scraps, nuts and seed will do Wild bird seed can be purchased and no harm. (It is advised not to feed placed on bird tables or on the open bread during this period - March to ground to encourage a variety of birds July). Those birds that continue to to visit the area being watched. take the food will welcome the ease of Peanuts can also be purchased and obtaining additional supplies. Those placed in a nut container that can species that make use of insects for Forthcoming Exhibitions

either be hung from a bird table, twig feeding young or who have other February/March 2003: ESAT Young Scientist Competition Prize Winners or outside the window. Remember not dietary requirements will continue to to use salted peanuts and keep food do so and will not be harmed by this March 2003: Annual Tree Week Exhibition containers away from cover where cats additional supply of food. 24 March - 5 April 2003: An Taisce in association with ENFO, an exhibition to mark National Spring Clean Month. and other predators could hide. Produced by Don Conroy for ENFO Page 30...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 IIrrishish FFishish SSteteww

Schering-Plough oror ChoChowwderder are delighted to This a wonderful dish on a chilly day. Use a combination of fish and vegetables. continue their If you can, add a little carageen for a taste of the sea. association with Ingredients Matt Murphy • 450g/1lb cod or other whitefish cut in cubes • 225g/8oz shellfish - mussels, cockles, squid, etc. and his staff at • 2 tablespoons oil • Selection of winter vegetables - onion, garlic, carrot, celery, potatoes - chopped Sherkin Island • 450g/1lb fresh or tinned tomatoes • 570 mls/1pt water or stock Marine Station • Salt and freshly milled pepper • Lots of chopped parsley on the production • 7g/¼oz carrageen - optional and continued Method

success of the • Heat oil, add all vegetables except tomatoes and potatoes. • Season well and cook without colouring over a low heat for 5-8 minutes. informative • Add tomatoes, potatoes, carrageen and stock. Simmer for 10 minutes. • Add fish. Cook for 2-3 minutes. and entertaining • Check seasoning and add lots of parsley before serving.

Sherkin Comment. * You can substitute all kinds of fish and shellfish. Serves 4 - main course.

Schering-Plough (Brinny) Company

Brinny, Innishannon, Co Cork, Ireland. Tel: 021 432 9329 Photo: © BIM Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33...... Page 31 Enviironmentall Competiitiion for Priimary Schooll Chiilldren iin Munster 2002

THE response to Sherkin Island We would like to take this opportunity to Marine Station’s Environmental again thank our sponsors for this year. Competition for Primary School They were: BIM (Irish Sea Fisheries Children in Munster for 2002 was Board), Central Fisheries Board, City Print wonderful. We were delighted to have Cork, Cork City Council, Cork County Cllr. Paula Desmond, Mayor of Cork Council, Denis McSweeny Photoshop, County, presenting the prizes at the Cork, Dept. of the Environment & Local prizegiving ceremony at the Carrigaline Government, Evening Echo Newspaper Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Cork, Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Pfizer Here is a very small selection of some of Ireland Pharmaceuticals and Waterford the 405 prize-winners. News & Star Newspaper.

Left: “The Grey Heron” The work of one of the first place winners of an Astronimical Telescope: Sarah Ryan, (Age 12), Scoil Bhríde Eglantine, Douglas Road, Cork.

Look out for details of the 2003 Competition, which will be Above: Abbeystrewery N.S., Skibbereen, Co. Cork. arriving in Cllr. Paula Desmond, Mayor of Cork County presenting the prizes at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork. Also present Munster Primary are Mr. Pat Quinlan, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals; Jim Murphy, Schools shortly. Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Mr. Paul Bourke, Central Fisheries Board; Mr. Bob Cooke, BIM; and Mr. Matt Murphy, Sherkin Island Marine Station.

Full Colour Printing Brochures, Reports, Magazines Leaflets & Booklets

Above: Prize winners from Above: Prize winners from Dromagh N.S., Mallow, Scoil Ide, Castleisland, Co. Cork. Co. Kerry.

Right: Prize winners from Knockskeagh N.S., Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Below: Prize winners from Below: Prize winner from Dromindoora N.S., Cahel, St. Michael’s G.N.S., Tipperary. Co. Clare.

Victoria Cross, Cork Telephone (021) 4545655 Facsimile (021) 4342996 Photos: © Sherkin Island Marine Station Page 32...... Sherkin Comment 2002 - Issue No. 33 The President’s Awards A Challenge to Young People

THE President’s Award is minimum requirement is: the National Challenge One hour per week for 15 Photos: © Oscar Merne Award from the President of weeks (Bronze); 30 weeks Gold Award recipient Catherine Sweeney from Ireland to the young people (Silver); 60 weeks (Gold) Wicklow and her award leader of Ireland between 15 and 25 Personal Skill: Mary Ashall. For her years of age. You select one activity e.g. Community Involvement, The Purpose of the Award is computers. The minimum Catherine became very to encourage young people to requirement is: involved in Christina Noble Children's Foundation and set and achieve a demanding One hour per week for 26 helped raise funds for children challenge for themselves in weeks (Bronze); 39 weeks in Romania, Mongolia and each of four different areas of (Silver); 52 weeks (Gold). Vietnam. For her Personal activity as follows:- Physical Recreation: Skills, she learned to speak Community Involvement You select one activity e.g. French and for her Venture, she organised and took part in e.g. helping the Elderly swimming. The minimum the trip of a lifetime - a Personal Skill e.g. learning to requirement is: dancing trip to Vietnam. play a musical instrument One hour per week for 12 Physical Recreation weeks (Bronze); 15 weeks to encourage a young person to e.g. swimming (Silver); 18 weeks (Gold). set a demanding challenge of Venture Activity Venture Section: himself/herself and then to per- e.g. a four day cycle You select one activity e.g. severe with achieving this Once the challenge under foot or cycling expedition. challenge. The Award chal- the guidance of a Leader The minimum requirement is: lenges young people to examine known as the President’s Foot Expedition what they are capable of achiev- Award Leader (PAL) is suc- Bronze: 2 days - 25 to 35 km ing during a given time period. cessfully achieved, the Silver: 3 days - 50 to 79 km The personal qualities that Participant earns an Award, Gold: 4 days - 80 to 110 km each participant must call upon there is no competition with Cycling expedition and develop in order to earn an other Participants. Each Par- Bronze: 2 days - 100 to 130 km Award are perseverance and ticipant is striving to achieve Silver: 3 days - 190 to 220 dedication. The Award is a his/her personal best. km motivational tool that encour- In each case the challenge Gold: 4 days - 300 to 350 km ages a participant to make a agreed between the Participant The Award operates in a quantum leap in his/her devel- and the Leader is unique to wide variety of institutions opment for the betterment of that Participant. e.g. Schools, Youth Clubs, themselves and others. No one individual has an Sports Clubs, Adventure advantage over another in Clubs, Universities, Regional Structure Of The Award earning the Award - the basic Technical Colleges etc.. The Award was established requirements for each Partici- In each instance, where the by the Government in 1985 pant is measured by hours of Award is operating there is at with the President of Ireland endeavour and effort to earn least one Award Leader as its patron. A council of 14 an Award. For this reason, the assigned. The Award Leader is members is appointed by the Award has appeal to a wide a person who is familiar with Government to oversee the range of young people coming the Award and he or she is the Award Programme. from different backgrounds. person who agrees the appro- The Award is funded jointly There are three Awards: priate challenge with the by a grant in aid from the BRONZE, SILVER AND young person. Youth and Sport section of the GOLD, reflecting different The Award is also open to Department of Education and levels of time commitment. individuals who are not mem- Science together with dona- A Bronze Award takes 6 to bers of any organisation - tions from private sources. 9 months to complete and the these are termed ‘Indepen- Participant must be at least 15 dent’ participants. years of age on entry. What do I get when I earn A Silver Award takes 12 to Participating in the Award an Award? 15 months to complete and the Participation in the Award You get a medal in a very Participant must be at least 16 commences once the partici- years of age on entry. nice presentation box, a cer- pant has agreed the challenge in tificate signed by the The Gold Award is a more writing with an Award Leader. demanding challenge over President, a lapel pin and an The Award Leader monitors experience of a lifetime. approximately two years and the Participant and verifies the Participant must be 17 that all the activities are com- years of age on entry. pleted and then signs the What do I do next? It is not necessary to under- Participant’s record book and Go for it! take the Bronze Award before sends a completion sheet to You have one chance to attempting Silver and simi- The President’s Award. earn a prestigious Award from larly it is not necessary to do Assuming everything is in the President of Ireland and the Silver Award before order the participant is then that chance is right now. attempting the Gold Award. presented with the Award on a suitable occasion. In general For further information about What is expected of you in Bronze Awards are presented the awards contact Mr. John at local level and Silver at Murphy, Chief Executive, each of the four sections? provincial level. The President The President’s Award - That depends on the level of presents the Gold Awards. Award as follows: Gaisce, Dublin Castle, Community Activity: Dublin 2. Tel: 01-4758746, You select one activity e.g. Purpose of the Award [email protected] or helping young people. The The purpose of the Award is Website: www.p-award.net