Ocean, Climate and Information Services

Ocean, Climate & Information Services Ocean, Climate and Information Services provide support for national and international marine monitoring and research and development as well as Information Technology infrastructure and information management.

Ocean, Climate & Information Services incorporates the following:

• Research Vessel Operations
• Oceanographic & Climate Services
• Marine Research Infrastructures
• Advanced Mapping Services/INFOMAR
• Information Services & Development

 

Research Vessel Operations

The Research Vessel Operations (RVOps) team manage, develop and promote the national research vessels, RV Celtic Explorer and RV Tom Crean, and the deep-water Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland I.  The team handles all aspects of scheduling and survey planning from ship-time application stage through to pre and post cruise preparation.  They also operate the Foreign Vessel Observer Scheme (FVOS) whereby Irish marine researchers can be placed on-board foreign vessels for scientific surveys.  The RVOps team are active in the European Research Vessel Operators Group and the International Research Ship Operators Forum and played a substantial role in the EuroFleets projects.  They are currently coordinating the Horizon Europe AQUARIUS project which will provide access to a comprehensive and diverse suite of integrated research infrastructures to address challenges and explore opportunities for the long-term sustainability of our marine and freshwater ecosystems.

 

Oceanographic & Climate Services

The Oceanographic & Climate Services (OCS) team is responsible for the delivery of scientific services to a wide variety of areas including fisheries, marine environment, aquaculture, search and rescue, tourism and leisure among others. The team collects and analyses oceanographic data to provide ocean observations, model forecasts and projections in Ireland. They work with users of climate services in government departments and local authorities, assisting them in their preparedness for climate adaptation.  They also maintain a strong national and international collaborative network in oceanographic science working on EU projects and are active in the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and European Global Ocean Observing System (EuroGOOS), Copernicus, Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Programme (GO-SHIP) and the Joint Programming Initiatives (JPI) for Oceans and Climate.

 

Marine Research Infrastructures

The Marine Research Infrastructures team manages and operates a diverse range of test, demonstration and monitoring platforms for ocean observations and advanced marine technology providing vital data to enable the research and monitoring of Ireland's seas.  They are responsible for the management of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network, the Irish National Tide Gauge Network, Irish Glider fleet, Irish Wave Buoy Network and the national Argo programme.  The team manages the delivery of a range of services to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) for the national offshore renewable energy programme including data acquisition, development of national test sites, and technical support.  In addition, the team are involved in a number of EU funded projects which aim to strengthen coordination and collaboration between European Research Infrastructures (RIs). The projects involve a range of activity and topics on developing advanced marine technologies, integration among RIs, sustainability, data harmonisation and standardisation, access to infrastructure and data.

 

Advanced Mapping Services/INFOMAR

INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) is Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme. INFOMAR is funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). It is delivered by joint management partners Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute. INFOMAR aims to provide comprehensive and accessible marine datasets for Irish waters that underpin and add value to marine research, SOLAS Convention obligations and government policy. These products will foster growth within the national blue economy, maintain the health and integrity of our natural marine environment while facilitating international collaboration and best practice in the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resource.

The Advanced Mapping Services team are actively engaged in coordinating, supporting and undertaking the mapping of Ireland’s seabed, developing and outputting data services and mapping products to support government needs, research activities, and commercial development.  They play a key role in undertaking hydrographic, geophysical and habitat mapping as well as implementing the INFOMAR Data Exchange, Integration and Value Added programmes including ORE support.

 

Information Services & Development

Information Services & Development (IS&D) is responsible for the co-ordination of data activities and the provision of information technology and are made up of four teams:

1. Data Management which works to promote best practice in data process and technology including providing guidance and support to promote best-practice management of the Marine Institute’s scientific data assets, storing data in central databases, facilitating access to data through catalogues and a variety of data services. The team is also focused on development of connectivity with national and international data networks and also engaging with research programmes nationally and internationally.
2. Application Development which manages software development and systems integration services in support of Marine Institute operational and research activities, including for sensor data services, labs information systems, and online services. The team focuses on supporting operational activity where off-the shelf solutions are not available, and facilitate integration with other Institute systems.
3. IT Operations develops and operates the Marine Institute’s ICT infrastructure to ensure it operates in a reliable and efficient manner and with cyber-resilience as a corner-stone, in addition to enabling the development of new operational and advanced research capabilities.
4. Service Level Agreement (SLA) Technical Data Services provides technical data and information service support to specific marine environmental programmes such as Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) under the SLA with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH).

 

Mr. Micheal Gillooly Director of Ocean, Climate and Information Services (OCIS)