Oceans, Climate and Information Services
Oceans, 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.
The team carries out activities in the following areas:
Research Vessel Operations
Research Vessel Operations manage the Marine Institute’s research fleet, which includes the RV Celtic Explorer, the RV Celtic Voyager and the National deepwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland 1. The Research Vessel Operations team are also responsible for managing the foreign research vessel notification process and the observer scheme.
Advanced Seabed Mapping
Advanced Seabed Mapping carries out hydrographic and geophysical surveys for INFOMAR (INtegrated mapping for the sustainable development of Irelands Marine Resource), and associated marine projects. The team has expertise in Exclusive Economic Zone and resource mapping and marine habitat mapping. This section also has the tools and infrastructure for acquisition, processing and interpretation of large survey data sets.
Oceanography and Ocean Modelling
Oceanography and Ocean Modelling provide comprehensive oceanographic services, within the Marine Institute and externally to industry, third level partners and the public.
The team are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the National Weather Buoy Network, consisting of five buoys around the Irish coast. The team also manages and supports the Irish tide gauge network, ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, coastal buoys, oceanographic equipment pool and oceanographic support of diverse seagoing research programmes related to marine fisheries and environment.
The Oceanographic Services team, in association with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, are responsible for specific technical and developmental activities associated with the Renewable Ocean Energy Research Programme. The team also provides technical and scientific support to the Advanced Marine Technology programme including SmartBay and SmartOcean.
A number of hydrodynamic and ecosystem models are run at the Marine Institute to produce short range forecasts and to build up a database of modelled data to support marine research. This modelling underpins a wide variety of activities such as support for aquaculture site planning and monitoring, assisting the Gardai in marine-related incidents, and the production of maps of environmental indices such as seabed kinetic energy. The team also carries out modelling within the context of EU projects to address areas such as oil spill forecasting, shellfish growth and pathogen contamination, and harmful algal bloom warnings.
Information Services & Development
The Information Services & Development team are responsible for the co-ordination of Marine Institute data activities and the provision of Information Technology infrastructure and information management for the Marine Institute. The team aims to ensure that data resources within the Marine Institute are made available to as wide an audience as possible through online and other data services in accordance with e-Government policy.
Advanced Technology Programme
The Advanced Marine Technology Programme is part of Sea Change, Ireland’s marine research and innovation strategy. It seeks to create a critical mass, multi-disciplinary and industry-oriented research grouping in the area of advanced sensing, communications and informatics. The team also create a focused capability in the application of next generation technology solutions for marine and environmental sectors and assist in delivering innovative technology solutions to global markets. A key initiative of the Advanced Technology Programme involves the creation of a multi-disciplinary innovation cluster supporting the convergence of ICT and marine related sectors.
Mr. Micheal Gillooly, Director of Oceans, Climate and Information Services.