Marine Environment Licensing Advice

Oyster trestles in Clew Bay. Photo courtesy of Francis O'Beirn

The Marine Institute provides scientific and technical advice to government, industry and other stakeholders on marine licensing for activities such as aquaculture, foreshore, and offshore oil and gas.

Aquaculture

As part of the aquaculture licensing process, the Marine Institute provides scientific and technical advice to Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM).

In compliance with the Birds & Habitats Regulations, the Marine Institute actively participates in the Appropriate Assessment of the impacts of aquaculture activities on Natura 2000 sites by evaluating applications and preparing supporting reports.

The Marine Institute also inputs to the Environmental Impact Assessment screening of applications to determine requirements.

The Marine Institute provides objective scientific opinion on relevant environmental issues related to aquaculture licence applications as part of the statutory consultation process.

Dumping at sea

The Marine Institute advises the Port Companies on sampling and analysis for dumping at sea permit applications of dredged material and assesses sediment chemistry for the Environment Protection Agency (EPA - the permitting authority). The Marine Institute also provides expertise to the EPA’s Dumping at Sea Advisory Committee and advises port companies and consultants on pre- and post-operation monitoring.

Foreshore

The Marine Institute provides advisory services to DAFM for foreshore licencing as well to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for Marine Usage Licences. The observations and advice focus on likely environmental effects that may arise from proposed developments on the foreshore and in the marine area.

Offshore Chemicals and environment

As advisors to Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Marine Institute provides assessment of offshore chemicals for permits for use and discharge of added chemicals (PUDAC), in line with relevant OSPAR measures. The Marine Institute also advises operators on pre- and post-operation monitoring as well as general marine environment protection.