Ambassador of Barbados visits Marine Institute to strengthen Ocean Science Collaboration

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute with The Barbados Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Mr Cleviston Haynes at the Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway. The Barbados Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Mr Cleviston Haynes, visited the Marine Institute headquarters in Galway to discuss collaboration in marine research and sustainable ocean management initiatives.

This visit marks a significant step in deepening the relationship between Ireland and Barbados, with a focus on strengthening partnerships with Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Ambassador Haynes was welcomed by the Marine Institute’s CEO, Dr Rick Officer, who emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange and international cooperation to address the pressing challenges facing our oceans.

“The Marine Institute is committed to building strong international partnerships that enable shared learning and practical solutions for sustainable ocean management,” said Dr Officer. “Collaborating with Barbados offers an opportunity to exchange expertise, enhance marine science capacity, and contribute meaningfully to global goals for a sustainable future.”

Ambassador Haynes welcomed the partnership with the Institute at this time, as Barbados is committed to developing a marine conservation plan that enables sustainable and equitable use of the ocean.

Ireland and Barbados are working together on initiatives that support marine spatial planning, climate adaptation, and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The Marine Institute’s research, including its world-class infrastructure and expertise, provides a strong foundation for collaboration with Barbados and other island nations.

This partnership also aligns with the Marine Institute’s Our Shared Ocean programme, which focuses on building capacity and supporting research in SIDS through initiatives funded by Irish Aid, Ireland’s programme for overseas development. Recent projects under this programme include:

  • Seabed Mapping and Ocean Surveys: Leveraging Ireland’s research vessels to support marine spatial planning in small island states.
  • Nature-Based Solutions: Exploring innovative methods to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding.
  • Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating collaboration between scientists to address shared marine challenges.

Barbados, like many Small Island Nations, is at the forefront of challenges posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, ecosystem shifts, and extreme weather events. Ireland’s commitment to supporting these nations through scientific collaboration and capacity building reflects a shared vision for sustainable ocean management.

The Marine Institute looks forward to continuing its partnership with Barbados and contributing to meaningful advancements in marine science, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

ENDS

For further details contact:
Sinéad Coyne, Communications Manager, Marine Institute sinead.coyne@marine.ie  m. +353 (0)87 947 7090
Communications Office, Marine Institute communications@marine.ie t. +353 (0)91 387 200

About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie