Marine Institute launches Annual Impact Report 2024
The Marine Institute has today launched its Annual Impact Report 2024, reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the organisation over the past year.
The report highlights a selection of compelling case studies from each of the Institute’s eight strategic priorities, along with testimonials from stakeholders who have benefitted from vital services, advice and knowledge provided by the Marine Institute. The Annual Impact Report 2024 also presents a selection of key highlights from throughout the year, providing a snapshot of the breadth and quality of the Institute’s activities.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said, “Driving positive change and delivering impact are at the core of all our activities at the Marine Institute. By reporting on our impacts annually, we aim to show how our work delivers tangible benefits to our many stakeholders, and demonstrate our accountability to the strategic priorities that guide us.
“It’s a priority for us as an organisation to explain in very relatable terms what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and why it’s important. I’m very proud of this new publication, and how it shows our commitment to innovation and to driving transformative outcomes within our organisation, for our stakeholders and our networks, and for the environment.”
The Marine Institute plays a critical role in delivering cutting-edge scientific analyses, expert advice, and specialised knowledge to decision-makers, stakeholders and societies in ways that are both accessible and actionable. In particular, the Institute’s trusted research, advice, and services support the implementation of key national and EU directives and policies, which are vital to building a sustainable ocean economy and protecting our marine ecosystems.
The Annual Impact Report 2024 illustrates how the dedication, expertise, and innovation of the staff at the Marine Institute translate into meaningful impacts across Ireland and beyond.
Amongst the 16 case studies presented in the report are:
- Improving the scientific basis for the management and long-term sustainability of Ireland’s boarfish fishery.
A full review of all the available data and data gathering methods for the stock assessment of boarfish was carried out by the Marine Institute in 2024, as part of an International Council for the Exploration of the Seas coordinated, peer-reviewed assessment benchmarking procedure.
A new assessment method was developed by the team in the Institute, which will have positive outcomes for the management and long-term sustainability of Ireland’s boarfish industry.
- Acquiring key geophysical marine survey data in Ireland’s South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) to inform offshore wind infrastructure planning
Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) provide for the sustainable development of offshore wind energy through consideration of environmental protection and existing marine users and activities. The requirement for technical and scientific advice from the Marine Institute to support offshore wind development in Irish waters has been increasing, in tandem with new national energy policies.
In development of the South Coast DMAP – the first DMAP in Ireland – the Institute acquired and supplied key geophysical marine survey data for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This was the first systematic multichannel ultra-high resolution reconnaissance seismic survey undertaken in the south coast area, and the first such survey by the State, increasing government capacity to directly deliver necessary baseline data to accelerate offshore wind development.
- Operational coastal modelling service in support of biodiversity restoration and oyster aquaculture in Galway Bay
The Marine Institute’s ocean observing and modelling programme provides deeper understanding of how ocean conditions have evolved over past years and helps to predict how the marine environment may evolve under different climate scenarios. One such service in Galway Bay is helping to support oyster aquaculture and aid the restoration of wild native oysters in the bay.
The platform is a web oceanographic service (biodiver.naui.io) which helps overcome challenges in achieving sustainable bivalve mariculture, oyster ground restoration, and restoration of biodiversity in Galway Bay.
- The Marine Research Programme - building new research capacity and driving innovation in the Irish marine sector
A key component of the Institute’s research function, the Marine Research Programme provides funding for projects via competitive calls. Research funded under this Programme supports sustainable economic growth, promotes innovation, protects marine ecoystems, and informs policy, governance and regulation of the Irish marine sector.
One example of this is the A4 Project: Aigéin, Aeráid and Athrú Atlantaigh (Oceans, Climate, and Atlantic Change), led by Dr Gerard McCarthy, Maynooth University, with Trinity College Dublin. The team’s research on sea level rise, sea surface temperature and the increased frequency of severe weather events (e.g. storm surges and marine heatwaves) is providing important scientific evidence for local and national government to plan and implement policy changes for the Irish population to adapt to a changing climate.
- Delivering best practice norovirus testing service to ensure the safety of Irish oysters for consumers worldwide
Norovirus remains the single most important food safety concern associated with the consumption of oysters. Since March 2018, to support oyster growers to produce the safest oysters to produce the safest oysters possible, the Marine Institute, funded by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, has provided a norovirus testing service to members of the Irish Oyster Packers Group who export oysters throughout the world.
The norovirus testing service, which has analysed approximately 5,000 samples since it began, helps Irish oyster producers to manage one of the major food safety risks confronting the sector and, ultimately, produce a safe product. The service also has a positive impact in supporting Ireland’s Blue Economy.
- Our Shared Ocean – Building Research Partnerships Between Ireland and Small Island Developing States
Our Shared Ocean is part of Ireland’s response to the environmental and socio-economic issues facing many Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These island nations are dealing with specific environmental challenges brought about by climate change and are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rises and extreme weather events.
Our Shared Ocean addresses these challenges by building strategic research partnerships with SIDS and fostering collaborative international marine research. The programme is managed by the Marine Institute and funded by Irish Aid, Ireland’s programme for overseas development. To date, 19 projects and more than 80 travel grants have been awarded through competitive funding calls to partners in 27 SIDS and regional partners.
Some key highlights for the Marine Institute from 2024 include:
Ensuring food safety through the Marine Institute Seafood Safety Programme Through the Institute’s comprehensive suite of Shellfish Safety Monitoring Programmes, shellfish samples were rigorously analysed in 2024 for marine biotoxins, faecal indicator bacteria, harmful human viruses, phytoplankton and harmful algal bloom species, and chemical contaminants.These vital services ensure the highest levels of food safety and compliance with legislative requirements, and support the Irish aquaculture sector’s growth and global reputation.
Expanding Seabed Mapping for Sustainable Resource Management
The Institute’s Advanced Mapping Services extended Ireland’s seabed mapping coverage, by acquiring 5,174 km2 of detailed bathymetric survey data offshore Ireland, on board the RV Tom Crean. This expanded mapping of the seabed, delivered with partner Geological Survey Ireland, provides critical baseline maps which increase our understanding of marine ecosystems and support marine spatial planning and decision-making for sustainable marine resource management.
Supporting the Irish Maritime Industry through Evidence-Based Advice
The Marine Institute, through the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), provided updates and policy advice to the Department of Transport in relation to maritime freight transport, ports capacity, shipping services and ancillary services. The IMDO’s advisory role in 2024 continued to have a strong focus on the development of Ireland’s strategically important maritime industry and how it can best meet the needs of emerging sectors such as Offshore Renewable Energy and Alternative Fuels.
Empowering Sustainable Fisheries with Scientific Stock Assessments
Through surveys, monitoring and sampling of fish catch throughout 2024, the Marine Institute’s Fisheries Ecosystems and Advisory Services provided objective stock status of critical marine fishing resources, using best available science. The stock assessment work carried out by the Institute enables the fishing industry to adapt strategies, optimise harvests and ensure the long-term sustainability, securing a cornerstone of Ireland’s blue economy.
Celebrating Ireland’s Rich Maritime Heritage – ‘Eolaíocht na Mara – Sea Science’
A partnership between the Marine Institute and West Kerry Museum resulted in the creation and opening of ‘Eolaíocht na Mara – Sea Science’ at Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne – West Kerry Museum. The exhibits invite visitors to dive beneath the waves of Ireland’s wild Atlantic and explore our ocean through interactive displays and digital exhibits. They help to attract tourism, deepen public appreciation for Ireland’s marine environment, and foster the connection of local communities to the sea.
Developing Ocean Knowledge: Ocean Knowledge 2030 Strategy and Conference
The Marine Institute, in line with its mandate, developed Ireland’s new marine research and innovation strategy, Ocean Knowledge 2030, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders.
The strategy’s implementation over the period 2025-2030 (also coordinated by the Marine Institute) will promote and facilitate close coordination and cooperation across the system to ensure that investments are optimised and targeted at the most strategically important areas. A dedicated conference in Dublin in November 2024 was attended by more than 260 people and provided a unique forum for exchange of information, fostering synergies and collaboration, and identifying key knowledge, research and innovation actions to address ocean sustainability and blue economy challenges.
View the Marine Institute Annual Impact Report 2024.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Sinéad Coyne, e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090
Kathleen Sweeney, e. Kathleen.Sweeney@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 094 5754
Communications Office, Marine Institute communications@marine.ie t. +353 (0)91 387 200
Editor’s Notes:
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