Sustainable Seas: The Marine Institute celebrates Science Week 2025 with a focus on sustainable marine resource management

As part of the Marine Institute's Science Week celebration, four professionals share how their roles contribute to the sustainability of Ireland's marine resources.

Throughout November, the Marine Institute’s ‘Ocean of Careers’ video series will showcase the diverse careers that support Ireland's marine environment and blue economy. Aligned with Science Week's national theme “Then. Today. Tomorrow”, the campaign will also explore how marine science has evolved. 

Then, Today, Tomorrow

Ireland's transformation from a small-scale fishing nation to a sustainable seafood exporter has been built on collaboration between fisheries and scientists, between traditional knowledge and modern methods, between communities and conservation. 

Ireland's relationship with its fisheries has been shaped by centuries of challenge and adaptation. In the 1800s, disputes about different fishing methods led to the creation of the Commissioners of Irish Fisheries in 1842, after conflicts over salmon stocks sparked riots along rivers such as the Suir, Nore, Barrow, and Shannon. 

The Great Famine of 1846 devastated fishing communities through loss of life and emigration, and with many turning to agriculture. Poor transport infrastructure made it difficult to distribute fresh fish, and the registry of fishing vessels remained disorganised for decades.

By 1870, Inspectors of Irish Fisheries warned that without intervention, the “fishing industry will nearly expire on half the coast”. They described travelling miles along the coast where fish were plentiful and shelter existed, yet not a single boat could be seen. 

Today, as part of the European Union, Ireland manages its fisheries through scientific stock assessments integrated with community knowledge. The Common Fisheries Policy provides a framework for sustainably managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks. According to Bord Iascaigh Mhara's Business of Seafood 2024 Report, Ireland's seafood economy is worth €1.24 billion and provides employment for more than 16,000 people. 

Looking to tomorrow, continued innovation in scientific assessment methods, emerging sectors like seaweed aquaculture, and closer integration of fishers' observations with scientific research promise to strengthen both conservation and economic opportunity.

Building bridges between sea and science

Macdara Ó Cuaig brings a unique perspective to his role as Fisheries Liaison Team Leader at the Marine Institute. Working directly with fishing communities around Ireland, Macdara gathers crucial data whilst ensuring that research methods reflect the realities of working at sea.

“The practical experience of those making their living from the sea, and the research conducted at the Marine Institute are both needed to ensure sustainable fisheries for our communities,” Macdara explains. His work bridges two worlds that must understand each other: the generations of knowledge held by fishing families and the scientific assessments that inform management decisions.

From ports to research vessels

For Rónán Mag Aoidh, a Fisheries Assessment Analyst from County Down, the appeal of marine science grew from childhood surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes. 

“What I enjoy most about my role is the sense of adventure during sea surveys, watching for dolphins, whales, and seabirds while collecting crucial data,” Rónán says. “Although work at sea can be challenging, knowing our efforts help protect ocean resources for future generations makes it deeply rewarding.”

Understanding valuable species

Haleigh Joyce, a Scientific and Technical Officer, focuses on Nephrops (more commonly known as the Dublin Bay prawn) and deep-sea ecosystems around Ireland.  

“There's something special about gathering information first-hand and then seeing how it informs the decisions and policies that protect our ocean resources.”

Cultivating new opportunities

Aoife O'Sullivan, Scientific and Technical Officer, works on a European seaweed farming research project. She divides her time between laboratory work caring for young seaweed plants (kelp cultures) and conducting field trials at the Marine Institute's Lehanagh Pool research site in Bertraghboy Bay, Connemara, Co Galway.

Creating a biobank of local kelp strains that could enhance seaweed cultivation, Aoife's research explores sustainable alternatives to wild harvest, and new opportunities for coastal communities. “What I enjoy most about my role is the fieldwork. Being outdoors, collecting seaweeds, and monitoring their growth at sea connects me directly with the marine environment I've always been passionate about.”

This was Week 1 of the Marine Institute's four-week ‘Oceans of Careers’ series celebrating Science Week 2025. Week 2 explores ‘Changing Waters: Understanding Climate’.

Videos will be released throughout November on the Marine Institute's social media channels: LinkedIn @Marine Institute, Instagram @marineinstituteireland, Facebook @marineinstituteireland, X @MarineInst and YouTube @marineinstituteIRL. 

ENDS
For any media enquiries please contact:
Kathleen Sweeney e: kathleen.sweeney@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 094 5754
Sinéad Coyne e: sinead.coyne@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 947 7090
Communications Office, Marine Institute e: 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