Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities
In this month’s edition -
EU trades away yet another €25 million to Norway in Irish waters to give Ireland €2 million in return: Just when Irish fishermen thought that they couldn’t be betrayed any more, yet another shock and underhand decision is taken by the EU Commission; On the Brink: Irish Fishing Cannot Survive Another Year of Managed Decline; Inshore Fishermen Will Not Support the Removal of Another Traditional Fishery: Practical Management Measures Must Be Attempted and Implemented Rather Than Closure of the Crayfish Fishery ....
.... all of this plus so much more in our March issue
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Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES FISHERIES Podcast MARCH:
On this edition of our regular podcast, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
What can the 'task force' really achieve?
From this month, as we highlight in the MARINE TIMES the challenges and problems for the industry, we will be broadcasting the SEASCAPES FISHERIES PODCAST on our website, adding to the communications resource to express the views of the fishing industry, fishermen, processors, the aquaculture sector.
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 25th:
When Guessing Wrong Can Get You A Criminal Record!
The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs met on Tuesday, 24 March, to resume discussions on Sea Fisheries Protection Issues. The meeting heard from representatives from the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association; CEO Brendan Byrne and Chairman Kenny Ward.
Photo: Cormac Burke, IFSA
Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Conor McGuinness said: “The Committee has previously heard from seafood and fishing industry representatives, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Minister of State for Fisheries, Deputy Timmy Dooley, to examine matters around Sea Fisheries Protection and the legislative framework for the SFPA. Members now look forward to hearing from representatives of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association and discussing the views and concerns of the sector on the operation of the SFPA and the implementation and enforcement of sea fisheries regulations and legislation, and how it impacts the Irish seafood industry.” Full story here
Marine Institute and Galway City Museum bring the science and secret life of Galway Bay to the surface
The Marine Institute, in partnership with Galway City Museum, has announced a vibrant programme of free public outreach events taking place from March through June as part of An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves. This new public engagement initiative invites people of all ages to explore the extraordinary marine life, habitats and underwater landscapes hidden beneath the surface of Galway Bay.
The outreach series builds on the recently opened exhibition at Galway City Museum, which uncovers the rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and scientific significance of Ireland’s marine environment. Through talks, workshops and interactive experiences, the programme encourages visitors to discover the stories, science and species that shape the waters along Ireland’s west coast. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 24th:
Galway RNLI crew mark 30 years saving lives on Galway Bay
Since going on station on 27 March 1996 at 9pm, the volunteer crew at Galway RNLI Lifeboat Station have launched on rescues 816 times, coming to the aid of 498 people, of whom 74 were lives saved.
Marking 30 years since Galway RNLI went on station on 27 March 1996 are volunteer crew (standing from left): Frank Hallinan, Peter Navan, Mike Cummins, David McGrath, Eoin Carey, Paddy Hennelly, Brian Niland, Seán King, founding member Pat Lavelle, Erin Killeen, Frankie Leonard, Declan Killilea, Shane Austin, Ian Claxton, James Rattigan, Ellen Keady with Bouli, Colette Lavin and Mike Swan. (Kneeling from left): Stuart Deane, Leo Branagan, Lisa McDonagh, Eoghan Donohue, Stefanie Carr, Máirtín Folan, Martin Oliver and Pierce Purcell.
The origins of the lifeboat service in Galway began in the 1990s following a number of incidents on Galway Bay and campaigning by the local RNLI fundraising committee, with the support of the maritime community and other search and rescue agencies. Full story here
Wicklow RNLI responds to three call outs over 24 hours
Wicklow RNLI volunteers responded to three call outs in less than 24 hours at the weekend.
The first call out was to help two people on a stricken pleasure boat (pictured), the second was to carry out a search following reports of a missing person and the third was to assist the crew of a fishing boat suffering with mechanical difficulties. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 23rd:
Great South Wall roundhead reopens to public, as remedial works completed
€2.5 million project near Poolbeg Lighthouse strengthens critical coastal infrastructure and protects an iconic national monument.
Works are carried out to repair the Great South Wall following significant damage sustained during December’s Storm Bram. These works were carried out amongst challenging conditions, including difficult weather, and alongside one of the country’s busiest maritime corridors. Photo courtesy Murphy
Dublin Port has announced the successful completion of essential remedial works on the Great South Wall rock armour around the iconic Poolbeg Lighthouse, marking the end of a €2.5 million project to protect one of Ireland’s most important pieces of marine infrastructure. Full story here
From Easter Fun to Ocean Science: An Egg Hunt with a bit more bite on Ireland’s Coasts this Easter
An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme and the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign are inviting families, groups of friends, and community groups to go to their local beach this Easter in search of shark, skate, and ray egg cases, and record their findings with the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Egg Case Hunt at Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford 2025. Photo by Anne Marie Kirwan
This Easter, Clean Coasts is encouraging families, friends, and local Clean Coasts Groups across Ireland to take a break from the traditional chocolate egg hunt for coastal adventure that combines family fun with citizen science. Full story here
Celebrating World Meteorological Day and 25 Years of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network
The Marine Institute celebrates World Meteorological Day with a milestone, marking 25 years of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network (IMDBON) and the crucial role it plays in providing essential meteorological information from across Ireland’s marine area.
The IMDBON, which is managed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Met Éireann, is a network of five buoys around Ireland. They contribute real-time ocean and weather data to Met Éireann’s forecasting systems which is also shared globally with other meteorological agencies, as well as providing data for purposes outside of weather forecasting, like shipping bulletins. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 21st:
EirGrid to commence further survey campaign for offshore wind across the south coast
EirGrid, the operator and developer of the Ireland’s electricity grid, will commence marine and coastal surveys as part of its Powering Up Offshore - South Coast programme along the south coast, beginning this April.
This marks the next phase of site investigation works and follows the successful completion of an initial phase of surveys carried out in 2025. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 20th:
A Good News Story as .... Cork’s Good Fish Company Celebrates Second Consecutive Global Seafood Award
Cork-based The Good Fish Company has further enhanced its growing global reputation by picking up the prestigious 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards at the Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America in Boston for the second consecutive year. Celebrations at the company’s Ringaskiddy headquarters were loud after confirmation of the news that its sumptuous new Coconut Margarita Haddock offering had been named “Best New Retail Product” at the showcase seafood event, putting it firmly in the global spotlight once again.
Pictured celebrating with Good Fish are Padraig Murphy, Co. Founder Icy Waters; Jim Petree Co. Founder Icy Waters; Jennifer Murphy Fitzpatrick, Icy Waters; Maria Broderick, Head of Sales, Good Fish Company; Randy LaVault Co. Founder Icy Waters; Donagh Good, Managing Director, The Good Fish Company; Denis Good, Founder, The Good Fish Company at the North American Seafood Expo at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. (© Mike Ritter)
The Award specifically highlights new products, condiments, and dishes launched in the US seafood market in the last year, and its latest outright winner pairs an Atlantic haddock fillet and Everything seasoning, with a tequila, coconut, and lime sauce that is added during the final stages of cooking. Working in collaboration with US-based Icy Waters, the award is the latest recognition for The Good Fish Company team, which continues to expand its international reach following the completion of a multi-million euro investment in its processing plant in Shanbally, Cork. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 19th:
Fisheries Committee chair calls on Commission to activate emergency crisis fund
MEP Ní Mhurchú calls on EU to activate emergency supports for fishing industry
In the wheelhouse of the Róise Catríona is skipper and owner Damien Turner with Aodh O Donnell, CEO of the IFPO; Oihane Agirregoitia MEP for the Basque Country, Spain; Patrick Murphy, CEO of the ISWFPO and Cynthia Ní Mhuruchú MEP who organised a recent meeting in Castletownbere. (Photo appears in our March issue) Picture: Anne Marie Cronin Photography.
The chair of Parliament's Committee on Fisheries wants to trigger the EU’s crisis and transition temporary framework due to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 16th:
Galway RNLI training exercise with University of Galway Medicine Students
The volunteer crew at Galway RNLI Lifeboat Station trained with 10 foundation year medicine students from the University of Galway last week.
Welcoming University of Galway medicine students to crew training at Galway Lifeboat Station, from left: RNLI volunteer crew Brian Niland and Olivia Byrne; Dr Cara Egan, Lecturer in Clinical Skills and Simulation with Ella Ryan, Daniel Onyekaba, Sophia Gulmann, Steven Tadrouuss and Dr Sarah Dixon; James Sarsfield, Hassan Al Haji, Darragh Lambe, Rawzah Alismail and Ruby Moore with RNLI crew Mark Purcell and Paddy Hennelly.
The training at the lifeboat station follows a visit by Galway RNLI crew to the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at the end of 2025. Full story here
Helvick Head RNLI volunteer recognised for 20 years service
Helvick Head RNLI volunteer Anne Harrington is to be recognised by the charity that saves lives at sea with a 20 year Long Service Award.
Anne joined the Dungarvan and Helvick Head RNLI fundraising branch in 2006. Since then, she has played a central role in supporting the charity’s lifesaving work. Over the past two decades, she has served in several officer positions including Honorary Vice Chair and Honorary Secretary and has contributed to a wide range of fundraising initiatives and branch activities. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 12th:
Landmark agreement between Port of Cork Company and Belfast Harbour Commissioners
The signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Port of Cork Company and Belfast Harbour Commissioners today will create a new strategic partnership designed to support all-island economic growth, accelerate the delivery of offshore renewable energy (ORE), and boost cruise tourism across the island of Ireland.
The partnership has been endorsed by both the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive. The MoU creates a formal basis to deliver on shared objectives on the island for the next ten years. It will enable further strategic coordination on port infrastructure projects, the digital transformation, and driving decarbonisation. By leveraging their collective expertise, the ports aim to strengthen their roles as key enablers of the regional economy north and south. The partnership focuses on four core objectives: Offshore wind energy; Cruise tourism expansion; Innovation and resilience; Community and skills. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 11th:
New Legal Powers Proposed for the Naval Service
Government approval has been given to begin drafting legislation that will provide the Defence Forces with new powers to safeguard Ireland’s maritime domain and protect the State’s sovereign rights in its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.
Speaking on the approval, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said: “Following the launch of Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy last week, one of my key priorities is ensuring the Defence Forces have the powers they need to respond to emerging threats in our waters, particularly from vessels linked to the Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 10th:
Fuel Cost Rises Catastrophic for Fishing Fleet
Seafood industry calls for Govt intervention
The Seafood Ireland Alliance (SIA) is urging Government to consider support measures as fuel prices surge. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 7th:
New Westport Coast Guard Station Officially Opened
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney TD, along with Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran, today officially opened the newly constructed, purpose-built Westport Coast Guard Station, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Ireland’s national search and rescue infrastructure.
The project cost €6.8 million and was delivered as part of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) Building Programme, the project was managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport. The site, secured through Mayo County Council, lies within the Clew Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with the project designed in full compliance with planning permission, building regulations, OPW design standards, and Departmental sustainability and accessibility requirements. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 5th:
Ireland Cut Adrift by EU–Norway Fisheries Deal
The Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO) and the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) have reacted with shock and outrage to the latest EU–Norway fisheries agreement.
Norway stands to gain nearly €10 million more than the EU under the latest fisheries deal. Signed last week the agreement grants Norway access to Blue Whiting worth around €21.5 million, while the EU receives Atlanto-Scandian Herring (ASH) worth only €12 million in return. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 3rd:
Aware’s scenic Harbour2Harbour Walk returns this St Patrick’s Day to support mental health
Thousands expected for 26km much-loved walking challenge around Dublin Bay on March 17.
Aware CEO Stephen Butterly, broadcaster and wellbeing commentator Dr Ciara Kelly, St Patricks Festival CEO Richard Tierney, and Dublin Port’s Claire Percy and Scruffy the dog at the launch of Aware’s 19th annual Harbour2Harbour Walk which will take place on St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March. Over 3,000 walkers are expected to take on the 26km challenge, raising funds for Aware’s free mental health supports. Register at www.aware.ie/harbour2harbour
Broadcaster and wellbeing commentator, Dr Ciara Kelly has launched Aware’s 19th annual Harbour2Harbour Walk which will take place on St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March. An official event partner of St Patrick’s Festival 2026, over 3,000 walkers of all ages, families and beloved family dogs are expected to take on the 26km challenge, raising vital funds and awareness of charity Aware’s free mental health supports. Registration is now open at www.aware.ie/harbour2harbour. Full story here
New initiative to protect marine wildlife in the south west
Marine wildlife tour operators to pilot a new voluntary code of conduct for responsible marine wildlife watching - Code of Conduct is developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in collaboration with tour operators.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has launched a new Code of Conduct for Responsible Marine Wildlife Watching. Developed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in collaboration with tour operators, the Code aims to help avoid harmful disturbance to sensitive wildlife and to encourage sustainable and responsible tourism operations off the Cork and Kerry coast. It is a conservation project of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, Ireland’s first Marine National Park. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 2nd:
Wildlife Before Livelihoods — Inshore Fishermen Must Not Be the Next Target
Deputy Michael Collins has strongly criticised what he describes as yet another example of the Social Democrats leading the charge on a “wildlife before people” agenda, this time in relation to calls to restrict or ban crayfish netting along Ireland’s inshore waters.
Deputy Collins said it is deeply concerning that small-scale, family-run inshore fishermen are once again being portrayed as environmental offenders, despite decades of responsible and sustainable practice. He noted that recent commentary suggests endangered sharks are being caught in cray fishing nets inshore — a claim that fishermen in Cork South West strongly dispute. Full story here
New schools programme puts seafood on the curriculum
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, has launched a new schools programme to increase students’ understanding of seafood and its journey from sea to plate. The new programme introduces students to the seafood value chain in Ireland from production and supply to preparation and consumption, helping to build knowledge, confidence and appreciation of Irish seafood.
Richard Donnelly, Interim CEO, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Sophie Falconer (age 16), St. Paul's Community College, Waterford, Tracy Floyd, Doran's on Pier (Howth Famous for Fish member), Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, TD
The schools’ initiative forms part of the BIM Seafood Academy, a national support and development programme created to strengthen Ireland’s independent seafood retail and foodservice sectors. The programme is supported by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and was successfully piloted in four schools last year. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 1st:
The 2025 Stock Book Published by Marine Institute
The Marine Institute has published The Stock Book 2025: Annual Review of Fish Stocks with Management Advice for 2026. The comprehensive scientific report, available through the Marine Institute’s Open Access Repository at oar.marine.ie, provides the latest assessments of 74 key fish stocks of importance to Ireland and offers evidence-based management advice for the year ahead.
As environmental and oceanographic conditions continue to change rapidly, the 2025 Stock Book highlights clear impacts on Ireland’s commercial fisheries. Full story here
MARINE TIMES NEWS February 23rd:
Minister remains silent on the future of the scientifically unsupported offshore SACs
It is a year since the KFO presented its objection to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board (DAAAB) to two offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) proposed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This independent board was tasked with assessing the scientific validity of the KFO objection to these sites and make recommendations to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, on whether the proposed SACs were supported by the evidence presented by the NPWS. A year later, Minister Brown remains silent on the outcome.
This is not surprising given that it is thirty-six months since the KFO first objected to the proposed designations as there was no alternative avenue through which to engage with NPWS. The KFO objection demonstrated the lack of scientific evidence underlying the proposals and clearly showed that the designations had not followed the prescribed process mandated by the regulations. Full story here
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Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast FEBRUARY:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
Ireland’s aquaculture licencing scandal
This month’s Podcast reports on the major problem affecting development of Ireland’s aquaculture sector – delays in licencing which have been going on for many years. Despite that the rest of the ocean economy is growing and a major contributor to national welfare, as the programme also reports. There is also a report on the new currach training programme for young people in Cork and the story of how Brendan Behan did not keep a job with the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast JANUARY:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
The EU is no friend of the Irish fishing industry
This is the lead story on the January edition of SEASCAPES where John Lynch, CEO of the Irish South and East FPO says that other European nations who have benefited from fishing in Irish waters want to take everything and leave nothing for Irish fishermen. Other stories on the first SEASCAPES Podcast for 2026 – the amazing smallest seabird which travelled 300,000 kms and has a connection to St.Peter and the enthusiastic Rosslare Maritime group which has launched its own maritime Podcast.
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast DECEMBER 2025:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
Oysters are heroes, says the lady who has grown them for 35 years in Dungarvan Harbour - Cliona Mhic Giolla Chuda General Manager and co-Founder of Waterford Oysters on the December Podcast and is the subject of our monthly INTERVIEW on Page 39. “It’s an intensive business,” she says after 35 years in the business. “It’s not for the faint-hearted because there are bad years as well as good.” Also on this month’s Podcast and in our December issue of the Marine Times: The Irish Polar Institute corrects a ‘mean action’ by explorer Ernest Shackleton. Listen and read more on our HERITAGE Page; Also there is the story of the crewman from an inland county who survived the Titanic; And - an Arctic whale arrives in Donegal – Read More in the IWDG column.
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast NOVEMBER:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
Why has the Government cutback its Budget provision for the fishing industry? When the industry is in extreme difficulty, the Government has reduced financial support by nearly €20m. On the November edition of the MARINE TIMES SEASCAPES PODCAST with Executive Editor Tom MacSweeney, industry leaders give their critical response.
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast OCTOBER:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
Buy the MARINE TIMES in the shops or online now and listen to our extra service - the OCTOBER edition of Executive Editor Tom MacSweeney’s SEASCAPES Podcast, which this month hears from the Chairman of NIFA, the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association, who talks to Tom MacSweeney on this month’s edition of SEASCAPES for the MARIME TIMES, explaining why he has been thinking about leaving the fishing industry because it has become so difficult to make a living.
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast SEPTEMBER:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
Buy the MARINE TIMES in the shops or online now and listen to our extra service - the SEPTEMER edition of Executive Editor Tom MacSweeney’s SEASCAPES Podcast, which this month hears from a sailor who spent ten years restoring a boat and then sold it – and that there ar 750,000 seabirds in Ireland; the RNLI needs more volunteers for its lifeboats and, how part of an original Naval Service shipwreck has become part of a house renovation on Cape Clear Island
.... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast AUGUST:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
.... Has the Government Got the Backbone to Fight for Irish Fishing? That is a tough question, but it is asked on this month’s SEASCAPES Podcast. Also on the Podcast – Fish farmers need help; Searching for Songs of the Sea; There is also a housing crisis on the offshore islands and – when a submarine blew itself up off Dunmore East. There is always something interesting in and about the sea.
The Podcast is presented by Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast JULY:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
.... you can hear from a man who has taken upon himself the task of widening maritime knowledge amongst young people and about a son who succeeded where his father failed, becoming the first person to cross the Irish Sea in a balloon. There is a lot more also to listen to – voices from the fishing industry and the leisure sector. There is always something interesting in and about the sea.
The Podcast is presented by Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast JUNE:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
Where family heritage meets daily life - That is the theme of this month’s SEASCAPES Podcast on the MARINE TIMES, presented by Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney..
The podcast features two families, one from Cork which has invested in a multi-million Euro seafood centre and the other whose members have given 140 years of service driving cranes in Waterford Port.
The Good family traces its maritime history back to running a ferry boat in Cork Harbour. The O’Hanlons work high above ships in Waterford to keep exports and imports moving. Donagh Good has taken over the running of the Good Fish Company from his father Denis, who started it with one fish shop in 1988. He is one of the youngest company Managing Directors in the country. His family has invested millions with confidence in the future of the seafood industry. Donagh outlines why and says that the ‘mood music’ is changing for the better in the fishing industry.
The Podcast is presented by Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast MAY:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
On the May edition of SEASCAPES from the MARINE TIMES – the Chairman of the new Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and the Marine outlines how he intends to focus the work of the Committee. First-time Sinn Fein TD from Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, who comes from a fishing family - his father being the well-known South East Coast fisherman, Brian McGuinness, says it is a Committee with a broad remit and he will examine regulations affecting the industry where it seems at times that policing is too severe and Irish boats are boarded more often than foreign. And Finian O'Sullivan, Chairman of the National Committee of IFA Aquaculture assess the sector and its future. The Podcast is presented by Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above.
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast April:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
On the APRIL edition - “There’s a wonderful vibrancy around the marine sector at the moment ...” So says Minister of State Timmy Dooley in his first radio interview in his dual maritime and fisheries post, on this month’s SEASCAPES Marine Times Podcast, presented by Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney. There is also a discussion between the two sides of wind farm development and its effects on the fishing industry; a visit to a €25m ship bought by a Cork company and the question – Is the Irish public ocean literate? is considered .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast March:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
On the MARCH edition - Fish farming will be a vital supplier of food to future generations; Are whales changing which parts of Ireland they visit? Once Navy – Always Navy’ and the Waterford Estuary harbour which has changed, but not for the better .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast February:
On this edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
The “insane” treatment of Ireland’s fishermen is discussed on the February edition of the Podcast, highlighting the way the Irish fishing industry is treated about Bluefin Tuna. John Shine, a leading figure for 20 years in the marketing and selling of Irish fish, highlights the way that Irish fishermen are prevented from catching Bluefin Tuna in Irish waters, while other nations are allowed to do so. He says that proper management of the industry is lacking and, unless its demise is stopped and the industry sustained, he is doubtful and concerned about its future. .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above
Tom MacSweeney's SEASCAPES Podcast January:
On this first edition of our maritime programme, SEASCAPES, presented by Tom MacSweeney .......
The Polish solo sailor who is Ireland’s only representative in what is being described as “a world first event, never attempted before …” explains why he intends to spend over a year sailing 26,000 miles alone around the world on a 19-foot plywood boat which he has built himself….. The Managing Director of a Valentia Island boatyard discusses how it has built the first Naval vessel in Ireland for forty years…. and a sailmaker explains why he built a maritime cannon .... Listen to the podcast by clicking on the image above
MARINE TIMES PODCAST December:
New government must end naivety towards fishing
Tom MacSweeney talks to Brendan Byrne, Chief Executive of the IFPEA
The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association says there has been naivete amongst policymakers who thought that the fishing industry would reconfigure itself, despite the losses caused by Brexit.
The entire sector, catching and processing, is in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis, according to CEO Brendan Byrne. He also challenges the rigour of controls enforcement on Irish fishing by the SFPA, at a level which does not happen in other Member States, he says in this Podcast interview with Marine Times Executive Editor / News, Tom MacSweeney. Listen to the Podcast here
Tom MacSweeney's MARITIME PODCAST - DECEMBER
On the December edition of Tom MacSweeney's Maritime Podcast, Ireland’s only maritime broadcast:
Why does Ireland, an island nation, not have a traditional fish dish for Christmas? Other nations do, so why not Ireland? Appropriately, this month being Christmastime, that question is raised in the December edition of my Podcast by historian Antoin O’Callaghan. While other nations make fish a Christmas dish, he wonders why Ireland does not and suggests The Feast of the Seven Fishes. But, will Ireland have enough fish to meet its needs? Perhaps not. The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters, Brendan Byrne, says this has been a very bad year for processors. That’s all on the December edition, with a look back at storylines from previous editions.
MARINE TIMES PODCAST September:
Does the Government want a fishing industry or does it want to let it continue into terminal decline?
“The Government must be clear --------The industry needs real help…”
Tom MacSweeney interviews Dominic Rihan, Chief Executive ofthe KFO
Our main News story in the September edition reports a fall of more than €37m in landings by the Irish fleet. All sectors of the industry are united in opinion – it is in its worst crisis ever and the Government is not doing enough to support it.
In this month’s Marine Times Podcast the Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Dominic Rihan, discusses the situation with Marine Times Executive News Editor, Tom MacSweeney. A strategic review is needed of where the industry is going, he says and raises the question - does the Government want a fishing industry or does it want to let it continue into terminal decline?
“That is a stark reality,” says Mr.Rihan, “but it has to be recognised.” Listen to the Podcast here
MARINE TIMES PODCAST August:
Do you accept that the fishing industry is in a very serious crisis situation, Minister?
Tom MacSweeney interviews Minister Charlie McConalogue
In the August issue of the Marine Times, Tom MacSweeney interviews Minister McConalogue - challenging him on a number of aspects affecting the fishing industry, asking him questions on why he insists on putting accross the EU oinion to the industry rather than voicing Irish concerns sufficiently, asking him how is it realistic to encourage young people into the Irish fishing industry ....
Listen to the full MARINE TIMES interview with Tom MacSweeney. Listen to the Podcast here
PODCAST 3rd July:
Government and EU must deal with how offshore wind campaigners and biodiversity campaigners are squeezing the fishing industry says leading fisheries CEO
The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation has warned of potential conflict between fishermen as traditional marine users and the new users of the blue economy.
In the front page leading story of the July edition of the MARINE TIMES, Aodh O’Donnell says there is an impending serious ‘spatial squeeze’ on Ireland’s fishing industry due to the way offshore renewable energy strategy is being implemented nationally, because there has been a failure to co-ordinate the roll-out of ORE and biodiversity strategies with the need to protect the fishing industry and its traditional fishing grounds..
He says that “the fishing sector fully supports the need for climate change measures, but there is a need for balanced thinking and understanding that fishing is a source of food security.
In this MARINE TIMES interview he outlined fishermen’s concerns to Tom MacSweeney. Listen to the Podcast here
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