The annual INFOMAR Seminar was held in The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) on November 15th and 16th.
The focus of this year's seminar was on collaborating for marine resource management.
Day 1 of the seminar was opened by Koen Verbruggen, Director of the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and Mick Gillooly, Director at Marine Institute (MI).
Session 1 provided updates on progress and planning for INFOMAR Phase II presented by Sean Cullen (GSI), Tommy Furey (MI) and Ronan O'Toole (GSI). Conor Mowlds (NMCI) gave an introduction to the NMCI building and an overview of the work involved.
Session 2 focused on coastal mapping and collaboration within this area. Presentations were given on the use of remote sensing technologies and other specialised marine equipment used in research and in mapping the near shore, offshore and studies of the marine environment. John Owens of the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) presented on the collaborative work carried out earlier this year between INFOMAR and the AAIU during the Rescue 116 operation off the Mayo coast. A very poignant talk was given on the use of seabed mapping, which enabled the underwater wreckage location, search and recovery.
Session 3 was themed on the current and future links between Ireland and Europe and also on future initiatives for Atlantic seabed mapping. David O'Sullivan from the INFOMAR team in MI then closed day one with a presentation of the 2017 survey mapping Ireland's offshore reef habitat and showed some exceptional footage captured by the MI's ROV Holland I on board the Irish Lights vessel the ILV Granuaile. An interactive session followed giving attendees a chance to engage with members of the INFOMAR team, with displays based on INFOMAR data and associated projects (EMODNet) as well as posters representing the research being carried out by several Universities using INFOMAR data.
Day 2 of the seminar focused on developing Ireland's marine economy. Presentations were given on the opportunities and challenges within this area such as offshore wind farm development and other energy resources. The final session showcased developments in research and resources within the Marine sector particularly in the area of marine engineering.