Sharp increase in offshore research

At least 70 European and US marine research vessels have been working in Irish waters during the past two years, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, has confirmed.

The vessels carried almost 1,000 scientists - some of whom are Irish - and their presence indicates the value of Ireland's offshore resources, the Minister said at yesterday's opening of the Year of the Ocean conference, hosted by the Marine Institute.

Addressing the conference in Dublin Castle, the Minister said there had been a significant growth in research activities in these waters in the last two years. In 1996, there were seven research cruises with 60 scientists. Currently, there are at least two foreign research vessels working every day. In a bid to improve Irish participation using this State's research vessel, the 31-metre Celtic Voyager, the Minister said he had approved an investment of £500,000

for new scientific equipment. This will include current meters, temperature and salinity sensors, acoustic equipment and satellite positioning beacons. It will enable the Marine Institute to participate in a major new metocean (ocean weather) study partnership with the oil exploration companies and the Irish marine technology sector, the Minister said.

Details of a new project on the Rockall Trough will be unveiled early in the new year, he added.

"This investment will also facilitate further Irish investment in major oceanographic studies in the area, and in particular the co-operative work with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAAA)."

The Irish-US link involving the Marine Institute and NOAAA was confirmed during the recent visit to Ireland by President Clinton.

The Year of the Ocean conference continues in Dublin Castle today and involves more than 200 participants.