Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Cuan na Gaillimhe 2024: a multi-disciplinary environmental research survey of Galway Bay

Primary Funding Agency

Marine Institute

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Coastal embayments and estuaries are among the environments impacted most by anthropogenic stressors. They, including examples around Ireland, are often important sites of economic activity; and, likely to be increasingly so in the future. Their sustainable development, aligned with the ethos of the SDGs, and underpinned by national and international legislation, is essential; this, almost certainly, will take place against a backdrop of their ecological functioning being compromised further by global and local scale anthropogenic stressors. It is imperative we understand better the current status of these ecosystems, and can predict their sensitivity to, and the outcomes of, future anthropogenic change. We have identified two thematic areas relevant to national strategic objectives informed by national and EU policies and legislation, where there are currently major knowledge gaps that additional data and the use of novel methodologies can redress: (1) environmental monitoring to detect changes over time in the structure of marine invertebrate communities, including the occurrence of non-native introduced species; (2) understanding the carbon budgets of offshore marine settings, in terms of the carbon stock represented by the biomass; and, the incorporation of carbon from the biosphere into the geosphere (and the possibility anthropogenic activities could reverse this). CnaG24 is an environmental research survey of Galway Bay that will contribute significantly to both thematic areas. It represents a collaboration among researchers from diverse subject areas, spanning what are, traditionally, different disciplines. This, plus its focus on one location, facilitates multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approaches to generation of knowledge deliverables and outputs. To maximise impact, we have incorporated initiatives to upscale the community of practice and identify future collaborations, as a catalyst to leveraging funding at national and European levels. Greater engagement with cohorts of relevant stakeholders maximises the likelihood of data-driven approaches informing the design and implementation of policy and legislation.

Grant Approved

�160,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

1. Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

12/01/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

21/01/2024