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Project title

Integrated Environmental Managment and Monitoring System for Estuarine Ecosystems (Doctoral Studentship)

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Lead Applicant

Geraint Ellis

Project Abstract

This proposal aims to develop an integrated Environmental Management and Monitoring System (EMMS) for estuarine ecosystems in Ireland. The proposal sets out a detailed research programme encompassing three key stages: - 1) Developing a Normative Model; 2) Data Gathering and User Engagement; and 3) Analysis, Synthesis and Dissemination. Stage 1 involves reviewing international models of best practice in integrated estuarine management including an appraisal of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements for their sustainable management. This first stage will conclude with the development of a normative model of EMMS which will be tested in Stage 2 of the project. This second stage will apply the normative model to two case study areas, the Shannon and Liffey Estuaries. The normative model will be trialled for effectiveness in the management of these estuarine areas supported by stakeholder engagement, facilitated through the establishment of local working groups for each area. Stage 3 will include a performance analysis of the normative model based on the case studies. This will conclude in the development of an appropriate EMMS model which can be applied in any Irish estuarine context. Other project outputs include PhD thesis write up, academic papers, practitioner tools and dissemination through social media.

Grant Approved

�85,053.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Sectoral Impacts on Biodiversity

Start Date

06/01/2014

Initial Projected Completion Date

06/01/2017