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Coastwatch

An environmental group seeking healthy seas and informed public participation in environmental monitoring, management and restoration.

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Annual Coastwatch Autumn Survey (Sep. 15th - Oct 15th 2026)

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Annual Autumn Citizen Science Shore Survey Season has officially arrived again. It runs from September 15-October 15, 2026 but this year, we have improved the data inputting system and you will be able to access submitted data and work with it. This is due to technical updates from Ivan Lubyako.

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INPUT YOUR SURVEY DATA HERE

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2026 SURVEY INPUT

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The goal of Coastwatch Europe (CWE) is the protection and sustainable use of coastal resources, and informed public participation in environmental planning and management. Coastwatch Europe is driven by public participation.

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Book your 2026 Annual Autumn Citizen Science Survey units today!
Survey info/booking here: https://www.coastwatch.org/all-ireland-survey-autumn-2026
(Zoom in on the map until you see blue/white survey units)

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Annual Autumn Citizen Science Shore Survey Season has officially arrived again. It runs from September 15-October 15, 2026 but this year, we have finally improved the data inputting system and you will be able to access submitted data and work with it. This is due to technical updates from Ivan Lubyako & Kevin Lynch.

In 2025 we received 670 reports from the island of Ireland which is above average and are delighted with the quality too! After preliminary clean up and duplicate removal, we analysed information from 644 survey units and launched the results in December 2025 at The European Commission Representation of Ireland offices in Dublin!
We are so grateful to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for supporting The Survey again.

As the survey season nears, we will send out another note with upcoming Training Events around the country & certain species, threats, and marine litter to keep an eye out for.

We really look forward to another Autumn of Citizen Science. In 2026, this survey will simultaneously be carried out across Spain, Portugal, Romania and Morocco so that we can compare data from the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea!

On September 11 we will have a zoom call open to all surveyors where you can meet the team and any questions can be answered!

Book your 2026 Annual Autumn Citizen Science Survey units today!
Survey info/booking here: https://www.coastwatch.org/all-ireland-survey-autumn-2026
(Zoom in on the map until you see blue/white survey units)

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Annual Autumn Citizen Science Shore Survey Season has officially arrived again. It runs from September 15-October 15, 2026 but this year, we have finally improved the data inputting system and you will be able to access submitted data and work with it. This is due to technical updates from Ivan Lubyako & Kevin Lynch.

In 2025 we received 670 reports from the island of Ireland which is above average and are delighted with the quality too! After preliminary clean up and duplicate removal, we analysed information from 644 survey units and launched the results in December 2025 at The European Commission Representation of Ireland offices in Dublin!
We are so grateful to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for supporting The Survey again.

As the survey season nears, we will send out another note with upcoming Training Events around the country & certain species, threats, and marine litter to keep an eye out for.

We really look forward to another Autumn of Citizen Science. In 2026, this survey will simultaneously be carried out across Spain, Portugal, Romania and Morocco so that we can compare data from the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea!

On September 11 we will have a zoom call open to all surveyors where you can meet the team and any questions can be answered!

Thank you so much to all who joined us today at The European Representation in Ireland, Europe House, Dublin for our Coastal Monitoring, Protecting and Managing with Informed Citizens Conference!

Peter Power, Head of European Commission Representation welcomed the group of 30, including more4nature, Uta Wehn, Ong Mare Nostrum, Paiu Marian, Angelica Paiu, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Katherine Cronin, PhD, Sorcha Ni Longphuirt, Patrick Hall CEng, Office of Public Works, Irish Environmental Network, The Environmental Forum, Bernie Connolly, Irish Environmental Network, River Basin Management Service, Kevin O'Sullivan, Jennifer Cooney, The Irish Times, Linda Sinnott, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland, Robert Wilkes, The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce, jody power Aisling Corkery, Grace Watson, Mary Hachey and welcome to Daan Gammeter our new intern!

A full report of the day will follow! Stay tuned!

Thank you so much to all who joined us today at The European Representation in Ireland, Europe House, Dublin for our Coastal Monitoring, Protecting and Managing with Informed Citizens Conference!

Peter Power, Head of European Commission Representation welcomed the group of 30, including more4nature, Uta Wehn, Ong Mare Nostrum, Paiu Marian, Angelica Paiu, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Katherine Cronin, PhD, Sorcha Ni Longphuirt, Patrick Hall CEng, Office of Public Works, Irish Environmental Network, The Environmental Forum, Bernie Connolly, Irish Environmental Network, River Basin Management Service, Kevin O'Sullivan, Jennifer Cooney, The Irish Times, Linda Sinnott, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland, Robert Wilkes, The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce, jody power Aisling Corkery, Grace Watson, Mary Hachey and welcome to Daan Gammeter our new intern!

A full report of the day will follow! Stay tuned!

Thank you to Lorna Siggins for showcasing our 100 Seagrass Beds Found By Citizens Map which was launched by Minister Timmy Dooley on July 27th at @armadaspanishpoint in Quilty, Co. Clare. Keep eyes peeled for The Clare Champion and possible country wide publication this week!

Check out the article here: https://afloat.ie/marine-environment/marine-wildlife/item/72458-citizen-scientists-map-100-irish-seagrass-beds-nationwide

Huge thank you to Minister Timmy Dooley, Michael Shannon, Cathaoirleach of West Clare, Councillor Dinny Gould, Clare County Council,
Oliver Ó Cadhla, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment,
Ruairí Ó Conchúir, River Basin Management Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Tara Keena, The Marine Institute, LIFE Project, Fergal McGrath, INFOMAR Seabed Mapping, Seafield Conservation Group, BannerGleo, The Armada Hotel & All who joined us! Jane Kelleher Milena Kotzev Grace Watson Karin Dubsky Frances Galloway Iker Arenzana King Kealan Arenzana King Mary Hachey Mick Berry

Thank you to Lorna Siggins for showcasing our 100 Seagrass Beds Found By Citizens Map which was launched by Minister Timmy Dooley on July 27th at @armadaspanishpoint in Quilty, Co. Clare. Keep eyes peeled for The Clare Champion and possible country wide publication this week!

Check out the article here: https://afloat.ie/marine-environment/marine-wildlife/item/72458-citizen-scientists-map-100-irish-seagrass-beds-nationwide

Huge thank you to Minister Timmy Dooley, Michael Shannon, Cathaoirleach of West Clare, Councillor Dinny Gould, Clare County Council,
Oliver Ó Cadhla, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment,
Ruairí Ó Conchúir, River Basin Management Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Tara Keena, The Marine Institute, LIFE Project, Fergal McGrath, INFOMAR Seabed Mapping, Seafield Conservation Group, BannerGleo, The Armada Hotel & All who joined us! Jane Kelleher Milena Kotzev Grace Watson Karin Dubsky Frances Galloway Iker Arenzana King Kealan Arenzana King Mary Hachey Mick Berry

Thank you so much for all the hard work & laughter Milena! Best of luck!🌀💚

Thank you so much for all the hard work & laughter Milena! Best of luck!🌀💚

Join us at Seafield Beach, Clare on Monday, July 27 for 100 Seagrass Beds Found by Citizen Scientists Map Launch by Minister Timmy Dooley TD!

Please let us know if you plan on joining!

Join us at Seafield Beach, Clare on Monday, July 27 for 100 Seagrass Beds Found by Citizen Scientists Map Launch by Minister Timmy Dooley TD!

Please let us know if you plan on joining!

Today we were in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries, speaking on pollution prevention and enforcement. We really appreciated the questions asked and thought it was a very productive session. Very happy our four amazing interns could join us as well!

Today we were in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries, speaking on pollution prevention and enforcement. We really appreciated the questions asked and thought it was a very productive session. Very happy our four amazing interns could join us as well!

Thank you so much to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for hosting us and for the delicious meal we shared for our Eco-Friendly Slipways Cleaning Event with Martina O'Brien, DLRD Biodiversity Officer, Tim Ryan, Harbour Operations Manager at DLRD CoCo and locals.

Coastwatch Intern, Elise Merckel, conducted a 5 week experiment testing no-bleach cleaning methods on slipways, concluding that hazardous chemicals were not needed to reduce slippyness. Coastwatch and team, showed how various brushing methods can be highly effective in making slipways safer for visitors without threatening biodiversity and human health or violating the law.

Coastwatch has begun a campaign to showcase the efficiency of ecological slipways cleaning methods and to encourage them around the country! More information and draft report here: https://www.coastwatch.org/post/no-bleach-near-water-protecting-our-sea-steps-slipways-and-marine-life

Thank you so much to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for hosting us and for the delicious meal we shared for our Eco-Friendly Slipways Cleaning Event with Martina O'Brien, DLRD Biodiversity Officer, Tim Ryan, Harbour Operations Manager at DLRD CoCo and locals.

Coastwatch Intern, Elise Merckel, conducted a 5 week experiment testing no-bleach cleaning methods on slipways, concluding that hazardous chemicals were not needed to reduce slippyness. Coastwatch and team, showed how various brushing methods can be highly effective in making slipways safer for visitors without threatening biodiversity and human health or violating the law.

Coastwatch has begun a campaign to showcase the efficiency of ecological slipways cleaning methods and to encourage them around the country! More information and draft report here: https://www.coastwatch.org/post/no-bleach-near-water-protecting-our-sea-steps-slipways-and-marine-life

Save The Date!!

Coastwatch Conference: Coastal Zone Monitoring & Restoration with Informed Citizen Participation

9am-3pm, August 28, 2026
The Europe House, 5 Balfe St, Dublin
as part of Irish EU Presidency

**August 27: Dublin Bay Fieldtrip
August 29: Full Day Fieldtrip**

Full Programme to follow!

Save The Date!!

Coastwatch Conference: Coastal Zone Monitoring & Restoration with Informed Citizen Participation

9am-3pm, August 28, 2026
The Europe House, 5 Balfe St, Dublin
as part of Irish EU Presidency

**August 27: Dublin Bay Fieldtrip
August 29: Full Day Fieldtrip**

Full Programme to follow!

⏰Important Note: Now starting at 11am-4pm!

This Saturday (13th June 2026) Coastwatch is heading back to Inishowen for an important event - a Cross-Border Search for Seagrass. Seagrass is a critical marine grass species and a habitat for various fish and other species, it protects our coastline and is a huge carbon sink.

This More4Nature Citizen Science event will be led by Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch Coordinator, Trish Murphy, Inishowen Rivers Trust, and Tom Hannigan, Coastwatch Donegal Regional Coordinator and will involve groups spreading out across parts of the Foyle to search for seagrass. We are particularly looking in areas of Lough Foyle where Seagrass once flourished to check on its status/health today. We also hope to ground truth satellite images prepared by Tracasa for habitat mapping.

If you are new to seagrass, you will learn what to look for and plot it on a map. We’ll also provide lunch and refreshments to keep you going.

We’re particularly looking for fisherman, rowers, kayakers, and sea swimmers who may have seen seagrass recently to join us.

Your local knowledge is critical to learning more. We would love to see you there on Saturday!

⏰Important Note: Now starting at 11am-4pm!

This Saturday (13th June 2026) Coastwatch is heading back to Inishowen for an important event - a Cross-Border Search for Seagrass. Seagrass is a critical marine grass species and a habitat for various fish and other species, it protects our coastline and is a huge carbon sink.

This More4Nature Citizen Science event will be led by Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch Coordinator, Trish Murphy, Inishowen Rivers Trust, and Tom Hannigan, Coastwatch Donegal Regional Coordinator and will involve groups spreading out across parts of the Foyle to search for seagrass. We are particularly looking in areas of Lough Foyle where Seagrass once flourished to check on its status/health today. We also hope to ground truth satellite images prepared by Tracasa for habitat mapping.

If you are new to seagrass, you will learn what to look for and plot it on a map. We’ll also provide lunch and refreshments to keep you going.

We’re particularly looking for fisherman, rowers, kayakers, and sea swimmers who may have seen seagrass recently to join us.

Your local knowledge is critical to learning more. We would love to see you there on Saturday!

Launch of Coastwatch bleach warning poster case on the Spirit of Shackleton with Enda O'Cioneen, Peter Scallan and coastwatchers Elise Merckel left, Karin Dubsky and Milena Kotzev.

Launch of Coastwatch bleach warning poster case on the Spirit of Shackleton with Enda O'Cioneen, Peter Scallan and coastwatchers Elise Merckel left, Karin Dubsky and Milena Kotzev.

Coastwatch hosted a Seagrass Information, Celebration and Training Event on the Clare-Galway border in collaboration with Galway County Council.

Last weekend at the Kinvara Community Centre, scientists, local authority biodiversity officers, an NPWS ranger, students, and Seagrass finders, minders & enthusiasts from 7 counties gathered to celebrate and discuss how to best map & protect the highly valuable species.

Out on the shore, the 30 participants visited Aughinish Causeway on the border of Co. Galway and Co. Clare and Lough Murree in Co. Clare. Even though it was spring low tide, an onshore wind kept the seagrass covered. Mick Berry and Hugh Ryan snorkelled out and described a bright green seagrass meadow running in bands with lower ground in between and and Sargassum and Ulva as visible issues. Sargassum and Ulva were also noticeable as participants waded around low shore.

However the animals found lifted hearts! There were spider crabs (found by Bernie Connolly) spiny starfish (the largest of our starfish in Irish waters!), washed up pieces of maerl, a beautiful & tiny sea clown nudibranch (found by Jane Kelleher), sea anemones, honeycomb reef, and a variety of aglae.

At the Lagoon, Cilian Roden walked along the edge and pointed out a lot of dislodged widgeon grass and Hugh Ryan retrieved growing Ruppia and Stuckenia pectinata, and Cilian showed how to differentiate between the two. This was recorded by Chris Garrett for a short identification video which will help with identifying Zostera, Ruppia and anything which at first sight looks similar.

Thank you so much to all who participated! Special thank you to Karin Dubsky, Rosina Joyce, Cilian Roden, and Juan Lugilde Yáñez for sharing expertise and enthusiasm. Also to Chris Garrett, who will be creating a video of the event and Anne Besse, who will report on the day on Near FM.

A full report by Coastwatch will follow shortly! Stay tuned!

Coastwatch hosted a Seagrass Information, Celebration and Training Event on the Clare-Galway border in collaboration with Galway County Council.

Last weekend at the Kinvara Community Centre, scientists, local authority biodiversity officers, an NPWS ranger, students, and Seagrass finders, minders & enthusiasts from 7 counties gathered to celebrate and discuss how to best map & protect the highly valuable species.

Out on the shore, the 30 participants visited Aughinish Causeway on the border of Co. Galway and Co. Clare and Lough Murree in Co. Clare. Even though it was spring low tide, an onshore wind kept the seagrass covered. Mick Berry and Hugh Ryan snorkelled out and described a bright green seagrass meadow running in bands with lower ground in between and and Sargassum and Ulva as visible issues. Sargassum and Ulva were also noticeable as participants waded around low shore.

However the animals found lifted hearts! There were spider crabs (found by Bernie Connolly) spiny starfish (the largest of our starfish in Irish waters!), washed up pieces of maerl, a beautiful & tiny sea clown nudibranch (found by Jane Kelleher), sea anemones, honeycomb reef, and a variety of aglae.

At the Lagoon, Cilian Roden walked along the edge and pointed out a lot of dislodged widgeon grass and Hugh Ryan retrieved growing Ruppia and Stuckenia pectinata, and Cilian showed how to differentiate between the two. This was recorded by Chris Garrett for a short identification video which will help with identifying Zostera, Ruppia and anything which at first sight looks similar.

Thank you so much to all who participated! Special thank you to Karin Dubsky, Rosina Joyce, Cilian Roden, and Juan Lugilde Yáñez for sharing expertise and enthusiasm. Also to Chris Garrett, who will be creating a video of the event and Anne Besse, who will report on the day on Near FM.

A full report by Coastwatch will follow shortly! Stay tuned!

Coastwatch's Karin Dubsky, Elise Merckel, Milena Kotzev and Patrick Veale amongst an excited crowd at The Rally for Ireland's Seas today in Dublin as Fair Seas's Jack O'Donovan Trá interview with a budding marine biologist has everyone in stitches!

Coastwatch's Karin Dubsky, Elise Merckel, Milena Kotzev and Patrick Veale amongst an excited crowd at The Rally for Ireland's Seas today in Dublin as Fair Seas's Jack O'Donovan Trá interview with a budding marine biologist has everyone in stitches!

Great day of Fieldwork on Lough Foyle with local Donegal School, Micheala Gallagher from the Inishowen Rivers Trust IRT & Mary Hachey from Coastwatch ( Irish Coastal Environment Group - Coastwatch).

We recorded coastal habitat types, shore biodiversity, and picked up lots of marine litter (after making a picture to show the fingerprint of the shore!). It was the first day of ground-truthing for our Lough Foyle case in collaboration with Tracasa Global who have done amazing work ( PhD. Raquel Gastesi Barasoain Idurre Barinagarrementeria Gemma Ventura Parra) under the more4nature project!

Looking forward to future fieldwork sessions at Lough Foyle!

Great day of Fieldwork on Lough Foyle with local Donegal School, Micheala Gallagher from the Inishowen Rivers Trust IRT & Mary Hachey from Coastwatch ( Irish Coastal Environment Group - Coastwatch).

We recorded coastal habitat types, shore biodiversity, and picked up lots of marine litter (after making a picture to show the fingerprint of the shore!). It was the first day of ground-truthing for our Lough Foyle case in collaboration with Tracasa Global who have done amazing work ( PhD. Raquel Gastesi Barasoain Idurre Barinagarrementeria Gemma Ventura Parra) under the more4nature project!

Looking forward to future fieldwork sessions at Lough Foyle!

On Friday, April 10, Coastwatch Regional Coordinators gathered from around the country to refresh and test the Coastwatch Annual Autumn Survey at Sandycove Point (S.U. 8x5x4x5). Thank you so much to all who travelled across the country to join!

We surveyed the shores of Dun Laoghaire, noting micro litter, seagrass beds and invasive alien species such as Sargassum muticum. We were so glad to have DLRD Biodiversity Officer, Martina O'Brien surveying with us, as she presented on IAS and explained the most effective way to remove sargassum (Stay tuned for Sargassum Removal Training Video Coming Soon!) Also for Heidi Bedell, Malahide Tidy Towns & Futureland.com who joined us!

As we input our survey data, we had the opportunity to test out our new and improved 2026 survey input process. Huge thank you to computer programmer, Ivan Lubyako, who merged the data submission into one simple form which now allows for surveyors to auto-fill information using past survey inputs!

We are looking forward to the quickly approaching 2026 survey season, which will kick off September 15th!

Also Huge Thanks to Regional Coordinator, Patrick Veale, who stayed behind in Ballycrovane, Cork at the restoration site! 👏 👏 👏

On Friday, April 10, Coastwatch Regional Coordinators gathered from around the country to refresh and test the Coastwatch Annual Autumn Survey at Sandycove Point (S.U. 8x5x4x5). Thank you so much to all who travelled across the country to join!

We surveyed the shores of Dun Laoghaire, noting micro litter, seagrass beds and invasive alien species such as Sargassum muticum. We were so glad to have DLRD Biodiversity Officer, Martina O'Brien surveying with us, as she presented on IAS and explained the most effective way to remove sargassum (Stay tuned for Sargassum Removal Training Video Coming Soon!) Also for Heidi Bedell, Malahide Tidy Towns & Futureland.com who joined us!

As we input our survey data, we had the opportunity to test out our new and improved 2026 survey input process. Huge thank you to computer programmer, Ivan Lubyako, who merged the data submission into one simple form which now allows for surveyors to auto-fill information using past survey inputs!

We are looking forward to the quickly approaching 2026 survey season, which will kick off September 15th!

Also Huge Thanks to Regional Coordinator, Patrick Veale, who stayed behind in Ballycrovane, Cork at the restoration site! 👏 👏 👏

On Wednesday 1st April Restoration of the Kenmare River SAC at Ballycrovane started.

Thank you for lovely collage of before and after photos by Bernie Connolly, showing diverted stream release, spoil taken off saltmarsh down to previous levels and the retaining wall being taken down.

Work was estimated to take 12 working days, but may be finished earlier. Today is day 8.

On Wednesday 1st April Restoration of the Kenmare River SAC at Ballycrovane started.

Thank you for lovely collage of before and after photos by Bernie Connolly, showing diverted stream release, spoil taken off saltmarsh down to previous levels and the retaining wall being taken down.

Work was estimated to take 12 working days, but may be finished earlier. Today is day 8.

Tomorrow April 1st low tide 10am the Ballycrovane restoration is to start.
Likely duration: 3 weeks

For more information and ways to support including monitoring please contact us.

@blueharefilms_ltd Drone Map.

Tomorrow April 1st low tide 10am the Ballycrovane restoration is to start.
Likely duration: 3 weeks

For more information and ways to support including monitoring please contact us.

@blueharefilms_ltd Drone Map.

Delighted that the Circuit Court directed restoration for Ballycrovane. This is a great day for nature. Special thanks to our legal team Kieran Hughes, B.L, and Brian Harrington, Solicitor, Harrington & Co. Thanks too to Bernie Connolly, our Regional Coordinator in Cork @theenvforum & Elise Merckel, Coastwatch Intern who were in Court today. @irishenvnet @iolnetwork @irishwildlifetrust @naturenetworkireland @conventiononwetlands @gordon_leonard @maryhacheyy @eoinwarner @blueharefilms_ltd @slackr @marielouiseheffernan

Delighted that the Circuit Court directed restoration for Ballycrovane. This is a great day for nature. Special thanks to our legal team Kieran Hughes, B.L, and Brian Harrington, Solicitor, Harrington & Co. Thanks too to Bernie Connolly, our Regional Coordinator in Cork @theenvforum & Elise Merckel, Coastwatch Intern who were in Court today. @irishenvnet @iolnetwork @irishwildlifetrust @naturenetworkireland @conventiononwetlands @gordon_leonard @maryhacheyy @eoinwarner @blueharefilms_ltd @slackr @marielouiseheffernan

1st Photo: Behind this new sea wall is newly made land. Until June 2025 it was lush brown seaweed forest with as Ascophum fronds as tall as a man.

2nd Photo: Damage and infill at the west end.

We just heard from our solicitor that our Ballycrovane - Kenmare River SAC case restoration part is to be heard and hopefully finish tomorrow morning in cork circuit court .

We thought it was to be adjourned once more but it’s for real.

Wish us luck or even join us. It’s listed for 10.30

Any questions contact Karin directly kdubsky@coastwatch.org or 086 8111 684

1st Photo: Behind this new sea wall is newly made land. Until June 2025 it was lush brown seaweed forest with as Ascophum fronds as tall as a man.

2nd Photo: Damage and infill at the west end.

We just heard from our solicitor that our Ballycrovane - Kenmare River SAC case restoration part is to be heard and hopefully finish tomorrow morning in cork circuit court .

We thought it was to be adjourned once more but it’s for real.

Wish us luck or even join us. It’s listed for 10.30

Any questions contact Karin directly kdubsky@coastwatch.org or 086 8111 684

Please join us to discuss the critical importance of Local & Traditional Knowledge in Estuaries!

WHEN: February 27, 2026 from 10:30-3:30pm
WHERE: Dooleys Hotel, 30 Merchants Quay, Trinity Without, X91 P86C, Waterford

Please RSVP here as there is limited space: https://www.coastwatch.org/event-details/local-traditional-knowledge-waterford-estuary-1

Please join us to discuss the critical importance of Local & Traditional Knowledge in Estuaries!

WHEN: February 27, 2026 from 10:30-3:30pm
WHERE: Dooleys Hotel, 30 Merchants Quay, Trinity Without, X91 P86C, Waterford

Please RSVP here as there is limited space: https://www.coastwatch.org/event-details/local-traditional-knowledge-waterford-estuary-1

Last week we had a Seagrass Meeting at Trinity College Dublin! We were joined by various government and local bodies, eNGO's, academics & researchers, and of course a few of our seagrass finders and minders!

After introductions and key inputs by Robert Wilkes, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland, we mapped the threats seagrass beds are facing and focused on
- what should and can be done to adequately protect and manage our seagrass resources
- what 30% seagrass restoration by 2030, as required in the EU Nature Restoration Regulations

In the second session, Katherine Cronin, PhD, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment presented on key elements required in the Nature Restoration Law. Fintan Kelly, Irish Environmental Network, and Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch presented on draft proposals for Nature Restoration from eNGO's perspective which were received really positively! Chaired by Nessa O'Connor.

In the final session we zoomed in on some specific sites around the country to review how size and state vary, the site specific pressures and to present what restoration in these areas could look like with citizen participation. Hearing from Tim Butter, Jane Kelleher, Iker Arenzana King, Kevin O'Leary, Mick Berry, and Roslyn Shaw on specific sites!

Thank you to all who participated! More detail on request.

Last week we had a Seagrass Meeting at Trinity College Dublin! We were joined by various government and local bodies, eNGO's, academics & researchers, and of course a few of our seagrass finders and minders!

After introductions and key inputs by Robert Wilkes, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland, we mapped the threats seagrass beds are facing and focused on
- what should and can be done to adequately protect and manage our seagrass resources
- what 30% seagrass restoration by 2030, as required in the EU Nature Restoration Regulations

In the second session, Katherine Cronin, PhD, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment presented on key elements required in the Nature Restoration Law. Fintan Kelly, Irish Environmental Network, and Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch presented on draft proposals for Nature Restoration from eNGO's perspective which were received really positively! Chaired by Nessa O'Connor.

In the final session we zoomed in on some specific sites around the country to review how size and state vary, the site specific pressures and to present what restoration in these areas could look like with citizen participation. Hearing from Tim Butter, Jane Kelleher, Iker Arenzana King, Kevin O'Leary, Mick Berry, and Roslyn Shaw on specific sites!

Thank you to all who participated! More detail on request.

Happy Valentine's Day from Coastwatch! ❤️

Happy Valentine's Day from Coastwatch! ❤️

Coastwatchers celebrated World Wetlands Day and St. Brigid’s Day.

Here is the event organised by Owen and Patrick in TCD and a look at Elise's willow cross - Wexford willow, crafted in Dublin by our new french intern.

Instead of rushes they used willow. Willow comes in different colours and has so many uses including keeping river banks together with their roots and cleaning water. They thrive all across Ireland’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Coastwatchers celebrated World Wetlands Day and St. Brigid’s Day.

Here is the event organised by Owen and Patrick in TCD and a look at Elise's willow cross - Wexford willow, crafted in Dublin by our new french intern.

Instead of rushes they used willow. Willow comes in different colours and has so many uses including keeping river banks together with their roots and cleaning water. They thrive all across Ireland’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

In honour of World Wetlands Day, our brilliant Donegal Regional Coordinator and Inishowen Rivers Trust IRT Project Officer, Dr. Trish Murphy, will be joining the conversation, exploring river rehabilitation, community action, accessing support, and building meaningful connections with local waterbodies at Local Authority Waters Programme Special WWD Webinar!

All are welcome! Register to join online on Tuesday, February 3, from 10am-12pm GMT.

In honour of World Wetlands Day, our brilliant Donegal Regional Coordinator and Inishowen Rivers Trust IRT Project Officer, Dr. Trish Murphy, will be joining the conversation, exploring river rehabilitation, community action, accessing support, and building meaningful connections with local waterbodies at Local Authority Waters Programme Special WWD Webinar!

All are welcome! Register to join online on Tuesday, February 3, from 10am-12pm GMT.

Coastwatchers in review meeting after Ballycrovane court case in Cork yesterday. Mood swings, from frustrations to bright new ideas on how to help nature.

Special thanks to our lawyers, engineering expert, Peter Fitzgerald, and Cork Regional Coordinator, Bernie Connolly for all of the support.

Stay tuned for more updates on Ballycrovane.

Coastwatchers in review meeting after Ballycrovane court case in Cork yesterday. Mood swings, from frustrations to bright new ideas on how to help nature.

Special thanks to our lawyers, engineering expert, Peter Fitzgerald, and Cork Regional Coordinator, Bernie Connolly for all of the support.

Stay tuned for more updates on Ballycrovane.

It was amazing to meet with Uta Wehn Professor of Citizen Science and Sustainability at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and more4nature Project Lead. We had the opportunity to discuss the next steps of our Citizen Science Seagrass Case and begin planning the More4Nature Conference that will take place this summer in Ireland! We are really looking forward to bringing together environmental advocates from all around the world to highlight how citizens and communities can be key actors in collaborative environmental compliance assurance.

We also want to give a huge thank you to Bernie Connolly, who played an absolutely crucial role in our work with More4Nature! She will be missed dearly in this project, but will continue to support Coastwatch and of course continue the incredible work she is doing as Development Coordinator of The Environmental Forum.

It was amazing to meet with Uta Wehn Professor of Citizen Science and Sustainability at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and more4nature Project Lead. We had the opportunity to discuss the next steps of our Citizen Science Seagrass Case and begin planning the More4Nature Conference that will take place this summer in Ireland! We are really looking forward to bringing together environmental advocates from all around the world to highlight how citizens and communities can be key actors in collaborative environmental compliance assurance.

We also want to give a huge thank you to Bernie Connolly, who played an absolutely crucial role in our work with More4Nature! She will be missed dearly in this project, but will continue to support Coastwatch and of course continue the incredible work she is doing as Development Coordinator of The Environmental Forum.

Catch up with our Coastwatch Core Team on the highlights, lowlights, and noteworthy results of the 2025 Autumn Shore Survey Results!

Our Survey, which has been active for nearly 40 years has given us amazing insight into our coastal environments, promoted the value of citizen science, influenced legislation, and has become a very rewarding practice for surveyors around the country! Every year we are so excited to dive into the data that is collected by our amazing volunteers!

Thank you again to all of those who participated in our 2025 Survey Results Launch and a very special thanks to Jack O'Donovan Trá from @fairseasireland for these brilliant clips!

Catch up with our Coastwatch Core Team on the highlights, lowlights, and noteworthy results of the 2025 Autumn Shore Survey Results!

Our Survey, which has been active for nearly 40 years has given us amazing insight into our coastal environments, promoted the value of citizen science, influenced legislation, and has become a very rewarding practice for surveyors around the country! Every year we are so excited to dive into the data that is collected by our amazing volunteers!

Thank you again to all of those who participated in our 2025 Survey Results Launch and a very special thanks to Jack O'Donovan Trá from @fairseasireland for these brilliant clips!

"The annual Coastwatch survey found while the number of discarded plastic drinks bottles has declined since the introduction of the deposit return scheme, other plastic rubbish is persisting or even increasing."

Check out the The Irish Times article on the range of results from our Annual Citizen Science Shore Survey!

Also! Reminder that tomorrow there will be more news on the 2025 Nitrates Derogations!

https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2025/12/08/pollution-and-littering-putting-pressure-on-shorelines/

"The annual Coastwatch survey found while the number of discarded plastic drinks bottles has declined since the introduction of the deposit return scheme, other plastic rubbish is persisting or even increasing."

Check out the The Irish Times article on the range of results from our Annual Citizen Science Shore Survey!

Also! Reminder that tomorrow there will be more news on the 2025 Nitrates Derogations!

https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2025/12/08/pollution-and-littering-putting-pressure-on-shorelines/

Thank you to all who participated in our Coastwatch Autumn Survey Results Launch 2025 and Marine Litter Prevention Workshop at the European Commission Representation Office in Ireland! Welcomed by Joan Flanagan, It was amazing to hear from our regional coordinators from all over the country discussing the highlights and lowlights of this years survey data from everything from Invasive Alien Species to Nitrates/Inflows to Biodiversity! With 644 survey units the Citizen Science Data was filled with unique snapshots of Ireland's shores. Pauline Tawil, Dreamocracy Brussels, Lawyer and Policy, More4nature Horizon project spoke about Citizen Science and compliance with environmental policy and law. Followed by Orlagh Kehoe, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, who focused on The SUP Directive: aims, overview and progress. After a quick lunch break, the Coastwatch team dove deeper into the Marine litter data covering macro-to-micro litter, drink container pollution and two case studies from Wexford and Louth. To finish off an eventful day, the group divided into two breakout rooms, covering compliance with SUP Directive consumer items and tackling the worst sources of marine litter. Groups led by Bernie Connolly, The Environmental Forum & Brian Jacob, CW Waterford RC and Jack O'Donovan Trá, Fair Seas & Karin Dubsky. Stay tuned for our 2025 Results Report!

Thank you to all who participated in our Coastwatch Autumn Survey Results Launch 2025 and Marine Litter Prevention Workshop at the European Commission Representation Office in Ireland! Welcomed by Joan Flanagan, It was amazing to hear from our regional coordinators from all over the country discussing the highlights and lowlights of this years survey data from everything from Invasive Alien Species to Nitrates/Inflows to Biodiversity! With 644 survey units the Citizen Science Data was filled with unique snapshots of Ireland's shores. Pauline Tawil, Dreamocracy Brussels, Lawyer and Policy, More4nature Horizon project spoke about Citizen Science and compliance with environmental policy and law. Followed by Orlagh Kehoe, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, who focused on The SUP Directive: aims, overview and progress. After a quick lunch break, the Coastwatch team dove deeper into the Marine litter data covering macro-to-micro litter, drink container pollution and two case studies from Wexford and Louth. To finish off an eventful day, the group divided into two breakout rooms, covering compliance with SUP Directive consumer items and tackling the worst sources of marine litter. Groups led by Bernie Connolly, The Environmental Forum & Brian Jacob, CW Waterford RC and Jack O'Donovan Trá, Fair Seas & Karin Dubsky. Stay tuned for our 2025 Results Report!

Joan Flanagan @euireland welcoming everyone to the 1st of our Results Events with Highlights/ Lowlights & a focus on Litter Results @gordon_leonard @nikaflicka @irishwildlifetrust @fairseasireland @gordon_leonard @iker.arenzana.king @irishenvnet @lawaters.ie

Joan Flanagan @euireland welcoming everyone to the 1st of our Results Events with Highlights/ Lowlights & a focus on Litter Results @gordon_leonard @nikaflicka @irishwildlifetrust @fairseasireland @gordon_leonard @iker.arenzana.king @irishenvnet @lawaters.ie

Rising temperatures are putting global agriculture at risk. At COP30, 100+ organizations from over 25 countries in 5 continents are urging governments to make a just transition away from industrial agriculture and align climate ambition with agroecology.

Add your voice reimaginefoodsystems.org

#COP30 #JustTransition #AgroecologyNow #AgAmbition

Rising temperatures are putting global agriculture at risk. At COP30, 100+ organizations from over 25 countries in 5 continents are urging governments to make a just transition away from industrial agriculture and align climate ambition with agroecology.

Add your voice reimaginefoodsystems.org

#COP30 #JustTransition #AgroecologyNow #AgAmbition

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Coastwatch Autumn Survey 2022 - 1st Results Lauch - Honeycomb Reefs

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Minister Darragh O'Brien launches the Coastwatch Autumn Survey 2021 results

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Meeting with Minister Darragh O Brien TD on the Malahide Estuary

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Coastwatch 'Biodiversity in rural areas’ Zoom meeting - Pippa Hackett

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Pilot Nature and Climate survey results by ÁngeI Duarte

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Launch of the Nature and Climate survey 2020 by Grace O Sullivan (MEP)

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How to download the Coastwatch Micro Litter App

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Invasive Alien Species - Coastwatch Ireland

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Our Sponsors

Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

for both Coastwatch Core Funding - through IEN and as main sponsor of the annual Coastwatch citizen science shore survey

The EU Research Horizon funding where Coastwatch is a proud partner in:

More4Nature

Ecotwin

Dun Laoghaire and Galway City Council, as well as LAWPRO for supporting our water workshops.

Contact Us

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Coastwatch Europe
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Trinity College Dublin
College Green
Dublin 2
Rep. of Ireland

KDubsky@Coastwatch.org

+353 (0)86 811 1684

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