Showing papers in "Biology and Environment-proceedings of The Royal Irish Academy in 2008"

A review of remediation and control systems for the treatment of agricultural waste water in ireland to satisfy the requirements of the water framework directive

Abstract: In Ireland agricultural activities have been identified as major sources of nutrient input to receiving waters, and it has been estimated that these activities contribute 75.3% of the N and 33.4% of the P found in these waters. The strategy at European level focuses on the prevention of nutrient loss by improved farm management. However, it does not focus on nutrient remediation or incidental nutrient loss from farmyard manures to surface water and groundwater. This review describes the impact of agriculture on the environment in Ireland and examines emerging technologies for agricultural waste-water treatment. An integrated approach at pretreatment and field stages for nitrate (NO 3 ) remediation and P control is recommended.

Benthic diatoms of the river deel: diversity and community structure

Abstract: This paper compares the diversity and structure of the benthic diatom assemblages on boulder and cobble substrata and examines the influence of site and seasonal factors on diatom diversity in the River Deel, Co. Limerick. One hundred and ten diatom species were identified from the River Deel, with 85 species found on boulders over a two-year period and 102 species found on cobbles over a one-year period. There was little difference in the composition of the diatom community on boulders between sites. Some differences were noted between sites for cobbles, with a small number of species being more associated with certain sites than others. The absence of marked differences between the sites was attributed to the lack of longitudinal variation in the main channel of the River Deel. On both substrates, indicator species analysis showed that the abundance of most diatom species was not related to sampling date. On boulders, only fourteen species in 1999 and twenty-one species in 2000 had a significant association with any sampling date. Twelve cobble species had a significant association with a sampling date (principally May). There was little correspondence between significant indicator species on cobbles and boulders. The patterns of dominance of diatom species differed between the boulder and cobble substrates over the sampling period, and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) showed that diatom samples formed two distinct groupings based on substrate.

What is the future for marine protected areas in Irish waters

Abstract: The UK and Ireland, in common with most other European states, are in the middle of a period of rapid expansion in the number of marine protected areas (MPAs). Most of these areas are being designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the EU Habitats Directive. This level of activity will dominate the future of MPAs in Irish waters, presenting opportunities for marine conservation and potentially bringing wider benefits to society. The success of SACs is likely to depend heavily on the attitudes and engagement of people that use protected sites (stakeholders). This article reports on a stakeholder workshop where the potential benefits of, achievement of the potential of, and improvements in MPAs were discussed. A lack of baseline data and inefficient communication of existing information appear to restrict the perceived success of some existing reserves. Improvements seem possible in legislative coherence, public engagement and the science base. Resources for monitoring and managing protected areas are always likely to be stretched. Ways have to be found to make use of whatever data are available, potentially leading to public access websites for each SAC, where stakeholders can upload information. There appeared to be a broad consensus on many points in the day's discussions. In keeping with the workshop format, individual participants were invited to emphasise areas of omission, disagreement or consensus in comments that follow the main body of this article.

Fin-ray count variation in 0-group flatfish: plaice ( pleuronectes platessa (l.)) and flounder ( platichthys flesus l.) on the west coast of ireland

Abstract: During the autumns of 2005 and 2006, 0-group plaice (Pleuronectes platessa (Linnaeus)) and flounder (Platichthys flesus Linnaeus) were collected from beaches in Galway and Kerry on the west coast of Ireland by beach seining and push netting. Characteristics used to identify adult flatfish were not discernible in these juveniles, and fin-ray counts were used to differentiate between the species. The dorsal, anal and caudal rays of 325 plaice and 116 flounder were counted and plotted, resulting in a clear separation between the two species. Thus, fin-ray counts may be used to reliably separate these two species on the west coast of Ireland. The ranges observed for both species lie within those previously reported. Analysis of fin-ray counts for both plaice and flounder showed no significant difference between the two regions studied. However, for plaice, a significant difference in dorsal fin-ray numbers was observed between the Galway beaches. No evidence of plaice/flounder hybrids, as identified by intermediate ray counts, was observed. There was no relationship between the numbers of dorsal and anal fin rays for plaice. However, a positive relationship was found between the numbers of dorsal and anal rays for flounder.

Probable acoustic recordings of sperm whales (physeter macrocephalus) along the north antrim coast, Northern Ireland

Abstract: Despite increasing numbers of stranding events of sperm whales in the British Isles, to date relatively little is known about the population status of these whales in the North Atlantic. Acoustic surveys of this deep-water species are advantageous over visual surveys as they have a greater detection range, can operate 24 hours a day in most weather conditions and are less affected by observer subjectivity. An acoustic survey to assess potential monitoring sites was carried out on the North Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, where sperm whale clicks were successfully detected and recorded. This study identifies potential for future acoustic monitoring of whales off the north coast of Ireland and highlights the potential value of the technique in population studies.