This Science Week, the Marine Institute is sharing the work of the professionals who observe and monitor changes in Ireland's ocean.
Throughout November, the Marine Institute’s Oceans of Careers video series will showcase the diverse careers that support Ireland's marine environment and blue economy. Aligned with Science Week's theme - Then. Today. Tomorrow. the campaign will also explore how marine science has evolved.
Click here to see the full YouTube Playlist!
Then, Today, Tomorrow
In Ireland, the Atlantic Ocean is important to our daily lives – it influences our weather, and supports fisheries, aquaculture, ocean energy, shipping, tourism and leisure. Since the ocean plays a key role in regulating climate, understanding it is essential.
Ireland’s mild climate is due to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation which moves warm water north and cold water south, distributing heat around the Atlantic. Climate scientists predict this system is ‘very likely’ to weaken during this century due to human-caused climate change.
At Malin Head in Co Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost point, an ocean observatory has been recording the pulse of our seas for over six decades. Since 1958, sea surface temperature has been measured here by the Marine Institute, making it one of the longest-running ocean datasets in the country. The dataset shows a rising trend in sea surface temperatures of roughly 0.015 degrees per year, which might seem very small, but it equates to a 1°C rise in the last 65 years.
The Marine Institute’s Irish Ocean Climate and Ecosystems Status Report 2023, provides the latest evidence of ocean change in Irish waters. The report noted that sea levels are rising by 2-3mm each year since the 1990s, our surface ocean waters have become more acidic between 1991 and 2013, and harmful algal species have expanded their growth since 1990 and are present throughout the year. This research shows the impact of climate change is already evident in Irish marine waters.
Several platforms at sea provide continuous observations in Irish waters. The Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network provides crucial data to improve weather forecasts, and autonomous Argo floats and gliders collect information on climate variables. Equipment on Ireland’s marine research vessels, such as sensors that measure temperature and salinity from the ocean surface to the deep sea.
The data harvested from these platforms is used to drive ocean forecast models. Ocean models allow scientists to estimate and forecast the likely ocean conditions in the coming days and can provide projections on how our oceans will changes in the coming decades.
Observing and forecasting ocean conditions and climate are essential to create effective policies and make management decisions to safeguard our ocean.
Annual Ocean Climate Surveys
Dr Caroline Cusack leads the Oceanography and Ocean Climate Team at the Marine Institute. "Each year we undertake an ocean climate survey on board our research vessel to collect data in the Atlantic Ocean," Caroline explains.
"We transform complex ocean observations into practical information that fisheries, coastal planners, and emergency services use to make better decisions."
Predicting ocean processes
Dr Sara Cloux, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Ocean Modelling, uses computer simulations to understand ocean processes. "I collect data on sources of marine litter and create simulations that show how ocean currents transport plastics and where they accumulate along our coastlines."
"These simulations help identify the beaches most affected by pollution, supporting different institutions in developing policies for clearing and preventing pollution in our ocean."
Facilitating research at sea
Aodhán Fitzgerald, Research Vessels Operations Manager, co-ordinates Ireland's two marine research vessels, the RV Celtic Explorer and the RV Tom Crean, which each operate for over 300 days at sea each year.
"I work with scientists to ensure their equipment needs are met, co-ordinate with vessel crews, arrange diplomatic clearance for research in international waters, and manage operational logistics".
"These efforts have supported some remarkable discoveries, from deep-sea hydrothermal vents to rare shark nurseries off Ireland's coast."
This was Week 2 of the Marine Institute's four-week ‘Oceans of Careers’ series celebrating Science Week 2025. Week 3 explores ‘Safe Seafood: Ensuring Quality.’
Visit the Marine Institute site for more.
The official RTÉ Science Week website has more great content for curious minds.
