Loughs Agency leading SeaMonitor project to protect whales, dolphins, sharks, fish and seals with Malin Head listening station

The Derry-headquartered Loughs Agency is lead partner in the EU INTERREG VA-funded SeaMonitor project, which is deploying innovative species tracking technology to help conserve important native species.

Since April, scientists from across the multi-national partnership have managed to safely tag and release over 250 fish from five rivers in Ireland - north and south - and Scotland.

The technology, called acoustic telemetry, involves deploying a series of listening stations from Malin Head, Ireland to the island of Islay in Scotland that will record transmissions from a variety of marine species tagged by the project’s scientists.

The data, which is due to be downloaded from the receivers in the autumn, will be used to support the conservation of a variety of vulnerable

species such as salmon, basking sharks, skate, dolphins, whales and seals.

Loughs Agency Designated Officer, Sharon McMahon, explained: “Loughs Agency are proud to be leading the way alongside expert colleagues to deliver such significant and innovative marine research infrastructure that will ultimately help protect some of our most important and vulnerable marine species.

"The Agency’s team together with project partners are continuing to work hard to ensure project objectives are delivered during these unprecedented times, while maintaining the appropriate social distancing and health and safety protocols for field work.”

Funding for the SeaMonitor project has been provided under the environment objective of the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), to the tune of €4.7m.

Match-funding for this project has been provided by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in Ireland.

Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body, said: “I’m delighted to see such significant achievements for the Sea Monitor project given the

significant challenges faced by all involved.

"This is a much-needed step forward for the conservation of a number of vulnerable species within our shared oceans. It only serves to highlight the benefits that are created through strong, mutually beneficial cross-border partnerships in the management of marine protected areas and species.

"Well done to all involved for advancing our understanding of our seas,” she continued.

For more information about the project visit: www.loughs-agency.org/seamonitor or follow the project on Twitter (@SeaMonitor1)