Special Issue:Special Issue: Official Opening of Official Opening of

the Lewis Glucksman the Lewis Glucksman Marine Research FacilityMarine Research Facility

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CC MRCMRC News News Nuachtlitir an Ionad Acmhainní Cósta is MaraNuachtlitir an Ionad Acmhainní Cósta is Mara

The Quarterly Newsletter of The Quarterly Newsletter of the Coastal & Marine Resources Centrethe Coastal & Marine Resources Centre, est. 1994, est. 1994 Issue 3, Autumn 2003Issue 3, Autumn 2003

Some of the CMRC staff in front of the new Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility. Left to right: Michelle Cronin, Mick Mackey, CMRC Manager Valerie Cummins, Gerry Sutton, Katherine Cronin, Declan Dunne, ERI Director John Davenport, Trish Clayton, Vicki O’Donnell, UCC President Gerard T. Wrixon, Daphne Roycroft, Liz O’Dea, Jeremy Gault, and Éamonn Ó Tuama. (Photo: Provision Photography)

Dr. Lewis Glucksman and his wife Loretta Brennan Glucksman were special guests of honour on September 4th at the official opening of the Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility. Thanks to Dr. Glucksman’s generosity, part of the old stores on the Naval Base at Haulbowline were imaginatively renovated to accommodate the new research offices, which have housed the CMRC since May 2003. Minister for Defence Michael Smith, TD, officially opened the building in front of 180 guests including Brazilian Ambassador Stelio Marcos Amarante, TDs, local representatives, members of the Irish Naval Service and representatives from a variety of national and international organisations involved in coastal and marine research and management.

Official OpeningOfficial Opening

The official opening of the Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility by Minister for Defence Michael Smith, TD, was the highlight of the summer at the CMRC. In-depth coverage of the event is provided in this special issue of our newsletter.

Meanwhile, the seabirds and sea mammals group took advantage of the good summer weather to study the seasonal change and habitat use of Harbour Seals in the Bantry and Kenmare Bay region in addition to carrying out the first ever aerial survey of Harbour Seals along the entire Republic of Ireland coast.

Three CMRC staff recently returned from a successful voyage aboard the RV Celtic Voyager, which focused on the collection of high resolution underwater video footage of the seabed in collaboration with the Marine Institute, Irish Sea Fisheries Board (BIM) and NUI Galway.

The centre maintains its successful record of attracting new projects. Funding from the Department of the Marine was secured for a needs assessment on tide gauges; the BIBLIOMARA project has been extended by the Heritage Council; and a proposal submitted under the Marie Curie Programme of the EU’s 6th Framework to provide training o n I n t e g r a t e d C o a s t a l Management and GIS was successful.

To keep up to date on these and other stories, click on the News link on our web site (http://cmrc.ucc.ie).

Left: UCC President Gerard T. Wrixon and Minister for Defence Michael Smith, TD, with Lore t t a and Le wis G lucksman . (Pho to : Provision Photography)

Thursday September 4th dawned warm and sunny and the last minute fears of rain sodden dignitaries and wind swept guards of honour abated. The weeks of planning and effort that had gone into organising the official opening of the new offices had come to fruition. Staff from the Centre, together with those from the UCC offices of the President, Buildings and Estates, and Public Relations, contributed enormously to making the day a success.

The morning began with an inspection of an Irish Naval Service Guard of Honour by Minister for Defence Michael Smith, TD, which took place on the waterfront in front of the new Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility. Guests then had the opportunity to view the building. The opening ceremony took place in an adjacent marquee and was followed by a seafood buffet lunch.

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FOCUS: Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility Opening

Lewis Glucksman’s Commitment to UCCLewis Glucksman’s Commitment to UCC Private funding for the renovation was provided by philanthropist Dr. Lewis Glucksman, who is the chairman of the Cork University Foundation. Dr. Glucksman has a strong background in the university sector along with an impressive record in the world of high finance. Prior to moving to Cork he was chairman of Glucksman & Company, an investment banking firm which he founded in 1984. Lewis developed a love of the sea while serving in the United States Navy during and after the Second World War. He and his wife, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, who is the chairman of the American-Ireland Fund, have supported numerous educational projects in the US and in Ireland.

Lewis and Loretta Brennan Glucksman stand in front of the new Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility with Gerard T. Wrixon, President of UCC. (Photo: Provision Photography)

Above: Preparations for the day were many, including the marquee where the ceremony and lunch took place. (Photo: Mick Mackey) Right: Kevin Flannery, Julie Maguire, Sandra Irwin, and Trish Clayton enjoy the view of Cobh. (Photo: Mick Mackey)

Above: Róisín Murphy, Mary Murphy, Helen Bradley, and Aileen Hegarty tour the new offices. (Photo: Mick Mackey)

Below: Former CMRC Manager Niamh Connolly visits with Kevin and Anne Cummins. (Photo: Mick Mackey)

Above: An Irish Naval Service Guard of Honour began the morning in style in front of the new facility. (Photo: Mick Mackey)

Finally, Professor John Davenport, Director of the Environmental Research Institute, spoke of the CMRC’s valuable contribution to the activities of the ERI, and underlined Lewis Glucksman’s “vision and generosity” which made the relocation possible.

Professor Gerard T. Wrixon, President of UCC, expressed how the Glucksmans have shown tireless devotion to Ireland, and in particular with their patronage of marine science at UCC.

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FOCUS: Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility Opening

The coastal processes and seabed mapping focus articles have been held over to the next issue.

A Historic LocationA Historic Location

A defensive fort was first established in Haulbowline in 1602, but it soon fell into disrepair and was without a garrison until the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642. It ultimately succumbed to the Parliamentarian side as Cromwell advanced across the country. After the Restoration the fort was much neglected. In the 1700s the island once more came to prominence with the establishment by Lord Inchiquin of the “Water Club”, which was later to become the first yacht club in the world. The Martello tower, which still stands today, indicates its importance as a defensive site against French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1806 work commenced on the construction of the naval supply depot, and it is in one of these storehouses that the new Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility is located. Throughout the 1800s the Royal Navy further developed the island and by World War I there were over 3,000 men working there. In 1923 the island was formally transferred to the Irish Government and in 1948 responsibility was handed over to the Department of Defence, who have continued this role to the present day.

~ Based on History of Haulbowline, compiled by Lt. Cdr. D.N. Brunicardi (1964).

Minister Smith said that he was delighted to support the relocation of the CMRC offices to Haulbowline, particularly because for once his department was not being asked for any funding!

Dr. Glucksman then unveiled the plaque, which will be placed on the building, officially designating it as the “Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility”.

Brazilian Ambassador Enthusiastic for CollaborationBrazilian Ambassador Enthusiastic for Collaboration Since January, Brazilian researcher N.L. Vijaykumar (Vijay) from the Brazilian Space Research Institute (INPE) has been working at the CMRC on climate modelling. Vijay was instrumental in attracting the the Brazilian Ambassador Stelio Marcos Amarante and Attaché for Cultural and Scientific Affairs Alan Sellos to the opening. The Ambassador is keen to improve economic ties between Ireland and Brazil and hopes that the link initiated between UCC and INPE can be further strengthened via collaborative research programmes and researcher exchanges. He is currently working on making the improved scientific collaboration a reality.

UCC President Gerard T. Wrixon, Minister for Defence Michael Smith, TD, and Brazilian Ambassador Stelio Marcos Amarante. (Photo: Provision Photography)

At the opening ceremony CMRC Manager Val Cummins welcomed guests on behalf of all CMRC staff and expressed her profound gratitude to Dr. Glucksman for making the opening of the facility possible. She also thanked the President of UCC, Gerard T. Wrixon and Professor John Davenport for UCC’s continued support of CMRC activities.

Flag Officer Commodore Frank Lynch welcomed the CMRC staff to the Naval Base and said he was looking forward to cooperation on research projects of mutual interest between the CMRC and the Irish Naval Service.

Professor John Davenport, UCC President Gerard T. Wrixon, Dr. Lewis Glucksman, and Minister for Defence Michael Smith, TD, unveil the plaque commemorating the opening, which will be displayed at the entrance of the new Lewis Glucksman Marine Research Facility. (Photos: Provision Photography)

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Other News

CMRC News is published quarterly by the CMRC. A pdf version can be found at: http://cmrc.ucc.ie/news. Editor: Ned Dwyer, n.dwyer@ucc.ie Layout and Design: Liz O’Dea, l.odea@ucc.ie Additional Photos: Liz O’Dea Disclaimer: The views expressed by the CMRC are not necessarily those of either the ERI or UCC.

Need for an Irish Tide Gauge Network Need for an Irish Tide Gauge Network The CMRC, together with the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) of UCC and the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratories of Plymouth, have initiated a study into the needs and requirements for the installation of a tide guage network around Ireland. The three month project will issue a set of recommendations for action to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. For more information contact Gerry Sutton (gerry.sutton@ucc.ie) or Cathal O’Mahony (c.omahony@ucc.ie).

New Faces at the CMRC New Faces at the CMRC Gráinne Lynch has taken up the post of Executive Assistant, having previously worked in the Finance Department at Novartis in Ringaskiddy. She has qualifications in secretarial/computer studies and information technology, and is looking forward to new challenges at the CMRC.

Suirbhé ón Spéir ar na Róinte BeagaSuirbhé ón Spéir ar na Róinte Beaga

Is é seo an chéad uair ina raibh suirbhé ón spéir déanta ar daonra na róinte beaga timpeall ar chósta Phoblacht na hÉireann. D’ióc an tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Pháirceanna agus Fhiadhúlra as an staidéar. Bhí na taidheoiri ón CMRC ag obair le foireann ón Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), ollscóil St. Andrews in Albain agus rinne siad an suirbhé thar naoi lá i rith mí Lúnasa. Bhain siad usáid as ceamara teirmeach a bhí ar bord héileacaptar chun na róinte a comhaireamh. Bhí suirbhé deanta i dTuaisceart na hÉireann an bhlian seo cáite agus measadh go raibh 4195 ainmhí ar a laghad timpeall ar chósta an oílean. Tá níos mó eolas le fáil ag Michelle Cronin (michelle.cronin@ucc.ie) nó ar an suíomh idirlín http://cmrc.ucc.ie/news.

National Harbour Seal SurveyNational Harbour Seal Survey

For the first time, a comprehensive aerial survey of the Harbour Seal population has been carried out around the entire coast of the Republic. The survey was funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Researchers from the CMRC joined the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at St. Andrews University, Scotland, in counting seals over a nine day period in August with the aid of a helicopter-mounted thermal imaging camera. When combined with Harbour Seal population estimates for Northern Ireland from a 2002 survey, the minimum Harbour Seal population estimate is 4195 animals. For more information, see http://cmrc.ucc.ie/news or contact Michelle Cronin (michelle.cronin@ucc.ie).

Tying the KnotTying the Knot

Saturday October 4th was a day of great celebration as CMRC Manager Va lerie Cummins married Ken Cotter in Ladysbridge, Co. Cork. The reception was held in the Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton, from where there were stunning views over the sea. Valerie and Ken then took off to the sun for a couple of weeks for a well earned break. We wish them all the best for their future together.

VIMS Visitors get their Feet Wet!VIMS Visitors get their Feet Wet! Marcia Berman and H a r r y B e r q u i s t , researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, join Val Cummins and Vicki O’Donnell on the water in Cork Harbour to share their experiences in coastline surveys. They and three other VIMS staff members spent a week in July learning about current CMRC projects.

Beach CBeach Clean Effortlean Effort

Sixteen staff and friends spent a sunny Sunday in June removing rubbish from a stretch of beach at Ballynamona in East Cork. Over thirty-five bags of rubbish were collected along a 1 km stretch of coast, highlighting the poor state of maintenance of many of our beaches. Among items collected were syringes, fishing tackle, plastic and aluminium drink containers, as well as dozens of Pampers wet wipes which fell from a container ship near the southern coast of England. Cork County Council generously donated the rubbish collection service after the event.

Staff and friends collected over 35 bags of rubbish.

Photos: Michelle C

ronin (above), C

allan Duck (right)

Photo: Bob Gammisch

Coastal and Marine Resources Centre ERI, University College Cork

Naval Base, Haulbowline Cobh, County Cork

Ireland Tel: +353 21 4703100 Fax: +353 21 4703132

http://cmrc.ucc.ie University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

Photo: Diarmuid Cotter