AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
CE0805 Blue Whiting Acoustic Survey

An acoustic survey targeting blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) spawning and post spawning aggregations in the north east Atlantic in 2008.

Spawning takes place from January through to April along the shelf edge from the southern Porcupine Bank area northwards to the Faroe/Shetland Ridge including offshore areas as the Rosemary, Hatton and Rockall Banks. Peak spawning occurs between mid-March and mid April and acoustic surveys are timed to occur during this phase.  

The 2008 survey was part of an International collaborative survey using the vessels RV Celtic Explorer (Ireland), RV Fridtjof Nansen (Russia), RV Tridens (Netherlands) and the RV Magnus Heinason (Faroes) and the FV Gardar (Norwegian commercial charter).

This survey covered the primary core spawning area of blue whiting to the west of the Ireland and the Western Isles. The survey track commenced off the west coast of Ireland at the shelf break and progressed northwards to the Hebrides. Westward extension reached the eastern flanks of the Rockall Bank.

A parallel transect design was adopted with transects running perpendicular to the lines of bathymetry where possible. Acoustic data were collected using the Simrad ER60 scientific echosounder. 

Biological sampling was done using a single pelagic midwater trawl.Fish samples were divided into species composition by weight. Species other than the blue whiting were weighed as a component of the catch. Measurements of blue whiting lengths were recorded. Age, length, weight, sex, maturity and stomach fullness data were recorded.

A visual survey for marine mammals and seabirds was conducted during daylight hours.

Oceanographic data on temperature, depth and salinity (CTD) were collected at set stations.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, economy, elevation, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
CE13015 Celtic Sea Herring Acoustic Survey

This survey was conducted by the Marine Institute in Autumn 2013 as part of the annual Celtic Sea Herring Acoustic Survey. The aim of an acoustic survey is to determine the relative abundance of the target species. This information is then used to determine catch rates and management advice for the following year.

In the southwest of Ireland and the Celtic Sea herring are an important commercial species. Since 2004 the acoustic survey has been carried out in October on-board the RV Celtic Explorer. The geographical confines of the annual 21 day survey have been modified in recent years to include areas to the south of the main winter spawning grounds in an effort to identify the whereabouts of winter spawning fish before the annual inshore spawning migration. 

The 2013 survey covered the area from Loop Head in ICES Division VIIb in Co. Clare, and extended south along the western seaboard covering the main bays and inlets in Divisions VIIj and VIIg, in the Celtic Sea.

For biological sampling, a single pelagic midwater trawl was used. 21 trawl hauls were carried out. All components of the catch from the trawl hauls were sorted and weighed; fish and other taxa were identified to species level. Length measurements of herring, sprat and pilchard were taken. Acoustic data were collected using the Simrad EK60 scientific echosounder. Visual marine mammal and seabird surveys were also conducted during daylight hours. Oceanographic data (conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD)) was collected at preset stations.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, economy, elevation, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
CE0906 North-west Blue Whiting Acoustic Survey

An acoustic survey targeting blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) spawning and post spawning aggregations in the north east Atlantic in 2009.

Spawning takes place from January through to April along the shelf edge from the southern Porcupine Bank area northwards to the Faroe/Shetland Ridge including offshore areas as the Rosemary, Hatton and Rockall Banks. Peak spawning occurs between mid-March and mid April and acoustic surveys are timed to occur during this phase. To facilitate a more coordinated spatio-temporal approach to the survey participating countries meet
annually to discuss survey methods and define target areas at the ICES led Planning Group of Northern Pelagic Ecosystem Surveys (PGNAPES).

The survey covered the core spawning area of blue whiting to the west of Scotland and the Western Isles. The survey track commenced off the northwest coast of Ireland and progressed northwards to the Hebrides using east-west transects up to 300nmi long. Westward extension reached the western flanks of the Rockall Bank. The survey was carried out in continuity from south to north with no scheduled or unforeseen disruptions.

The 2009 survey was part of an International collaborative survey using the vessels RV Celtic Explorer (Ireland), RV Fridtjof Nansen (Russia), RV Tridens (Netherlands) and the RV Magnus Heinason (Faroes) and the FV Brennholm (Norwegian commercial charter).

A parallel transect design was adopted with transects running perpendicular to the lines of bathymetry where possible. Acoustic data were collected using the Simrad ER60 scientific echosounder. Cruising speed was  maintained at a maximum of 10 Kts (knots) where possible.

Biological sampling was done using a single pelagic midwater trawl. All components of the catch from the trawl hauls were sorted and weighed; fish and other taxa were identified to species level. Age, length, weight, sex, stomach fullness and maturity data were recorded for individual blue whiting within a random 50 fish sample from each trawl haul with a further 100 random length and weight measurements were also taken. All blue whiting were aged onboard. 

Oceanographic data on temperature, depth and salinity (CTD) were collected at set stations.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, economy, elevation, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
CE12003 Cetaceans on the Frontier III Survey

This multidisciplinary survey was conducted by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) on board the Marine Institute's R.V. Celtic Explorer, as part of the programme Cetaceans on the Frontier. ‘Cetaceans on the Frontier’ has become an annual research cruise, lead jointly by the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) which aims to record abundances and distribution of cetaceans along the continental shelf edge.

This cruise was designed to maximize the use of ship time by simultaneous surveys for cetaceans (acoustic and visual), seabirds (visual) and basking sharks (visual) during daylight hours, and backtracking at night for plankton sampling.

Dedicated surveying was carried out between 24th February and 5th March 2012. The survey area covered waters over the Porcupine Bank, Porcupine Seabight, Whittard Canyon System and Celtic Shelf, and so was predominantly designed to target deep-water canyon and slope habitat.

The survey vessel travelled at an average speed of 10 knots while on transect between the hours of 08:00 to 18:00 each day and Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) measurements and plankton hauls were carried out between 18:00 and 07:30.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, elevation, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
CE12001 Oceanography Survey

This ten day survey took place in January 2012 on board the RV Celtic Explorer, led by the Marine Institute. 

This cruise was designed to contribute Ireland's data to the ICES working group on oceanic hydrography (WGOH). WGOH produce the ICES Report on Ocean Climate (IROC) each year which summarises oceanic variability from year to year in the ICES region. The generation of long-term time series to monitor ocean climate is at the heart of understanding the likely impact of future ocean climate scenarios on key marine sectors. 

A total of 36 CTD sampling stations were occupied for a variety of parameters including nutrients, salinity and carbon measurements. Not all planned stations were surveyed due to bad weather conditions. Grab sampling and rock dredging was conducted at a number of additional stations on behalf of the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI). An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was deployed at wave energy test site (WETS) in Belmullet.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, elevation, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
Mackerel and Horse mackerel egg surveys 1992 - present

Every three years the ICES Working Group on Mackerel and Horse Mackerel Egg Surveys (WGMEGS) coordinates a major survey in the northeast Atlantic. These surveys cover the northeast Atlantic between the Gulf of Cadiz and currently the south coasts of Iceland and Faroes, between January and July. The surveys were started in 1977 by France and England. While these countries no longer participate the surveys have expanded and are currently carried out by ten nations.  The aim of the survey is to relate the number of freshly spawned eggs in the water column with the number of females having produced these eggs. Knowing the fecundity of the females and the sex ratio of the population allows for the provision of an estimate of the spawning-stock biomass (SSB) (ICES 2018). The survey collects positional and CTD data, as well as a plankton haul at every ICES half statistical rectangle. All fish eggs are extracted from the plankton samples. These eggs are subsequently identified and their stage of development noted. During the surveys opportunistic fishing hauls are also carried out, to collect histological samples from female mackerel and horse mackerel.

Tags: biota, elevation, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
CE10009 Cetaceans on the Frontier 2010 Survey

Benthic Sampling - Conducting sampling stations, using plankton and bongo nets, for phytoplankton, zooplankton and krill which form the basis of the food chain which supports cetaceans, seabirds and other marine megafauna in these habitats.
Condcuting CTD stations to measure salinity, water temperature and other key features of the water column overlying the slopes and canyon systems of the Porcupine Bank, Sea Bight and Whittard Canyon.
There may be scope to reduce the number of sampling stations to facilitate a project requiring night-time trawls and/or benthic sampling. (tbc)

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, elevation, environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
CE0903 Oceanographic Survey

In order to begin to collect key oceanographic data two dedicated research cruises are conducted annually in the Irish region. The foundation of these cruises is the acquisition of oceanographic data such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence and ocean currents. A cross service group function was introduced by acquiring phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish larva samples and gathering bathymetric data (including ground truthing samples) for the INFOMAR project. 

This inter-institutional and multi-disciplinary survey, led by the Marine Institute and National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), was conducted in February 2009 on board the R.V. Celtic Explorer. The main purpose of the cruise was to examine hydrographic conditions in Rockall Trough. A total of 43 stations were surveyed for a variety of parameters including CTDs (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth), grab samples and cores, nutrients, salinity and phytoplankton. Four ARGO floats were also deployed.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, elevation, environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
CE13016 MDACS Survey

The European Commission Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) required Member States to implement a range of measures including the monitoring of habitats for the protection of species listed in the Annexes of the Directive. One such habitat type listed in Annex l of this directive is Submarine Structures made by Leaking Gases (1180). These consist of structures such as sandstone slabs, pavements and pillars up to 4 m in height which are formed by aggregated carbonate cement resulting from microbial oxidation of gas emissions. There are a number of geological features within the Irish Sea which have formed in such a way as to lend themselves to the occurrence of accumulations, seepages and/or escapes of gas. 

This survey took place in February 2013  led by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in conjunction with the Marine Institute (MI) on board the R.V. Celtic Explorer. The focus area was in the Irish Sea  within the Kish Bank Basin, approximately 32km off shore in depths of between 50m to 80m using the under water tv (UWTV) camera.

Tags: biota, climatologymeteorologyatmosphere, elevation, environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) Inshore Shellfish Monitoring

Harmful Algal Bloom (HABS) inshore shellfish sample survey monitoring results since 2002. Monitoring results include the following for shellfish samples from designated aquaculture sites: Sample Code, Location Code, Location Name, Location XY, Species, Species Parameter Test, Bioassay Result [Positive/Negative], Chemistry Result [Value] and Site Status [Shellfish Production]. Quality data is available with the full metadata lineage. Note HABs Disclaimer applies to the provision of this data.

Tags: biota, environment, location, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
Atlas of Demersal Discarding

Demersal discards atlas provides information on discarding patterns by species and area by the various Irish demersal fleets. A number of potential technical measures to reduce discards are shown as well as two case studies showing the potential impact technical measures have on landings and discards. Societal demands to reduce discarding and other impacts associated with fishing are growing. Pressure is increasing on policy makers, fishermen and scientists to "do something about the discard problem". Discarding is high on the agenda in the upcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and within the Commission, Member States and the fishing industry there is considerable discussion on appropriate management measures to mitigate discarding. In order to address the issue, fisheries should first be evaluated (audited) to identify the specific discard problems and to reference these against the available mitigation tools (ie. measures to reduce discards). This Atlas represents a first attempt at auditing Irish fisheries and proposes some options to mitigate discards. It should be emphasised that discarding occurs in all international fleets operating in the waters around Ireland and that mitigation measures must be applied to all these fleets if we are to implement a successful discard reduction policy.

Tags: economy, environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Net Fishing Activity: Natura 2000 assessment v1.2

The dataset indicates the location of net fishing activity in Irish waters. Attributes when known include year, area, gear type, species, season, days per year (Days_Year), number of vessels (Vessels), vessel size (LOA_Max), gear units, classification, Area of polygon (Area_M2), and data type. This dataset was created in support of the Natura 2000 risk assessment in 2013. Please note that this dataset represents net fishing acitivty of vessels <15 metres length in Irish waters.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Atlas of Irish Groundfish Trawl Surveys

The purpose of the atlas is to communicate the key results from the Irish Groundfish Survey programme which is carried out annually in the waters around Ireland, and the Deepwater Survey programme conducted 2006-2009. Data is presented in a concise, visual and non technical format and provides an overview of the distribution and abundance of adult and juvenile fish species in Irish waters. Atlas is aimed at those involved in fisheries, environmental policy and management, the fishing industry, environmental Non Government Organisations (NGOs), scientists and the general public. More technical details on the data and analysis is described within the Atlas. Quality information is available in the full metadata lineage.

Tags: biota, environment, oceans
Organization: Marine Institute
Biologically Sensitive Area

In 2003 the EU Commission established a "Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA)" off the south west of Ireland and the area is shown on the map associated with the dataset. (Council Regulation (EC) No 1954/2003). In 2003, the EU also established a specific fishing effort regime inside the BSA and outside the BSA for demersal fishing vessels as well as scallop and crab fisheries (ie. different fishing effort regulations apply inside and outside of the box). The Regulation sets the maximum annual fishing effort for each Member State and for each area and fishery defined.

Tags: environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
Bottom Trawl Fishing Activity: Natura 2000 assessment v1.2

The dataset indicates the location for bottom trawl fishing activity in Irish waters. Attributes when known include year, area, gear type, species, season, days per year (Days_Year), number of vessels (Vessels), vessel size (LOA_Max), gear units, classification, Area of polygon (Area_M2), and data type. This dataset was created in support of the Natura 2000 risk assessment in 2013. Please note that this dataset represents bottom trawl activity for vessels <15 metres length in Irish waters.

Tags: environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
Dredge Fishing Activity: Natura 2000 assessment v1.2

The dataset indicates the location of dredge fishing activity in Irish waters. Attributes when known include year, area, gear type, species, season, days per year (Days_Year), number of vessels (Vessels), vessel size (LOA_Max), gear units, classification, Area of polygon (Area_M2), and data type. This dataset was created in support of the Natura 2000 risk assessment in 2013. Please note that this dataset represents dredging activity for vessels <15 metres length in Irish waters.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Line Fishing Activity: Natura 2000 assessment v1.2

The dataset indicates the location for line fishing activity in Irish waters. Attributes when known include year, area, gear type, species, season, days per year (Days_Year), number of vessels (Vessels), vessel size (LOA_Max), gear units, classification, Area of polygon (Area_M2), and data type. This dataset was created in support of the Natura 2000 risk assessment in 2013. Please note that this dataset represents line fishing activity of vessels <15 metres length in Irish waters.

Tags: environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
Making the European Fisheries Ecosystem Plan Operational (MEFEPO) North Western Waters Atlas

MEFEPO (Making the European Fisheries Ecosystem Plan Operational) is a group of ecologists, economists, management experts and fisheries scientists who are trying to make ecosystem based fisheries management a reality in Europe. This Atlas is intended for policy makers, managers and interested stakeholders. Its purpose is to provide an ecosystem overview of the North Western Waters area (NWW) Regional Advisory Council (RAC) area. This new edition of the Atlas has been modified in response to stakeholder feedback to provide updated information on the physical and chemical features, habitat types, biological features, birds, mammals, fishing activity and other human activities of the NWW region. Background material on four NWW case study fisheries is presented (North East Atlantic Mackerel, Northern Hake, Dublin Bay Prawn and Scallops). This NWW Atlas was produced by the Marine Institute, Ireland as part of the EU funded MEFEPO project.

Tags: environment, location
Organization: Marine Institute
MEFEPO North Western Waters Atlas 2nd Edition

MEFEPO (Making the European Fisheries Ecosystem Plan Operational) is a group of ecologists, economists, management experts and fisheries scientists who are trying to make ecosystem based fisheries management a reality in Europe. This Atlas is intended for policy makers, managers and interested stakeholders. Its purpose is to provide an ecosystem overview of the North Western Waters area (NWW) Regional Advisory Council (RAC) area. This new edition of the Atlas has been modified in response to stakeholder feedback to provide updated information on the physical and chemical features, habitat types, biological features, birds, mammals, fishing activity and other human activities of the NWW region. Background material on four NWW case study fisheries is presented (North East Atlantic Mackerel, Northern Hake, Dublin Bay Prawn and Scallops). This NWW Atlas was produced by the Marine Institute, Ireland as part of the EU funded MEFEPO project.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Mid-water Trawl Fishing Activity: Natura 2000 assessment v1.2

The dataset indicates the location for mid-water trawl fishing activity in Irish waters. Attributes when known include year, area, gear type, species, season, days per year (Days_Year), number of vessels (Vessels), vessel size (LOA_Max), gear units, classification, Area of polygon (Area_M2), and data type. This dataset was created in support of the Natura 2000 risk assessment in 2013. Please note that this dataset represents mid-water trawl activity for vessels <15 metres length in Irish waters.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Pot Fishing Activity: Natura 2000 assessment v1.2

The dataset indicates the location for pot fishing activity in Irish waters. Attributes when known include year, area, gear type, species, season, days per year (Days_Year), number of vessels (Vessels), vessel size (LOA_Max), gear units, classification, Area of polygon (Area_M2), and data type. This dataset was created in support of the Natura 2000 risk assessment in 2013. Please note that this dataset represents potting activity of vessels <15 metres length in Irish waters.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2009

This review presents information on the status of selected shellfish stocks in Ireland. In addition data on the fleet (<13m) and landings for all species of shellfish (excluding Nephrops) are presented. The intention of the annual reviews is to present stock assessment and scientific advice for shellfisheries which may be subject to new management proposals or where scientific advice is required in relation to assessing the environmental impact of shellfisheries especially in conservation areas designated under European Directives.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2010

This review presents information on the status of selected shellfish stocks in Ireland. In addition data on the fleet (<13m) and landings for all species of shellfish (excluding Nephrops) are presented. The intention of the annual reviews is to present stock assessment and scientific advice for shellfisheries which may be subject to new management proposals or where scientific advice is required in relation to assessing the environmental impact of shellfisheries especially in conservation areas designated under European Directives.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute
Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2011

This review presents information on the status of selected shellfish stocks in Ireland. In addition data on the fleet (<13m) and landings for all species of shellfish (excluding Nephrops) are presented. The intention of the annual reviews is to present stock assessment and scientific advice for shellfisheries which may be subject to new management proposals or where scientific advice is required in relation to assessing the environmental impact of shellfisheries especially in conservation areas designated under European Directives.

Tags: environment
Organization: Marine Institute