One Year On: Advancing Marine Ecosystem Extent Mapping
By Darragh Corcoran, the CMPSC’s Ireland Correspondent
July 20th, 2024
Hello again, Cape May community! My name is Darragh Corcoran, and if we haven't met yet, you might remember me from my summers spent working and living in this beautiful corner of the world. I’m thrilled to reconnect with you in my role as Foreign Science Correspondent for the Cape May Point Science Center.
It's been a year since I first introduced myself in my initial blog post on September 10, 2023. Since then, I have been deeply engaged in my PhD research on marine ecosystem extent mapping at the University of Galway. I’m excited to share the progress and new insights that have emerged from my research over the past twelve months, culminating in my recent presentation, "Marine Ecosystem Extent Mapping: A Transatlantic Perspective," at the Science Center on July 3rd, 2024.
Advancing Marine Ecosystem Mapping
Over the past year, my work has focused on developing comprehensive ecosystem accounts for Ireland’s marine and coastal environments. This effort, supported by the Cullen Scholarship, involves collaboration with the University of Galway, the Irish Marine Institute, and the Central Statistics Office. By treating nature as an asset, we can better protect and sustainably manage our precious resources.
Ecosystem accounting treats natural environments as assets that provide valuable services, such as food production, carbon storage, and recreational opportunities. By quantifying these services, we can integrate their value into national economic accounts, ensuring they are considered in policy and management decisions. This approach supports informed policy decisions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Key Milestones and Research
One significant milestone in my research has been the development of methodologies for ecosystem extent and condition accounts. This involves mapping and assessing the conditions of various marine ecosystems around Ireland. Using the UN's System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) framework, we have started to quantify and value the services provided by these ecosystems. This comprehensive approach helps in making informed policy decisions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
New Insights and Progress
In my recent presentation at the Science Center, I highlighted the benefits and challenges of integrating offshore wind energy projects with marine protected areas (MPAs). Ireland has ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to install 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. However, this development must be balanced with the need to protect marine biodiversity. My research examines how these seemingly conflicting goals can coexist through careful planning and management. Notably, we have developed new techniques for assessing the ecological impact of these projects, which can be adapted for use in other regions, including Cape May.
One new insight from my research is the potential for offshore wind farms to act as artificial reefs, creating new habitats for marine life. This finding suggests that, with careful planning and management, offshore wind projects can have positive ecological impacts in addition to their renewable energy benefits. However, it is crucial to mitigate any negative impacts on existing marine activities, such as fishing, through effective regulation and stakeholder engagement.
Addressing Concerns and Future Directions
One common concern is the impact of wind farms on fisheries. Offshore wind farms have the potential to create artificial reefs, providing new habitats for fish and potentially enhancing local fisheries. Careful management is required to alleviate any negative impacts on fishing activities. This includes monitoring fish populations, ensuring that wind farm construction does not disrupt important spawning grounds, and working closely with the fishing community to address their concerns.
Looking ahead, my research will continue to explore the intersection of marine ecosystem conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable economic development. By collaborating with international bodies and stakeholders, I hope to apply these insights both in Ireland and here in New Jersey. This includes expanding our understanding of how marine ecosystems respond to human activities and developing strategies to promote resilience and adaptability in these environments.
The Role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
MPAs are crucial for conserving marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable fisheries. Over the past year, I have studied various MPAs in Ireland, focusing on their role in preserving habitats for species such as cold-water corals, dolphins, and sharks. My findings suggest that with proper management, MPAs can coexist with offshore wind farms, benefiting both conservation efforts and renewable energy production.
MPAs play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by providing safe havens where marine life can thrive without the pressures of fishing, pollution, or other human activities. They help protect biodiversity, support fish populations, and maintain ecosystem functions that are essential for human well-being. In Ireland, the goal is to expand the network of MPAs to cover 30% of marine waters by 2030, ensuring comprehensive protection for critical habitats and species.
The Cape May Point Science Center's Role
The Cape May Point Science Center has been instrumental in supporting my research and providing a platform to share my findings. The Center, nestled among the dune grasses at New Jersey’s southernmost point, plays a vital role in advancing ecological research, education, and advocacy. Its mission aligns perfectly with my work, emphasizing the importance of protecting and sustainably managing our natural environments.
The Science Center's initiatives include educational programs, community outreach, and support for research projects like mine. By fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face, the Center helps build a community that is informed and engaged in conservation efforts. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving long-term sustainability and resilience in our natural environments.
Community Involvement
I encourage everyone to get involved with the Science Center's initiatives. Whether through volunteering, attending educational programs, or supporting research efforts, there are many ways to contribute to our shared goal of environmental conservation. For example, local citizen science projects can play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting our marine ecosystems. Engaging in beach clean-ups, participating in wildlife surveys, and advocating for sustainable practices are all ways the community can make a difference.
You can follow my work and updates through the Science Center’s website and newsletters. By staying informed and involved, you can help ensure that our natural environments are protected for future generations. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems.
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the future. My PhD research aims to bridge the gap between economic development and environmental conservation, and with your support, we can make significant strides in protecting our precious marine ecosystems.
By developing comprehensive ecosystem accounts, we can better understand the value of our natural resources and make informed decisions that benefit both the economy and the environment. The principles of ecosystem accounting are not only applicable in Ireland but are also highly relevant to the US, especially in regions like Cape May.
Darragh Corcoran
DarraghPCorcoran@gmail.com
