Climate change, technology research in Welsh and Irish fisheries secure funding

More than EUR 7 million (USD 7.4 million) of EU funds is being invested in science and technology projects to help protect marine life and develop the fisheries industry in Wales and Ireland.

The funding will support a scientific investigation of the opportunities and risks posed by climate change in the Irish Sea and the deployment of technology to reduce energy costs and help businesses develop new products and processes.

Both projects are being funded through the EU’s Ireland-Wales co-operation program, which aims to strengthen economic links and cross-border collaboration between the two countries.

Around EUR 5.5 million (USD 5.8 million) will support the Bluefish marine science partnership, which will investigate the effects of climate change in the Irish Sea on the sustainability of fish and shellfish.

Led by Bangor University, in partnership with Irish and Welsh organizations, the project will assess how climate change is affecting the health of fish stocks, the migratory movement of commercial fish and risks from new non-native species. It will develop solutions to help fisheries businesses adapt to environmental changes in the Irish Sea and capitalize on new commercial opportunities.

Dr. Shelagh Malham, senior research fellow at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, who is leading the project on behalf of the consortium, said: “We need to maintain a sustainable food supply chain. The combination of research between the academic partners and collaboration with industry partners should ensure that these vital industries receive the information and support they need to be more resilient to changes which the industry is already facing and will continue to face in coming years, and to react to opportunities.”

A further EUR 1.8 million (USD 1.9 million) of EU funds will support the Pisces project, which will develop and test a new “smart grid” electricity network to help reduce energy costs for the fisheries industry in Ireland and Wales.

The Telecommunications Software and Systems Group (TSSG) at Waterford Institute of Technology will research and design new energy networks in collaboration with Cardiff University, while Milford Haven Port Authority and Ireland’s seafood development agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), will work with businesses in the fish processing sector to provide live data and test sites.

Pisces aims to help fisheries businesses in remote locations minimize their exposure to energy price peaks, reduce their carbon footprint and improve the quality and security of energy supply.

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