Paul Connolly has been appointed CEO of the Marine Institute, Ireland’s state agency for marine research, technology development, and innovation.
The appointment follows the upcoming retirement of Peter Heffernan after 27 years as CEO of the institute.
Connolly is the current director of Fisheries and Ecosystems Advisory Services (FEAS) at the Marine Institute, leading a team of more than 80 scientists and staff to provide scientific advice on the sustainable exploitation of Ireland’s fisheries resource and marine ecosystems.
“Our marine resource offers significant opportunities for Ireland in areas of research and innovation, the sustainable development of our blue economy, and ocean observation to prepare for the impacts of climate change,” Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Michael Creed said during the appointment’s announcement. “With Dr. Connolly’s extensive experience in sustainable fisheries management, leading innovative and integrated research programs and driving strategic collaborations nationally and internationally, the Marine Institute will continue to deliver excellent science, advice, and technical support to government and industry.”
Connolly is a former president of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), and has also chaired the quarterly meetings of the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership (IFSRP) since it was established in 2008.
He led the development of the ICES Strategic Plan (2014-2018) which was adopted by 20 member countries, and worked closely with government, agencies and the Marine Institute team to develop Ireland’s integrated marine plan, “Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth.”
Photo courtesy of Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
