A massive new deep-sea coral reef has been discovered off the west coast.
Marine researchers from NUI Galway have found a virtually untouched 200sq km rugged area of seabed covered in 100m high underwater hills and coral plants more than three times the normal size, reports breakingnews.ie. Dr Anthony Grehan, NUI Galway, said if protected the virtually untouched site could benefit dwindling fish stocks and possibly aid medical research.
“These are by far the most pristine, thriving and hence spectacular examples of cold-water coral reefs that I’ve encountered in almost 10 years of study in Irish waters,” he said. “There is also evidence of recent recruitment of corals and many other reef animals in the area suggesting this area is an important source of larvae supply to other areas further along the Porcupine Bank.”
Researchers said they have discovered 40 reef covered mounds on the southern end of the Porcupine Bank 320km off the west coast. Dr Grehan described the reef as rugged seabed terrain, unsuitable for trawlers and said the area would be an excellent candidate for an off-shore coral Special Area of Conservation. Four SAC areas have already been identified off Ireland.
A massive new deep-sea coral reef has been discovered off the west coast.
Marine researchers from NUI Galway have found a virtually untouched 200sq km rugged area of seabed covered in 100m high underwater hills and coral plants more than three times the normal size, reports breakingnews.ie. Dr Anthony Grehan, NUI Galway, said if protected the virtually untouched site could benefit dwindling fish stocks and possibly aid medical research.
“These are by far the most pristine, thriving and hence spectacular examples of cold-water coral reefs that I’ve encountered in almost 10 years of study in Irish waters,” he said. “There is also evidence of recent recruitment of corals and many other reef animals in the area suggesting this area is an important source of larvae supply to other areas further along the Porcupine Bank.”
Researchers said they have discovered 40 reef covered mounds on the southern end of the Porcupine Bank 320km off the west coast. Dr Grehan described the reef as rugged seabed terrain, unsuitable for trawlers and said the area would be an excellent candidate for an off-shore coral Special Area of Conservation. Four SAC areas have already been identified off Ireland.
Minister of State and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen has welcomed the allocation of 40,000 euro to Raidió Rí-Rá to enable the online broadcaster to remain operational for another year.
Raidió Rí-Rá is a chart music station that was established in March 2008. It broadcasts live online, through Irish, 24 hours a day and receives 35,000 hits per month. It has received two nominations for the Oireachtas na Gaeilge communication awards. The funding allocation has been made under the Ciste na Gaeilge (Irish Language Fund), which supports various projects and organisations whose aim it is to promote the Irish language.
According to Minister Killeen, “One of the primary objectives of Raidió Rí-Rá is to sustain the Irish language and to inspire people to speak Irish in areas outside the Gaeltacht. The provision of funding will allow younger people to continue to improve their Irish language skills through the mediums of contemporary music and the Internet”. “Increased access to the Internet means investment in the use of this technology for the purpose of promoting the Irish language is essential. I am delighted to see that many young people across Clare have displayed an interest in this station and I am sure that the service will continue to play an important role in promoting the Irish language among the County’s young Irish speakers”, he added.
The Ciste na Gaeilge grant was approved this week by Éamon �" Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
A massive new deep-sea coral reef has been discovered off the west coast.
