Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions and comments. I have found this session very interesting. For anybody who has an interest in the maritime and aquatic world and marine ecosystems and wildlife, it has been essential viewing, as is probably the case for anybody interested in the future of this country and our oceans.

I thank all the witnesses for their incredible contributions. I have a few specific questions for specific witnesses and I will start with Dr. Berrow. Could I have a few more specifics on the potential impact of offshore floating wind farms in terms of their construction? Are any studies being done on how that will impact on cetaceans? I ask Dr. Berrow that because he is representing the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, IWDG. I ask also about the actual structure itself, including the hanging anchors which will, I suppose, be like the spokes of a wheel from the actual turbine. From the science we know, will the impact be negative or will there be potential for little ecosystems to form underneath those wind farms? I would like Dr. Berrow to elaborate on that.

Apparently, there is an increase in the number of cetaceans, such as the humpback whale. Four or five years ago, I kept a keen eye on the IWDG's humpback whale catalogue. Three or four years ago, the number was 33 animals. That number has increased to well over 100 in the space of approximately four or five years. There is clearly something happening there. Are more people observing them? Is there more food here for them and, if so, is that a result of climate action? I would like a comment on that because a record number of basking sharks have been reported this year. I spoke to the IWDG's sightings officer, Pádraig Whooley, recently, and there has been a peak in the sightings of basking sharks. Is this all connected? Is there something happening there in terms of food, particularly off the south-west coast?

This question is to Dr. Franki, and Deputy Bruton asked my question on carbon capture. In terms of oyster reefs and kelp forests, is there potential there for the prevention of coastal erosion? We are seeing more severe weather events and more storms and waves battering our coasts. Do these become really important not just in terms of carbon capture, but in terms of stopping our coastlines from flooding and eroding? I would like to hear a comment on that.

I would like to ask Ms McMahon about sensitivity mapping, which has to happen. How quickly can that happen? Is the data out there? Obviously, we are talking about where our inshore fishing fleet fish and where cetaceans gather. Although the IWDG provides a fantastic cetacean atlas, it is still very dependent on citizen science. How quickly can we get the appropriate sensitivity mapping that can enable us to make decisions on, for example, the location of a large offshore wind farm?

My next question is to Mr. Kavanagh. Obviously, we cannot talk about things maritime if we do not talk about the fishing sector. I had very interesting meeting last night with members of the inshore fishing sector. It seems they are very keen to work with NGOs and with Government in regard to areas that have been productive in the past for inshore fishing fleets. This relates to boats under 18 m and whitefish and non-quota shellfish. For them, the variety of the catch is very important. For example, if there was a ban on a certain whitefish, there is a fear the fleet would then target non-quota shellfish and that that could have a negative impact. I would like some comments on where the inshore fishing fleet fits in terms of a healthy marine environment.

There are a lot of specific questions there. I am sorry I left Dr. Whelan out. His presentation was incredibly interesting but, unfortunately, we are pressed for time.