Overview
The Marine Ecology Group (MEG) conducts fundamental and applied research on key marine species across the food web, from plankton to top predators and contribute scientific knowledge (generating high impact publications & conference presentations) to industry (SEAs, EIAs, industry led research programs) and to policy (advice on risk and mitigation, nationally and at EU level). Marine Ecology Group researchers have internationally recognised and nationally unique expertise in monitoring sensitive marine species, particularly higher predators such as seabirds and marine mammals protected under national and EU conservation legislation (e.g. EU Habitats Directive) and used as indicators of Good Environmental Status under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Core Research Areas Include
- National and regional scale programs on marine mammal distribution and habitat use (Irish continental shelf, Broadhaven Bay)
- Tagging and tracking key species (seals, seabirds, fish, jellyfish) to understand fine scale behaviour and habitat use
- Interactions of top marine predators and human activities (Fisheries, Oil & Gas, Marine Renewable Energy)
- Mitigation against impacts of maritime activities on sensitive marine species
- Science communication, outreach and teaching
Marine Ecology Group were awarded the Research Team of the Year Award in UCC in 2013, for excellence in science which took into account publications in top journals such as Nature and Science. Marine Ecology Group researchers contribute to teaching and learning in UCC, at undergraduate and postgraduate level, developing and delivering modules in Marine Biology and supervising and mentoring students.
