KFO NEWS
  • Latest News
  • EVENTS
  • EVENTS
  • New Page
  • New Page

University College Cork and the Marine Institute conducting Killer Whale Research

6/29/2016

 
Picture
Róisín Pinfield from the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences in University College Cork is studying the killer whales that forage around the pelagic trawlers during the Northeast Atlantic mackerel fishing season as part of her PhD. The three-year project is a joint Enterprise funded project from the Irish Research Council and the Marine Institute. Killer whales, or Orcas, are the largest of the dolphin species and one of the world's most powerful predators.

​
While known to skippers for a number of years, Róisín first noticed killer whale behaviour around fishing vessels for herself while out on the vessels as part of a BIM project in 2010/2011. During this time, there were numerous sightings of killer whales foraging around the Irish mackerel pelagic vessels, footage of which has been documented recently on TG4 Cogar series: Snámh in Aghaidh Easa. It is likely that this interaction between killer whales and mackerel pelagic trawlers is relatively recent in this region. The first reports date back to the early 1990s with killer whales foraging around mackerel freezer trawlers northeast of the Shetlands. Prior to this, killer whales were known to interact with mackerel purse seiners and, as such, the killer whales may still be in the process of adapting their foraging strategy around the pelagic trawlers. A study in 2006, reported observations of killer whale foraging around Scottish trawlers north and east of the Shetlands. However, there were no observations to the west and so it was not obvious if the killer whales followed the mackerel migration and the fishery westward. However, recent sightings show killer whales are also foraging around the fleet to the west of the Hebrides and south along the continental shelf into Irish waters. Whether this is a separate group of killer whales or the same as those seen around the Shetlands remains unknown. Killer whales are top marine predators in our oceans and as such, they are useful indicators of the health of marine ecosystems. Understanding population structure and more about their feeding ecology will improve the conservation needs of these top predators.
​
The planned research involves two researchers boarding the trawlers during the mackerel fishery to take photographs of each individual (for identification) along with obtaining skin samples using biopsy darting. The key questions we are aiming to answer are; Is there a single population of killer whale specialising year round on mackerel or are there several killer whale populations in the Northeast Atlantic coming together to use the mackerel as a seasonal food supply? Are they just feeding on mackerel or do they forage around horse mackerel hauls too? Is a certain gender or age class benefitting more from this feeding strategy? Where do they go at other times of the year? Are they related to any of the other killer whale groups known in the Northeast Atlantic? The research will involve comparing identification photographs and DNA from the skin samples with those obtained by researchers from other countries in the Northeast Atlantic in an attempt to reveal more about this particular group of killer whales.
 
The success of the project is heavily reliant on the good will of the skippers to allow Róisín and her research assistant to board their vessel. So, Róisín would like to put a call out to any of the fishermen involved in the mackerel fishery for a berth on their vessel for a trip this winter. She would also like to thank the skippers who have already allowed her to do so. Róisín would also be really keen for fishermen to get involved themselves in the research. If anyone would be willing to record time, date and positions of any killer whale sightings throughout the pelagic fishing season she would be very grateful. Any photographs of the animals would also be extremely useful for her research. In particular, it would be great if the pictures could include the dorsal fin and saddle patch like that shown in the insert in the above photograph. Any information regarding the killer whales, questions or queries are welcomed and can be directed to R.Pinfield@ucc.ie or 087 1210121.
 
Please note that all research activities are covered by University insurance and a biopsy permit will be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Health Products Regulatory Authority before the research recommences.

EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE Grand Chamber REJECTS COMMISSION’S APPEAL ON KFO MEMBERS SAFETY TONNAGE APPLICATIONS

6/15/2016

 
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice ruled today the 14th June to reject an appeal by the Commission to annul the General Court’s decision of 2014. The General Court had annulled the Commission’s decision of 2010 rejecting some KFO members Irish safety tonnage applications. This is the third time the safety tonnage applicants have been successful in the EU Court of Justice, the first time 2006, second time 2014 and now today  a ruling for a third time by the ECJ Grand Chamber. This is a long running saga that has been ongoing for almost fifteen years. The Court’s decision was to reject the Commission’s appeal and order the Commission to pay costs. The Court ruling also notes that the applicants had the right to bring an action for damages against the European Union relying on the illegality of the Commission’s initial decision.
 
Safety tonnage which relates to the volume of the vessel not to tonnes of fish covers enhanced safety measures on aboard the fishing vessel such as shelter decks, raised wheelhouses, increasing the freeboard and improvements to crew accommodation.
 
The Chief Executive of the KFO Sean O’Donoghue said on hearing the ruling:-
 

“I am delighted but not surprised in light of the Advocate General’s opinion given in January 2016 that the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice has ruled to reject the Commission appeal to General Court’s decision of 2014. I wish to congratulate the owners on the outcome and for the courage to appeal the Commission’s flawed decisions in the first instance and to continue this long and very arduous battle relating to their safety tonnage applications. I also wish to thank the excellent legal team of Eileen Barrington SC and Noel Travers SC and DP Barry & Company Solicitors for a job well done.” He added” this has  gone on far too long almost fifteen years with the Commission continually trying to find ways to thwart and delay the very necessary and legitimate safety tonnage applications. I am now calling on the Commission in light of this third ruling by the Grand Chamber against them to immediately rectify the situation to satisfaction of the applicants.”

    KFO News

    The Killybegs Fishermans Organisation Ltd, we want to keep our members informed as to whats happening in the news for the KFO, and issues that effect you and  helping you stay up to date in one place.

    Archives

    December 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    August 2015
    September 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.