Mayo marine research facility opens doors to public

Later this month, members of the public will have a chance to meet with researchers, scientists, and staff from The Marine Institute to learn about the diverse research activities underway at the Newport Research Facility in County Mayo.

The Institute will host an Open Day on Sunday, 27th April, from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Visitors will be able to explore the facilities in Furnace, located in the Burrishoole catchment, and discover more about the ongoing scientific work at the site.

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading natural laboratories for the study of migratory fish, the Newport Facility has been in operation since 1955. It includes state-of-the-art laboratories, a freshwater hatchery, fish rearing units, fish census trapping stations, and a monitored freshwater lake and river catchment.

Research at the facility spans a wide range of areas, including genetic studies on species such as salmon, sea trout, sea bass, pollock, and bluefin tuna. The team also conducts research into catchment ecosystems, climate change, oceanography, and aquaculture.

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of The Marine Institute, said, “The Marine Institute’s Newport Research Facility is a hub for marine research in Ireland, and the Open Day is an opportunity for the public to engage with our research – from climate change and aquaculture to sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the freshwater hatchery and fish-rearing facilities, and learn about the Marine Institute’s tagging programmes for basking sharks and bluefin tuna.

Displays will feature tagging equipment, receivers, and informative videos showcasing the tagging process.

There will also be exhibits on the historical fishery, including a harpoon and samples of basking shark oil, offering a glimpse into past fishing practices.

In the Biology Laboratory, guests can explore the fascinating world of aquatic insects found in the Burrishoole catchment’s streams and lakes, and even test the quality of the local water.

The Open Day will also highlight the Institute’s fisheries research, with opportunities to see and touch fish species collected during surveys aboard the RV Celtic Explorer and RV Tom Crean.

Children are invited to join hands-on workshops where they can investigate ocean currents and plastic pollution, and learn how Earth’s rotation influences the movement of ocean waters. The Into the Deep workshop will dive into the layers of the ocean and explore how marine creatures have adapted to life in the deep sea.

Visit marine.ie for more.