In This Section
Irish EU Presidency welcomes Fisheries Ministers to UCC
University College Cork (UCC) continued to play a role in Ireland’s EU Presidency as a reception was held this week to mark the Informal Meeting of European Union (EU) Fisheries Ministers. This was the second event hosted by the Government at UCC as part of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A reception in the Aula Maxima followed a showcase of Irish seafood and maritime heritage at Charles Fort, Kinsale, and a meeting in City Hall focused on enabling generational renewal in fisheries and aquaculture.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, TD, hosted the meeting, which was also attended by the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, the Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, as well as delegations from across EU Member States.
UCC’s contribution to EU and national policy
Between UCC Futures and the Sustainability Institute, nearly 500 researchers are addressing challenges such as biodiversity loss, marine governance, climate change, renewable energy and sustainable resource management, with expertise across marine science, fisheries management, food systems and environmental and maritime law.
UCC researchers played a leading role in the World Bank's multinational marine pollution project in the Black Sea region, contributing to the publication of ‘Blueing the Black Sea: Turning the Tide of Pollution’ and providing advisory legal briefings for Black Sea coastal states. UCC also leads the ObSERVE Programme, a nationwide aerial-survey initiative, covering almost half a million square kilometres of Ireland’s marine territory. Using planes flying carefully designed transects, researchers record the abundance and distribution of seabirds, dolphins, whales, and even turtles throughout the year. The data from ObSERVE is transforming how Ireland understands and manages its offshore environment.
UCC’s Interim Head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) Prof. Alan Kelly said:
“The College of Science, Engineering and Food Science at UCC has a long tradition of excellence in marine research and education. Together with colleagues across the university, our researchers have informed national energy, climate and maritime policy for over 20 years. Through our combined expertise in marine science, fisheries management, seafood innovation and maritime law, UCC is helping to generate the evidence, expertise and skilled graduates needed to support the sustainable future of our marine environments, coastal communities and maritime industries."
Dr Jean van Sinderen-Law, Director of European Relations & Public Affairs, represented UCC at the reception and spoke to those present on how UCC is a globally recognised leader in sustainability, with a long-standing reputation for excellence in marine and maritime research, education, and policy impact.
Dr van Sinderen-Law said: “Diplomacy thrives on the trust built between people. In an interconnected world, no policy can replace the transformative power of authentic human connection. By bringing European leaders and minds together, UCC provided the vital space where these essential relationships were forged and nurtured.”