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Publication Open Access Establishing a Data Culture Using Frameworks to Navigate the Waves of Marine Data(CODATA, 2025-09-08)The Marine Institute has worked to establish itself as a trusted source of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data through internationally recognised frameworks such as the Data Management Quality Management Framework and CoreTrustSeal. These have supported the effective handling of complex, multi stakeholder marine data central to Ireland’s Marine Spatial Planning. This paper presents a summary of these frameworks, and how they have evolved to meet ongoing needs, an analysis of how they fulfil international standards and principles, and lessons learned during their implementation. Preserving marine data is essential to maximise the long-term value of oceanographic research and environmental monitoring. Marine datasets, ranging from biodiversity and ocean chemistry to climate trends, require extensive resources to gather. Ensuring their preservation allows future researchers to analyse historical changes, improve predictive models, and collaborate across disciplines and regions. Standardisation, secure storage, and proper documentation are vital for keeping data accessible, interpretable, and trustworthy. The Marine Institute’s approach highlights that frameworks and certifications, while critical, are not enough. Success depends on a data culture that supports skilled and empowered people, clear communication, and continuous learning. Technical systems must be matched by human engagement and adequate resourcing. Marine data management is a collaborative discipline, requiring integration of people, technologies, and methodologies to ensure data quality and reuse. Through continued leadership support, staff engagement and a willingness to embrace change across all levels, the Marine Institute’s marine data management is well positioned for the future.Publication Open Access The Labadie, Jones and Cockburn Banks Nephrops Grounds (FU20-21) 2025 UWTV Survey Report and catch scenarios for 2026(Marine Institute, 2025)This report presents the main results of the 2025 underwater television (UWTV) survey conducted on the ‘Labadie, Jones and Cockburn Banks’ within ICES assessment area Functional Unit (FU) 20-21. The 2025 annual survey was multi-disciplinary, collecting UWTV footage along with other ecosystem data. A total of 93 UWTV stations were completed at 6 nm intervals over a randomised isometric grid design, resulting in 100% coverage of the area. The mean burrow density in 2025 was recorded at 0.17 burrows/m2 , indicating an increase from 0.11 burrows/m2 in 2024. The 2025 geostatistical abundance estimate was 1 791 million burrows, a 56% increase on the abundance from 2024 and resulting in a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4% well below the 20% upper limit recommended by SGNEPS (2012). Low to moderate burrow densities were observed throughout the surveyed grounds. Using the 2025 abundance estimate and updated stock data, the estimated catch for 2026, aligned with the ICES Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach, is projected at 3 171 tonnes, assuming no change in discard rates and fishery selection patterns from 2022–2024 average. One species of sea-pen (Virgularia mirabilis) was recorded at the surveyed stations. Trawl marks were observed at 30% of these stations.Publication Open Access The “Smalls” Nephrops Grounds (FU22) 2025 UWTV Survey Report and catch scenarios for 2026.(Marine Institute, 2025)This report provides the main results and findings of the twentieth annual underwater television survey on the ‘Smalls grounds’ ICES assessment area; Functional Unit 22. The survey was multi-disciplinary in nature collecting UWTV and other ecosystem data. A total of 45 UWTV stations were surveyed successfully (high quality image data), carried out over an isometric grid at 4.5nmi or 8.3km intervals. The precision, with a CV of 4%, was well below the upper limit of 20% recommended by SGNEPS (ICES, 2012). The 2025 abundance estimate was 23% higher than in 2024 and at 866 million is below the MSY Btrigger reference point (990 million). Using the 2025 estimate of abundance and updated stock data implies catch in 2026 that correspond to the ICES MSY approach of 2252 tonnes, assuming that discard rates and fishery selection patterns do not change from the average of 2022 - 2024. One species of sea pen was recorded as present at the stations surveyed: Virgularia mirabilis. Trawl marks were observed at 53% of the stations surveyed.Publication Open Access Annual Report 2024/Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2024 (English and Irish/Bilingual versions)(Marine Institute, 2025)The Marine Institute is the national agency for marine research, technology, development and innovation. It seeks to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland’s marine resource, promote sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programmes and essential scientific services, as well as safeguard Ireland’s natural marine resource through research and environmental monitoring. Ireland has a marine area of approximately 880,000 km2 under the sea, which is over 10 times its land area, representing an enormous seabed and marine resource. The Marine Institute promotes the sustainable development of this vast resource through research, the application of new technologies and by providing credible science-based advice to industry, the Government and the EU.Publication Open Access FU19 Nephrops Grounds 2025 UWTV Survey Report and catch scenarios for 2026(Marine Institute, 2025)This report provides the main results of the sixteenth underwater television survey of the various Nephrops patches in Functional Unit 19. The survey was multi-disciplinary in nature collecting UWTV and other ecosystem data. In 2025 a total of 42 UWTV stations were successfully completed. The mean density estimates varied considerably across the different patches. The 2025 raised abundance estimate showed an 11% decrease from the 2024 estimate and at 260 million burrows is below the MSY Btrigger reference point (430 million). Using the 2025 estimate of abundance and updated stock data implies catch in 2026 that correspond to the F ranges in the EU multi annual plan for Western Waters are between 317 and 357 tonnes (assuming that discard rates and fishery selection patterns do not change from the average of 2022–2024). Two species of sea pen were observed; Virgularia mirabilis and Pennatula phosphorea which have been observed on previous surveys of FU19. Trawl marks were observed at 7% of the stations surveyed.
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