MacDara Conroy
MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business
Salmon farmers have been reminded of the dangers of egg-bearing lice, despite a "sustained reduction" in their numbers according to a new report. "Pest control will always remain a challenge requiring active management," said Minister of State for Fisheries Sean…
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has reported the sighting of a humpback whale new to Irish waters. Andrew Malcolm of the IWDG along with Martin Colfer spotted the whale just west of Dunmore East - a year after…
The Commissioners of Irish Lights has said it consulted widely about discontinuing the last remaining fog signals around Ireland's coastline, The Irish Times reports. Nine lighthouses operated directly by the authority in the Republic and Northern Ireland, along with several…
The crew of the Sara G have begun their latest attempt on the world record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic by an ocean rowing boat. The six-man crew - skippered by Sara G owner Matt Craughwell and featuring…
New Fleet for World’s Longest Yacht Race, the Clipper Round the World Race
7th January 2011 Clipper Race
Sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has announced a brand new fleet of 70-foot racers for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Top naval architect Tony Castro has been commissioned to design the Clipper 70 fleet that will compete in…
The Portaferry RNLI lifeboat was involved in the rescue of four men from a fishing boat that ran aground off the coast last Monday evening, the Belfast Telegraph reports. The lifeboat aling with the Portaferry and Newcastle Coastguard and and…
Owners of boats moored on the River Shannon and its tributaries are counting the costs of the recent icy conditions which have caused the sinking of a high number of vessels. The Irish Times reports that the Inland Waterways Association…
Velux 5 Oceans skippers are battening down the hatches as a summer storm surges towards the fleet in the Southern Ocean - with giants swells and winds of more than 40 knots expected. “I’m a little anxious, I want to…
Oisín van Gelderen has won the Irish Speed Sailing Championship for 2010 after a phenomenal season. The Afloat.ie/Irish Independent Sailor of the Month for September 2010 had a clean slate of results for the year, posting the fastest speeds over…
Tributes have been paid to east Belfast maritime businessman Tommy Rodgers, whose funeral took place today, the Belfast Telegraph reports. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/business-news/maritime-industry-mourns-death-of-business-community-stalwart-15046115.html Entering the industry at the tender age of 15, Rodgers went on to found TR Shipping Servies and later…
Physical disability does not have to be a barrier to enjoying marine activities, says one wheelchair user who's recently qualified as a scuba dive instructor. Gary Allen, who has spina bifida, tells The Irish Times how he refused to let…
New Inspection Regime for Ships and Yachts in Europe, Russia, Canada
4th January 2011 Ports & Shipping
Yachts in Europe, Russia or Canada will face new marine safety inspections from 2011 following the implementation of the Paris MOU's New Inspection Regime (NIR), Sail World reports. http://www.sail-world.com/UK/Yachts-in-Europe:-new-marine-safety-inspections-from-Jan-2011/78723 Previously only 25% of ships and very few yachts were inspected…
A Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to rescue a woman from the water close to Bull Bridge in Clontarf on Sunday night, The Irish Times reports. http://news.ie.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=155746525 Four Coast Guard search teams were deployed to the area after a passer-by…
Dissatisfaction is growing among SB3 sailors regarding the cost of parking and membership at Dun Laoghaire's top yacht clubs. In correspondance seen by Afloat.ie, one leading sailor said that clubs "need to carefully consider their pricing policies or otherwise we…
The Tall Ships Races are expected to attract more than half a million visitors to the Suir estuary when they come to Waterford in six months' time. The four-day event, which begins on 30 June, brought 500,000 spectators to Waterford…
Supporters of Donegal woman Anne Marie Ward have urged the public to vote for her as 2010 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year. With just three days to go until the results are announced, Ward currently leads the…
The recent cold snap has posed a serious threat to Northern Ireland's fish. The Belfast Telegraph reports that thousands of salmon froze to death at a fish farm in Co Antrim last week as temperatures dropped well below zero. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/salmon-freeze-to-death-on-fish-farm-15038471.html…
The Minister of State for Natural Resources yesterday announced more details of river openings for fishing in the New Year due to improvement in the salmon stock. Minister Conor Lenihan announced that 52 rivers - two more than 2010 -…
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's (IWDG) recent workshop on the post-mortem examination of stranded dolphins and whales is hoped to encourage the building of much needed experience for Ireland's vets. http://www.iwdg.ie/article.asp?id=2430 More than 20 veterinarians from across the country…
Tourist anglers spent €89.9 million in Ireland in 2008, a marine leisure conference in Co Waterford heard recently. The importance of angling to the Irish economy was highlighted at the Rising Tide seminar in New Ross, an event focused on…
