08/06/2004
Queen's team in unique coral find
A unique cold water coral reef has been discovered in Scotland with the help of scientists from Queen's University and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Located just inside the Hebrides, near the island of Mingulay, the coral reef is a rarity because it is believed to be the only one in the UK to be found within inshore waters.
Researchers from Queen's Agricultural and Environmental Science Division joined forces with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and countryside agencies as part of a wider initiative to map unknown areas of seabed between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Dr Matthew Service, who led the Queen's/DARD team, explained further: "There had been lot of anecdotal evidence and historical records about the presence of a coral reef, but it wasn't until my team on board the RV Lough Foyle investigated further that we uncovered the extensive reef.
"Our work revealed an extensive coral harbouring the cold water coral Lophelia pertusa, which is unique in the UK for being the only example of such a reef within inshore waters."
Under the MINCH project (Mapping Inshore Coral Habitats) scientists on board DARD's research vessel 'RV Lough Foyle' used a number of techniques, including a multibeam echosounder which recorded detailed pictures of the topography of the seabed.
The multibeam information was also used to help target underwater video work and grab sampling to reveal the wealth of life at various sites.
Following on from their Hebridean discovery the Queen's/DARD team is now taking part in a €4 million European-wide initiative, funded by the INTERREG programme to map European seabed habitats. Known as the MESH project, it involves Holland, France, Belgium, Ireland and Scotland.
(MB)
Located just inside the Hebrides, near the island of Mingulay, the coral reef is a rarity because it is believed to be the only one in the UK to be found within inshore waters.
Researchers from Queen's Agricultural and Environmental Science Division joined forces with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and countryside agencies as part of a wider initiative to map unknown areas of seabed between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Dr Matthew Service, who led the Queen's/DARD team, explained further: "There had been lot of anecdotal evidence and historical records about the presence of a coral reef, but it wasn't until my team on board the RV Lough Foyle investigated further that we uncovered the extensive reef.
"Our work revealed an extensive coral harbouring the cold water coral Lophelia pertusa, which is unique in the UK for being the only example of such a reef within inshore waters."
Under the MINCH project (Mapping Inshore Coral Habitats) scientists on board DARD's research vessel 'RV Lough Foyle' used a number of techniques, including a multibeam echosounder which recorded detailed pictures of the topography of the seabed.
The multibeam information was also used to help target underwater video work and grab sampling to reveal the wealth of life at various sites.
Following on from their Hebridean discovery the Queen's/DARD team is now taking part in a €4 million European-wide initiative, funded by the INTERREG programme to map European seabed habitats. Known as the MESH project, it involves Holland, France, Belgium, Ireland and Scotland.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 September 2011
'Team NI Executive' Backs '999 Team'
NI Executive Ministers have been celebrating with the Sports, Justice and Public Safety Ministers all joining forces and congratulating team members from the Fire, Police and Prison Services who recently took part in the World Police and Fire Games.
'Team NI Executive' Backs '999 Team'
NI Executive Ministers have been celebrating with the Sports, Justice and Public Safety Ministers all joining forces and congratulating team members from the Fire, Police and Prison Services who recently took part in the World Police and Fire Games.
07 October 2005
NI academic leads research into Mozambique riches
The stunning yet unknown coastline of Mozambique could hold the key to boosting the country’s faltering economy – according to a leading coastal research expert. Professor Andrew Cooper from the University of Ulster’s Centre for Coastal and Marine Research, is currently leading a study to assess the state of Mozambique’s shores.
NI academic leads research into Mozambique riches
The stunning yet unknown coastline of Mozambique could hold the key to boosting the country’s faltering economy – according to a leading coastal research expert. Professor Andrew Cooper from the University of Ulster’s Centre for Coastal and Marine Research, is currently leading a study to assess the state of Mozambique’s shores.
13 December 2023
£7m South Belfast Flood Scheme Complete
A £7 million flood alleviation scheme in South Belfast has been successfully completed by NI Water.
£7m South Belfast Flood Scheme Complete
A £7 million flood alleviation scheme in South Belfast has been successfully completed by NI Water.
30 September 2021
Four Arrested During Lisburn Vehicle Stop
Four people have been arrested during a vehicle stop in the Lisburn area. Police stopped the vehicle, a Skoda Fabia, after the new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Intercept Team identified the car as connected to a number of thefts and attempted thefts in the Armagh and Lisburn areas.
Four Arrested During Lisburn Vehicle Stop
Four people have been arrested during a vehicle stop in the Lisburn area. Police stopped the vehicle, a Skoda Fabia, after the new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Intercept Team identified the car as connected to a number of thefts and attempted thefts in the Armagh and Lisburn areas.
27 November 2019
£35k Cocaine Seized In Co L'Derry
Police have seized cocaine worth £35,000 in Co L'Derry. Officers from the District Support Team said three people were awoken from their sleep during searches in Magherafelt. The individuals were later arrested.
£35k Cocaine Seized In Co L'Derry
Police have seized cocaine worth £35,000 in Co L'Derry. Officers from the District Support Team said three people were awoken from their sleep during searches in Magherafelt. The individuals were later arrested.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.