Offshore wind is significantly contributing to the global effort against climate change and aiding the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Utilising our natural resources, such as wind energy, can help Ireland meet its climate goals and supply clean energy to homes, farms, and businesses.
As we continue with our drive to deliver offshore wind projects as part of our net zero strategy, we are committed to promoting the marine mammal observer (MMO) role in Ireland and helping to increase the number of qualified and experienced professionals through supporting bespoke MMO training programmes.
What are marine mammal observers?
Qualified MMOs are specialist environmental consultants responsible for monitoring marine megafauna such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks, during industry operations. They work to ensure the implementation of mitigation measures designed to protect marine life during various activities, and they are critical to the delivery of offshore wind projects over the coming decade.
MMOs visually monitor for the presence of marine mammals around offshore wind associated activities and advise on the implementation of mitigation measures to ensure the protection of these species. Measures include establishing exclusion zones around sound sources and delaying or adjusting operations when marine mammals or basking sharks are detected within proximity to these zones. These measures aid in preventing disturbance or injury to marine fauna.
What ESB is doing to support MMOs
We have developed and are funding a dedicated Marine Mammal Observer programme which is endorsed by The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA).
The aim of the programme is to assist in developing marine ecology education and skills to support successful applicants at the early stages of their careers in the marine environmental profession. Training usually takes between three to four months and is a mix of both classroom and field training which includes an offshore survival course at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Cork. The highlight for many participants is the training weekend in Kilrush, Co Clare while they also spend a half day on the Irish Whale and Dolphin Groups (IWDG) research vessel called The Celtic Mist.
The programme is open to graduates, final-year undergraduates and postgraduate students who are studying or working in the area of marine science or related disciplines.
Since its inception in 2023, 11 participants have successfully completed the programme over two consecutive years.
MMOs role in offshore wind projects
MMOs play a crucial role in assisting offshore wind project developers comply with environmental regulations and guidelines. The analysis of mitigation and monitoring data collected by MMOs is equally essential, as it aids in evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation measures and provides insights into the distribution of marine mammals and their responses to anthropogenic activities.
Pictured is MMO Trainer Patrick Lyne, Barry Faulkner, Community Liaison Officer at ESB and five MMO Training candidates with Andrew Shine, Celtic Mist Officer at Kilrush Harbour.
Supporting Events and Initiatives
In addition to the programme, ESB supported the world’s first Marine Mammal Mitigation and Monitoring Conference, hosted by the Marine Mammal Observer Association and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) in Edinburgh, Scotland. We also established a MMO training initiative in collaboration with UHI Shetland, Scotland in 2024 that was endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, training 12 Shetland Islands local participants.
Find out more about our support for the programme by emailing: mmotraining@esb.ie