Sherkin Island maritime station publishes 35 years of data for environmental research

Matt Murphy of the Sherkin Island marine station says they will have another large dataset in two years on 145 sites on the rocky shoreline extending from Cork harbour to Bantry

The sampling was conducted at 12 coastal stations, eight within Roaringwater Bay/Long Island Bay, and four from 1.5 km to 17.5 km offshore in open waters south of Sherkin. Picture: Sherkin Island Marine Station

“A dream come true” is how Matt Murphy, founder of one of Ireland’s longest-running coastal research stations, describes publication of 35 years of key environmental data.

Phytoplankton records for the south-west Irish coast dating back to 1980 have been published on an international marine research website by Sherkin Island marine station.