At the end of March, members of the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) data team participated in the kick-off meeting of the Multi-disciplinary Ocean Sensing for Adaptive International Conservation (MOSAIC) project in Belfast. This new cross-border initiative brings together 11 partners across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada.
The MOSAIC team at the Marine and Coastal Management joint launch event held in Belfast.
Led by the Loughs Agency, MOSAIC will establish an innovative marine observation network designed to connect ocean science and biodiversity monitoring, strengthening how shared marine ecosystems are understood and managed in the context of a changing climate.
“MOSAIC represents a step change in how we work together to protect our shared marine environment. By combining cutting-edge science with cross-border collaboration, we are building the evidence base needed to strengthen climate resilience, safeguard biodiversity and support sustainable coastal communities for generations to come,” said Loughs Agency’s CEO Sharon McMahon.
The project will deploy advanced sensor technologies, develop decision-support tools, and improve long-term access to high-quality marine data to support species conservation and climate resilience. Within this framework, OTN is contributing expertise in aquatic telemetry data systems, data management, and the integration of large-scale movement ecology datasets, helping to strengthen network interoperability and data sharing across partners.
“OTN is pleased to contribute to the MOSAIC project, which brings together an exceptional international partnership focused on advancing how we understand and manage shared marine ecosystems. Our contribution centres on enabling the effective integration and use of acoustic telemetry data across systems and jurisdictions, ensuring that movement information can better inform conservation and management decisions,” said Jon Pye, OTN’s director of data operations.
As part of the meeting, OTN’s data acquisition coordinator, Mati Gray, delivered a seminar to more than 60 participants, highlighting OTN’s global tracking infrastructure and collaborative research approach. The team also engaged in follow-up discussions with partners at the Marine Institute in Galway to further explore opportunities for collaboration.
MOSAIC is supported through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and is one of three projects aimed at strengthening climate change resilience and coastal community engagement across Irish seas. The initiative is also supported by Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Ireland’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).
For more information, visit: https://www.seupb.eu/latest/news/launch-three-peaceplus-projects-strengthen-climate-change-resilience-and-coastal
Additional quotes:
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA:
I am delighted to mark the launch of three significant PEACEPLUS projects, supported by €25 million in funding, dedicated to strengthening the resilience of our shared marine waters. I wish to acknowledge the Special EU Programmes Body, whose leadership has created this valuable opportunity for joint learning and collaboration on the challenges facing our oceans.
Climate change, biodiversity loss and water pollution are already affecting our ecosystems, our communities and our economy. The situation at Lough Neagh in recent summers is a clear reminder of the scale of the environmental challenge. Improving water quality is a central priority for me and this source‑to‑sea approach, will help deliver on our commitment in the Programme for Government to improve water quality.
I am proud to support these projects, not only through the Department’s investment, but through our continued partnership with Special EU Programmes Body to provide strategic guidance on C-MAP, MOSAIC and ACCLIMATISE. I am particularly encouraged by the breadth of collaboration involved, with more than 30 partner organisations, bringing together leading scientific and environmental expertise across this island, Scotland and Canada. Through enhanced marine monitoring, shared evidence, habitat restoration and innovation, these projects will provide a robust evidence base, for forward-looking decision‑making and help build resilience of our marine environment for the years ahead.
Timmy Dooley T.D Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment:
As Minister with responsibility for the Marine I am very supportive of projects which are aimed at the sustainable use of Ireland’s seas and coastlines. These three cross border projects, supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, will dovetail with and enhance Ireland’s existing marine environmental framework, benefitting everyone on the island who uses or enjoys the sea.
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre:
Our natural environment is one of our greatest assets. Protecting and enhancing it is essential not only for biodiversity, but also for the health, prosperity and well-being of our communities. A clean, accessible and resilient coastline supports tourism, industry, recreation and quality of life — and it contributes to a peaceful, sustainable future for all. “Today marks a significant milestone for the PEACEPLUS Programme and for the future of our shared marine and coastal environment. The investment in ACCLIMATISE, CMAP and MOSAIC shows what can be achieved when institutions, researchers, communities and governments work together with shared purpose.