I attended the Protection and Wise Use of Seaweeds in Ireland conference on Friday last. The information given on the wide variety of seaweed and its crucial place in the ecosystem was fascinating. Just as important were the questions raised in relation to the licencing system and where that process is at. This is something I will be following up in terms of Dáil questions and motions. It is essential to place pressure on the government to produce a plan for the harvesting of seaweed that is sustainable and of maximum benefit to the local communities. Congratulations to Karen Dubsky and the various speakers on the day and I look forward to working with Coastwatch Europe in the future. Pictured here with John Bhaba Jeaic Ó Chonghaile and Karen Dubsky.
