Global Biodiversity Information Facility Ireland s National Node

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1 Global Biodiversity Information Facility Ireland s National Node

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3 Contents Chairman s Statement...4 Introduction to Strategic Objectives...5 Strategic objective 1: Mobilising data...6 Strategic objective 2: Tracking change...10 Strategic objective 3: Informing decision-making...14 Strategic objective 4: Develop strategic-partnerships...18 Strategic objective 5: International collaboration...20 Strategic objective 6: Communicating...22 Strategic objective 7: Strengthening the recorder base...24 Management Board...29 Staff & contract management...29 Financial Statement...30 Recorders and partner organisations...32 The National Biodiversity Data Centre Beechfield House, WIT West Campus, Carriganore, Waterford. Tel info@biodiversityireland.ie Web: Lysaght, L. & Fitzpatrick, U. (2014) Annual Review National Biodiversity Data Centre, Waterford. The National Biodiversity Data Centre is an initiative of the Heritage Council and is operated under a service level agreement by Compass Informatics. The Centre is funded by the Department of the Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and the Heritage Council. 3

4 Chairman s Statement Scientifically sound and relevant data are now more than ever essential to unpin policy and actions to address the challenges we face to halt loss of our biodiversity and the habitats that support it. The RTÉ broadcast on Bioblitz 2013 contributed greatly to public awareness of Ireland s biodiversity and efforts to record it. Central to the Data Centre s success are the recorders who collect data in their own time and most often at their own expense. Our planet is under considerable environmental pressures especially with respect to climate change, pollution and degradation of wildlife habitat, and with these the potential loss of ecosystem goods and services provided by biological resources. We are just beginning to fully appreciate that our survival as a species is interlinked with the health of the planet s ecosystems and that the goods and services they provide make a significant contribution to national and global economies, albeit difficult to put a true monetary value of them. The annual contribution of biological diversity to the Irish Economy is estimated to be at least 2.6 billion. Scientifically sound and relevant data are now more than ever essential to unpin policy and actions to address the challenges we face to halt loss of our biodiversity and the habitats that support it. In the light of these challenges the National Biodiversity Data Centre in 2013 set out an ambitious strategic plan for its new five year term having consulted widely with a variety of sectors to take on board their data and information needs. Seven key objectives have been defined and the Data Centre will annually review its activities under each of these objectives. This publication is the first of a new reporting format and highlights some of the activities and achievement under each objective. While data acquisition and display remain a core activity of the Data Centre the strategic objectives place an emphasis on the collection of data relevant to tracking changes in species and their habitat and that these data are also analysed, interpreted and communicated to inform policy and decision making. For example maps or reports of protected or threatened species can be produced at regional or national scale to identify priorities for strategic planning. The data have also been used to publish the first report that documents overall trends in the introduction of invasive species into Ireland. Invasive species can lead to biodiversity loss and the work of the Data Centre contributes greatly to the information base needed to mitigate the threat they pose. The data are not just for national use but are made available to international initiatives such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility which provides a resource for use in biodiversity research and to inform decision making at an international level. The Data Centre has also set an objective to communicate the work it is doing and key finding to a wide audience. Public awareness is particularly important and has the potential to influence policy and ultimately improve efforts to conserve biodiversity. The RTÉ broadcast on Bioblitz 2013 contributed greatly to public awareness of Ireland s biodiversity and efforts to record it. Central to the Data Centre s success are the recorders who collect data in their own time and most often at their own expense. I would like to thank them for their truly invaluable contribution. The Data Centre aims to strengthen the recorder base and upskill citizen science. In 2013 it continued its successful schedule of training workshops, 23 in total, for both beginners and advanced recorders. The Data Centre also engaged with University College Dublin in 2013 to launch the first university certificate course in biological identification and recording aimed mainly at training members of the general public. When you read through this report you will get a sense of the breath and strategic importance of the projects set out under each objective. I would like to thank the Director and staff of the Data Centre for their continued dedication, hard work and achievements in 2013, and the management board for their input into development of the strategic objectives and work programme. Dr. Mary Kelly-Quinn Chair 4

5 Introduction The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a national organisation for the collection, collation, management, analysis and dissemination of data on Ireland s biological diversity. It was established by the Heritage Council in 2007 and is funded by the Heritage Council and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In 2013 the Data Centre published a Strategic Plan in which it sets out the objectives and priority work areas over the period 2013 to The priority work areas were identified through the review of the previous work of the Data Centre, engagement with partners, development of the National Biodiversity Plan and the strategic infrastructural and data needs of a variety of sectors, including heritage, resource management, planning, research and education. Mission and Strategic Objectives The overarching mission of the National Biodiversity Data Centre is:...to provide national co-ordination and standards of biodiversity data and recording, assist the mainstreaming of biodiversity data and information into decision making, planning, conservation management and research, and encourage greater engagement by society in documenting and appreciating biodiversity. The Data Centre s identified the following seven strategic objectives to help it achieve its mission, namely: 1. Mobilising data: Serve as a national hub for the storage, display and dissemination of biodiversity data through the online data portal Biodiversity Maps. 2. Tracking change: Identify the need for, and assist the production of, high quality, scientifically robust data to track changes in Ireland s species and habitats. 3. Informing decision-making: Facilitate and promote the use of biodiversity data to inform public policy and decision-making through data analysis, interpretation and reporting. 4. Developing strategic partnerships: Support and collaborate with Data Centre s partners to assist efficient delivery of their objectives. 5. International collaboration: Facilitate the provision of Irish biodiversity data to international initiatives. 6. Communicating: Communicate the value of Ireland s biological diversity and raise awareness of how it is changing. 7. Strengthening the recording base: To support the recorder and citizen science network to increase the quantity and quality of biodiversity data generated in Ireland. Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht; Michael Starrett (CEO of the Heritage Council; Dr Mary Kelly-Quinn (Chair of the National Biodiversity Data Centre) and Dr Liam Lysaght (Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre) Progress made in the delivery of some of the key actions identified under each Strategic Objective are presented below. 5

6 Strategic objective 1 Mobilising data: Serve as a national hub for the storage, display and dissemination of biodiversity data through the online data portal Biodiversity Maps ,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000, ,000 0 Insects Non-insect invertebrates 8000 Fungi 5500 Vascular plants 2328 Lichens 1134 Algae 1079 Bryophytes 797 Marine fishes 563 Birds 457 Tunicates & lancelets 73 Mammals 60 Freshwater fishes 29 Amphibians & reptiles 6 Proportion of species known from Ireland divided into major groups. Building the knowledge base on Ireland s biological diversity Ireland has a unique biodiversity; the combination of species that occur in Ireland is found nowhere else on earth. More than 31,000 species living in 117 different habitats have been documented for Ireland and it is thought that there are at least 25% more species that remain to be described for Ireland. Ireland is committed to conserving this unique resource, and in order to conserve it, we must understand what we have. The National Biodiversity Data Centre is working with its partners to collate data on the different taxonomic groups that occur in Ireland so that detailed distribution maps can be produced, and those data used to assist conservation. Growth of the National Biodiversity Database A fundamental need for biodiversity policy is the availability of biodiversity data. One of the National Biodiversity Data Centre s roles is to collate data from a wide range of sources, validate, store and disseminate these data to gain a greater understanding of Ireland s biodiversity. The National Biodiversity Database now makes available 2,862,818 records of 13,727 species, contained in 99 data-bases. This is an increase of just over 20% in the number of records added to the system in Growth of the National Biodiversity Database Records of all the major taxonomic groups were added to the database in The majority of records were of plants, followed by birds, butterflies and mammals. Density of Records of all Species Distribution of all records contained in the National Biodiversity Database at end of LEGEND Value Range: High Low 388 1:900, Km 6

7 Expected benefit: A greatly expanded knowledge base on Ireland s biological diversity and increased availability of data for decision-making, planning, conservation management and research. Case study 1: Millionth Irish plant record marks a milestone in biodiversity research 600, , , , ,000 < Post ,000 plant records were added to the National Plant Database in 2013, bringing the total to beyond 1 million for the first time. The majority of plant data added to the database came from existing data sources that have been digitised and centralised by the Data Centre. It includes data collated from biodiversity surveys, academic projects and volunteer recorders. Volunteer recorders have contributed substantial amounts of data, demonstrating how volunteers, in partnership with a small number or professionals, can contribute to a vital understanding of our natural world. With With plant species diversity declining worldwide, maintaining high quality data is the first step to protecting this vital national resource. 100,000 0 Distribution of sightings of Pine Marten generated by the Atlas of Mammals in Ireland project. No of vascular plant records by decade Case study 2: Tracking the expansion of the Pine Marten in Ireland Pine Marten was referred to as the rarest of all Irish mammals in 2001, and is afforded protection under the EU Habitats Directive and the Wildlife Act. Strongly associated with woodland, it is currently undergoing a re-colonisation phase within Ireland, expanding its range in the midlands and east of the country. The Atlas of Mammals in Ireland project has generated 656 sightings of this elusive mammal, from all 26 counties. These sightings submitted from citizen scientists now comprise almost half of all the recorded sightings of this species in Ireland, making it a very effective means of tracking its expansion. Case study 3: National Vegetation Database Geographical distribution of Irish NVD relevés The National Vegetation Database contains more than 30,000 releves, or vegetation sampling units, stored in TURBOVEG software. It brings together data from academics, environmental consultants and state bodies and is a vital source of historic data on Ireland s vegetation. These data are now available to be used in Irish and European vegetation studies. 7

8 Coastland Cultivated built land Exposed rock and disturbed land Woodland and scrub Marine (28) 5747 The distribution and breakdown of releves classified by habitat categories (Fossitt 2000) Freshwater Grassland Heathland and dense bracken Peatland Structure Supported by composite Irish plant list (2008) produced by the National Botanic Gardens >30,000 releves stored in TURBOVEG database Releves classified according to a Guide to Habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000) NATIONAL VEGETATION Current And Future Uses Information to European vegetation initiatives Informs habitat surveys and academic research Will form the core building block for a future Irish vegetation classification system 8 Knowledge Gaps Northern Ireland data to be included in the National Vegetation Database. Limited number of relevés for some vegetation types. DATABASE Active Research : The development of an aquatic vegetation classification system and monitoring protocol for Irish rivers to support biodiversity reporting requirements and conservation planning. (Ph.D. research UCD) 2013: A Survey of Grassy Verges in Co. Wicklow and a Comparative Study of Dry Meadow Grasslands (M.Sc. research (UCD)

9 Biodiversity Maps - usage statistics for 2013 Number of area-based reports generated 10,327 1,800 1km 2,538 2km 2,893 10km m 1,368 custom reports SAC 56 Nature Reserve 52 County 112 Townland 500 Most viewed species map 1. Japanese Knotweed 2. European Otter 3. Keeled Skimmer 4. Pine Marten 5. Marsh Fritillary 6. Red Squirrel 7. Freshwater White-clawed Crayfish 8. Smooth Newt 9. Freshwater Pearl Mussel 10. Hen Harrier Most viewed dataset 1. Atlas of Mammals in Ireland 2. Bees of Ireland 3. Seabird Birds of Ireland 5. National Bat Database of Ireland 6. Road Kill Survey 7. BSBI tetrad data for Ireland 8. Amphibians & reptiles of Ireland 9. Syrphids of Ireland 10. Heteroptera of Ireland. Central to the Centre s success are the recorders who collect data in their own time and most often at their own expense. Biodiversity Maps 10,000 Total number of hits 308,282 Total Events 5,000 0 April 2013 July 2013 October

10 Strategic objective 2 Tracking change: Identify the need for, and assist the production of, high quality, scientifically robust data to track changes in Ireland s species and habitats. Biodiversity Indicators are statistical measures of biodiversity which help scientists, managers and politicians understand the condition of biodiversity and the factors that affect it. (IUCN, the World Conservation Union). Awareness of biodiversity Trends in the knowledge of biodiversity Number in biodiversity-related educational programmes Status of biodiversity Trends in the status of birds Trends in the status of insects Trends in the status of threatened species Trends in the status of habitats Threats to biodiversity Trends in pollution impacting biodiversity Trends in invasive alien species Trends in sustainable resource use Measures that safeguard biodiversity Measures that mainstream biodiversity Knowledge of Irish biodiversity Screen grab of the National Biodiversity Indicator website, which is being developed. National Biodiversity Indicators Biodiversity Indicators are being used increasingly as a means of assessing if public policy is effectively conserving biodiversity or leading to its further degradation and loss. Globally, the use of biodiversity indicators stems from the adoption by the Convention on Biological Diversity of a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity which contains a vision of a world living in harmony with nature where by 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people. As a means of achieving this goal, the Strategic Plan identified twenty targets, commonly referred to as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, relating to the sustainable management and use of the world s biological resources. A suite of biodiversity indictors has been adopted as a means of measuring progress towards achieving these targets, and identifying whether actions are working and should continue or if different approaches need to be adopted. As a party to the Convention, Ireland has a responsibility to develop national policies and implement national actions to help achieve these targets. These policies and actions are set out in Ireland s National Biodiversity Plan, one of which is a commitment to develop a suite of national biodiversity indicators to measure progress in the implementation of the Plan and of achieving its objectives. National Parks and Wildlife Service, working in partnership with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, is developing a set of national biodiversity indicators to be made operational in This set of indicators addresses eight thematic areas: Awareness of biodiversity Status of biodiversity Threats to biodiversity Measures that safeguard biodiversity Measures that mainstream biodiversity Benefits derived from biodiversity and ecosystem services Impacts on biodiversity outside of Ireland Knowledge of Irish biodiversity A total of 87 sub-indicators has been identified to measure different aspects of biodiversity within these themes. The National Biodiversity Data Centre is consulting with key organisation and has begun the process of obtaining the relevant data from which to generate the indicators. The National Biodiversity Indicators will be made operational and a special National Biodiversity Indicators website will be released in

11 Expected benefit: Expected benefit: An increased understanding of how Ireland s biological diversity is changing. Addressing key knowledge gaps To coincide with International Year of Biodiversity 2010, the National Biodiversity Data Centre carried out a review of the State of Knowledge on Ireland s Biodiversity. A component of this study also identified key knowledge gaps that should be filled before 2020 in order to better understand the status of Ireland s biological diversity when the next global biodiversity assessment takes place. Gaps were identified under four main headings, namely: Managing Irish biodiversity data efficiently Tracking important changes in Irish biodiversity Improving knowledge of Irish biodiversity, and Improving knowledge of the state of Irish biodiversity. The objective of identifying key knowledge gaps was to help the biodiversity sector prioritise areas of work that would be either of strategic importance or realistically achievable deliverables that would make a significant contribution to increasing our understanding of the state of biodiversity in Ireland. In all, the initiative identified 48 separate gaps to fill. The National Biodiversity Data Centre has used these gaps to prioritise its work programme, particularly in terms of establishing national databases and production of Red Lists. Of the 12 national databases identified, six are currently being established. Of the 15 Red Lists identified, two have been published and a further six are in preparation. Key gaps in Ireland s biodiversity knowledge as identified in 2010 (actions highlighted in green have been delivered or are in progress). Managing Irish biodiversity data efficiently National Biodiversity Infrastructure requirements National Habitat Map National Vegetation Classification System Integrated Land Information Management System Maintain and expand taxonomic capacity Tracking important changes in Irish biodiversity National Monitoring programmes that need to be established: Fungi Diatoms Hemiptera (bugs) Crustaceans Sponges Elasmobranchs Marine fish Improving knowledge of Irish biodiversity National checklists that need to be published: Basic surveys that need to be carried out: National databases that need to be developed: Fungi Diatoms Hemiptera (bugs) Crustaceans Fens Freshwater habitats Vegetation of open habitats General marine (50 1,000m) Historic demesnes Fungi Stoneflies Grasshoppers Saproxylic beetles Beetles (Ground beetles, chrysomelids, staphylinids) Sponges Elasmobranchs Marine fish Freshwater algae Soil fauna True bugs Fungi Freshwater crustaceans Diatoms True bugs Earwigs Elasmobranchs Crustaceans Improving knowledge of the state of Irish biodiversity Red Lists that need to be completed: Vascular plants Lichens Hoverflies Mayflies Saproxylic beetles Freshwater crustceans Stoneflies Ladybirds Macromoths Ground beetles Seaweeds Marine molluscs Elasmobranchs Grasshoppers Dragonflies 11

12 Effective operation of the Red List process for Ireland Methodology recommended by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to link the Red Lists and setting of conservation priorities. 1. Development of a National Database Should contain a high percentage of the records in existence and have an adequate number of historical versus recent records to provide evidence of any recent declines to be used in the Red List process. For those taxonomic groups which do not have national databases, or for which the database is inadequate for the Red List process, a programme of surveying and capacity building should be initiated by the Data Centre/ CEDAR (resources permitting) 2. Development of an Irish Red List Publish via the NPWS Red List Series and make available through the Data Centre s threatened species and habitats website. 3. Identification of conservation priority species Build upon the Red List information using a scientific and agreed methodology to identify those species for which conservation effort should be focussed. The process for identification of conservation priority species may differ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as they are separate jurisdictions. 4. Address any knowledge gaps for those species that are conservation priorities Identify the actions that are required at the level of each taxonomic group, eg. build capacity, encourage additional research & survey. 5. Identification of conservation hot spots to enhance and inform existing protected area networks Combine data across taxonomic groups to identify conservation hotspots that are ecologically relevant and can provide pragmatic advice to site based conservation e.g. pollinator hotspots, freshwater invertebrate hotspots. 12

13 Providing national data standards and guidelines The National Biodiversity Data Centre has produced national standards for the collection of biological records and for the collection and storage of vegetation data. In 2013 the first of a new report series to help develop national biodiversity data standards and guidelines was published: Ireland s Red Lists a National Standard proposes a standard approach for applying the IUCN Red List Criteria in Ireland. This report sets out the process to be followed, clarifies the criteria to be used, and identifies the roles and responsibilities of the different partners involved in producing Red Lists. An indicative programme of Ireland s Red Lists is also presented, building on the Ireland s Biodiversity Knowledge Gaps initiative. Red Lists are an internationally recognised method of assessing the threat status of species in Ireland, and ensures that biological recording efforts translate directly to the identification of conservation priorities. Bryophytes 5% 1,454 Species Assessed 95% 30,059 Species Not Assessed Mayflies Dragonflies & damselflies Number of species assessed 0 Freshwater fish Amphibians & reptiles Butterflies Terrestrial mammals Non-marine molluscs Water Beetles Bees Regionally Extinct Vulnerable Data Deficient Critically Endangered Near Threatened Not Threatened Endangered Red Lists are an internationally recognised method of assessing the threat status of species in Ireland, and ensures that biological recording efforts translate directly to the identification of conservation priorities. Proportion of assessed species under threat of extinction for the different red listed groups. 13

14 Strategic objective 3 Informing decision-making: Facilitate and promote the use of biodiversity data to inform public policy and decision-making through data analysis, interpretation and reporting. The objective of identifying key knowledge gaps was to help the biodiversity sector prioritise areas of work that would be either of strategic importance or realistically achievable Helping to document and map Ireland protected and threatened species Many of Ireland s species are afforded legal protection under national and EU legislation, while others have no legal protection yet are threatened with extinction. This suite of protected and threatened species form the basis for Ireland s conservation priorities, thus making the availability of empirical data on the distribution of these species also a priority. Now, through the Data Centre s mapping system, historic and current data on 402 protected species and 713 species threatened with extinction are freely available to access. This should contribute significantly to national efforts for nature conservation. Legislative instrument Number of species EU Habitats Directive 67 EU Birds Directive 66 Wildlife Acts 190 Flora Protection Order 79 Species afforded legal protection Threat category Number of species Regionally extinct 61 Critically endangered 44 Endangered 125 Vulnerable 229 Near threatened 140 Birds of Conservation Concern 114 Species under threat of extinction Contributing to reporting on the conservation status of legally protected species In 2013, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht completed its second report on the conservation status of species and habitats afforded legal protection under the EU Habitats Directive. These reports are a requirement under Article 17 of the Habitat Directive. The report found that the status of species was generally positive, but the status of habitats remained poor. All of the data held by the Data Centre on protected species were provided by the Data Centre to NPWS to contribute to this assessment. 14

15 Expected benefit: A greatly expanded knowledge base on Ireland s biological diversity and increased availability of data for decision-making, planning, conservation management and research. Density of Records of protected Species Distribution of records contained in the National Biodiversity Database at end of :900, Km High Record Density Low 15

16 The work of the Data Centre and its partners is to build up the knowledge base on what species occur where in Ireland, and all of these data are made freely available through the Data Centre s on-line mapping system Biodiversity Maps. Biodiversity Maps Improving the availability of biodiversity data for decision-making The work of the Data Centre and its partners is to build up the knowledge base on what species occur where in Ireland, and all of these data are made freely available through the Data Centre s on-line mapping system Biodiversity Maps. The availability of data in this way facilitates its use in the different planning processes. For example, regional-scale maps of only Ireland s threatened and protected species can be produced to identify possible priorities for strategic planning; reports can be quickly generated to identify the presence of legally protected species at the site level, which will greatly assist development management. Also, comprehensive reports can be generate of what is known about a locality, and this can easily contribute to the development of Local Area Plans. Building-blocks for Ecosystem Services Mapping The National Biodiversity Data Centre has many existing baseline datasets that can be used in mapping ecosystem services. Where these datasets do not yet exist the Centre has the capacity to generate these data in the future through systematic recording frameworks and citizen science driven recording networks. While the development of the methodologies and models to map ecosystem services will require academic partnerships, added value can be brought by making national ecosystem services maps centrally available through the Data Centre s GIS based mapping system. Baseline datasets that will form the building blocks for future ecosystem services mapping continued to be developed in 2013 namely the national bee database, the national hoverfly database, the bumblebee monitoring scheme database, the national vascular plant database, and the national crop wild relative database. 20,000 Number of records 15,000 10, Growth of the national bee database

17 Invasive species How many have we and when did they arrive? Detecting trends in the rate of introduction of invasive species to a country is fundamental for understanding the threat posed by invasive species. Trends in introductions can indicate, for example, what general habitat types are most at risk; what are the main pathways of introductions; where are the native source areas for these species. The Data Centre has published the first report to look at the overall trend in the introduction of invasive species into Ireland: O Flynn, C., Kelly, J. and Lysaght, L. (2014). Ireland s invasive and non-native species trends in introductions. National Biodiversity Data Centre Series No. 2. Ireland. Some of the key findings are: 13% of the species recorded in Ireland are high impact invasive species. This figure is comparable to other European countries There was a four-fold increase in the number of invasive species recorded in the 20th Century compared to the 19th Century This trend has increased dramatically from 2001 to 2010 for high impact invasive species The greatest rate of increase is for freshwater habitats since 1980, and the introduced freshwater species are more likely to have high impact In the past, the majority of invasive species in Ireland were plants, but the future trend may be towards more invertebrate and vertebrate species Historically most invasive species were native to North America and Asia but species native to mainland Europe may become a greater problem in future. The report, which is published as the second in the National Biodiversity Data Centre Series makes 10 recommendations for future work to fill key knowledge gaps and to improve the quality of information available to mitigate the threat posed by invasive species. Invasive alien species are some of the greatest threats to biodiversity loss, and are among the most significant drivers of environmental degradation and change worldwide Global Invasive Species Programme First arrival dates Unknown pre Numbers of species High impact Medium impact Number of high and medium impact invasive species to Ireland by decade. 17

18 Strategic objective 4 Develop strategic partnerships: Support and collaborate with the Data Centre s partners to assist efficient delivery of their objectives. Guest lectures were provided to M.Sc. programmes in TCD and UCD to strengthen links between the Data Centre and those institutions Case Study 1: Building collaborative research projects with third-level and other institutions The Data Centre embarked on a collaborative project to develop a national vegetation classification system for Irish rivers, through a Ph.D. project funded under the newly established employment-based scheme of the Irish Research Council. The Ph.D. being undertaken by Lynda Weekes, builds on the work already done by the Data Centre and NPWS through the national vegetation database project, and focusses on filling one of the identified gaps. The project will assist NPWS in reporting on river habitat quality under the EU Habitats Directive. The project is a collaborative project between U.C.D., NPWS, Compass Informatics and the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and receives additional funding from NPWS. In other academic collaboration during 2013, MSc research projects that contribute to ongoing work programmes of the Centre were embarked on with academic partners in UCD and TCD. The projects contributed to the national vegetation database, the Irish Pollinator Initiative and biodiversity hotspot mapping. Guest lectures were also provided to MSc programmes in TCD and UCD to strengthen links between the Data Centre and those institutions. Case Study 2: Expanding data service for the marine environment Irish Marine Survey form Biological recording has traditionally focussed very much on the terrestrial and freshwater environments, and the focus of the Data Centre initially was on provision of services to cater for this need. In an attempt to expand the range of data management services and to improve the quantity of recording in the coastal and marine environment, the Data Centre developed a special Irish Marine Survey recording form. This form allows submission of records of species recorded during diving, snorkelling and shore-based surveys, and the form is specially designed to capture the associated survey information which is important to interpret the data. 18

19 Expected benefit: Greater efficiencies in project delivery and programme implementation through collaborative effort and use of shared-services. Case Study 3: Providing support to national experts Dragonfly Ireland Dragonflies are probably the insect group whose Irish distribution is best understood. This is largely thanks to the large all-ireland survey Dragonfly Ireland which was organised by the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording, Northern Ireland, culminating in the superb The Natural History of Ireland s Dragonflies published in Since then, recording of dragonflies has continued and data collected up to the end of 2013 will feed into the forthcoming Atlas of Dragonflies of Britain and Ireland due for publication in To streamline and make more efficient the management of dragonfly data, the Data Centre has developed a special on-line dragonfly recording form which has become the standard method for recorders to submit records. The national dragonfly expert has full access rights to this system, ensuring that progress with data submission can be mapped, tracked and validated before adding to the Dragonfly Ireland database. Since the form was released 1,781 dragonfly records were received, submitted by 163 recorders. Dragonflies are probably the insect group whose Irish distribution is best understood. Biodiversity Maps a shared-service Biodiversity Maps and its associated data management systems promote the use of common data standards and tools to facilitate the sharing and re-use of biodiversity databases and inventories. It is a shared-service, availed of by nine Government Departments or State Bodies, the main data-holding biodiversity NGOs, and many of Ireland s leading national biodiversity experts. Some of the organisations that use the service include: LEGEND Value Range: High Low 388 Distribution of dragonfly records submitted on-line. Clare County Council Comhairle Contae an Chláir 19

20 Strategic objective 5 International collaboration: Facilitate the provision of Irish biodiversity data to international initiatives. 57 GBIF mentioned GBIF discussed 52 GBIF mediated data used Number of research papers citing GBIF Data Participation in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) The National Biodiversity Data Centre serves as Ireland s National Node for the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). GBIF is an international open data infrastructure, funded by governments, which allows anyone, anywhere to access data about all types of life of Earth, shared across national boundaries via the Internet. Ireland is one of 52 countries and 37 other associate GBIF participants from across the globe, making it the world s largest biodiversity database freely available through the Internet. This global database of 4.2 billion records of almost 1.5 million species, includes all Irish data collated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. One of the primary objective of creating this huge database is to provide a resource available for the scientific community for use in biodiversity related research. The steady growth in the use of GBIF data in international scientific publications demonstrates the demand that exists for this resource. For example, GBIF-mediated data were used in 265 peer-reviewed articles in This resource includes all Irish data collated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and is a huge resource, freely available to Irish scientists to help to build research capacity within the biodiversity sector in Ireland. Voting Participants Associate Country Participants Participants with signature of 2012 mou pending 20

21 Expected benefit: Having Irish data contribute to regional and global biodiversity initiatives to inform decision making at an international level. Early Warning system for invasive species The establishment of an effective Early Warning System across Ireland and Britain to alert for the arrival of new invasive species was the subject of discussions at a British Irish Council workshop on non-native invasive species held in London on May 1st, This involved a presentation of the operational Early Warning System for Ireland, which is co-ordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. It was agreed that there would be a speedy sharing of all records of new non-native species between administrations in Ireland and Britain, and that the linking of the respective alert mechanism across the regions should be investigated. It was agreed that there would be a speedy sharing of all records of new nonnative species between administrations in Ireland and Britain Global Index of Vegetation Plot Databases In 2011 a Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases was established. This meta-database provides an overview of existing vegetation data worldwide and already almost 3 million plots are registered. Within Europe the project has stimulated a number of research projects aimed at creating European level vegetation classification systems. The National Biodiversity Data Centre is feeding data into these initiatives and collaborating with European partners to ensure that the subtleties of our oceanic vegetation are considered and that any European classifications produced will of value in Ireland. There are currently three European wide projects underway that are expected to deliver classification systems by These are focussed on woodland, grasslands and wet vegetation (includes river, lakes, bogs, marshes, wet grassland etc.). Crop Wild Relatives The National Crop Wild Relative (CWR) Database was further enhanced in 2013 through funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under their genetic resources funding programme. This database is provided to the DAFM in a format for inclusion within the CWR Global Portal. 21

22 Strategic objective 6 Communicating: Communicate the value of Ireland s biological diversity and raise awareness of how it is changing. National Biodiversity Data Centre on Facebook 65% increase in page likes in ,023 Daily unique users saw our posts in 2013 A key objective of the National Biodiversity Data Centre is to communicate the work that it is doing to a wide audience and to highlight the importance of the conservation of biological diversity. It does this in many ways, using workshops, presentations and field meeting for direct engagement with our key audience. The Data Centre maintains its home page and notifies its mailing list of any latest news items; in all, 24 latest news items were issued in The Data Centre also maintains project-specific websites as a source of themed information and project updates % Of our page likes were women 45% Of our page likes were men Butterfly Monitoring Scheme on Facebook 60% Of our page likes were women The National Biodiversity Data Centre s Facebook pages have been a very effective communication tool 103% increase in page likes in Daily unique users saw our posts in % Of our page likes were men Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Data Centre website hits per month 2013 The Centre also uses social media, maintaining a Biodiversity Ireland facebook page for general events and a Irish Butterfly Monitoring Facebook page for communicating with the butterfly and other insect recording network. 22

23 Expected benefit: an increased awareness amongst the Data Centre s stakeholders and wider public of the importance of conserving Ireland s biological diversity. Ireland s BioBlitz 2013 on RTÉ A major event for the National Biodiversity Data Centre was the broadcast of Ireland s BioBlitz 2013 on RTÉ. The event was broadcast live from Wicklow Mountains National Park, with camera crews also at Lough Key Forest Park, The Burren National Park and Colebrooke Estate. An hour-long programme was broadcast live on 24th May followed by a half-hour results and highlights programme on 25th May. Filming was by RTÉ and Crossing the Line Productions, and the programmes were presented by Derek Mooney, Sinéad Kennedy and Colin Stafford Johnson. A major event for the National Biodiversity Data Centre was the broadcast of Ireland s BioBlitz 2013 on RTÉ. 23

24 Strategic objective 7 Strengthening the recording base: support the recorder and citizen science network to increase the quantity and quality of biodiversity data generated in Ireland. Workshops held in 2013 Small mammal trapping & identification (in conjunction with Killarney National Park) Syrphids and biodiversity management, workshop 1: getting to know hoverflies River quality assessment using the EPA Q-value system (in conjunction with the EPA) Identifying Irish butterflies Identifying Irish bumblebees and solitary bees Vegetation ecotopes of raised bogs - demonstration in the use of the ecotopes key (in conjunction with IPCC) Lichen Identification Identifying and recording Ireland s Biodiversity Workshop Programme 2013 The Data Centre s 2013 training workshop programme focussed on building capacity to enable some of the key knowledge gaps identified in the Ireland s Biodiversity in 2010: Knowledge Gaps initiative to be filled. The programme included 23 workshops targeting both beginners and more advanced recorders, and provided 387 training places. At the end of the year, a survey was undertaken to seek the views of the participants and to inform priorities for the 2014 programme. Introduction to bird song identification Identifying Irish butterflies Introduction to Irish dragonflies (in conjunction with National Parks & Wildlife Service) The classification of Irish semi-natural grasslands: The next phase after Fossitt, identifying grassland communities and EU Annex I habitats (in conjunction with BEC Consultants) 80 Introduction to stonefly nymph identification (in conjunction with UCD) Identifying Irish butterflies (in conjunction with National Botanic Gardens) Classification of Irish woodland communities (in conjunction with BEC Consultants) Introduction to bumblebee identification Introduction to chironomidae larvae (in conjunction with UCD) Invasive Species Roadshow (in conjunction with Cork County Council) Wildflower identification and recording (in conjunction with NPWS) Number True bug (terrestrial) identification (in conjunction with NPWS) Syrphids and biodiversity management, workshop 2: more about hoverflies and what to do with them Introduction to grasshoppers, crickets and earwigs Bryophyte identification (in conjunction with National Botanic Gardens) Tracking Irish mammals (In conjunction with MISE Mammals in a Sustainable Environment ) 0 Professional development Improving field ID skills Improving recording capacity Reason General interest 4 Other Lichen flora of raised bogs (in conjunction with IPCC) Reasons for Attending the Workshops 24

25 Expected benefit: A larger and sustained network of individuals, groups and agencies interested in, and observant of, Ireland s biological diversity, and contributing to its documentation and conservation. Ireland s BioBlitz 2013 Ireland s BioBlitz was introduced by the National Biodiversity Data Centre to generate interest in recording and to provide a networking opportunity to provide support to recorders. Ireland s BioBlitz 2013 saw four sites competing. These were Colebrooke Estate, Co. Fermanagh, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Co. Wicklow, Burren National Park, Co. Clare and Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon. This year s event was run in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and Centre for Data and Biological Recording, Northern Ireland. It was dedicated to the memory of the conservationist and filmmaker Éamon de Buitléir, who died earlier in the year. To provide additional technological support for the operation of Ireland s BioBlitz the Data Centre developed a state-of-the-art dynamic on-line record management system which allowed real-time tracking of progress across all sites with the record count. Colebrooke Estate won the event with a tally of 1,086 species recorded over the 24-hour period.another major development in 2013 was the extension of BioBlitz to local sites. The Data Centre provided materials, ICT support and training to 6 sites who organised their own Local BioBlitz Challenge. The participating sites were Abbeyleix Bog, Co. Laois, Abbeyfeale Town Park, Co. Limerick, Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry, Cabragh Wetlands, Co. Tipperary and Bull Islands & St. Anne s Park, Dublin. A dynamic form enabled generation of real-time results for Ireland s BioBlitz Ireland s BioBlitz has become one of Ireland s largest participatory events. Conservationist and film-maker Éamon de Buitléir

26 Facilitating data capture From 2013, the repeat survey data for both the Bumblebee and Butterfly Monitoring Schemes is now captured and managed through a new online system. On initial login to the new system, users provide information on their transect walk, including a detailed map of their route. They can subsequently then use the system to login and quickly add their monthly (bumblebee) or weekly (butterfly) data. The system also provides all users with ability to see the location of other walks, and to see monitoring data build up in live time. They can visualise summary statistics for their own data, or for all data as it accumulates. The system was developed by Butterfly Conservation UK, who generously agreed that it could be modified for use in Ireland. Enhancements to the online submission system During 2013 enhancements were made to the online record submission system to allow users to analyse and map their own data. As all records are linked to an account, the new system allows users to put in their address and to see maps of their own data (both record and intensity maps). They can also browse their own records, and can generate summary statistics (pie charts and bar charts) of what they have recorded. The new system allows users to make their data available to the Data Centre while at the same time providing them with their own personal data management system. The enhanced online record submission system 26

27 Annual Field Meeting to County Monaghan The 2013 field meeting visited County Monaghan from 9th to 11th August. The meeting was organised to provide a training and networking opportunity for recorders and to generate a database of records from an under-recorded part of the country. The sites visited included Killyneil Fen, Kilroosky Lough, Castle Leslie, the Shirley Estate and Slieve Beagh and Lough Beagh. The recording activity was led by Roy Anderson, Don Cotton, Fionnuala O Neill and Ralph Sheppard. The field meeting generated over 1,000 records of 459 different taxa. Identification sheets on Ireland s Invasive Species To aid the identification and increased reporting of invasive species, the Data Centre produced identification sheets for 31 of Ireland s most unwelcome invasive species. This includes species that are of high and medium impact and some species that are considered to be potential invaders. Information is presented about each species, its key identification features, what species it could be confused with, and information on the threat that it poses to Ireland s biodiversity. The suite of identification sheets were produced with the financial assistance of the Heritage Council and the EPA under its STRIVE research programme. All 31 identification sheets are available for download from the National Invasive Species Database website: Identification Guide to Ireland s Dragonflies and Damselflies The Identification Guide to Ireland s Dragonflies and Damselflies is the latest edition to the suite of the Data Centre s Identification swatches. Produced by Brian Nelson and Eugenie Regan, it is an aid to identifying the 11 damselflies and 13 dragonflies that are resident in Ireland. Identification sheet for the Harlequin ladybird, one of 31 sheets produced on Ireland s invasive species. 27

28 Identification sheets for 31 of Ireland s most unwelcome invasive species have been produced. Scientific name Common name Invasive status Arthurdendyus triangulatus New Zealand flatworm Invasive: high impact Carpobrotus edulis Hottentot fig Invasive: high impact Corbicula fluminea Asian clam Invasive: high impact Crassostrea gigas Pacific oyster Invasive: high impact Crassula helmsii New Zealand pigmyweed Invasive: high impact Crepidula fornicata Slipper limpet Invasive: high impact Dreissena polymorpha Zebra mussel Invasive: high impact Eriocheir sinensis Chinese mitten crab Invasive: high impact Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed Invasive: high impact Harmonia axyridis Harlequin ladybird Invasive: high impact Heracleum mantegazzianum Giant hogweed Invasive: high impact Hydrocotyle ranunculoides Floating pennywort Invasive: high impact Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan balsam Invasive: high impact Lagarosiphon major African curly waterweed Invasive: high impact Lepus europaeus Brown hare Invasive: high impact Muntiacus reevesi Muntjac deer Invasive: high impact Mustela furo Feral ferret Invasive: high impact Neovison vison American mink Invasive: high impact Sargassum muticum Wire weed Invasive: high impact Sciurus carolinensis Grey squirrel Invasive: high impact Styela clava Asian Sea-squirt Invasive: high impact Sus scrofa Wild boar/feral pigs Invasive: high impact Tamias sibiricus Siberian chipmunk Invasive: high impact Undaria pinnatifida Japanese kelp Invasive: high impact Lysichiton americanus American skunk cabbage Invasive: medium impact Myodes glareolus Bank vole Invasive: medium impact Persicaria wallichii Himalayan knotweed Invasive: medium impact Trachemys scripta Common slider species Invasive: medium impact Dikerogammarus villosus Killer Shrimp Potential invader: high impact Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat Potential invader: high impact Pacifastacus leniusculus Signal crayfish Potential invader: high impact Sander lucioperca Zander Potential invader: high impact Vespa velutina Asian hornet Potential invader: high impact 28 Brown hare Lepus europaeus. Shutterstock.com

29 Management Board The National Biodiversity Data Centre is governed by a Management Board, established by the Heritage Council. The Management Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre and for ensuring proper corporate governance. A new Management Board was appointed in January 2011 and it meets on a quarterly basis. The composition of the Management Board is: Dr. Mary Kelly-Quinn Chair Mr. Michael Starrett Chief Executive - The Heritage Council Dr. Ciaran O Keeffe Director National Parks and Wildlife Service Mr. Micheál Ó Cinnéide Director Environmental Protection Agency Dr. Peter McLoughlin Head of Dept. of Chemical & Life Sciences, Waterford Inst. of Technology Mr. Bill Callanan Senior Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Nigel Monaghan Keeper National Museum of Ireland Natural History Division Ms. Rachel Kenny Senior Planner, Fingal County Council Mr. Mark Wright Northern Ireland Environment Agency Dr. Matthew Jebb Director National Botanic Gardens Mr. Michael Keatinge Fisheries Development Manager, Bord Iascaigh Mhara Staff & contract management The National Biodiversity Data Centre has six full-time core staff who are responsible for the delivery of a work programme to implement the Strategic Plan The delivery of the work programme is by way of a 5-year Service Level agreement awarded to Compass Informatics by the Heritage Council for the running of the Data Centre. The full-time staff are supported by a team of developers, employed by Compass Informatics, who are responsible for development of the Data Centre s core mapping system and on-line data portal. Staff Dr. Liam Lysaght Centre Director Dr. Úna Fitzpatrick Ecologist Dr. Eugenie Regan Ecologist (Resigned June 2013) Dr. Tomás Murray Ecologist (Appointed November 2013) Barry O Neill Data Manager Maria Walsh Office Manager Colette O Flynn Research Officer Lynda Weekes Research Officer IT & Admin Systems team Ken Dowling Pavel Janda Gert Conradie Andy Day Paulina Furmaniak IT infrastructure developer Informatics developer Informatics developer GIS anlysist Administrative services Contract management Gearóid Ó Riain Director, Compass Informatics Limited 29

30 Financial Statement Income 2013 Nov-Dec 2012 Core funding Core funding from the Heritage Council 586, ,306 Sub-total 586, ,306 Additional project funding Additional funding from the Heritage Council/EPA 28,292 National Parks & Wildlife Service 4,948 Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 11,141 sub-total 11,141 33,240 Miscellaneous Swatch sales 4, sub-total 4, Total (NET) 601, ,957 30

31 Expenditure 2013 Nov-Dec 2012 Core funding Staff (Research) 316,045 56,557 Staff (Administration)MW + 20% LL 74,808 12,468 Additional IT services 32,917 3,358 Additional admin services 17,743 5,385 Hardware * 26,726 Software 16,633 1,102 Office running costs/consumables 25,634 1,880 Data projects 21,837 Travel & subsistence 17,248 1,393 sub-total 549,591 82,143 surplus 36,477 25,163 Additional project funding Additional funding from the Heritage Council/EPA 28,292 National crop wild relative database 11,141 Red List of Irish macromoths 4,624 sub-total 11,141 32,916 surplus Miscellaneous Swatch costs (outside of budget) 4,890 0 sub-total 4,890 0 surplus Total (NET) 565, ,059 Total surplus 35,884 25,898 31

32 Recorders and partner organisations A B The work of the Data Centre and its achievements over the year are entirely dependent upon the support and active engagement of all its partners, be they national experts, state agencies, non-governmental organisations or volunteers. The Data Centre is extremely grateful for the continued support of the individuals and organisations with which it has collaborated with over the year. Individuals: Kristina Abariute, Darren Abbott, Isobel Abbott, Pauline Abbott, Leonard W. Abrahamson, John Adams, Rebecca Aldakar, Dave Allen, Roy Anderson, Judith Annett, Michael Archer, Val Atkins, Tina Aughney, Wendy Austin-Rawlings, Richard Ayre. Jan-Robert Baars, Philip Bagnall, Kate Baker, Karen Banks, Ret Barber, Sarah Barrett, Chris Barron, Simon Barron, Lief Barry, Penny Bartlett, Kieran Behan, Kate Bell, Michael Bell, Molly Bell, Pat Bell, Michael John Bennett, Chris Benson, Bernadette Bergin, Hazel Bergin, John Berry, Catherine Bertrand, William Bible, Sinead Biggane, Ann Bingham, Laura Birt, Philip Blair, Clodagh Blake, Rick Boelens MacMahon, Tara Boelens MacMahon, Margaret Bolger, Michael Bolger, Stephen Bolger, Vivi Bolin, Tom Bolger, Ken Bond, Anne Booker, Julia Booth, Stephen Booth, Ismay Bothwell, David Bourke, Sean Bourke, Gordon Boxwell, Glen Boylan, Méabh Boylan, Arlette Bradley, Susan Bradley, Ashton Brady, Marion Brady, Neil Brady, Pakie Brady, Trevor Brady, Dina Brazil, Dermot Breen, John Breen, Carmel Brennan, Cathy Brennan, David Brennan, Kelly Marie Brennan, Marion Brennan, Julie Brett, Angela Brewer, Catherina Bright, Catherine Broderick, Shane Broderick, Clare Bromley, John Brophy, Laura Brophy, J. Brosnan, Paul Brown, Amanda C D Browne, J.J. Browne, Juanita Browne, Sandra Browne, Helen Bruen, Alan Bryan, Barbara Buckley, Eileen Burgess, Billy Burke, Brian Burke, Eugene Burke, Michael Burke, Amy Burns, Sarah-Jane Burns, Andrew Butler, Eoin Butler, Martina Butler, K. Butson, Katie Buttimer, Paul Butter, Tim Butter, Lynne Bye, Andrew Byrne, Brendan Byrne, Ciaran Byrne, Cian Byrne, Dolores Byrne, Kevin Byrne, Melanie Byrne, Michael Byrne, Thomas J. Byrne, Triona Byrne, Elizabeth Byrnes, Martin Byrnes. Mary Cadden, Ian Cafferky, Brian Caffrey, Joe Caffrey, Padraic Caffrey, Dave Cahalin, John J. Cahill, Liam Cahill, Cáirde Eanlaithe Chorca Dhuibhne, Andrew Caldicott, Philip Callan, Mark Callanan, Michael Calnan, Chris Campbell, Christina Campbell, Hannah Campbell, Pauline Campbell, Warren Campbell, Enrico Campi, James Campion, Nuala Canny, Ruth Carden, Elizabeth Care, Matthew Care, Caitriona Carlin, Mark Carmody, William Carr, B. Carroll, Jake Carroll, Brian Carruthers, Seamus Carten, Ellen Carvill, Peter Carvill, Catriona Casey, Maurice Casey, Michael Casey, Christine Cassidy, Martin Cawley, Julien Champy, Paul Chanin, Tina Christiansen, Gerry Clabby, Amyleigh Clancy, Dave Clarke, Joe Clarke, Lindsey Clarke, Maura Clarke, Orla Clarke, Simon Clarke, Maurice Clarke, Sam Clawson, Pauline Clerkin, Shirley Clerkin, Michele Clements, Simon Clifford, Suzanne Clinton, Cameron Clotworthy, Louie Coe, Lee Coffey, Paudie Coffey, Rebeccah Cogan, Brian Coghlan, Thomas Colclough, Edwina Cole, Brian Colgan, Bríd Colhoun, Laurence Colleran, Kevin Collins, Niall Collins, Karen Comerford, Larry Comerford, John Conaghan, Rolf Conrad, Ted Cook, F. Coppillie, Burke Corbett, Declan Corcoran, Paul Corcoran, Brendan Connolly, Catherine Connolly, David Connolly, Kieran Connolly, Sam Connolly, Gerard Conroy, Lorna Conway, Shane Conway, Alex Copland, Frank Corbally, Aoife Corcoran, Josh Cotter, Rebecca Cotter, Don Cotton, Kieran Coughlan, Alan D. Courtney, Peter Courtney, Micheal Cowming, Kevin Coyle, Cormac Craven, Derek Crawley, Mairéad Crawford, Michael Creegan, Rose Cremin, Martin Critchley, John Cromie, Stephen Cronin, Mairi-Elena Crook, John Cross, Olivia Crowe, Sarah Crowley, Patrick Crushell, Tom Cuffe, Eamon Cullen, John Cullen, Maria Cullen, Stan Cullen, Brendan Culliton, Caitriona Cunningham, Amy Curran, Breda Curran, Eugene Curran, Peter Cutler. John Dack, Angela Dakin, Eoghan Dalton, Guy Dalton, Brian Daly, Gregory Daly, Mark Daly, Robert Daly, Tony Daly, Brian Danaher, Robert Dancey, Rodney Daunt, Alice D Arcy, Deborah D Arcy, Stephen Davis, Jake Davison, Josh Davison, Andy Dawson, John Day, John Deasy, Irene Deisler, Harm Deenen, Kevin Deering, Kevin Delahunty, Lisa Delahunty, Edward W. Delaney, Fiona Delaney, Zarah Delaney, Howard Delaney-Brownlow, Maria Dempsey, Jo Denyer, Derrycreha National School, Ronan Dervan, Fiona Devery, Pete Devlin, Zoe Devlin, 32

33 E F G H John Mark Dick, Jonathan Dickson, Anke Dietzsch, Karina Dingerkus, Pat Dinneen, Gary Doherty, Cormac Dolan, Melanie Dolan, Tony Dolan, Anita Donaghy, Brenda Donaghy, Richard Donaghey, Pat Doncaster, Brian Donlon, Lee Donohoe, Brendan Donnelly, Jean Dooley, Clare Dore, Brendan Douglas, Catriona Douglas, J.J. Dowling, Lisa Dowling, Paul Dowling, Peter Dowling, Denis Downey, Mark Doyle, Philip Doyle, Romey Doyle, Susan Doyle, Ismay Drohan, Joe Duane, Katherine Duff, Madge Duffy, Oisín Duffy, Paul Duffy, Peter Duffy, Dave Duggan, Deirdre Duggan, Lisa Duggan, Mary A. Duggan, Tracey Duignan, Ciarán Dunbar, Dunderrow National School, Stuart Dunlop, Alan Dunne, Gavin Dunne, Joan Dunne, Michael Dunne, Mick Dunne, Paul Dunne, Roseann Dunne, Veronica Dunne, William Dunne, Richard Dunphy, Penny Durell, Fran Durie, Rory Dwyer. Maurice Eakin, Patricia Earle, Ecologists Ireland, Ian Edwards, Colette Egan, James Egan, Ray Egan, Jamie Ellis, Ronald Ellis, Sandra English, Ruth Enright, Liam Evans. Paul Fallon, Nollaig Feeney, Michael Fahy, Gary Falconer, Scilla Farrell, Linda Foley, David Fallon, Áine Farrell, Ellie Farrell, Euan Farrell, Graham Farrell, Sinéad Farrell, Tony Farrell, Edward Farrell, John Faulkner, Susan Faulkner, Aidan Feehan, Hugh Feeley, Séamus Feeney, Tracy Anne Fennell, Áine Fenner, Andrew Fenner, Caitriona Fenton, Elma Fenton, Tom Ferris, Michael Field, Gerry Finnegan, Simon Finnegan, Sean Finnerty, Conall Fitzpatrick, Úna Fitzpatrick, Eleanor Fitzgerald, Meadhbh FitzGerald, Ger Fitzsimons, Ciaran Finch, Marian Fisher, Margaret Flaherty, Anne Flanagan, Donald Flanagan, Orla Flanagan, Lorcan Flannery, Carol Flynn, Sid Flynn, John Fogarty, Padraic Fogarty, Mary Foley, Patrick Foley, Nigel Foley-Fisher, Emily Follis, Adrian Foran, Maeve Foran, Ivan Forsythe, Peter Foss, Julie Fossitt, Jamie Fowley, Howard Fox, John Fox, Tom Fox, William Fox, Bridget Foy, Fionnuala Foy, Shona Foyle, Kathryn Freeman, Nuala Freeman, Rochelle Fritch, Janice Fuller, Raymond Fulton, Karin Funke. Elizabeth Gabbett, Leah Gainey, Darren Gallagher, Jim Galloway, Niall Galloway, Martin Gammell, Jim Gannon, Liam Gavin, Cepa Giblin, Ian Gibson, Lynne Gillespie, Jane Gilleran, Debbie Gillies, Eddie Gilligan, Tom Gittings, Celine Geaney, Emma Glanville, Dick Glasgow, Nicole Gleeson,Brendan Glynn, Gary Goggin, Jervis Good, Colin Goodman, Amy Gorol, Lisa Grant, Bobby Gray, Shonagh Gray, Tristan Gray, Paul Richard Green, Catherine Greer, Catherine Greer, Anne Griffin, Eugene Griffin, Tony Grogan, Bernadette Guest, Olivia Guilfoyle, Michael Guiry, Jo Gurney, Sarah Gunther, Cicely Gunton, Clare Guy. Moirin Halpin, Trevor Halpin, Rachel Hamill, Colin Hamilton, Hannah Hamilton, Jean Hamilton, Avril Hanbidge, Gail Hanbridge, Maria I J K L Hanrahan, Mark Hanratty, Des Haran, Ray Hardie, Siobhan Hardiman, Jesmond Harding, Kerry Hardy, Andrew Harrington, Freddie Harris, Ulla Harris, Maryann Harris, Polly Hartney, Feidhlim Harty, Margaret Harty, C. Harvey, Veritia Harvey, Sophie Hayley, Seamus Hassett, James Hayes, Elizabeth Healy, Dorothy Heaphy, Clare Heardman, Brian Heanue, Trea Heapes, Gerry Heery, Anne Heffernan, Marie Louise Heffernan, Eoin Hegarty, John Heneghan, Breeda Herlihy, Sylvia Hetherington, Willie Hetherington, Sarah Hickey, David Hickman, Barry Higgins, Therese Higgins, Edward Hill, Marian Hinchy, Maura Hiney, Sara Garcia Hipolito, James Hoban, Michael Hogan, Neasa Hogan, Thomas Hogan, Paddy Holohan, Catherine Holland, Andrew Holmes, Byron Hooper, Jerry Horgan, Mary Houlihan, Mary Howard, Francis Hoyne, Niamh Hudson, Bobby Hunt, Geoff Hunt, Tony Hunt, Heather Hunter, Caroline Hurley, Jim Hurley, Ben Huskinson, Chris Huxley, Lynda Huxley, Tim Hyde, Andrew Hynes, Kelly-Marie Hynes, Matthew Hynes. F. Alberto Gavigan Imedio, Penny Insole, Kealin Ireland, Bryan Irvine, Justin Ivory. Arlo Jacques, Gill James, Linda James, Fons Jaspers, Frances Jeawon, Rebecca Jeffrey, Anna Johnston, Mick Jones, Brian Joyce, Rosina Joyce. Dellwyn Kane, Andrasne Katona, Barry Kavanagh, Lucy Kavanagh, Padraig Kavanagh, Patrick Kavanagh, Doreen Keane, Hazel Keane, John Keane, Mark Keane, Robert Keane, Ruth Keane, Jon Kearney, Carmel Keating, Elaine Keegan, Brian Keeley, Kate Keena, Padraig Keirns, Dáithí Kelleghan, Conor Kelleher, Aidan P. Kelly, Beatrice Kelly, Cathy Kelly, John Kelly, Kilian Kelly, Laoise Kelly, Martin Kelly, Nancy Kelly, Noel Kelly, Stan Kelly, Therese Kelly, Mary Kelly-Quinn, Catherine Ketch, Henry Kenny, Tom Kenny, Aengus Kennedy, Aisling Kennedy, Barry Kennedy, Lynda Kennedy, Brendan Keogh, Niall T. Keogh, Lorcan Keyes, Noel Kiernan, Danielle Kirwan, Des Kirwan, Caroline Kiely, Mary Kiely, Erin Kilbane, James Kilroy, Michael Kingdon, Naomi Kingston, Sean Kingston, Aayla Kirwan, Patricia Kreiss, Isabelle Kurz. Ciaran Lafferty, Heather Lally, Glenn Lalor, Maureen Lambe, D. Lambert, Stephen Lambert, Susan Lambert, Ann Langley, Alison Laredo, M. Larkin, Alan Lauder, Kate Lavender-Duncan, John Lavery, Gerry Lawless, Eamonn Lawlor, David Lawton, Eamon Leahy, Yvonne Leahy, Keith Leaver, Becky Ledger, Aideen Lee, Robin Leen, M. Lenane, Fintan Lenehan, Larry Lenehan, Niamh Lennon, Kerry Leonard, Stephen Lester, Amy Lewis, Fiona Lloyd, Maria Long, Steve Long, John Lovatt, Frances Lucy, Annette Lynch, John Lynch, Julian Lynch, Michael Lynch, 33

34 M Peader Lynch, Tom Lynch, Wayne Lynch, Deirdre Lynn, David Lyons, Fionnuala Lyons, Paul Lyons, Bella Lysaght, Damaris Lysaght, Felix Lysaght, Jessica Lysaght, Liam Lysaght, Pauli Lysaght, Seán Lysaght, Tony Lyster. Seosamh MacCárthaigh, Pól MacCana, Brendan MacCourt, Declan Mac Gabhann, Ronan Mac Giollapharaic, Scott MacKeown, Breandán MacSéarraigh, Luca Madden, Emer Magee, Barbara Maguire, Eileen Maguire, John Maguire, Caitriona Maher, Josephine Mahon, David Manning, Jerrad J. Manning, Karin Manning, Joanie Mannion, Nick Marchant, Brendan Marnell, Ferdia Marnell, Michael Marron, Anita Martin, Brian Martin, Chris Martin, Réamaí Mathers, John Matthews, John Mattimoe, Jane Maxwell, Kate McAney, Gabby McAvey, Stephen McAvoy, Michael McBride, Caitriona McCabe, Richard McCafferty, Jason McCann, Alison McCarthy, Barry McCarthy, Joan McCarthy, Paul McCarthy, Stephen McCormack, Mark McCorry, Gerry McCourt, Philip McCluskey, Karl McCready, Fiona McCrory, Eoin McCumiskey, Lee McDaid, Sophie McDaid, Y. McDermott, David McDonagh, Evan McDonald, Juliet McDonald, Rosemarie McDonald, Sinead McDonnell, Daireann McDonnell, Ian McDonnell, Susan McDonnell, Allan McDevitt, Deirdre McElligott, L. McEnroe, Dave McEvoy, Damian McFerran, Maureen McGann, J. McGarry, Eugene McGettrick, Helena McGlone, Danica McGourty, Kieron McGowan, Dave McGrath, Valerie McGrath, Keith McGreal, Aiden McGuinness, Conor McGuinness, Helen McGuinness, Iain Mc Guinness, Patrick McGurn, Philip McHaffie, Ewan McHenry, David McIlveen, Clare McIntyre, Dave McKay, Don McKenna, Elizabeth McKenna, Martin McKenna, Jane McKeon, Liam McKeown, Megan McKerchar, Simon McKergan, Dermot McLaughlin, Ronan McLaughlin, Hugh McLindon, Debbie McLoughlin, Eamonn McLoughlin, Marc McLoughlin, Noreen McLoughlin, Barry J. McMahon, Graham McMahon, Shirley McMahon, Kenny McNerlin, Dermot McNelis, David McNicholas, Evelyn McNulty, Fintan McPhillips, Abby McSherry, Edward McWilliams, Sandy McWilliams, Michael McVeigh, Nigel Malcolm, Ferdia Marnell, Jimmy Marron, Sallyann Marron, Derek Martin, Malachy Martin, Niamh Martin, Ted Massey, Frances Maxwell, Robert Maxwell, Sarah Mee, Sean Meehan, Poppy Melia, Cian Merne, Margaret Merne, Joyce Millar, Tony Miller, Dan Minchin, Kelda Minjon, Nicholas Mitchell, Sinéad Mitchell, Will Mitchell, Franck Ar Moenner, Sue Moles, Stewart Molloy, Kieran Moloney, Tom Moloney, Liam Monaher, Ian Montgomery, Kate Moody, Derek Mooney, Fionn Moore, Jer Moore, Michelle Moore, Rory Moorhead, Evelyn Moorkens, Breeda Morgan, Brendan Moran, Deirdre Moran, James Moran, Mary Morgan, Eileen Morrison, Pat Morrissey, Hannah Mulcahy, Mulholland, Anne Mullen, Jimmy Mullen, Siobhan Mulligan,Patrick Mullins, Sean Mullins, Kitty Mulvaney, Cathy Mulvey, Archie Murchie, Aidan Murphy, Aran Murphy, Brendan Murphy, Deirdre Murphy, Eimer Murphy, Jacinta N O P Murphy, Joan Murphy, John Murphy, Kevin Murphy, Lisa Murphy, Lucy Murphy, Nancy Murphy, Orla Murphy, Paul Murphy, Philip Murphy, Ronnie Murphy, Sandra Murphy, Pauline Murray, Tomás Murray, Tony Murray, Tom Murtagh, Darragh Musgrave, Amy Myers. Jason Nagle, Tony Nagle, Favel Naulty, Niamh Ní Cholmain, Claire Ní Fhearghail, Aine Ní Fhlaithearta, Roslyn Nicholson, David Nixon, Albert Nolan, Antoinette Nolan, Billy Nolan, Joe Nolan, Lauren Nolan, Conor Nelligan, Anton Nelson, Brian Nelson, Debbie Nelson, Heather Nesbitt, Marie Neville, Pat Neville, Geoff Newell, Beatrice Newman, Miles Newman, Mary Niblett, Julia Nunn. Yvette O Beirne, Catherine M. O Brien, Chris O Brien, Cliona O Brien, Eileen O Brien, Eugene O Brien, Gerard O Brien, Irene O Brien, Ricky O Brien, Sabrina O Brien, Seamus O Brien, Margaret O Brien-Moran, Oliver Ó Cadhla, Fergal O Callaghan, Mark O Callaghan, Tony O Callaghan, Donncha Ó Catháin, Catherine O Connell, Darren O Connell, Heather O Connell, Joan O Connell, Lynnie O Connell, Michael O Connell, Micheál O Connell, Claudette O Connor, David O Connor, Liam O Connor, Maurice O Connor, Pat O Connor, Liam O Connor Hannon, Tadhg O Corcora, Feargal Ó Cuinneagáin, Caroline O Dea, Joe Ó Dochartaigh, Philip O Donaghue, John O Donnell, Michael O Donnell, Patrick O Donnell, Ger O Donohoe, Aisling O Donoghue, Paul O Donoghue, Jim O Donovan, Sandra O Donovan, Vera O Donovan, Fergal O Dowd, John O Dwyer, Sean O Feannachta, Peter O Gorman, Suzanne O Gorman, Colette O Grady, Fiona O Grady, Mary O Grady, Colette O Flynn, Margaret O Halloran, Aidan O Hanlon, Mark O Hara, Eugene O Kane, Ciaran O Keeffe, Niamh O Keeffe, Rónán O Keeffe, Aine O Leary, Donal O Leary, Eddie O Leary, Colin O Loan, Barry O Loughlin, Maeve O Loughlin, Sarah O Loughlin Irwin, Micheál Ó Mainín, Elaine O Mahony, Denise O Meara, Eileen O Meara, Kim O Meara, Paula O Meara, David Ó Muineacháin, Aodhan O Murchu, Eoghan O Neill, Fionnuala O Neill, Keith O Neill, Micheál O Neill, Michelle O Neill, Sandra O Neill, Tony O`Neill, Jutta O Regan, Catherine O Reilly, Desmond O Reilly, Pauline O Reilly, Nora O Riordan, Aoife O Rourke, Erin O Rourke, Pat O Rourke, Terence O Rourke, Kate O Shea, Patrick L. O Shea, Ann O Sullivan, Fred O Sullivan, John O Sullivan, Michael O Sullivan, Donncha O Teangana, Richard Odlum, Christian Osthoff, James Owens. Mary Parr, Sharon Parr, Nick Parry, Linda Paterson, Anthony Patterson, Jennifer Pearson, Roddy Peavoy, James Pembroke, Chris Peppiatt, Judi Pheysey, Anthony Pickering, Eileen Pickering, H. Pinoff, Tracy Platt, Conor Plunkett, Ciaran Pollard, Ciara Powell, Lisa Powell, Alf Power, Alice Power, Andrew Power, Brian Power, Frank Power, Gerry Power, John A. Power, Mary Power, Una Power, Fraser Preston, Howard Preston, Bob Price-Adams, Vanessa Price-Adams. 34

35 Q R S T U V Caitlin Quinn, Denis Quinn, Melina Quinn, S. Quinn, Arnold Quinsey. Anthony Rafter, Donna Rainey, Christopher Ramsey, John Ramsey, Derek Redmond, Jim Redmond, Joanne Redmond, Martina Redmond, Niall Redmond, Tom Redmond Anne Harrington Rees, David Rees, Eugenie Regan, Dara Reid, Neil Reid, Brian Reidy, Darren Reidy, Grainne Reidy, Sean Reidy, Allen Reilly, Carole Reynolds, Julian Reynolds, Shane Reynolds, Sylvia Reynolds, Darren Rice, Derek Richardson, Robert Richardson, Christine Roberts, Julie Robertson, Jenni Roche, Martina Roche, Niamh Roche, Dicky Rock, Padraig Rocke, Tim Roderick, Simon Rogers, John Rossiter, Dermot Rowan, Emanuela Russo, Alan Rutherford, Ciaran Ryan, Conor Ryan, Don Ryan, Esther Ryan, Finbarr Ryan, Fintan Ryan, Geraldine Ryan, Jean Ryan, Karl Ryan, Martin Ryan, T. Ryan, Tim Ryle. Linda Saunders, Paul Scallan, Susan Scanlon, Rory Scarrott, Tilla Schulte Ostermann, Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Cáit Scott, Daniel Scott, Donal Scott, Lorcán A. Scott, Lorcán J. Scott, Colm Scully, Catherine Seale, Joe Shannon, Patricia Sharkey, Thomas Sheehan, David Sheerin, Deirdre Sheridan, Paddy Sheridan, Patrick Sheridan, Sherkin Island National School, Hugh Sheppard, Liz Sheppard, Ralph Sheppard, Charles Shier, Patrick Sills, Keith Skinner, Jim Slattery, Mark Slattery, Paddy Sleeman, Majella Smart, Patrick Smiddy, Aoife Smith, Donna Smith, George Smith, Katie Smith, Daragh Smyth, Enda Smyth, Frank Smyth, Isabell Smyth, Noeleen Smyth, Martin Speight, Andrew Speer, Neil Spellacy, Wouter Staats, Gerard Stack, Caroline Stanley, Colin Stanley, Dara Stanley, Valerie Stanley, Michael Staunton, John Stephens, Gillian Stewart, Gordon Stewart Emma Stewart-Liberty, Michael Stinson, Richard Stone, Jane Stout, Marlyne Strijdom O Donoghue, Wendy Stringer, Robert Strunz, Geraldine Solosy, Leo Solosy, Dave Suddaby, Caroline Sullivan, Monica Sullivan, Niamh Sweeney, Pascal Sweeney, Jeff Swords. Karen Tambling, Malcolm Tanner, Sian Tantrum, Kate Taylor, Carol Taucher, Rebecca Teesdale, Rosalyn Thompson, Peter Thorpe, Hugh Thurgate, Erin Jo Tiedeken, Deirdre Tierney, John Tierney, Niall Tierney, Tricia Tierney, Fiona Tobin, Susan F. Tollemache, Deirdre Toomey, Thomas Torode, Wayne Trodd, Adam Tozer, Ann Turner, David Turner, Eamonn Twomey, Sean Tyler, Max Tynan, Angus Tyner, Tivon Tyner, Zoë Tyner. Frances Uí Chinnéide, Máire Ui Léíme. Leon van der Noll, Monica van Harpen, Aengus van Hout, Annemarieke van der Voort, Sarah Varian, Rachel Vaughan, Patrick Veale, Alberto Villarejo, Yvette von Cramon, Anneke Vrieling. W Glenna Waldron, Dave Wall, J.F.K. Wallace, Roger Wallace, Aisling Walsh, B. Walsh, Conan Walsh, Frank Walsh, Holly Walsh, Jim Walsh, Maria Walsh, Marie Walsh, Martin Walsh, Oscar Walsh, Paul M. Walsh, Sean Walsh, Brendan Ward, James Ward, Stephen Ward, Jeremy Warnock, Liz Warters, Andrew Warwick, Thomas Watt, Claire Watts, Ryner Weinreich,Lynda Weekes, Delia Welsby, Kate Welsby, R. Wentges, Fiona Wheeldon, Rob Wheeldon, Gerry Wheeler, Michael Whelan, Paul Whelan, Ricky Whelan, Janet Whelehan, Brian White, Kayla White, Sue White, Dave Whitfield, Lesley Whiteside, Sean Whitney, Jennifer Whyte, Audrey Williams, Bryony Williams, Chris Williams, Nigel Willits, Penny Wilmot, Christopher J. Wilson, Faith Wilson, Jim Wilson, Paul Wilson, Ruth Wilson, Ruth Wiseman, Mitch Wolf, Jeanette Woods, Mark Wright, Linsey Wynne. Organisations: Bat Conservation Ireland, Bees, Wasps, & Ants Recording Society, BirdWatch Ireland, Bord na Mona, Botanical Society of the British Isles, BEC Consultants, British Bryological Society, British Mycological Society, Burrenbeo, Butterfly Conservation, Butterfly Conservation - Northern Ireland, CALMAST- Waterford Institute of Technology, CEDaR - Northern Ireland, Cork County Council, COFORD, Coillte, Conchological Society of Britain & Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dublin City Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), GB Non-native Species Secretariat, Irish Char Conservation Group, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management, Invasive Species Ireland, Irish Biogeographical Society, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Irish Research Council, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Irish Wildlife Trust, Joint Nature Conservancy Committee, Kerry County Council, Killarney National Park, Killarney National Park Education Centre, Marine Dimensions, Marine Institute, Mayo County Council, Monaghan County Council, MothsIreland, National Botanic Gardens, National Museum of Ireland Natural History Division, National Museums Northern Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Natural History Museum London, NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, NOBANIS (European Network on Invasive Alien Species), Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Office of Public Works, Plantlife International, Roscommon County Council, Rothamstead Insect Survey, Seasearch, Teagasc, The Heritage Council, UCD - Freshwater Ecology Research Group, Trinity Centre for Biodiversity Research - Trinity College Dublin, Waterford County Council, Wexford Naturalists Field Club. 35

36 Beechfield House, WIT West Campus, Carriganore, Waterford. Tel Web: