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Irish Post
15-07-2025
- Science
- Irish Post
Caviar sturgeon seen in Irish waters for the first time in decades
A FISH long thought to be extinct in Ireland has been found in Irish waters. A caviar-producing sturgeon - once dubbed the 'royal fish' for its association with British monarchs - was recently caught off Valencia Island in County Kerry, marking the first confirmed sighting in four decades. The six-foot-long fish was hauled up by Declan O'Sullivan, skipper of the Trinity, a trawler based out of Portmagee. O'Sullivan, suspecting he had found something unusual, sent photographs of the fish to Kevin Flannery, director of Dingle Oceanworld. Flannery, a veteran marine biologist, was stunned. 'I nearly fell over,' he told the Irish Independent. 'To see this fossil species, this dinosaur fish, back in our waters is incredible. They were thought to be extinct here.' Flannery confirmed the fish's identity and advised that it be released, which O'Sullivan did. The fisherman also reported seeing another sturgeon swimming just beyond the net. This rediscovery is the first of its kind since a sturgeon was landed near Kish Lighthouse off Dublin in 1987. Once common in Irish waters, sturgeon were driven to near-extinction by the 1970s due to overfishing, primarily for their highly prized caviar. Historically, sturgeon caught around Ireland were automatically considered property of the Crown and often presented to royalty. The species was so revered that past catches were served to figures such as Queen Victoria and, more recently, guests at White's on the Green in Dublin. Sturgeon are one of the oldest species of fish still around today, dating back over 100 million years. Known as 'dinosaur fish,' they can grow over two metres long and spend most of their lives at sea, returning to freshwater rivers to breed and spawn. Ireland's Shannon and Suir rivers have been identified as having ideal conditions for sturgeon, making the prospect of reintroduction feasible for wider conservation efforts. Following the rediscovery, the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and Blue Marine Foundation have renewed calls for a national sturgeon restoration initiative. According to IWT's Pádraic Fogarty, 'We need to see a more concerted effort to reintroduce species to Ireland that have been driven to extinction. The sturgeon should be a priority. It's a magnificent animal, and restoring its habitat benefits many other species as well.' The recent publication of Britain's Sturgeon Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2023 - 2033 has offered a pan-European plan to restore sturgeon populations. Conservation groups argue that Ireland must be part of this larger movement. 'Nature doesn't recognise borders,' said Adrian Gahan of the Blue Marine Foundation. 'And neither should our conservation efforts. This rediscovery is a reminder that with collaboration and commitment, lost species can return.'
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Survey finds Scots' climate knowledge below average - and jargon doesn't help
Ragworm in petri dish A new survey reveals that many people in Scotland struggle to understand the ocean's role in tackling climate change – with key terms like Blue Carbon and carbon sequestration causing confusion. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Commissioned by the Convex Seascape Survey, the research polled over 2,000 UK adults and found that Scotland's climate knowledge is below average in several areas: Just 32% of Scots knew that the ocean, not forests or soil, is Earth's biggest natural carbon sink – close to the national average of 34%, but still a minority. 44% wrongly believed the Amazon rainforest produces most of the Earth's oxygen – the correct answer is the ocean. Only 36% identified seagrass as the marine plant that can store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than a rainforest – slightly above the UK average of 35%. 67% correctly defined Blue Carbon – higher than the national average (61%), but 29% still confused it with carbon emitted by oceans. 60% recognised carbon sequestration as a way to store carbon – better than the UK average (54%), yet 15% still believed it was related to flowers emitting carbon. Where Scotland fares poorly is in confidence around climate language: Professor Ceri Lewis on assignment in Millport for the Convex Seascape Survey 57% of respondents said environmental terms felt as confusing as learning a foreign language – well above the UK average of 49%, and the second highest in the UK after Northern Ireland (63%). Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) didn't know what the Paris Climate Agreement is. 76% of Scots were classed as 'Eco-Newbies' – scoring low on the survey's environmental knowledge quiz. Despite this, people in Scotland are keen to act: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 46% said they want to reduce their carbon footprint – above the UK average of 42%. 47% reported already making eco-friendly choices, like recycling and using reusable products. 'Scotland shows a strong desire to act, but the knowledge gap is still holding people back,' said Victoria Turner, Education Lead at Blue Marine Foundation. 'The more people understand the basics – like how oceans store carbon – the more empowered they'll be to push for change.' The Convex Seascape Survey is a global, five-year research programme exploring how continental shelves in the ocean store carbon, and how this natural process can help combat climate change. Over 100 scientists from 10 countries are involved in the project. To improve public understanding, the initiative also partners with Encounter Edu to deliver ocean literacy programmes, already reaching 14 million students across 90 countries. 'We've spent decades talking about forests – but oceans are just as vital for storing carbon,' said Professor Callum Roberts, the project's lead scientist. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'You don't need to be an expert to get involved,' added Rachel Delhaise, Head of Sustainability at Convex Insurance. 'From reducing single-use plastic to spreading awareness, small steps add up.' To test your own Environmental IQ or find out more about the Convex Seascape Survey, click here.
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
White Lotus star Theo James and national treasure Stephen Fry star in grotesque new film exposing the UK's dirty fishing secret
On World Ocean Day, ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, has launched The Bottom Line, a darkly satirical and gut-wrenching film starring two of the charity's ambassadors actors Theo James and British broadcaster and national treasure Stephen Fry. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from editor David Summers, and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The film, directed by twice-BAFTA nominated director Ben Mallaby, delivers a shocking ending, as a mass of stomach churning fish bycatch crashes down onto immaculately suave Theo and his table mid-meal; exposing the brutal truth about one of the most destructive and overlooked fishing practices taking place in British marine reserves. Despite their designation, most UK marine protected areas (MPAs) still allow bottom trawling; the industrial practice of dragging weighted nets across the seabed, decimating habitats and indiscriminately catching and killing countless 'non-target' marine species in the process. Research by Blue Marine shows that 74% of England's inshore MPAs and 92% in Scotland still permit this practice, including in fragile habitats such as seagrass meadows. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference,Blue Marine Foundation, Only One and Oceana UK are calling on the UK Government to impose an immediate ban on bottom trawling in all UK marine protected areas. Take part in the e-action HERE. In the film, Theo James plays a diner at a smart restaurant who orders a seemingly sustainable fish course. But his evening takes a horrifying turn when an enormous net of rotting bycatch and oil is dumped on him and his table as the 'extras' to his 'sustainable' plaice. Fry plays a comedic, shadowy waiter, delivering the harsh reality of the seafood industry; reminding Theo that what we don't see on the menu is often the most devastating to marine environments. Photo credit: Duncan Nicholls/Blue Marine Foundation | Blue Marine Foundation 'This shockingly destructive practice continues even in the UK's protected areas,' said Stephen Fry. 'I witnessed the waste firsthand and was absolutely appalled. It is morally corrupt to allow what should be thriving ecological wildernesses to be reduced to shells of destruction. Bottom trawling in marine protected areas must be banned now.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Theo James added: 'As a keen diver I've long been captivated by the ocean and been horrified by the impact humans are having on it. Having had a load of bycatch dumped on me, it really drove home just how grotesque and devastating the practice of bottom trawling is. It was deeply unsettling but I was glad to do it if it helps drive real change.' Jo Coumbe, Communications Director at Blue Marine Foundation, said: 'Making this film was an eye-opener, even for the seasoned conservationists. When we first saw the bycatch it was just devastating to see - almost unbelievably so. Baby sharks, rays, cuttlefish, angler fish - nothing gets away. The bycatch sourced to create this film was made up of 27 different species, including five species of shark or ray and numerous juveniles. Nothing is safe from the nets of a trawler.' HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP: Supporters can visit HERE to send a direct message to Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP urging him to take action. The film was co-produced between Blue Marine Foundation and Atomized Studios and all bycatch was authentic and legally sourced. It was responsibly disposed of through Billingsgate Market's regulated waste system. Blue Marine Foundation acknowledges sensitivities but defends the hard-hitting imagery as essential to confronting the true impact of industrial fishing.
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
White Lotus star Theo James and national treasure Stephen Fry star in grotesque new film exposing the UK's dirty fishing secret
The film, directed by twice-BAFTA nominated director Ben Mallaby, delivers a shocking ending, as a mass of stomach churning fish bycatch crashes down onto immaculately suave Theo and his table mid-meal; exposing the brutal truth about one of the most destructive and overlooked fishing practices taking place in British marine reserves. Despite their designation, most UK marine protected areas (MPAs) still allow bottom trawling; the industrial practice of dragging weighted nets across the seabed, decimating habitats and indiscriminately catching and killing countless 'non-target' marine species in the process. Research by Blue Marine shows that 74% of England's inshore MPAs and 92% in Scotland still permit this practice, including in fragile habitats such as seagrass meadows. With the United Nations Ocean Conference underway, Blue Marine Foundation ( Only One and Oceana UK are calling on the UK Government to impose an immediate ban on bottom trawling in all UK marine protected areas. Take part in the e-action here: In the film, Theo James plays a diner at a smart restaurant who orders a seemingly sustainable fish course. But his evening takes a horrifying turn when an enormous net of rotting bycatch and oil is dumped on him and his table as the 'extras' to his 'sustainable' plaice. Fry plays a comedic, shadowy waiter, delivering the harsh reality of the seafood industry; reminding Theo that what we don't see on the menu is often the most devastating to marine environments. 'This shockingly destructive practice continues even in the UK's protected areas,' said Stephen Fry.'I witnessed the waste firsthand and was absolutely appalled. It is morally corrupt to allow what should be thriving ecological wildernesses to be reduced to shells of destruction. Bottom trawling in marine protected areas must be banned now.' Theo James added, 'As a keen diver I've long been captivated by the ocean and been horrified by the impact humans are having on it. Having had a load of bycatch dumped on me, it really drove home just how grotesque and devastating the practice of bottom trawling is. It was deeply unsettling but I was glad to do it if it helps drive real change.' Jo Coumbe, Communications Director at Blue Marine Foundation, said'Making this film was an eye-opener, even for the seasoned conservationists. When we first saw the bycatch it was just devastating to see - almost unbelievably so. Baby sharks, rays, cuttlefish, angler fish - nothing gets away. The bycatch sourced to create this film was made up of 27 different species, including five species of shark or ray and numerous juveniles. Nothing is safe from the nets of a trawler.' HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP: Supporters can visit HERE ( to send a direct message to Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP urging him to take action. The film was co-produced between Blue Marine Foundation and Atomized Studios and all bycatch was authentic and legally sourced. It was responsibly disposed of through Billingsgate Market's regulated waste system. Blue Marine Foundation acknowledges sensitivities but defends the hard-hitting imagery as essential to confronting the true impact of industrial fishing. 1 . Contributed Theo James & Stephen Fry in 'The Bottom Line' Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Theo James & Stephen Fry in 'The Bottom Line' Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: Stephen Fry
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess Eugenie makes rare appearance in a backless swimsuit in sweet snap with her sons
Princess Eugenie yesterday shared a series of sweet photographs with her sons to mark World Ocean Day. The eco-conscious mother-of-two, who divides her time between Portugal and London, took to Instagram to share the adorable images of herself with August, four, and Ernest, two, at the seaside to mark the annual celebration. In one image, she played with her children in the ocean while donning a backless swimsuit and a pair of white linen shorts. Eugenie, who has taken up environmentalism in the hope of helping future generations, held Ernest's hand as August went on ahead into the water. The 35-year-old captioned the post, 'The ocean is the greatest wonder of the world. Celebrating @unworldoceansdaytoday and everyday.' She has a track record of being environmentally aware and has been an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation since June 2021. The royal is an avid campaigner of environmental issues and even had a plastic-free wedding to her husband Jack Brooksbank in 2018. Eugenie, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, also shared two stunning images of beachside scenery in the post. The final snap showed her youngest son Ernest enjoying a stroll at the shore while dressed in a warm jacket and wellington boots. Eugenie has continued to show her dedication to the environment on multiple occasions, including her 2023 trip with the Solent Seascape Project, the first attempt to actively restore the ocean in the UK. At the time, Eugenie described how being a mother made her want 'to do more' for her children and future grandchildren, adding that she hopes her son August will one day take up environmentalism too. During the trip she wasn't afraid to get stuck in and helped scientists clean hundreds of oysters before they returned them to the sea. Princess Eugenie also avoids using any single-use plastics at home and has already started educating her children about climate change. She previously said, 'My son's going to be an activist from two years old, which is in a couple of days. Everything is for them, right? Every decision we now make has to be about how August is going to be able to live his life.' It comes after Princess Eugenie opened up about the 'sense of shame' she felt when she first saw her scoliosis scar - and revealed how she 'trained her brain' to think it was a 'cool thing' instead. In a rare, wide-ranging interview, the royal mother-of-two also discussed how her Sarah Ferguson raised her to be proud of her scar after she went underwent surgery at the age of 12. In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter had rods inserted into her spine after she was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and told that she would need corrective surgery. After the eight-hour operation, Prince Andrew's daughter spent three days in intensive care, a week on a spinal ward and six days in a wheelchair before she was able to walk again. Speaking to The Telegraph, Eugenie revealed she had a 'sense of shame' when she couldn't wash or dress herself and was shown her scar, which runs down her neck and spine. However, she claimed her mother, the Duchess of York, removed all the stigma about the scar and helped her see it in a positive light. Eugenie said, 'She was amazing. She'd ask me if she could show it to people, then she'd turn me around and say, 'my daughter is superhuman, you've got to check out her scar'. 'All of sudden it was a badge of honour – a cool thing I had. It trained my brain that it's ok, scars are cool. 'It became a positive memory, a part of me, that I could do something with in the future. I could help heal other people.' After a tumultuous few months after surgery the young Princess had to be turned gently in bed and wear a brace. Eugenie, who has since became a patron of Horatio's Garden in 2019, which helps nurture the wellbeing of people after spinal injury in beautiful gardens in NHS spinal injury centres, often speaks about the stigma surrounding scoliosis. Last year, she posted a sweet tribute to her mother on Instagram, explaining: 'My mum caught my scoliosis early and I was lucky enough to get the help I needed at 12 years old. 'I thank her so much for that and also thank her for the confidence to be proud of my scar. 'She removed all the stigma around having scoliosis for me by confidently showing people what I'd been through and it took all the fear and anxiety out of being different at such a young age. I am forever grateful and wish everyone to be proud of their scars.' Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine which can cause uneven shoulders. Many people who suffer from the condition struggle to find clothes that fit due to the body shape it creates. Although treatment is not always necessary for the condition, some people who develop scoliosis can be required to wear a back brace to stop the curve worsening as they get older. In cases where surgery is required, patients may undergo a spinal fusion operation; a procedure that can last up to seven hours. Writing for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity previously, Eugenie said, 'In 2002, when I was 12 years old, I was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and told that I would need corrective surgery. 'This was, of course, a scary prospect for a 12-year-old; I can still vividly remember how nervous I felt in the days and weeks before the operation.' The Princess continued: 'During my operation, which took eight hours, my surgeons inserted eight-inch titanium rods into each side of my spine and one-and-a-half inch screws at the top of my neck. 'After three days in intensive care, I spent a week on a ward and six days in a wheelchair, but I was walking again after that.'
