As part of its Science Week programme, Ireland’s Marine Institute is highlighting the ocean of jobs available in the marine sector.
As an island with a marine territory that is 10 times bigger than its landmass at 220m acres, it’s no surprise that Ireland has a long connection with the ocean.
According to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood economy is worth €1.24bn and provides employment for more than 16,000 people. And the country’s aquatech sector is growing all the time.
“Ireland has a tangible thriving aquatech sector with enormous potential that is ideally placed to become a global centre of excellence for aquatech,” Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Timmy Dooley, TD, told attendees at the BIM Blue Ambition conference last month.
Dublin-based PT Aqua was named Aquatech Business of the Year 2025 at the conference for its feeds and supplements for the seafood farming industry.
The Marine Institute, the state agency responsible for marine research and innovation, has spotlighted some of its people working in key roles at the organisation.
For Rónán Mag Aoidh, a fisheries assessment analyst, the appeal of marine science grew from a childhood surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes.
“What I enjoy most about my role is the sense of adventure during sea surveys, watching for dolphins, whales and seabirds while collecting crucial data,” Mag Aoidh said.
“Although work at sea can be challenging, knowing our efforts help protect ocean resources for future generations makes it deeply rewarding.”
Haleigh Joyce, a scientific and technical officer, focuses on Nephrops (Dublin Bay prawns) and deep-sea ecosystems around Ireland.
“There’s something special about gathering information first-hand and then seeing how it informs the decisions and policies that protect our ocean resources.”
Macdara Ó Cuaig, a fisheries liaison team leader, works with fishing communities around Ireland to gather crucial data while ensuring that marine research methods reflect the realities of working at sea.
“The practical experience of those making their living from the sea, and the research conducted at the Marine Institute are both needed to ensure sustainable fisheries for our communities,” Ó Cuaig explained.
And Aoife O’Sullivan, a scientific and technical officer, works on a European seaweed farming research project. She divides her time between lab work caring for young seaweed plants and conducting field trials at the Marine Institute’s Lehanagh Pool research site in Bertraghboy Bay in Galway.
“What I enjoy most about my role is the fieldwork. Being outdoors, collecting seaweeds and monitoring their growth at sea connects me directly with the marine environment I’ve always been passionate about,” O’Sullivan said.
What other roles are available in the marine sector?
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a major interdisciplinary research project that employs people in its offices in the UK, on ships and aircraft, as well as in the polar regions. It operates the RRS Sir David Attenborough to support its marine science programme and to bring staff, supplies and equipment to its polar research stations. Mariners on the ships work in challenging conditions in some of the world’s most spectacular places, BAS says on its website. It also employs marine engineers to look after ship equipment and to maintain science and navigation equipment.
Closer to home, the growth of renewables, particularly offshore wind and wave energy projects, means there are a wealth of career areas in the marine sector to explore.
Louth-based Xocean employs data analysts, engineers, technicians and qualified mariners to collect marine data using uncrewed surface vessels. These robotic systems map the seabed and monitor the marine environment.
While Cork-based Green Rebel employs offshore boat crew engineers and surveyors as well as office-based marine geoscientists, data analysts and software developers.
And, of course, there are many research areas in the field of ocean science to dive into.
Earlier this year, the ESB announced its third annual call for applicants to the marine mammal observer (MMO) training programme. MMOs are specialist environmental consultants responsible for monitoring marine megafauna, for example whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks, during industry operations. They help developers comply with environmental regulations and guidelines and collect data to help evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) marine scientist Dr María Pérez Tadeo recently led a 10-day expedition to collect data for an EU-funded project which aims to protect and conserve the habitats of sea animals and improve tracking in European waters.
And ATU is among the universities involved in the new BRICONS project which will investigate novel approaches to restoring native oyster reefs around Ireland’s coasts.
Native oysters provide many ecosystem services, including improving water quality by filtering algae and organic matter and removing excess nutrients from the water. The Green Ocean Foundation just this week announced that it is expanding its oyster-restoration project in Dublin Bay, in the hopes of improving the local ecosystem.
Why all this talk of oysters? An interest in oysters may lead to a very successful career – as Prof Sarah Culloty can attest.
In 2021, Culloty made history as the first woman to become head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science at University College Cork. She is also director of the Environmental Research Institute. Her academic career began with a PhD that investigated a novel disease in oyster populations in Ireland.
Her research career has focused on marine aquatic animal health – particularly impacting aquaculture and fisheries.
“I feel sometimes it took me longer than necessary to get to my destination,” Culloty previously told SiliconRepublic.com.
“I believe good mentoring and support is critical for early-career staff – and at all stages of our careers.”
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