Environmental and fisheries consultant Ken Whelan informs us of The Freshwater Detective courses which will take place in Clonmel and Limerick
The island of Ireland possesses an aquatic heritage which is unique in Europe. Packed into a land area of just 84,000 km2 is a vast array of loughs, rivers and streams. Some of the bolder strewn, brassy river channels flash by for all to see; some are hidden from view and furtively skirt unnoticed along the edges of the hedgerows. Still others flow largely beneath our feet, only appearing above ground for tantalisingly short periods. Our lakes are shallow, often wind swept and amongst the most highly productive still-waters in the world. Easily damaged by over-enrichment, they demand careful and thoughtful stewardship. During our course we will examine this unique resource: its sources and origin, its contribution to biological diversity and its importance for the landscape and for humans. The course will teach the students the basics of becoming a Freshwater Detective and how, using the presence or absence of specific insects or fish, to read a river corridor or lake shore. This in turn will ensure that students can become guardians of this unique Irish resource.
The course will comprise two Friday evenings (18.00 – 21.00) and two Saturdays (09.00 – 16.00) and include interactive talks with slides, video clips and 2 field classes,
No previous knowledge is required.
Key Programme details
Duration: Nov 6/7 & 20/21 LIT Clonmel Nov 27/28 & Dec 4/5 LIT Moylish
Cost : €175
Delivery: The programme will be delivered over two weekends. The programme will include a mixture of class time and field trips for observation and exami-nation.
How to Apply
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 0504 28112
Web: www.lit.ie/Flexiblelearning
Entry Requirements
An interest in learning and understanding our fresh-water resources!
Day 1 – 1800 to 21.00
Part 1: The Physical structure and functioning of Irish lakes and rivers
Glacial history
Geology and Topography
The sources of water and the water cycle
Part 2: Invertebrate and plant life in our rivers and lakes
An introduction to the ecology of freshwater
Life in rivers and streams
Day 2 – 09.00 to 10.00
Part 2 – (Cont): The main invertebrate and plant groups
Skills of the Freshwater Detective
“Life in Freshwater” Field class and lunch – 10.00 to 1400
Day 2 – 1400 to 1600
Part 3: Using animals and plants to assess water quality
The Biological index of water quality
River corridors – their conservation and management
Day 3 – 18.00 to 21.00
Part 4: Fish life in our rivers and lakes
Getting to know the freshwater fish of Ireland
The biology of resident and migratory stocks
Day 4 – 0900 – 10.00
Part 4 – (Cont):
How fish populations work
Invasive species or new neighbours?
“Testing for Pollution and Reading River Corridors” Field class and lunch – 10.00 to 1400
Day 4 – 1400 to 1600
Part 5: Threats and opportunities
Pollution and degradation of habitat
Managing pollution sources in rivers and lakes at local and international
The national water resource and its wise use
Programme Tutor: Professor Ken Whelan
Ken Whelan works as an environmental and fisheries con-sultant – http://www.kenwhelan.info/. He is also an Ad-junct Professor in UCD’s School of Biology and Environ-mental Science. Ken was, until recently, Chairman of the Biodiversity Forum but is best known for his work on the Atlantic salmon. He has also produced, presented and scripted many films and videos on various aspects of Irish fisheries, wildlife and angling. He is also an author and has written extensively both for scientific journals and in the popular press. He is a regular radio contributor to the Mooney Goes Wild programme. Ken is currently working on a new film on Atlantic salmon, which was co-produced by the late Eamon de Buitlear2
1 http://www.medlarpress.com/8166-Fishing-Books-Nomads-of-the-Tides_by_McCully–Whelan.html
