Coastal Catch Ups

Recap of the Coastal Catch Up Newsletter from February 2026. Bringing you the latest news, species spotlights and history of the Irish Coastline. Enjoy! Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly newsletter at www.coastalcatchups.com/newsletter

Learn more about why ringing birds is important. I always thought some of the methods of capturing birds looked a bit heavy handed, but the birds were always released unharmed and it is for a good cause. Read more about avocets in Chichester Harbour Meet the avocet family in Chichester Harbour. A website dedicated to birds in the Solent Read more about the Bird Aware Solent here. STEM Education th...

I work as a consultant, supporting organisations and companies working in the marine environment. The purpose is to ensure any development identifies and mitigates the environmental impact on marine life. I enjoy the work because I get to work with a variety of experts and projects. Anyway, I hope this episode gives you a flavour of my career lessons so far and helps you navigate yours. Please exc...

In this episode I speak with Joy and David who are both key members of Killyleagh Coastal Rowing Club. They kindly let me interrupt them during an evening of boat prep in the club shed (also David's shed!). I was not familiar with the sport, but coming away from the chat I soon realised how important the sport is for coastal communities, bringing people of all ages closer together and also to the...

This episode explores the tidal energy industry. Tidal energy has great potential around our coastline as a reliable form of renewable energy, however, it is all about getting the technology right to reduce costs and make it cost-effective, as well as having no environmental impact. On a new format of Coastal Catch Ups, I answer questions from previous guests on the podcast. So thank you John Gilm...

Heidi shares her extensive knowledge on seagrass habitats and the impact of human activities on the coastline and the importance of preserving these areas in Northern Ireland. She highlights the significance of seagrass as a habitat and its potential for carbon sequestration and we also cover the causes of seagrass loss, the need for mitigating its impact, and the role of volunteer support for eco...

This week’s episode focuses on Fair Seas mission to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Ireland’s seas. Donal is passionate and knowledgable about the subject so no better person to hear about the campaign. For me, I’m excited to see how the management measures are implemented on the ground, after the new laws have passed. It will also be great to see coastal communities involved in the...

Listen to this episode where I chat to Bill O'Donnell who volunteers with the Wave Project in Northern Ireland. Bill has volunteered with the organisation for 5 years, and he explains the background to the project, and how surfing has helped, and still is helping, countless children and young adults with mental health issues, physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

This discussion on my trip to New Zealand covered various topics including the carrying capacity of tourism sites, the challenges faced by seabirds such as the Northern Royal Albatross, and the importance of Maori practices in fisheries management. You can join the Coastal Meet Up Community here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C7MyllLJ9k3Do8w1DIr53M You can read more about the topics covered at the fol...

Join me as I reflect on my observations while travelling around eastern Australia. K'Gari (otherwise known as Fraser Island) receives nearly 500,000 visitors a year and is the largest sand island in the world. With sand comes a lot of beauty, but also challenges as it tends to move about a lot. Also find out about the secret hang out spot of Humpback Whales in Hervey Bay, where mums and calves com...

I speak with Jack, who is renowned for his relentless work on getting people on the water through sailing. In this podcast , hear about the benefits of volunteering, getting on the water, and the value the coast gives people around Northern Ireland. You can subscribe to the Coastal Catch Up email or listen to other episodes at www.coastalcatchups.com .

Join me as I suffer with jet lag and covid (boo hoo poor me) and I reflect on the last 5 episodes of Coastal Catch Ups. Remember you can keep up to date with episodes by joining the email list at www.coastalcatchups.com . Also if you want to find out more about any of the events, issues or opportunities mentioned in the episodes you can contact me at sam@coastalcatchups.com .Catch you soon,Sam P

On a wet Friday evening, myself and Ryan O'Leary sat in his camper van eating spaghetti bolognese at a local boatyard. Ryan has recently spent countless hours renovating an old sailboat he bought a while ago. Whilst he was showing me his excellent craftsmanship on his recent repair work, with a tarp suspended over the boat to protect his hard work from the sideways rain, he explained his big plans...

I chat with Hammy Baker who shares what it takes to become a professional sailor and what inspired him to chase his dream. Hammy shares his experiences of how he got into sailing and using the coast as his playground, as well as the important role his parents played. Hammy then describes how he became a professional solo sailor, learning to make decisions on minimal sleep and navigate expensive bo...

Earlier in the week I spoke with Dr Cliff Henry, who is a Nature Engagement Officer with the National Trust. Cliff is based on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, famous for its coastal landscapes from the basalt cliffs. Cliff has experience managing the Giants Causeway and gives us insight into the challenges the site faces through increasing visitor numbers and rising sea levels. We also talk a...

I spoke with Mary Martin about her role as a Development Officer with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). We chat about how more people can get on the water and why certain groups are underrepresented, particularly women in the sailing community. According to a recent survey by the RYA, 51% of women said they had experienced some sort of gender discrimination within the sailing environment, whic...

So you find seaweed sexy? I certainly do after my chat with Rhianna Rees from the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association. Rhianna shares her views and ongoing work about the remerging seaweed industry in the UK. I found out about the historic importance of seaweed to coastal communities, and how society's perception has changed viewing it as something smelly that lies on the beach. In actual fact,...

This episode is slightly different. So join me as I summarise some of the key takeaways from the last five episodes. I delve into some of the topics in more detail whilst adding my humble opinions and a bit of background to myself. To get involved, please submit your questions to sam@coastalcatchups.com or on our socials for the next episode of Coastal Reflections.

Earlier in the week I heard about the work ongoing at Castle Espie from Paul Stewart, the site's manager. Castle Espie is Northern Ireland's only Wildfowl and Wetland Trust site, situated on the coast of Strangford Lough. We talk about the importance of connecting with nature using eco-poetry, inspiring future generations in conservation and nature, and how the site is managed sustainably followin...

I had the absolute pleasure to speak with John Gilmore about his adventures around the Caribbean and his sailing career. It all started at a young age, but a key moment in John's life was when he quit his job at 31 years of age to purchase a boat to go on an adventure with a friend. We talk about the highs and lows of his adventures, including a transatlantic trip with his family, and also his obs...

I chat with Dr Rachel Millar, a Marine Conservation Officer with Ulster Wildlife, who manages several conservation programmes in Northern Ireland. This includes the recovery of the Native Oyster which was once close to extinction. We also chat about her career path, public engagement in conservation, diving and her PhD.

I spoke with Tomos Davies about the future of offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Tomos is a Project Manager and is passionate about the role south Wales will play in reaching the net-zero targets. Tomos also shared his enthusiasm for learning and development in the sector and the importance of collaboration.

I caught up with Rory Martin who manages Strangford Lough Activity Centre. Rory runs his business in one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in Northern Ireland. He gives people the opportunity to experience amazing marine habitats and species in a responsible manner. Rory has a good understanding of sustainable tourism and where he wants to take his business and our conversation covers th...