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 coastline - not forgetting the physical and mental health benefits. As the episode is recorded alongside other members working on the boat, there is some background noise so I do apologise for that, but please don't let it take away from the valuable conversation.Please let me know if this episode inspires you to grab your oars with a local club!

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 Gilmore for this question regarding the results of an experimental tidal energy project in Strangford Lough. Although I was not involved in the project, there were plenty of documents, as well as digging out old field trip notes during University, to delve into. So I share the key things I took from my research with you.The episode covers:What controls the tides?Where is the best place to harness tidal energy?What technology can be used to generate tidal energy?What was the Seagen Project in Strangford?What are the environmental impacts of tidal energy?Is Tidal energy cost-effective?What are the future plans for tidal energy in the UK and Ireland?I hope you enjoy the episode and learn something new about our coasts. Please let me know what you think at sam@coastalcatchups.com.

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 ecological restoration projects.Heidi is also involved with the Irish Ocean Literacy Network, the Shifting Tides Project in Carlingford Lough, and recently delivered a Ted Talk at Stormont focusing on how our seas can help tackle the climate crisis. You can find the links to these below:Irish Ocean Literacy Network - https://irishoceanliteracy.ieShifting Tides - https://www.theshiftingtides.orgTed Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQn8O4Z2-Xo

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 decision making and management of these sites through stakeholder engagement.Hope you enjoy the episode and learn something new about the management of our coastlines.You can find out more about Fair Seas Campaign at www.fairseas.ie.

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/C7MyllLJ9k3Do8w1DIr53MYou can read more about the topics covered at the following websites:Current management plan of Milford Sounds: https://www.milfordopportunities.nz/assets/Projects/210503-MOP-Masterplan-FINAL.pdfRoyal Albatross Centre Website:https://albatross.org.nzHookpods: https://www.hookpod.com/en/Case Study on Rahui: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/rahui-marine-conservation-french-polynesia/

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 come in for some rest and recovery during their migration. Hear about how citizen scientists are helping protect the species and the importance of the whales to the local community. Finally learn about the formation of coral reefs, what colour they should be, and how ecotourism is playing a role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. I also learnt how important bird shit is in creating a paradise in the middle of the ocean. Don't forget to subscribe to email notifications at www.coastalcatchups.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 to me. To sail around the world and surf the best waves. I was amazed and couldn't wait to find out more and how this plan would work.So please join me on this Coastal Catch Up as I chat with Ryan about his life around our coasts and his exciting plans for the future.

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 boats in darkness, all while trying to win a race.Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter at www.coastalcatchups.com so you never miss an episode and keep up to date with the latest news.

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 about the wide range of activities happening at the site, such as volunteering and engaging with the local communities. My favourite part of our chat was about how the National Trust is applying and testing sustainable land use measures on their land to work with nature. This seems very relevant with the ongoing algal blooms impacting our waterways and coastlines. Don't forget you can subscribe to our email list and check out other episodes at www.coastalcatchups.com.

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, which is truly shocking. Ensuring diversity among our water users is key to the sustainable use of the coasts. I also found out about taking the Green Blue Boating Pledge about acting sustainably on the water (which I have now signed up too!).You may hear background noise such as the gentle lapping of water and car alarms, all because it was filmed on my boat.You can find out about how to get on the water and the topics discussed at https://www.rya.org.uk/gbni/ryani and https://thegreenblue.org.uk.

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, there are endless uses for seaweed such as food, clothing and alternatives to plastic. Rihanna's mission is to highlight this use, creating a new sustainable industry for the UK from source to consumer.Please leave a review on the episode, it would be great the hear your thoughts. You can find out more about Coastal Catch Ups at www.coastalcatchups.com.

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 following the legacy of the WWT's Founder - Peter Scott. You can subscribe to our email newsletter to stay updated with new episodes and news at www. coastalcatchups.com WWT Website: https://www.wwt.org.uk

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 observations of the changing landscape in the Caribbean. John is now settled on the shores of Strangford Lough and enjoys racing a classic yacht called the Glen.

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 the challenges of ecotourism, the benefits of blue recreation and his exciting plans for the future.