Page 2 - Kelp Harvesting in Bantry Bay

Clash Industrial Estate, Tralee, Co.Kerry, V92 RWV5, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 66 711 8477 › Email: info@bioatlantis.com www.bioatlantis.com
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) upheld a complaint made by BioAtlantis Ltd., and concluded that RTE’s ‘Eco-Eye’ program on seaweed harvesting was contrary to Irish broadcasting regulations and lacked fairness, objectivity and impartiality. The BAI aired their decision on RTE 1 on the 13th of February, 2018.
The following incorrect statements were made on the Eco-Eye program on 7th February, 2017.
Incorrect statements
The programme referred to Dr. Karin Dubsky.
The programme incorrectly claimed that “These are long lived species” (ref: 11:08 -11:11 min of episode).
The programme incorrectly claimed that mechanical harvesting is “like clear felling a forest” (Ref: 11:16 -11:24min of episode).
The programme incorrectly claimed that mechanical harvesting of kelp is similar to “killing someone through the heart” (ref: 14:02-14:03min of episode).
The programme incorrectly claimed that kelp is “like a big tree” (ref: 13:21 mins of episode).
The Truth
RTE/Eco-Eye when challenged confirmed the fact that Ms Karin Dubsky does not hold a doctorate degree.
Kelp is not a long lived species. The normal life cycle of Kelp in Ireland is 3 to 6 years. University College Dublin has proven that the kelp in Bantry Bay has a mean age of 3.4 years.
Clearing of kelp will not take place. The mechanism employed ensures that BioAtlantis will cut the older weed, allowing unharvested younger plants to flourish as they will have more access to sunlight, which is the key limiting factor to kelp growth. The kelp will be cut in strips but an unharvested area will be left between the strips. The spores from the unharvested area will have space to land, find a foothold and commence growth.
This is completely absurd.
Some facts in relation to Kelp:
1. Kelp is not like a tree. Kelp is a type of seaweed/algae.
2. Unlike trees that can live for 100s of years, the mean age of kelp in
Bantry Bay is just 3.4 years.
3. While trees can range from 20-60m in height, the mean height of
kelp in Bantry is just 1.47meters, including the frond and stipe
(proven by UCD).
4. Kelp has no root structure and is easily lifted o the seabed by
storms. Kelp is washed ashore during every storm where it rots,
causing foul and dangerous odours.
5. Kelp grows rapidly with a short generation time of just 3-6 years. 6. The program failed to air the fact that every peer reviewed
scientific study carried out in Europe to date shows that kelp regenerates within 3 to 6 years after mechanical harvesting.
Mechanical harvesting of calcified seaweed took place in Bantry Bay from 1995 to 2007. A company in Scotland is currently mechanically harvesting seaweed. Mechanical harvesting of kelp has been ongoing in France, Norway and Iceland since the 1970s.
This is incorrect. Invasive species such as S. muticum mainly grow in sheltered areas where kelp does not grow. These species are unlikely to thrive in high energy, exposed areas where kelp is found.
The programme incorrectly claimed that "there has been no mechanical harvest in the UK or Ireland before" (ref: 11.34 - 11.37mins of episode).
The programme incorrectly claimed that “Other species will come in. What worries us is what other species” (ref: 11:48 – 11.55mins of episode).
CONCLUSION:
If BioAtlantis does not harvest the kelp, it will be washed ashore and rot. Is this not a complete waste of a resource?