Galway
A growing fraction of the human population and economic activity is concentrating at coastal cities, exerting a high impact on the natural environment and giving rise to new social conflicts. Many harbours around the world share the same environmental, social and economic concerns, with some more particular to certain harbours. Building trans-boundary partnerships to the share the issues and the research undertaken, duplication of effort can be reduced, solutions can be strengthened and improvements can be globalised.
Fiona Regan
Fiona is Professor in Environmental Sensing and Director of the Marine and Environmental Sensing Technology Hub (MESTECH) at DCU, established in 2010. Fiona is SmartBay Ireland Principal Investigator and coordinates the national infrastructure access fund enabling researchers utilise the SmartBay facility in Galway Bay.
Her research interests include chemical and bio-sensor development, analytical methods for water monitoring and novel material design for prevention for biofouling on surfaces deployed in the aquatic environment.
John Breslin
John Breslin is SmartBay Irelands General Manager and is responsible for the overall management of the National Research, Test and Demonstration Platform for Wave Energy Devices, Marine Sensors, Equipment and ICT Solutions. John’s project portfolio includes; marine vessel & ROV asset management, strategic business planning, market and investment analysis, product feasibility studies, acquisitions and transition planning. John graduated with a M.Sc (Research) from UCD, a B.Sc. in Marine and Fisheries Biology from the University of Aberdeen and has other qualifications in Applied Chemistry, Laboratory Practices and Aquaculture. Previously, John has held management and director positions and has over 20 years’ experience in marine survey, environmental consultancy, vessel operations & commercial management.
John worked as the commercial manager for Europe at P&O Maritime and was responsible for developing and implementing the European regions growth strategy within the Offshore Wind and Government Shipping Sectors. While employed at the Marine Institute John was responsible for the Management of Ireland’s Research Vessels and Deepwater ROV. John was a Co-owner and Director at Seabed Surveys International a specialist hydroacoustic survey company.
