BIM & Northern Ireland Seafood - Peace II Seafood Education Programme in Erne Stations

As part of the BIM / Northern Ireland Seafood Education Programme 2005 / 2006, Cathaleen's Fall Generating Station and Fish Hatchery, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal have again this year hosted 6 schools from both sides of the border over 3 days.

The Programme is one component of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Regions of Ireland (PEACE II) and is organised and administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), supported by PEACE II partners Northern Ireland Seafood.

The 3-day programme in Erne was co-ordinated by BIM's Lorraine O'Byrne and Donal McGettigan of Erne. Lorraine is most grateful to Pat Naughton, Hydro Manager, for providing the facility and in particular was very appreciative of the involvement of Liam Thomas, Murt Lowery, Joan Gallagher, Maurice McLaughlin, Seamus Gallagher, Coleman Kerr, John Gallagher and Denis Doherty.

While the groups were in Cathaleen's Fall they visited the BIM information trailer, had a safety talk, visited the control room and other parts of the station, spent some time at the fish trap before proceeding across the dam wall to the fish hatchery. There they saw the salmon at different stages of its growth and had a very informative talk relating to the life cycle of fish.

The overall objective of the programme is to encourage awareness of the seafood / fishing industry and also to encourage the consumption of seafood in the 13- 14 age bracket. Through the process, which includes initial field trips followed by jointly prepared projects, maximum cross-border and crosscommunity contact is encouraged.

Students and teachers representing St. Joseph's College, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh paired with Vocational School Carrigallen, Carigallen, Co. Leitrim; Omagh High School, Omagh, Co. Tyrone paired with Colaiste Iascaigh, Easkey, Co. Sligo and St. Michael's College, Enniskillen and Mercy College, Sligo took part in the Programme's five-week run of 15 educational field trips involving 30 schools when they visited the ESB Cathaleen's Fall Hydro Power Station and Fish Hatchery, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.

The educational field trips cover topics from the geography, science and home economics curricula currently being taught at second-level schools north and south of the border.

Following the field trips, students will work with their counterparts to develop a joint project based on their experience. Representatives from each school will present completed projects at the "Seafood Education Awards" to be held in early 2006 in Belfast. A panel of judges selected from the education sector in Southern and Northern Ireland will select the winning project.

Other Programme site visits scheduled over the five weeks were in the Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, Co. Down, The Tourism College, Killybegs, Co. Donegal, The Loughs Agency Interpretive Centre, Derry, the BIM National Fisheries College and Inishowen Maritime Museum, Greencastle, Co. Donegal and the Newry Institute.

Lorraine O'Byrne stated that BIM are delighted to be involved in the project again this year. "The Seafood Education Programme has enjoyed great success with teachers and students alike, providing an excellent platform to inform students of the seafood industry, maritime themes, as well as the numerous health and nutritional benefits from eating seafood. It also highlights the many career choices and education training opportunities the industry offers."