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Queen’s is part of two of three independent projects supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which were launched recently at a joint event hosted by the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) at their Newforge Lane headquarters in Belfast.

Marking an almost €25 million contribution from the PEACEPLUS programme, the event provided a platform to share the project teams’ drive and enthusiasm for the hard work ahead.

The three projects will strive to improve awareness and knowledge of climate change impacts on key marine species and habitats around Ireland and the capacity to predict future changes to manage protected areas and species in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

The two projects involving Queen’s, awarded funding under PEACEPLUS (Theme 5.2) in spring 2025 were:

• ACCLIMATISE (A Changing Climate Impact Monitoring and Assessment Toolbox for Irish Seas, €7.1 million) led by AFBI
• MOSAIC (Multi-disciplinary Ocean Sensing for Adaptive International Conservation, €8 million) led by the Loughs Agency

Leading ACCLIMATISE from Queen’s is Dr Sarah Helyar from the School of Biological Sciences, speaking about this project, she said:

“ACCLIMATISE brings together leading scientific and environmental organisations from across the island of Ireland and Scotland, combining expertise in marine ecology, ocean observation, biodiversity monitoring and environmental modelling. Together, we are delivering one of the most ambitious cross-border marine climate research initiatives undertaken in this region.

“By applying cutting-edge observational and modelling approaches, we are developing a more integrated understanding of how climate change is altering marine food webs - from the plankton that form their foundation to key top predators and commercially important species. This work is essential to quantify change, reduce uncertainty, and better predict future impacts on our marine ecosystems.

“Crucially, ACCLIMATISE is designed to ensure that this science is usable. By working closely with stakeholders, we are strengthening the capacity to translate evidence into practical decision-making, helping to ensure that climate adaptation in coastal communities is informed, targeted and effective, and supporting a more resilient and sustainable future for all.”

Project partners include the Marine Institute (Foras na Mara), RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and the Scottish Association for Marine Science. The project will develop new monitoring tools, digital models, and adaptation strategies to support ecosystem-based marine management across both jurisdictions. 

The Queen’s lead for MOSAIC,  Dr Jonathan Houghton, School of Biological Sciences added:

“MOSAIC will establish an ambitious, cross-border marine observation network linking cutting-edge technologies in oceanography and marine biology. Bringing together 11 partner organisations spanning Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada, the project will focus on a range of threatened and declining species to understand where they go, what sustains them, the pressures they face and how both predators and prey respond to a changing ocean.

“By combining acoustic arrays, robotic underwater vehicles, satellite tracking, genetic analysis and food web modelling, the project will build a connected picture of life in our shared seas, from skate ranging through coastal waters to ocean wanderers like humpback whales, basking sharks and leatherback turtles.”

The project will deliver joint species strategies and action plans, climate impact indicators and a federated data system to ensure long-term access to high-quality marine data for researchers, policymakers and coastal communities.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA said: “I am delighted to mark the launch of three significant PEACEPLUS projects, supported by €25 million in funding, dedicated to strengthening the resilience of our shared marine waters. I wish to acknowledge the Special EU Programmes Body, whose leadership has created this valuable opportunity for joint learning and collaboration on the challenges facing our oceans.

“Climate change, biodiversity loss and water pollution are already affecting our ecosystems, our communities and our economy. The situation at Lough Neagh in recent summers is a clear reminder of the scale of the environmental challenge. Improving water quality is a central priority for me and this source‑to‑sea approach, will help deliver on our commitment in the Programme for Government to improve water quality.

“I am proud to support these projects, not only through the Department’s investment, but through our continued partnership with Special EU Programmes Body to provide strategic guidance on C-MAP, MOSAIC and ACCLIMATISE. I am particularly encouraged by the breadth of collaboration involved, with more than 30 partner organisations, bringing together leading scientific and environmental expertise across this island, Scotland and Canada. Through enhanced marine monitoring, shared evidence, habitat restoration and innovation, these projects will provide a robust evidence base, for forward-looking decision‑making and help build resilience of our marine environment for the years ahead.”

Media

For media enquiries, please contact Grace White: g.white@qub.ac.uk