The Circular IMTA-DEMO is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027. Grant Number 2023JTF165.
The Circular IMTA-DEMO is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027. Grant Number 2023JTF165.
Published: June 5, 2026
The Pharos mega event was held on 26-28th May and brought together marine scientists, policymakers and coastal stakeholders gathered in Kerry and West Cork, joining the Atlantic and Arctic Lighthouse community to promote marine restoration, ocean literacy, and the blue economy in Ireland.
The event was organised and managed by Munster Technological University, Kerry and Bantry Marine Research Station.
The program featured Policy Round Table on effective MPA management, followed by “Waste to Worth” showcasing 3D printing from marine waste, and “Fisher Guardians” on transforming fishing gear. The day concluded with ‘Pint of Science’ and a Local Seafood Demo, where marine science met culinary delight.
The Pint of Science lineup featured our very own Priya Polard of Indigo Rock Marine Research Centre, who shared the value of Algae in aquaculture systems. The presentation entitled “Algae Allies” featured the Circular IMTA Demo Project and showcased how algae can be used for bioremediation and valorisation in freshwater IMTA systems while drawing parallels to marine IMTA.
The second day has concurrent Blue Schools: Local School Project Showcase and PHAROS FUTURES – BLUE SKILLS. Our Priya Pollard attended the blue skills session on Innovation Mapping, exploring Ireland’s highest-potential blue economy opportunities and future workforce needs, where she presented opportunities for freshwater and peatland systems
The final day took participants from Tralee to scenic Bantry Bay, County Cork. Hosted at the Bantry Marine Research Station, we were welcomed by Dr Julie Maguire for a tour of the PHAROS demo site and a presentation by Alex Ziemba (Deltares).
Priya also showcased the Algae side of the Circular IMTA DEMO project, conducted by Indigo Rock Marine Research Centre. Algae samples were displayed, and attendees had the opportunity to view the filamentous and microalgae growing in incubators as well as to view them under the microscope. Different isolating techniques used were also demonstrated.