Across Divides Podcast Por Across Divides arte de portada

Across Divides

Across Divides

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 Across Divides explores the key issues impacting communities on the island of Ireland, focusing on cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding. Season 2 takes a deep dive into the Shifting Tides Project, connecting coastal communities and marine environments on the twin shores of Carlingford Lough, working across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Over six brand new episodes, we discuss global challenges facing our seas, from climate change and pollution, to overfishing and habitat loss; we also reflect on how scientists, artists, and communities are making sense of local issues and finding creative ways to respond, including citizen science, storytelling, music making, and nature restoration. Producer and Host: Alexander McMaster Sound Editor: Luke Lacey Project Director: Suzie Cahn Season One was a series of conversations and creative reflections about civil society and community work: their contribution to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland’s shared challenges and current and future collaboration on solutions.The Wheel & NICVA Ciencias Sociales
Episodios
  • S2 Ep6: Save Our Seas

    S2 Ep6: Save Our Seas
    Mar 26 2025
    The shores of our island are thriving with life, from seagrass meadows and kelp forests to rock pools and salt marshes. In the face of global challenges for our oceans, how can a balance be found between conservation strategies and community needs in highly dynamic marine environments? In this episode we discuss some of the issues facing our coastal areas with experts in the field of marine conservation. Supporting the recovery of marine life will take a concerted effort all around our coasts and we look at innovative approaches through marine protected areas and nature restoration that can have benefits for climate change, biodiversity, and livelihoods.

    Richard Nairn is a writer and ecologist who holds a Master’s Degree in Zoology. He has published seven previous books including a recent trilogy on nature in Ireland. In Wild Shores, he explores the coasts of our island under sail, and in Future Wild, he looks at possibilities for nature restoration.

    Robert Walsh is the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force officer, representing a coalition of environmental NGOs working on ensuring healthy, resilient, and productive seas for Northern Ireland. They have an MSc in Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment from Heriot-Watt University and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from the University of Stirling. With over 10 year’s worth of experience in marine environmental management, Robert is passionate about ensuring marine environmental management that works holistically across regions.

    Anna Murtagh is the Marine Protected Area Officer for Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council. Growing up sailing, she was captivated by the fascinating marine life that Ireland has to offer, which naturally inspired her to study marine biology. Through her studies, the importance of protecting our marine life became even clearer, and since then, she has been dedicated to conserving our marine ecosystems. Anna’s work focuses on ensuring the health and sustainability of coastal and marine environments, with a particular passion for safeguarding the unique waters surrounding the island of Ireland.

    Cara Bradley is the Marine Conservation Officer at Ulster Wildlife, working to bring nature back through the restoration of European Native Oyster populations in Belfast Lough.

    For more information on marine protected areas, take a look at Fair Seas, where you can also learn more about the 30 by 30 strategy, which aims to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. In the episode we discuss the need for better understanding of our seas that can be developed through ocean literacy, and the Irish Ocean Literacy Network is doing great work in this sphere. For an example of community led nature restoration, take a look at Seawilding, a seagrass and native oyster initiative in Lough Craignish, Scotland.
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    26 m
  • S2 Ep5: Living on the Lough

    S2 Ep5: Living on the Lough
    Mar 26 2025
    Balancing ocean conservation with sustainable livelihoods can be challenging. Healthy seas depend on meshworks of habitat. This episode looks at seagrass meadows and their part in maintaining ecological diversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. Seagrasses and oysters don’t often elicit the same intensity of interest as coral reefs; to most, they seem, by comparison, less vibrant, less full of colour and obvious life. But they have incredible ecological and cultural importance that we explore with our guests through their varied research and experiences, as we look across themes of ocean literacy and consider ways that art can facilitate difficult conversations about marine management.

    Heidi McIlvenny is a PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast, where her multidisciplinary research focuses on seagrass habitats and their ecosystem services. Her professional experience includes roles with environmental organisations, where she established a community-led shark tagging programme and pioneered habitat restoration projects. She has also worked in consultancy capacities and with the Office for Environmental Protection. Currently, Heidi serves as a Director for the Irish Ocean Literacy Network.

    Kian Louet-Feisser is the managing director of the Carlingford Oyster Company. His parents, Peter and Ann, started the company in the 1960s after sailing into Carlingford Lough in a wooden boat and becoming enchanted by the natural beauty of the place. The family business is now run by Kian, his wife Mary, and their children.

    Suzanne Carroll is a visual artist based in Dundalk, currently leading a research project for Shifting Tides titled “The Fishery Exchange.” This initiative unites local artists and scientists with oyster producers to promote the regeneration and conservation of Carlingford Lough.

    To learn more about ocean literacy and how it emphasises the reciprocity between humans and marine ecosystems, take a look at the Irish Ocean Literacy Network. You can find out more about seagrasses and ways to contribute to citizen science initiatives with Coastwatch. The Carlingford Oyster Company is located near Carlingford town.
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    25 m
  • S2 Ep4: Diving Deep

    S2 Ep4: Diving Deep
    Mar 26 2025
    There are strange and otherworldly creatures at the bottom of the sea. In this episode we meet some of the intrepid divers exploring the depths of Carlingford Lough, hearing about both the wonders and horrors of what they have seen there. It turns out there is an abundance of life, from crabs and anemones to dolphins and seals, but also worrying issues that need to be tackled, including pollution, biodiversity loss, and warming seas. Divers are in a unique position to observe and study undersea environments, and we learn how some of our guests are leading citizen science programs beneath the waves, as well as hearing about their conservation ambitions for Carlingford Lough. It is also important to find ways of sharing their findings with those who don’t have such unique access to our waters, and this is something that can take a dash of creative inspiration.

    Dain McParland is a seasoned scuba diving professional with over 15 years of experience in scientific diving, dive safety, and instruction, and more than 3,000 dives. As the owner of Oceanauts Diving in County Down, Northern Ireland, Dain is committed to delivering exceptional diving experiences and fostering a love for the ocean. With a degree in marine science, he combines his academic expertise with his passion for underwater exploration to promote marine conservation and educate others about the wonders of the underwater world.

    Muirin Sneddon is an A-level student at Our Lady’s Grammar, studying environmental technology, geography, and art. Her artistic work is inspired by growing up on the shores of Carlingford Lough, and swimming and sailing in its waters. Her works include “The relationship between humanity and marine environments”, “The contrast in our Environment”, “The hidden roots of Ireland”, and “The reality of climate change”. Her creative works focus on the beauty of her local environment and how it is being affected by climate change and human activity. Her art consists of both textile and ceramic mediums, creating installations and wearable textile designs inspired by her home.

    Eloisa Wainwright is a well-adapted scuba diver with almost a year of experience, having completed certifications within Oceanauts Diving, including safety training for above and below the water, guiding ocean dives, and deep ocean dives, whilst working alongside Dain McParland. She is committed to becoming a Dive Master and professional scuba diving instructor. Eloisa thrives on adventures and experiences underwater, being guided by her love of marine life. Eloisa aims to use her educational qualifications of A-level biology as well as her love for ocean life to study marine sciences and conservation further and to train and guide upcoming divers, educating them on the ocean she fell in love with.

    Claire Casey is the Northern Ireland coordinator of SeaSearch, a citizen science project for divers and snorkelers, designed to gather data for marine research.
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    29 m
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