COMPASS Project

The COMPASS project is delivering a network of monitoring buoys across the regional seas of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and West Scotland. Its aim is to develop our marine observational and data management capacity across the region.

COMPASS logo

The COMPASS project is integrating our network of new monitoring buoys to the existing European oceanographic monitoring stations.

They are being equipped with the latest oceanographic sensors, acoustic recorders and advanced fish tracking technology.

COMPASS project tracks cetaceans across its network of monitoring buoys

This innovative project is building cross-border capacity for effective monitoring and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

COMPASS researchers are developing long-term monitoring strategies for highly mobile protected species such as marine mammals and salmonids. It is also providing essential infrastructure for baseline oceanographic and ambient noise monitoring.

This work will help us deliver three truly regional scale environmental models, designed to support the management of a cross-border MPA network.

Project Partners

Partners with CEOs of SEUPB and AFBI

The COMPASS consortium consists of 5 partners working in the marine research;

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute,
Marine Institute,
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
Scottish Association for Marine Science and
Marine Science Scotland.

COMPASS is coordinated by AFBI.

Project Funding

Interreg logo

This €6.3million project is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Match funding has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in Ireland.

Project Website

This project has its own dedicated website:
www.compass-oceanscience.eu

Compass Case Studies

Look on the Special EU Programmes Body website
to view the Compass Project Case Studies