Organisation profile
Organisation profile
The Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) is a dynamic group of researchers, academics and students working together to enhance the management of marine and freshwater ecosystems in Ireland and worldwide. At the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the MFRC partner with ATU’s Agro-ecology and Rural Development (ARD) research group on projects that focus on sustainable agricultural systems.
Based at ATU’s Galway Campus on the west coast of Ireland, the Centre conducts applied research that is policy relevant. We are committed to working with a range of industry and public sector stakeholders to co-create innovative and practical policy and management solutions to meet a broad range of societal challenges. MFRC research is supported by industry and a diverse range of National and European funding programmes.
MFRC activity is focused on achieving three important outcomes:
- Enabling sustainability:
Our researchers help ensure the sustainable management of fisheries and their ecosystems by collecting, analysing and interpreting data. - Conserving biodiversity:
Our scientists help to conserve biodiversity by assessing the response of aquatic species to human impacts and environmental stresses. - Improving productivity:
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with industry, academic partners, and state agencies to identify and implement innovative solutions to optimise the productivity of the seafood sector.
Organisation profile
The Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) is a dynamic group of researchers, academics and students working together to enhance the management of marine and freshwater ecosystems in Ireland and worldwide. At the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the MFRC partner with ATU’s Agro-ecology and Rural Development (ARD) research group on projects that focus on sustainable agricultural systems.
Based at ATU’s Galway Campus on the west coast of Ireland, the Centre conducts applied research that is policy relevant. We are committed to working with a range of industry and public sector stakeholders to co-create innovative and practical policy and management solutions to meet a broad range of societal challenges. MFRC research is supported by industry and a diverse range of National and European funding programmes.
MFRC activity is focused on achieving three important outcomes:
- Enabling sustainability:
Our researchers help ensure the sustainable management of fisheries and their ecosystems by collecting, analysing and interpreting data. - Conserving biodiversity:
Our scientists help to conserve biodiversity by assessing the response of aquatic species to human impacts and environmental stresses. - Improving productivity:
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with industry, academic partners, and state agencies to identify and implement innovative solutions to optimise the productivity of the seafood sector.
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Profiles
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Heidi Acampora
- Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, Department of Natural Resources & The Environment - Lecturer
- Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) - Principal Investigator
Person: Lecturer, Principal Investigator
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Deirdre Brophy
- Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, Department of Natural Resources & The Environment - Lecturer and Researcher in Marine biology and ecology
- Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) - Principal Investigator
Person: Lecturer, Principal Investigator
Research output
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Investigating the driving factors of marine litter and microplastic accumulation on beaches in the West of Ireland
Dowling, P., Xiao, L. & Frias, J., Mar 2026, In: Regional Studies in Marine Science. 95, 104827, 104827.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) sampled in a mass stranding event (MSE) on the Irish coast
Schlingermann, M., O'Connor, I., Berrow, S., McGeady, R., Harman, L., Keogh, M., Liquit, D., Noone, C. & White, P., May 2025, In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 214, 117799.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus) -
Enhancement of the lipid and β-carotene contents of the brown seaweed Halidrys siliquosa (Sargassaceae) using low light LEDs
McDonnell, A., Luck, T., Nash, R. & Touzet, N., 15 Dec 2025, In: Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. 25, 1, p. 143-155 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review