TU Dublin Hosts ICES Working Group on Biological Effects of Contaminants
TU Dublin welcomes international delegates to our Grangegorman campus to discuss the biological effects of contaminants in marine organisms, taking place from April 7th to 11th. The event, hosted by Dr Michelle Giltrap, a leading scientist in the field of marine contaminants and biological effects, marks a significant moment for Ireland's contribution to global efforts on marine environmental monitoring and policy contributions.
Dr Giltrap, a long-time member of the ICES Working Group on Biological Effects of Contaminants (WGBEC), has been instrumental in advancing research into the biological impacts of pollutants in marine ecosystems. She has been involved in developing critical guidelines for biological effect monitoring, with her research directly feeding into the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
This working group brings together diverse International experts of biological effects in marine organisms. It aims to drive forward the development of monitoring strategies for biological effects of contaminants in marine environments, with a particular focus on the MSFD Descriptor 8 (D8C2) and other vital international frameworks.
Dr Giltrap, who has impactful surveys on imposex in Irish waters and contributed extensively to the monitoring of biological effects in Ireland (e.g. Biological Effects and Chemical Measurements in Irish Marine Waters), will serve as Co-Chair for the event alongside Hannah Anderson from the Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government. Notably, they are the first female co-chairs of the WGBEC. Both Chairs involvement in ICES WGBEC group highlights their ongoing contribution to advancing global environmental policy.
This event offers a unique opportunity for Ireland to expand its expertise and engagement in this critical area of marine research.