New podcast dives into efforts to restore Carlingford Lough

Spanning six episodes, the podcast takes listeners on a journey into the heart of Carlingford Lough, exploring how local people, scientists, and artists are responding to the local dimensions of the global marine crisis. From rising sea temperatures to plastic pollution, habitat degradation and overfishing, the series unpacks the complex realities facing our seas, and the hopeful stories of those working to protect them.

At the centre of this season is the Shifting Tides Project, an initiative bringing together coastal communities on both sides of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“Carlingford Lough is more than a body of water; it’s a shared heritage, a living ecosystem, and a living example of how communities on both sides of the border rely on each other,” said Suzie Cahn, Shifting Tides Project Director. “In this season of Across Divides, you’ll hear from an extraordinary group of people who are not only raising awareness about marine issues but healing our relationship with the sea through creativity and community engagement.”

Among the voices featured this season are:

Suzanne Carroll, a visual artist from Dundalk leading The Fishery Exchange, a unique initiative pairing artists, scientists, and oyster farmers to explore the intersection of culture and conservation.

Heidi McIlvenny, a marine researcher and PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast, whose work on seagrass habitats blends science with community engagement. A founding force behind shark-tagging and habitat restoration programmes, Heidi brings both expertise and energy to the conversation on ocean literacy.

Dain McParland, a veteran scuba diver and marine science educator based in County Down. With over 3,000 dives under his belt, Dain uses his deep knowledge of local waters to inspire conservation through his business, Oceanauts Diving.

Colum Sands, a renowned folk musician and environmental advocate, whose lyrical storytelling and deep-rooted commitment to local action continue to inspire. As a founding member of RARE (Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment), Colum bridges art and activism in his efforts to protect the land and sea.