Joining the IWDG

“The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Irish waters, through study, education and interpretation.”

Who are the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group?

The IWDG was established in 1990 and is Ireland’s only whales and dolphin conservation group and Ireland’s leading marine conservation NGO (Non Governmental Organisation).

The IWDG is an All-Ireland group and our membership reflects the broad spectrum of people throughout the island of Ireland and abroad, who share our interest in whales and dolphins and the marine environment.

The IWDG co-ordinate an All-Ireland whale and dolphin sightings and strandings scheme and retain a strong scientific component to their work in order to be credible and effective.

Some IWDG achievements to date:

• Declaration of Irish waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary in 1991
• Co-ordinate the All- Ireland sighting and stranding scheme
• Produced guidelines for the welfare of stranded cetaceans
• Purchased Ireland’s first whale rescue pontoons
• Promote non-invasive boat and land-based whale-watching
• Conduct visual and acoustic whale surveys in Irish waters
• Visit primary schools through the Heritage in Schools scheme
• Organised three whale exhibitions with ENFO
• Organise weekend whale-watching courses
• Produce resources such as an identification guide, DVD, posters, full colour newsletter, and a host of reviews and publications.
• Run Whale Watch Ireland, All Ireland Whale Watch day, every year
• Produce policy documents on relevant conservation issues
• Have liaised with the Dept. of the Marine on the development of whale watching guidelines, now a Statutory Instrument

Membership Types

• Student/OAP/Unwaged: €20 / Stg.£18
• Ordinary/Waged: €30 / Stg.£25
• Family/Group: €40 / Stg.£35
• Corporate: €150 / Stg.£130

Cheques/postal orders (payable to IWDG), together with name and contact details, can be sent to;

IWDG Membership Secretary, Coolcummisk, Beaufort, Killarney, Co. Kerry

If you have a credit card, you can join or renew membership online. Gift memberships also available.

Membership queries and requests for standing order forms should be directed to mick.oconnell@iwdg.ie

What does membership offer you?

Apart from supporting our conservation work, IWDG membership has other benefits. You will receive:

1. IWDG News: our full-colour, newsletter, published twice annually, as well as our wall planner and a host of other publications.
2. Monthly group email updates and local reports on strandings and sightings of interest in your area
3. Discounts on all IWDG events, weekends and training workshops.
4. Reduced rates on IWDG publications: sighting reviews, posters etc
5. Opportunities to take part in IWDG research cruises and fieldwork
6. An opportunity to join like-minded people interested in marine conservation.
7. Advice on whale-watching and related topics