National Legislation
Irish cetaceans are protected under national legislation and under a number of international directives and agreements which Ireland is signatory to. All cetaceans are protected under the Wildlife Act (1976) and amendments (2000, 2005, 2010 and 2012). Under the act and its amendments it is an offence to hunt, injure or wilfully interfere with, disturb or destroy the resting or breeding place of a protected species (except under license or permit). The act applies out to the 12 nm limit of Irish territorial waters.