Before I get into the meat of this piece, I’d like to tackle an issue which seems to get some people both animated and agitated in equal measure. There is no right or wrong way to refer to this species. Some people use the term “Killer whale” whilst others prefer “Orca”. Neither one is more
From Nice to Ireland: UNOC3 and the Global Momentum for Ocean Protection From June 9th to 13th, 2025, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) convened in Nice, France, gathering world leaders, scientists, NGOs, Indigenous representatives, youth, and ocean advocates under the urgent banner of safeguarding our ocean. Representing the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
Common Dolphin Rescue, River Moy, Ballina (23 June 2025) A sincere thank you to everyone who responded to the stranding of a live common dolphin in the River Moy in Ballina earlier today (23 June). The dolphin had made its way upstream as far as the SS Crete Boom and became stranded on a sandbar
Shannon Dolphin Survey Blog – Leg 2By Derry Nash, IWDG Member I joined Celtic Mist at Fenit on Saturday May 10. My skipper was Liam Quinn, Mate Irene Reidy and our biologist was Mags Daly. Mags was assisted by an intern, Ailbhe Power. My other companions were Pat O’Brien who has been on many cruises
On the evening of the 9 June 2025, the IWDG received a report of a large carcass floating off the coast of Galway. A few hours later the animal had stranded on Rusheen Bay, Co. Galway. The distinctive white “arm band” on its pectoral fin quickly identified it as a minke whale. The cause of
County Clare is nearly surrounded on three sides by sea. From the strong tidal waters of the Shannon Estuary to the sandy bays and exposed rocky reefs on the Atlantic seaboard, County Clare has a rich and diverse marine biodiversity. Liscannor Bay on the west coast of Clare is exposed to westerly winds and is
On the 25th of May, the IWDG Stranding Scheme received a report from a ranger with the National Trust of a dead minke whale that had stranded on Portstewart Strand in Co. Derry. A volunteer with the IWDG stranding network was able to visit the animal to collect additional data, including taking additional photos and
The issue over sprat, an essential forage fish that is critical in our coastal ecosystems, providing a link between zooplankton and higher predators such as whales, dolphins, sharks, seabirds, seals and of course other fish, including commercial species, is coming to a head. On the table of the Minister of State (Marine), Timmy Dooley (FF)
IWDG report on Whale Watch Ireland 2025 On Saturday 17th May the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) delivered another Whale Watch Ireland event. All Ireland Whale Watch day, now in its 23rd year, comprises free, guided land-based whale watches, which this year was planned for and delivered at 14 sites in 14
ECS Report The European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conference 2025, held under the theme “Navigating Waters of Change,” brought together scientists, conservationists, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond to address the evolving challenges faced by cetaceans in our rapidly changing oceans. I had the privilege of participating in this dynamic event in multiple roles, contributing