About Sanctuary Day

This 7 June marks 35 years since Ireland was declared a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary. Taking place during World Ocean Week, Sanctuary Day links Ireland’s marine heritage with global awareness of our oceans.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is marking the day by inviting people to support the research, monitoring, and understanding of whales and dolphins in Irish waters.

A first-year pilot

This is the first year of IWDG Whale & Dolphin Sanctuary Day, and we are approaching it as a simple pilot initiative.

The aim is to test a realistic and sustainable way to connect public engagement with support for IWDG’s work, and to build something that can grow over time.

Why This Day Matters

Since Ireland was declared a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary, IWDG has played a central role in building knowledge of cetaceans in Irish waters through monitoring, research, citizen science, and public engagement.

This work contributes to a growing evidence base that supports conservation, education, and marine policy.

Sanctuary Day is an opportunity to reflect on this progress and support the work that continues today.

Support Sanctuary Day

HOW TO TAKE PART

  • WEAR BLUE


    Wear something blue on 7 June

  • SHARE


    Help spread the word

  • SUPPORT


    Make a contribution

What Your Support Enables

 

MONITORING

Tracking Whales and Dolphins in Irish Waters

 

DATA

Maintaining Long-term Records and Datasets
CITIZEN SCIENCE

Supporting Public Participation

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