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Incredible humpback whale footage off Ireland’s south coast

Humpbacks and dolphins West Cork

This breathtaking drone footage of four Humpback Whales interacting with a pod of Short-beaked Common Dolphins was captured off the coast of West Cork in late April by researchers from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). https://vimeo.com/332435303 The footage is part of an exciting new project called Whale Track….

Resident killer whales could die out due to pollution

Killer Whales in Ireland under threat from marine pollution

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has expressed concern that Ireland’s only resident group of killer whales (Orcinus orca) could be dying out due to the long term effects of marine pollution. Known as the Scottish west coast community group, the killer whale pod is the only known resident pod….

Conserving Ireland’s Seas: The Marine and Coastal Protection Areas of Ireland initiative

Ireland's Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Initiative

Looking after Ireland’s marine environment should be a massive priority for the Irish government, not just because of EU directives and potential sanctions, or the very obvious benefits to our rich coastal biodiversity, but also for moral, social and economic reasons. Peter Green of the Marine and Coastal Protection Areas of Ireland….

Ocean Experts Predict “unprecedented” marine extinctions

A panel of 27 marine experts from 18 organisations spanning 6 countries has come to a stark conclusion about the health of our oceans. According to a preliminary report issued this week by the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) based on current trends we are on….

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

A trip to the coast practically guarantees a close encounter with the herring gull. This is the ubiquitous “seagull”: its mewling cries synonymous with the seaside, its strong profile and bold manner familiar to us all. These large, noisy gulls are common around our coasts all year ‘round, and often….

Irelands Seaweed… in poster form

Our island nation has around 7,000 km of wonderful coastline, boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. Around that coastline is a veritable cornucopia for shore dwelling wildlife, and supporting much of it you’ll find an amazing diversity of seaweed. As you might expect of an island people….

Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Fin whale surfacing off the West Cork coast

Fin whales are regular visitors to Ireland’s coastal waters and can sometimes be spotted from coastal promontories especially in the south west of the country. These spectacular animals are the second largest creatures on earth. With a maximum length of 24 metres (80 feet) and an estimated maximum weight approaching….