Ship Surveys Unit

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Ship Surveys Unit has conducted surveys of cetacean distribution and abundance on board ships of opportunity since 2001. The ships surveys programme has two main areas of operation: ferry surveys and surveys on board research vessels.

The IWDG conduct monthly surveys on three routes across the Irish Sea on board commercial passenger ferries: Dublin to Holyhead (Irish Ferries), Rosslare to Pembroke (Irish Ferries) and Larne to Cairnryan (P&O Ferries).

Our ferry surveys provide year round monitoring of cetacean distribution and relative abundance in the Irish Sea. Ferry surveys provide a tool for the long-term monitoring of cetaceans in European waters. Our efforts are enhanced through cooperation with partner groups across Europe.

We are members of the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC), which incorporates researchers from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Spain and the Netherlands who conduct surveys on board commercial ferries in European waters. The ARC network provides year-round monitoring of cetacean distribution and relative abundance in Northwest European waters.

The IWDG also conduct cetacean distribution and relative abundance surveys on board the Marine Institute research vessel R.V. Celtic Explorer and foreign research vessels. These surveys cover many areas (both inshore and offshore) around the Irish coast.

Cetacean surveys on board research vessels are conducted side by side with fisheries surveys and hydrographical surveys. Data from such surveys can be used in conjunction with cetacean data to help determine factors affecting the distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans in Irish Waters.

IWDG Ship Surveys supply vital baseline data on cetacean density and distribution in Irish and EU waters. The data supplied enables us to identify important habitats for cetaceans and monitor the status of cetacean populations within the Irish EEZ and in Northwest European waters.