Whalewatching
Irish waters are among Europe's richest for cetaceans, with an impressive 24 species recorded to date. In 1991 the Irish government accepted an IWDG proposal, declaring Ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary- the first of its kind in Europe.
Whalewatching is one of the fastest growing tourism industries in the word and the potential in Ireland is considered hugely under-developed.
The Department of Transport issued Marine Notice 15 in 2004 on the correct procedure when encountering whales and dolphins in inshore Irish waters. This important legislation is provided under a statutory instrument and thus is legally enforceable, giving Ireland some of the strictest protection to cetaceans from both recreational and commercial vessels (including whalewatching boats) in Europe. Download the Marine Notice (PDF file, 30 kbt)
IWDG Whalewatching Policy document
The IWDG supports the development of responsible whalewatching in Irish waters. Whalewatching can bring economic benefits to coastal communities and can enhance the conservation status and public awareness of whales and dolphins. However, all whale and dolphin species in Ireland are protected, thus in order to achieve the development of responsible whalewatching, which brings positive benefits to people and whales and dolphins, a development plan is necessary.
Whalewatching is one of the most rapidly expanding tourism products in the world and Ireland with its rich diversity and great abundance of whales and dolphins is well placed to exploit this new tourism product.
The IWDG are encouraging national, regional and local tourism and development agencies to embrace the opportunities for whalewatching and ensure it is developed sustainably and has a positive impact on whales and dolphins as well as coastal communities.
Download the Whalewatching Policy document (PDF file, 1.02 MB)