Report 3: Update 6/04/10. The run of sightings of our largest dolphin species, the killer whale, shows little sign of coming to an end. In the past month IWDG have validated no less than 6 sightings of this apex predator, all of which can be mapped on our “advanced” search facility on this site. But
Yearly Archives: 2010
As March draws to a close, records of cetacean strandings around the Irish coast are down by around 60% compared to recent years. Up to 30 March 2010, IWDG has received reports of just 14 cetacean strandings involving 5 identifiable species. This is a remarkable reduction when compared with the same time period in recent
A number of basking shark Cetorhinus maximus sightings received by the IWDG heralding the start of what we hope will be another good year for this “honorary” whale. The first basking shark observed this year was off the Mullet peninsular on 5 March recorded during the IWDG survey of the Wave Energy Rest Site but
Your feedback on Wild Journeys series to RTE is needed. If you enjoyed yesterday’s Wild Journey’s programme, we’d invite you to email RTE at info@rte.ie or call them on 01-2083111 to inform them. As a public broadcaster they respond very favourably to such feedback from members of the public who pay their fees. The more
After a total absense of sighting records from all Irish inshore waters over the long winter months, minke whales return at several sites. Our smallest baleen whale, the minke whale, is unlike its larger rorqual cousins, the humpbacks and fin whales who are more typically reported during summer and autumn months. During the last season
A sighting of a group of Risso’s dolphin in the Blasket Islands, Co Kerry is unusual for the time of year. With perfect conditions and after spotting my first couple of minke of the year I decided to launch the RIB for a look around the islands. The Blasket island chain with their turbulent currents,
A striped dolphin was successfully refloated by the IWDG at Lahinch, Co. Clare this morning but it might restrand over the next few days. A call to Simon Berrow at 8:30 this morning from Lahinch Seaworld informing the IWDG of a live- stranded dolphin was quickly acted upon. Simon Berrow and colleague Joanne O’Brien of
Survey Ended: Cetaceans on the Frontier 2010 Area: Porcupine Bank, Porcupine Seabight & Whittard Canyon. Agency: GMIT/IWDG Ship: Celtic Explorer ______________________________________ 1 March 2010 This morning we were off Roches Point, Cork Harbour as were were due to drop off the survey team and take on board some equipment for an ROV deployment on the
Although there had been no sightings of whales during an effort watch on Saturday 27th February, with conditions looking extremely favourable it seemed worthwhile heading to Ardmore again today 1st March. And so it proved to be…eventually! In absolutely perfect conditions there were no sightings recorded of any cetacean species after almost 2 hours, indeed
Update 3 March 2010 Last weekend IWDG was part of a very successful Dive Show in The Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan. The IWDG’s stand was just one of many which attracted divers from Sub-aqua clubs representing the four corners of Ireland and of all ages. Gerry Healy and myself heard some great stories from some