The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group: protecting Irish waters and sealife
Founded in 1990 with an ambitious goal – to establish Irish waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary – the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a stalwart defender of our seas, drawing together a community united by their passion for the Atlantic and the creatures that call it home.
A landmark achievement
Just a year into their important work, in 1991 the fledgling organisation achieved their goal when the Irish government officially designated our waters as a protected habitat for whales and dolphins. Ever since, the IWDG has been at the forefront of marine conservation in Ireland.
Building a legacy
Their tireless efforts have helped build a formidable repository of data, tracking sightings and strandings (when a marine mammal ends up on land and is unable to return to the water on its own) across the island.
This robust dataset, accumulated over three decades, forms the backbone of their conservation and research endeavours, allowing them to monitor trends, identify critical habitats, and inform policy that shapes the future of Ireland’s marine environment.
From policy to public engagement
But the IWDG’s impact goes beyond mere data collection. Their work walks the line between science and activism, influencing governmental decisions, guiding sustainable business practices, and raising public awareness about the threats faced by marine megafauna – from bycatch and entanglement in fishing gear to the pervasive menace of marine pollution.
Equally important is their commitment to education and outreach. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ireland's aquatic wonders, the IWDG hopes to ignite a passion for preservation within the broader community. After all, as Baba Dioum writes:
“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”
Committing to protected future
As our Ireland.ie Guiding Light for nature and sustainability this August, the IWDG continues to chart a course toward a future where whales, dolphins, and porpoises can thrive in their natural habitat, as undisturbed as possible by our human activities. In doing so, they remind us all of the profound responsibility we bear to protect the wonders of our seas.
Help protect our marine wildlife! If you spot a whale, dolphin, or stranded marine animal, the IWDG wants to hear from you. Report your sightings or strandings through their website or dedicated Reporting App. Every report counts!
Visit the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group online or follow their great work on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.