The first survey of sea life off the Irish coast will provide data for environmental management and conservation.
The biggest ever survey in the northeast Atlantic of whales, dolphins and sea birds has uncovered a vast amount of new information about ocean life in Irish waters.
The Observe survey, carried out by researchers from UCC and GMIT, was conducted over two years and reported sightings of leatherback turtles and beluga whales normally found in the Arctic and white tailed tropic birds from Bermuda. These findings have transformed the level of scientific knowledge available about ocean life in our seas.
2,200 sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises were mapped and recorded.
Oliver Ó Cadhla, National Parks & Wildlife Service, described the beaked whales identified as,
Highly specialised, almost like the underwater astronauts of the sea.
The survey also found that half a million sea birds are located in the Atlantic margin area during winter and summer. The western Irish Sea was shown to be of particular importance with 100,000 birds present during the summer months and up to 300,000 during the autumn.
Dr Ferdia Marnell describes the survey as the biggest ever study in the northeast Atlantic of whales, dolphins and sea birds. A huge amount of data will be made available to researchers all over the world.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 23 November 2018. The reporter is George Lee.
