The critically endangered species hasn’t been confirmed in Irish waters since 1910.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has validated the sighting of a rare North Atlantic right whale off the coast of County Donegal.
“This is an exceptionally rare record for the Eastern Atlantic, where this species has been largely absent for decades, if not longer,” says IWDG sightings officer Pádraig Whooley in a blog post confirming the sighting.
There are fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales left in the wild, mostly in the USA. The last positive identification of the species in Ireland was over 100 years ago in 1910.
“In situations where rare species are recorded, IWDG consult far and wide to make sure the information is accurate,” says Whooley. The organisation double checked with experts at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbour, Maine, and the New England Aquarium, who have confirmed the animal seen off the Irish coast was a North Atlantic right whale.
Whooley reminds wildlife enthusiasts and boat users to keep an eye out for this rare animal – which is particularly susceptible to ship strikes – and watch from a respectful distance.
“There is an enormous onus on us all to ensure this whale remains as long as it needs in Donegal Bay,” he says. “This is our chance to help a population of whales on the very brink. Please give it space.”
The IWDG is urging people to report any further sightings to IWDG for validation.
Image and video credits: Gerard Johnston captured this footage on the 15th July 2024 at 17:00hrs just outside Killybegs harbour, between St John’s Point and Muckross Head. The IWDG has validated that it is a North Atlantic right whale.
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