{"id":39740,"date":"2024-08-27T15:24:30","date_gmt":"2024-08-27T13:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/be4d2ffa-4b5f-4a30-919d-366f86ed57a3"},"modified":"2024-08-27T16:26:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-27T14:26:40","slug":"exceptionally-rare-north-atlantic-right-whale-spotted-off-the-coast-of-ireland-for-the-first-time-in-114-years","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/exceptionally-rare-north-atlantic-right-whale-spotted-off-the-coast-of-ireland-for-the-first-time-in-114-years\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cExceptionally rare\u201d North Atlantic right whale spotted off the coast of Ireland for the first time in 114 years"},"content":{"rendered":"

The critically endangered species hasn\u2019t been confirmed in Irish waters since 1910. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 27 August 2024 at 13:24 PM<\/p>

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The\u00a0Irish Whale and Dolphin Group<\/a>\u00a0(IWDG) has validated the sighting of a rare North Atlantic right whale off the coast of County Donegal.<\/strong><\/p>

\u201cThis is an exceptionally rare record for the Eastern Atlantic, where this species has been largely absent for decades, if not longer,\u201d says IWDG sightings officer P\u00e1draig Whooley in a blog post confirming the sighting.<\/p>

The North Atlantic right whale was seen off the coast of County Donegal in Ireland. Credit: Credit: Gerard Johnston<\/figcaption><\/figure>

There are fewer than 400\u00a0North Atlantic right whales<\/a>\u00a0left in the wild, mostly in the USA. The last positive identification of the species in Ireland was over 100 years ago in 1910.<\/p>

\u201cIn situations where rare species are recorded, IWDG consult far and wide to make sure the information is accurate,\u201d 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.<\/p>

Whooley reminds wildlife enthusiasts and boat users to keep an eye out for this rare animal \u2013 which is particularly susceptible to ship strikes \u2013 and watch from a respectful distance.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThere is an enormous onus on us all to ensure this whale remains as long as it needs in Donegal Bay,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is our chance to help a population of whales on the very brink. Please give it space.\u201d<\/p>

The IWDG is urging people to\u00a0report any further sightings<\/a>\u00a0to IWDG for validation.<\/p>

There are fewer than 400\u00a0North Atlantic right whales\u00a0left in the wild. Credit: Gerard Johnston<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Image and video credits: Gerard Johnston\u00a0captured this footage on the 15th July 2024 at 17:00hrs just outside Killybegs harbour, between St John\u2019s Point and Muckross Head.\u00a0The IWDG has validated that it is a North Atlantic right whale.<\/em><\/p>

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