Irish Whale and Dolphin showcase set for County Waterford

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and Fair Seas are encouraging people in Waterford and Wexford to attend their final coastal roadshow which will take place in Tramore Library, Co Waterford, on Thursday, May 7th.

The free roadshows have already visited coastal towns in Donegal, Dublin, Wicklow, Mayo, Sligo, Galway, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Louth.

A spokesperson for the IWDG said the events connect communities and local members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group with the latest developments in marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs) and the future of Ireland’s seas.

Fair Seas is a coalition of environmental organisations and networks campaigning to secure a science-led network of effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.

The coalition will also host the second World Ocean Week Conference in Cork on Wednesday, June 3rd, bringing together ocean advocates, the fishing community, government, industry and key stakeholders.

Eva Lambert, Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer with the IWDG said: “We’re looking forward to an evening of whale and dolphin conservation in Tramore. We will be sharing how citizen science and our volunteer members inform our work and influence policy."

"Citizen science is at the heart of everything we do, without people sharing what they see on our coasts, we simply wouldn’t have the data we need to understand and protect Ireland’s whales, dolphins and seas," she said.

She went on to comment: "Our South East roadshow is not just for IWDG members, if you’re interested in doing more to protect the biodiversity of our incredible coastline, this event is for you.” 

The roadshow will provide people with the opportunity to connect with IWDG and Fair Seas representatives directly and learn more about Ireland’s marine wildlife and habitats.

It will also enable people to understand current and proposed Marine Protected Areas and hear about national marine policy developments in clear, accessible terms.

The roadshow will also facilitate questions and will include sharing of knowledge and concerns while also celebrating IWDG’s local groups and inaugurate a new flag for each group.  The evening will include short presentations from IWDG and Fair Seas, guest speakers, a short film screening, followed by open discussion with attendees.

‘Fair Seas: The Celtic Sea’ will be shown during the free event; it features the views, stories and insights of local communities who depend on the sea to make a living.

The event will take place from 5.30pm to 8pm and free tickets are available here.

Watch a video of dolphins having fun in the river Suir in Waterford City below.