Muc Mhara — Ireland’s Smallest Whale

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is hosting their second international whale conference from 19-21 September 2008 in Killiney, Dublin.

Date and Time

7.00pm Friday 19 September until Sunday 21 September.

Location

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Dublin.
Those interested in staying at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel should contact them directly. Phone: (01) 230-5556.
E-mail: reservations@fitzpatricks.com. Website www.fitzpatrickcastle.com.
Mention you're with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group to get the weekend conference rate.

Event Description

The harbour porpoise is the smallest of all Irish cetaceans — it is also the most abundant and widespread. Harbour porpoises can be seen in all Irish coastal waters, including off Howth and Bray Heads and Killiney Bay/Dun Laoghaire in Co. Dublin. The harbour porpoise is recognised within Europe as being a species of major conservation concern and is included on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, which requires Member States to designate sites for its protection. Despite this, little is known about its ecology. Due to its small size and elusive nature, its conservation importance is often overlooked.

The conference will present current knowledge of this diminutive species, the harbour porpoise or muc mhara, in Irish waters. Guest speakers will provide an international perspective on studies such as satellite tracking in Danish waters. The world's leading authority on the harbour porpoise will talk about its ecology and protection. The impacts of offshore wind farms on the species will also be discussed, as well as how it is faring in an EU context.

This conference will form part of Ireland’s contribution to the UN/CMS Year of the Dolphin 2008.