Irish Whale and Dolphin Group: Guide & Opportunities

There’s something magical about spotting a whale breaching off the Irish coast, and for decades, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has been the go-to organisation for anyone who wants to turn that fleeting moment into meaningful science. This guide walks through how the IWDG works, how to use its sightings map, and how you can get involved as a volunteer, intern, or citizen scientist.

Years active: 35+ ·
Focus: Whales and dolphins in Irish waters ·
Activities: Research, education, sightings recording ·
Social media: Facebook, Instagram

Four key facts, one pattern: IWDG is both a research body and a public-facing platform that turns casual encounters into structured conservation data.

What is the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group?

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a marine conservation organisation that has been monitoring whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Irish waters for more than 35 years (IWDG – official website). It runs a citizen science sighting scheme that anyone can contribute to, turning beach walks and boat trips into valuable research data.

What is the mission of IWDG?

• Promote the conservation of cetaceans in Irish waters (IWDG – mission statement)
• Encourage public participation through reporting schemes (IWDG – recording schemes)

How long has IWDG been active?

• Founded in the late 1980s, the IWDG has operated the all-Ireland cetacean sighting scheme since 1991 (IWDG – recording scheme history)

How can I access the IWDG logo, app, and Facebook page?

IWDG’s digital tools are designed to make reporting and connecting straightforward. Here’s where to find each resource.

Where to find the IWDG logo?

• The official IWDG logo is available on the organisation’s website, typically in the footer or media section (IWDG – website)

How to download the IWDG app?

• The IWDG reporting app can be downloaded from the organisation’s recording schemes page, which provides links for iOS and Android (IWDG – recording schemes page)

How to follow IWDG on Facebook?

• IWDG maintains an active Facebook page where it posts sighting updates and conservation news (IWDG – social media links)

What are the volunteer, internship, and job opportunities at IWDG?

IWDG offers several ways to get involved, though its formal volunteer programme is still in development. Here’s what’s currently available.

What volunteer roles are available?

• IWDG does not currently operate a formal volunteer programme, but it lists alternative ways to contribute, such as joining a Local Group as a member or reporting sightings through the website or app (IWDG – volunteering page)
• For specific enquiries, email enquiries@iwdg.ie (IWDG – contact information)
• To help with the research vessel Celtic Mist, email celticmist@iwdg.ie (IWDG – vessel opportunities)

How to apply for an internship?

• Internships are advertised on the IWDG website when available. Past postings include an Education and Outreach Officer role (closing January 2024) and two positions announced in June 2024 (IWDG – education officer recruitment) (IWDG – June 2024 recruitment)

What jobs are currently open?

• Job openings are listed on the IWDG website’s recruitment page. The most recent postings were for an Education and Outreach Officer and two additional roles in mid-2024 (IWDG – latest vacancies)

How to view whale sightings in Ireland today using the IWDG map?

The IWDG sightings map is the heart of its citizen science operation. It shows live reports of whales, dolphins, and porpoises around the Irish coast.

How to access the sightings map?

• Go to the IWDG recording schemes page and click the “Sightings Map” link, or visit the Biodiversity Maps portal at maps.biodiversityireland.ie (Explore Your Shore – IWDG sightings guide)

1. Visit the IWDG recording schemes page at iwdg.ie.
2. Click the “Sightings Map” link to open the interactive map.
3. Browse recent sightings by species, date, and location.
4. Submit your own sighting using the online form or the IWDG app.

What information does the map show?

• The map displays recent whale and dolphin sightings submitted by the public, including species, date, and location (IWDG – recording schemes)
• The dataset is restricted – viewable on the mapping system but not available for download (National Biodiversity Data Centre – dataset restrictions)

How to report a sighting?

• Submit your sighting through the IWDG online form or directly via email (IWDG – submission details)
• Reports are used to validate records and build the distribution map (National Biodiversity Data Centre – purpose of dataset)

What is the IWDG’s role in marine conservation?

Beyond the sightings map, IWDG drives research, education, and policy influence. It is a recognised voice for cetacean conservation in Ireland.

How does IWDG contribute to research?

• IWDG collects and validates sighting and stranding data, which is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre (National Biodiversity Data Centre – IWDG dataset)
• It operates a stranding hotline and advises the public not to refloat stranded animals – a critical safety and research protocol (IWDG – stranding advice)

What educational resources does IWDG provide?

• School talks, workshops, and online materials covering cetacean biology and conservation (IWDG – education page)
• Regular social media posts that highlight recent sightings and explain marine science (IWDG – social channels)

“We are a marine conservation organisation dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Irish waters.”

— IWDG mission statement (IWDG – about page)

“Get involved by reporting your sightings and joining a local group – every record counts.”

— IWDG Instagram bio (IWDG – social channels)

For anyone living along the Irish coast who cares about marine life, the choice is clear: report your sightings, join a local group, and help build the data that protects these animals. The IWDG has turned the simple act of watching the sea into one of Ireland’s most effective conservation tools.

Frequently asked questions