Ventry, Co. Kerry, the outer and inner Shannon Estuary (Berrow, 2003). In addition, new operators have commenced whale watching activities in Donegal Bay, Bantry Bay, Dingle and Union Hall. Sightings of migratory species such as humpback whales are increasing in Irish waters in recent years (Ryan et al., 2015), with an additional include six sightings along the north coast of Ireland, off Co. Donegal, Co. Sligo and Co. Antrim between 2018 - 2019. The Guidelines presented here are adapted from ACCOBAMS Guidelines to address whale and dolphin watching activities carried out for commercial purposes and relate to all marine activities that may encounter cetaceans as a means of raising funds for important research and conservation efforts, including all commercial activities but excluding primarily dedicated research activities, which should be separately licensed, perhaps by a special permit system. These are intended to provide a framework for the development of more detailed protocols by national and regional authorities at a local level.
SPECIES IDENTIFIC ATION GUIDE:
P A G E 11 O F 3 6
