Considerations

CONSIDERATIONS:

These Codes of Conduct are currently accepted by the operators in Baltimore, West Cork and Cork Harbour. Operators must seek permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Services to be allowed to commercially watch cetaceans.

To receive permission operators must:

- Comply with the Codes of Conduct

- Abide by the most recent and updated Management Plan for Cetaceans in Irish Waters

- Provide monitoring data for the conservation of cetaceans in Irish waters.

- Demonstrate competence in environmental interpretation and species ID

The Accreditation Scheme has been established by Ocean Research & Conservation Association Ireland, an organisation established in July 2017 to formulate and implement a plan for the development of sustainable eco-tourism in Irish waters. The organisation will also develop an educational programme and raise local awareness of the diversity of marine megafauna in Irish waters and the importance of protecting their habitats.