The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), a cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) conservation organisation, and Biodiversity Ireland are holding an identification workshop on the 22nd of April in Waterford.

Ireland’s waters are teeming with wildlife. To date, there have been 24 cetacean species recorded, from the blue whale to the harbour Porpoise.

The IWDG is an organisation dedicated to the conservation and understanding of Irish cetaceans and their habitat. The members of the organisation come from a diverse background such as whale watchers, conservationists and researchers.

The workshop will be hosted by Pádraig Whooley, the IWDG sightings officer. Joining Pádraig on the day is Andrew Malcolm, who will be discussing his years of experience on watching and recording off Ram Head.

Topics being covered at the workshop include an introduction to Irish cetaceans and the work of the IWDG, species identification, recording and reporting, conservation threats and what to do in the event of a stranding.

The workshop will start at 10:00am and runs until 16:00pm at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford. The event is recommended for beginners and intermediates.