IWDG Consulting provided an experienced Marine Mammal Observer during dredging operations in the Shannon Estuary. The estuary is home to the only resident population of resident Bottlenose dolphins in Ireland and is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC). As such it is essential that the effects of any proposed works be mitigated against. Our consultant was onsite for the duration of the project implementing the NPWS “Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man Made Sound Sources in Irish Waters.”
IWDG Consulting complete the first of 6 harbour porpoise surveys in Dublin Bay SAC
IWDG Consulting were awarded the contract to carry out 6 visual harbour porpoise surveys in the Dublin Bay SAC this Summer. Densities of harbour porpoise in Dublin Bay are among the highest in the country to date. Single platform line transect surveys will be carried out in order to derive local density and abundance and will form part of Ireland’s reporting requirements under the Habitats Directive. The first survey was completed last week in perfect sea conditions which resulted in a high encounter rate for our team. The IWDG Consulting team consisted of Dr. Simon Berrow, Dr. Joanne O’Brien and Clowie Russell.