The Shannon Dolphin Journal

First Edition by Paul Edson, 6th February, 2004.

Welcome to the first instalment of a new monthly article dedicated to cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise). The aim of the column is to inform and enlighten about the fascinating undersea world of cetaceans and in particular the dolphins of the Shannon estuary. The column will be bringing the latest news from Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation (SDWF), the Kilrush `Dolphin Gateway' Project and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IDWG). The column will also feature contributions from Dr. Simon Berrow, Project Manager of Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation and Chairperson of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

Whilst everyone is aware that County Clare possesses a unique natural environment and habitat in the Burren, it is also blessed with a second equally important habitat and environment - the Shannon estuary. Like the Burren, because of the importance of this environment, the Shannon estuary is a nominated Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Why is it so important? The Shannon estuary is a habitat unique in Ireland and one of only six known in Europe - for this is the home to over a hundred bottlenose dolphins (the Shannon Dolphin photo-identification catalogue contains images of 144 individual dolphins).

To ensure that valuable natural resource was protected and appreciated the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation (SDWF) was established in March 2000. Its remit was to formulate and implement a plan for the development of sustainable dolphin-watching in the Shannon region.

The SDWF Steering Committee consists of representatives from Shannon Development, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Marine Institute, Clare County Council, Kilrush Town Council, Carrigaholt Development Association, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce and dolphin-watching boat operators. It employs a Project Manager to co-ordinate its activities and in October 2002 the SDWF became a Registered Charity.

The SDWF's stated objectives are:- to maintain the dolphin population in a favourable conservation status; to raise public awareness of dolphins and the marine environment; to increase the volume and value of dolphin-watching visitors; to integrate dolphin-watching with eco-tourism activities in the region.

Last year the SDWF launched a new website www.shannondolphins.ie which contains a range of information, including scientific papers and reports, photo-ID catalogue and a recording of dolphin vocalisations.

The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation is based at the Scattery Island Centre in Merchants Quay (close to the Marina Centre), Kilrush and contains education and information resource and will be open to the public in the Spring.

Anyone who is interested in whales and dolphins should consider becoming a member of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, who publish an excellent quarterly colour magazine IWDG News, organise whale watching weekends, exhibitions, conferences and training days. The membership subscription rates to the IWDG for 2004 is Waged - €20; students, OAP's and the unemployed - €10; Family - €32 and should be sent to the IWDG Secretary, Gortagrenane, Castlefreke, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Editor: Paul Edson.

Dated 6th February, 2004.

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