Ireland amended and replaced its framework legislation for managing sea-fisheries in Natura 2000 sites in 2013. The new framework legislation is the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats)(Sea-Fisheries) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 290 of 2013). These regulations have been drafted to implement the responsibilities of the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine in relation to sea-fisheries in Natura 2000 sites, in accordance with the Habitats and Birds Directives as transposed by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477 of 2011).

Minke whales grow to an average body length of 8.5 m. Body colour is dark grey with a white underside and lighter patches of grey extending up the flanks in a variety of patterns. Brilliant white bands are evident on the upper surface of both pectoral fins and are often visible even when the animal is below the surface. The head is sharply pointed and v-shaped with a noticeable rostrum in front of the blowhole.A prominent, falcate dorsal fin is located two-thirds of the way along the back.The blow is diffuse and usually not visible, though it may be seen and/or heard in very calm conditions. The dorsal fin usually appears simultaneously with the blowhole.This species almost never flukes and rarely breaches, however some spectacular displays of breaching have been observed in Irish waters and animals may breach continuously for prolonged periods. The data collected includes observations, relative abundance, search for and range of Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) recorded from marine mammals observations on board ships of opportunity between 2005 and 2011.

The common bottlenose dolphin is one of Irelands most recognisable cetacean species.They have a robust, muscular body shape with an average body length: of 1.9m – 3.8 m.The body colour is grey with a light grey (that can show variations of grey patterns) or white underside.A tall falcate dorsal fin with a broad base sits half-way along the back. Bottlenose dolphins exhibit a moderately keeled tailstock. The head has a short,rounded beak with the lower jaw protruding slightly beyond the upper. A soft mouth line curves upwards at back to give the familiar‘smile’ that is characteristic for this species. They often approach vessels to bow ride in inshore waters and in the Shannon Estuary and frequently display acrobatic activity at the surface. Conversely offshore animals often appear wary of approaching vessels. The data collected includes observations, relative abundance, search for and range of Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) recorded from marine mammals observations on board ships of opportunity between 2005 and 2011.

Grey seals are the largest seal species in Irish waters. Male grey seals are considerably larger than females, growing up to 2.6 m in length. Females grow up to 2 m in length.The coat is dark grey on the back and flanks with a lighter underside and with irregular black mottling over the entire animal. Grey seals have a ‘Roman nose’ shaped muzzle. Newborn pups have a white coat and pups are born approximately one meter in length. The data collected includes observations, relative abundance, search for and range of Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) recorded from marine mammals observations on board ships of opportunity between 2005 and 2011.

The fin whale is Irelands most common large baleen whale and grows to a maximum body length of 24 m in the north Atlantic. Body colour is grey with a white underside. The head is v-shaped with a prominent rostrum in front of the blowhole. Jaw-colour is asymmetrical with the right lower jaw being white in colour and the left being grey, this is diagnostic for the species. A pattern of light and dark grey chevrons is noticeable behind the head in good light conditions. The dorsal fin is prominent and located two-thirds of the way along the back. It is variable in shape, though typically falcate or triangular. The species produces a tall columnar blow up to 6 m high which is very noticeable. The blow can sometimes appear angled if the animal blows while surfacing from depth. This species almost never flukes or breaches in Irish waters. Lunge feeding at the surface is sometimes seen off the south coast. The data collected includes observations, relative abundance, search for and range of Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) recorded from marine mammals observations on board ships of opportunity between 2005 and 2011.

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are robust dolphins with a maximum body length of 2.8 m for males and 2.5 m for females.They have a short beak which is black above and white below.The dorsal fin, located half-way along the back is tall and falcate with a sharply pointed tip and a narrow base. The back and upper beak are black, as are the pectoral fins and flukes.The flanks are grey and a white band below the dorsal fin connects with yellow/mustard coloured broad band on either side of the tailstock. The body is robust, with a gently sloping forehead. The tailstock is strongly truncated.The pectoral fins are sickle shaped and pointed. This species can be very active at the surface, with breaching and tail slapping however it seldom bow rides and does not readily approach ships. The data collected includes observations, relative abundance, search for and range of Atlantic White-sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) recorded from marine mammals observations on board ships of opportunity between 2005 and 2011.