Distribution and Relative Abundance of Harbour Porpoise in Irish EEZ 2005-2011

Harbour porpoises are Irelands smallest cetacean species with an average body length of 1.5 m. Their body colour is dark-grey with a white underside extending up the sides a little beneath the dorsal fin. The head is rounded with no distinct beak. A small triangular dorsal fin is situated half-way along the back, with a slightly curved trailing edge.Typically no blow is visible but in calm conditions a short sharp exhalation can be heard, giving rise to the common name of ‘puffing pig’,sometimes used for this species. Harbour porpoises rarely approach vessels or breach clear of the water. The data collected includes observations, relative abundance, search for and range of Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) recorded from marine mammals observations on board ships of opportunity between 2005 and 2011.