Whale Sightings Down 30 Percent on 2024 Figures

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has released its mid-year update for 2025, showing a notable drop in marine wildlife sightings.

With 1,386 validated records logged so far, sightings are down by 30 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite the slower numbers, the group says it is too early to call the year quiet. Several factors are likely at play including poor summer weather, a decline in whale activity off West Cork, and persistent issues with the IWDG’s reporting app.

Sightings Shift to the Northwest

Weather conditions since June have been mixed and have limited time at sea, which often leads to fewer reports. At the same time, areas like Donegal Bay have become more active, while traditional hotspots like West Cork are seeing fewer visits from large whales.

The IWDG notes that a recent government decision to restrict sprat fishing may help restore food availability in the southwest, though any benefit will take time to emerge.

John Coe Goes Missing

One of the most dramatic stories of the season involved the disappearance of a well-known killer whale. John Coe, part of the UK’s endangered West Coast Community of orcas, vanished after being sighted with his longtime companion Aquarius off Rathlin Island on May 5.

When Aquarius later reappeared alone around the Blasket Islands and remained visible for 10 days, concern grew. He was later seen again in Donegal Bay in late July, still alone and still actively hunting. Drone footage captured on July 19 showed Aquarius carrying what is believed to be a common dolphin in his mouth, confirming that these orcas remain marine mammal predators.

On July 25, John Coe was finally resighted off Ardnamurchan Point in the Hebrides after an 81-day absence. While his return brought relief, it left open questions about where he had been and why the pair had separated for so long.

Humpbacks Follow the Same Path

Humpback whale activity supports the trend of a northern shift. There were 26 sightings in Kerry and 15 in Donegal Bay, but only four in Cork, once a key region for whale activity. Of the ten humpbacks identified so far this year, seven are already catalogued by the IWDG’s Whale Track Project. Three were new additions, bringing the catalogue total to 139 individuals.

This figure brings the group close to Dr Miguel Blazquez Harvas’s population estimate of 156 humpbacks in Irish waters. The IWDG also offered congratulations to Miguel on being awarded his PhD, calling it well deserved.

Cautious Optimism for the Months Ahead

While sightings are down, the IWDG remains hopeful for a strong finish to the year. They are working to restore the IWDG App to full functionality and continue to encourage members of the public to report sightings whenever possible.

With five months remaining and peak whale season still underway in some areas, the IWDG says there is still plenty of time for 2025 to turn around.