Irish Whale and Dolphin Group hosting Mayo roadshow

THE Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), in collaboration with Fair Seas, is visiting Westport on Thursday, February 26, as part of a series of free, in-person evening events in coastal towns around Ireland.

The local groups roadshow aims to connect coastal communities and local members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group with the latest developments in marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs), and the future of Ireland’s seas.

Fair Seas is a coalition of eNGOS in Ireland attempting to build a movement of ocean stewardship and lobby the government for a coherent network of effective MPAs.

Eva Lambert, marine policy and advocacy officer with the IWDG, said: “We have local IWDG groups right around the country and each one is playing an important role. Citizen science is at the heart of everything we do, and without people sharing what they see on our coasts, we simply wouldn’t have the data we need to understand and protect Ireland’s whales, dolphins and seas.”

Each stop provides an opportunity for local communities to:

* Connect with IWDG and Fair Seas representatives directly

* Learn more about Ireland’s marine wildlife and habitats

* Understand current and proposed Marine Protected Areas

* Hear about national marine policy developments in clear, accessible terms

* Ask questions and share local knowledge and concerns

* Celebrate IWDG’s local groups and inaugurate a new flag for each group

The evening will include short presentations from IWDG and Fair Seas, guest speakers, a short film screening, followed by open discussion with attendees.

‘Fair Seas: The Atlantic Northwest’ will be shown during the free event; it features the views, stories and insights of local communities who depend on the sea to make a living.

The Westport event takes place in the Mariner Hotel on Thursday, February 26, from 5.30 to 8 p.m.

Free tickets are available here.