Marine mammal incidents should always be referred to the appropriate specialist organisation. Please use the contacts below for advice and assistance.

Seals

Refer to:
Seal Rescue Ireland
Website: www.sealrescueireland.org
24/7 RESCUE HOTLINE: 087 1955393

Seals are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed, or returned to the water. A seal on land is not always in trouble, as seals regularly come ashore to rest, moult, give birth, and nurse pups.

Please remember:

• keep at least 100 metres away
• keep dogs on a lead
• avoid noise and disturbance
• contact Seal Rescue Ireland for advice if the seal is injured, entangled, very weak, or in immediate danger

Cetaceans

Refer to:
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
Website: www.iwdg.ie
LIVE STRANDING HOTLINE (097) 28118

If you encounter a stranded, injured, or dead whale, dolphin, or porpoise, please seek expert advice and do not attempt to intervene unless instructed to do so. Keep people and dogs away, avoid causing further stress or injury, and wait for guidance from the appropriate rescue or reporting organisation.

Sea Turtles

Refer to:
Lynette Lewis, Cobh, Co Cork
Tel: 087 6660745

Sea turtles are rare visitors to Irish waters and may require specialist assistance. If you find an injured, stranded, or distressed sea turtle, do not return it to the sea unless specifically advised to do so. Keep it safe from disturbance and contact the number above for guidance as soon as possible.