ROI marine life

My favourite examples of marine life in the R.O.Ireland

Harbour porpoise

With males growing to a length of 1.8 m and weighing 61 kg the harbour porpoise is the smallest of the porpoise family, they can be identified by their small rounded heads that sport no beak and have dark lips and chin, they have dark brown backs with a pale underside, they have a small triangular fin that is just past the center of its back. They feed on small fish that are normally found in schools they also feed on squid and octopus meaning they are carnivores they have to eat a large amount of food daily due to their fast metabolism meaning they have to eat enough fish to replenish 10% of their body weight. They have a lifespan of roughly 20 years and mature quickly. They will usually avoid human contact when possible but it has been observed that some are curious and will approach people. They are victims of being caught in gill nets and starving causing thousands of deaths annually. Reporting sightings to local authorities can help the study and protection of the harbour porpoise due to the difficulty of observing them this can allow the protection of the harbour porpoise in that area.

Common seal

Also known as the harbor seal they are able to grow to a length of up to 2 m with a weight of 65-150 kg they have an average lifespan of 20-35 years they are identified by their concave forehead, v-shaped nostrils, with varying degrees of colour from blond to black but most are grey with dark spots, they can be distinguished from grey seals by their smaller body. They feed on fish, squid, crabs, whelks and mussels. When not out at sea they can be found around shelters shores and estuaries. They are commonly are caught in fishing nets and can be found tangled or otherwise injured on beaches if you find such a case report to the appropriate local authorities such as a wildlife trust, if you encounter them resting on a beach maintain a large distance of at least 100 m.