Rare North Atlantic right whale spotted off Donegal Coast

An “exceptionally” rare whale was spotted swimming off the coast of Co Donegal, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has reported.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered species and the sighting recorded on Monday is the first in decades.

It is estimated that fewer than 400 remain today and they are mostly found along the Atlantic coast of North America.

In a statement the IWDG said: “This is an exceptionally rare record for the Eastern Atlantic, where this species has been largely absent for decades, if not longer. "

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The group believes they can make a “convincing argument” that the last positive identification of this species in Ireland dates back to 1910.

“Since then, there have been a few “possibles” and even fewer “probables”, but no “definites”, that is until July 15th,” they added.

The species has been protected from whaling since the 1930′s, but remains at risk of entanglement in fishing gear and ship collisions.

The IWDG has asked enthusiasts to avoid the whale and to observe it from shore.

“There is an enormous onus on us all to ensure this whale remains as long as it needs in Donegal bay, where it’s most likely feeding on tiny copepods, without having to run the gauntlet of small craft and sightseers,” the group said.

“As with all whales, they have full protection under Irish law… this is our chance to help a population of whales on the very brink.

“Please give it space.”