Growing up to 33 metres in length and weighing up to 178,000 Kg, the blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on earth. The north Atlantic population of this iconic great whale suffered massive persecution at the height of the whaling boom. Estimates suggest that the north Atlantic population may have dropped to as low as 400 animals. Numbers are thought to be recovering slowly, but they are still a rare sight. with the IWDG estimating that perhaps 30-50 individuals pass through Irish waters each year based on acoustic data. The 56ft steel hulled ketch was donated to IWDG in 2011 by the Haughey family in recognition of their work over the last 21 years. On Thursday morning, just off the shelf edge, the team encountered a number of feeding fin whales and, later that day, had the amazing good fortune to see two blue whales surfacing within half a kilometre of the vessel. Palma, Majorca 1989. Celtic Mist must have been quite a sight with her steel hull rising and falling gently in the azure swell and sun glinting off her brightwork and rigging. Situated on the ground floor this room is furnished with twin beds (that can be zipped and linked to form a super king size bed), bedside tables, lamps, a chest of drawers, mirror, built-in wardrobe and dressing table

There is a narrow driveway that provides parking for one small car. If you are unable to park on the drive, you can park your car on the road across the drive. The yacht was officially relaunched in August 2012 and set sail offshore from Dingle in September with a team of IWDG members onboard in search of Cetaceans. Degree in a scientific or environmental discipline or over two years of experience in marine mammal surveying. There is a great interest amongst younger people,” Fiacc says. “There seems to be a lot more students in the third-level marine area than there were a few years ago, which is fantastic to see. The courses in our universities have improved enormously too, and become much more accessible. It’s very promising for the future.”Monday night also revealed to us a great evil that had been walking, talking and working among us. Gathered around the table to play a round of Quirkle, a game that can only be described as the unexpectedly lovable child of scrabble and Uno, the crew discovered to our great horror the competitive and sly gameplay of First Mate Pearse who was both relentless and apathetic in his pursuit of victory. Only one man could assuage the barrage of entirely innocuous suffering put upon the crew by Pearse. Our saving grace, Paul, who made sure to humble Pearse at each turn and did so without even breaking a sweat. His thankless efforts ensured a sound night of sleep for the crew despite the roll of the boat on the waves. Meanwhile, the last ocean-going wooden ship built in Ireland is due to be launched formally at the Baltimore Wooden Festival in Co Cork on Saturday after a long-term community restoration programme. Partake fully in all aspects of the survey, acting as a full crew member and participating in all operational, domestic, and social aspects of the survey. Celtic Mistwill be used for training whale and dolphin members in species identification and training in surveying and recording cetaceans, Dr Berrow added.

Then we come to the three marine biologists – Seán, Bogna and Mags. They hit it off with each other in their student days and were excited to finally work on a project together. According to Ron Holland, speaking to Weekend Review this week, he enjoyed working on the project. He still retains an abiding affection for Mr Desmond and Mr Haughey. IWDG intend to use the Celtic Mist to train and teach IWDG members how to survey and record whales and dolphins, including using acoustic survey techniques. It will also be used for dedicated research projects and professional training and development. They intend to encourage schools and young people to visit the yacht to learn about cetaceans and the rich marine life in Ireland and to promote marine conservation.

From 30,000 acorns to mighty oaks — with luck and a little help

Knowledge and experience of marine mammal survey techniques, including visual data collection methods. Located upstairs on the first floor of the house this room has stunning sea views and is furnished with four armchairs, a sofa and footstool as well as a TV cabinet with flat screen TV (Freeview), a Bluetooth speaker and a coffee table Salary: This position is part time and will be compensated with a gross daily rate of €120 (€60 for half day) for a minimum of 66 days. Fiacc O'Brolchain, IWDG Director, says a lot more need to be done for marine protection in Ireland. For many Irish people, however, it wasn't so long ago that the entire ocean itself held an all too mythical quality and that even its very real creatures — ones that we know and love today — were considered unimaginable.