Submit your sightings! Learn how here
Snorkelling and freediving are not just relaxing, enjoyable activities. They can also help you protect the ocean.
When you join us in the water on a guided tour, you are not only enjoying a special day at sea. You may also have the opportunity to support marine science in a meaningful way. Or simply come across a rare sighting that might not happen every day.
For example, this rare ragworm spawning event during the day (LINK).
Much of the marine world is still rarely seen by researchers. Surveys can only cover so much, and time and resources are always limited. This is where your observations as a snorkeller, freediver, or guest can make a real difference. Every sighting you share helps fill in the picture.
What your photos and sightings can tell us
Knowing which species live in which area can have a huge impact on future decision-making. Are there endangered species living in a certain bay? Would activities, planning permissions (commercial fishing/harvesting etc.) impact that species or area?
Or maybe an important Seagrass meadow grows in a specific area that we should be aware of and protect?
This knowledge is important to capture.
What’s changing?
It is also important to notice any changes in a regularly visited spot.
To notice if something is declining, recovering, or moving to a new area, we need to know what was there before. When you take a photo and note the date and place, you are creating a record that future researchers can use. As the ocean changes, sometimes new species appear in places they have not been seen before, and your photo might be the first sign.
Early warning signs.
Your photos can help spot things like invasive species, coral bleaching, disease, lost fishing gear, or animals that are injured or tangled. Sometimes, these early signs mean there is still time to help.
Where protection matters most.
When you record where animals feed, breed, or gather, you are helping to guide decisions about which areas need protection and when. The protection of Basking Sharks in Ireland is a great recent example. (Ministers Noonan and McConalogue announce that the Basking Shark has been given the status of ‘protected wild animal’ under the Wildlife Act, 2022)
How to take a photo that’s useful to science
Notice the details. Try to record the date, time, and location of your sighting. If you have GPS, that is great, but simply naming the site is helpful too.
Capture identifying features. If possible, take photos of both sides of the animal and any special markings you notice.
Include some context. A photo that shows the surrounding habitat can help experts understand more about what they are seeing.
Be honest if you are not sure what you have seen. It is always better to say “possibly a [species]” than to guess. Every honest observation helps, and it is okay not to know for certain.
Keep the original photo file if you can. Edited or filtered images sometimes lose important details that researchers need.
Above all, dont touch or disturb marine life or wildlife!
No photo is worth disturbing wildlife. Please keep your distance, avoid touching or chasing animals, and be careful not to stand on or kick reefs or rocks. Let your guide show you the way. The best observations come from calm and respectful moments with nature.
What if you dont see anything?
Every observation you make is valuable, even if it is not perfect. Most sightings happen where people swim and often feature animals that are easy to see. If you do not spot something, it does not mean it is not there. This is why experts review all submissions, and why every record you share is an important part of a much bigger picture.
Share what you see & How to
The best time to submit your sighting is right after you saw it.
Back home from a guided snorkel tour? Take a few minutes to report what you saw! It helps whilst the memory is still fresh:
For any submissions in Irish waters, please use the following links:
https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/marine#7/53.455/-8.016
For any other wildlife:
https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/start-recording
For mermaid purses (eggshell cases):
https://marinedimensions.ie/purse-search-sightings-form/
Irish Whale & Dolphin Group:
https://iwdg.ie/report-a-sighting/
Make sure you keep the original photo file and record where/when you saw it.
Oftentimes, you will receive an email to acknowledge your sighting or get some feedback.
Do you have any questions about this progress?
If so, feel free to let me know below!
Cornelia
