Land-based observations of ocean megafauna off Cape Clear Island (South-West Ireland) in the summer of 2008

摘要

We report results from 51 days of land-based observations of marine megafauna from Cape Clear Island performed in summer 2008. Altogether, 124 megafauna sightings (jive taxa of cetaceans, Basking Shark, and Sunfish) were recorded. Observed species richness increased with time, with higher numbers of both taxa and individuals recorded in August. None of assessed weather characteristics (sea state, visibility, cloud cover, glare) had significant effects on observed megafauna abundance or daily species richness. The study confirms that waters off Cape Clear are important for large marine species, and continue to represent a valuable resource for both ecotourism and field studies.