Donal Hickey: Warm Atlantic waters attract exotic creatures to our shores

Our coasts, especially in the south and west, have been seeing more sharks

Recent shark attacks in Australia have put the spotlight on dangers to swimmers, surfers and fishers Down Under, but we can still safely observe a variety of marine life in this part of the world. Blue whale pictured about 15km south of Oysterhaven as they drift on the tide towards Cork Harbour. Picture: Derek Bolton

People visiting coastal areas during the August holiday period may be on the lookout for some fascinating creatures of the deep.

Our coastline and ocean environment is “teeming” with marine life, including 35 shark species and 24 species of whales and dolphins, says the Clean Coasts organisation.