New whale species visits Irish shores for first time

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed the first new species of whale in Irish waters in 25 years.

The Arctic bowhead was spotted in the mouth of Carlingford Harbour, Co Louth, more than 3,000km south of its natural habitat, just after midday on Sunday by the crew of a boat from Carlingford Lough Pilots.

IWDG sightings officer Padraig Whooley said they used images and video from the crew to confirm the species as a bowhead whale through the shape of its rostrum — its extremely arched jawline and white chin — and its lack of a dorsal fin.