Ireland a stronghold for otters thanks to work of voluntary groups

Otters are a protected species in Ireland, and it is an offence to deliberately kill, injure or capture them, or intentionally damage or destroy their breeding and resting places

One of Cork city's otters. The key thing to remember is that otters should never be disturbed. Picture: Chris Moody

Otter populations throughout Europe have seen a decline since the 1960’s, but thanks to the trojan efforts of voluntary groups such as the Cork Nature Network (CNN), Ireland remains a stronghold for “madraí uisce” (Irish for otters).

CNN’s Otter Project has been recognised by the International Otter Survival Fund as being committed to raising the profile of otters not just in Cork but all over Ireland, taking home an 'Otter Oscar' for its work.