Marine Institute welcomes launch of the Irish Whale & Dolphin Groups RV Celtic Mist

The Marine Institute congratulates the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) on the official launch of its new 56ft steel hulled ketch RV Celtic Mist at Kilrush Marina (Co. Clare) on Sunday 12th August.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Simon Berrow, IWDG Executive Officer, said that the RV Celtic Mist will be used to train and teach IWDG members how to survey and record whales and dolphins, including using acoustic survey techniques. It will also be used for dedicated research projects and professional training and development and we intend to encourage schools and young people to visit the yacht to learn about whales and dolphins and the rich marine life in Ireland and to promote marine conservation.

Geoffrey O'Sullivan, Office of the CEO, Marine Institute, who attended the launch, said the RV Celtic Mist will contribute to the excellent work being done by the IWDG on identifying and quantifying Ireland's whale and dolphin populations.

The official launch took place, in beautiful sunshine, on Sunday 12th August at Kilrush Creek Marina, Co Clare and was accompanied by a fun fair, face-painting, music, slideshows and a short student film on the refit. Guided tours of the new vessel were also organised.

The ketch, Celtic Mist, was donated to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group by the Haughey family in 2011 in recognition of the work of the IWDG. The vessel has undergone a major re-fit sponsored by the EU LEADER Programme and a number of local and national benefactors, including IWDG members.

For further information see: www.iwdg.ie and www.rvcelticmist.ie