Passive Acoustic Monitoring for improved conservation of Harbour porpoise in Irish SACs: Roaringwater Bay case study and workshop report
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Date
2026
Authors
Todd, Nicole
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Purpose and scope of the report: This report brings together findings from an acoustic monitoring programme in Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC with the outcomes of the Porpoises, PAM, and Perspectives for Conservation and Management workshop. Together, these provide new insight into how multi-year passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can inform practical strategies for the conservation and management of harbour porpoise within Irish Special Areas of Conservation. The case study in Roaringwater Bay and Islands SAC, conducted between November 2020 and May 2023, aimed to address knowledge gaps on the continuous habitat use of harbour porpoise in the region. This case study will collate findings from Todd et al. (2025b), knowledge synthesis from Todd (2023, PhD thesis), and national SAC survey reports, to offer an evidence base to strengthen approaches to monitoring and management. The online workshop, funded by Research Ireland and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), brought together national and international participants from research, government, NGOs, and industry. Its aim was to examine opportunities, challenges, and priorities for applying multi-year PAM within the SAC network, and to identify best practice, pitfalls, and recommendations.
Description
Keywords
Acoustic monitoring , Roaringwater Bay and Islands , Porpoises, PAM, and Perspectives for Conservation and Management workshop , Irish Special Areas of Conservation , Conservation and management of harbour porpoise , Harbour porpoise
Citation
Todd, N. (2026) Passive Acoustic Monitoring for improved conservation of Harbour porpoise in Irish SACs: Roaringwater Bay case study and workshop report. Cork: University College Cork, pp. 1-36. https://doi.org/10.33178/10468/18603
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Copyright
© 2026, the Author.