The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group looking at why whales come back each year to the coast of Ireland.
The most frequent sightings of whales off the coast of Ireland have occurred between west Cork and Wexford.
This is Boomerang, the humpback whale that has become a regular visitor to Irish waters.
International experts met with Irish scientists and leading environmentalists at the first International Whale Conference to examine ways of monitoring whale migration. They considered whether whales were coming to Irish waters for breeding or feeding.
From September to December is when the whales again gather off the Irish coastline.
Simon Barrow, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, says that fin whales photographed off the coast last year have returned again this year. The aptly named humpback whale Boomerang has come back for four years running. Greg Donovan, International Whaling Commission, says that while they encourage people to come to see the whales, it must be done in a responsible manner.
It seems more likely that Irish waters are providing feeding rather than breeding grounds but the studies will go on.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 September 2004. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.
