Distribution and Range of Leatherback Turtles in Irish Waters 2013-2018

These data were derived from National Parks and Wildlife Service cetacean surveys within the Irish MSFD area and the EEA-50km GRID. The grid shows the current distribution of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in Irish coastal and marine waters. The data were collected for the purposes of 2019 reporting under Article 17 of the EU Habitats Directive. The distribution represents where the species or habitat have been recorded or estimated as occurring. The range represents the outer limits of the overall area in which the species or habitat is found at present, it can be considered as an envelope within which areas actually occupied occur. This dataset consists of 50km grid cells, they are indicative and to be used for reference only, please see the Article 17 report: NPWS(2019). The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland for full details. (https://www.npws.ie/publications/article-17-reports/article-17-reports-2019).