The most numerous species reported was the Harbour Porpoise, which is, by far, the most abundant species of cetacean in the Irish Sea, with an estimated population of around 15,000.

The two surprises for 2005 were the absence of Killer Whale sightings and the abundance of Minke Whale sightings.

  The Minke Whale numbers were substantially boosted by several sightings of aggregations, occasionally up to 18 whales, seen feeding off Dalby on the West coast.  Minke Whales lunge feeding, in some numbers, were a regular occurrence in August and September.

Both Bottlenose and Risso’s populations, within the Irish Sea, are estimated at between 100 and 200 animals each.  Sightings of the readily identifiable Risso’s Dolphins continued into 2006 and have become a regular delight for watchers all around the southern half of the Island.  In particular, Douglas Head and south to Langness and on round to The Calf have proved sightings hotspots in 2006.

The small number of Bottlenose Dolphin sightings, mostly along the Southwest coast, has provided spectacular acrobatic displays for those fortunate enough to see them.

Manx waters were visited by the second largest whale in the world, the truly enormous Fin Whale.  These were seen in late summer, 4 to 6 miles off the West coast, where they enjoyed the late summer harvest of fish and were seen to be active throughout a large part of the day.