IWT Policies & Submissions

A policy document developed by the IWT in response to the large-scale commercial seaweed harvesting occurring along our coasts – IWT Seaweed Harvesting Policy

Code of Practice for Visitors of Coastal/Island Bird Colonies

The Irish Wildlife Trust and BirdWatch Ireland have developed a Code of Conduct for people visiting coastal/island bird colonies to help ensure that these special places remain special – for both birds and people. Read the full Code of Practice here.

Visitors to islands should be aware that it is illegal to disturb birds that are nesting by intrusive photography or getting too close to nests.

Wild Boar

The IWT believes that wild boar should not be listed as an alien invasive species but is opposed to the illegal release of animals. We are in favour of a reintroduction programme that is in compliance with international norms. Read our IWT response to wild boar Risk Assessment here.

Wind Farms

The IWT is in favour of renewable energy projects that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and address climate change. Such projects should be accompanied by relevant environmental reports and need to be located so that negative impacts to not occur to sensitive wildlife or protected areas.

Read our Wind Farm Policy

Balloon Releases and Pretty Litter

Read our Joint Policy with Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Irish Seal Sanctuary & Birdwatch Ireland

The IWT is opposed to balloon and Chinese lantern releases as they present choking and entanglement hazards for wildlife, and litter our countryside and waters. Furthermore, lanterns can cause fires, false distress calls. We urge the public to consider alternative methods of celebration/fundraising.

Badger Culling & Introduction of a Vaccination Programme

The IWT believes that the badger cull should end immediately and be replaced with a combination of better bio-security on farms and a vaccination programme for badgers. We are particularly opposed to culling during the breeding season, which is inhumane, and would like to see an urgent assessment of the culling programme on the badger population.

Fox Hunting & Hare Coursing

The IWT is opposed to these cruel activities and believes they should be banned.

Fracking Policy

in partnership with Social Partnership Environment Pillar

There should be no fracking until all the potential negative impacts to the environment are fully understood.

Deer Strategy

The IWT believes that a management plan for deer is required to minimise their environmental impacts. Culling may be a part of this but should only be a part of a long term management plan and should not proceed until accurate data are available on the size and location of deer in Ireland.

Sustainable Seas & OCEAN2012 Declaration

The IWT is campaigning for the creation of a network of effective marine protected areas along with legal status for marine fish and invertebrates in the Wildlife Act.

Read Our Ocean Wealth submission with the Environmental Pillar, our Review of Marine Protected Areas in Ireland, our information on Marine Protected Areas and Fisheries, our Guide to Sustainable Seafood or our policy in relation to Seals and Fishing.

Farmed Salmon in open cages

The IWT is opposed to farming salmon in the open sea due to the negative and unsustainable effects it has on the environment. We are also opposed to the labelling of same as ‘organic’ as it does not conform to the EC Regulation on organic salmon farming.

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