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Protecting Donegal Bay
OUR MISSION
"To safeguard and enhance the natural heritage of Donegal Bay, and its connected freshwater and terrestrial catchments."
We believe that lasting environmental protection happens when people are connected to nature, understand it, and feel empowered to act on its behalf.
OUR STORY
Established in 2025
Donegal Bay Conservation Trust was established in 2025 to protect and enhance the ecological health of Donegal Bay and its connected freshwater and terrestrial catchments. Our work is grounded in science-led conservation, sustainable ecosystem management, education, community engagement, and advocacy.
We work across the full Donegal Bay catchment, spanning counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Mayo, from upland rivers to estuaries and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Our motivation is both personal and scientific. We live beside this bay. Our communities fish it, swim in it and raise families along its shores. We see daily the pressures it faces, and the resilience it still holds.
Through Donegal Bay Conservation Trust, we are building a robust, place-based evidence that can underpin long-term protection of the bay, ensuring that future management, designation, and policy decisions are grounded in sound science, local knowledge, and lived experience.
Our Structure
We are a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and a registered not-for-profit organisation
Governed by a Board of Directors who act as trustees
Any income is reinvested into our mission and activities
We exist for public benefit and charitable purposes
DBT Community Education Seminar at Mullaghmore Sailing Club
DBT Community Education Seminar at Mullaghmore Sailing Club
HOW WE WORK
Our approach is built on three pillars
Donegal Bay Conservation Trust is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the natural heritage of Donegal Bay, through science-led conservation, community engagement, and advocacy.
01.
Conservation & Ecosystem Management
We support the protection, restoration, and regeneration of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments through research, monitoring, and evidence-based approaches across the full Donegal Bay catchment.
02.
Education & Engagement
We create opportunities for people to learn about and connect with nature, building knowledge, awareness, and a sense of shared responsibility for the bay and its ecosystems through our Guardians programme.
03.
Advocacy
We amplify local voices and promote informed decision-making, working with communities, policymakers, and partner organisations to ensure positive outcomes for nature, people, and future generations.
THE TEAM
Board of Directors
Declan Kilgannon
DIRECTOR
Declan has spent a lifetime on the waters of Donegal Bay and is dedicated to sharing its wildlife, maritime heritage and stories of through unforgettable experiences at sea.
An experienced skipper and maritime trainer, Declan has spent his life on the water and dedicated many years to serving with the RNLI Sligo Lifeboat. As owner and skipper of Kiwi Girl Mullaghmore, he has guided the vessel's transition from a traditional charter fishing boat to an award-winning wildlife and eco-tourism experience.
Mark O’Connor
DIRECTOR
Mark is passionate about connecting people with place through meaningful, hands-on experiences that bring the wildlife, landscapes and stories of Donegal Bay to life.
As Founder of Field Studies Ireland, Mark has dedicated his career to inspiring people to discover the natural heritage of this island through outdoor education. He holds an MSc in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Wellbeing from Atlantic Technological University, where his own outdoor education journey began over 20 years ago.
Sean Hawkshaw
DIRECTOR
Sean has enjoyed the beauty of Donegal Bay throughout his life and is passionate about sharing its rich heritage with others. An active sailor for many years, he has spent countless hours exploring the bay and introducing family, friends and visitors to its remarkable places through sailing adventures.
Sean enjoyed a notable career in financial services, retiring from KBI Global Investors in 2025 after 23 years as Chief Executive Officer. During his leadership, KBI evolved into a global leader in responsible and sustainable investment, serving clients around the world. He is an Independent Director of the Olympic Federation of Ireland and a Director of Mullaghmore Sailing Club.
Donegal Bay Trust guardians participating in strandings course delivered by Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
BECOME A GUARDIAN
Register your interest
Our Guardians are a growing network of people committed to supporting our mission to safeguard and enhance the natural heritage of Donegal Bay.
Through their support, Guardians are helping Donegal Bay Conservation Trust build a stronger future for the bay through citizen science, education, community engagement, and conservation action. In return, Guardians have the opportunity to take part in DBT events and experiences throughout the year, from education workshops and citizen science surveys to community gatherings and on-the-water experiences.
The Guardian programme is launching soon. Register your interest below and we'll be in touch with more details, along with news and upcoming events.
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