Watching Wildlife with Care: A few simple rules

It goes without saying that our enjoyment of boating goes hand in hand with the natural environment, and the chance to glimpse some of the varied and amazing marine wildlife that our UK waters have to offer. However, last month’s report from Wildlife crime officers in North Cornwall into the death of a juvenile inshore bottlenose dolphin serves as a timely reminder that boaters have a duty to act responsibly around wildlife.

The investigation surrounding the death was led by the Marine and Coastal Policing Team and concluded that on 20 July last year up to twenty-five leisure vessels spotted and followed a pod of dolphins in the Camel Estuary, near Padstow. The boats stayed for over three hours during which time they encircled the dolphins within 20 yards, with some vessels driving through the pod at speed.

Two skippers of the vessels were identified by police and admitted reckless disturbance, an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a £5000 fine. In this instance, the skippers were dealt with by “restorative justice” and forced to complete a Wildlife Safe (WiSe) course on how to view marine wildlife safely, responsibly and within the law.

The case has served to highlight the importance of following a few simple rules of the road when boating, all of which can be found in The Green Blue’s Green Marine Wildlife Guide.

All types of craft have the potential to cause disturbance so it is important to know how to act when you encounter wildlife. It is unlikely that anyone would set out with the intention of harassing wildlife, but ignorance of the law is no defence.

The golden rule when you spot marine wildlife is to keep your distance and be aware of any changes in their behaviour which may signify disturbance, such as longer dives or agitated movements.

• Always give wildlife the space and time to decide what they want to do and where to go.
• Keep your distance – never go closer than 100m and preferably 200m if another boat is present
• Never drive head on to, between or around animals, and avoid mothers with youngsters
• If you are unsure of their movements, simply stop your vessel
• Never chase, follow or harass
• Always give them a clear escape route
• Spend no longer than 15 minutes near the animals then move away slowly
• And if you have the amazing fortune to be joined by dolphins riding your bow wave, slow down to a no wake speed and maintain a steady direction until they decide it’s time to leave!

For a free copy of The Green Guide to Marine Wildlife contact The Green Blue at info@thegreenblue.org.uk or look out for the launch of the e-book version within the RYA Books app on 3 March to recognise United Nations World Wildlife Day 2014.(www.rya.org.uk)