Marine Wildlife Watching Code
These marine wildlife-watching guidelines are
aimed at recreational craft or activities – such as boats, personal
watercraft or yachts – to avoid unintentional harm to marine
wildlife and promote responsible wildlife watching at sea.
They were produced by the Thanet Coast Project
and NE kent Scientific Coastal Advisory Group in conjunction with
Wildife Watching operators and interest groups in 2005, and
are due to be revised in 2008/9.
North East Kent is strategically located
between the busy English Channel and Southern part of the North Sea
and Greater Thames Estuary. Within this area, you’re likely to see
the migration of bird species – as well as offshore seabirds and
marine mammals. The common or grey seal can often be seen in the
water and on offshore sandbanks, and occasionally you may see the
more elusive harbour porpoise or other cetaceans (members of
the whale and dolphin family).
Remember, that wildlife can be sensitive to
disturbance by watercraft – and propellers – so please follow these
guidelines to reduce our impact on our local wildlife at sea.
Distance
Keep your distance. Never go closer than 100m (200m if
two boats are present) to seals or cetaceans as they are easily
scared.
Scattering
Maintain a steady and slow direction. Avoid heading into
wildlife – as this will scatter, scare and separate the
group
Steady
Maintain a steady and slow direction - with no wake -
and avoid chasing or harassing wildlife.
Time
Spend only a short time near the animals – no longer than 15
minutes.
Young
Avoid getting close to groups with mothers and young - notably
seal pups around in June/July & Oct/Nov.
Rubbish
Take rubbish home with you and never dispose of litter or any
other contaminants at sea.
These marine guidelines complement the Thanet Coastal Codes.
One of the best way to view wildlife at sea is through
responsibly organised ‘wildlife excursions’ – see local contact links.
|