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Best Practice Advice

Just follow The Green Blue’s top tips to make the most of your encounters with wildlife. It is their world after all!

Small craft can reach shallow, more sensitive areas. Avoid stirring up the bottom unduly or disturbing vegetation and wildlife
Take care where you anchor, there may be restrictions in place. Check pilot books, charts and any local guides for information on places to avoid. If a spot is suspiciously quiet, look about for any signs which may indicate a no anchoring zone
When going ashore use recognise landing places
Keep your distance when you spot wildlife. Use your binoculars to get a close up look
Never separate mother and young
Slow down if you are creating excess wash
Be aware that flapping sails can present a flash of colour and loud noises which can disturb wildlife
Find out if the areas you visit are protected and why. There may be vulnerable seabed species or habitats
Keep a record of your wildlife sightings and report them to Marlin, Seawatch foundation or the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. See links below.

Keep to the designated speed limit, check with the navigation authority or pilot book if in doubt. Do not exceed 4knots if you are unsure
Slow down if you are creating excessive wash
Good engine trim, matching speed and conditions will reduce wash and fuel consumption
Good use of throttle and boat handling skills will reduce wash and improve fuel efficiency
The further a craft is from the bank the less impact its wash will have. Try to keep a safe, reasonable distance between yourself and the bank

Resources	Green Guide to Coastal Boating Green Guide to Inland Boating Basking Shark Hotspots The Green Boat Checklist

Factsheets	The Effects of Boating on Wildlife Boat Wash and Bank Errosion Anchoring and Mooring Seagrass Cetaceans Basking Sharks

Useful Links Wildlife Facts and Legislation Report Wildlife Sightings Get Involved	Waterscape Royal society for the Protection of Birds Nature on the Map World Wildlife Fund English Nature Scottish Natural Herritage Countryside Cuncil for Wales Northern Ireland Environment Agency Whale and Dolphin Conservation Sciety Sea Watch Foundation Marlin Waterways Marine Conservation Society The Wildlife Trusts