Best Practice Wildlife

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Best Practice

Ensure clients/customers/crew know how to behave when encountering wildlife and that they follow these guidelines
Ensure clients/skippers are aware of the locations of and restrictions in any Marine Protected Areas
Avoid stirring up the bottom unduly or disturbing vegetationWhen going ashore, use recognised landing places
Pay attention to speed limits in harboursSlow down if creating excess wash
Keep the noise down in quiet anchorages or bays or if visiting sensitive areas
Be aware that the noise and sight of flapping sails can disturb wildlife
Find out if the areas you are visiting are protected and why
Watch the WiSE video on how to watch wildlife responsibly

When planning a race course, check to see if the area is protected or sensitive.
Ensure safety boat drivers are briefed on how to avoid disturbance
Read guidance for Powerboat Race organisers.

Keep a constant speed and course
Move away slowly if you encounter erratic changes in speed and direction of the cetacean or lengthy periods under water
Refrain from calling other vessels over and leave the area if more than two vessels are present

Case Studies	Guidance for organisers of Powerboat Races

Fact Sheets	The Effects of Boating and Watersports on wildlife Boat Wash and Bank Erosion Anchoring and Mooring Seagrass Cetaceans Basking Sharks

Useful Links Marine Conservation Zones Facts and legislation	Maine Management Organisation Finding Sactuary (South West) Balanced Seas (South East) Irish Sea Conservation Zone Net Gain (North Sea) Natural England English Nature Scottish Natural Herritage Countryside Council for Wales Environment Agency Northern Ireland

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