Boaters Urged to Look Out For Wildlife

Help on hand with new wildlife guide

Sea-users are being urged to consider their impact on marine wildlife and report sightings, as The Green Blue and The Wildlife Trusts  launch a new guide.

The Launch of The Green Marine Wildlife Guide coincided with three marine wildlife talks held in The Knowledge Box at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show at ExCel on Monday 10, Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 13 January 2011.

The free Guide, available from RYA Stand A85 at the Show, contains beautiful, full colour illustrations of marine wildlife including species of dolphin and jellyfish, along with key information on how to respect the space of marine animals. Under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act it is illegal to disturb wildlife, and the guide gives details of how to avoid breaking this law, providing safe distances and other advice.

Sea-users are also encouraged to report all sightings on The Wildlife Trusts’ website wildlifetrusts.org. Information gathered will play a vital role in conservation work.

Sarah Brown from The Green Blue said: “Boaters are always keen to learn more about the wildlife they see while out on their boats. This guide provides loads of important information about how to identify and enjoy wildlife without the risk of disturbance or harm to either the animals or themselves!”

Joan Edwards, head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We can all appreciate the magic of an encounter with wildlife, and how this boosts our enjoyment of the ocean. It is in all of our interests to ensure our seas are Living Seas, where wildlife can thrive, and we hope The Green Marine Wildlife Guide will make it easier to understand the role sea-users can play in making this happen.

“Whether it’s ensuring we give wildlife enough space on land or at sea, or helping organisations like The Wildlife Trusts to stay aware of what’s out there, we can all contribute to a healthy marine environment.”

To download a copy of the guide click here or to request a hard copy please email info@thegreenblue.org.uk   

Published 12/01/11

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