Firth of Clyde Forum Annual Conference 2007

Marine wildlife watching on the Clyde: The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code

• Conference Home
• Conference Programmme
• Keynote Presentation
• Additional Presentations
  • The Growth Of Marine Leisure on The Firth of Clyde
  • Industry Initiatives
  • The Clyde’s Cool Seas: The Marine Conservation Society in Scotland
  • Paths Around the Water
  • Sailing in the Clyde Estuary
  • The Economy of the Coast
  • The Majestic Line
  • Marine Wildlife Watching on the Clyde: The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
• Speakers' Biographies
• Conference Exhibitors

Fiona Manson from Scottish Natural Heritage introduced the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, highlighted the principles of the Code and explained when we should use it.

The Firth of Clyde supports a rich variety of wildlife. It is an important area for migrating birds and supports large overwintering populations of waterfowl in the inner estuary, including internationally important numbers of redshank. Islands in the Clyde provide breeding sites for many seabirds, notably the gannets on Ailsa Craig. Many marine mammals frequent its waters, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and otters. A regular summer visitor is the basking shark, the second largest fish in the sea and an impressive sight in our coastal waters.

This wealth of wildlife is attracting wildlife-watchers to the area, coming to view these beautiful animals in their natural environment, either from the coast or by taking a boat trip. Wildlife tourism is becoming an important part of Scotland’s economy. But the rising popularity of marine wildlife watching tours, and an increase in marine recreational activities in general, also carry the risk of disturbing the very wildlife and habitats we treasure. In response, Scottish Natural Heritage has developed the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code to provide practical advice on:

• Minimising disturbance to marine wildlife.
• Improving your chances of seeing marine wildlife.
• Helping you to enjoy watching wildlife.
• Enhancing the wildlife watching industry.
• Helping you to stay within the law.

There are some excellent existing codes for watching marine wildlife, mostly targeted at particular users, species groups or locations. The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code is complementary to these individual codes, combining information for many species and many user groups into a single document. The information and guidance in the Code is aimed at all those who watch marine wildlife around Scotland, whether they are on the shore or at sea and is also relevant to other parts of the world. Those who encounter wildlife incidentally should also observe this guidance as far as feasible and practicable given their particular circumstances. The code is not a law or regulation – its over-riding purpose is to raise awareness and offer practical guidance.

Many wildlife tour operators in the Clyde region are now accredited through the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) training scheme and have agreed to abide by the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code to ensure that their operations are safe and sustainable. It is strongly recommended that you choose one of these accredited operators if you plan to go marine wildlife watching on the Firth of Clyde or indeed anywhere in Scotland.

Principles of the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code

• Be aware. Before you go, learn as much as you can about the animals. Understand how your actions could affect wildlife and recognise the signs that animals make when they feel threatened. Be alert, observant and patient, and be sensitive to the interests of the wildlife you are watching.
• Take responsibility for your own actions. Constantly assess wildlife, and if you see signs of disturbance move away quietly. Consider how much time you spend watching animals. The presence of people over long periods can be disturbing, however careful you may be.
• Have respect for other people, wildlife and the environment. Use your right of responsible access wisely. Respect the privacy and livelihoods of those who live by the sea. Leave the environment as you find it.

More detailed advice and guidance on how to responsibly watch a range of marine animals are provided in the Code, along with information on the species that you are likely to see and the best times and places to view them.

To find out more, and to download your copy of the Code, go to www.marinecode.org. Or you can contact Fiona Manson at Scottish Natural Heritage on 01738 458641 or fiona.manson@snh.gov.uk