If you’re lucky enough to encounter marine life this summer, Lou Mather, Marine Conservationist and BSAC Advanced Snorkel Instructor has some best practice advice for you to consider.
The summer holidays are here, and for many of us that means it’s time to head to the coast and explore the wonderful wildlife hiding beneath the waves!
Whether that’s through swimming, snorkelling, diving, or boat trips, encounters with wildlife can be an incredible way to connect with the natural world and the other-than-human creatures which inhabit it; but it’s important to remember that our actions can also be harmful for many creatures, and we need to understand how to interact with wildlife in a way which is safe and comfortable for everyone involved- especially the creatures we’re watching.
Here’s a few tips on how to make your summer snorkelling as wildlife-friendly as possible:
No touching, taking, or teasing
This easy to remember phrase from the Scottish Wildlife Trust is a great start for understanding how to interact with wildlife sustainably. Put simply, it means observing wildlife without touching it, leaving everything you find where it is, and making sure not to harrass or distress any marine creatures. The ideal situation is that we don’t change how the wildlife behaves at all, so it can keep feeding, breeding, and resting as it normally would, and we cause as little disturbance as possible to the ecosystem.
Give marine life space
Many creatures such as seals, sharks, birds, and dolphins can be easily distressed by human interactions. Seals are especially vulnerable to this, as they need time ashore to rest and digest their food, but feel more exposed on land than when they are in the sea, so can be easily frightened if you get too close, causing them to flush, or move rapidly into the sea, causing injuries and risking pups being trampled or abandoned. You should leave seals at least 100m in kayaks or small boats or 200m for larger boats, and be extra cautious during breeding seasons. In general, wait for wildlife approach you, and back away calmly if they seem agitated by your presence.
Check, Clean, Dry
Help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species, or INNS, by thoroughly checking your kit after every use, removing any visible plants or creatures, then washing it in clean fresh water and allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours. This is especially important when moving between different locations, as invasive species can be spread on our boats and equipment, and are often too small for us to see!
Beware of beach-nesting birds
The marine life to be aware of isn’t only in the sea; during spring and summer, many birds use the beaches to nest and raise their young. These nests can be as small as a tiny scrape in the sand, and the eggs are often extremely well camouflaged, so go carefully if you are crossing sand or shingle beaches, and pay attention to any information boards around your snorkel site- you may need to take specific routes, put dogs on leads, or avoid areas of the beach entirely during nesting season.
Careful finning for happy habitats!
Be aware of how you’re moving your fins, especially in fragile habitats such as seagrass beds and kelp forests; avoid disturbing the plants and sediment with your kicking. If you need to stand up, look below you first to make sure you’re not crushing any creatures!
With those top tips in mind, head out and explore the incredible marine wildlife and habitats that make their home in the UK seas! If you’d like to find out more about sharing the coast sustainably with our fishy friends, here’s some great resources from marine conservation organisations around the UK:
