Wildlife
Central
to our enjoyment of boating is being out in the fresh air and
amongst the elements - taking in the beautiful scenery or catching
a glimpse of the varied and wonderful wildlife that our rich waters
provide. However some of our actions as boaters can have a
detrimental effect on this wildlife.
Furthermore, a recent change in legislation,
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Amended means that anyone
can now be prosecuted for disturbing wildlife and ignorance of the
law will not be deemed a suitable excuse. All types of craft have
the potential to cause disturbance if handled without care. So it
is vitally important that we know what to look out for and how to
act when we encounter wildlife.
But what
exactly constitutes disturbance and why is it so bad? Disturbance
can be caused by noise, wash or by just being too close.
Disturbance simply means affecting the way in which animals would
normally behave and having a detrimental effect on
their breeding, feeding, resting and numbers.
For
example, a flock of seabirds rafting up to rest at sea may take off
as they are disturbed by a passing boat. This, in itself, may not
seem like too much of a problem, but if repeated as boat after boat
goes by, then the important resting period would be constantly
disturbed. This would lead to increased energy consumption, stress
and the need for more food.
Another example of
disturbance is engine noise interfering with the acoustic
communications of whales and dolphins, affecting the way they hunt
for prey. Speeding vessels can affect the reproductive cycles of
fish and excess wash can cause bank erosion and the loss of
habitats.
Best Practice Advice
Leaflets & Resources
Green Products
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