The author allowed this red-black triplefin space and time to settle
While it may seem minor in isolation, repeated or significant disturbance to individuals, shoals or colonies can cause fatigue, nest abandonment, stampedes and unnecessary energy expenditure, which can sometimes lead to fatalities. In combination with climate change, rising sea temperatures, extreme weather, loss of habitat, overfishing and pollution, human disturbance can cause extra pressure to species and habitats that can be easily avoided. Minimising our disturbance not only protects species and habitats; it also gives a more authentic viewing experience.
I’ m writing all of this in the comforting knowledge that BSAC members across the UK are already fully aware of the challenges and issues facing our marine world. Environmental awareness is baked into BSAC’ s training. The BSAC Diver and Snorkeller Guidelines to Protect our Seas offer great insights into how you can reduce
Inquisitive shags make wonderful encounters
PHOTO: RSPB / ANNABEL SHARPE
PHOTO: CONOR PHARAOH-JOHN your environmental impact, avoid spreading invasive species and care for wildlife.
BSAC’ s Marine Champions are members who coordinate conservation activities for their clubs, from underwater litter picks and beach cleans, to seagrass and oyster surveys. Having a member in a club who can engage with BSAC’ s wider marine environmental campaigns also helps raise awareness and share best practice among all members.
Keep your distance
On the surface, boat speed, engine noise and close human approaches can cause disturbance. As a rule of thumb, whether you’ re on a boat, on foot or at the surface, 100 metres is generally considered a safe buffer distance. But this can vary between species and even individuals, so it’ s important to read their behaviour; an animal staring at you is a good first indicator that you’ re too close to it.
Things are very different underwater, where animals will often approach us out of curiosity. The key thing is to avoid actively approaching animals such as seals, sharks or birds; in any case, this will often lead to them getting spooked and leaving. You’ re much more likely to enjoy seeing them if you stay still and let them move at their own pace. If you must move, try to stay predictable, maintaining a consistent speed, depth and direction.
Some of the best wildlife encounters I’ ve had underwater have resulted from simply waiting in the right place. While snorkelling recently on holiday in Menorca, I noticed that a particular sunlit rock was attracting the attention of various small fish. I slowly and carefully placed myself nearby, with my camera at the ready, and waited. I was
PHOTO: SIMON ROGERSON
Grey seals interacting naturally with each other in front of the photographer
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