UKDIVING
Common dolphins may not respect the 100m rule!
PHOTO: RSPB / KATIE NETHERCOAT
The author snorkelling in Menorca
treated to several male and female redblack triplefins Tripterygion tripteronotum, coming up to the rock to look at me and my camera. A male was obliging enough to let me photograph and film him for a few minutes, before I moved away slowly to explore other areas.
Speaking of photography, there’ s a lot to be said about content, both how we capture it, and how we share it. I’ ve seen some popular UK creators sharing videos featuring questionable behaviour. Capturing content should never involve chasing species, so make sure your content shows you’ re respecting distances and allowing animals to move on if they’ ve had enough.
Natural sites have become overnight sensations because of viral content and geotags, with research showing social media posts can trigger huge spikes in visitor numbers. If you see something awesome, for instance an octopus bloom, think about how your content could attract significantly more people to a sensitive site. Consider holding back the precise location or waiting to post until the season has passed.
As divers and snorkellers, choosing environmentally conscious operators when going on a trip is one of the easiest ways to drive positive change. Before booking a trip in the UK or abroad, ask operators about their environmental precautions, certifications or specific codes of conduct they follow( see boxout). If they don’ t follow best-practice guidelines, consider another operator.
Where do we go from here?
Individual action is a great starting point, but long-term success requires a joined-up approach. That’ s why the programme will continue to work alongside organisations like BSAC to build tools, share best practice, and champion responsible recreation and access to nature. It’ s not enough for conservation bodies to simply dictate what’ s best for nature; real impact comes from collaboration, so that both nature and our passion for exploring it can flourish. �
A Responsible Diver’ s Checklist
■ The 100m Rule Maintain a minimum 100-metre buffer zone from hauled-out seals and seabird colonies, whether you’ re on a boat, on foot, or at the surface.
■ Read Behaviour An animal staring directly at you is often the first indicator you’ re probably too close. If it moves away, you’ re definitely too close.
■ Let Them Approach Avoid chasing or swimming directly towards wildlife such as seals or sharks; staying still and predictable yields better, longer encounters.
■ Look for Certification When booking charters or trips, look for accredited operators through the WiSe Scheme( UK) or Green Fins( international).
■ Follow Codes of Conduct Ask operators if they adhere to speciesspecific guidelines, such as the Blue Shark or Basking Shark Code of Conduct.
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Wintering knot need undisturbed space |
PHOTO: RSPB / BEN ANDREW |
“ It can be so tempting to get as close as possible to our wonderful wildlife, thinking‘ it’ s only the once’. But cumulative disturbances can have a significant impact. Conor provides some practical tips on minimising disturbance while still enhancing your underwater wildlife encounter.” Katherine Knight, BSAC Head of Environment and Sustainability |