3 . Entry and exit
When it comes to getting in and out of our snorkel site , we should all consider the immediate environment . The plants and animals in the littoral zone ( the area between high and low tide ) tend to be pretty hardy here in the UK , but we should still minimise how much we scramble over them and erode the landscape . Don ’ t hang about !
4 . Do not disturb
It should go without saying but I will say it anyway – don ’ t interfere with the wildlife or vegetation . Chasing seals or basking sharks may be tempting , but it is unnatural behaviour that interferes with their normal routines . The feeling of seeing wildlife , amazing as it can be , would be overshadowed by guilt if that encounter comes at the detriment of the creature . There are a number of Marine Wildlife Codes of Conduct from nations and organisations within the UK . They are all similar in their application of common sense , and prioritising the animal ’ s welfare over our fun .
5 . The humble litterpick
A simple one , that can be conducted at any time during your dive from getting changed in the car parks , through entry and exit and during the swim – pick up some litter . Unfortunately , I can guarantee you that you ’ ll see some . Whether it ’ s cans , bottles or masks on the beach or fishing line and plastic bags in the sea it ’ s an everpresent certainty in our seas today . You may not have dropped it , but rack up some karma points and take a little home to recycle . It may seem insignificant but it ’ s a small step in being part of the solution .
A pristine chalk steam in Hampshire – what impact could your presence have on this delicate habitat ?
There ’ s more we can all do , myself very much included , but when we start to address the small things , we begin to expand our awareness of the problem . We can only start to correct a problem once it has been recognised , after all . �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
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