Latest news with #ScottishMarineWildlifeWatchingCode
STV News
a day ago
- Science
- STV News
Call for paddleboarders and kayakers to act 'responsibly' around marine mammals
Scientists have appealed to paddleboarders and kayakers to enjoy Scotland's waters 'responsibly', after a third of marine mammal disturbances observed in a study were found to be caused by unmotorised craft. Researchers led by Heriot-Watt University carried out 400 hours of observations across five Scottish marine regions, looking at what happened when vessels were present at the same time as marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. The study, which covered the Clyde, Forth and Tay, Moray Firth, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands areas, documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine mammals, many of which occurred in sensitive or protected areas. Dr Emily Hague, from Heriot-Watt University, explained that a third of all observed disturbances were caused by 'non-motorised craft like kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats'. She explained: 'In one case, seals resting on a beach became visibly agitated as kayaks passed by, beginning to move around and then many left the haul-out site and slid into the water, a clear disruption of their resting behaviour. 'Signs of stress aren't always dramatic or obvious; it can be more subtle, such as a change in breathing rate, swimming direction or their diving behaviour.' Another third of the disturbances were caused by small motorboats, with the researchers saying that in one case they saw a speedboat 'repeatedly pursue' bottlenose dolphins, which changed direction and lengthened their dives, regrouping only after the boat left. The scientists added that many small motorboats do not carry automatic identification system tracking, meaning their presence and behaviour are 'effectively invisible' to regulators and conservation authorities. Disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Clyde, Forth and Tay and Moray Firth areas, while powered vessel disturbances, including those from speedboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), occurred in all five areas. Dr Hague explained that the land-based sightings were 'opportunistic', reflecting 'what happened to be observed, not necessarily how often disturbances occur'. She added: 'Just because no incidents involving kayaks were recorded in Orkney or Shetland doesn't mean they don't happen.' The scientist appealed to all water users to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code in order to minimise their impact on marine mammals. 'The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals,' she said. 'Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species. 'We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife. 'Kayakers, paddleboarders, surfers, recreational boaters and everyone else in the water should follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, which offers clear advice on how to minimise your impact on marine mammals. 'With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home.' The research, which was conducted with the support of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, forms part of the Scottish Vessel Project, led by Heriot-Watt University. The project aims to capture marine vessel data around Scotland's coastline to better understand the amount of exposure to boats that whales, dolphins and seals experience at different locations. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
a day ago
- Science
- The National
Paddleboarders and kayakers urged to act ‘responsibly' in Scotland
Researchers led by Heriot-Watt University carried out 400 hours of observations across five Scottish marine regions, looking at what happened when vessels were present at the same time as marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. The study, which covered the Clyde, Forth and Tay, Moray Firth, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands areas, documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine mammals, many of which occurred in sensitive or protected areas. Dr Emily Hague, from Heriot-Watt University, explained that a third of all observed disturbances were caused by 'non-motorised craft like kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats'. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar urged to whip Scottish Labour MPs against welfare cuts She explained: 'In one case, seals resting on a beach became visibly agitated as kayaks passed by, beginning to move around and then many left the haul-out site and slid into the water, a clear disruption of their resting behaviour. 'Signs of stress aren't always dramatic or obvious; it can be more subtle, such as a change in breathing rate, swimming direction or their diving behaviour.' Another third of the disturbances were caused by small motorboats, with the researchers saying that in one case they saw a speedboat 'repeatedly pursue' bottlenose dolphins, which changed direction and lengthened their dives, regrouping only after the boat left. The scientists added that many small motorboats do not carry automatic identification system tracking, meaning their presence and behaviour are 'effectively invisible' to regulators and conservation authorities. Disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Clyde, Forth and Tay and Moray Firth areas, while powered vessel disturbances, including those from speedboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), occurred in all five areas. (Image: Newsquest) Dr Hague explained that the land-based sightings were 'opportunistic', reflecting 'what happened to be observed, not necessarily how often disturbances occur'. She added: 'Just because no incidents involving kayaks were recorded in Orkney or Shetland doesn't mean they don't happen.' The scientist appealed to all water users to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code in order to minimise their impact on marine mammals. 'The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals,' she said. 'Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species. 'We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife. 'Kayakers, paddleboarders, surfers, recreational boaters and everyone else in the water should follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, which offers clear advice on how to minimise your impact on marine mammals. 'With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home.' The research, which was conducted with the support of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, forms part of the Scottish Vessel Project, led by Heriot-Watt University. The project aims to capture marine vessel data around Scotland's coastline to better understand the amount of exposure to boats that whales, dolphins and seals experience at different locations.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
Call for paddleboarders to act ‘responsibly' around marine mammals
The study, which covered the Clyde, Forth and Tay, Moray Firth, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands areas, documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine mammals, many of which occurred in sensitive or protected areas. Dr Emily Hague, from Heriot-Watt University, explained that a third of all observed disturbances were caused by 'non-motorised craft like kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats'. She explained: 'In one case, seals resting on a beach became visibly agitated as kayaks passed by, beginning to move around and then many left the haul-out site and slid into the water, a clear disruption of their resting behaviour. 'Signs of stress aren't always dramatic or obvious; it can be more subtle, such as a change in breathing rate, swimming direction or their diving behaviour.' A paddleboarder heads for the sea during the morning sunshine (Image: Gareth Fuller) Another third of the disturbances were caused by small motorboats, with the researchers saying that in one case they saw a speedboat 'repeatedly pursue' bottlenose dolphins, which changed direction and lengthened their dives, regrouping only after the boat left. The scientists added that many small motorboats do not carry automatic identification system tracking, meaning their presence and behaviour are 'effectively invisible' to regulators and conservation authorities. Disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Clyde, Forth and Tay and Moray Firth areas, while powered vessel disturbances, including those from speedboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), occurred in all five areas. Dr Hague explained that the land-based sightings were 'opportunistic', reflecting 'what happened to be observed, not necessarily how often disturbances occur'. She added: 'Just because no incidents involving kayaks were recorded in Orkney or Shetland doesn't mean they don't happen.' READ MORE: The scientist appealed to all water users to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code in order to minimise their impact on marine mammals. 'The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals,' she said. 'Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species. 'We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife. 'Kayakers, paddleboarders, surfers, recreational boaters and everyone else in the water should follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, which offers clear advice on how to minimise your impact on marine mammals. 'With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home.' A third of marine mammal disturbances observed in a study were found to be caused by unmotorised craft (Image: PA) The research, which was conducted with the support of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, forms part of the Scottish Vessel Project, led by Heriot-Watt University. The project aims to capture marine vessel data around Scotland's coastline to better understand the amount of exposure to boats that whales, dolphins and seals experience at different locations.
The National
10-06-2025
- General
- The National
Warning issued after boats filmed getting too close to orcas in Moray
However, they added they were 'disappointed' that footage also emerged of boats getting too close, staying too long, and not allowing the orcas to travel freely back out to open water. The charity reportedly said it believes the animals may have been hunting for seals as they travelled east. READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch explores need to upgrade grid network in rural Scotland in new film Conservationists added that it is a criminal offence to disturb whales and dolphins. Scots have been asked to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, by staying 100 meters away, not overstaying their welcome as 15 minutes is enough time to watch, and have been urged not to chase them. Alison Rose, manager of the Scottish Dolphin Centre, which WDC runs, said the footage of the boats that allegedly got too close to the orcas has been shared with police. She said: 'Staff and volunteers based at the Scottish Dolphin Centre were delighted to see the orca along the Moray coast on Friday evening. 'Many people were thrilled to watch this amazing group of individuals who may well have been hunting for seals as they travelled east.
STV News
10-06-2025
- General
- STV News
Warning after boats filmed getting 'too close' to orcas at beauty spot
A warning has been issued after footage was shared of boats getting 'too close' to orcas after they were spotted in the Moray Firth. Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) say they were delighted to see orcas along the Moray coast on Friday, with images and videos shared widely on social media. The charity believes the animals may have been hunting for seals as they travelled east. However, conservationists were 'disappointed' that footage emerged showing boats getting too close, staying too long, and not allowing the orcas to travel freely back out to open water. They say it is a criminal offence to disturb whales and dolphins. Alison Rose, manager of the Scottish Dolphin Centre, which WDC runs, said: 'Staff and volunteers based at the Scottish Dolphin Centre were delighted to see the orca along the Moray coast on Friday evening. 'Many people were thrilled to watch this amazing group of individuals who may well have been hunting for seals as they travelled east. 'However, we were disappointed to see footage circulating online of boats getting too close to the orca, staying too long, and not allowing them to travel freely back out to open water. 'This footage has been shared with Police Scotland, as it is a criminal offence to disturb whales and dolphins. 'We urge all water users to give all marine animals space, and to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code by staying 100 meters away, not over staying your welcome – 15 minutes is enough and don't chase.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
