National Maritime and Coastal Wildlife Code Launched
On the 24th of May 2023 the national Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code was launched.
It offers advice and guidance to visitors when encountering any marine wildlife.
The British coastline is home to around 95% of Europe’s grey seal population and around 25% of Europe’s breeding seabirds. It also supports many iconic species and habitats.
The government’s Environment Improvement Plan pledged everyone should live within 15 minutes’ walk of a green or blue space, and the Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code will help ensure they can do so in a way that does not harm the environment.
There is already ongoing work to establish the King Charles III England Coast Path – which when complete will be the longest coastal path in the world at over 2,700 miles. Which would help more people that never to access the costal environment.
The Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code will enable everyone to make the most of our treasured outdoor places whilst protecting the very species and habitats that make our coastline so special.
As visitors to the coastlines rise, it is important to ensure that marine wildlife remains as undisturbed as possible. Young seals, for example, can use up vital energy if startled by people getting too close or being too noisy, meaning young pups struggle to haul out of the water to rest and digest their food. In a bad year of disturbance, only 25% are likely to survive to the age of 18 months.
Developed in collaboration with organisations including Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the RSPB, Shark Trust and Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, the Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code includes advice for those walking along the coast or taking part in water-based activities.
The Code also gives guidance on how to report injured, distressed or dead animals, including through the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). Working with CSIP, Defra have announced almost £700,000 to fund much-needed research to help protect harbour and grey seals in our waters.
Seals need space to rest, digest, moult and pup. Yet seals are routinely or frequently disturbed by human activity, causing them to use up vital energy and meaning some seals are sadly unable to survive.
Some of the areas the Maritime and Coastal wildlife Code covers.
Be aware of how you could disturb wildlife
You could disturb wildlife on land or at sea.
Dogs could disturb and harm wildlife at the coast if they are not kept under effective control.
If animals are repeatedly disturbed, it can:
cause stress or injury which could lead to death
displace them from their favoured habitats
disrupt their behaviour, for example, migration, breeding, resting and feeding
make them more vulnerable to predators
Know when wildlife is most vulnerable
Animals can be especially vulnerable during breeding seasons, in the winter, and when they’re resting or moulting.
Breeding seasons
If disturbed, animals may abandon their nests, their mates or their young. This could prevent breeding or leave young vulnerable to disturbance, predators and starvation.
Wintering season
The wintering season for many birds is between September and March. This is a time when they need to conserve energy and need lots of food. Moving away from things that disturb them uses up energy, making them more vulnerable at this time. Marine wildlife may not survive winter if they are repeatedly disturbed.
Moulting season
Many birds moult in the summer or early autumn. This means they shed their feathers so may not be able to fly away in response to disturbance.
Seals moult between November and April, and in August. This means they spend more time on land to shed their old coats to grow new ones.
Recognise when you are disturbing marine wildlife
Learning when animals might be uncomfortable with your presence can help you recognise when you need to move away and give them space.
Act responsibly around wildlife at the coast
Give wildlife plenty of space. Try to stay at least 100 metres (330 feet) away, if not, you should leave as much space as you can. It is also best not to approach animals head-on or from directly behind.
How to behave around different species
It is normal for young animals to be alone sometimes, as their parents will leave them while they rest, forage or hunt.
Beach toys, other items and litter can cut or trap marine wildlife and cause injuries. Remember to put all litter in the bin and leave nothing behind.
Follow the Countryside Code
Do not panic if marine wildlife approaches you
Animals can be inquisitive and may approach you. If this happens, it’s best to stay calm and move away slowly.
Remember that wild animals can harm you unintentionally, so it’s best not to touch the animal.
Using drones
You should not use a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) where you will disturb or endanger wildlife.
Use boats, jet skis and other vessels responsibly
Boats, personal watercrafts (including jet skis), and other motorised water vehicles create noise above and below the water, which can disturb wildlife. They can also injure wildlife, so it’s important to follow guidance on how to use them.
Enjoy water activities without harming wildlife
When you go into the sea, take care not to disturb wildlife or damage their habitats. You can do this by entering the sea on open stretches of beach, between lifeguard flags or by using designated slipways.
Report a wildlife crime
Wildlife crimes include intentional or reckless harassment, injuring, disturbance, or taking or killing protected species or damaging their habitat
Report an injured, distressed or dead animal
If you see an animal that is injured, distressed, stranded or entangled, do not approach it, touch it or attempt to return it to the sea.
Report a dead bird or large marine animal
It is not safe to touch dead birds or other animals. You do not know why they died, and you could spread disease. Large animals could also put you at risk of injury.
The National Maritime and Costal Wildlife Codes can be read here:
For England
For Scotland
For Northern Ireland
For Wales
