The WiSe Training and Accreditation Scheme.
Wildlife Safe
watching in the South West of
Be
The WiSe scheme is the first and only
programme in the
So be WiSe – get Trained and Accredited now!
What is the WiSe scheme?:
The WiSe (Wildlife Safe) scheme is aimed at operators of small to medium sized commercial passenger carrying vessels. It is not only targeted at operators who offer dedicated marine wildlife viewing trips, but also at those operators who simply view marine wildlife on an opportunistic basis.
It is recognised that there is a growing enthusiasm amongst the general public for viewing marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, basking sharks and seals in the waters of South West England. It is widely recognised, too, that such operations can have valuable benefits in educating the public, and giving them a wider appreciation of the wealth of marine wildlife around their home shores.
However, our marine wildlife is a precious resource, and should be treated with respect if it is not to suffer from our attentions. If disturbed through too close an approach, for example, animals may suffer stress that can, in the long term, affect their health, and can even lead them to vacate an area that is of key importance for them as a food site, or a place to rest or socialize.
Operators taking the WiSe scheme will receive training in the fundamentals of how different species react to the approach of vessels, and how to reduce disturbance to a minimum, in an effort to ensure that all boat based operations that encounter marine wildlife do so in a sustainable manner.
Who will deliver the Training?:
The individuals who will deliver the Training have many years of experience in their particular fields – whales and dolphins, basking sharks and seals. Not just in terms of field research, but also as guides or operators of marine ecotourism vessels themselves, giving them a unique insight into what can and should be achieved whilst offering a valuable experience for paying customers.
What will be included in the Training?:
The Training will include observation techniques, species identification and behavioural information, best means of approach, safe distances and how to obtain the most from the encounter, for all of the species outlined. The first day of the course will be classroom based, whilst the second day will be boat based (weather permitting).
Information will also be given on the Law relating to marine wildlife, effective commentary techniques and simple recording techniques. Each participant will receive a whale and dolphin identification video, a laminated colour identification guide, a WiSe handbook with Codes of Conduct for the relevant species included, sightings and feedback forms.
On successful completion of the course, each participant will receive two WiSe stickers to display on their vessel, as well as a WiSe flag.
What support will operators receive?:
The WiSe scheme has its own website (www.wisescheme.org) that explains what
the scheme aims to achieve, together with information on what species may be
seen in the waters of the area. Each County (
The WiSe site will include images of marine wildlife, and will have a regularly updated news section, that might include events, what notable species have been seen recently, or a focus on an area. This will provide an opportunity for visitors to the area to plan their visit, and make contact with an operator in advance.
All of the major supporters of WiSe will have information and a direct link to the WiSe site on their websites – English Nature, The Wildlife Trusts, WWF-UK, The Shark Trust, MER, Southwest Tourism, Marine Southwest, The South West Regional Development Agency, The National Marine Aquarium, The Sea Watch Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society, amongst others. All will therefore assist in the promotion of the WiSe scheme, via the web and other media.
Course information:
The first courses will be run during early April 2003. One course will be in Falmouth, Cornwall, one in Ilfracombe, North Devon, one in Torquay, South Devon, and one at Durlston in Dorset. The cost will be £75.00 per person, inclusive. To book a place on a course, please contact:
MER Consultants: (01326) 373360
Email: colin.speedie@ mer.org.uk or david.marshall.org.uk