WiSe DVD
Project Leader: Colin Speedie
Background
Colin Speedie
The shallow shelf-sea waters around the British Isles are home to a wide variety of marine megafauna, including 24 species of whales and dolphins, myriad seabirds, the world’s largest population of grey seals as well as the basking shark, the second largest fish in the world.
Although many of these species are protected by law, they remain vulnerable to a number of threats. Some are direct, as in the case of fisheries that cause entanglement in nets, and can be regulated against in extreme cases through restrictions on the sale of by-caught animals, for example. Others are more subtle however, and are related to the public desire to observe marine life in the wild, or are a by-product of the dramatic increase in the recreational use of coastal waters.
Although many of these species are protected by law, they remain vulnerable to a number of threats. Some are direct, as in the case of fisheries that cause entanglement in nets, and can be regulated against in extreme cases through restrictions on the sale of by-caught animals, for example. Others are more subtle however, and are related to the public desire to observe marine life in the wild, or are a by-product of the dramatic increase in the recreational use of coastal waters.
Film production
WiSe (Wildlife Safe) is a training and accreditation scheme aimed at operators of passenger pleasure craft, wildlife cruise operators, dive boats and charter yachts who come into contact with marine wildlife. WiSE has been running training courses since 2003 and, to date, has trained some 500 individuals in the techniques of successfully viewing marine life whilst minimising disturbance.
SOSF has provided WiSe with the funding to produce a specifically created DVD, targeting the boat-owning public; it encompasses the latest conservation thinking and scientific knowledge with examples of disturbance and best-practice across a variety of different species and situations. The DVD aims to raise awareness and reduce the levels of disturbance, and has been developed in consultation with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The DVD is now in the final production stages with a voiceover by Ben Fogle (BBC presenter and WWF ambassador). It will be launched later in 2008 and will be made available to water sports clubs throughout the UK.
SOSF has provided WiSe with the funding to produce a specifically created DVD, targeting the boat-owning public; it encompasses the latest conservation thinking and scientific knowledge with examples of disturbance and best-practice across a variety of different species and situations. The DVD aims to raise awareness and reduce the levels of disturbance, and has been developed in consultation with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The DVD is now in the final production stages with a voiceover by Ben Fogle (BBC presenter and WWF ambassador). It will be launched later in 2008 and will be made available to water sports clubs throughout the UK.