The WiSe Scheme - The 'WiSe' Way to Watch Marine Wildlife

The UK's first wildlife-friendly accreditation scheme for commercial pleasure boats, developed from The Wildlife Trusts' Basking Shark Project - conservation in action.

The WiSe Scheme, launched in February 2003, aims to reduce the number of incidents of disturbance and harassment in UK waters, and to promote the safe observation of marine wildlife.

Year on year the number of incidents of marine wildlife harassment have increased. Marine conservationists throughout the UK are aware that marine wildlife, such as dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks, may be physically harmed and can show serious signs of stress when approached in an insensitive manner by leisure or commercial pleasure craft - who may be unaware of the sensitivity of marine wildlife.

Commenting on the problem Colin Speedie, marine conservationist, said:

"Wildlife can suffer from the well-meaning intentions of observers who approach too closely, or from too many boats crowding them. This can inflict stress and in some cases physical damage."

The WiSe scheme is designed to work with commercial pleasure craft owners to encourage marine ecotourism to operate in a wildlife-friendly way. It is supported by The Wildlife Trusts, WWF-UK, The Shark Trust, Wave Action and many more and has been funded by English Nature, Marine Southwest and the South West Regional Development Agency and is supported by South West Tourism.

The WiSe Scheme

The scheme offers a one day course in all aspects of safe and responsible viewing of marine wildlife. Initially it was available to commercial boat operators based in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, and, having proved successful, is now available throughout the UK. Courses have now been run in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and in Spring 2008 more courses are planned. To date nearly 500 individuals have been accredited.

The course involves classroom study on all aspects of marine wildlife behaviour, and likely reaction to the approach of vessels. The training is delivered by acknowledged experts with many years of practical experience in both field research and ecotourism.

On completion of the course, each individual participant is listed as an Accredited WiSe Scheme Operator, and is awarded the WiSe logo for display on board boats and  associated promotions as a responsible operator.

Commenting further Colin Speedie said:

"Marine ecotourism holds many potential benefits for boat operators, visitors and residents alike. We want people to enjoy our marine wildlife whilst ensuring it comes to no harm. It is important that both boat-owners and tourists recognise the WiSe accreditation scheme to ensure that future generations can enjoy our precious marine creatures."

Further information about the WiSe scheme can be found on The WiSe Scheme website, which has been created to promote the accredited operators, and to provide news of wildlife watching opportunities.