New Green Marine Wildlife Guide app announced on World Wildlife Day
A
new digital marine wildlife guide for iPad and iPhone has been launched today to coincide with United Nations World Wildlife Day.
The
Green Marine Wildlife Guide provides interactive touch-based
illustrations together with an interactive map of the
UK revealing what marine wildlife
we can expect to see around the coast through the year.
For
instance, from May onwards the gentle giant of the basking shark can be
seen in waters off the UK’s south west coast as they head up north for
their annual migration.
Whilst in the North East grey seals are a common sighting.
There are also top tips for spotting marine wildlife and importantly guidance on how to avoid disturbing or hurting them. Recent
changes to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Amended, provide
protection for these animals from disturbance. Anyone caught disturbing
wildlife can now be
prosecuted.
The digital guide has been produced as part of The Green Blue, which is a joint
environment project
of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the British Marine Federation.
Jane
Swan The Green Blue project manager, said: ‘There is a code of conduct and
clear guidelines on what to do if you see a marine animal which will
help people on the water
to stay on the right side of the law whilst enjoying the experience.
‘They include advice on how much time you should spend near the animals
and how much clearance you should give them.
‘The
golden rule when watching cetaceans or any other marine wildlife is to
be aware of any change in their behaviour which may signify
disturbance.
‘Today
is UN World Wildlife Day, a moment in the year to celebrate the many
beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora, including cetaceans
and other marine
animals, and to raise awareness of how best we can appreciate and
protect them whilst out on the water.’
To
explore the digital edition of the Green Marine Wildlife Guide,
download the free ‘RYA Books’ app from iTunes and touch the ‘Catalogues
& Brochures’ to find the publication.