A new digital marine wildlife guide for iPad and iPhone is now available, thanks to The Green Blue, the joint environment project of the Royal Yachting Association and the British Marine Federation.
From May 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.
The Green Marine Wildlife Guide provides interactive touch-based illustrations of marine wildlife 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.
Jane Swan The Green Blue Project Manager “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”.
The Green Marine Wildlife Guide was first published in print in 2010 in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, with beautiful illustrations by artist Martin Camm.
Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said: "This new digital guide helps to celebrate marine wildlife and 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.