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Do voluntary codes work? Whale-watching on the west coast August - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Do voluntary codes work? Whale-watching on the west coast August - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Do voluntary codes work? Whale-watching on the west coast August 2018 Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust 16 continuous years of boat-based survey effort 120,000 km surveyed 30,000 animals recorded Contributed to the identification and
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Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust
500 volunteers, 3000 sightings of 20,000 animals 3,000 school children inspired to love their local seas 15,000 visitors each year 27 wildlife operators trained since 2015
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Brief history of whale-watching
First company in the UK was based in Dervaig, Isle
- f Mull in 1989
Still going strong today “Sea Life Surveys” Strong research focus gave rise to HWDT
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Hebridean Diversity:
Large area over which animals are present and activities take place
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Hebridean Diversity:
Large area over which animals are present and activities take place Numerous target species
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Hebridean Diversity:
Large area over which animals are present and activities take place Numerous target species A broad spectrum of
- perations
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Marine wildlife watching codes
59% follow a wildlife watching code. 50% of operators are accredited by at least one scheme. Decline in adherence to codes of conduct from 89% (2000) to 54% (2015).
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Marine wildlife watching codes
Wide promotion of a voluntary code Provision of regionally specific training courses Wildlife reporting schemes support involvement
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Case study: Hebrides Cruises
Employ a seasonal wildlife guide Submit sightings data Wise accredited
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Marine Protected Areas
Potential ‘honeypot’ effect An opportunity for Scotland to set the gold standard Can an MPA provide an
- pportunity to bring this all
together?
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