Marine Life & Conservation
MCS joins willdife groups calling for ban on propellers that cause fatal ‘corkscrew’ injuries
The Marine Conservation Society Scotland Programme Manager, Calum Duncan, says the Scottish Government must be more pro-active in trying to prevent fatal injuries to seals and porpoises where the animals bodies are sliced up ‘corkscrew’ style.
MCS, along wtih 13 other wildlife groups including the Whale and Dolphin Conservation and the Wildlife Trusts, have urged ministers at Westminster and at Holyrood to put immediate restrictions on propellers in areas where harbour seals live.
“Further research is supported and welcome, but if the Scottish Government is not more pro-active at seeking to prevent these specific types of injury to seals from declining populations, they risk failing their commitments under the EU Habitats Directive. Along with other organisations, we are therefore recommending the restriction of use of all propellers, other than those known not to cause the relevant injuries, in areas where those injuries have been recorded at the most significant levels,” said Calum.
The group said they wanted to see a restrcition on the use of all ducted propellers, other than those known not to cause the relevant injuries in areas where injuries have been recorded at the most significant levels and where seal populations appear to be worst affected by these injuries, and especially in the vicinity of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary SAC, with immediate effect.
The wildlife groups also urged an introduction of policies to limit the use of all ducted propellers, other than those known not to cause the relevant injuries to marine mammals, providing explicit guidance for all vessel skippers, with the aim of minimising ducted propeller use (where an anchor could be used instead, for example) in the vicinity of SACs.
For more information, visit www.mcsuk.org
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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