We've recently being seeing some bad examples of wildlife disturbance: pods of dolphin being chased and sometimes run through by high-speed boats, being closely circled and pursued for long periods of time - even whilst young animals were with them. Seals have also been visited very closely by boats, paddle boards and kayaks and driven from their haul outs.

This can harm, scare and even kill wildlife so we’d like to try and help those heading out on the water to understand the best way to behave around our dolphins (and all wildlife.) We have teamed up with Shearwater Cruises in Ullapool to create an awareness raising campaign. Firstly, we made posters for accommodation providers to include in welcome packs for guests who might go out on the sea. We also have a version of the poster that has a colouring in option on the reverse for any young people out there wanting to help save our seas at home! Secondly, we’ve had signs made that we are working to get displayed on all the harbours and jetties around our coast.

We’re hoping that by doing this everyone will learn how to treat the dolphin in a way that not only respects and protects them, but might actually make them more likely to come visit us again, allowing us all to enjoy and love them when they choose to visit. Let’s get everyone knowing how to #RespectAndProtect our wildlife - not only good for the wildlife but also all of us who love and hope to see the animals too.

Thanks to Duncan Todd for making our poster and graphics, and to everyone who helped put up signs at Ullapool Harbour and Jetty, Badentarbet Harbour, Ullapool Campsite, Ardmair Campsite and Badluarach and Scoraig jetties on Little Loch Broom.

Thanks also to everyone who donated to the #TedSquirrel Sign fund as this is has helped cover costs for the signs and posters. Full guidelines for how best to view marine life can be found at https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-coasts-and-seas/scottish-marine-wildlife-watching-code

(Basic summary - don’t go too fast or too close, don’t stay too long and always let them decide if they want to interact.) If using commercial tour boats and guides, we always recommend going with WiSe trained and accredited operators.

We’re hoping that by doing this everyone will learn how to treat the dolphin in a way that not only respects and protects them, but might actually make them more likely to come visit us again, allowing us all to enjoy and love them when they choose to visit.

Let’s get everyone knowing how to #RespectAndProtect our wildlife - not only good for the wildlife but also all of us who love and hope to see the animals too.

Thanks to Duncan Todd for making our poster and graphics, and to everyone who helped put up signs at Ullapool Harbour and Jetty, Badentarbet Harbour, Ullapool Campsite, Ardmair Campsite and Badluarach and Scoraig jetties on Little Loch Broom. Thanks also to everyone who donated to the #TedSquirrel Sign fund as this is has helped cover costs for the signs and posters.

Full guidelines for how best to view marine life can be found at https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-coasts-and-seas/scottish-marine-wildlife-watching-code

(Basic summary - don’t go too fast or too close, don’t stay too long and always let them decide if they want to interact.)

If using commercial tour boats and guides, we always recommend going with WiSe trained and accredited operators.