The welfare of the local environment and its inhabitants is of great concern to Paddlefish Adventure. We take great care to minimise the impact that we have on the coastline and encourage our guests to do the same. The impact that sea kayakers have on the sea has to be seen in context. Compared to certain industries and other recreational activities the disturbance we cause is minimal, but we should not be complacent. We should all strive to learn more about the sea, and develop skills and senses that ensure marine wildlife does not suffer from our visits. The breeding season for birds and common seals coincides with the best conditions for kayaking, so it is important to be aware of the needs of wildlife. The sea kayak offers a fantastic platform from which to see seabirds and seals, and even whales and dolphins in their natural environment. To experience the nature of the sea at such close quarters is an amazing privilege, but like all privileges it carries a responsibility. In our enthusiasm to see wild animals we can accidentally cause disturbance without realising it, so a good way to minimise our impact on wildlife is to become more knowledgeable about it. Minimising Disturbance When encountering wildlife, whether on sea or on land, your aim should be to minimise any disturbance that you might cause to wild animals and the habitats in which they live. In order to achieve this the following basic principles should be adhered to: Try not to startle or panic wild animals; never surround them, and don’t block them in from their escape routes. You will enjoy the sightings much more if they are relaxed about your presence. Sudden movements scare wildlife and give you away. Don’t linger for too long when you are close to wildlife. By all means look, but then move on. As well as avoiding disturbance to marine animals, also be aware of the need to avoid damaging plants and the habitats that the animals depend upon. Remember, you are sharing the environment – leave it undisturbed for the wildlife and those who follow. Cliff nesting seabirds Cliff nesting sea birds such as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes are most vulnerable when the adults are with their eggs and young chicks. If they are suddenly scared off the ledges they may lose their young, which may fall or be taken by predators. It is good practice to move by quietly and steadily so as not to panic the birds. Birds on the Open Sea Try to avoid panicking seabirds on the water into flight. If you encounter large rafts of ducks avoid splitting them up as the chicks are then vulnerable to predators. Adult birds at sea are likely to be feeding or resting so disturbance is likely to cause them to expend extra energy, thereby reducing their feeding time, which in turn affects their survival chances. In late summer many birds moult and are at their weakest and most vulnerable. Move away quietly and steadily as soon as you are aware of being close to a colony. Seal colonies Avoid beaches with small pups on them, as a sudden disturbance can lead to pups being squashed, or separated from their parents. Common seal pups can go into the sea almost immediately after birth, whereas grey seal pups remain on the beach for about 3 weeks as they cannot swim. Seals will often watch kayakers pass by, either from a rock or in the water. Do not use your ability to approach quietly as a way to get close to seals. If you approach silently, seals (and other animals) may be startled by your sudden appearance. The best way to avoid causing them to panic is to avoid making eye contact. If you watch a seal out of the corner of your eyes it is far less likely to dive. Try to maintain a slow, steady and predictable rhythm as you paddle past seals. Porpoises, Dolphins and Basking Sharks The Cornish coast is renowned for its range of cetaceans (porpoises and dolphins) and its increasing numbers of basking sharks. All of these can be seen from a sea kayak, but it is important to be aware how you can be a danger to the animal, and how it can be a danger to you. When approaching large animals - such as cetaceans and basking sharks, remember - a moving kayak outline can appear threatening when heading straight towards them. Always approach at an oblique angle. Move steadily and predictably, and do not go too close. Never chase after a cetacean or basking shark. If they want to see you they will come over and check you out, but if they choose to swim away from you then respect their wish. Porpoises never show any interest in kayaks so you will just see them swim by without altering their course. Dolphins on the other hand are more inquisitive and will often come over towards you. The best advice if you are close to dolphins is to just stay still and watch, or maintain a straight course and they will follow if they are interested in you. Avoid getting too close to a basking shark as it could easily capsize you if you get in front of it, or cause you serious injury if it lashed out with its powerful tail with you alongside it. These guidelines are based on the Scottish Canoe Association environmental guidelines for kayaking. Finally, we would ask that all rubbish be put in the bins on board and that absolutely nothing gets thrown overboard – quite the opposite, in fact, as we would encourage our guests to collect any litter that they may find in the water and bring it back to “The Adventuress” for proper disposal.