Marine Wildlife Disturbance Guidance

These documents have been produced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). They should be referred to by all water users, including the general public, for best practice guidance to avoid marine wildlife disturbance. There is guidance for a wide range of marine and coastal users, from boat users, to paddle boarders/kayakers, to dog walkers and walkers/hikers. The documents also contain useful contact information for a range of marine and coastal issues.

Click on the images below to download the guidance documents.

Marine Wildlife Disturbance Guidance Leaflet

This document provides detailed guidance on how water users should behave around marine wildlife to avoid disturbance wherever possible, as well as information on the behaviour and sensitivities of marine animals including whales, dolphins and porpoises (Cetaceans), seals, basking sharks, and seabirds. The document also provides contact information across DAERA and Non-Government Organisations for a broad range of issues, from how to report wildlife crime, to water pollution. This document is meant to be used as a more detailed best practice guide to be read and understood before engaging in any activity in a marine or coastal are

Marine Wildlife Disturbance Postcard

This quick reference postcard provides a visual guide to how water users should behave around marine wildlife to avoid marine wildlife disturbance wherever possible, emphasising the ‘keep your distance’ rule. More specific contact information related to the most urgent issues water users may encounter are also provided. This includes who to contact when water users encounter wildlife crime, sick or injured seal pups or turtles, sick or injured small animals or birds and dead or live stranded marine life such as whales, dolphins or porpoises.