WiSe Training for Local Conservation Organisations

The WiSe Scheme

The UK’s national training scheme for minimising disturbance to marine wildlife.

The waters around the UK are home to a fantastic variety of marine wildlife, whether visible from the shore or from a boat. However, these wild animals are vulnerable to disturbance if not encountered in a manner that respects their wild nature.

​The WiSe Scheme is about watching marine wildlife the wildlife-safe way.

​The training aims to promote responsible wildlife-watching, through training and raising awareness. The WiSe Scheme is a simple modular training course aimed primarily at wildlife cruise operators, dive and service boats, yacht skippers and sea kayakers, plus people participating in coasteering, stand-up paddle boarding and wild swimming. These groups of people are most likely to come into contact with marine wildlife, as they are likely out on the water on a regular basis. WiSe training also seeks to educate the general public who are keen to minimise their impact whilst out on or near the water.

In June 2024, 8 local people working as eNGOs, NGOs and Government officers were trained in a bespoke course delivered by the WiSe Scheme. This training now allows these people to deliver WiSe Awareness courses as part of their jobs. Their training included key messages regarding how to interact safely with:

An informative session on Marine wildlife legislation in Northern Ireland. Plus detailed sessions on:

• Seals & otters
• Basking shark
• Cetaceans
• Seabirds

If you are interested in WiSe trainging please get in touch, via the email address below.

​