Sea Kayaking – A Guide to Good Environmental Practice

The sea kayak offers a fantastic platform, from which to see sea birds and seals, and even whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. 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 wildlife, we can accidentally cause disturbance without realising it. A good way to minimise our impact on the coastal and marine life is to learn more about it. Knowing the breeding season of birds and seals, for instance, will help us to avoid getting too close when they are most sensitive to our presence.

A good principle is: If the wildlife appears to be agitated, then you are to close.

Seabirds

There are very few Puffins left on Jersey.

Cliff nesting sea birds such as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes are most vulnerable when the adults are hatching the eggs and foster their young chicks. If they are suddenly scared off the ledges they may lose their young, which may fall or be taken by predators.
The vulnerable time is mid May to early July. Move by quietly and steadily so as not to panic the birds.

Puffins: Puffin numbers have fallen sharply on Jersey. Rats and land-based disturbance seem to be the principle cause coupled with changes in the food supply.
A voluntary stay clear zone is in operation from Greve de Lecq to Plemont during the Puffin breeding season. However, fishing craft and local shot gun clubs are allowed to continue to use the area so disturbance is continuing. Sea bird protection zone Plemont to Greve de Lecq.

Terns: On the South coast of Jersey the rocks between Green Island and Le Hocq often have Terns nesting and also at the large rock to the north of Icho tower. Try to stay clear of these.

Special Bird Habitats

Shingle shores: Terns, ringed plovers and oyster catchers all nest on shingle beaches. Care should be taken not to disturb nesting birds on these sites between early May and early July. The eggs and chicks are very well camouflaged against the shingle and are easily trodden underfoot.

Avoid the West end of the shingle beach at Les Ecrehous due to the tern nests. Seabird Protection Zone Les Ecrehous.

Sand dunes: Take care during stops not to damage vegetation, which is important for stabilising dunes and helping them grow. Avoid open fires, which damage the dry vegetation.

Seal colonies
Avoid beaches with small pups on

Avoid disturbance by paddling quietly by and staying clear.

them, as a sudden disturbance can lead to pups being squashed in the panic, or separated from their parents who may be unable to find them afterwards. Never feed seals.

General Guidelines

On the water
● Be aware of the breeding seasons of birds and seals.
● Try to avoid panicking breeding seabirds into flight.
● When leading a group of paddlers, brief your group on the procedures you plan to use to avoid disturbance.

On land
● Think about your actions on land as well as on the sea.
● Be aware of puffin burrows, and avoid getting too close or walking over them.
● Never land on a beach with a colony of breeding seals, except in an emergency.
● On sand dunes always look and listen for birds and carry kayaks rather than dragging them.
● Consider your possible impact on wildlife when camping.

A tidy countryside
● Be careful in your toilet hygiene. Do not urinate within 30 metres of fresh water, and dig a hole to bury your excrement. Burn toilet paper, if safe to do so.
● Do not leave behind any food scraps, as these attract scavenging animals and birds.
● Do not burn cans or plastic. Take out all your litter for proper disposal.
● Become involved in Adopt-a-Beach schemes and Beachwatch litter picking events. Contact the Marine Conservation Society for details.
● Try to leave the countryside tidier than you found it.
● Enjoy the outdoor environment, and ensure that your actions do not detract from the enjoyment of those who follow you.

(Based on the Scottish Canoe Association environmental Guidelines for kayaking.)

For a more detailed guide that includes observing marine mammals click here.

UK guidelines: http://www.marinecode.org/index.asp