August 2026
These animals are part of the wonder of our seas, and for many people, seeing them in the wild is a moment they will never forget.
But wonderful encounters can quickly become harmful if people get too close.
Each summer, more people head to the coast and onto the water in boats, kayaks, paddleboards and jet skis. Most people want to enjoy wildlife without causing harm. But even well-meaning behaviour can disturb marine mammals, causing stress, disrupting feeding or resting, separating mothers from young, or increasing the risk of injury to animals and people.
The law
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected in UK waters. In England, it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to intentionally or recklessly disturb them. Deliberate disturbance can lead to serious penalties, including fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.
It can also be illegal to disturb a seal if it is a monitored feature of a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Special Area of Conservation, as well as in designated haul out sites in Scotland.
Best practice marine and coastal wildlife watching codes
All UK Nations have best practice codes with consistent messaging:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-and-coastal-wildlife-code
Learn more on the Wildlife Safe Scheme (WiSe) website https://www.thewisescheme.org/
Whales, dolphins and porpoises
The message is simple: enjoy these animals from a distance. Watch from land where possible. Do not chase, follow, surround, touch, feed or harass wild marine mammals.
If you see a whale, dolphin or porpoise from a vessel, stay at least 100 metres away. Slow down to no more than 5 knots when within 400 metres of the animal. Never approach directly from in front or behind, and always leave a clear route for the animal to move away.
Do not stay too long. One vessel should remain with an animal for no more than 15 minutes. Do not approach if two vessels are already watching.
The same 100-metre distance applies whether you are in a boat, on a jet ski, kayak or paddleboard, or swimming. Keep noise low, avoid sudden movements, and never try to swim with, touch or feed wild whales, dolphins or porpoises. These are powerful wild animals, and close contact can put both people and animals at risk.
If the animal shows signs of disturbance, leave slowly and quietly. Warning signs can include sudden or erratic movements, tail slaps, increased travelling speed, repeated changes in direction, or trumpet blows.
Seals
Seals also need space. The UK is home to two native seal species: grey seals and harbour, or common, seals. They rest, feed, moult and pup around our coasts, and they are easily woken up and disturbed by people and dogs.
Keep at least 100 metres away from seals and do not watch them for more than 15 minutes. Keep dogs on a lead. Never touch, feed, crowd or encircle seals, and never get between a seal and the sea.
If a seal raises its head, you are already too close. Back away slowly. Other signs of disturbance include shifting their position, moving towards the water, or disappearing into the sea. Seals tombstoning down steep offshore rocks or stampeding over rocky beaches into the sea can severely injure themselves, especially juveniles with little blubber protection. For expectant mums or mums feeding pups, disturbance can be fatal.
Following best practice is good for us too
Marine mammals should inspire awe and respect. If we disturb them they usually disappear, cutting our enjoyment short. By giving them space, and watching calmly and quietly, we get the best encounters as we see their natural, wild behaviour unaffected by us.
The opinions expressed in this blog are the authors' and not necessarily those of the wider Link membership.
Latest Blog Posts