July 18, 2023 Orca Blog

Discovering marine life at sea with a RIB boat: tips for observation and responsible interaction

Sailing at sea aboard a semi-rigid boat offers a unique opportunity to discover the fascinating marine life that inhabits our seas and oceans.

However, it is essential to show respect and responsibility for these delicate ecosystems.

In this article, we present some practical tips for observing and interacting responsibly with marine life during your RIB boat trips at sea.

1. Respect marine animals

France is home to a wide variety of marine animals, including dolphins, seals, sea turtles and a wide range of fish and invertebrates.

These species are protected by laws and regulations designed to preserve their natural habitat and guarantee their long-term survival.

By respecting these rules and avoiding any disturbance, you are helping to preserve the richness and beauty of France's marine ecosystems for future generations.

So, when encountering sea creatures, remember that they are wild creatures and deserve to be treated with respect.

Avoid touching or feeding them, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and health.

Observe them from a safe distance and use binoculars or zoom cameras for a more immersive viewing experience.

2. Minimize your impact

When approaching sensitive areas, such as coral reefs or seagrass beds, slow down and maintain a safe distance to avoid potential damage.

In France, for example, the Scandola national nature reserve in Corsica and the Port-Cros national park in the Var are protected marine areas where it's important to respect the specific rules governing navigation and environmental protection.

In addition to respecting sensitive areas such as marine reserves, there are other measures you can take to reduce your impact on the marine environment when out boating.

Use environmentally friendly anchors: Opt for grapple anchors or anchors specially designed to minimize damage to the seabed, such as shovel anchors. Avoid anchoring in areas of coral, seagrass or seaweed meadows, as this can cause irreparable damage.
Respect fishing regulations: If you're fishing on your boat trips, find out about local regulations on size and catch quotas. Respect closed seasons and release non-target species or fish under the legal size. This helps preserve fish stocks and maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.

Avoid litter at sea: Make sure you don't throw anything into the water, including food waste, plastics and cigarette butts. Always take a bag with you to collect your garbage, and recycle it properly once ashore.
Use environmentally-friendly products: When using chemical products such as cleaning products or sunscreens, give preference to those that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Some products contain substances that are harmful to corals and other marine organisms, so it's important to choose more sustainable alternatives.

3. Help preserve marine ecosystems

Participate in marine conservation initiatives by reporting sightings of rare or endangered species to the appropriate authorities.

In France, initiatives such as"World CleanUp Day" and"Opération Mer Propre" are organized every year to raise awareness of marine pollution and mobilize volunteers to clean up the beaches and seabed.

Local associations, such as Surfrider Foundation, also run clean-up and awareness campaigns in various coastal regions of France.

Conclusion

Sailing at sea with a semi-rigid boat offers a unique experience for discovering marine life. By following these tips for responsible observation and interaction, you'll be contributing to the preservation of these ecosystems and experiencing unforgettable moments in harmony with nature.

You are passionate about boating and semi-rigid boats?

Discover our products!