Discovering marine life at sea with a semi-rigid 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'll give you some practical tips for observing and interacting responsibly with marine life during your semi-rigid boat outings at sea.
1. Respect marine animals
France is home to a wide variety of marine animals, such as dolphins, seals, sea turtles and a variety of fish and invertebrates.
These species are protected by laws and regulations designed to preserve their natural habitat and ensure their long-term survival.
By following these rules and avoiding any disturbance, you are helping to preserve the richness and beauty of France's marine ecosystems for future generations.
Also, when encountering sea creatures, bear in mind that they are wild creatures and deserve to be treated with respect.
Avoid touching or feeding them, as this can disrupt their natural behaviour and health.
Observe them from a safe distance and use binoculars or zoom cameras for a more immersive viewing experience.
2. Minimise your impact
When approaching sensitive areas, such as coral reefs or seagrass beds, slow down your speed and maintain an adequate distance to avoid any potential damage.
In France, for example, the réserve naturelle nationale de Scandola in Corsica or the Parc national de Port-Cros in the Var are protected marine areas where it is important to comply with specific rules on navigation and environmental preservation.
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.
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Use environmentally friendly anchors: Opt for grapple system anchors or anchors specially designed to minimise damage to the seabed, such as shovel anchors. Avoid anchoring in areas of coral, seagrass or seaweed meadows, as this can cause irreparable damage.
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Respect fishing regulations: If you go fishing on your boat trips, find out about local regulations on size and catch quotas. Respect the closed seasons and release non-target species or undersized fish. This helps to preserve fish stocks and maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.
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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 rubbish and recycle it properly once ashore.
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Use environmentally friendly products: When using chemical products such as cleaning products or sun creams, 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 relevant authorities.
In France, initiatives such as "World CleanUp Day" and "Opération Mer Propre" are organised every year to raise awareness of marine pollution and mobilise volunteers to clean up beaches and the seabed.
Local associations, such as Surfrider Foundation, are also carrying out clean-up and awareness-raising actions in various coastal regions of France.
Conclusion
Sailing at sea in a semi-rigid boat offers a unique experience for discovering marine life. By following these tips for responsible observation and interaction, you'll be helping to preserve these ecosystems and enjoying unforgettable moments in harmony with nature.
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