Avoid Jet Skis (they cause so much harm to wildlife)
Jet skis are quite a modern thing, with people zooming through the water on ‘sea scooters (singer Kirsty MacColl was even killed by one, while on holiday with her children in Mexico).
But councils are now banning them, as ‘boy racers’ often drive jet skis through water can harm and kill marine creatures, which can also separate mothers from babies underwater.
It’s illegal to intentionally disturb wildlife (including gulls), so report such incidents to the police , Crimestoppers (anonymous) and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
- In Looe (Cornwall), locals put up warning signs, to protect its Atlantic grey seal population.
- Hundreds of people have objected to the issue of personal water craft licenses in Deben Estuary (Suffolk), which could harm local wildlife.
- In Northern Ireland, there is an outright ban on jet skis in some areas (after reports of harm and anti-social behaviour).
How Jet Skis Affect Birds and Marine Wildlife
- Many marine creatures communicate by echo-location, so jet skis can terrify (like underwater fireworks) and can even cause ear problems and bleeding on the brain.
- Nesting sea birds can abandon eggs, leaving chicks vulnerable to predators or storms.
- Shallow waters near shores act as nurseries for young fish (and feeding grounds for birds). So the wake left from jet skis, stirs up sediment and uproots vegetation, destroying critical habits.
- Seals come up for air, which can result in collisions with jet skis. Same with birds that fly low over the water (wasting energy to fly away from jet skis, leaves them exhausted to hunt for food).
- Sea turtles are slow-moving, so cannot escape in time.
Welsh wildlife presenter Iolo Williams has been very vocal about people who use jet skis, calling some of them ‘idiots’ who plough through a raft of seabirds on a puffin sanctuary near a North Wales Nature Reserve. He wants such riders to have to be issued licenses, just like for car drivers.
Safer Alternatives to Jet Skis for Wildlife
Of course, you don’t ‘need any alternative’. But if you like ‘playing on the water’, instead consider:
- Kayaking: Quiet paddling lets you glide, without scaring wildlife.
- Paddleboarding: Like kayaking, paddleboarding keeps noise levels low.
- Snorkelling and swimming: These activities let you enjoy the ocean, without engine noise disrupting the environment.
Florida’s Actions to Save Manatees (sea cows)
Jet skis are very popular in Florida, a place where manatees (sea cows) often swim (as well as in the Caribbean). These gentle creatures move slowly and have to come up for air, so often are at the danger end.
Save the Manatee Club does wonderful work, educating the public on why to avoid using jet skis. It even offers free warning signs for Florida shoreline home owners, so boaters can be reminded what to do, when passing by.
If you sail a boat and spot marine wildlife), keep at least 100 feet away (or further away if possible for large creatures). If the creature approaches your boat, switch the engine off and slow speed to 4 knots.
WiSE is a wildlife-friendly boating course (it only takes five hours).
