Responsible wildlife watching through WiSe accreditation.

Our Wildife Expert Lynsey Bland has just completed a refresher course in the WiSe scheme for responsible wildlife watching, delivered by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). Lynsey enjoyed the course, and was amused to find she featured in some of the presentation images, showing Hebrides Cruises guests how to use the HWDT Whale Track App!

Hebrides Cruises specialises in giving our guests close encounters of marine wildlife, including many rare species, but only when wildlife watching will not disturb or stress the animals. We are WiSe accredited which means our crews have signed up to the WiSe Scheme of responsible marine operators.

WiSe courses are designed to ensure a solid understanding of how best to approach and interact with marine wildlife species, and focus on ways they can help minimise any unintentional disturbance from their activities on, in or near the water.  WiSe has developed Codes of Conduct to promote safe and sustainable watching of our basking sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. All WiSe trained individuals agree to abide by the appropriate Codes for the wildlife they encounter.  Our Skipper and Owner Rob Barlow has the Master WiSe accreditation – the gold standard for responsible wildlife watching

Lynsey said “it was an informative and enjoyable course highlighting the importance of responsible wildlife watching. I’m honoured to be part of a company that gives all guests memorable wildlife experiences whilst ensuring disturbance is kept to a minimum.’

For more information on the WiSe Scheme: https://www.wisescheme.org/