Everything you need to know about MWAAS! 

Learn how to protect our seals, dolphins and seabirds with our short course.

What is the Marine Wildlife Awareness Accreditation Scheme (MWAAS)?

Our Marine Wildlife Awareness Accreditation Scheme (MWAAS) recognises businesses that have completed specialist training in wildlife‑friendly behaviour and best practice on the water.

Accredited operators have committed to:

• Following wildlife protection guidelines
• Keeping safe distances from marine animals
• Avoiding disturbance to feeding, resting, or nursing wildlife
• Responding appropriately to injured or stranded animals
• Helping visitors enjoy wildlife responsibly
• Supporting conservation within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere
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When you choose an accredited business, you’re supporting operators who put the ocean’s wellbeing first.

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How to Choose a Marine-Safe Operator 

Look out for these signs when booking an activity:

✔ Accredited sticker or badge
Displayed on boats, vans, shop windows, websites, and social media.
✔ Accredited business listing
Visit our page of approved operators: 👉 View accredited businesses
✔ Ask about their commitment to wildlife
​Accredited operators will be happy to explain how they keep wildlife safe.

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Why it matters

Human disturbance is now one of the biggest threats to marine wildlife.
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Close approaches - from boats, paddleboards, kayaking, dogs, drones, and even well‑meaning wildlife watchers -  can cause animals to:
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• Stop feeding
• Abandon resting sites
• Leave pups or dependent young
• Burn unnecessary energy
• Become injured or stranded
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Repeated disturbance can reduce survival rates and breeding success.

Choosing an accredited business helps ensure wildlife has the space it needs to
​thrive -  now and in the future.

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How Businesses Get Accredited ​

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Businesses, volunteers, and tour operators can join the scheme by completing our free Marine Wildlife Awareness Training. The training covers:

• Identifying local marine species
• Understanding how disturbance affects wildlife
• What to do in the event of an injured or stranded animal
• Legal responsibilities on the water
• Best practice for wildlife‑friendly coastal activity
  
  

Steps to become accredited:

1. Book a free training session
2. Take part in the workshop
3.  Make the Marine Wildlife Pledge​
    - Agree to follow and promote wildlife‑safe guidelines.
4. Receive your accreditation pack
   You’ll get:
   1. Window sticker
   2. Digital badge for website & social media
   3. Listing on our website as a Marine Wildlife Accredited Operator ​

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Who Can Join the Accreditation Scheme?

 The training is open to:

• Wildlife & boat tour operators
• SUP, surf & watersports schools
• Kayak & equipment hire businesses
• Angling & charter boat skippers
• Outdoor educators & guides
• Volunteers & community groups
• Anyone working on or near the coast
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If your work brings you close to the ocean, this scheme is designed for you.

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When is our next training?

​Click the links below to book onto our 2026 in-person training:

• 5th March, 13:00-16:00 - Appledore, Skern Lodge 
• 6th March, 09:30-12:30 - Ilfracombe, North Devon Resort
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If you miss the date, it is possible to do the course online. Sign up for future course updates here. 

For enquiries email: ​[email protected]

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