Racers On Alert To Miss Sharks

June 21, 2008

Release from: David Hurley
The News (UK)

Organisers of a powerboat race have agreed to change their route after concerns they could kill basking sharks. The Marine Conservation Society said the 2008 Round Britain Powerboat Race, which set off from Portsmouth today, could be a danger to the protected species.

Although organisers have now agreed to avoid shark hotspots the MSC said it was still concerned other marine life including seals, seabirds, whales and dolphins, may be hit by the high-speed powerboats or disturbed by the noise.

Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, MCS biodiversity policy officer, said: 'While we applaud the race organisers for acting on our advice about basking sharks, MCS is still concerned that other marine wildlife is at risk from collisions, or disturbance from boat noise.

'We urge the race boat pilots to be highly vigilant along the route and slow right down in the vicinity of any marine wildlife.

'This is as much for the pilots' sake as the welfare of wildlife, because collisions with seabirds and marine animals, not to mention 12-metre long basking sharks, pose a serious health and safety risk to the race participants.'

There have been more than 10,000 basking shark sightings over the past 21 years.

Race organisers will use satnav-style systems to guide them away from basking shark hotspots as well as having daily briefings about marine wildlife activity in the area.

Basking sharks, whales and dolphins are protected by law and it is illegal to intentionally kill, recklessly disturb or harass these species in UK waters.

The race organisers have said they consulted a wide variety of environmental bodies about the race.

Event director Mike Lloyd said: 'This is something the organisers take very seriously. As soon as the potential issues were highlighted all involved have reacted in a swift and in a thorough manner to overcome potential conflicts and to ensure a positive outcome.'

Mr Lloyd added that the MCS, The Wildlife Trusts and The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society have all welcomed the changes made and for the quick response and actions taken to address concerns they had about the race.