Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd July 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

ZSL announce new Thames marine mammal code of conduct
Seal in the water
"Many people are surprised to discover that marine mammals like seals and porpoises are found in the Thames."
The code of conduct will raise awareness of marine mammals, says ZSL

A code of conduct to ensure the well-being of marine mammals in the Thames launches today (July 3).

Conservationists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL)  have created the Thames Marine Mammal Code of Conduct in time for the peak summer season. The aim is to improve awareness and protection of the river's residents.

The code provides practical tips on what to do if a seal or porpoise is spotted in the water or on land, helping members of the public, recreational boat users and commercial users of the river make the most of their wildlife encounters without disturbing any marine mammals.

Reports of marine mammals being disturbed by boats or by people doing water sports, or being stressed by dogs, are not uncommon. Conservationists believe that many of these incidents result from the public being unaware of the presence of marine mammals in and around the estuary.
 
Joanna Barker, conservation scientist at ZSL, said: “Many people are surprised to discover that marine mammals like seals and porpoises are found in the Thames. We hope that the code of conduct will raise awareness of their presence and enable people to enjoy them from a safe distance.”

The code recommends keeping at least 100 metres away from any marine mammal seen in the water, as they are sensitive to noise. It also advises putting dogs on a lead and leaving the area if seals are spotted, as seals may perceive a dog as a threat and become distressed.
 
Joanna Barker adds: “We rely heavily on public sightings to inform our understanding of marine mammals in the Thames. Armed with the code of conduct, the public should have better interactions with marine mammals and subsequently be able to provide us with more valuable information about the river’s wildlife.”
 
The Thames Marine Mammal Code of Conduct is available to download from the ZSL website: www.zsl.org/marinemammals. Sightings of marine mammals can be reported using ZSL’s interactive map: www.zsl.org/inthethames or with #inthethames.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.