Travellers taking boat trips to watch dolphins, porpoises, whales and sharks off the UK coast should start looking out for a special logo that ensures the creatures are not being harmed.

A scheme to show commercial boat operators how to view marine life without causing them physical and mental damage was launched last week by wildlife groups.

The UK's first wildlife-friendly accreditation scheme - dubbed WiSe - comprises a two-day course for commercial boat operators, followed by the award of the WiSe logo.

Marine conservationist Colin Speedie, who will be running the scheme in Devon, said: 'Wildlife can suffer from the well-meaning intentions of observers who approach closely, or from too many boats crowding them. This can inflict stress and, in some cases, physical damage.'

The number of 'marine harassment incidents' has increased across the UK in proportion to the number of people taking boats out to watch marine wildlife.

'We're seeing more dolphins and whales with cut fins and scarred bodies, and more incidences of the erratic behaviour that indicates stress,' said a spokeswoman for Wildlife Trusts, which is supporting the scheme along with the World Wildlife Fund and the Shark Trust.

The scheme will be piloted in the South West, where a high proportion of Britain's large marine species can be found. If successful, it will be replicated around the country.

Speedie is confident that the WiSe logo will soon be recognised in harbours around the UK. 'It is important that both boat owners and tourists recognise the WiSe scheme to ensure future generations can enjoy our precious marine creatures,' he said. 'We want people to enjoy our marine wildlife without causing them harm.'

More information

The WiSe Scheme
The Wildlife Trusts (0870 036 7711)

WWF-UK (01483 426444)

The Shark Trust (0870 128 3045)