W.A.V.E. Workshop - Hilton Head Island

Become a W.A.V.E. Ambassador! Join the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network for our half-day workshop geared towards commercial boaters and businesses on the water to learn Wildlife Awareness & Viewing Etiquette, with a focus on local marine mammal and sea turtle species.

South Carolina waters are home to several marine mammal and sea turtle species. Boaters often share the same waterways, creating a dynamic coexistence where responsible boating and viewing practices are essential to minimize the impact on ecosystems and species that inhabit these environments.

In Charleston alone, our population of about 300 Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins must navigate around thousands of recreational and commercial vessels daily. Despite dolphins being federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, there have been long-standing issues of human interaction towards these dolphins, with boat strikes and entanglements in marine debris being common causes of mortality. Illegal feeding, touching, and harassment also continues to be a source of disturbance to local dolphins.

Four species of sea turtles (loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green and leatherback) can also be found in South Carolina's near shore waters April through November, or nesting on our beaches from May through October. Sea turtles face significant threats including accidental capture in commerical fisheries, nesting site disturbance, and collisions with boats, all of which jeopardize their reproductive success and overall population health.

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) is launching the W.A.V.E. Workshop in response to these issues with the mission of promoting responsible boating and viewing of wildlife in our local waterways.

Workshop Highlights:

1. Species Identification: Learn to identify the various marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtle species found in South Carolina's coastal waters. Understand their behaviors, habitats, and significance in the local marine ecosystem.
   
2. Conservation Challenges: Explore the unique conservation challenges faced by marine mammals and sea turtles in South Carolina, including boat and fishing-related threats, and the impact of human activities on their populations.
   
3. Responsible Viewing Guidelines: Gain insights into responsible viewing practices that minimize disturbance to marine life. Understand the importance of responsibly viewing wildlife from boats, from land, and from the air.
   
4. Legislation and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the existing legislation and regulations in South Carolina aimed at protecting marine mammals and sea turtles. Learn how compliance contributes to the preservation of these species.
   
5. The Role of Advertising: Discuss the role of advertising in promoting responsible wildlife viewing. Learn how you can advertise for your business in ways that don't promote engaging with wildlife in ways that may lead to disturbance or harassment.
   
6. Q&A Session: Have your questions answered by marine biologists and conservation experts. Guest speakers include SCDNR Sea Turtle Program, NOAA National Ocean Service and NOAA Law Enforcement. Gain valuable insights into specific issues related to marine mammals and sea turtles in South Carolina.

Who Should Attend:

• Eco-tour and sightseeing cruise operators
• Commercial fishermen
• Ferries and water taxis operators
• Charter boats
• Water sports and recreation companies
• Transportation and shipping companies
• Naturalists
• Wildlife enthusiasts

Participants will also leave with educational outreach materials and merchandise indicating they are W.A.V.E. Ambassadors. Businesses who attend the program will also be recognized on LMMN’s website and promoted as being stewards for the environment who support responsible viewing and conservation of marine wildlife.

Host or Publisher Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network