Photo Tips for Protected Coastal Areas

August-September 2002

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Text courtesy of Gwaii Haanas National Park and Haida Heritage site

• Intertidal animals are very particular about where they live. Please leave them where you find them. You would not think to move a bear into position for a photo; please give intertidal life the same respect.

• Nurseries for intertidal creatures are often under the gravel where you can not see them. Please do not trample intertidal areas. Float through areas to get pictures of an ecosystem in action.

• Noisy boats disturb marine mammals, but kayaks can be quite startling as the animal does not know that you are there until you are too close for its comfort. Please stay at least 100 metres or 300 feet from any marine mammal.

• Do not approach sea lion rookeries or haulouts to photograph them. Rookeries are especially sensitive in June and early July. This is pupping time. If you get too close, the animals will leave the rookery for the water. Sea lion pups can not swim when first born and can get crushed or drown in the adults’ rush off the rocks.

• Please respect the space of all wildlife. Any energy they expend in dashing away from you, or in protecting their young from you, is energy they do not have to feed themselves, or to save themselves from a predator.

• Seabirds often nest in burrows in the ground. These burrows can be difficult to see and trampling a burrow can endanger birds at nesting time, or remove a home for next season. When photographing seabirds, please use lenses, not feet, to get yourself close to the burrows or birds.
  

• Photographing any wildlife takes patience. Approach slowly. If you see any sign of unusual behaviour or sudden movement, back off.

• Eelgrass meadows are an area where many marine creatures breed, or stay for protection from predators and lowtide. Do not walk through these areas if at all possible. You may be trampling more than you know. Creatures found in these meadows can be found in other habitats at other times. Learn the habitats and photograph the creatures when and where it is best for them.

• Totem poles often look more solid than they are. Please do not touch the poles or other cultural items. Though intended to return to the earth, you might accidentally speed up that process, changing the experience for those that come after you.

• Know the area in which you are photographing. Many areas are protected because of their unique plant species including moss and lichens. Be careful moving through the forest, or where you sit / lie down to take your photos.