About Us
Operation Seabird:
Collective guardianship for thriving UK blue spaces
Operation Seabird is a UK wide movement built on collaboration, care and shared responsibility. We bring together communities, conservation organisations, enforcement agencies and partners to protect marine, coastal and estuarine wildlife. Our purpose is to empower people to enjoy blue spaces responsibly while ensuring wildlife and habitats have the space and protection they need to thrive.
At the heart of Operation Seabird is a simple belief: when people understand the impact of their actions, they choose to protect what they love. Our work focuses on engaging people, explaining the science and educating communities so that disturbance is prevented long before enforcement is ever needed.
A preventative approach to growing pressure on wildlife
Across the UK, wildlife faces increasing disturbance from recreational activity, unintentional encounters, drones, watercraft and rising footfall. These pressures affect species during their most vulnerable moments — breeding, resting and feeding.
From local beginnings to a national guardianship framework
Operation Seabird began in 2020 along the Yorkshire coast, where volunteers, conservation groups and enforcement partners saw that fragmented messaging was making protection harder. By working together, a shared framework emerged — one rooted in the Four Es: Engage, Explain, Educate, Enforce.
This community led model proved effective, trusted and adaptable. It has since grown into a national framework used across UK coasts and estuaries, and has contributed directly to the development of the UK Government’s Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Operation Seabird exists to make guardianship easy. Whether you’re a beach visitor, paddleboarder, dog walker, harbour manager or community leader, we provide the tools, clarity and confidence you need to enjoy blue spaces while protecting the wildlife that depends on them
Sharing Space With Care
By being mindful of our presence and choices, we create space for wildlife to rest, feed and raise their young without disruption.
We focus on simple, proactive actions that prevent disturbance long before it happens — actions that work everywhere, without needing to interpret how wildlife is feeling.
We encourage people to:
- give wildlife generous space at all times
- stay predictable and move calmly through shared areas
- keep noise low around cliffs, haul-outs and nesting sites
- avoid shingle spits, saltmarsh and sensitive habitats
- choose routes and activities that minimise impact
- keep dogs close, on a short lead, or consider leaving them at home in sensitive seasons or locations
These small, considerate choices protect vulnerable species during critical times and help everyone enjoy blue spaces respectfully.
What to Do if You See Disturbance or an Animal in Trouble
If you witness disturbance, find an injured animal or see someone in danger, knowing who to contact keeps people and wildlife safe.
- Wildlife crime or disturbance happening now: Call 999 (Police) and quote “Operation Seabird”
- Live stranded or injured dolphins, whales or seals: BDMLR — 0800 090 3622
- Injured birds or general wildlife concerns: RSPCA Wildlife Hotline — 0300 123 4999
- Coastal emergencies involving people: 999 — ask for Coastguard or VHF Channel 16
- Past disturbance / suspected wildlife crime: NWCU — 07834 705 191 or 101, quoting Operation Seabird
Helpful details: date, time, exact location (W3W/GPS), species involved and what happened.
Wildlife-Aware Choices for Every Visit
We share simple, memorable actions that protect wildlife:
- stay at least 100 m from seals, dolphins and whales
- travel at no-wake speed within 300 m of cliffs, shorelines and seabird rafts
- avoid sensitive habitats such as shingle spits and saltmarsh
- keep visits calm, quiet and predictable
- enjoy wildlife for short periods, leaving an escape route
Learning, Discovery & Building Confidence
Our guides, animations and learning modules help people understand seasonal sensitivities, choose low-impact routes and enjoy blue spaces in ways that support wildlife wellbeing.
Animated Explainers & Shared Media
Short animations offer friendly introductions to wildlife-wise behaviour.
Our featured film — Watching Wildlife on the Yorkshire Coast — captures the heart of Operation Seabird: positive engagement, simple actions and shared responsibility.
Tools & Support for Custodians and Communities
We support coastal custodians by sharing:
- co-designed toolkits
- signage templates
- behaviour checklists
- best-practice guidance
We can also connect groups with experienced volunteers through our Collaboration Hub.
A Shared Commitment to Thriving Blue Spaces
Operation Seabird is built on collective guardianship.
Your actions matter.
Your choices protect.
Together, we create blue spaces where wildlife and people can flourish.
Incident Signposting
Clear, calm signposting helps people reach the right organisation quickly and safely when they’re worried about wildlife or witness disturbance.
Wildlife crime or disturbance happening now
999 (Police) — quote “Operation Seabird”
Live stranded or injured dolphins, whales or seals
BDMLR — 0800 090 3622
Injured birds or general wildlife concerns
RSPCA Wildlife Hotline — 0300 123 4999
Coastal emergencies involving people
999 — ask for Coastguard or VHF Channel 16
Past disturbance or suspected wildlife crime
NWCU — 07834 705 191 or 101, quoting Operation Seabird
Helpful details: date, time, exact location (W3W/GPS), species involved and what happened.
Education
Our learning resources are currently in development.
We’re building a suite of guides, animations and short e-modules designed to support responsible enjoyment of blue spaces and help people feel confident around wildlife.
These resources will offer clear, accessible information for visitors, communities, custodians and recreational users — all shaped through collaboration across the guardianship network.
Contact
Until our full system is launched, all enquiries can be directed to:
operationseabird@yahoo.com
This includes:
- general enquiries
- partnership & organisational contact
- volunteer interest
- media enquiries
- funding & support
- donating & fundraising
Map
Our interactive guardianship map helps people:
- find organisations
- discover events
- explore local custodians
- join the network
Organisations
A directory showcasing partner organisations, including:
- where they operate
- what they do
- social media links
- how they contribute to guardianship
Event Diary
A calendar of Engagement Days, training sessions, community events and seasonal wildlife-aware activities.
Impacts and Stories
Stories and quotes from guardians across the network, sharing what this movement means to them.
Get Involved
Be part of a growing national movement that protects our coasts, estuaries, and blue spaces through education, guardianship, and collective action. Every contribution — time, energy, or funding — helps us create safer shores for wildlife and more connected communities across the UK.