2007 Sea Life Spotting Competition

PLEASE NOTE THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

Send in your best sea life pictures or video clips and win a meal for two

Locals and visitors are being asked to send in their best photographs or video clips, of any sea life spotted in the waters around the Isle of Man, especially whales, sharks and dolphins. There are two categories, shore sightings and sea sightings, and the best received will win a meal for 2 people at their favourite restaurant.

We are especially looking for whales, sharks and dolphins. So get out there and start snapping for your chance to win.

The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers. Email images, in a jpeg format, video clips, up to one minute in length or a maximum size of 5 megabytes, and photographs should be sent to the following address: Anna Hemy, Department of Tourism & Leisure, St Andrew's House, Douglas IM1 2PX.

Terms and Conditions

• The Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure retains the rights to use the images in any future publicity
• By entering the competition, you are giving the Department of Tourism and Leisure the right to contact you for future publicity in relation to the image
• Images will not be returned
• The closing date for entries is the 28th September 2007
• The judges decision is final
• Entrants should refer to the news section on the Manx Whale & Dolphin Watch website for advice
• Entrants are asked to adhere to the Code of Conduct listed below

Code of Conduct

• Keep your distance. never go closer than 100m (200m for two boats) with no more than three boats at any one time
• Never drive head on to or move between, scatter or seperate marine animals, in particular dolphins
• Please spend no longer than 15 minutes near animals
• Avoid groups with mothers and young
• Maintain a steady direction and slow "no wake" speed
• Never dispose of any rubbish and contaminants into the sea
• Never try to swim with dolphins and basking sharks for your safety and theirs

Where & When

The best periods to see Whales & Dolphins is from May to September between the times 6am - 9am & 6pm - 9pm or all day during August & September. Some locations of previous sightings are as follows:

• The area bewteen Douglas Head & Little Ness
• The Eastern side of Langness
• South West of the Island

	The Common Dolphin Picture was taken to the South West of the Island and is courtesy of The Isle of Man Fisheries Protection Vessel Barrule
	The Harbour Porpoise Picture was taken off Langness and is courtesy of Mike Craine
	The Minke Whale Picture was taken in Laxey Bay and is courtesy of Ben Hill