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Police Scotland warns people not to disturb whales and dolphins after incidents in Moray Firth and near Kessock Bridge at Inverness in recent years


By Philip Murray

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A bottlenose dolphin.
A bottlenose dolphin.

WILDLIFE fans are being warned not to disturb marine species in the Moray Firth – following a number of incidents in recent years.

Police Scotland wildlife officers are looking to raise awareness of the harm that can be caused – and warned that disturbing whales and dolphins is a criminal offence punishable by fines of up to £5000.

In recent years, incidents have included private boat operators getting too close to pods of pilot whales near the Kessock Bridge, kite surfers and other private boat users allegedly disturbing dolphins feeding at Chanonry Point and beyond.

And police warned that people who disturb such animals risk injuring them or worse.

It has urged people to stick to special viewpoints such as Chanonry Point or official boat trips.

There warning comes after a poster campaign in 2018 led to a decrease in the number of incidents recorded. However there were still some incidents and officers are keen to cut the figure even further.

Wildlife Crime Liaison officer Constable Daniel Sutherland said: "I am pleased that there has been a reduction in the number of reported incidents of cetacean disturbance in the last year but it is important that we continue to raise awareness of the issue to help prevent criminal incidents occurring.

"It is also important that members of the public continue to report any concerns they may have by calling 101 so we can take prompt action if an incident does happen.

"There is generally an increase in the number marine craft operating around Scotland’s coast during the summer months and this naturally leads to an increase in the likelihood of an encounter with a cetacean.

"I understand that people want the best possible sightings, sometimes for a good photo and often simply for the experience of being close to these amazing creatures, and I do not want to discourage this but I want to make sure people do so responsibly with respect for the wildlife.

"We strongly recommend that anyone watching marine wildlife keeps their distance and follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code.

"This offers practical guidance for everyone who watches marine wildlife around Scotland, whether they are on the shore or at sea – and will help you stay within the law."

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994. This includes protection from disturbance - whether it be reckless or deliberate - harassment, killing and injury, with offences subject to a fine of up to £5000.

Alice Walters, Whale and Dolphin Conservation policy officer, said: "Our key aim is to stop disturbance before it happens by raising awareness of the issues.

"Significant human disturbance, or harassment, is illegal and can drive dolphins from the places that are important for them.

"Everyone is excited to encounter whales and dolphins. Social media interest, particularly around unusual sightings such as orca, humpbacks and the Thames beluga nicknamed 'Benny', can draw crowds of people, all hoping to get a close view.

"They can be unaware of how to behave around them, so most disturbance is unintentional. A good encounter is one that is enjoyable for you and the whales or dolphins."




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