Boat users urged to keep clear of dolphins 10/7/14
With the summer holidays underway, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Police Scotland are advising power boat users not to get too close to dolphins, whales and porpoises.
The cetaceans are protected under the law from intentional or reckless disturbance, harassment, killing and injury.
But they risk injury if hit by fast moving craft, say wildlife officials.
The noise and changing direction of boats or jet skis can disorientate cetaceans, while reckless activity, such as driving through a school of dolphins, can separate adults from their young.
Andy Turner, SNH’s wildlife crime officer, said: “If your boat is approached by dolphins while you’re operating a power boat or jet ski, you should reduce your speed and cruise on a steady heading away from the dolphins. This gives the dolphins the chance to escape or approach.
“The Marine Code is full of useful information on how to act responsibly around our
marine wildlife – much in the same way as the Outdoor Access Code does for land-