Police seek jet skiers after bottlenose dolphin disturbance: Aberdeen
(AB11 - Thursday, 10 June, 2010)

Grampian Police is appealing for information as to the identity of two male jet skiers who were allegedly disturbing or harassing a pod of bottlenose dolphins at the mouth of Aberdeen harbour.

The incident occurred around 4pm on Wednesday 2 June 2010 and one of the jet skis is red and white while the other is green and black in colour.

Force Wildlife Crime Officer Dave MacKinnon said:

"The mouth of Aberdeen harbour is an excellent place to view dolphins which are regularly seen here as it is an important feeding location for these animals.

"On the day of this incident, it was hot and sunny and there would have been lots of people enjoying the good weather on and around Aberdeen beach front.

"There is legislation which protects cetaceans - which includes dolphins - from intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment.

"People who own or use jet skis in the north east stand a good chance of coming into contact with these animals and it is important that they understand how to behave around them to ensure they stay within the law.

"The general advice with regards jet skis and boats is not to approach within 50 metres, cut engine speed and do not chase or follow these animals.

"Let them take the decision to come to you rather than the other way round."

Sue Edwards of Seawatch Foundations said:

"All dolphins are at risk when being driven at by irresponsible jet ski riders.

"Dolphins at the harbour have enough to deal with from ships, safety boats and pilot boat traffic coming in and out of the harbour.

"Aberdeen harbour mouth is one of their main feeding places along the east Grampian coast and these dolphins have small calves with them at any time of year.

"Dolphins can be seen here with injuries - evidence of ship propeller strikes.

"Although jet skis do not have propellers, dolphins are extremely vulnerable to disturbance from the noise of jet skis.

"Because they have to come up to breathe, they are easily pursued by these machines, and can be severely injured in collisions."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Grampian Police on 0845 6005700.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Aberdeen harbour
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB11