DOLPHINS, whales and porpoises are being disturbed by tourists on marine excursions off the Scottish coast, a leading wildlife protection group has warned.
Police are investigating several incidents where sightseers have gone too close to the marine mammals including one when a visitor taking photographs off Shetland allegedly circled a pod of killer whales too closely off and split the pod.
There have been concerns that dolphins are being distressed at Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth - one of the most popular places for seeing the creatures - and also in Aberdeen Harbour.
Reports have been raised too about tourist vessels going too close to humpback whales at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve in Montrose as well as continuing fears over jet skiers going too close to dolphins on the River Tay, particularly near Broughty Ferry.
Whales, dolphins and porpoises, collectively called cetaceans, are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.
It is illegal to disturb them and anyone convicted of doing so, whether deliberately or recklessly, can face a fine up of to £5,000.
The Scottish Government-led Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland (PAW Scotland) is now urging boat and marine craft operators to respect Scotland's marine wildlife or they could risk endangering themselves and the mammals.
Sergeant Andrew Mavin, Police Scotland wildlife crime co-ordinator, said: "We've received several reports of boat operators getting far too close to cetaceans, sometimes apparently following them to get a good photograph. These animals are extremely powerful and people shouldn't get too close for obvious reasons.
"There is also a possibility of injury to the animals themselves from boats and other marine craft.
"There are clear guidelines available for watching marine wildlife, so ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
"I encourage anyone witnessing a suspected crime to contact police Scotland on 101 as soon as possible. Details of the boat or craft are essential to help us identify the operator."
Dr Fiona Manson, marine ecology adviser with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said: "I'd encourage anyone visiting the coast for wildlife watching to read the Scottish marine wildlife watching code.
"It provides clear advice on how to act responsibly to keep within the law and also on how to get the most out of your wildlife watching."
If approached by cetaceans, boat operators are advised to reduce speed and cruise on a steady course heading away from the creatures.
They are also advised to avoid rapid changes of direction and high revving engines, as this can disorientate the creatures, and never to put a boat in the way of the mammals escape out to sea - for instance, by blocking them in a harbour or bay.
The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland (PAW Scotland) represents a wide range of bodies concerned with the prevention and tackling of crimes against wildlife.
It includes agencies such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Police Scotland and prosecutors as well as organisations representing a wide range of conservation and land management interests.
Marine tourism has increased in popularity over recent years. It is worth hundreds of millions every year to the Scottish economy and is set to soar over the coming years.
A strategic plan for Scotland’s marine tourism sector, drawn up by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in 2015, estimated it was worth grow around £360m a year and could grow to £450m by 2020.
William Simmonds, 47, a former fisherman who runs Minch Adventures, in Mallaig, in the Highlands, said most of his customers were from London as well as from further afield including Spain, Germany and the United States.
"Many of the visitors have high end jobs in London and just want to get away from it all and go somewhere remote and wild," he said.
"I don't pitch my trips as primarily about seeing dolphins and basking sharks but as more of a sea adventure where we explore remote coves and hear about Jacobite history. If we do see dolphins or basking sharks that's a bonus. But I would always stand off from any wildlife. I was a fisherman all my life and I have a big respect for the ocean."
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