Dolphin watchers yesterday expressed concern that wildlife will be put in jeopardy by an increase in commercial boats using the Moray Firth, including Inverness Marina, and a proposed new boat centre at Whiteness along the coast.
But Inverness Marina yesterday denied that numbers of commercial operators will rise from their centre, although some companies are seeking to move their operations to the base from the nearby harbour.
The marina opened last year with 147 berths and has attracted visitors from throughout the UK and overseas.
Outline plans for a 500-berth marina at the former fabrication yard at Whiteness, Ardersier, were approved in 2006.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society said that a recent independent study by the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University showed that the Inner Moray Firth may be at capacity for recreational vessels.
The society’s head of policy Sarah Dolman said that, when commercial craft were added, the capacity was being “far exceeded”.
She added: “Allowing the dolphin-watching industry to carry on growing without the benefit of solid research to demonstrate that such growth is within sustainable parameters is dangerous for the animals and a commercial ‘own goal’ for the local dolphin-watching industry.
“This decision is against the spirit both of the SAC and of the Dolphin Space Programme, a scheme set up to ensure that the dolphin-watching industry in the Moray Firth is both safe and responsible and which both the society and, ironically, Inverness Harbour are members.”
But Inverness Marina managing director Jamie Hogan said that there would be no increase in commercial boats at their facility.
He said the marina was a base for two sailing schools and that two wildlife watching trip operators hoped to move there in future.
This includes a new company operating one vessel, and an established firm which has recently reduced its boats from two to one.
Mr Hogan said that both have to seek licences from various bodies, including Highland Council and the pace programme, to operate at the marina.