An Elgin man has appeared in court accused of disturbing a pod of dolphins with his boat in the Lossiemouth area.
Bogdan Luca is accused of deliberately driving his boat through the group off the coast of Lossiemouth earlier this year.
The charge against the 42-year-old states he “did drive a boat at and over the pod dolphins causing them disturbance”.
It’s alleged he did that “intentionally or recklessly” committed the offence in the North Sea near Lossiemouth Harbour on March 25.
Luca, of Duff Avenue, Elgin, attended the town’s sheriff court but did not take to the dock. His solicitor instead asked for his case to be continued without plea for one month.
She said: “Whales, dolphins and porpoises are wonderful to watch but we need to remember that they are a protected species and it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly disturb or harass them.
“If you are out on the water and are lucky enough to see dolphins or whales then the main thing is to keep your distance, slow your speed and if animals come close to your vessel then do not make any sudden changes in your speed or direction of travel.
“Please do not chase or repeatedly approach them try to scatter them or swim with them. Let the animals be in control of the encounter and if they choose to depart or not to interact then this should be respected.”
She said that signs that the animals are disturbed can be subtle such as tail slapping or swimming speed. However, if it appears an animal is disturbed, then it is recommended to slow down and stay back.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow the Scottish Marine Watching Code.
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