North police have launched a campaign warning anyone found disturbing cetaceans such as dolphins, whales or porpoises could face criminal charges.
Police Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Whale and Dolphin Conservation teamed up at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, one of the most famous dolphin-watching spots in the country.
Posters have been produced in a bid to educate watchers on how to stay within the law and other practical guidance relating to the watching of marine wildlife.
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Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer, Constable Daniel Sutherland said: “We entirely understand that people will want to get a good view of dolphins and other marine life off the coastline. We do not want to discourage this but want to make sure people do so responsibly with respect for the wildlife.
“We want to stop people falling foul of the law as a lot of people are not aware of what they can and cannot do. I would advise following the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code which gives comprehensive advice on how to watch whales and dolphins without disturbing them.”
During the summer of 2017, incidents included private boat operators getting too close to a pod of pilot whales near the Kessock Bridge and a kite surfer allegedly disturbing dolphins feeding at Chanonry Point.
The viewpoint at Chanonry Point near Fortrose is a popular spot for people wanting to watch dolphins in the Moray Firth.
However, a number of incidents were reported in the area last summer involving personal boats and kite surfers risking disturbance to dolphins.
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.
Alison Rose, Scottish Dolphin Centre manager, said: “Just like dolphins, people love messing about in the water.”
“We want everyone to have fun, but it’s important we are all aware that when we’re on the water we’re sharing that space with whales, dolphins and other marine mammals for whom the sea is their home.”
Local tour boats operating on the Moray Firth have signed up to the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code displaying their dedication to protecting the special creatures found in Scotland’s waters.
Ben Leyshon of SNH said: “Whales, dolphins and porpoises are spectacular to watch, but they can easily be disturbed by human activity.
“Here at Chanonry Point is one of the best places in Europe for land watching dolphins and with it being so close to the shore, it has no impact on the dolphins.
“We would encourage those who wish to view the dolphins by sea to choose an accredited operator to experience a high quality trip with low impact.”
