Man charged in connection with disturbance of pod of dolphins

A man has been charged in connection with the disturbance of a pod of dolphins off the Moray coast.

The incident is alleged to have happened off the coast of Portknockie on June 27. Police said they received a report of a boat disturbing the animals in the water.

A man has been charged in connection with the incident. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Dolphins, whales and porpoises in Scottish territorial waters are protected by law, and it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly disturb or harass them.

Constable Bryony Munro said: “We would like to remind members of the public to take care not to disturb any marine wildlife when they are encountered, and to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, whether they’re watching wildlife from the shore or sea.

“We understand many people enjoy the spectacle of seeing pods of dolphins and whales, but we must ensure we are not endangering them.

“It is vital they remain safe and protected in our seas. Anyone not adhering to the law will be investigated.

“Should you observe any human behaviour you consider to be a disturbance or harassment of dolphins, whales or other marine life, please note as much detail as you can and report the information to us.”