A man has been formally warned by police after using his jet ski to deliberately harass a pod of dolphins in Cornwall. The incident took place in St Austell Bay in June, where the man approached the marine mammals and allegedly encouraged others to join him.
Devon and Cornwall Police identified the local resident and issued him with a community protection warning for violating the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb dolphins, porpoises, whales, and basking sharks.
The warning includes a strict condition prohibiting the man from following or pursuing any marine wildlife in any watercraft. A breach could lead to prosecution under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.
Police Sergeant Martin Easter condemned the man’s actions, stating: “We’re lucky to have a vast amount of wildlife across the bays in Cornwall. Whilst sightings of these animals is exciting, it’s important we respect their space. In this case, the individual had no regard for the dolphins or how his deliberate behaviour could cause a disturbance, even hailing for more people to come over and join him in doing so.”
Sgt Easter added: “Our ask is that people enjoy our waters, but to make sure they do so safely and responsibly.” Officers advise staying at least 100 metres (330 feet) away from marine mammals, and if that is not possible, to give them as much space as they can.
