Jet skiers target seals on reserve coastline

WILDLIFE chiefs have criticised jet skiers who have been deliberately driving at seals in north-east Fife.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and police have received reports of the animals being targeted at Abertay Sands, Tentsmuir.

Tentsmuir national nature reserve is one of the few places on the east coast where both grey and common seals can be found.

Tom Cunningham, SNH’s Tentsmuir national nature reserve manager, said: “These jet skiers cause massive disturbance to the seals and also upset the visitors who witness these incidents.

“We had to ask jet skiers to behave within the wildlife watching code and be aware that they could be causing seals distress and endangering them at this sensitive time of year.”

Common seals produce their pups from late May to July while grey seals produce their pups from September to December.

At these times, seal pups may not be ready to swim until they have built up a suitable blubber layer and adult seals are more sensitive and reluctant to enter the water.

The Scottish marine wildlife watching code asks anyone coming upon animals while on the water to reduce their speed to the minimum “consistent with safety” while making their movements “steady and predictable”.

Constable Lindsay Kerr, Fife police division’s wildlife and environmental crime co-ordinator, said: “I want to make it clear that anyone targeting seals is committing a crime and will be prosecuted.

“I work closely with the SNH and agree with Tom Cunningham’s comments.

“I would recommend that anyone involved in jet skiing around Tentsmuir is careful and familiarises themselves with the wildlife watching code. I want to encourage the public to enjoy the beautiful coastline around Fife but ask everyone to act responsibly and be aware of the possible impact of their activities in relation to wildlife and the environment.”