Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson says he has reported one incident to Dyfed-Powys Police after a family in a RHIB was seen by volunteers repeatedly chasing a pod of Risso’s dolphins near Strumble Head.
“They repeatedly chased one in particular for several minutes as it tried to get away from them,” said Cliff.
(Image: Sea Trust) He added that drone footage of the incident ‘strongly suggested’ that the targeted dolphin was a pregnant female about to give birth.
“This would explain why she did not just disappear,” said Cliff. “As they can stay down for up to twenty minutes and travel underwater at 20 miles per hour.”
Risso’s dolphins are relatively rare to see off the Pembrokeshire coast as they prefer deep offshore waters.
They can grow up to 3.9 metres long and are distinguishable by their broad head without a beak.
They are a European protected species (EPS).
(Image: Sea Trust) When Cliff confronted the driver of the boat as he returned to the slip in Goodwick the man denied it, despite Sea Trust volunteers having video and photographic evidence.
This has now been handed over to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Reports have come in this week again, this time of dolphins being chased by people on aqua bikes in Ramsey Sound.
“I understand people getting excited when they see a dolphin but there is a difference between watching them from a reasonable distance and irresponsibly chasing them,” said Cliff.
“In the UK, harassing dolphins is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This act protects all cetaceans, including dolphins, from intentional or reckless disturbance, harassment, injury, or killing. Violations can result in fines up to £5,000.”
Cliff added that the law specifically prohibits deliberately or recklessly disturbing or harassing dolphins: This includes actions that cause distress, such as chasing them with boats or approaching them closely.
Cliff recommends that boat owners give dolphins a wide berth and pass them slowly.
“If the dolphins approach you or follow your boat out in the open sea that’s fine,” he said. “That’s their choice but under no circumstances should you follow them.”
Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.