A MARINE policing team has urged visitors to “respect” dolphins and other wildlife when in the waters around Dorset during the heatwave.

The plea to protect the aquatic creatures came with a reminder of the legal implications of disturbing them by the Dorset Marine Policing Team.

A spokesperson said: “As the warmer weather arrives residents and visitors to Dorset may be lucky enough to see our resident dolphins Will and Harry.

“Sadly, the well-known and widely loved Danny was involved in a fatal collision with a ship in October 2020.

“Please remember to respect our wildlife and enjoy our waters responsibly.”

Dolphins, porpoises and whales are protected by legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Under the Act it is an offence to intentionally and/or recklessly disturb these animals, with offences of disturbance carrying a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

Disturbance by boats often causes stress and harm to these creatures, affecting their ability to feed, breed or nurture their young.

Advice given includes:

  • Stay 100 metres away from the animals
  • Avoid groups of mothers and young completely
  • Switch engines into neutral if animals actively come over to boats

The spokesperson added: “Animals must not be actively pursued when they move away, and where they bow ride alongside vessels, vessels should not increase their speed or change course. Animals must not be touched as this could be considered an offence.

“If you see dolphins, porpoise or whales being disturbed, please contact your nearest MMO office or local police force wildlife crime officer on 101.”