Whale watchers warned to keep their distance

Police are warning people in the South West to be responsible when watching marine wildlife.

After an increase in whale sightings recently, Devon and Cornwall Police said it had received reports of people disturbing them to get a closer look.

Officers said people should keep at least 100m (328ft) away from whales and other marine wildlife, avoiding mothers and calves completely, and never pursuing animals if they move away.

PC Lee Skinner, a rural affairs officer, said: "As the weather starts to warm up, it's important people visiting coastal areas consider the wellbeing of marine wildlife and take steps to prevent any unnecessary disruption."

PC Skinner said people should keep "a safe distance away from whales, seals and other marine wildlife", keep noise noise to a minimum and ensure dogs were on leads.

He said people should never touch marine mammals and switch boat engines to neutral if approached by them.

The force said it had partnered with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for Operation Seabird - a national initiative which aims to tackle marine wildlife disturbance and promote responsible wildlife watching.

Anyone who witnesses the disturbance of marine wildlife was asked to report it to police or the MMO.

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