Coastal men's disruptions of dolphin gatherings might lead to jail sentences
Two Jet Ski Riders Facing Serious Penalties for Disturbing Dolphins in Australia
In a recent incident off the coast of Adelaide, two jet ski riders are facing potential fines of up to 100,000 Australian dollars or up to two years in prison for allegedly disturbing a group of dolphins.
The incident, which occurred near popular beaches, was captured on video by eyewitnesses, showing one of the men speeding through a group of dolphins. Some of the dolphins became restless and separated from the main group due to the disturbance.
According to local dolphin behavior researcher Melissa Blewitt, the two jet ski riders were very close to the dolphins and disrupted their swimming direction, clearly violating the regulations. She called for greater public awareness of responsible behavior towards marine life.
Under the Parks and Wildlife Act in South Australia, interfering with a marine mammal like a dolphin carries a maximum penalty of $100,000 or two years imprisonment. Jet skis are specifically prohibited from operating within 300 meters of marine animals because of their potential to disturb these mammals with loud noise and erratic movement.
While boats and kayaks may approach sea mammals as close as 50 meters, jet skis face stricter regulations due to their disruptive nature. This legal framework aims to protect dolphin pods and other marine wildlife from disturbance and harm caused by jet ski riders getting too close or charging through them.
The local environment and water authority (DEW) reported the incident and is currently trying to identify the two jet ski riders involved. The authority did not provide any additional details about the identification process. The incident is considered one of the most serious violations in recent years and is considered one of the most serious cases in recent times regarding animal protection rules violation.
The penalties for disturbing dolphins with jet skis in Australia can be severe. This applies under the Parks and Wildlife Act, as enforced by South Australian authorities. Additional sources affirm that penalties apply for disturbance of marine wildlife generally, though specific fines and jail terms vary by state or territory.
[1] Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (SA) [2] DEW - Marine Life
