Brixham police have reminded people that it is an offence to disturb the current visitor to Start Bay and Torbay.
The humpback whale has been seen around the Start bay area for the last few weeks and more recently off Brixham.
The whale was seen breaching off Berry Head on Monday, 13th March.
We we lucky enough to see the whale from a distance but were told by others at Berry Head that a speed boat had tried to get too close and the whale had then left the area.
So today the Humpback Whale was off Berry Head 10:45-12:45, then back in Start Bay 15:45-18:30!
— Sea & Sky (@SeaSkywatch) March 13, 2017
Posting on social media today, Brixham police said:
“Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Crime Officer; PC Josh Marshall has received information regarding persons in boats and other watercraft getting or attempting to get close to our current Humpback Whale visitor.
“A polite warning;
Under the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981, it is an offence to recklessly or intentionally disturb a schedule 5 animal, a Humpback Whale is covered by this legislation.
“With this in mind, although it’s an amazing animal, persons utilising any form of watercraft to get close to our current visitor which is frequenting Start Bay and Torbay, is potentially committing a criminal offence.
“Please keep away!”
