Warning to wild swimmers after Newburgh seal stampede incident

Police and conservation group Ythan Seal watch have cautioned wild swimmers after video footage emerged showing an adult swimming towards the haul out, which caused a rush of animals into the water.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We were sent this video at the end of last week.

"It shows a swimmer who has left Newburgh beach and swam over the Ythan to the Marine Scotland designated Seal haul-out on Forvie NNR.

"The swimmer approached the Seals from the seaward side and caused a stampede and the Seals to leave the beach and flush into the water.

"These are both actions that can constitute harassment on the site and incidents like this should be reported to Police Scotland on 101.

"It is the visitors responsibility when carrying out activities like this to research where they are doing them and what protection wildlife has.

"However new signs and interpretation boards will be provided with the upgrades at the car park.

"Incidents like this also help with what information is needed to prevent incidents like this happening again."

They continued:"We also need to emphasise the dangers involved with this kind of activity.

"Swimming around a breeding seal haul-out approaching autumn dressed in black is not advisable or safe, despite how many videos on social media make that look to be the case.

"We hope that members of the wild swimming community will share this information and as always if you have any question on seal encounters and best practices (not just at the Ythan) you are more than welcome to contact us for advice.

"We have done this in the past and is one of the more positive aspects of what we do. "

Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer, PC Hannah Haywood, said: "It is understandable that people want to watch the wildlife which lives in our waters and on the coastline but it is vitally important that this is done responsibly without disturbing the animals.

"We would recommend anyone watching marine wildlife keep their distance and follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code. This offers practical guidance for everyone who watches marine wildlife around Scotland, whether they are on the shore or at sea – and will help you stay within the law.

"We would encourage anyone witnessing a suspected crime to contact us."

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 or using the Contact Us form on the Police Scotland website. https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/

Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.