Authorities have launched an investigation into a serious breach of marine safety after two jet-ski riders were seen dangerously close to a pod of dolphins near Seacliff and Brighton beaches in Adelaide. This alarming incident, which took place on Sunday afternoon, has raised significant concerns, prompting the Department of Environment and Water to take action.
Eyewitnesses captured video footage that is expected to be vital in the ongoing investigation. The footage allegedly shows one jet-ski rider speeding into the midst of the dolphin pod while another remains nearby. The Department characterised this event as one of the most severe breaches of marine regulations seen in recent years. According to spokesperson Lisien Loan, the jet-skiers disrupted the dolphins’ natural swimming behaviour, constituting a violation of established safety guidelines.
Current regulations stipulate that jet-skis must maintain a distance of at least 300 metres from marine mammals. If riders unintentionally approach a pod of dolphins, they are required to shut off their engines immediately. The breach has raised alarms concerning the welfare of the dolphin pod, which has drawn considerable attention from local beachgoers.
Local dolphin behaviour expert, Melissa Blewitt, noted that the incident caused the dolphins to become agitated, altering their behaviour and moving away from the main group. She emphasised the importance of increasing public awareness about responsible interactions with marine life and called for stricter penalties for those who flout marine safety rules.
The Department of Environment and Water is determined to identify those responsible for this reckless behaviour, promising that they will face serious legal repercussions. Those found guilty of interfering with marine wildlife could face fines of up to $100,000 or even two years in prison. The investigation is still underway, and authorities are committed to ensuring that marine safety regulations are upheld and respected in the future.