Good Year for Peregrines in Cornwall

We are glad to report on an excellent breeding season for Peregrines in Cornwall so far this year with no reported incidents of persecution!! This rather charming individual above was ringed at a nest site in west Cornwall earlier this season by one of our Wildlife Crimes Officers. Keep an eye out for 'HH' in the skies near you as he/she has now fledged succesfully!!

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO DOLPHIN INCIDENT

We are sure you are all aware by now of the dolphin harassment incident at Padstow on Saturday 20th July. We are appealing for witnesses to the incident to call the police wildlife crimes team on 101. We especially want to hear from you if you have VIDEO FOOTAGE. This is critical when it comes to viewing the behaviour of the animals so an expert witness can tell us how they are being harassed.

 

There has been a lot of comments on social media about this incident including some from possible witnesses. We would appeal to those people to also call the police. Some of the comments have been very negative about the police, so may we take this opportunity to assure you we will be investigating this crime thoroughly with a view to prosecuting any offenders identified.

http://www.nwcu.police.uk/news/wildlife-crime-press-coverage/cornwall-dolphin-boat-death-investigated/

Marine Wildlife Harrassed to Death!!

A pod of 25 Bottlenose Dolphins in Padstow yesterday afternoon was harassed by over 20 pleasure boats, resulting in a young animal being run over and probably killed. Police are investigating and any witnesses should phone 101.

 

The harassment of Dolphins, Whale and Porpoises (as well as other marine animals) is a criminal offence. If you see it happening then phone the police on 999 immediately. Never put yourself in danger, but if you can, make a note of any distinguishing colours or marks on the vessels causing the harassment. If you have a mobile phone, take video or photos to pass to the police.

The Law

Cetaceans are offered protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, as amended, and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. It is an offence:

• to deliberately or recklessly capture, kill, injure or disturb any

whale, dolphin or porpoise;

• to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any

whale, dolphin or porpoise;

• to deliberately or recklessly harass any whale, dolphin, or

porpoise.

Bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise are both listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive 1992 as species of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). All whales, dolphins and porpoises are listed on Annex IV as species of community interest in need of strict protection, referred to as European Protected Species.

 

For further info SEE HERE

  

NWCU coordination smashes global ivory smuggling ring

(Picture from NWCU website)

An Auckland man has been fined NZ$12,000 for illegally importing ivory.  His conviction comes as a result of coordinated UK enquiries by the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Gloucestershire Police and UK Border Force which resulted in the successful UK conviction of Antiques dealer Alex Maw for selling ivory ornaments online (Sept 2012) For Full story SEE HERE