A pair of jetskiers have caused outrage after being caught chasing a pod of dolphins at a South Australian beach.
The two men were filmed trailing after the dolphins on Sunday near Brighton beach about 45 minutes southwest of Adelaide.
The two men were spotted on jet skis dangerously close to the dolphins. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide
Footage showed one of the men following behind the pod of dolphins while another waits behind.
A Department for Environment and Water spokesman told NewsWire they were investigating the incident.
“The Department for Environment and Water is investigating an incident where it appeared that jet skiers travelled through a pod of dolphins near Brighton on August 10,” they said.
“In South Australia, jet skis must maintain a distance of at least 300m from marine mammals and is a legal requirement for the safety of both the animals and the jet ski operators.”
It is illegal for jet skis to be within 300m of marine mammals, including dolphins. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide
All marine mammals, including whales, sea lions and dolphins, are protected in SA waters, and those caught causing harm to the marine life risk facing a $100,000 fine or up to two years imprisonment.
Speaking to the Adelaide Advertiser, locals said they “don’t need to have that sort of thing along the coastal areas”.
An investigation has been launched into the incident. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide
Resident Peter said “people that abuse animals should be severely punished”.
“They should have everything that the law has thrown against them,” he said.
“While it’s understandable to want to see animals up close, he said people needed to take care.
“If you’re on a jet ski and you see the things, paddle up to them carefully don’t chase them.”