Seals and other protected wildlife are being put at risk by jet skis riding in a protected area, a conservation charity warned after \u201cworrying\u201d footage was captured this week.<\/p>\n
Kent Wildlife Trust says the clip, which shows at least six vehicles breaking waves and speeding up close to the shore near Pegwell Bay, could cause serious harm to the important nature site and the animals that live there.<\/p>\n
The area between Ramsgate and Sandwich is home to a colony of seals and several sensitive bird species and is regarded as a nationally and internationally significant habitat.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the charity said: \u201cWe received this worrying footage of jet skiers close to Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve.<\/p>\n
\u201cDisturbance from recreational watercraft, including jet skis, is an ongoing concern, especially during crucial periods like shore-nesting season.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven brief disruption can cause birds to abandon nests or seals to flee, putting their survival at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder the Thanet Beaches and Coast Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), disturbing wildlife is an offence.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you witness wildlife disturbance, please report it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jet skiers at Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate. Picture: Kent Wildlife Trust<\/p>\n
The footage shows a couple of the vehicles creating a wash as they power up close to the shoreline before moving out at higher speed past the marked buoys.<\/p>\n
The PSPO, which covers the Pegwell Bay area and is managed by Thanet District Council (TDC), states that the use of watercraft in a manner that poses a risk to the safety of people or wildlife or has the potential to cause harassment, alarm and distress to any other beach or coast users, residents or wildlife is prohibited.<\/p>\n
It is not the first time concerns have been raised over the use of jet skis in Pegwell Bay.<\/p>\n