Public asked to avoid marina as walrus takes 'much needed rest'

Members of the public have been asked to avoid a marina in North-East Scotland after a walrus was spotted resting.

The animal was spotted resting on Tuesday, as confirmed in a social media post.

The area has now been cordoned off to the public as the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team assess the walrus.

The rescue group has asked for the precise location of the latest sighting “not to be publicised” to avoid crowds gathering.

A post from the marina read: “Please keep clear of area. A walrus is currently taking much needed rest on one of our fingers at the marina.

“As incredible as it is to see, we have cordoned off the area and ask that you keep well clear and quiet so as not to disturb him. Thank you.

“The British Divers Marine Life Rescue team is on the way.”

A spokesperson for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue said that the walrus is the same one recently identified in Orkney.

Similar sightings of the animal, believed to be injured and young, were seen on the Isle of Stronsay last Friday, and at a jetty in mainland Scotland on Tuesday.

A statement read: “Following the recent sighting of an injured walrus in Orkney, British Divers Marine Life Rescue have received reports on the 21 April of a walrus resting in a harbour in mainland north east Scotland. This animal is very likely to be the same individual seen in Orkney, we are awaiting photo-identification to be confirmed.

“As with previous Arctic visitors, this is likely a young animal travelling in unfamiliar waters. Walruses are occasional visitors to UK shores, with sightings increasing in recent years – thought to be linked to loss of sea ice habitats in the Arctic. These animals rely heavily on undisturbed rest to conserve energy during long journeys.

“Unfortunately, past incidents have shown that even with management in place, disturbance can and does still occur. Crowds, noise, drones and attempts to get closer for photos can cause the animals significant stress, sometimes forcing them back into the water prematurely or preventing them from resting altogether.”