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Reckless jet-skiers have been caught on camera ploughing through a colony of puffins off an important nesting ground. 

One bird was killed in what a wildlife researcher described as ‘havoc’ near Anglesey, North Wales.

The islands can only be accessed with a permit because they are vital to the survival of the vulnerable species.

Ros Green, an ecology PhD student, was on Puffin Island carrying out monitoring work on the colony.

The Bangor University confirmed another bird, a guillemot, was found dead after the incident.

She said: ‘It is incredibly rare for adult seabirds to die during the breeding season, so this jet ski death is very unusual.’

The expert said ‘hundreds of young birds’ would die if jet skiers returned in two months when the eggs are due to hatch.

New licensing rules have been brought in after a rise in the number of people visiting the area for holidays since the pandemic led to an increase in jet-skiing. 

Christian Branch of Anglesey Council appealed for users respect wildlife and follow the Anglesey Marine Code, saying: ‘There has been a large increase in jet-ski numbers due to staycations.

‘It is important that users understand and respect the sea – and the importance of not disturbing wildlife on our shores.

‘There are several important nesting bird colonies on Anglesey together with seals, dolphins and porpoises regularly seen around the coastline.’

Mr Branch said any activity involving the deliberate or reckless disturbance of a protected species is a criminal offence and ‘won’t be tolerated’.

He added: ‘We know that the majority of those who use our coastal waters for recreational purposes are responsible – but there are, unfortunately, some who are not.

‘Anglesey’s Maritime Team is working closely with jet-ski groups such as PWC Gwynedd/Anglesey – but it is extremely difficult to police and enforce irresponsible behaviour everywhere and all the time.’

RSPB Cymru warned irresponsible jet ski use can have ‘grave consequences’ for marine wildlife.

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