New drone owners urged to keep safe distance from wildlife

An incident in Cornwall has prompted the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust to issue guidance to drone operators to keep their distance from wildlife, the BBC reports.

Sue Sayer, founder of the charity, saw 11 sleeping seals dart into the water after they were spooked by a drone flying overhead. She said the noise gave the sleeping seals a "massive shock" and they darted into the sea.

Such jarring movements can lead to serious injuries for seals, and it can even be fatal, Ms Sayer said.

She said drone users should always keep 100m distance from wildlife.

The incident occurred days after the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) issued a warning against using drones near starling murmurations, after a flock of birds was endangered near Brighton Pier. 

With drones becoming increasingly popular and affordable, the guidance issued by the charity will help to minimise such incidents in the future. 

The global drone market is projected to reach over £30bn this decade, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.27% from 2021 to 2027. A PWC report predicts that 76,000 drones will be in use in UK skies by 2030.

The Drone and Model Aircraft Code issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority states: "Do not fly where you’ll disturb or endanger animals and wildlife."

Ms Sayer continued: "I really enjoy drones and value the footage that they can collect, but operators should avoid flying over congregations of wildlife, the safe distance is 100 metres from land, sea and air, so respect that," she said.