Concern Rising Over Drones Bothering Marine Mammals

(AP) - Concern is rising on the Central Coast about photo and video drones getting too close to marine mammals.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Paul Michel tells the Tribune of San Luis Obispo that some drone owners are unaware their vehicles may be harassing protected wildlife.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act has admonitions about harassment of animals, and the sanctuary has four zones in which overflights by motorized aircraft aren't allowed below an altitude of 1,000 feet.

Michel also stresses that not every drone operator is doing wrong and scientific researchers are licensed to fly drones over the sanctuary.

He says drone regulation may be added to an update of the sanctuary's management plan but what needs to be established is drone etiquette.