Jet skiers have been warned that careless behaviour in the water is threatening to disrupt Scotland's seal population.

Police and wildlife groups have spoken out after complaints were received of people deliberately driving at seals at Abertay Sands by Tentsmuir in north east Fife.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), which manages the area as a site of specific scientific interest, says the practice is highly distressing to seals who may be pregnant or pupping.

Common seals produce their pups from late May to July, while grey seals produce their pups from September to December.

Seal pups may not be ready to swim until they have built up a suitable blubber layer, while adult seals are more sensitive and reluctant to enter the water.

People who encroach on areas where seals haul up when they are pregnant or pupping are therefore perceived as an acute threat by the animals.

Furthermore, those who do frighten seals may not be aware that they are in fact committing a crime as Scotland's seal population is protected.

The Scottish marine wildlife watching code asks anyone near animals on the water to reduce their speed to the minimum consistent with safety, make sure their movements are steady and predictable and not to approach animals directly.

SNH's Tentsmuir national nature reserve manager, Tom Cunningham, said: "These jet skiers cause massive disturbance to the seals and also upset the visitors who witness these incidents.

"We'd ask jet skiers to behave within the wildlife watching code and be aware that they could be causing seals distress and endangering them at this sensitive time of year."

Fife police division's wildlife and environmental crime coordinator, Lindsay Kerr, said: "I have had complaints about jet skiers deliberately disturbing seals at Abertay Point, Tenstmuir.

"I want to make it clear that anyone targeting seals is committing a crime and will be prosecuted.

"I work closely with the SNH and agree with Tom Cunningham's comments. The seal population along with all the other wildlife in the protected SSSI is incredibly important.

"I would recommend that anyone involved in jet skiing around Tentsmuir is careful and familiarises themselves with all SSSI's and the wildlife watching code.

"I want to encourage the public to enjoy the beautiful coastline around Fife but ask everyone to act responsibly and be aware of the possible impact of their activities in relation to wildlife and the environment."