SWAN expert Ken Merriman fears the future of the protected species in Christchurch is in danger as the number of boat moorings in the borough continues to climb.

Mr Merriman's warning comes just days after the death of a cygnet on the River Stour in an alleged attack by three teenagers in a motorboat sparked public outrage.

But the owner of the Swan Rescue Sanctuary in Wimborne fears swan deaths will continue to rise as more and more vessels encroach on the birds' habitat, unless tougher controls are introduced.

He has called for a ban on teenagers driving powerful motorboats and said more effort should be made to enforce the river's four-knot speed limit.

"The vast majority of people are totally law abiding; it's only a small group who are persistently putting the lives of the birds at risk," he said.

Mr Merriman has called for the local authorities to stop teenagers from driving motorboats on the river without adult supervision.

"You're not allowed to drive a car until you reach a certain age and have passed a test - why should it be any different on the river?" he asked.

"The borough council is doing as much as it can, and has a boat patrolling the harbour in the summer, but its resources are limited."

Last year the police cautioned two teenagers who killed a swan on the River Stour when they mowed the terrified bird down in a motorboat.

Police say they are still investigating the death of the cygnet last week.

Mr Merriman revealed that Christchurch Harbour is home to between 800 and 900 swans in the summer months.

First published: Oct 8