Otters ‘welcome’ at Marina

Nigel Thompson, harbour master at the seafront location, indicated a number of berth-holders had reported sightings.

Initially suspecting that rats were present at the Marina, Carrickfergus Borough Council engaged with a local pest control service.

“Because they were reporting that something had been eating shellfish from under the pontoons, we were told that it couldn’t be rats and it was most likely sea otters,” said Mr Thompson.

“Otters are actually a protected species and they wouldn’t be classed as a pest; they are very welcome in the Marina.”