New Code of Conduct - Pembrokeshire

[Fiona]

Code of Conduct
A huge diversity of marine birds, animals and plants share Pembrokeshire’s coastline with us. Due to the rarity and importance of some of these species, legislation exists to protect them and ensure the conservation of them and the marine environments they inhabit. All cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and whales), basking sharks, turtles and wild birds are protected by law against intentional taking, killing or injuring. Other animals including seal, and plant life also receive legal protection. Reckless disturbance of cetaceans, wild birds, seals, basking sharks and turtles is also an offence.
Following the code will ensure that Pembrokeshire’s wildlife is protected and you will also reduce the risk of committing an offence.

• Where possible remain at a distance of at least 100m from marine wildlife and breeding/nesting sites and stay for no longer than 15 mins
• Avoid approaching marine wildlife at sea, allow them to approach you. If they choose to, remain on a steady course and speed. When in close proximity to marine mammals maintain a ‘safe navigable speed’ only.
• Avoid crowding wildlife. Ensure a maximum of three vessels are within 100m at any time. If necessary move away.
• Avoid cliffs, gullies and enclosed bays where possible. Be aware of your surroundings. Many wildlife species use these areas to breed and are easily disturbed when cornered.
• Hauling out or mooring close to young animals may distress nearby parent animals and prevent them feeding or approaching. Prolonged disturbance may cause abandonment of young all together.
• Avoid erratic movements and changes in speed.
• Do not make unnecessary noise.
• Do not touch, feed or swim with marine wildlife.
• Do not remove any wildlife from the area.
• Follow appropriate ‘good practise’ guidelines for activity or craft type and maintain a look out at all times.
• Contact local wardens (National Park, RSPB Wildlife Trust & Skomer MNR)in the area prior to activity for information on areas to be avoided and those suitable for your chosen activity.

Even if the intention is not to directly observe wildlife, any activity we undertake in the marine environment has the potential to cause disturbance. The potential from powered craft and personal water craft are obvious due to noise and manoeuvrability. However other vessels are equally likely to cause as much disturbance. Marine wildlife may not be as aware of the presence of quiet sailing craft and canoes until quite close which can startle. Flapping sail, particularly close to shore presents a flash of colour and loud noises as sails fill.

Enjoy the environment but respect the wildlife within it. Using local operators familiar with the area for your diving and wildlife expeditions should also increase the value of your experience and ensure that no offences are committed. The Map below show areas sensitive to disturbance throughout the year. Please ensure that these areas are respected and enjoyed by everyone.




It's good to see lots of dive and tourist operators have signed up to the code.

[parahandy]

Reading through the Code of Conduct it looks almost identical to the one that's been in force around Skomer for quite a few years.
Have to say a lot of them are plain "common sense" although some of them seem to be just a tad impractical.

In the past I have found the wardens to be very helpful and administer their enforcement of the rules with a grasp of the practicalities and fair play.

[Fiona]

Tony I think you are right, but they seem to have extended it, there is a link from the BBC website with a map of the area.