What is the Marine Code?
The Marine Code Group was developed by local operators and other organisations working closely with the Pembrokeshire Coast National park Authority and the National Trust. These organisations are all concerned about the long-term management of the area and the development of high standards of practice. They recognise that sustainable use must be a key theme in marine recreational activities and education.
Most of the Pembrokeshire Coastline is privately owned, and the Marine Code encourages groups to show respect and consideration for the land owners, environment, wildlife and other users.
This Marine Code group represents a commitment by all members to good practice. All those who sign up to the Marine Code agree to conform to appropriate safety legislation.
Project description
The project aims to develop Marine recreational activities within Pembrokeshire in a sustainable manner. This will be achieved by:
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Training – skippers, crews, user groups and clubs.
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Maintaining & developing Marine Code partnerships - steering committee, ID new centres/providers, monitoring activities and developing database of providers and regular users.
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Publicity and marketing of Marine Code - update and develop literature, web site, presentation and display materials, magazine articles etc.
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Practical projects – development and implementation of Codes of Conduct and of zoning for areas of high sensitivity.
Training events allow skippers and trip leaders to be more environmentally aware of the Pembrokeshire coastline and due to the practical projects, maintain and enhance a quality coastal environment for both visitors and local residents.
Aims
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To encourage the sustainable environmental use of Pembrokeshire by Wildlife Tour operators, Dive Charter operators, clubs and recreational water user groups.
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To enhance the on-site environmental education brought to outdoor activity users .
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To promote Pembrokeshire through its quality wildlife, vegetation and scenery (which is designated both in a European Context and scientifically as Nationally and Internationally important ).
Objectives
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To engage all of the Marine users of Pembrokeshire .
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To promote the voluntary codes of conduct for different species and activities in relation to the different sensitivities of certain areas.
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To encourage dialogue between countryside conservation agencies, landowners and those partaking in marine activities particularly the activity providers.
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To develop contacts, literature and a website to spread the word to visiting activity groups, event organisers and individuals who use the county for recreational purposes.
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To develop environmental awareness through education and example leading to caring ownership of activity sites.
Targets
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Engage all members of the Marine Code Group.
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Establish stimulating, interesting and lasting ways of communicating with relevant groups about environmental matters.
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Improve environmental education at centres and through staff - establish as a precedent to start each season - training, responsibilities, ownership, - liaise with the National Park Authority Wardens and activity providers that do pre-season briefings.
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Spreading the word of the high standards within the group to other users & hence increasing membership.
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Finding the funding to perpetuate the project and make Pembrokeshire Marine Code a standard to matched nationally.
At the start of the project in 2003 the group had 33 member organisations (including 14 Wildlife Boat Operators and 5 Dive Charter operations) that attended meetings on a regular basis and fully support the aims of the Marine Code group. A number of key activities have been identified as a way of taking the partnership forward enabling sustainable management of the Pembrokeshire coastline to be developed, providing a model for other areas of the UK.
With a change in emphasis of tourism in the
UK and the rise in demand for Marine recreational activities (new operators
each year and current operators increasing capacity of fleets) it is
essential that at this critical stage mechanisms are in place to ensure
the protection of the coastline for future generations. The group members
created and trailed species-specific Codes of Conduct and Areas zonings
during 2003 with a continued trail set for the 2004 season. The Project
as a whole is set for launch in the spring of 2005.
Project relevance
Social Progress: the project involves a broad spectrum of ages and interest groups within and outside Pembrokeshire, particularly school groups, ethnic groups and adults.
Environmental Protection
This project aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable management of the coastline of Pembrokeshire. Members will be provided with training both internally and externally on specific subjects to include biodiversity and habitat protection.
KEY MESSAGE
Raise awareness of the importance of the natural environmental and to encourage others to protect it. We aim to minimise disturbance and encourage users to leave the site in a better state than when they first arrived (where possible).
Economic growth
We are aiming for a quality experience for all encouraging repeat visits and experiences which in their turn will attract new visitors.
Stimulation of AWARENESS
Through networking training and marketing of the Marine Code group the project will develop awareness of the importance of the environment to users.
