Pembrokeshire Marine Code
Pembrokeshire Marine Code
The Marine Code protects the amazing marine flora and fauna for which Pembrokeshire is renowned, through voluntary codes of conduct and seasonal agreed access restrictions.
It is important that you become familiar with and understand the Marine Code in order to enjoy wildlife responsibly and preserve the safety of Pembrokeshire’s wildlife for everyone’s enjoyment. To reduce the potential for disturbance to wildlife, follow the agreed codes of conduct, and access restrictions maps.
Codes of conduct
Know how to view wildlife responsibly.
Agreed access restrictions
Areas to avoid at certain times.
Signs of Disturbance
The distance at which marine wildlife show signs of agitation varies tremendously, depending on the location, the type of approach, whether the animals are used to being watched and whether they have young with them. Be responsive to their behaviour.
Seals
Rapid swimming to and fro
Sudden panic diving
Re-entry into the water
Lifting its head and looking at you
Stop. Take action:
Seeing any of the above signs of disturbance is a sign for you to stop and take action: Follow the Pembrokeshire Marine Code:
Seabirds
Head craning
Head turning
Head bobbing
Wings flapping in situ
Stop. Take action:
Seeing any of the above signs of disturbance is a sign for you to stop and take action: Follow the Pembrokeshire Marine Code:
Cetaceans
Erratic changes in speed and direction
Lengthy periods underwater
Stop. Take action:
Seeing any of the above signs of disturbance is a sign for you to stop and take action: Follow the Pembrokeshire Marine Code:
Wading Birds
Stop feeding to look at you
Start calling
Run away from you
Take flight
Stop. Take action:
Seeing any of the above signs of disturbance is a sign for you to stop and take action: Follow the Pembrokeshire Marine Code:
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Plan ahead
Keep an eye out for wildlife: avoid sensitive areas, large concentrations of birds/seals, and seasonal breeding areas. Check the agreed access restrictions maps for specific areas before you go out onto the water.
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Keep your distance
Getting too close can cause stress to wildlife, egg or pup abandonment, exhaustion, or injury.
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Reduce speed and sound
Reducing speed and holding a steady course will reduce disturbance, especially in regard to cetaceans. Loud noises can disrupt seals and seabirds, especially at pupping/moulting and nesting times.
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Know how to view wildlife
By knowing minimum wildlife viewing distances, suggested boat speeds and behaviour that indicates disturbance will reduce our impact on marine wildlife.
Wildlife disturbance
To report reckless disturbance of marine wildlife or other suspected wildlife crimes, contact:
- Police Non-Emergency Contact: 101
- Police Marine Unit: 01267 226129
- Marine Code Project Officer: 07989 218489
Report animals in distress
To report instances of stranded marine wildlife or animals in distress, contact:
- RSCPA: 03001 234999
- Bird Rescue: 01834 814397 / 07771 507915
- Pembrokeshire County Council: 01437 764551
- Maritime & Coastguard Agency: 01646 690909
- Welsh Marine Life Rescue co-ordinator, Terry Leadbetter: 01646 692943 / 07970 285086
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue: 01825 765546
- Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP): 01239 683033 to report a dead stranded porpoise, dolphin or turtle
Key Contacts
For general enquiries related to the Pembrokeshire marine environment, contact:
- Skokholm Island Warden: 07971 114303
- Skomer Island Warden / Visitor Officer: 07971 114302 / 07530 796150
- Skomer MCZ Officer: 01646 636736
- Marine Energy Test Area (META) Operations Manager: 07944 839332
- Ramsey and Grassholm Island Warden: 07796 611951
- South Pembs Natural Resources Wales: 01646 661368
- Caldey Island Warden: 01834 844453
- Milford Haven Water Ranger: 01646 696100
- To report sightings of whales, dolphins & porpoise, contact Sea Watch Foundation: 01407 832892
Wales Coast Explorer App
All the valuable Marine Code information in one place.
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Marine Code Tidetables
Have Marine Code and Tidal information all in one place.
Wildlife Fact Sheets
Amazing insight into plants, animals, and geology.
Marine Code Buoys
An innovative new approach to protect marine wildlife.
Why your participation is needed
The Pembrokeshire coastline is renowned worldwide, being voted by National Geographic as one of the leading destinations for sustainable coastal tourism. Our vision is to work with coastal users to promote the protection of wildlife through education and awareness of best practice, highlighting Wales’ lead in sustainable and ecological tourism.
It is important to our social and environmental wellbeing that we actively participate and experience our local environment. To minimise disturbances and cumulative impacts, especially in tourism hotspots, it is essential that we do so in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Please respect the guidelines from wildlife boats and craft hirers, stick to advised routes, respect exclusion zones and above all, spread and reinforce the message to value wildlife.