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.

Reduce disturbance to wildlife by,

Planning Ahead

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.

View the Marine Code Maps

Keeping Your Distance

Getting too close can cause stress to wildlife, egg or pup abandonment, exhaustion, or injury.

Reducing Speed and Sound

Reducing speed and holding a steady course will reduce disturbance especially in regards to cetaceans; loud noises can disrupt seals and seabirds especially at pupping/moulting and nesting times.

Knowing How to View Wildlife

By knowing recommend wildlife viewing distances, behaviour that indicates potential readiness for flight, suggested boat speeds will reduce the impact on marine wildlife

View the Codes of Conduct for:

Seals

Seabirds

Cetaceans

Pembrokeshire Marine Code Context Logo

View the

Support the protection of wildlife

Download the App

  • Codes of Conduct

    Know how to view wildlife responsibly.

  • Agreed Access Restrictions

    Areas to avoid at certian times.

  • Marine Code Buoys

    An innovative new approach to protect marine wildlife.

  • Marine Code Tide Tables

    Have Marine Code and Tidal information all in one place

  • Wildlife Fact Sheets

    Amazing insight into plants, animals, and geology.

  • Wales Coast Explorer App

    All the valuable Marine Code information in one place.

Did you know?

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.

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