SEALS

Code of Conduct for Seals

We are very fortunate to share our waters with grey seals. They are sensitive to disturbance and are protected by law. They haul out to pup on the Pembrokeshire coastline and offshore islands, usually from August to the end of November. Although there may be gatherings of large groups at any time of year.

1. Do not land on pupping beaches from 1st August to the end of November and do not disturb mothers nursing pups. Adult females often rest about 10-30m away from the shore and their pup. Avoid coming between them.

2. Avoid creeping up on seals or approaching them bow on. They may perceive you as a predator.

3. Keep your distance. Be aware at 100m and keep at least 50m* away from seals unless they approach you. Seals can be particularly sensitive to disturbance after periods of stormy weather and during the breeding season.

4. Always allow seals an escape route and avoid boxing them in.

5. For the sake of your safety and for the health of the seals themselves do not seek to swim with, touch or feed seals.

6. Noise disrupts. Keep speed below 5 knots on arrival and departure. Keep viewing time to 10 minutes. Move away if you observe disturbance. Moving away can prevent an extended stampede in haul out areas.

7. Make sure your dog is always under close control.

*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.

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SEABIRDS

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SEABIRDS
March to July is a particularly sensitive time, as birds come ashore to nest. Sensitive sites include steep cliffs and inlets. The Pembrokeshire coastline and offshore islands have nationally and internationally important populations of seabirds.

1. Plan trips carefully and with respect to agreed site specific access restrictions. They are in place to protect wildlife for future generations.

2. Observe birds’ reactions from a distance. Be aware at 100m and keep at least 50m* away from seabirds.

3. Auks (guillemots, razorbills) incubate eggs on their feet. If they fly off ledges in a panic their eggs are dislodged and destroyed.

4. On open water you may encounter rafts of seabirds. Avoid causing disturbance to rafting birds as they may regurgitate food meant for their young/take flight during valuable resting time.

*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.

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CETACEANS

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CETACEANS
Dolphins, porpoise and whales share these waters with you. They are sensitive to disturbance and are protected by law. Our actions can disturb their daily activities and even cause injury. The following general advice can minimise stress to cetaceans when encountered at sea. The advice can also benefit our encounters with turtles, basking sharks and sunfish.

1. On sighting cetaceans, vessels should slow down to < 5 knots and maintain a steady course, avoiding erratic movements or speed changes.

2. Allow groups of cetaceans to remain together and avoid deliberately driving through them.

3. Leave cetaceans with young alone and avoid coming between a mother and calf.

4. Always allow cetaceans an escape route and avoid boxing them in, do not chase cetaceans.

5. Be aware at 100m and keep at least 50m* away from cetaceans, unless they approach you. If you notice any signs of disturbance, LEAVE.

*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.

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WADING BIRDS

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR WADING BIRDS

Pembrokeshire’s estuaries and beaches support a range of wildfowl and wading birds throughout the year. These birds are very sensitive to disturbance, especially from dogs off leads and need space to feed, rest and breed. The following code of conduct will help you share the space with these birds without disturbing them.

1. Be aware of birds visiting our estuaries and on the shoreline. Keep a good distance and watch out for signs of disturbance*.

2. Be aware of the limited space birds have at high tide and keep your distance.

3. Make sure your dog is always under close control.

*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.

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