Cod Ymddygiad ar gyfer Morfilod
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.
The Pembrokeshire Marine Code of Conduct for Cetaceans
On sighting cetaceans, vessels should slow down to less than < 5 knots and maintain a steady course, avoiding erratic movements or speed changes.
Allow groups of cetaceans to remain together and avoid deliberately driving through them.
Leave cetaceans with young alone and avoid coming between a mother and calf.
Always allow cetaceans an escape route, do not chase cetaceans.
*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.
Signs of Disturbance: Cetaceans
Erratic changes in speed and direction, or lengthy periods underwater.
*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.
Additional Behaviour Requests
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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.
Download the Pembrokeshire Marine Code of Conduct for Cetaceans
Enjoy wildlife responsibly, even offline—download the Pembrokeshire Marine Code of Conduct for Cetaceans and keep it handy to protect these incredible creatures while exploring our coastlines.
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