Cod Ymddygiad ar gyfer Morloi

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.

The Pembrokeshire Marine Code of Conduct for Seals

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.

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

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.

*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.

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

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

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.

Make sure your dog is always under close control.

Signs of Disturbance: Seals

Rapid swimming to and fro, sudden panic diving, and re-entry into the water. A seal lifting its head and looking at you should be recognised as a sign to stop, reduce sound and move away slowly.

*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

✅

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.

✅

Keep your distance

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

✅

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.

✅

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 Seals

Enjoy wildlife responsibly, even offline—download the Pembrokeshire Marine Code of Conduct for Seals and keep it handy to protect these incredible creatures while exploring our coastlines.

Download PDF

Useful numbers

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