Codes of Conduct
Marine codes of conduct set out sensible guidelines to minimise the disturbance to wildlife and ensure that UK laws protecting wildlife are not broken.
The Pembrokeshire Marine Code protects cetaceans, seals and sea birds for which Pembrokeshire is renowned through voluntary codes of conduct and seasonal agreed access restrictions. Code and wildlife information and maps showing local access restrictions are available. All this information and more has been incorporated into the Wales Coast Explorer App.
In general, please be careful and keep your distance from wildlife. Don’t approach marine mammals, let them come to you.
- Plan ahead. Avoid sensitive areas, large concentrations of birds/seals, and seasonal breeding sites. Check the agreed access restrictions map 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.
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum lead the work on the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, aided by partners and the SAC Officer. Marine code information for across Wales can also be seen at Wild Seas Wales.
There are also codes of conduct to protect sensitive habitats within the Milford Haven waterway from bait digging and anchoring and mooring. See the projects page.
Other codes of conduct, including for angling, are available from Natural Resources Wales / The Countryside Code Family.
