Code of conduct to protect Swansea Bay’s marine wildlife

SEAFARERS in the waters off Swansea Bay are urged to be mindful of marine wildlife this summer and beyond.

Swansea Council’s nature conservation team has put together a voluntary code of conduct for sea users including commercial and recreational fishermen, jet-skiers, power boaters, stand-up paddle boarders and kayakers.

The code of conduct, produced thanks to funding from the European Fisheries Fund for Wales via the Swansea Fisheries Local Action Group, aims to help people enjoy watching marine wildlife, minimise the chances for disturbance and encourage sightings to be reported to the relevant agencies.

Swansea Bay’s wealth of marine wildlife includes harbour porpoises, common dolphins, basking sharks, grey seals, leatherback turtles and sea birds.

The code of conduct has now been distributed across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. It also aims to improve people’s chances of seeing wildlife and help sea users stay within the law because many of Swansea Bay’s marine species are protected by legislation.

Cllr Mark Child, Swansea Council’s Biodiversity Champion, said: “When undertaking land and sea-based marine mammal surveys since 2008, University of Wales Trinity St David researchers have observed an increase in the amount of boat traffic in the waters off Swansea Bay. Harbour porpoises bearing propeller scars have also been seen, as well as many vessels approaching wildlife like dolphins and grey seals far too closely.

“Other areas of Wales have already introduced similar codes of conduct in recent times, so we decided to follow in their wake here in Swansea Bay to promote the stunning quality of our coastal environment and ensure that disturbance to our marine wildlife is minimised.

“Our message is simple: the sea is there to be enjoyed but we’d urge people out and about on waters off Swansea Bay to behave responsibly and please be mindful of our diverse variety of marine life. This will help conserve our stunning wildlife for many thousands more people to enjoy in future.”

A series of training events and awareness-raising talks and workshops is also being held with local fishing clubs, sub-aqua clubs and watersports enthusiasts to help boost sustainability and good practice.

There’s a chance to find out more about Swansea Bay’s coastal and marine wildlife at seashore safari events being held on Swansea Beach later this month. The events, arranged to cater for public demand, will start from outside the 360 Beach and Watersports Centre at 2.45pm on Thursday August 20, and from outside Swansea Central Library at 10am on Thursday August 27. Email judethemermaid@hotmail.com or call 07879 837817 to book your spot.