PCF continues to develop Gwynedd Marine Code

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum is excited to continue collaborating with the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau Special Area of Conservation (SAC) on their Gwynedd Marine Code project.

Following on from the successful launch of the updated Gwynedd Marine Code in 2016, the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau SAC have a vision to develop the code further, through the addition of a mapping aspect. Maps can provide information on both the areas, and the time of year, marine species such as seals, cetaceans and seabirds are sensitive to disturbance – giving users the opportunities to plan their journeys and minimise negative impacts. This approach has been successfully adopted in Pembrokeshire.

The sustainable recreation team at Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum led on the development of the Pembrokeshire Marine Code in 2002, a voluntary approach to minimising disturbance to marine wildlife, founded on a partnership of knowledge between conservation organisations and recreational tour operators.

Since initial engagement meetings in Aberdyfi and Abersoch earlier this year, PCF has been working with Alison, the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau SAC officer and stakeholders to create draft maps of each area. The newly created maps define sites where there is potential for recreation to impact on sensitive species or habitats.

The project aims to bring local operators and stakeholders together to share their views, with further engagement events being held in November. For more information, please go to our Eventbrite page.

For further information and your interest, more details regarding the Pembrokeshire Marine Code can be found at www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk and the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau SAC www.penllynarsarnau.co.uk.