Marine code to protect wildlife in Gower and Swansea Bay

  • Published
basking sharkImage source, PA

Fisherman and watersports enthusiasts are being urged to sign-up to a new voluntary code of conduct to protect sea life along the west Wales coast.

It comes after mammals with their young and nesting birds have been disturbed by boats approaching them too closely in Swansea Bay and the Gower.

Evidence gathered by University of Wales Trinity St David found porpoises had been injured by propellers.

Swansea council has adopted the code which includes 10 guidelines.

  • Boats should only be launched from designated slipways

  • Avoid landing in birds' feeding and roosting grounds except in an emergency

  • Keep 50m from porpoise, dolphins and other marine mammals - 100m if a calf is present

  • Do not swim or touch wildlife

Dolphins, basking sharks, grey seals, leatherback turtles and sea birds are also frequent visitors to the area.