Consultation over boating activities in Cardigan Bay (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Consultation over boating activities in Cardigan Bay

11:31am Friday 27th March 2009

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A major consultation is being launched this week to help decide the future management of boating activities off the Ceredigion coastline.

Ceredigion County Council is considering whether extra measures to protect wildlife need to be imposed.

For some years the authority has been promoting a code of conduct for recreational boat users to try to minimise disturbance to protected marine wildlife.

Dolphins, porpoises and seals are protected by law from deliberate or reckless disturbance and much of the coastline has been designated as a special area of conservation. At present there are by-law speed limits in force around the harbours and bathing beaches, and voluntary speed limits along the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast from New Quay Head to Llangrannog.

Liz Allan, the council’s conservation management officer, says that recent research has highlighted several headlands as being important dolphin feeding areas.

"We now have a better understanding of where the sensitive wildlife areas are. Conversely, there may be areas where boating facilities - especially for powerboating and personal watercraft - could be developed and promoted.

"We want to find out people's views on that and, also, whether there are changes needed to the code of conduct. Any ideas for improving the communication of the code of conduct would also be appreciated," she said.

The consultation period will run until September and a questionnaire can be downloaded from www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk or obtained by telephoning Ceredigion County Council's coast and countryside service during weekday office hours on 01545 561074.

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