Marine Conservation Code of Conduct

For more information please visit www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk

OR Contact the Cardigan Bay SAC officer on 01545 572139

Boats

Dolphins/Porpoise
If these marine mammals are encountered at sea please:

Seals

Birds

Fishing

Divers

Seaside Pleasure Boats

Prospective users of Ceredigion launch facilities must:

Note that Ceredigion Harbourmasters and Launch Control Officers are authorised to withdraw launching and/or mooring permits from vessels and/or individuals not observing local regulations, bylaws or the Ceredigion Marine Conservation Code of Conduct (see above). Deliberate or reckless disturbance of any protected species such as dolphins is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000.

Byelaws

Bylaws are in place regulating speeds at which pleasure boats can navigate within restricted areas surrounding many Ceredigion beaches between May and the end of September annually. The beaches concerned are at: Borth/Ynyslas, Clarach, Aberystwyth, Llanrhystud, Llanon, Aberaeron, Llanina/Cei Bach, Ynys Lochtyn/Cwmtydu, Llangrannog, Tresaith/Penbryn, Aberporth, Mwnt, Gwbert and Pen yr Ergyd. The maximum speed allowed within each restricted area is 8 nautical miles per hour. At some locations de-restricted seaward channels are designated.

Copies of the bylaws are available for inspection at the offices of Ceredigion Harbourmasters, Launch Control Officers and at Ceredigion Tourist Information Centres. Copies can be obtained from Ceredigion's Department of Corporate and Legal Services, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron SA46 0PA.

Similar bylaws are adopted by Pembrokeshire County Council in respect of that county's coastline in the vicinity of the Teifi estuary.

Harbour act orders:

Parliamentary Harbour Acts specify that pleasure boats are not to be navigated at a speed of more than 5 nautical miles per hour within the limits of Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and New Quay harbours. Persons under the age of 18 years must not take charge of a speedboat or a powerboat.

Personal water craft including jet skis

Ceredigion County Council discourages the use of Personal Water Craft such as Jet Skis along the entire Ceredigion coastline.

Safety at sea

Marinecall 09068 500 460 for an up to date weather forecasts for inshore waters of the Irish Sea.
RNLI Sea Check 0800 328 0600 for a free RNLI safety equipment check.
Coastguard Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme Before sailing, inform a shore contact of your return time. Copies of 'Safety on the Sea' are available from Ceredigion Harbour Offices.
RYA Training Courses 01703 627400 for a list of Sea Schools.

Motor Vehicles

General public access by motor vehicle across beaches is permissible - with due care and attention - only for the delivery or collection of pleasure craft to be launched or retrieved from the water or for the ease of access/collection of disabled persons. Vehicles and/or trailers must then be removed immediately from beaches, beach access roads, slipways and other launch facilities. Details of contravening vehicles may be noted for the purposes of legal proceedings.