Water Recreation in PCNPA

A jurisdiction ending at mean low water

Written Charles Mathieson
Recreation Management Officer
pcnp@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is a coastal National Park Authority. It has no specialised marine staff nor any dedicated marine-related posts. However, as so much of the character of this coastal National Park depends on what goes on on the water, it needs to be involved with what takes place on the water. We lease the foreshore (200+miles of it) from the Crown. Under the terms of this lease we license moorings managed by local community organisations on the foreshore in various locations, including Newport, Solva and Porthclais.

Although the County Council provides the majority of beach services (lifeguards,awards, beach cleaning) the Authority has developed a beach management liaison group with the council, the Environment Agency, the National Trust and other partners to ensure joined up management approaches and to ensure an environmental input into prescriptions.

The Authority funds a joint Marine Code which is managed by the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (An ICZM - Integrated Coastal Zone Management - forum which the Authority was also instrumental in forming and supports financially). This provides training and information for boat operators and tries to ensure that commercial boat operation is sustainable within the special areas around the coast. The Authority contributes to the management plans of three Marine SACs around the coast and also funded the first Milford Haven Water Ranger posts (now led by Milford Haven Port Authority) and grant aids the present post.

Pembrokeshire Water Ranger

The distinctly marked Water Ranger’s RIB is a familiar sight to all water users on the Haven Waterway in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The ranger is employed by the Milford Haven Port Authority, with part-funding from the National Park Authority.

On and off the water the ranger encourages boat users and watersports enthusiasts to respect the wildlife and the environment. He liaises with groups such as yacht clubs, boat clubs and angling clubs and visits schools and communities in the area to promote the conservation and environmental importance of the waterway.

While his role is primarily educative, he is also key in helping the Port Authority take action against those who do not adhere to its by-laws.

www.mhpa.co.uk/water_ranger.php

Pembrokeshire Marine Code

The Pembrokeshire Marine Code was developed with the help and expertise of wildlife boat trip operators and conservation groups, including the National Park Authority.

Its Codes of Conduct, relating to cetaceans, seals, basking sharks and seabirds, give guidance points to enable watercraft users to enjoy wildlife experiences with minimum impact.

The Authority part-funds the marine code officer and supports initiatives including the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter group. The group comprises activity centres, field study centres and conservation organisations which have signed up to ensuring outdoor activities and learning in the National Park and the county as a whole do not have a negative impact on the environment.

www.pembrokeshireoutdoors.org.uk