Ninety pairs of binoculars have been purchased through the Welsh Government Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being Grant and provided to wildlife trip boat operators in Ceredigion in a bid to try and reduce disturbance to marine wildlife.
Through a voluntary code of conduct Ceredigion County Council works closely with the trip boat operators to encourage them to maintain a respectful distance, also then the wildlife is more likely to approach the boat.
Melanie Heath, the Cardigan Bay Marine Protected Area Officer explained that “The binoculars are freely available to passengers to enhance their wildlife watching experience; increasing their understanding and appreciation of the special wildlife we have here. The southern end of Cardigan Bay is an internationally important summer feeding and calving area for bottlenose dolphins, the area also includes valuable grey seal haul outs and pupping beaches, and nationally important sea bird colonies. We have provided the trip boat operators with binoculars in the hope that this will reduce instances of wildlife trip boats approaching animals too closely.”
To keep the local wildlife safe while out on the water, remember to:
- Look out for Wildlife
- Keep your distance
- Reduce your speed
- Reduce your sound
Councillor Rhodri Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “Cardigan Bay is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC); a protected area that is home to a variety of special marine animals and plants, including bottlenose dolphins. We are thrilled that the contribution of binoculars will allow visitors to have an enriched experience of the wildlife in the area, while boat operators can ensure that any disturbance can be avoided.”
Image: ‘Binoculars give a close up view of the animals without causing disturbance’
29/09/2021