NORTH Wales Police are set to take part in the launch of a national campaign which aims to educate and engage with people about the sensitivities of the coastline, and how simple changes in behaviour could reduce pressure on our unique wildlife.
The national campaign, which is run in cooperation with the RSPCA, Natural Resources Wales, the North Wales Wildlife Trust and other Welsh police forces, will be launched on Thursday, 14 April.
With a stunning stretch of coastline, North Wales particularly shines in the spring and summer months.
Because of this, North Wales attracts hundreds of tourists every year, many of whom may not be aware of the impact they are having on the coastal wildlife in the area.
Recently, the Ffrith Beach, which is home to a range of wildlife species, was set on fire in a large blaze.
The high tourist attraction to the area also brings increases in recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and more, which has the potential to disturb wildlife if not conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
Sergeant Liam Jones of the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team said “Op Seabird Cymru seeks to engage key partners to work with the police throughout Wales to educate those people who use our coastal areas and seas and to enable them to enjoy our wildlife safely and without disturbance.
“Over the years we have seen an increase in people using our coastal areas and being unaware of the effect that they can have on coastal birds and mammals if they act irresponsibly.
“A disturbance can have a devastating effect on certain species and their habitats and with simple education and engagement we can help prevent it from happening.”
Operation Seabird focuses on activities carried out within the marine and coastal environment, which have the potential to cause disturbance to sensitive wildlife and habitats.
Activities that take place both on land and in the water have the potential to cause disturbance to marine wildlife, including vessel collisions between watercrafts and marine animals, noise disturbance to nearby animals, and visual disturbance, which can impact animals’ habits, routines and behaviour.
North Wales Police will be working with partner agencies such as the RSPCA, Natural Resources Wales and North Wales Wildlife Trust to hold “action days” throughout the summer months, which will see uniformed officers at launch sites and around the North Wales coast in an effort to raise awareness of the problems some recreational activities can cause to our coastline wildlife.
Members of the public near coastlines are advised to:
- Keep a safe distance (at least 100m) from the cliffs, rafting seabirds and marine mammals, allowing space for animals to move away from you
- Operate at no-wake speed when within 300m of the cliffs or shore
- Avoid enclosed spaces like caves and travelling through archways where breeding seabirds or resting seals are present
- Be aware if an animal’s behaviour changes in response to your presence, move away quickly and quietly
Engagement dates this month include:
- April 14 – Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay (8am-12pm)
- April 14 – Golf Road, Abersoch (8am-12pm)
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