Welsh forces launch initiative to educate tourists on risks to coastal wildlife

Operation Seabird Cymru is a joint effort by South Wales Police, North Wales Police, Gwent Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

They will be working alongside the RSPCA and Natural Resources Wales, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, the RSPB and Welsh government to promote the message “observe, don’t disturb”.

The forces said the aim of the campaign will be “engagement and education” not enforcement.

Stretches of the coastline along Gower, Porthcawl, Penarth and Cardiff Bay attract thousands of visitors every year, which can increase pressure on important marine wildlife.

South Wales Police said any recreational activity has the potential to disturb wildlife if not conducted in a safe and responsible manner, and with the increasing popularity of coastal visits, wildlife disturbance is a growing problem in a number of regions.

The force said its rural engagement coordinators will be patrolling the coastline on land, while the Marine Unit will do the same in the water.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Gilmer said: “We are fortunate to have miles of beautiful coastline in South Wales and an array of marine wildlife and seabirds who call it their home.

“I am delighted that we are launching Operation Seabird Cymru together with North Wales Police, Dyfed-Powys Police and Gwent Police.

“This will help protect habitats from wildlife disturbances and educate visitors to our coastline on how to behave responsibly around marine wildlife.”

As well as educating and raising awareness through social media channels and local media, the forces will be working with partner agencies to hold ‘action days’ throughout the summer months. Officers will visit businesses, educate and engage with the public to raise awareness of the problems some recreational activities can cause to coastline wildlife.

Sergeant Matthew Langley of the Dyfed-Powys Police rural crime team said “The aim of Operation Seabird is not that of enforcement but of engagement and education with the public to ensure they enjoy our beautiful coastline safely and responsibly.

“It is important for the public to also be aware that by disturbing wildlife they may be committing offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.”

Sergeant Liam Jones of the North Wales Police rural crime team added: “Operation 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.”

RSPCA national wildlife coordinator Geoff Edmond said they want people to enjoy watching the marine wildlife, but at “a safe and sensible distance without disturbing the animals”.

“Every year, the RSPCA’s wildlife centres have to treat and rehabilitate a wide range of wildlife – including seals and seabirds – which have been injured or orphaned due to human disturbance,” he added.

“For many tourists it can be surprising and exciting to see marine mammals, including seals and their pups which will normally rest on the beach at various times of year, as well as ground nesting birds which are usually resident between March to September.

“But as tempting as it is to approach them, we would respectfully ask that everyone stays at a distance and keeps their dogs on leads and under control.

“Our message is to ‘observe, don’t disturb’ as people visit Britain’s wonderful coastline.”

Rob Taylor, the all-Wales rural and wildlife crime coordinator, said: “This excellent initiative is a first for Wales and by the police and our partner agencies working together, we can provide the public visiting our coastline and sea the information they need, in order to do so safely and without disturbing our precious wildlife.”