| Here in Pembrokeshire we are proud and privileged to | | | | welcomed for their appreciation of our beautiful county, |
| have a stunning coastline. The surrounding waters host | | | | not just for their money. |
| a dazzling array of sea life both large and small. | | | | The Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum has produced a |
| The huge fin whale is occasionally seen. It weighs up | | | | voluntary marine code for users of the marine |
| to 70 tons and is the second biggest animal to ever | | | | environment, with the cooperation and help of local |
| have lived on our earth, after the blue whale. Both | | | | operators and individuals. Part of the Code articulates |
| these giants feed on tiny shrimps and plankton. At | | | | the way to use marine craft on the coast in an |
| seven tons, slightly larger than an African elephant but | | | | intelligent and responsible way around environmentally |
| not much bigger than the fin whales tongue, the minke | | | | sensitive areas. |
| whale visits us mainly in the summer months. | | | | Thankfully it is already illegal to chase or harass |
| Weighing in at only 70 kilos the diminutive harbour | | | | animals on the water. But perhaps the effects of |
| porpoise is almost the smallest cousin of the great | | | | recreational operators pale, when compared to the by |
| whales and Pembrokeshire is one of the best places in | | | | catch of commercial fishing. |
| Britain to see them. Fin Whale, Minke Whale, Pilot | | | | 'Mid water/pair trawling', using one, sometimes two |
| Whale, Killer Whale, Harbour Porpoise, Atlantic | | | | trawlers to haul a massive net (capable of surrounding |
| Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, White Sided | | | | 10 jumbo jets at a time) is heartbreaking. Basically |
| Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin have all been | | | | what happens is that common dolphins are enticed into |
| seen in the area. Another leviathan that hunts in our | | | | the net by the struggling, surrounded fish. They |
| waters is the mighty eight metre long Basking Shark. | | | | become trapped and drown. |
| No need to avoid a dip in the briny though, as this is | | | | However one positive example of conservationists |
| also a plankton eater. Swimming slowly with its | | | | and industry communicating in Pembrokeshire was the |
| cavernous mouth wide open, it constantly sieves tiny | | | | case of the fast ferry. Unknown to the operators, the |
| creatures out of the water. In doing so it filters | | | | route of the ferry cut through some very important |
| hundreds of tons of water per hour. | | | | porpoise habitat. |
| Sustainable eco tourism is nothing new to | | | | Local conservationists managed to alert the ferry |
| Pembrokeshire. The value of our wildlife is not just | | | | company who altered the course thereby minimising |
| aesthetic. Sea birds, seals and cetaceans draw | | | | the risk of collisions. |
| thousands of visitors to our coasts and islands. Every | | | | We take pride in our marvellous coastline, sometimes |
| year increasing numbers of visitors come to see them. | | | | called the 'The Dolphin Coast', which gives the |
| Eco tourism is the responsible way to enjoy the | | | | opportunity to see some of the most beautiful and |
| environment. It brings much needed income over a | | | | majestic creatures on the planet. We must never |
| longer season and shows just how valuable our wildlife | | | | forget how privileged we are and try and ensure this is |
| is. Local people feel pride and also benefit, visitors are | | | | possible for future generations. |