VISITORS to the North Wales coast are being asked to bear in mind the impact of their activities on wildlife.
On April 14, North Wales Police along with the RSPCA, Natural Resources Wales, the North Wales Wildlife Trust and other Welsh police forces, will be taking part in Operation Seabird.
The national campaign aims to engage and educate people about the sensitivities of the coastline, and how simple changes in behaviour could reduce pressure on unique wildlife.
Because of its picturesque appearance, 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.
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.
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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."
Types of Wildlife disturbance include collisions involving watercraft and live marine animals, excess noise and visual disturbance.
A police spokesman said: "As well as educating and raising awareness through social media channels and local media, we 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. "These action days will see uniformed officers at launch sites and around the North Wales coast.
"They will visit businesses, educate and engage with the public to raise awareness of the problems some recreational activities can cause to our coastline wildlife.
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"If you’re out and about along the coast, we’re asking you to remember that any activity has the potential to cause disturbance to wildlife, if not conducted in a responsible and safe manner."
To reduce disturbance to sensitive wildlife whilst on the water, North Wales Police is advising the following:
• Keep your distance: Keep a safe distance (at least 100m) from the cliffs, rafting seabirds and marine mammals, allowing space for animals to move away from you.
• No-wake speed: Motorised vessels and personal watercraft should travel at a no-wake speed within 300m of the cliffs or shore.
• Avoid enclosed spaces: All motorised and non-motorised vessels should avoid entering 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.
A police spokesman added: "If you do see someone causing a significant disturbance to wildlife along the coastline, we are encouraging you to engage with any police or environment agencies at the locations, or report it to us via 101 or through our online webchat facility.
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