Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Management
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Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Management Scheme (Version 1 2007) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Ail-gynhyrchwyd o fap Ordnance Survey. Hawlfraint y Goron Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map. Crown copyright reserved. MANAGEMENT SCHEME Produced by Sue Burton on behalf of the Relevant Authorities Group April 2008 Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Management Scheme (Version 1 2007) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… A draft management scheme was available for public consultation from February to April 2006. This completed document incorporates, where possible, all consultation feedback from that date. It was circulated amongst the relevant authorities for the site in December 2007 for final agreement; a couple of minor text amendments were made. It should be noted that this is a working document and as such will be continually revised in light of any relevant new information and legislation. See the header and footer on each page for information on the publication version/date and check against the updated contents checklist for the latest updates. Further general information on the SAC can be found on the website www.PembrokeshireMarineSAC.org.uk or from: Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer, Captain Superintendents Building, Admiralty Way, The Royal Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, SA72 6TD Email: [email protected] Phone: 01646 696108 Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Management Scheme (Version 1 2007) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… FOREWORD It is easy with a necessarily formal document such as this, to overlook the interest and excitement of what lies behind it. Around Pembrokeshire we have one of the UK’s most important marine sites. The quality of Pembrokeshire’s underwater life has long been recognised. The Skomer Marine Nature Reserve was one of the first voluntary marine reserves in the UK before its designation in 1991, and it remains one of only three MNRs in the UK. Pembrokeshire is also one of the best studied areas of sea around the UK; marine biological research work has been focused throughout the area since the production of the Dale Fort Marine Flora and Fauna in 1966. The presence of the Field Studies Council’s Oil Pollution Research Council through 1967-1999 helped ensure that Pembrokeshire firmly remained one of the prime sites for marine scientific research. Today the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve, the Milford Haven Waterway Environmental Surveillance Group and various visiting universities, colleges and others continue to study Pembrokeshire’s marine wildlife. We still however have an awful lot to learn about the underwater world. With so little of it visible from dry land, and for such short times, and with only a tiny amount of ground covered during an average 40 minute long dive, much of it still remains a mystery. But nearly everywhere surveyors have been, fascinating wildlife communities have been recorded. Rocky reefs are smothered with an abundance of common and unusual marine animals including small corals, bright anemones, sponges and large delicate sea fans. Caves and deceptively barren-looking sediments hide a multitude of creatures, some of which are being discovered for the first time. To catch a brief glimpse of this underwater world yourself, watch the short SAC video “Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation – what’s so special?” Compared to terrestrial conservation, we are at a disadvantage. Not only do we have insufficient understanding of the site’s wildlife (What is their extent? How long do they live? How much human interaction can they tolerate?), but we also have limited detailed information on activities that take place throughout the site and their consequences. Add to this the sectoral nature and limited scope of legislative control in the marine environment, and it becomes easier to see why developing this management scheme has been such a long and complex process. The next couple of years, for those of us who work within the marine environment, will prove to be an interesting time of change and opportunity (hopefully) as the Marine Bill revitalises marine policy. The Bill, and any legislation arising from it, could fill many existing management gaps and bring with it improved inshore fisheries management, an holistic approach to management (marine spatial planning) and improved marine nature conservation protection. Watch this space…any future legislative changes will be reflected in the SAC management scheme and action plan. The SAC is utilised by a wide range of users for many diverse activities; it is an important resource for the fishing industry, tourism and recreational users. The natural deep water harbour of the Milford Haven ria is the reason why the port and its maritime industries can exist here. The document “Issues for the Pembrokeshire Marine Candidate Special Area of Conservation” (2002) outlined the potential threats to the site, which were seen to be many; overexploitation of the site’s living resources, pollution, and disturbance from recreational activities all have the potential to harm the SAC’s marine wildlife. An integrated management scheme that draws together the knowledge and powers of all the statutory authorities for the site is essential. If we don’t succeed in protecting the features of the SAC, we stand to lose not just some fascinating species and important habitats, but important economic assets for the area and an opportunity to enhance the reputation of Pembrokeshire as an area of good environmental quality. The ultimate success of the management scheme however, will not only be dependent on the statutory authorities, but all stakeholders of the site - interested bodies, individual users and local communities. Everyone has a part to play in the site’s future management. We are fortunate to be in the position where we can learn from the experiences of other marine SACs across the UK. Successful ideas developed on other sites have been incorporated through this document, and it is hoped that this experience and the contributions made by the stakeholders for the site will ensure that the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC continues to be recognised for the quality of its marine wildlife, not only in Wales or the UK, but across Europe. Sue Burton, SAC Officer, Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Management Scheme (Version 1 2007) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ©Rohan Holt Marine caves are partly visible along the mainland coast and some of the offshore islands Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Management Scheme (Version 1 2007) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… CONTENTS SUMMARY SECTION 1 1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction to the management scheme........................................................................................................1 1.2 SAC vision and management scheme aim .....................................................................................................1 1.3 Key principles for production of the management scheme ............................................................................2 1.4 Legislative background ..................................................................................................................................2 1.4.1 Habitats Directive......................................................................................................................................2 1.4.2 Habitats Regulations..................................................................................................................................3 1.5 SACs and the Natura 2000 network ...............................................................................................................4 1.6 Site history .....................................................................................................................................................4 1.7 Management framework.................................................................................................................................5 1.7.1 Relevant Authorities..................................................................................................................................5 1.7.2 Competent Authorities...............................................................................................................................6