Education

One of the key lessons learned since the establishment of the voluntary marine protected area - the Marine Heritage Coast - in 1992, has been that education is a vitally important management tool.

By informing people of the potential problems to the bottlenose dolphin population of some recreational activity, particularly power boating and dolphin watching, much can be achieved to limit any negative impacts on the animals. There is considerable support for this view, and the plan therefore identifies a number of projects that will aim to:

  •  Ensure that all visitors and boat users are aware of the existence and objectives of the SAC.
  • Provide interpretation and education that will generate interest, appreciation and a commitment to conserve the bottlenose dolphins and the other SAC features.

To this end in 2006 the Coast & Countryside Section of the County Council has opened an exciting display area for skippers and boat users on New Quay pier: the Cardigan Bay Boat Place. Packed with interesting and innovative displays, boat users can discover more about the wildlife of Cardigan Bay and how to make the most of their experience at sea. Information about the Dolphin Watch monitoring and data results are also on display. The Boat Place is open Friday to Monday 12noon - 6pm from May to September.

To find out more about the Boat Place click here.

One of the interactive displays that has been developped in conjunction with the Cardigan Bay Boat place is a fun Marine Code game. This fun game for young and old gives you an opportunity to find out what you should do when you encounter dolphins, seals and other marine wildlife out at sea.

To play the game simply click on the dolphin image below:

Ceredigion’s Recreational Boating Code of Conduct is also being promoted through a humorous cartoon leaflet which is available from all local Tourist information Centres.

The aim of the fun illustrations of “what not to do” when interacting with marine wildlife is to get people to follow the Code by understanding the reasons that have lead to the development of the Code. The leaflet opens up into a fun A3 Cartoon poster. If you live locally and know of a good place to hang the poster, please help us to promote the Code by hanging a poster up!