Back

2.3.2 Ports & Harbours

The former County of Cardiganshire (now Ceredigion) is well known for its seafaring traditions, both deep water ships and coasting vessels. Cardigan remained an active port until the 1950's. New Quay was an active port in the 18th and 19th century providing a sheltered harbour. The Harbour Company was formed in 1833 and the town quickly established a reputation for shipbuilding with shipyards situated along Traeth Gwyn and Cei Bach. Llangrannog established itself as a port in the late 18th century and shipbuilding still occurred until 1875. Most of the beaches provided a landing site for small sailing vessels throughout the 19th century and limekilns were built to roast the stone being brought into the bay by boat.

Currently, harbour activity within and adjacent to the SAC is centred on New Quay, Aberaeron and Aberystwyth. Mooring facilities are also available in the Teifi estuary although local concern has been expressed that navigation is becoming progressively restricted through the silting of the estuary. These harbours are mainly used by fishing vessels and recreational craft. Whilst the harbours are not as active as they once were for the fishing industry, the popularity of recreational craft has been increasing. Moorings and marinas (Aberystwyth) for these craft are more common than they once were and there remains the requirement to maintain navigable depths within harbours. This results in occasional dredging by the County Council, as the Harbour Authority for Ceredigion.