In 1992, in response to local concerns, the former Ceredigion District Council
established the Marine Heritage Coast (MHC) between New Quay and Tresaith.

This initiative was the first of its kind in Britain.

The objectives of MHC management are:

1. to protect and enhance marine habitats and communities;

2. to provide interpretation and education facilities that will generate interest,appreciation and commitment for marine conservation

3. to manage recreational activities in a way compatible with conservation interests;

4. to support sustainable forms of tourism that recognise the cultural, social and environmental well-being of the coastline;

5. to use the MHC to promote marine conservation
   and coastal zone management; and

6. to assist effective communication and decision making.

 

The initiative continues to generate considerable local support and a number of projects and schemes have been developed:

• Cetacean Site Use and Boat Traffic on the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast, 1994 -1999

• Marine Conservation Code of Conduct

• Passenger Boat Code of Practice

• Wildlife Boat Trips and coastline walks

• Annual seabird breeding colony census

• Interpretation and education (eg: MHC mural at New Quay)

The MHC and the SAC management approaches are currently running alongside each other. MHC measures have provided a basis for many of
the management proposals currently being developed for the SAC.