Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, is calling on Conwy County Borough Council to introduce a voluntary Code of Conduct for visitors to Angel Bay, by Llandudno’s Little Orme.
The Bay is home to a large number of grey seals, particularly during the pupping season, which runs from early August to late October.
A similar Code has been in use in Ceredigion since 1992, to great success.
Such a Code would call on recreation boat users, water sports enthusiasts, walker and dog owners, to be mindful of the seal population, and to act appropriately around them – keeping a respectful distance in order to allow the colony to nurture their pups in safety.
Janet said:
“We are fortunate enough to witness hundreds of grey seals returning each year to their home in Angel Bay by the Little Orme.
“A voluntary Code of Conduct to protect this population from people, water vehicles and enthusiastic dogs would go a long way to ensuring their safety, especially during the pupping season, when the younger ones are especially vulnerable to passing boats.
“I have called on Conwy County Borough Council to follow Ceredigion’s lead by putting in place a Code of Conduct to prevent the seals being disturbed on land and sea.”
Following these calls, the Member understands that Conwy County Borough Council are now engaging with other North Wales authorities to agree a North Wales Code, which Janet has openly welcomed, saying:
“I am thrilled at the prospect of the development of a north Wales Code, and have called on the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM, for the Welsh Government to seek to introduce a Wales-wide Code of Conduct to protect all our coastal marine life.”