The popular Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy will close this autumn to protect a booming seal population.
The Pembrokeshire coast is a popular place for breeding Atlantic grey seals which have arrived early this year to have their pups on the secluded beaches. The lagoon is often filled with seals and their pups this time of year and it is closed off by National Trust Cymru every year in late September to stop them being disturbed.
But thanks to their early arrival at the end of the 2022 summer, the Trust has decided to close the former slate quarry earlier than expected on September 17. The annual closure usually runs until November. Increasing numbers of grey seals breeding in and around the lagoon coupled with the Blue Lagoon’s high visitor numbers and its sheltered nature means there is a high potential for disturbance to seals, the Trust said.
The Blue Lagoon and surrounding beaches are perfect places for seals to rest on land and digest a recent meal, socialise, and feed their young. It's hoped the lagoon will re-open on November 5 but that will be subject to seal breeding activity at that time.
Mark Underhill, National Trust Cymru’s countryside manager for Pembrokeshire, said: “There are two species of seal that can be found in Britain; the common seal and the grey seal. Only grey seals occur regularly in Pembrokeshire, where they are present all year around.
“About half the world’s population of grey seal breed on our coastline and the total number in West Wales, mostly Pembrokeshire, is estimated to be about 5,000 with some 1,400 pups being born each year. The breeding season is vital for our seal colonies here in Pembrokeshire, and we ask that visitors do not access the Blue Lagoon and that they follow the guidelines laid out by the Seal Alliance and Pembrokeshire Marine Code when on the coastal path.”
Visitors will still be able to watch these wild creatures in their habitat from the Wales Coast Path and coasteering activity providers - who have signed up to the National Trust’s Coasteering Agreement and undertaken specific training on how to operate around seals - will still have access to the lagoon with groups of visitors who have booked in advance.
To avoid disturbing seals at this very important time of year, National Trust Cymru recommends following the Pembrokeshire Marine Code: Stay quiet, keep your distance and at least 50m away from seals and never come between a seal and her pup, or a seal and the sea and don’t take dogs near a seal breeding area.
They also ask that if a seal is spotted in distress or alone never approach the pup. Seals are often left alone on the beach and distress can be caused by contact with people. To raise any concerns about seals or seal pups contact conservation group Welsh Marine Life Rescue 01646 692943 or 07970 285086 who will be able to offer you further guidance.
READ NEXT:
- Bull seal Maximus chills out on a dinghy in Pembrokeshire
- Incredible footage captures shark jumping from the ocean yards from boat trip off Welsh coast
- Ironman Wales pictures and results as event returns to Tenby amid amazing scenes
- The 10 best beaches in Wales according to TikTok
- The gorgeous beaches voted the best in Pembrokeshire
