|
|
|
Background Information South-west Wales is an area of great natural beauty and ecological interest. Around three quarters of the shoreline is made up of rocky cliffs, rock platforms, boulders and shingle, with most of the rest being mud and sand habitats, including some sandy beaches of high amenity value. In recognition of the region’s environmental importance, many areas have been given special national or international status. Much of the coastline lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and in the main area affected by the spill there are about 35 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 2 National Nature Reserves (at Stackpole and Skomer) and, around Skomer, one of the UK’s three Marine Nature Reserves. There are also EC designated Special Protection Areas for birds, and plans for three Special Areas of Conservation are proposed by the government. The main towns in south-west Wales are Carmarthen (population 14,600), Milford Haven (13,600), Haverfordwest (13,000), Pembroke Dock (8,600) and Pembroke (7,200). The local economy faces problems from the closure of major industrial and defence establishments and from the decline of the oil-processing and agricultural sectors. Unemployment rates in Pembrokeshire are amongst the highest in Wales. The region’s economy relies heavily on a few key industries, particularly oil, tourism, agriculture and fishing. Tourism plays a vital role, with many visitors staying in the vicinity of Tenby and Saundersfoot. Opportunities for environmental education are offered by field studies centres. In 1995 tourists spent an estimated £160 million in Pembrokeshire. The fishing industry is centred around the Milford Haven waterway. The region has abundant shellfish, crabs, lobsters, sea bass and other fish, and the local salmon and sea-trout rivers attract many visiting anglers. These fisheries provide an estimated 1,000 land- and sea-based jobs. Agriculture in the region includes early potatoes and vegetables, dairy and livestock farming. The Milford Haven waterway has a long history as an oil port, developed during the 1950s for its deep waters and natural shelter – features making it ideal for large tankers. Whilst it is the second busiest port in Britain for petroleum products, high transport costs from Pembrokeshire have lead to the oil refineries becoming less competitive in recent years. |
RETURN To Sea Empress Main Page