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 (