Calls for more feedback on the publication 'Issues for the Pembrokeshire Marine candidate Special Area of Conservation - Draft for Consultation' are being made by SAC Officer Sue Burton. Over 700 copies of the consultation document, published last November and produced by the Relevant Authorities Group for the Pembrokeshire Marine candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC), have been distributed including almost 500 sent directly to the interested individuals and organisations on the SAC mailing list.

The Pembrokeshire Marine cSAC (a European Marine Site) contains marine habitats and species of European importance. Regulatory bodies have a legal duty to manage activities within the site so that marine habitats and species for which the site has been chosen are protected and maintained for the future. The document lists issues currently considered as having the potential to affect the local marine area. Topics covered include shipping, fisheries, pollution and litter. Current management in place to limit the environmental effects of these are described, and possible future management options are suggested.

Comments to date have been encouraging. All respondents who have completed a feedback form said that the document was useful. Few could see major conflicts within their own areas of interest. As well as completing the feedback forum, several respondents stressed the need to highlight the positive aspects of living with a European Marie Site.

Sue explained: "The proposed designation is an accolade - and one that Pembrokeshire should be proud of. Surveys show - and locals know - that the natural environment, particularly the beautiful coastline, is the biggest draw for visitors to the county. It is vital that the county's best asset is respected - that we look after the goose that lays the golden eggs. In addition the presence of a vitally important busy port shows that commerce and the environment can co-exist satisfactorily."

She stressed: "The SAC should not halt all future development, but will encourage development to be as sustainable as possible - something which is in the interests of all and especially important to those who use the area as a natural resource for their livelihood or for recreation."

Open meetings will be held this year to make further progress with ideas for future management of the site. Local information and input into workable solutions are essential to the successful future management of the site.

Copies of the document are available, while stocks last, from offices of the Countryside Council for Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Milford Haven Port Authority, Environment Agency and South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, and down-loadable from the website http://www.pembrokeshiremarinesac.org.co.uk">www.pembrokeshiremarinesac.org.co.uk .

Alternatively the document can be viewed in the county's main libraries or requested from the SAC Officer Sue Burton on telephone number (01646) 696108; fax (01646) 696125 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] .

The closing date for contributions is February 28.