Mike Hedges AM calls for Drone users to exercise caution when flying their drones over coastal areas as breeding seals are being disturbed by drones flying near them.

Mike Hedges AM calls for Drone users to exercise caution when flying their drones over coastal areas as breeding seals are being disturbed by drones flying near them.

Mike Hedges AM said… ‘I have been contacted by wildlife groups concerned about the impact of drones on wildlife in the past and this new research from Swansea University shows there is some merit in these concerns. Drones allow new opportunities for people interested in photography to take marvellous photographs from previously unobtainable vantage points; however, I would urge people who use Drones to use them responsibly and not to fly their drones in a way that disturbs wildlife. The concerns regarding seals in their breeding season is particularly worrying as South West Wales is one of the main areas where seals come to breed in the autumn. If you use a drone, please be careful when close to wildlife.’

The grey seal population in Pembrokeshire and Gower breeds from August to November, but a lack of awareness has led to them being scared into the water with the potential not to return.

Research by Swansea University has so far found drones with four propellers are most likely to cause problems.

It has prompted calls for users to learn about flying them near wildlife.

Tips for drone use

§  Never land on a beach with seal pups present

§  Stay at least 50m (164ft) out from the shore

§  Never paddle between a seal and her pup