This layer shows the focus area (i.e. the areas which are most significant for sector activity) for policy SAF_01b for shipping activity, refered to in the Marine planning technical statement: safeguarding policy for ports and shipping.

The focus area is derived from data on vessel movement density and areas relating to shipping activity, outside of Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) boundaries. Data on shipping density was extracted from Automatic Information System (AIS) data. The focus area is based on a threshold of at least 600 vessel transits per 1km2 hexagonal cell per annum. Although below the threshold, the route from Milford Haven to Falmouth was also included in the focus area.

Small, isolated areas (< 1km2) of apparent shipping activity were removed from the focus area. As SHAs are safeguarded under SAF_01a, shipping activity within SHA boundaries was also removed from the focus area.

Data on shipping-related area was derived from UK Hydrographic Office, OceanWise and Natural Resource Wales datasets, and includes anchorages, pilot boarding areas, navigation dredging areas, and traffic separation schemes.

Attribution statement

© British Crown and OceanWise, 2026. All rights reserved. License No. EK001-20120402. Not to be used for Navigation.

Contains public sector information, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, from UKHO.

Contains Natural Resources Wales information © Natural Resources Wales and Database Right. All rights Reserved.

© Marine Management Organisation copyright and/or database right 2023. All rights reserved.

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Oceanwise, UKHO, Natural Resources Wales & Marine Management Organisation

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Attributes (8)

Attribute name Label Description
enw_cy Enw
name_en Name
policy Policy
disgrifiad_polisi_cy Disgrifiad Polisi
policy_description_en Policy Description
cafeat_cy Cafeat
caveat_en Caveat
geom

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Type:
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Category:
Oceans

Features and characteristics of salt water bodies (excluding inland waters). Examples: tides, tidal waves, coastal information, reefs

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Language
English
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