AUTHORITIES in Pembrokeshire are becoming increasingly concerned about small scale oil spills along the countys coastline.

The first case was reported in October when an oiled bird was discovered on Newgale beach.

Since then there have been a further 268 cases confirmed, with the problem centred around Ramsey.

The islands RSPB warden, Ian Bullock, believes that for every bird found, there are going to be a further ten in the same condition.

It is believed that the pollution is a result of ships deliberately cleaning out unwanted fuel oil within the protected waters around West Wales.

There is no excuse for disposing of oil in such an ignorant way and there are adequate facilities along the Haven where fuel can be safely recycled, said Mark Andrews, Harbour Master at Milford Haven Port Authority.

However, he said it was incorrect to blame tankers completely for these illegal disposals and that the oil fraternity had cleaned up their act in recent years due to the increased penalties of up to £250,000.

He believes other vessels take advantage of the fact that tankers will automatically be blamed.

The main concern, however, is the devastating effect that it is having on Pembrokeshires bird population - in particular guillemots and razorbills.

Mr Bullock believes that these birds are suffering more than others because of the way in which they try and find food, diving beneath the water and surfacing, unaware that they are coating themselves in oil.

The situation has not been helped, according to the RSPB, by autumn storms. The adverse weather conditions have produced large amounts of heavily covered seaweed on the surface where birds flock to feed off fish.

Mr Bullocks concern is that these toxic substances destroy the birds waterproofing, reducing their ability to control body temperature and resulting in severe cases of hypothermia. Tests on the substances have confirmed that the pollution is heavy fuel oil that is extremely corrosive.

Pembrokeshire relies heavily on clean beaches and Mr Bullock strongly believes that this deliberate act is criminally anti-social. He urges the public to be more vigilant and hopes that with faster reporting and swifter action, ships committing such illegal acts can be caught.

If you have any information please contact either the Emergency Planning Unit on (01437) 776196 or (01437) 776373; the Oil Bird Rescue Centre on (01646) 651236 or the RSPCA directly.