Water in the Bay is susceptible to pollution from a number of sources including oil and chemical spills from industrial and commercial premises, and vessels within the Bay.

Pollutants in the water can have a detrimental impact on water users and aquatic wildlife.  The Harbour Authority has therefore procured a range of clean up response equipment and has also trained staff in pollution control techniques.  The equipment procured for managing oil spills (and algal scums) is the largest collection of its type in South Wales.

In accordance with Clause 3 (1) (d) of the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998, SI 1998 No. 1056) Cardiff Harbour Authority has prepared an Oil Spill Contingency Plan in view of Cardiff Bays’ proximity to European designated sites.

This plan has been reviewed and accepted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).  The plan is reviewed by the Harbour Authority staff on an annual basis.