Objective 1 - To protect, and enhance where appropriate, the features of scientific interest for which the reserve was established.

Skomer has many important features although its seabird populations are most notable. Seabird populations are though most vulnerable to factors away from the breeding colony and food supply is the most critical single controlling factor. Secondary influences are pollution and predation. On the reserve the management can monitor the food supply in a variety of ways (by noting breeding success, chick weight gain, direct observation, collection of food samples etc) and therefore draw attention to environmental problems on a wider scale if considered necessary.

Pollution is likely to be sea borne in the form of oil or chemicals and the effects on birds are most noticeable in cases of gross pollution although the most important aspect of the reserve management in such incidents is to monitor the effects on populations in the short and longer term. Predation of seabirds by falcon, hawks and gulls is a natural cycle and should not be interrupted but the primary reason for the success of Skomer as a site for large numbers of burrow nesting seabirds is the lack of ground predators. The primary objective is to ensure that no such animals arrive or are allowed to survive on the island.

Disturbance to seabird colonies can cause desertion and breeding failure. Wardening of the site and of the sea around the site in cooperation with the MNR staff is a primary objective that is met by the employment of suitable staff.

Other factors of notable importance include a geology which is naturally eroding and no action other than preventing collecting of in situ samples is proposed.

The exposed rocks are however covered in a most spectacular display of saxicolous lichens of the south western type ( Rocella sp. ) and monitoring of the important communities is now quite well organised by experts under contract to CCW. There is a limited input here for site managers except to prevent gross pollution of lichens.

At the low tide line the interface between the NNR and the MNR becomes closer as the SSSI ovrlaps with the intertidal zone (although the lease does not) and this particularly affects the Grey Seal which breeds on the beaches and in the caves. The DWI' is committed to monitoring the productivity and survival of pups and will work closely with MNR staff to ensure that seaborne disturbance is minimal.

The only other notable mammal is the Skomer Vole (although the Shrews may also be of interest) and this animal is widespread on the island and in no apparent danger. It is known to prefer bracken dominated areas and avoid open places so that future management of bracken needs to consider the vole's habitat.

The vegetation is much modified by exposure and by rabbit grazing and is nowhere notable although there are a few scarce species and the heath is valuable in a local context. Objectives will include the continued management of the heathland areas to ensure its survival (and by implication the survival of Short- eared Owls which utilise it for breeding) and the protection of the scarce plant species where possible.