Managing Pembroke- shire's marine leisure sector is a complex balancing act, members of the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee were told on Thursday.

As part of an on-going review, Charles Mathieson, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority recreational management officer, and tourism officer Erica Fielding, gave presentations on their perspectives of the issue.

There are 200 miles of coastline, over 50 paths, 40 slipways and launching accesses and 15 harbours and mooring areas, apart from Milford Haven, providing for a wide range of activities from sailing, rowing and diving to water skiing, powerboating, surfboarding and jet skiing.

Councillor Moira Lewis made the point that most people come to Pembrokeshire for its tranquillity, beauty and unspoiled nature and a careful balance had to be made not to destroy this to bring more tourists in.

Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse said people would still come whether or not there is management and Cllr John Allen said the council needs to invest in provision for everyone, including locals.

Director of development, Mr Roger Barrett-Evans, said investment did not necessarily bring in direct benefits.

Huge amounts of money had been spent replacing and maintaining pontoons, but not a single penny of revenue came in. Cllr Mike Evans emphasised the need to consult tourism groups to keep informed of future needs, while vice-chairman Cllr Ken Edwards suggested providers should be interviewed and industrial developments in the Haven taken into consideration.

Cllr Henry Jones said they had to consider what local people wanted and, in response to Cllr Lewis' call for separation of storm water and sewerage systems, said separate systems would be ruled out by cost. Cllr Steve Watkins strongly objected to his comment that farm effluent was a factor in beach pollution.

Cllr Kate Becton complained that the review was taking so long, but the director said the information was so diverse and complex it was a slow process.