Wales Coasts and Seas Partnership (CaSP Cymru): 19 June 2025

David Tudor: CaSP Chair
Claire Stephenson: ABP
Reece Halstead: North Wales Wildlife Trust  (NRW)
Anna Elliott: WCVA
Phillip Turner: The Crown Estate
Zoe Abbott: Keep Wales Tidy
Nicole Esteban: Swansea University
Helen Duggan: Seafish
Alys Morris: Severn Estuary Partnership
Leanne Cullen-Unsworth: Project Seagrass
Jetske Germing: Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and Marine Evidence Wales
Gareth Cunningham: Marine Conservation Society 
Bethan Mathias-Williams: Wildlife Trusts Wales
Daniel Humphries: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Jonathan Hughes: National Trust
Julie Webb: Bangor University
Alice Teague: Welsh Government
Caryn Le Roux: Welsh Government
Chris Roderick: Welsh Government 
Samuel Dorrington: Welsh Government

Kirsty Lindenbaum: Natural Resources Wales
Rachel Sharp: Wildlife Trusts Wales
Emily Williams-Slater: RSPB Cymru
Nicola Gandy: Saundersfoot Harbour
Oisin Lowe-Sellers: Menai Strait Partnership Forum
Bekah Cioffi: Welsh Government 
Elen King: Welsh Government

Helen Nelson: Office of the Future Generations Commissioner
Chloe Angelone: NPT Council

David Tudor [DT] welcomed members to the venue and gave an outline of the day. This included short updates from the secretariat and each of the working group leads, and also presentations from Helen Nelson [HN] from the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner and Jonathan Hughes [JH] from the National Trust. 

Caryn Le Roux [CLR] started by mentioning a few of the highlights since the last meeting, including the presentation at the UN Ocean Conference given by DT on behalf of CaSP and the Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition.

CLR then ran through the actions from the last partnership meeting on 13 February 2025. These were circulated in advance of the meeting, along with the most recent updates (see annex 1).

CLR briefly introduced the Deliverables document (annex 2) drafted by the Chair and secretariat, highlighting key deliverables for each theme of the partnership’s work for the final year of the Senedd term. She also referred to the Delivery Plan (annex 3) shared prior to the meeting. 

CLR asked for any comments or feedback in relation to the various Deliverables. It has been noted that the MBEG should be more clearly referenced within the delivery plan and therefore by implication, within the Deliverables document. This would be discussed with the secretariat of the MBEG and the CaSP management group.

Work on the CaSP website is still ongoing and should be completed shortly. CLR reminded everyone to continue to share any information that they would like disseminated to the wider partnership as part of the CaSP newsletter – which is circulated to a growing list of recipients with an interest in the sector.

Actions

CLR to add the MBEG work area to the CaSP delivery plan.

CLR to discuss deliverables for the MBEG group with NRW, who provide the secretariat for that group, and the CaSP management group.

Secretariat to share an updated delivery plan and deliverables document.

Partners to continue to share any events and announcements with the secretariat for dissemination via the CaSP newsletter.

Ocean Literacy (Kirsty Lindenbaum, NRW) 

Kirsty Lindenbaum [KL] handed over to Reece Halstead [RH] (Ocean Literacy Coordinator) who shared a presentation on the work of the Wales Ocean Literacy Coalition (WOLC).

Festival of the Sea

RH gave a brief review of the Festival of the Sea events held earlier in the year. Both events were considered successful with good community participation and engagement, and this was a good opportunity for the DFM to get involved. 

While some notable organisations were missing from the events, there have been many enquiries from such organisations seeking to get involved in future events. There are questions around the possibility of future events next year, RS is intending to arrange more for next year, though these will likely depend on whether funding is available. 

HN asked how she may be able to get involved, as she has links to the Mumbles Council and this sounded like it could be a useful and worthwhile activity in her area. RH suggested joining WOLC in the first instance. 

Y Môr a Ni and National Lottery Heritage Fund Bid

The WOLC group continues to progress in preparing a funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Positive discussions with the NLHF have agreed in principle that an Y Môr a Ni bid would be possible. A workshop was held in May to establish work packages and define values, ensuring the bid hits all of the NLHF investment principles and to formalise the Coalition. 

The next step will be to identify partners within the Coalition to lead each identified work package.

Questions were raised about alternatives to the NLHF as a source of funding. There were concerns that the NLHF is already oversubscribed. Julie Webb (JW) suggested that Horizon Europe could be explored as a backup option.

DT noted that a lot of this work will link to the Coastal Capacity Building workstream. 

Actions

Members to continue to promote Y Môr a Ni as widely as possible, using established hashtags and sharing social media posts.

Partners who would like to join the Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition to contact Reece Halstead.

Blue Investment (Gareth Cunningham, MCS)

Gareth Cunningham introduced Anna Elliott [AE] (the newly appointed MARINE Fund Manager) who shared an update on the ongoing work to develop the MARINE Fund Cymru:

Prior to the meeting the following draft documents, developed by Anna in relation to the new Steering group were shared with CaSP members for consideration and comment:

• proposed Terms of Reference for membership of the Steering Group
• member/role specification for members
• member/role Application form to apply for membership of the steering group
• conflicts of interest policy

AE welcomed any feedback on these documents noting that her deadline for comments was 27 June, in order for the work to continue at pace and to ensure the steering group can be in place by the autumn. However, CaSP members were broadly content with the documents as they were. Work is continuing to develop an Ethics Policy, (around appropriateness of donations from specific sectors etc) with thanks given to Rachel Sharp (Wildlife Trust) and SMEEF for sharing their work in ethics and due diligence.

AE noted that as a result of feedback from the survey regarding the steering group that was circulated to members earlier in the year, the number of CaSP members on the steering group will increase from three to five. It was suggested that the group should also consider having a separate financial expert advisor as part of the steering group. 

AE laid out a desired timeline moving forward: 

• first steering group meeting to take place in September
• the fund will open for donations in October
• open for funding bids in 2026

Jon Parker [JP] raised an issue of investor confidence having fallen more recently according to reports on natural capital finance (Broadway Initiative on broadwayinitiative.org.uk). He concluded that this fund would need to emphasise how this is different to other available funds, and this could be supported with Welsh Government guard rails in place to increase confidence. 

Actions

AE to look into having a financial advisor as part of the group with WCVA

AE to continue to pursue opportunities to secure external funding.

AE to consolidate feedback and finalise the documents shared.

AE to share the finalised documents with group and ask for members to put themselves forward for the 5 CaSP positions. 

Coastal Capacity Building (David Tudor, Chair)

DT handed over to CLR to provide an overview of the forthcoming Challenge Fund.

CLR recapped that at the last CaSP meeting it was proposed that this new fund would be set up to complement the existing Coastal Capacity Building Fund (which now has a focus on fisheries objectives and outcomes). This new Challenge Fund would provide posts within coastal areas and support CaSP’s specific priorities and wider WG policies in coastal communities.

Approval has been given to provide coastal coordinators for the next two to three years. More detail will be available once the criteria and guidance has been finalised. The aim is to open the Challenge Fund in late July. 

CLR proposed that CaSP’s management group would make up the panel to assess and moderate bids received for the fund. No objections were raised to this proposal.

It was agreed that CaSP and the Welsh Government are looking to build a community focused approach from the prospective coordinators and that we are looking for a pan Wales geographical spread. As part of their bid, applicants will be required to detail how they will work with local communities – one of the key priorities of CaSP.

It is hoped the approach will provide a proof of concept, to garner further support in future - either from the Welsh Government or from a private source.

Actions

CaSP Management group to meet to agree and finalise funding guidance and associated documents.

CLR to ensure the name of the Challenge Fund differentiates from the Coastal Capacity Building Fund.

Marine Biodiversity Expert Group (Kirsty Lindenbaum, NRW)

KL briefly covered progress in this work area, noting that the group is now a year old. It has covered a range of topics relevant to CaSP, including the next State of Natural Resources Report, feedback on specific marine targets for the Biodiversity Targets Bill, future proofing the Seven estuary, various restoration projects across the UK, and Horizon Europe funding.

The next meeting will be held on 14 July, and will focus on the forthcoming condition assessments of the Marine SACs. Further agenda suggestions are always welcome.

Actions

Secretariat/NRW to share publication of NRW’s condition assessments for MARINE SACs.

Helen Nelson [HN] introduced herself, and provided an overview of the work of the Future Generations Commissioner (FGC), noting her prior work with Peter Davies (former Chair of CaSP Cymru).

The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has recently published the 2025 Future Generations Report, marking 10 years since the Well-being of Future Generations (WFG) Act was introduced. 

The Commissioner has issued 50 recommendations to the Welsh Government and various public bodies covering a broad range of areas, including:

• tackling the climate and nature emergency
• improving health and well-being
• promoting culture and the Welsh language
• building a resilient food system
• supporting a well-being economy

Key calls to action include:

• no more short-term fixes
• supercharge actions with multiple benefits
• unlock private sector finance
• a Real Living Wage commitment
• ringfence prevention funding
• a national food resilience plan
• culture must be protected
• rebuild trust in decision-making
• invest in public services
• simplify partnerships and funding
• review and strengthen the WFG Act

The Commissioner has also supported public bodies through tools, training, and initiatives like the Future Generations Leadership Academy and Hwb Dyfodol.

HN also covered the specific recommendations and work in relation to climate and nature, as outlined in the 2025 Future Generations Report, and provided some key case studies highlighting how important it is that we involve communities in a completely different way.

The FGC will monitor and challenge public bodies to meet these targets, and the recommendations are expected to be implemented.

HN also flagged the current legislative scrutiny of the Future Generations Act, and there was further discussion of the role of the Public Service Boards, noting capacity within these for marine action is still lacking.

Actions

CaSP to make sure that any work helps to meet the recommendations for the Welsh Government and public bodies.

Jonathan Hughes [JH] introduced himself and provided an overview of his role in the National Trust [NT]. He explained that the National Trust cares for 15% of the coast of Wales and he is looking to find out how the NT can work with CaSP and its members. 

The National Trust has recently rolled out a new strategy with three key aims:

• restoring Nature, including beyond their own properties
• inspire millions of people to increase connections and funding
• end unequal access, removing EDI barriers to NT and nature

It was noted that the strategy was similar in scope to The Crown Estate’s strategy, and aligns well with the CaSP themes of work.

Actions

JH to share ‘Future Coast’ strategy with CaSP: The National Trust Future Coast strategy.

JH and Philip Turner (Crown Estate) to discuss links between the NT and TCE strategies.

Crown Estate

Phil Turner highlighted TCE’s recent press release: New frontier for UK offshore wind with leading developers set to deliver new generation of floating windfarms. 

Seafish

HD noted that a new engagement manager will be starting with Seafish in July. They will be introduced to CaSP and will have a focus on socio-economic studies and the direct and indirect benefits of fisheries to communities.

Swansea University

Nicole Esteban presented findings from research on finfish production and saltmarsh interactions in South Wales, providing evidence of the value of saltmarsh. See presentation in Annexes.

Wildlife Trust Wales

Future of CaSP

Rachel Sharp raised the need for CaSP to review priorities as we complete this Senedd term, and make a clear link to marine habitat restoration and the 30by30 commitment. 

Alice Teague [AT] responded that now that the Environmental Bill has been introduced in the Senedd, further progress can be made regarding the 30x30commitment. This can be considered as part of the MBEG delivery, which was flagged earlier in the meeting. 

Actions

30by30 work to be considered as part of MBEG delivery. 

Welsh Government 

Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill 

The Environment Bill was introduced to the Senedd on the 2 June and is currently going through Senedd scrutiny. The Billis is due to get royal assent in April 2026. Further updates will be provided to CaSP and the MBEG group. 

Independent Review of Planning Approaches 

Written Statement: Response to the findings from the Independent Review of Marine Planning Approaches for Wales (17 June 2025)

For the afternoon session, the group travelled to Aberavon Beachfront for a guided walk and talk, led by the Neath Port Talbot Coastal and Marine Environment co-ordinator and her colleagues, with discussions of local and national issues including:

• Port Talbot, Tata Steel redevelopment and the Freeport
• NPT’s Coastal Connections Project
• sand dune management works
• tourism and recreation
• water safety

This provided an opportunity for the members in attendance to look at our current priorities and workplan in the context of local administration, and in an area relevant to key national policies on energy infrastructure, and local communities. The group also had the opportunity to think about where CaSP may be able to develop future actions.

9th October 2025 – Cathays Park, Cardiff

Dates of meetings to take place in 2026 will be finalised and shared in due course. 

CLR to add the MBEG work area to the CaSP delivery plan.

CLR to discuss deliverables for the MBEG group with NRW who provide the secretariat for that group, and the CaSP management group.

Secretariat to share an updated delivery plan and deliverables documents.

Partners to continue to share any events and announcements with the secretariat for dissemination via the CaSP newsletter.

Members to continue to promote Y Môr a Ni as widely as possible, using established hashtags and sharing social media posts.

Partners who would like to join the Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition to contact Reece Halstead. 

AE to look into having a financial advisor as part of the group with WCVA

AE to continue to pursue opportunities to secure external funding.

AE to consolidate feedback and finalise the documents shared.

AE to share the finalised documents with group and ask for members to put themselves forward for the 5 CaSP positions.

CaSP Management group to meet to agree and finalise funding guidance and associated documents.

CLR to ensure the name of the Challenge Fund differentiates from the Coastal Capacity Building Fund. 

Secretariat/NRW to share publication of NRW’s condition assessments for MARINE SACs. 

CaSP to make sure that any work helps to meet the recommendations for the Welsh Government and public bodies. 

JH to share ‘Future Coast’ strategy with CaSP – Strategy is available online

JH and Philip Turner (Crown Estate) to discuss links between the NT and TCE strategies.

30by30 work to be considered as part of MBEG delivery.