Wales Coasts and Seas Partnership (CaSP Cymru): 9 October 2025

David Tudor: CaSP Chair
Claire Stephenson: ABP
Emma McKinley: Cardiff University
Gareth Cunningham: Marine Conservation Society 
Gregory Miles: Marine Futures Intern
Bronwen Fleming: Marine Futures Intern
Jenny Oates: Natural Resources Wales
Reece Halstead: Ocean Literacy Co-ordinator
Jetske Germing: Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and Marine Evidence Wales
Jennifer Godwin: Seabed User and Developer Group
Alys Morris: Severn Estuary Partnership
Caroline Price: The Crown Estate
Jacob Keverne: Wales Coastal Forum Group
Anna Elliott: Welsh Council Voluntary Action
Alice Teague: Welsh Government
Caryn Le Roux: Welsh Government
Chris Roderick: Welsh Government 
Samuel Dorrington: Welsh Government
Rhys Davies: Welsh Government
Rose Malleson: Welsh Government
Laura Parry: Welsh Government
Rachel Sharp: Wildlife Trusts Wales

Peter Chaniotis: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Samira Anand: Seafish
Leanne Llewellyn: Welsh Government
Emily Payne: Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
Jonathan Monk: Milford Haven Port Authority
Paul Southall: National Trust
Kirsty Lindenbaum: Natural Resources Wales
Leanne Cullen-Unsworth: Project Seagrass 
Jon Parker: Aquaculture Industry Wales 
Mark Bloomfield: Welsh Government 
Jennifer Welsh: Welsh Government
Michel Regelous: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
Emily Williams-Slater: RSPB Cymru
Penny Nelson: WWF Cymru
Rhian Jardine: Natural Resources Wales

Huw Irranca-Davies: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Eirian Kettle: Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Maggie Hatton-Ellis: Natural Resources Wales
Luke Romaine: Welsh Government

Overview from the Chair since last meeting

DT welcomed attendees, noted apologies received and provided an overview of the day’s agenda. Due to several new attendees DT asked everyone to introduce themselves.   

DT highlighted various developments since the last meeting held in Swansea (19 June 2025). Including:

• Coastal Coordinator Fund: This has opened and closed to bids since the last meeting. The bids have been assessed, and outcomes will be shared shortly
• Marine Fund Cymru: Progress has been made in establishing governance arrangements, including the formation of the steering group which had its first meeting on 2^nd October
• Ocean Literacy: Workshops have taken place building towards a proposal for ongoing funding

DT also noted his involvement in the Offshore Wind Task and Finish Group, which has now concluded, and the continued development of the MPA Condition Assessments, to be discussed later in the meeting. 

DT had also met with the Deputy First Minister earlier in the week and has put himself forward to serve as CaSP Chair for a further term. Officials will be taking forward arrangements for this.

Actions from last meeting

CLR went through a summary of updates on actions provided in advance of the meeting from the last partnership meeting on 19 June 2025. Each update or action was covered in more detail during the relevant agenda item.

Annual Highlight report (year 4) 

CLR updated the group on the status of the CaSP annual report and invited members to share their feedback once the draft is circulated in due course. CLR also noted that the delivery plan is available to anyone who requests it, but is not published, as it is iterative. The Deliverables document shared in the last meeting will be updated when MBEG outputs have been agreed. 

It was noted that as we are approaching the end of the Senedd term, when we will need to review the shared narrative and delivery. 

Newsletter

CLR provided an overview of the newsletter arrangements - while there is no set publication schedule, the newsletter is typically distributed every two to four weeks. Urgent updates can be shared with the group immediately, outside of the usual circulation cycle.

Please send any information or articles to share via the newsletter to the mailbox: WalesCoastsAndSeasPartnership@gov.wales.

Website

A beta version of the CaSP website has now been produced and some minor operational issues are being addressed. An example page was presented, prompting discussions about the potential need to refresh the shared narrative, particularly at the start of the next Senedd term.

Actions

Secretariat to continue the development of the new CaSP website, co-ordinating with partners re: logos and links to appropriate webpages.

Secretariat to circulate the draft annual Highlight report (2024-25) for feedback.

Management group to consider how to review CaSP’s objectives and the shared narrative at the start of the next Senedd term.

Ocean Literacy, Lead: Kirsty Lindenbaum, NRW

WOLC and Y Môr a Ni

RH gave a presentation on the Ocean Literacy Strategy ‘Y Môr a Ni’ and on the Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition (WOLC),  (see Annex: presentations).

The OL steering group meets every three weeks; the wider Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition (WOLC) meets every three months. Through a series of workshops throughout October, the Coalition is defining and developing the funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), to support the delivery of Y Môr a Ni. The key work packages have been refined to policy (Ocean Literate Decision Makers), access and experience, knowledge and skills, and culture and communities. However, RH noted that NLHF will not fund any statutory areas (policy development), so that area is likely to be removed as a specific work package.

Each of the final work packages areas will include a suite of projects to help achieve the overall aims of the strategy.

Some other points to note:

• Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have secured funding to re-run the Ocean Literacy Survey, aiming to establish a direct comparison with previous results
• KL has applied to the UN Ocean Decade for Y Môr a Ni to be endorsed as an activity under that programme
• Y Môr a Ni was represented at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in May, in partnership with the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition. This partnership is now continuing as a knowledge exchange group

Discussions in the room were around industry engagement and representation and cross sector collaboration, and the opportunity to include internships and apprenticeships within the NLHF bid. 

Sustainable and alternative sources of funding were also discussed to ensure long term viability of the planned programme.

Actions

Members to continue to promote and link to Y Môr a Ni as widely as possible, including using the established hashtags, as this will help with the funding bid:

• #YMôraNi, #llythrenneddCefnfor, #OceanLiteracy, #OceanLiteracyWales
• Instagram: @ymoranicymru 
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Y Môr a Ni: Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition

RH to speak to PS, National Trust about the Heritage aspects of the NLHF bid.

RH to link with JGo, Seabed User and Developer Group (SUDG) around environmental skills gaps and making further links with other initiatives in the industry sector.

Blue Investment, Lead: Gareth Cunningham, MCS

Blue Investment re-focus

As the arrangements for Marine Fund Cymru are now in place and will operate independently, GC proposed that the Blue Investment working group reduce its meeting frequency from monthly to three times a year, aligning more closely with CaSP meetings. This was agreed.

The group will continue to focus on identifying suitable funds for Wales, embedding the Responsible investment principles, and knowledge sharing and upskilling.

Actions

Members to send any requests for BI agenda items to SD.

Marine Fund Cymru

AE thanked members for the feedback provided after the previous CaSP meeting on the governance arrangements and the establishment of the new steering group.  Over the summer the steering group had been recruited and now includes seven CaSP members, including representatives from industry, aquaculture, the environmental NGOs and coastal partnerships. The first steering group meeting was held on 2^nd October.

Several legal documents including terms of reference (TOR), due diligence policy and ethical donations policy are to be finalised following constructive discussion. The aim is to open the fund for donations in December and AE asked members to suggest any events taking place around this time that could be a good opportunity to formally launch the fund. 

AE is also preparing promotional materials for the launch, and a logo, in the same style as the CaSP logo, has been signed off by the steering group.

The next steering group meeting will take place in January. 

Actions

Members to suggest potential events towards the end of the year where Marine Fund Cymru could be formally opened for donations.

Coastal Capacity Building, Lead: David Tudor

CLR updated the group on the launch and assessment of bids for the Coastal Coordinator Challenge Fund (CCCF), run through the Local Places for Nature Programme by WCVA, detailing the application process, funding duration, focus on local engagement, and ongoing efforts to connect national policy with community action.

The fund was open for a seven-week application period, receiving several bids to host Coastal Co-ordinators. Three co-ordinators will be funded, each for up to three years (until March 2028). These coordinators will focus on engaging local communities, linking national policy and marine planning to local needs, and encouraging two-way dialogue. The initiative is a pilot, designed to test proposed delivery models with the potential to be expanded if future funding becomes available. 

The successful bidders will be notified by WCVA very soon. The roles will continue to be monitored, and future delivery assessed by CaSP.

Further issues raised around capacity building included the need for continuity beyond current grant cycles, greater capacity for delivery and restoration (not just engagement), and addressing staffing disparities between fisheries and conservation roles. 

Marine Biodiversity Expert Group, Lead: Kirsty Lindenbaum, NRW

The Marine Biodiversity Expert Group (MBEG) operates as a collaborative forum, bringing together organisations working in marine biodiversity to coordinate efforts, prevent duplication, to identify priorities, and share resources. 

The group last met on 14th July and discussed the results of the recent marine feature condition assessments, with water quality emerging as a significant concern (see item below and Annex: presentations). There was an agreement that in responding to these challenges, the focus should be partnership driven rather than relying solely on Welsh Government and NRW. 

The Land-sea interface was raised as a topical issue. MBEG could review its ToR and membership to include more terrestrial organisations and local authorities, aiming for a broader “summit to sea” approach. Connections with the 30by30 Strategic Implementation Group were also discussed, with the intention of better addressing marine restoration and resilience. 

KL highlighted that the group is still developing, with open agendas and a focus on agreeing collective priorities for building resilience in Welsh seas. MBEG aims to guide funding and policy, such as Marine Fund Cymru, using data and evidence like the condition assessments to drive further action.

NRW’s Wales Water Management Forum: KL flagged an upcoming meeting on 13 November, focusing on a health impact assessment for River Basin Management Plans in Western Wales, and invited wider participation from the group. 

Seafish: SA reported on the development of a supply chain resilience roadmap for Wales, with stakeholder collaboration. They are also conducting a socio-economic survey of Welsh fisheries, including workshops and an open online session.  

Socio-economic study of Welsh fisheries for the Welsh Government (on seafish.org)

Seagrass Symposium: LC-U announced the second UK Seagrass Symposium in Cardiff Bay (11–12 November), highlighting keynote speakers, a finance panel, and the event’s endorsement as a UN Ocean Decade activity. She encouraged participation beyond the seagrass sector. 

UK Seagrass Symposium 2025 (on projectseagrass.org)

Marine Net Gain Projects: JGo provided an update on SUDG work around marine net gain and restoration, funded by the Crown Estate’s Offshore Winds of Change programme. She described ongoing projects, strategic approaches to restoration, and plans to share outputs, noting relevance for Wales. A publishable report is expected in January, with learning intended to be transferable to Wales, where there is already ambition to develop marine net benefit policy. 

Wales Coastal Group Forum: JK highlighted the Case Study they are working on for coastal communities and climate adaptation with the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership. 

The two Marine Futures interns were introduced by RH. The programme, funded by the Crown Estate and hosted across the UK (e.g. North Devon Biosphere, NRW, MSPARC Bangor) provides cross sector placements designed to bridge skills gaps and expose interns to the breadth of marine careers. The group was invited to use the interns through RH while they are in placement to share learning about programme setup and outcomes.

Four related presentations were made before open discussion of the priorities for achieving the 30by30 target.

30by30 framework and current focus 

LR, Welsh Government, gave a presentation on the 30by30 Framework and its current focus. (see Annex: presentations). Key points to note:

The Welsh 30by30 framework is designed to meet the global biodiversity target of protecting 30% of land, freshwater and sea by 2030. It aims to translate the international targets (2 and 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework) into a Wales-specific context.

Target 2 (Convention on Biological Diversity)

Target 3 ( Convention on Biological Diversity)

The framework sets out criteria for how areas of land and sea are counted towards contributing to the target, including supporting legally protected habitats and species, sustaining ecosystem functions, representing the full range of Welsh systems, forming a connected network, and being effectively managed in perpetuity.

Management of those areas must address threats and pressures, persist for at least 25 years, and integrate high-quality monitoring and evidence. Governance should be transparent, equitable, and inclusive, recognising the rights and diversity of Welsh people.

A 30by30 framework for Wales

The approach emphasises resilient ecological networks, focusing on landscape-scale recovery rather than isolated sites. Core protected areas must be supported by actions in the surrounding landscape, such as reducing pollution and mitigating climate change.

69% of inshore Welsh waters are designated as Marine Protected Areas on the basis of specific features. Translating feature-based management into area-based outcomes is complex, especially for mobile species. 

Terrestrially, work is ongoing to recognise other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) outside protected sites, with toolkits and pilot sites being developed.

The vision is for a thriving, interconnected, equitably governed network that contributes to ecosystem resilience and biodiversity recovery, integrating obligations under the Well-being of Future Generations Act and sustainable natural resource management.

LR also shared the 30x30 Solutions Toolkit (on 30x30.solutions) a curated web resource, providing guidance and information to implement Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The Toolkit is a clearing house of resources presented in an accessible and meaningful manner to design, implement and report on 30X30 strategies and action plans.

SAC and SPA condition assessments

MH-E, NRW, gave a presentation on the latest condition assessments for marine SACs and SPAs in Wales, conducted under the ‘Improving Marine Conservation Advice’ project (see Annex: presentations). 

Key points were:

The assessments covered 17 sites (37% of the MPA network, 52% of the inshore network), including 8 SPAs and 9 SACs, with 85 individual feature-level assessments.

Results: 55% of features were considered in ‘unfavourable condition’, 38% were favourable, and 7% unknown. SPAs were particularly poor, with 63% unfavourable, partly due to bird flu and “short-stopping” (birds not reaching Wales).

SAC habitats: 51% unfavourable, 36% favourable, 13% unknown (mostly sea caves, which are hard to monitor but considered likely to be favourable).

Reasons for failure included water quality (notably dissolved inorganic nitrogen), overgrazing, and population declines. Failures were often localised, (e.g. to specific estuaries or reef areas), potentially allowing for future targeted management.

The assessments will feed into nature networks investigations, MPA management projects, evidence gap analysis, regulation, and strategic mapping. They could also inform management effectiveness reporting (the MEPCA/OSPAR indicator), which could be used to identify sites for inclusion in the 30by30 target.

Management Effectiveness of Protected and Conserved Areas (MEPCA) Indicator (jncc.gov.uk)

Further work is underway to assess cross-border sites and develop performance indicators for additional areas.

Marine Protected Areas framework review

EK, JNCC, presented an update on the Welsh MPA Management Framework, a strategic document guiding management and improvement of the Welsh MPA network, with a five-year cycle (current: 2018–2023) (see Annex: presentations). 

Key points included:

The framework sets out roles, responsibilities, a vision, and objectives for a well-managed, ecologically coherent network, supporting sustainable use and aligning with UK and international commitments.

It is part of a suite including the annual action plan (operational delivery), grants scheme (funding mechanism), and annual report (evaluation tool).

The framework is being revised, with stakeholder engagement via an online questionnaire (deadline: 15 October). The revision process includes data collection, summary reporting, drafting, iterative feedback, and wider consultation, aiming for completion by August 2026.

Key themes for review include effective management beyond site boundaries, integrating land-sea interface issues, and aligning with broader marine strategies and targets.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback, especially on management principles, pressures, and the effectiveness of current tools. The framework aims to be adaptable and transparent, supporting resilient MPAs.

UK Wildlife LINK report on 30by30

RS presented on behalf of Wales Environment Link - part of the UK Wildlife LINK network - marking the halfway point to the global biodiversity framework’s 2030 target (see Annex: presentations). 

Key points were:

While Wales has designated around 50% of its marine areas, none of the MPAs are whole-site or fully protected, and feature-based management can complicate effective conservation.

Effective management of these areas, not just designation, is critical. Wildlife LINK have estimated the baseline for effectively protected and managed marine areas in Wales at just 2.93%, though there is potential for a significant increase if highly protected sites are established.

Challenges include pollution (agricultural, noise, climate change), lack of whole-site protection, and difficulties in assigning areas to mobile species. The report calls for more collaborative, science-based approaches and equitable governance.

According to the report, across the UK, only 2.14% of land and about 6% of coastline is effectively protected and managed. The report stresses the need for agreed baselines, effective management, and collective action to achieve the 30by30 target.

The resulting discussion emphasised moving beyond counting the number of designations, to deliver real change, focusing on restoration, tackling pressures, and building capacity for nature recovery.

The aim of this session was to consider and discuss 

• how these threads could be brought together
• how CaSP and partners can help, and 
• what actions could be taken forward through the MBEG group or elsewhere

Baseline and measurement

There was consensus that agreeing a baseline for what counts towards the 30by30 target is complex, given the various approaches to site protection, management effectiveness, and in establishing gaps in data. The need for a common understanding and transparency in how figures are calculated was stressed.  JNCC are trying to bring approaches together across the UK.

Focus on pressures 

The group repeatedly highlighted that tackling pressures, especially water quality, agricultural pollution, and fisheries impacts, is more important than simply counting protected areas. Addressing these pressures is seen as essential to improve site conditions and achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.

Restoration and active management

Active restoration of marine habitats is a key theme for contributing to the 30by30 target. There was enthusiasm for collaborative restoration projects, with calls to mobilise expertise and resources already present within the partnership – are there some restoration actions all partners could deliver together? There were calls for pragmatic, prioritised approaches, identifying key locations and actions, telling a clear story to mobilise support, and focusing on what can be delivered now rather than waiting for perfect solutions.

Whole-site vs feature-based protection

The limitations of feature-based management were discussed, which means MPAs don’t fit well into the 30by30 target.  Whole-site protection and highly protected areas were supported. 

Capacity and resources

The need for increased capacity, both in terms of funding and skilled personnel, was emphasised, particularly for MPA managers and community engagement. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of current efforts and the importance of building long-term capacity.

Partnership and collective action

There was strong support for partnership working, both within Wales and across borders, to share data, expertise, and drive collective action. The group recognised the importance of engaging industry, government, NGOs, and communities. The work on marine net benefit currently underway was noted, due to report in March 2026.

Practical delivery 

Climate change and future-proofing

The discussion included the need to adapt management approaches to account for climate change, ensuring the MPA network remains relevant as species and habitats shift.

Social and economic dimensions

The importance of linking marine conservation to social mobility, skills, and opportunities for coastal communities was noted, with calls to integrate ocean literacy and community capacity building into the 30by30 agenda. 

It was noted that the ocean literacy, capacity building and sustainable investment themes of CaSP all support delivery of the proposed approaches.

Actions

CaSP Management Group and MBEG lead to consider what actions CaSP could implement to advance 30by30 goals, and support through the MBEGroup.

The Deputy First Minister (DFM) joined the meeting online and expressed strong support for the work of the Coasts and Seas Partnership (CaSP) and emphasised its importance to Welsh Government’s approach to marine and coastal management.

He highlighted the launch and progress of the Ocean Literacy Strategy, Y Môr a Ni, noting its role in connecting diverse communities with the marine environment and positioning Wales as a leader in this field, including participation in UN Ocean Decade activities.

He mentioned the appointment of the new Marine Fund Cymru manager and the recent establishment of the Marine Fund Cymru steering group, describing these as key steps towards increasing funding and urgency for climate and nature emergencies.

The DFM referenced the ongoing assessment process for the Coastal Coordinator Challenge Fund and reflected on the momentum and delivery achieved by CaSP’s working groups.

He stressed the value of collaboration, stating that real progress is achieved when committed partners work together, and that the energy and ideas within CaSP are essential for its success.

He also acknowledged the diverse contributions of CaSP members, including work on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, blue jobs, and marine renewables, and described this as an exciting time for marine and coastal agendas in Wales.

Discussion Highlights with the Cabinet Secretary

The DFM was questioned on tackling pollution, especially agricultural pollution affecting rivers and marine environments. The DFM described recent water summits and the establishment of a task and finish group to address agricultural pollution, including regulatory and innovative approaches. He emphasised urgency in bolting down actions before the election and welcomed broad stakeholder involvement, including supply chain organisations.

Written Statement: update on the review of the Control of Agricultural Pollutions Regulations

RS, Wildlife Trusts Wales, raised the need for sustainable finance and marine net benefit metrics to support marine restoration. The DFM acknowledged the growing momentum for high-integrity, ethical funding and expressed a desire to set a clear direction before the election, recognising that taxpayer funding alone is insufficient and that community engagement is vital.

JGo, Seabed User and Developer Group, highlighted industry’s support for marine net benefit and net gain, stressing the need for clear metrics and mandatory requirements to give certainty to developers. The DFM welcomed industry’s positive engagement and reiterated the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and NGOs.

The DFM was asked about opportunities for coastal communities, especially regarding social mobility and blue jobs. He spoke about the potential for nature restoration, marine renewables, and skills development to benefit communities, including those facing socioeconomic challenges. He emphasised the need to engage all parts of society, including disadvantaged groups, and to unlock opportunities through proactive measures.

Throughout the discussion, the DFM stressed the importance of working together across sectors, maintaining momentum, and ensuring that actions taken now can be continued by future governments. He encouraged the group to keep up their energy and collaborative spirit.

Skills, capacity and career pathways

The group reflected on the need to map out skills gaps and career pathways in marine restoration and management. There was concern that previous skills audits had not led to tangible change, and a desire to ensure future efforts result in real capacity building.

Marine net benefit and restoration

There was further discussion about the concept of marine net benefit, with updates on commissioned work to scope out opportunities for restoration and increased mapping. Participants agreed that restoration projects should be collectively understood and strategically delivered, regardless of the funding source.

Partnership and investment readiness

The group emphasised the importance of partnership working, investment readiness, and having a pipeline of deliverable projects. This would enable rapid response to funding opportunities and ensure legal and practical preparedness for restoration initiatives.

Agricultural pollution and fisheries

The conversation returned to agricultural pollution, with calls to expand stakeholder involvement and ensure supply chain actors are included in solutions. There was also discussion about sustainable inshore fisheries and the need for co-management approaches, noting previous proposals that had not been adopted due to resource constraints.

Industry representation

It was clarified that some attendees represented organisations supporting the seafood supply chain, but not the fishing industry directly. The group agreed it would be beneficial to have direct fishing industry representation in future meetings.

The meeting closed with reminders about future meeting dates, the importance of site visits, and the need to keep momentum going. There was a shared commitment to practical action, partnership, and ensuring that discussions translate into delivery.

Dates of 2026 meetings

• 5th February 2026: Llandudno Junction
• 18th June 2026: location to be confirmed
• 15th October 2026: Cathays Park, Cardiff

Secretariat to continue the development of the new CaSP website, co-ordinating with partners re: logos and links to appropriate webpages. 

Secretariat to circulate the draft annual Highlight report (2024-25) for feedback.

CaSP Members to continue to promote and link to Y Môr a Ni as widely as possible, including using the established hashtags, as this will help with the funding bid. 

• #YMôraNi, #llythrenneddCefnfor, #OceanLiteracy, #OceanLiteracyWales
• Instagram: @ymoranicymru 
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Y Môr a Ni: Welsh Ocean Literacy Coalition

Reece Halstead to speak to Paul Southall, National Trust about the Heritage aspects of the National Lottery Heritage Fund bid. 

Reece Halstead to link with Jennifer Godwin, Seabed User and Developer Group around environmental skills gaps and making further links with other initiatives in the industry sector.

Blue Investment members to send any requests for Blue Investment meeting agenda items to Sam Dorrington. 

Blue Investment members to suggest potential events towards the end of the year where Marine Fund Cymru could be formally opened for donations.

CaSP Management Group to consider how to review CaSP’s objectives and shared narrative at the start of the next Senedd term.

CaSP Management Group to consider what actions CaSP could implement to advance 30by30 goals, and support through the MBEGroup.

Please note that the presentations have been distributed separately.

If you wish to view them, please email: Wales Coasts and Seas Partnership. 

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.