The Marine Environment

The seas and coast of Wales are extremely important to the Welsh way of life.  60% of the Welsh population live and work in the coastal zone.  Wales is highly dependent on the trade, tourism and fishing industry the coast and seas provide.  

An impressive 70% of the Welsh coastline is designated for its environmental importance and aesthetic value with three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Wales.  

With an increased interest in the development of marine renewable energy, as well as the need to adapt to climate change protecting yet sustainably developing Wales’ coasts and seas is essential.

The Welsh Assembly Government’s Marine Branch is responsible for protecting:

• the variety and quantity of marine species; 
  
• the habitat of those species, particularly where they are in decline or in danger of extinction; and 
  
• the eco-systems supported by marine life.

We develop and implement legislation, policy, directives and guidelines to ensure our sea thrives, environmentally, economically and recreationally.  

Marine Policy

The forthcoming Marine Bill will help ensure our seas are clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse. It will develop systems for managing the marine and coastal environment sustainably.  

Marine Conservation and Biodiversity

Through various schemes, vulnerable and ecologically important habitats and species can be protected from fishing, trawling and other human impacts.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy brings together stakeholders to ensure all sea and coastal users have a say in the way the coast is developed and used.

Marine Licensing

A Marine Consents Unit has been established to create a ‘one stop shop’ for marine licensing in Wales.

European Directives and Guidance

The Assembly Government considers relevant European Directives and guidance when developing policy.   This includes the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, OSPAR and other marine related legislation.

Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership and other Partnerships

The Welsh Government communicates and consults with marine and coastal stakeholders. Developing and maintaining links with stakeholders is essential to ensure policies are developed, understood, and implemented.  Some partnership initiatives have been set up and operate in Wales to achieve this.