Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) can spread by the movement of boats and other vessels and pose a significant threat to marine environments.
The Milford Haven Waterway is an important habitat for marine wildlife within the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The project aims to protect the waterway and restore its biodiversity. It will mitigate the risk of INNS through improvements to infrastructure, training for boatyard staff and guidance for water users.
The installation of new vessel washdown facilities at multiple boatyards is key to this work. These facilities will prevent harmful biofouling – the unwanted build up of marine life – and non-native species from re-entering the waterway. It will also help local businesses to adopt strong biosecurity practices to prevent dangerous organisms from spreading.
People will also have the opportunity to learn more about their local marine heritage through bilingual resources that will raise awareness of INNS and their impact on wildlife.
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “The Milford Haven Waterway is central to our communities, economy and natural heritage, and invasive non-native species pose a growing threat to its ecological health. This project will allows us and our partners to put sector-leading biosecurity measures in place, supporting local businesses while safeguarding the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC and the wider marine environment for the long term.”
This project was awarded funding through the Nature Networks Fund, distributed by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.
