Crime

Cod stocks collapse sparks fears for future of Milford Haven fishing

Published

7 months ago

September 24, 2025

COD stocks across northern European waters are in such steep decline that scientists have called for a “zero catch” quota in 2026.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has warned that North Sea cod numbers have fallen by more than 60% in the past decade, while other areas around Scotland and Norway show similar declines. The advice means no cod should be taken if the species is to recover.

Not much cod left in Milford

For Milford Haven, once the beating heart of the UK’s white-fish trade, the picture is different today. The big trawlers that once landed cod, haddock and hake in the docks are long gone. Brexit has also meant far fewer Belgian and Dutch vessels calling here.

Instead, Milford’s remaining fishing community is made up of smaller inshore boats, with whelk and shellfish now dominating the catch. Cod landings in the Haven are negligible.

Wider implications

But campaigners say the collapse of cod is still a warning sign for Milford and other coastal towns. Hugo Tagholm of Oceana UK said: “Our seas are being emptied species by species. Once a population collapses, it can take decades to recover. Small-scale fishers and coastal livelihoods depend on governments making the right choices.”

Jonny Hughes of the Blue Marine Foundation added that cod in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea – waters closer to home for Welsh crews – are already considered collapsed. “This is the predictable result of prioritising short-term profits over the long-term future of fishing communities,” he said.

Shellfish under pressure

With cod and other white fish disappearing, attention is shifting to shellfish. That could spell trouble for Milford’s whelk fleet if more pressure falls on the same species. Fishermen here already rely heavily on exports to Asia, leaving them vulnerable to price swings and competition from larger fleets elsewhere.

Greenpeace campaigner Erica Finnie warned: “This crisis proves our oceans are being managed for industrial profit, not small coastal towns like Milford Haven. A zero-catch quota, backed by proper marine protection, is the bare minimum if we want thriving seas and secure jobs.”

A fragile industry

Milford Haven still carries the title of Wales’ largest fishing port, but the reality is a fraction of what it once was. The cod crisis underlines how quickly stocks – and communities – can collapse, and why the survival of what remains here depends on more sustainable management in the years ahead.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.