Community
£18m boost for Welsh fishing industry to support coastal growth
Pembrokeshire’s ports and coastal communities expected to benefit from new UK fund
FISHING communities in west Wales are set to benefit from a major new investment, as the UK Government launches a £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund – with £18 million allocated to Wales.
The funding, which will be managed by the Welsh Government, aims to revitalise the fishing industry, modernise equipment and vessels, and strengthen coastal economies such as those around Milford Haven, Fishguard and Saundersfoot.
The initiative forms part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, designed to boost jobs and growth in traditional maritime regions while ensuring long-term sustainability for the sector.
Focus on modernisation and skills

The fund will be targeted towards projects that strengthen the fishing fleet through new technology, training, and improved infrastructure. In Pembrokeshire, this could include upgrades to harbour facilities, investment in aquaculture, and support for young people entering the industry.
The Welsh Government will decide how to distribute its share of the money, allowing investment to be tailored to local priorities. It follows previous support from the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme, which helped local seafood producers and small fishing firms recover from the pandemic and adapt to post-Brexit trade changes.
“Vital boost for coastal jobs”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Wales’s coastal communities are hugely important, and this £18 million allocation will help deliver a bright, sustainable future for the fishing industry and those who live on our coast by improving infrastructure, creating jobs and boosting investment in skills.”
Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle added: “The grit and determination of fishers throughout the UK brings the best seafood to our dining tables and across the world. This fund will revitalise the fishing sector and coastal communities right across the UK, helping the sector thrive for generations to come.”
Pembrokeshire’s heritage and future

Fishing has long been part of Pembrokeshire’s coastal identity — from Milford Haven’s dockside trawlers to small-scale shellfish and crab fisheries along the Cleddau and beyond. Local industry representatives say the funding could provide a much-needed lifeline as the sector adapts to modern environmental and economic challenges.
Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said: “Fishing remains full of potential. Well managed, and with the right support, it can be an engine to drive sustainable growth all around our coastline.”
The UK Government also confirmed it plans to begin negotiations for a new trade agreement with the EU to reduce export barriers for seafood producers, making it easier to sell Welsh fish and shellfish to European markets.
If delivered effectively, the new funding could help ensure Pembrokeshire’s fishing ports continue to play a key role in the region’s economy — from local processors to exporters supplying some of the finest seafood in Europe.
Community
Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock
A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.
RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.
Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.
Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.
RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.
Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.
Photo caption:
Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community
Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns
A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.
Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.
He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.
The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.
Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.
Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.
Photo caption:
Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.
Community
Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities
YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.
The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.
Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.
Youth support
long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.
Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.
Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.
The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.
Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.
In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.
Environmental work
The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.
It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.
The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.
Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.
“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.
“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.
“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.
Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.
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