News
Welsh Government outlines progress on fisheries strategy after first year
Ministers say new management plans, enforcement action and funding are strengthening the future of Welsh fishing communities
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has published an update on its long-term strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Wales, claiming “significant progress” one year after the policy was formally introduced.
In a written statement issued on Thursday (Jan 29), Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said the approach was designed to create a more sustainable, well-regulated and economically resilient fishing sector.
The strategy, first set out in December 2024 following consultation with the Ministerial Advisory Group for Welsh Fisheries, focuses on three core areas: delivering Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), meeting Wales’ statutory duties around fisheries enforcement and monitoring, and fulfilling national and international obligations following the UK’s exit from the EU.’

Management plans and consultations
Ministers say progress has been made on the development of FMPs, which are intended to manage fish stocks on a long-term, evidence-based footing. Wales is expected to launch its first Wales-only FMP later this year, covering crab and lobster fisheries, while also contributing to five joint UK plans.
A separate public consultation on changes to scallop fishing management, linked to the King Scallop FMP published in 2023, is currently under way and due to close on Friday (Jan 31).
The Welsh Government says it has also introduced an adaptive cockle management system, adjusted rules for the whelk fishery, and launched a recreational bluefin tuna fishery, all based on updated scientific advice.
Enforcement and prosecutions
On enforcement, ministers highlighted eight successful prosecutions relating to misreporting of Dover sole, resulting in fines and costs totalling £950,000, alongside 20 fixed penalty notices for other fisheries offences.
Officials say they have continued to work with other UK enforcement agencies to monitor both domestic and international vessels operating in Welsh waters, arguing that tougher enforcement is essential to protect stocks and ensure a level playing field for compliant fishers.
Funding and support for coastal communities
The statement also points to continued public investment in the sector. During 2025, more than £1.14 million was awarded through Round 5 of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme, with a further £430,000 distributed via the Coastal Capacity Building Fund.
An additional £1.29 million has been added to the fisheries budget for 2026/27, with Round 6 of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme opening earlier this month and carrying an increased budget.
Other measures cited include grants to support the installation of inshore vessel monitoring systems, new multi-year marine science contracts, and research into the economic and carbon impacts of the Welsh fishing fleet.
Wellbeing and resilience
The government says it is also focusing on workforce resilience, with supply-chain initiatives, wellbeing projects and seven upcoming Seafit Wales “Stronger at Sea” events planned across February and March. These events will offer free health and dental checks to fishers and their immediate families.
Ongoing debate
While ministers say the strategy has delivered a “stronger foundation” for the future, fishing organisations have previously warned that tighter controls, rising fuel costs and regulatory complexity continue to place pressure on small-scale operators.
The Welsh Government maintains that collaboration with fishers and coastal communities will remain central as further management plans and funding programmes are rolled out.
Ministers say the next phase will focus on building on the framework already in place, while balancing environmental sustainability with the economic realities facing Wales’ fishing ports and coastal towns.
Local Government
Security privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds
HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed that security personnel seen at this year’s Beating of the Bounds were privately arranged and paid for by the town’s Mayor.
The council issued a statement on Tuesday (June 16) following queries about the presence of security staff at the civic event.
It confirmed that the arrangements were made by the Mayor and Admiral of the Port, Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, and were not commissioned by the council.
The statement said the decision was taken by the Mayor as a personal precaution in response to safety concerns connected with his role as a councillor.
NO SPECIFIC THREAT
The council stressed that the presence of security personnel should not be interpreted as an indication of any specific threat to the event, participants, or members of the public.
It added that the event “proceeded safely and successfully” and that there were no incidents of concern during the day.
The Beating of the Bounds is one of Haverfordwest’s oldest civic traditions, with the Mayor and Sheriff travelling to the White Stone, the historic boundary marker of the Port of Haverfordwest, to reaffirm the ancient boundaries and rights of the town.
Hundreds of people attended this year’s event, which included a flotilla, music, entertainment, stalls and family activities along the riverside.
COUNCIL CONDEMNS ABUSE
In its statement, the council said it remained committed to ensuring civic events were “welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly” occasions.
It said appropriate planning and risk management arrangements were undertaken for all public events so residents and visitors could attend with confidence.
The council added: “While the security arrangements were a personal matter for the Mayor, the council recognises the importance of supporting the wellbeing and safety of all elected members and staff.
“The council condemns all forms of abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour directed towards those serving their communities.
“Respectful public discourse is fundamental to local democracy, but there is no place for conduct that seeks to harass, threaten or intimidate others.”
The council thanked everyone who attended and contributed to what it described as another successful Beating of the Bounds, celebrating Haverfordwest’s history, traditions and community spirit.
Image: Darth Marty Media
Local Government
Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent
NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.
Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.
The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.
The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.
“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.
“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.
“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”
The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.
Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.
“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.
“It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council on this scheme.”
News
Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey
A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.
Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.
The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.
Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.
After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.
Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.
After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.
The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.
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