News

Welsh Government plans to use drones to monitor and enforce fisheries

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2023

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is planning to take to the skies to help monitor what’s caught beneath the waves.

It is seeking interest from drone suppliers to provide equipment with a bird’s eye view of the sea and estuaries below.

A contract notice on public sector procurement website Sell2Wales said the aim was to improve the management and enforcement of Welsh fisheries.

“This will be the first time we will use drones as part of our fisheries management,” said a Welsh Government spokesman.

“We already have access to a number of different tools and methods for managing fisheries including the operation of fisheries patrol vessels, access to vessel monitoring systems and statutory submissions of data.”

The Welsh Government is responsible for the management of fisheries, including estuaries and intertidal areas, up to the midway point in the sea between England, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. It also manages some cockle beds.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is responsible for the management of freshwater fisheries and also some cockle beds.

The Welsh Government spokesman said: “The drones will be for Welsh Government primarily, however we do carry out joint working with other agencies including NRW, and once the drones are operational we will consider their use for any joint exercises.”

NRW said it has used drones of its own to photograph and map habitats in the Dee River, North Wales, but that it wasn’t aware of them being used for fisheries enforcement.

Jim Evans, chairman of the Welsh Fishermen’s Association, an industry group, said the proposed use of drones by the Welsh Government was “both news and surprising”.

He said every fishing vessel had monitoring devices and that catches and method of capture were also recorded.

“It is unclear to me what additional value would be provided by drone surveillance given that 90% of the Welsh fleet are predominantly inshore, small-scale, and under 10-metre vessels using low-impact static gear,” said Mr Evans.

A cross-party Parliamentary report published last year said Wales had 249 active fishing vessels in 2021, which landed 4,998 tonnes of fish and shellfish worth £11 million and supported 105 full-time equivalent jobs.

It said Brexit, fuel prices labour shortages and access to fishing rights were the main issues facing the sector.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.