News

Skomer King scallops thriving after ban on catching them

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

A BAN on catching King scallops off parts of the Pembrokeshire coastline has led to the species increasing its numbers by 12 times since the year 2000, marine scientists have discovered.

In 1990, removing King scallops (Pecten maximus) by any means was prohibited across the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone after a drop in numbers due to extensive fishing from dredgers and hand collectors.

Specialists from Natural Resources Wales, who monitor the waters around Skomer, carried out a survey in 2022 of the King scallops – the sixth survey since 2000.

Scallops were collected, measured and aged by counting their growth rings before being released, alive, back to the waters.

A report into the survey was released earlier this year and showed the numbers of King scallops living in these waters had increased 12-fold since the initial survey in 2000. The age range of the scallops were between 3 to 12 years old showing a healthy and thriving population present.

And scientists also found the ban on catching scallops has also helped improve the habitat shared by a multitude of other creatures.

The sediment on the seabed where King scallops live has become a thriving habitat for a variety of species with more than 1,000 different creatures found, making it one of the most diverse sediment habitats in the UK.

Ali Massey, a marine environmental assessment officer with NRW, took part in the survey.

“The results from each survey since 2000 have shown an increase in numbers and it was wonderful to find that the scallop population at Skomer continues to grow,” she said.

“Importantly the sediment habitat where the scallops are found now also supports an increase in other wildlife.

“Animals that live here are either brilliantly camouflaged to help them stay alive, or they survive by burrowing beneath the sediment; creatures like worms, burrowing anemones and tiny shrimp-like creatures called amphipods.

“The results speak for themselves. This is great news for both the scallops and other animals found in the sediment habitats and really does highlight the benefit of areas protected from scallop fishing,” added Ali.

Scallops themselves are also considered as ‘micro habitats’ as they have a whole host of animals attached to their shells including barnacles, sponges and sea squirts.

Even dead scallop shells provide homes to numerous species of crabs, brittle stars, and baby sea urchins, while small marine fish called butterfly blennies use the empty shells to hide and lay eggs.

NRW’s Head of Marine, Rhian Jardine said the findings were positive news.

“The scale and rate of biodiversity loss across the nation is accelerating terrestrially and in the marine, impacting on species that depend upon our natural resources,” she said.

“Restoring nature for nature’s sake is in everyone’s interests.”

Crime

Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

Published

58 minutes ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.

Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.

The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name

He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.

A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.

The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Crime

Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

Published

1 hour ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.

KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.

The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.

He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.

He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.

Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.

He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.

Entertainment

Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.

The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.

Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”

Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.

The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.

Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.