Business
Welsh crab and lobster survey and online events for recreational shellfish fishers

WELSH crab and lobster survey and online events for recreational shellfish fishers
Download
Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry, is inviting recreational crab, lobster and crawfish fishers in Wales to take part in a survey and attend online engagement events.
The survey and events have been arranged by Seafish as part of a new Welsh crab and lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) which is being developed by the Welsh Government and due for publication in 2026.
Recreational fishers are classed as anyone fishing simply for leisure and personal consumption, as opposed to commercial business, with the survey and engagement events open to both Welsh residents and visitors.
Seafish wants to hear from pot fishers and divers / spearfishers who have an interest in crab, lobster, and crawfish fisheries in Welsh waters.
FMPs cover all removals of shellfish from a stock; this means that recreational shellfish fisheries will be included in the plan, so it is important that the views and expertise of recreational fishers are gathered as they are important stakeholders in Welsh fisheries.
Seafish has been commissioned by the Welsh Government to carry out online engagement events and a short online survey to understand more about how recreational shellfish fishers would like to see crab, lobster, and crawfish managed in the future.
Lewis Tattersall, Head of Fisheries Management at Seafish, said: “Recreational fisheries for crab, lobsters and crawfish provide cultural and economic value to coastal communities in Wales, as well as being a hobby that many people enjoy. In managing fisheries, we must account for all catches removed from the stock to ensure long-term sustainability. This means future fisheries management plans for shellfish will include recreational catches of shellfish.
We want to make sure that recreational shellfish fishers are involved in the early stages of FMP development and that their views on how fisheries should be managed are heard. The Seafish events and online survey are a great opportunity for recreational shellfish fishers to share their experience and insight, and the outputs of this work will be important in shaping future management of Welsh fisheries”.
In April, Seafish engaged with the commercial fishing sector to gather their views on current and future management of the Welsh crab and lobster fishery.
The focus of this second round of engagement is on recreational potters, divers, and intertidal gleaners / gatherers who catch brown crab, velvet crab, spider crab, European lobster, and crawfish in the Welsh zone.
The online engagement events and survey offer recreational shellfish fishers the opportunity to voice their opinions on how Welsh shellfish fisheries are currently managed, and how they would like to see them managed in the future through the fisheries management plan.
Seafish wants to know what current management works well to protect shellfish stocks, what could be improved to improve sustainability and how recreational shellfish fisheries would like to be involved in the next stages of FMP development by Welsh Government. The ultimate aim of the FMP is to deliver sustainable shellfish fisheries in Wales and to protect these valuable stocks for future generations.
Business
Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”
Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.
“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”
Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Business
Pioneering aeronautical apprentice flies the flag for women in engineering

A YOUNG apprentice from Llantrisant is breaking barriers in the aerospace industry as Wales celebrates Women in Engineering Day.
Georgia Price, 21, was the first female aeronautical engineering apprentice at Newport-based AerFin Ltd, a global aviation company specialising in aircraft and engine component support services.
Currently studying for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of South Wales, Georgia is blazing a trail for women in STEM careers. Her achievements include winning bronze and gold medals at the Inspiring Skills Competition Wales Manufacturing Team Challenge and the Skills Academy Wales Tomorrow’s Talent Award.
Georgia said: “My advice to other women considering an engineering career is to go for it. It’s not as daunting as it may look, and everyone is so supportive and welcoming.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said: “Georgia’s success story is a beacon to all young women who may today be considering a career in engineering. Her achievements also illustrate the value of apprenticeships as a pathway into employment and further education.”
The Welsh Government has increased its support for apprenticeships despite financial challenges and the loss of European funding. Core funding has risen from £97m in 2020 to £144m in the most recent budget. Latest data published by Medr shows nearly 73,795 new apprenticeship starts have been supported during this Senedd term.
Georgia’s employer, AerFin, now has three female apprentices and is committed to developing local talent in the thriving aerospace sector.
Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer said: “Georgia is a great asset to the business. Apprenticeships provide the company with a great opportunity to take on and develop local talent which allows us to grow organically.”
Business
£20m investment to secure future of Fishguard Port

Largest ferry to visit Fishguard as Stena Line commits to long-term upgrade
FISHGUARD Port is set for a major upgrade after ferry operator Stena Line announced a £20 million investment to replace the town’s ageing linkspan bridge.
The new infrastructure, described as “overdue” by the company, will provide increased flexibility and secure the long-term viability of the Pembrokeshire port, which serves the route to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.
Stena Line said it hopes construction on the new drawbridge-style linkspan will begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027. The company said the investment demonstrates a commitment to Fishguard for the next “30 to 40 years”.
Boost following Holyhead closure
Fishguard saw an unexpected increase in traffic in December 2024, after Storm Darragh damaged berthing terminals at Holyhead. The disruption meant freight traffic and ferries were redirected to Fishguard to relieve pressure on the Irish Sea route.
During this period, the Stena Adventurer — the largest ferry ever to visit the port — docked in Fishguard for the first time.
Ian Davies of Stena Line acknowledged that the new investment was long-awaited: “It’s overdue,” he said, but added that the upgraded linkspan would allow far more flexibility for vessels and scheduling in the years ahead.
Abandoned plans revived
A similar project to upgrade the port was cancelled in 2018, raising concerns locally about Fishguard’s future as a ferry terminal. At the time, tenders had already been invited for the build, but the scheme was scrapped unexpectedly.
The current single-lane linkspan, which dates back to the early 1970s, has been nearing the end of its working life for some time. Its replacement is expected to bring the port up to modern operational standards and support future vessel deployments.
Stena Line currently operates two roll-on roll-off ferry services per day between Fishguard and Rosslare.
The investment announcement has been welcomed by port users and the local community as a sign that the port will continue to play a key role in west Wales’ transport and economic infrastructure.
Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has welcomed the news that Stena Line is
planning to invest £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port.
Mr Davies said, “I’m delighted that Stena Line is making a significant investment in the port’s
infrastructure. It’s a firm commitment from Stena Line which will secure the port for years to come.”
“The upgrading of infrastructure will enable larger ferries to berth and that could result in more
opportunities for the local economy.”
“I’m excited about this investment and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”
-
Crime2 days ago
Milford Haven woman and inmate to appear in court following drugs raid
-
Crime6 days ago
Neyland man admits making indecent images of children
-
Crime5 days ago
Oil refinery worker caught drink-driving on wrong side of the road
-
News5 days ago
Councillor accused of conflict of interest over planning vote on rival venue
-
News6 days ago
Sentence reduced for driver who caused baby’s death outside Withybush Hospital
-
Crime6 days ago
Rosemarket man avoids jail after breaching court order and stalking victim
-
Crime23 hours ago
Robbery at Milford Haven store: Man arrested after stealing vodka
-
Business4 days ago
Celtic Holiday Parks in administration as buyer sought