A NEW scientific study has revealed the distinct and ecologically significant nature of Milford Haven’s maerl beds, shedding fresh light on how one of Wales’ most fragile underwater habitats can be protected for the future.

Maerl beds are slow-growing, coral-like accumulations of red algae that form intricate structures on the seabed. These habitats support a wide range of marine species and act as important stores of blue carbon, helping absorb and lock away carbon dioxide.

The research, led by the University of Exeter with contributions from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), used Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to analyse maerl samples from Pembrokeshire to Cornwall. The data allowed scientists to assess genetic diversity across the region and identify the populations most at risk from environmental pressures and human activity.

Crucially, the study found that Milford Haven’s maerl bed is genetically distinct from other sites, underlining its uniqueness and highlighting the need for site-specific protection.

Dr Frances Ratcliffe, Senior Marine Environmental Assessment Officer for NRW, said:
“This research highlights the unique nature of the maerl bed in Milford Haven, showing it to be both highly genetically diverse and distinct from other populations in the wider region.
“We’re delighted to have contributed to this work, which makes the case for protecting this special habitat even stronger. Sadly, the bed is currently in a degraded state, and we hope the findings will help inform future efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems for generations to come.”

Dr Tom Jenkins, the project lead, added: “This is the first research project to assemble reference genomes for two maerl-forming species and use Whole Genome Sequencing to study populations around the southern and south-west coasts of Britain.
“It reveals levels of genetic diversity and identifies populations dominated by maerl clones, which together could have implications for their vulnerability and resilience to future changes in climate and the environment.”

NRW is also leading a wider project examining declines in benthic habitats — ecosystems found on or near the seabed — to strengthen Wales’ understanding of underwater biodiversity. This includes research into herring in Milford Haven, sponge communities in the Menai Strait, and modiolus horse mussel reefs off the north Llŷn Peninsula. The work is funded through the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks programme.

The alleged victim is a girl, age 13

A 45-YEAR-OLD man originally from Lower Priory, Milford Haven will appear in court on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, charged with a series of child sexual offences alleged to have taken place in Cornwall.

James Kershaw, now living in Pounda, Quethiock, Cornwall, faces seven charges linked to incidents said to have occurred in Liskeard, Cornwall between 26 October and 1 November 2023.

The complainant has automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

Sexual communication with a child

Kershaw is accused of intentionally engaging in sexual communication with a child under 16 for sexual gratification.

This offence, under Section 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment if tried in the Crown Court.

Causing a child to watch sexual activity

Two charges allege that on 28 October and 29 October 2023, he caused a child aged 13 to watch him engaging in sexual activity.

These offences fall under Section 12 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on indictment.

Causing or inciting sexual activity

Kershaw also faces two counts of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

These offences are under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

He is additionally charged with two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed by Derby Crown Court on 31 May 2022.

Prosecutors allege that between 26 October and 1 November 2023, Kershaw:

• Used an undeclared social media account;
• Deleted online messages despite being prohibited from doing so.

Breaches of a SHPO carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

Court appearance

Kershaw is due to appear in court at 2:00pm on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, where the case is expected to be sent to the Crown Court due to the seriousness of the charges.

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced the launch of its latest problem-solving project under the University of South Wales’ ‘Virtual Volunteers’ scheme – this time focusing on rural crime and the theft of farm machinery by organised crime groups.

The new programme has been written by Alicia Edwards, a Bangor University student researching rural crime as part of her doctorate. Dyfed-Powys Police also consulted Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison of North Wales Police, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for rural and wildlife crime.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones, of the Dyfed-Powys Police Central Prevention Hub, said the initiative gives USW students a meaningful way to contribute to a crime type that continues to worry farming and rural communities.

He said: “Any student at the University of South Wales can now volunteer for the force through engaging with this pernicious crime problem that is of very real concern to the rural communities we serve. Students consider the many complexities involved in a crime of this nature, undertake research into the subject and are then encouraged to address the challenging questions raised within the problem.

“Each student volunteer, upon completion of the programme, receives a letter of appreciation from Chief Constable Ifan Charles in recognition of their contribution.”

The ‘Virtual Volunteers’ programme has already tasked students with examining a range of crime issues, including cannabis cultivation in abandoned properties, romance fraud, money laundering and emerging threats linked to Artificial Intelligence.

In the coming weeks, participants will also be invited to propose innovative solutions to technology-enabled abuse of women and girls – a programme authored by the National Centre for Violence Against Women & Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) under the NPCC.