A new initiative to improve marine biosecurity in the Milford Haven Waterway has been given the green light. Over the next three years, the Aberdaugleddau Biosecurity Community Development (ABCD) project will drive a coordinated approach to tackling the introduction and spread of marine invasive non-native species.
Backed by £959,180 funding from the Nature Networks Fund, a programme delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, the project will help strengthen the resilience of this vital coastal ecosystem.
Alongside capital infrastructure, the project will deliver training for boatyard staff, targeted guidance for water users, bilingual awareness raising resources promoting the Check Clean Dry campaign, and a programme of expert monitoring supported by new technologies such as environmental DNA. The work will directly support the implementation of the Pembrokeshire Marine (Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Biosecurity Action Plan and related Pathway Action Plans and builds on work by consultants APEM Ltd.
A key focus of the project is the installation of new vessel washdown facilities at multiple boatyards around the Waterway. These facilities will prevent harmful biofouling and associated non-native species from re-entering the marine environment, helping local businesses adopt consistent, high-quality biosecurity practices. By capturing and safely managing biofouling from thousands of vessel washdowns, the ABCD project will make a lasting contribution to improving the condition and resilience of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC and the wider Welsh marine protected area network.
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be leading this important partnership project alongside some great partner organisations. The Milford Haven Waterway is central to our communities, economy and natural heritage, and invasive non-native species pose a growing threat to its ecological health. This funding allows us and our partners to put sector leading biosecurity measures in place, supporting local businesses while safeguarding the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC and the wider marine environment for the long term.”
Sue Burton, the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer added:
“This marine biodiversity project is tackling one of the top five drivers of global biodiversity loss. Reducing marine INNS introduction and spread needs collective action to be successful, and this waterway-wide and collaborative approach is the ideal means of achieving this.”
The ABCD project will run from April 2026 to March 2029 and will leave a lasting legacy of improved infrastructure, increased awareness, and stronger collaboration to tackle marine invasive species in Wales and beyond.
The ABCD project is a partnership between the Port of Milford Haven, Dale Sailing, Rudders Boatyard, East Llanion Marine, Lawrenny Yacht Station and Mainstay Marine Solutions. It will work collaboratively with Natural Resources Wales, the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Officer, RYA Green Blue programme, GB Non-Native Species Secretariat and local water users.
To find out more about the Port’s commitment to the environment, visit here.
