NEW insights are shaping the future of marine conservation across Wales.
Detailed investigations into three protected marine habitats, including the only known living maerl bed in Wales located in Milford Haven, have shed light on the complex challenges facing these vulnerable ecosystems and outlined targeted actions to support their recovery.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) led the studies, which also examined sponge communities in the Menai Strait and Conwy Bay, as well as horse mussel reefs off the Llŷn Peninsula.
These sites are all designated as Special Areas of Conservation and form a critical part of the Welsh network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Andrea Winterton, marine services manager for NRW, said: "We've known for some time that these habitats are facing a range of pressures, and monitoring has helped us understand how their condition is changing.
"These investigations take that a step further by improving our understanding of what's driving those changes and where action can have the greatest impact.
"The studies form part of NRW's wider work to improve the condition and resilience of Wales' marine protected areas and support action to address the nature and climate emergencies."
The investigations were launched following NRW’s most recent assessments of Wales’ MPAs, published alongside the State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR 2025).
These assessments identified protected habitats and species in decline, emphasising the need for further research to pinpoint the drivers of deterioration.
The findings revealed that no single factor is responsible for the observed declines.
Instead, a combination of nutrient pollution, sedimentation, seabed disturbance, invasive species, and climate change is affecting the habitats.
In Milford Haven, historic sedimentation and physical disturbance were likely to have contributed to the decline of the maerl bed.
Current recovery is being hindered by ongoing nutrient enrichment, suspended sediment, invasive slipper limpets, and broader water quality concerns.
The horse mussel reefs in Pen Llŷn a'r Sarnau were shown to be impacted by historic seabed disturbance, changing environmental conditions, and climate-related factors.
The report also set out priorities for future monitoring and management.
In the Menai Strait and Conwy Bay, the study focused on sponge communities and identified key environmental changes affecting their health.
This information will guide future management and monitoring efforts.
Ms Winterton said: "By identifying the pressures that are holding these habitats back, we have a better opportunity to support their recovery and safeguard the rich marine life they support.
"They form part of the natural heritage that makes Wales unique, and the findings will help us work with partners to protect these special places and build their resilience for the future."
The findings will inform targeted conservation actions and support NRW’s broader efforts to enhance the resilience of Wales’ marine environment.
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