A NEW initiative to improve marine biosecurity in the Milford Haven Waterway has been given the green light, backed by £959,180 funding from the Nature Networks Fund.

The Nature Networks Fund is a programme delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.

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.

Helping to strengthen the resilience of this vital coastal ecosystem, the project will deliver boatyard staff training and offer targeted guidance for water users, as well as bilingual awareness raising resources and an expert monitoring programme harnessing new technologies.

New vessel washdown facilities at multiple boatyards around the Waterway will prevent harmful biofouling and associated non-native species from re-entering the marine environment.

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven said: “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.”

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.

Commencing this month (April 2026), the project will run until March 2029 and promises to leave a lasting legacy of improved infrastructure, increased awareness, and stronger collaboration to tackle marine invasive species in Wales and beyond.