Address Broader Marine Conservation Challenges
Janet Finch-Saunders MS has responded to the Welsh Government’s announcement of an additional £100,000 to support the development of Seagrass Network Cymru’s (SNC) National Seagrass Action Plan, highlighting concerns that this investment fails to address the wider issue of Wales’s missing National Marine Development Plan.
Seagrass is a vital habitat that plays a key role in carbon storage, flood protection, and biodiversity enhancement. However, there are two major gaps in the Welsh Government’s approach.
Commenting on the news Janet said:
“Restoring seagrass and saltmarsh habitats is vital in tackling the climate and biodiversity emergencies, and I welcome this investment. Seagrass plays a crucial role in carbon storage, flood protection, and increasing marine biodiversity, and I fully support efforts to enhance its recovery along the Welsh coastline.
“However, this announcement once again misses the elephant in the room: Wales still lacks a National Marine Development Plan. Without this, we have no clear vision for managing our marine resources effectively.
“Additionally, the Welsh Government has failed to outline which areas of the seabed will be allocated for seagrass restoration, leaving significant gaps in the strategy.
“If the Welsh Government is serious about restoring marine habitats, it must go beyond piecemeal funding announcements and deliver a comprehensive, well-defined plan for our seas. Only then can we ensure long-term success in seagrass restoration and wider marine conservation efforts.”
ENDS
