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Natur am Byth!

Description

The Natur am Byth! partnership is a new flagship Green Recovery project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It unites nine environmental charities with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to deliver Wales’ largest natural heritage and community outreach programme to save species from extinction and reconnect people with nature.

The Natur am Byth! program will implement various projects aimed at conserving different species, one of which is the marine focused Natur am Byth Môr led by the Marine Conservation Society. This specific initiative will concentrate on three key species: seagrass, pink sea fan, and native oysters, along with addressing the critical theme of water quality. Natur am Byth Môr will take place in Ynys Môn, Pen Llŷn, and Pembrokeshire. Below is a summary of the seagrass component of the project.

Project Objective:

The primary objective of this project is to reduce the environmental impact of mooring systems by installing several Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) across Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn. These advanced systems are designed to minimise damage to the seabed, protect marine ecosystems, and support sustainable maritime activities. In Pembrokeshire, where there are no moorings within seagrass meadows, the project is helping to maintain existing seagrass meadow markers and buoys in order to help protect the seagrass from anchoring.

Key Activities:

1. Installation of Advanced Mooring Systems (Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn):

  • Deploy state-of-the-art mooring technologies that have been proven to reduce seabed disturbance and protect marine habitats.
  • Implement these systems at strategic locations across Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn, identified through environmental impact assessments and consultations with marine experts and site users.

2. Community and Stakeholder Engagement (Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn, and Pembrokeshire):

  • Engage with local communities, including fishers, recreational boaters, and other site users, to gather input and ensure the new mooring systems meet local needs.
  • Conduct workshops, information sessions, and collaborative planning meetings to discuss the new mooring systems.
  • Work with partners and local contacts to raise awareness of seagrass, its benefits, and activities that may impact it.

3. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn):

  • Monitor the environmental impact of the new mooring systems through regular scientific assessments.
  • Analyse the data collected to measure the success of the project and make necessary adjustments.

4. Outreach and Education (Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn, and Pembrokeshire):

  • Develop educational materials and programs to raise awareness about seagrass and its importance.
  • Partner with local schools, universities, and environmental organisations to promote marine conservation efforts.

Engagement Strategy:

Engagement is a cornerstone of this project, ensuring that the voices of local communities and site users are heard and incorporated into the planning and implementation process. By fostering strong relationships and open communication with stakeholders, the project aims to build a sense of ownership and responsibility among the community, leading to better outcomes and long-term sustainability.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Environmental Benefits: Significant reduction in seabed disturbance and improved health of marine ecosystems.
  • Community Involvement: Increased awareness and participation from local communities in marine conservation efforts.
  • Sustainable Practices: Adoption of AMS as a standard practice where moorings exist within seagrass meadows, setting a model for other coastal areas.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Comprehensive data collection and analysis to inform future marine conservation projects and policies.

Conclusion:

By installing AMS and actively involving local communities, this project aims to contribute to a sustainable marine environment in Ynys Môn and Pen Llŷn, and Pembrokeshire. The collaborative approach will ensure that the benefits are felt widely, securing the health of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

For further information, please contact:

Alison Hargrave - Llŷn and Ynys Môn Regional Coordinator, Natur am Byth Môr

Email: alisonpalmerhargrave@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

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