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, go to: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/environment-society-governance/environment/ 


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Photo caption: A key focus of the project is the installation of new vessel washdown facilities at multiple boatyards around the Waterway. Photo Credit: Rudder’s Boatyard.

Notes to Editors

Aberdaugleddau Biosecurity Community Development (ABCD)

The ABCD project is one of 28 projects awarded funding through the recent £15m Nature Networks Fund announced by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales. 

The Nature Networks Fund is a key component of the Nature Network Programme launched in 2021. It supports Welsh Government's commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework "30 by 30" goal, which aims to protect 30% of the planet's land, freshwater and seas by 2030. The Fund aims to strengthen the resilience of Wales' protected land and marine sites and accelerate nature’s recovery.

Aberdaugleddau Biosecurity Community Development (ABCD) is a partnership project focused on reducing the introduction and spread of invasive non-native species (INNS) in the Milford Haven Waterway through improved vessel washdown infrastructure, monitoring, training and engagement.

The project supports the protection and recovery of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC), one of the largest marine SACs in Wales, designated for its internationally important habitats and species.

Invasive non-native species are recognised as one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss globally. In the marine environment, prevention through effective biosecurity is the most cost effective and practical management approach.

The ABCD project will be delivered from April 2026 to March 2029 and will implement actions from the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Biosecurity Action Plan and relevant Pathway Action Plans.

The Port of Milford Haven is the statutory harbour authority for the Milford Haven Waterway and hosts the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer on behalf of the site’s relevant authorities.

Port of Milford Haven

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas.  It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.

The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.

The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites. 

One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities.  Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes.  All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives. 

For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:

Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk