More action needed to safeguard marine protected areas, says NRW

NUTRIENT POLLUTION ISSUE CONCERN FOR SOME SITES

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NEW detailed assessments of marine protected areas (MPA) in Wales show which habitats and species are doing well in Welsh waters, but highlight the need for more action to improve habitat, biodiversity and water quality, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

A total of 85 features designated across 17 marine special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protected areas (SPAs) have been assessed to determine if their conservation objectives are being met. This covers 37% of the Welsh Marine Protected Area network.

These features include a range of rare and protected species and habitats, such as grey seals, sea lamprey, otter, sandbanks, mudflats, reefs and saltmarsh.

Amongst the conservation objectives are targets for water quality, linked to the Water Framework Directive Regulations classifications, which were recently published in March.