Why Wales’ seas matter
Almost half of Wales’ territory is sea, with nearly 15,000 km² of inshore waters supporting wildlife, coastal communities and major parts of the Welsh economy.
Around 60% of the population lives or works near the coast, relying on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems for food, jobs, transport, recreation and protection from storms and erosion.
Wales also has one of the most extensive Marine Protected Area networks in the UK, covering 69% of its inshore waters. These ecosystems store carbon, support biodiversity and provide the natural assets that underpin Wales’ blue economy. Long-term investment is essential to protect and strengthen these benefits for future generations.
Why the fund is needed
Wales’ coasts and seas are under increasing pressure from climate change, habitat loss and growing demand for marine space.
While policy and regulation set the direction, long-term investment is needed to turn ambition into practical action. MARINE Fund Cymru has been created to bring in voluntary contributions and direct them to well-designed projects that strengthen the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems across Wales.
MARINE Fund Cymru funds activity that delivers real impact, such as:
- Restoration of habitats and species
- Nature-based solutions for climate and coastal pressures
- Research, data & tools that enable restoration at scale
- Skills, training & partnerships that enable marine ecosystem recovery
- Directly improve the marine environment in Wales
- Align with a fund backed by national policy and expert oversight
- Demonstrate leadership in biodiversity, climate and ESG action
- Support projects that deliver meaningful outcomes for both nature and people
All contributions are voluntary and are not linked to the planning or consenting process
Get involved
For updates or to discuss potential support for MARINE Fund Cymru, contact:
Anna Elliott – MARINE Fund Cymru Development Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 029 20431731
English 
Welsh