MARINE Fund Cymru – our first year

We look at how the fund has progressed, sector engagement and plans for the future as we work towards opening the first grant round.

Over the past year, we have focused on putting the key building blocks in place for the Fund. This includes:

• Establishing a Steering Group with representation from across the marine and coastal sector
• Agreeing core governance arrangements and decision-making processes
• Developing the Fund’s Ethical Contributions Policy
• Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to shape the Fund’s direction
• This work provides a clear foundation as we move into the next phase.

Sector engagement

The MARINE Fund Cymru Development Manager recently attended the Marine Energy Wales MEW2026 conference in Llandudno. This provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the Fund to the marine energy sector, raise awareness of its role and start conversations with potential contributors.

Looking ahead

We are aiming to launch the first grant round later this year.

When the fund opens for applications, all projects will be required to align with at least one of the Fund’s three objectives (see below). Grant rounds may also focus on specific themes or priorities, depending on the contributions received into the Fund. This approach allows investment to be targeted where it can deliver the greatest benefit for Wales’s marine and coastal environment.

The Fund’s objectives are to:

• Enhance the health, resilience and biodiversity of Welsh marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Address climate change and wider environmental pressures through practical, nature-based actions within marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Build knowledge, skills and partnerships that strengthen long-term marine ecosystem recovery and help coastal communities deliver sustainable outcomes.

Find out more

Further details on priorities, eligibility and timelines will be shared in the coming months.

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

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