MEMBERS of the newly formed Welsh Assembly Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee have visited Cardigan Bay as part of their remit to protect Wales’ marine environment.

Chair of the committee, Mark Reckless AM, joined Huw Irranca-Davies AM and Vikki Howells AM on a trip to the Special Area of Conservation, that is designated to protect internationally-important wildlife.

They were met by members of the Wales Environment Link Marine Working Group and taken on a boat trip with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

The site visit provided an opportunity to discuss current and future legislation aimed at protecting the marine environment in Wales.

This includes potential new Marine Protected Areas for seabirds and harbour porpoises, how marine issues fit in with the new Environment (Wales) Act and the capacity of the Wales National Marine Plan to provide a framework for the sustainable development of Welsh seas.

Members of the committee scrutinise the maintenance, development and planning of Wales’ natural environment.

Mr Reckless said: “I would like to thank the Wildlife Trust and Wales Environment Link for what was an informative and illuminating visit.

“The evidence gathered during the day will form part of our deliberations and help construct our recommendations for agriculture and the marine environment post-Brexit."

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