The Welsh Government has reported “significant progress” across fisheries management, enforcement and sector support, just over a year after launching its Strategic Approach to Welsh Fisheries and Aquaculture.
In a written statement to the Senedd, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies said the past 12 months had focused on delivering Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), strengthening statutory fisheries duties, and meeting national and international policy obligations.
The update follows the introduction of the strategic approach in December 2024 and a recent meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Welsh Fisheries (MAGWF), where progress was reviewed.
According to the Welsh Government, substantial progress has been made on the development and implementation of FMPs, with stakeholder advisory groups playing a central role in shaping long-term sustainability measures.
Wales is preparing to launch a public consultation on its first Wales-only FMP, covering crab and lobster fisheries, while also contributing to five joint UK FMPs. In parallel, a consultation on proposed improvements to scallop management measures remains open until 31 January, following the publication of the King Scallop FMP in 2023.
Domestically, management measures introduced over the past year include a new adaptive cockle management system, adaptive management of the whelk fishery, and the launch of a recreational bluefin tuna fishery.
The government said it continues to ensure both domestic and international vessels operate sustainably in Welsh waters. Enforcement action over the past year included eight successful prosecutions for misreporting Dover sole, resulting in £950,000 in fines and costs, as well as 20 fixed penalty notices for other fisheries offences.
Welsh authorities also collaborated with other UK agencies to respond to potential fisheries breaches and worked with UK administrations to manage shared stocks. At the international level, Wales welcomed increased commercial bluefin tuna fishing opportunities for the 2026–2028 period, secured at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) annual meeting.
Investment in fleet, science and communities
Funding remains a central pillar of the strategy. In 2025, £1.15 million was awarded through Round 5 of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme (WMFS), alongside £430,132 from the Coastal Capacity Building Fund. An additional £1.29 million has been added to the fisheries budget for 2026/27 to support fishing businesses and coastal communities.
WMFS Round 6, which opened on 7 January 2026, includes an increased budget and provides the first opportunity for the sector to access this additional funding.
Other initiatives delivered in the past year include £194,000 to support the installation of inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems, the launch of multi-year fisheries science contracts, and the commissioning of socio-economic research and a carbon audit of the Welsh fishing fleet.
The Welsh Government said it is also focusing on resilience across the seafood supply chain, with funding for wellbeing projects and industry initiatives. Seven Seafit Wales – Stronger at Sea events are scheduled across February and March, offering free physical and mental health checks and dental services to fishers and their immediate families.
Irranca-Davies said the strategic approach was designed to “get the fundamentals right” and provide a strong foundation for the future of Welsh fisheries and aquaculture.
“We have delivered on our promises, with a stronger foundation in place to build on for the years ahead,” he said.
