Isle of Anglesey County Council has commissioned a review of maritime activities on the Menai Strait.
Members of the public will be given a chance to have their say - as part of the review undertaken by specialist marine consultants ABPmer. The work will focus primarily on the area between the Menai Suspension Bridge and Puffin Island.
The Menai Strait waterway, between Anglesey and mainland Wales, is used regularly use by commercial vessel operators, recreational boat users, jet skiers, fishermen and paddle craft. It also has a unique and diverse ecology with national and international designations.
ABPmer are currently assessing maritime activities on the Strait and make recommendations where its management might be improved.
Tomorrow (Friday, 11 June) between 10am and 2pm, members of the public with an interest in the Menai Strait can visit in the Pier Master’s Office in Menai Bridge to discuss the review with ABPmer.
Anglesey Council’s Major Projects and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones, explained, “The Menai Strait is an iconic waterway that plays a vital role as a local amenity, as well as supporting our economy, environment and tourism industry.”
“The Strait’s ecological importance, coupled with its growing recreational popularity in recent years, means we need to look again at its management and marine safety.
“This new review commissioned by the County Council will allow us to engage with various stakeholders as we work to ensure a balanced approach to the Strait’s future management which will sustain livelihoods, leisure activities and community use for many years to come.”
ABPmer’s maritime specialists have extensive experience undertaking Marine Risk Assessments and other checks to inform management and consents decision making.
A report detailing management recommendations is expected to be delivered in August 2021.
Harry Aitchison, Project Manager at ABPmer, added, “Engaging with stakeholders will be key to this review. We need to understand the risks associated with increased use of the Strait and identify control measures. We will also identify how to minimise negative impacts on the local communities.
“The review will account for maritime activities and the interactions between protected environmental areas, marine safety, as well as the economic value of the Strait and the benefits it provides local communities and their wellbeing.”
For more information about the review of marine activities on the Menai Strait, please email: EfanMilner@anglesey.gov.wales
Ends 10.6.21