WTSWW’s marine monitoring work gathers evidence for critical datasets, used to strengthen the resilience of Wales’ network of protected marine sites and the protection of the marine species found within these sites. Long-term, uninterrupted datasets are particularly important to assess broad population trends, filling knowledge gaps, and informing decisions about use of the marine environment.

Cardigan Bay dominates the coastal profile of Wales – a long sweeping arc which joins the Lleyn peninsula in the north with Pembrokeshire in the south. It is a huge lee shore that faces the prevailing winds coming in off the Atlantic.

Surveys should be carried out by professional ecologists, registered with IEEM. When surveys involve protected species, such as bats, great crested newts or dormice, the surveyor should hold a license from Natural Resources Wales.