Harbour improvements in Amlwch and Connah’s Quay, alongside marine conservation and seafood initiatives in Conwy and Gwynedd, are among a series of North Wales projects sharing more than £540,000 of Welsh Government funding.

The investment, awarded through the Coastal Capacity Building Scheme, will support seven projects across Wales designed to strengthen coastal communities, improve marine environments and support the long-term future of the fishing and seafood industry.

One of the largest local benefits will be seen at Amlwch Port, where funding will help improve harbour infrastructure, making the port safer and more resilient for commercial fishing vessels and other harbour users. Amlwch has a long maritime heritage and remains an important base for the local fishing fleet and marine businesses on Ynys Môn.

At Connah’s Quay Docks in Flintshire, the funding will pay for new commercial mooring rings, interpretation signage and seating. The improvements are intended to make the docks safer while creating more opportunities for commercial marine activity, fishing businesses and organised recreational use.

The work also supports the wider Flintshire Coast Park Management Plan, with community groups and the Connah’s Quay Sea Cadets taking part in environmental improvements and community events around the docks.

Conwy is also set to benefit through the development of a Sustainable Seafood Trail, designed to encourage residents and visitors to discover locally landed seafood while supporting fishermen, producers and hospitality businesses. The initiative builds on North Wales’ growing reputation for high-quality, locally sourced seafood and aims to strengthen the region’s coastal economy.

Across the Menai Strait, a new community-led marine observatory programme will enable volunteers to help monitor the health of one of Wales’ most important marine environments. The strait supports internationally significant wildlife habitats as well as the region’s shellfish industry.

In Gwynedd, funding will strengthen the Clust i’r Môr marine mammal monitoring project, which works with volunteers to record sightings of dolphins, porpoises and seals. The information gathered helps scientists better understand the health of marine ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change.

The Welsh Government says the projects demonstrate how local communities can play a key role in protecting the coastline while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said Wales’ coastal communities are “the custodians of our richest marine environments” and that the funding backs projects that protect those assets for future generations.

The Coastal Capacity Building Scheme is administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action on behalf of the Welsh Government and forms part of wider efforts to support biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal economies across Wales.