July 13, 2026 - 182 views
A pioneering marine conservation project helping to protect some of Wales’ most threatened sea life has received almost £400,000 in development funding, with a particular focus on safeguarding marine habitats off the North Wales coast.
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have been awarded £394,072 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Project SIARC – Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the funding will help the partnership develop its plans before a future application for a full grant from the Heritage Fund.
Project SIARC aims to ensure threatened sharks, skates and rays benefit from inclusive marine conservation and research, while helping coastal communities across Wales play a greater role in protecting the seas on their doorstep.
In North Wales, the project is focusing on Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau Special Area of Conservation, a protected marine area stretching across parts of the Llŷn Peninsula, Cardigan Bay and the wider west coast of Wales. The area is home to important marine habitats and species, including the critically endangered angelshark.
Sharks, skates and rays are an important part of Wales’ natural and cultural heritage, supporting healthy seas and playing a role in the livelihoods and traditions of coastal communities.
Project SIARC is being delivered by ZSL and Natural Resources Wales in partnership with North Wales Wildlife Trust, Swansea University and The Shark Trust, alongside a network of around 40 affiliates and collaborators.
The project has already worked with fishers across Wales to improve scientific understanding of angelsharks in Welsh waters, combining local knowledge with advanced research techniques such as acoustic telemetry and environmental DNA testing.
The new funding will help strengthen opportunities for communities, schools, volunteers and local organisations to get involved in marine conservation and research.
A key part of the project is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with the marine environment. Through its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Project SIARC is working to remove barriers that can prevent some groups, particularly young people and women, from accessing and enjoying Wales’ coastline.
Previous initiatives have included a young fisher internship, resources co-designed with local communities and opportunities for volunteers to take part in SIARC events.
The work will help improve understanding of shark, skate and ray populations while supporting the long-term management of protected marine areas in both North and South Wales.
Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the development phase of Project SIARC. Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help the project to strengthen its plans, build local partnerships and work with communities to shape a more sustainable future for Wales’ marine and coastal heritage.”
Joanna Barker, ZSL’s Project SIARC Programme Manager, said the support would help communities play a central role in protecting marine wildlife.
She said: “We are really excited to receive this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to expand our work with coastal communities to safeguard some of the rarest sharks in our seas – from graceful angelsharks to migratory tope.
“Through backing our work to co-design conservation with local communities and connect people with the marine life just outside their front doors, National Lottery players are helping us support both people and wildlife in Wales.”
Ben Wray, Marine Ecologist and SIARC Project Manager at Natural Resources Wales, said the project showed the benefits of bringing communities and conservation experts together.
He said: “This project is a fantastic example of how working together can deliver real benefits for both people and nature in Wales.
“By connecting communities more closely with their local seas, we can help protect threatened species like sharks, skates and rays, while supporting well-being and inspiring long-term stewardship of our marine environment.”
The funding marks another step forward in efforts to protect Wales’ marine heritage, while encouraging communities along the North Wales coast to become more closely connected with the wildlife found beneath the waves.
