1.1 This position is supported by a grant from the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), with the objective of improving the integration of fisheries management with wildlife conservation objectives. The latest work programme for the post is attached at Annex A.

2.1 During the last few months the Marine Biodiversity Officer has been working on the revision of the Cardigan Bay and Pen Llŷn a'r Sarnau SAC Management Schemes. The Public Consultation for the Cardigan Bay SAC Management Scheme is scheduled to commence on the 1st November with a Public Liaison meeting on 1st December. The re-launch of the Cardigan Bay SAC Management Scheme will be discussed in the SAC's next publication of Tir a Môr.

2.2 The Marine Biodiversity Officer has assisted the Scientific Officer with cockle surveys, mussel bed inspections and crepidula surveys. Assistance will also be given to CCW and industry with the drafting of a code of practice for the mussel industry to prevent the spread of non-native, invasive species.

2.3 Work is underway assisting Conwy County Council on the delivery of their Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Skates and Rays. Sea Fisheries information packs and other environmental information have been collated and supplied to SAC Officers and a local Marine Awareness organisation.

2.4 The Marine Biodiversity Officer represents the Committee at biodiversity and fisheries meetings and workshops, including the Traeth Lafan Cockle Fishery Liaison Group.

2.5 Fisheries assessments for the lobster and cockle fisheries in north and Mid Wales are still underway. The lobster assessment will link with a report on the fishery using catch per unit effort data collected during the successful lobster V-notching programme. This report has been commissioned from CEFAS through a grant from CCW, and is expected soon.