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Campaigners are sounding the alarm about the impact of pollution from rivers in Wales on the marine environment, stating that it is “suffocating our sea.” WWF Cymru has highlighted that the excess nutrients from farming and sewage are leading to the growth of algal blooms, which are smothering the seabed. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is set to release new assessments of protected areas along the Welsh coast, with drafts already suggesting multiple failures in water quality standards.
According to NRW, seven out of the nine most protected rivers in Wales are failing water quality targets due to high levels of nutrients, a situation exacerbated by run-off, slurry spills from agriculture, wastewater discharges, and industrial pollution. This has resulted in restrictions on housebuilding along these rivers to mitigate the impact. WWF Cymru has called for a robust recovery plan for ocean habitats, underpinned by legislation and funding.
In addition to the rivers, estuaries and sea areas around Wales are also under threat, impacting important habitats and wildlife. NRW is set to release assessments and guidance on the condition of these marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Draft reports suggest the failure of water quality targets in several marine SACs, including the popular Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation. Nitrogen from agricultural run-off and pollution incidents is the primary concern in the marine environment.
Ric Cooper, from The Cleddau Project in Pembrokeshire, emphasized the interconnectedness of river and marine health, lamenting the degradation of the environment. The group has been monitoring water quality in various sites and eagerly awaits NRW’s reports to drive more action. WWF Cymru reiterated the urgent need for measures to restore ecosystems, prevent river pollution, and address the significant role of agriculture and sewage in water quality issues. Stakeholders such as NFU Cymru and Welsh Water highlighted their commitments to improving water quality, with the Welsh government emphasizing its dedication to enhancing environmental laws and regulations to combat nutrient pollution.
Overall, the environmental challenges facing Wales require collective effort and a comprehensive strategy to address the sources of pollution and safeguard the health of rivers and seas
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