WCMP comprises representatives of 28 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, and aims to provide advice to the Welsh Assembly Government on sustainable development issues affecting the coast and seas of Wales as well as facilitating the exchange of information and dissemination of good practice.

The meeting is being hosted by Swansea University's Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Research (CSAR). Centre Director and representative of the recently formed Welsh Aquaculture Producers' Association (WAPA), Dr Robin Shields, will brief WCMP members on regional aquaculture developments.,

CSAR was instrumental in setting up WAPA on behalf of Welsh businesses earlier this year and is now assisting Association members to access the recently launched European Fisheries Fund (valued at circa £13m for projects in Wales).

Dr Shields said: "We are, of course, delighted that WAPA has been invited to join the Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership at the specific request of the Minister There are a number of issues that impact on the sustainability of Wales' coast and seas, and this meeting is the ideal opportunity to highlight to the Welsh Assembly Government some of the challenges and opportunities within the aquaculture sector."

"I am also pleased that we will be able to showcase how the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Research is supporting the aquaculture industries in Wales."

Further information about CSAR is available here.

Click here to see how the launch of the Welsh Aquaculture Producers' Association was covered by Swansea University in January.