In 2003, construction began on a new marina in the Conwy estuary at Deganwy in North Wales. This has obvious economic and social benefits for the area but the development is near important wildlife habitats (saltmarsh and intertidal sands and mud) and so it is important that any concerns these may be affected are properly addressed.

CMACS is involved in a 5 year program of intertidal habitat monitoring using methods approved by Countryside Council for Wales. This work fulfils the requirements of DEFRA’s FEPA (Food and Environment Protection Act) Licence for ecological monitoring at the site;
CMACS’ studies comprise:

• Phase 1 Biotope mapping
• intertidal invertebrate and sediment particle size analyses
• National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey of saltmarsh habitats.

The first years monitoring was completed in 2003 and repeated visits over forthcoming years by CMACS scientists will provide a thorough record
of any change in response to the construction of the marina.