The MARINE Fund Cymru was officially opened for contributions by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs at the Coastal Futures Conference on 29 January 2026.
The Fund, managed by WCVA, will provide long term investment for the recovery and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems in Wales. It will support projects that improve biodiversity, respond to climate pressures and build skills and knowledge within communities.
It demonstrates the strength and expertise of our partnership approach, which includes Natural Resources Wales, the Marine Conservation Society and representatives from conservation, coastal partnerships, fisheries, ports and industry.
The Crown Estate has also contributed seed funding of £500,000 as part of their commitment to nature recovery, and it is hoped this will encourage other further contributions, allowing the Fund to deliver projects to enhance the resilience of our marine and coastal ecosystems. The Fund aims to launch its first grant round later in 2026.
