Pollution in Welsh rivers is ‘suffocating the sea’, campaigners say

Campaigners warn that river pollution in Wales is harming marine life and “suffocating our seas”.

WWF Cymru indicated that agricultural runoff and sewage discharge are responsible for harmful algal blooms that suffocate the seabed.

Recent assessments by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reveal several coastal sites are suffering from nutrient pollution, with over half of the evaluated species and habitats in an unfavorable condition.

The Welsh government stated that these reports will offer “critical information” aimed at improving marine environmental health.

NRW previously confirmed that seven out of nine specially protected rivers in Wales, classified as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), are failing to meet water quality standards, primarily due to elevated nutrient levels.

Contributors to this issue include agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges, and industrial pollution.

Consequently, restrictions have been imposed on residential development along these SAC rivers.

WWF Cymru, launching a political manifesto ahead of next year’s Senedd election, noted a similar trend is emerging in marine ecosystems.

Pollution from rivers is jeopardizing marine ecosystems and the ocean’s carbon storage capabilities, making it difficult to restore carbon-rich habitats, such as seagrass.

The charity has called for a “strong recovery plan” for ocean habitats, supported by legislation and funding.

Estuaries and marine areas near Wales are also protected due to their rich habitats and wildlife.

NRW labeled its marine SAC and Special Protection Area (SPA) report as the most comprehensive regarding the state of marine protected areas in Europe.

A total of 85 significant features were assessed, including rare animals like grey seals and otters, along with protected habitats such as mudflats and salt marshes.

Among both SACs and SPAs, 55% of assessed features were deemed unfavorable, while 38% were favorable and 7% unknown.

NRW acknowledged that nutrient pollution was a key issue at some locations.

Of seven individual SAC reports, five failed to meet water quality targets due to high nutrient levels.

This includes the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, a notable tourist destination in Wales.

In the marine environment, the alarming nutrient is typically dissolved inorganic nitrogen, mainly from agricultural runoff and pollution incidents, according to the reports.

However, there was some positive news regarding bottlenose dolphins and grey seals in Welsh waters.

Welsh SACs play a critical role in sustaining their populations, and both species were found to be in good condition across Cardigan Bay, Lleyn Peninsula, and Sarnau.

In the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, where about 90% of Welsh seal pups are born, population growth is evident from long-term assessments.

Ric Cooper, who co-manages The Cleddau Project in Pembrokeshire, oversees efforts to rehabilitate the county’s main rivers—the Western and Eastern Cleddau.

“I reside along the estuary and, like many, have grown increasingly distressed about the river’s condition,” he noted.

“It often emits a sewage-like odor, sometimes mixed with slurry, and the life within the river is visibly declining.”

“We encounter green algal banks and algal mats during the summer months, driven by excess nutrients, sunlight, and warm temperatures.”

Mr. Cooper pointed out the deep connection between river conditions and marine environments, noting that coastal impacts are often overlooked.

“Pressure for improvements has not been as strong for the estuary as it has for the freshwater Cleddau.”

The group, which has spent a year coordinating a citizen science initiative monitoring water quality across 49 sites with 100 volunteers, eagerly anticipates NRW’s reports.

“We want to highlight that this water body is failing; its condition is poor, and it is essential for decision-makers to address the issue.”

“We hope this will ignite further action.”

Shea Buckland-Jones, head of policy and advocacy at WWF Cymru, stated that NRW’s assessments reveal the alarming state of waterways and the urgent need for government action.

“Regrettably, the public does not require a report to observe the dire status of our waterways, which is evident,” he remarked.

“This is why many people in Wales stand behind efforts to restore our rivers,” he noted, referencing polling conducted on the charity’s behalf.

The poll indicated that 87% of the public supports government action to mitigate and, where possible, eliminate river pollution from agriculture and sewage.

Additionally, 79% of respondents backed the restoration of carbon-rich marine habitats such as seagrass, salt marshes, and oyster reefs.

“As highlighted in our new manifesto, this necessitates sustained efforts to restore ecosystems and address all sources of river pollution, focusing on the primary culprits: agriculture and sewage,” Mr. Buckland-Jones said.

A spokesperson for NFU Cymru acknowledged “the crucial role farmers play in maintaining and enhancing water quality in Wales.”

“Farmers take their environmental responsibilities seriously and NFU Cymru continuously collaborates with partners to reduce instances of agricultural point-source and diffuse pollution, where evidence indicates it’s needed,” they commented.

Welsh Water announced plans to invest £4 billion—£2.5 billion of which is designated for environmental projects—over the next seven years.

“In the coming years, we will enhance NRW’s work and investigate the various nutrient sources present in seawater, whether from land runoff or wastewater,” the company stated.

“River pollution and marine water quality are not solely water companies’ concerns. We must collaborate with other sectors influencing water quality to drive improvements.”

Mary Lewis from NRW affirmed that extensive knowledge and expertise have been utilized to compile comprehensive evidence regarding protected marine areas’ conditions.

“This will now serve as a crucial baseline for us to monitor progress,” she added.

The Welsh government asserted its commitment to enhancing river and sea health and is undertaking multiple actions to boost water quality.

This includes swiftly implementing all recommendations from the recent Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations Review.

“We remain dedicated to developing and fortifying environmental laws in Wales. The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, recently submitted to the Senedd, reflects the continuing need for transformative changes, including addressing factors that contribute to biodiversity loss, such as nutrient pollution.”