About the site

Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries European Marine Site (EMS) was designated in 2004 and is a protected area in south Wales safeguarding important habitats and species.

Carmarthen Bay & Estuaries EMS covers a vast area of around 66,092.05 hectares.

The European Marine Site comprises:

• Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Carmarthen Bay Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Burry inlet Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site

In addition, the Bristol Channel Approaches SAC was designated for Harbour Porpoise in February 2019. The SAC extends across the western approaches to the Bristol Channel, from Carmarthen Bay in South Wales to the north coast of Devon and Cornwall.

Why is the European Marine Site important?

A healthy marine environment is essential to our everyday lives.  It provides us with oxygen to breathe, food to eat and even helps our mental health. We are learning more every day about the value of this underwater world, benefits such as flood & coastal protection, pharmaceuticals, technology inspiration, absorption and storage of Carbon (Carbon sequestration).

The marine environment has been intrinsic to our existence for centuries and consequently is a vital part of our culture, economy, past and future. It is woven into our way of life.

The EMS contributes towards global biodiversity conservation with international recognition of the importance of the site’s wildlife features. By looking after the EMS, we are not only fulfilling international and nationally agreed biodiversity targets and legislation, but also helping to maintain and increase all those multiple benefits connected to a healthy marine environment now and for generations to come.

Marine conservation:

Collectively SACs and SPAs form a network of sites called Natura 2000 that span the European Union. Since leaving the European Union in 2020, the UK does not form part of the Natura 2000 network, but these sites can still be called European Sites or if they are marine sites, then European Marine Sites (EMSs). They are now referred to as the national site network. UK SACs are still considered part of the Emerald Network under the Bern Convention.