8 April 2025

by Joanna Richardson

In the last issue of our MarineTalk e-newsletter (3 April 2025) we reported on our activities to support marine tourism in Wales and highlighted the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal crisis. Due to the Canal & River Trust (CRT) facing new restrictive water abstraction licenses, and precipitated by the unusually early dry weather, water levels in the canal were dangerously close to forcing the Trust to close the canal to navigation.

Thankfully, that immediate crisis which would have hit the hire boat trade this season has now been averted by the CRT agreeing a new commercial arrangement with Welsh Water. At a significant cost to the Trust, in dry periods additional water will be released from Usk Reservoir, via the River Usk, into the canal. However, and not least because of the prohibitive costs to the charity, this is only a short-term solution.  A range of alternative options are being explored with Welsh Water.  However, the Trust needs support from Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government to secure a practical and financially sustainable long-term solution that will safeguard the future of this beautiful canal and all the many social, environmental and economic benefits it generates. 

British Marine Wales has yet to hear back from the Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister & Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, but will continue press for case for intervention because maintaining this national asset, which through its marine tourism is estimated to generate £26m a year for Wales,  should not fall to the CRT alone.   

In the meantime, we urge British Marine members, irrespective of whether or not they operate in Wales, to help by signing the petition that calls on the Welsh Government to help preserve the Mon & Brec - sign the petition here.

If you require further information on this issue please contact Senior Public Affairs & Policy Executive, Joanna Richardson: jrichardson@britishmarine.co.uk