By Joe Monks, Project Assistant.
At Wales’s inaugural “Festival of the Sea” on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March, local people from across Pembrokeshire gathered to celebrate the marine environment, united by a shared appreciation of the sea and its significance.
Community Voices
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) were present across the weekend, engaging visitors in meaningful conversations about the role the sea plays in our lives and the opportunities on offer to coastal communities in South-West Wales. Using a large, interactive board (pictured below), we captured public perceptions on various sea-related topics, creating a collective visual narrative of what our coastal environment means to local people.
Throughout the weekend, over 800 visitors passed by our stand. The central question – “What does the sea mean to you?”- generated a diverse range of responses, illustrating the varied roles the marine environment plays within the community. The sea was recognised as a place for reflection, recreation, and a key component of the region’s identity.
“A place of peace and tranquillity”
“The draw of the sea keeps whole groups and communities together. It sustains us all!”
“The sea is a place to play and adventure! A place to explore and connect”
“Cold, salt water saved my life”
“The sea makes me feel at home!”
These insights reinforce the link between people and the sea, shaping both individual and collective identities across Pembrokeshire. The festival highlighted the continued importance of the marine environment – not only as a natural resource but as a vital aspect of cultural and economic life. The marine environment contributes significantly to livelihoods, health, and overall well-being. It supports industries, enhances quality of life, and fosters a sense of place within coastal communities.
“[I go to] Gelliswick, beach cleaning 2 times a day. A sense of stewardship”
The strong connection between people and the sea also provides a sense of stewardship. Those who depend on the marine environment for work, leisure, and wellbeing are often at the forefront of its conservation.
At our stand, festival attendees were eager to discuss everything from wildlife and water quality to sustainable recreation and renewable energy. We explored visitors’ knowledge of key coastal issues, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and empower them with practical methods for supporting our marine environment. These conversations reaffirmed the need for accessible education and outreach to bridge knowledge gaps and empower communities to take an active role in sustainable marine management. Through initiating these conversations, PCF aims to inspire and inform – ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s deep connection to the sea can continue to thrive for future generations.
Public Awareness and Knowledge Gaps
Our engagement at the Festival of the Sea provided valuable insights into public awareness of key coastal topics. When asked about their knowledge of PCF’s project areas, public responses varied widely. People were most familiar with Responsible Recreation, unsurprising given Pembrokeshire’s strong outdoor activity culture. Pembrokeshire Wildlife and Aquaculture were also well understood, with many attendees demonstrating a solid grasp of local ecosystems and marine industries.
However, awareness was notably lower for Marine Energy and Water Quality, with many indicating little to no knowledge. This could indicate that whilst certain individuals have an interest in these topics, these sectors seem highly scientific and therefore less accessible to the general public. There is an opportunity here for PCF to simplify these complex topics and make them more engaging and relatable through projects such as the Marine Energy Engagement Plan: Marine Energy Engagement Plan – Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF).
The Importance of Continued Engagement
Encouragingly, most participants possessed at least foundational knowledge of our project areas, highlighting the value of ongoing education and engagement in shaping an informed and empowered coastal community in Pembrokeshire. By continuing to provide accessible resources, interactive discussions, and community-led initiatives, we can empower more people to take an active role in protecting and sustaining Pembrokeshire’s coast for future generations.
Get Involved – Make a Difference
Closing these knowledge gaps starts with engagement – and there are plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking to broaden your understanding, take action, or simply connect with others who care about our coast, here are some ways to make a difference:
- Attend Workshops & Events – Keep an eye out for educational sessions, coastal talks, and hands-on workshops – Our Marine Code training events for a start: Marine Code training events – Pembrokeshire Marine Code
- Join Citizen Science Projects – Help collect vital data on local wildlife, water conditions, and environmental changes.
- Stay Connected – Follow local conservation groups, participate in discussions, and share your knowledge with others to help spread awareness and inspire action.
Through meaningful action and continued collaboration, we can close these knowledge gaps and preserve the wondrous Pembrokeshire coastal environment for generations to come.