There is a history of local community involvement in the management of the marine environment of Cardigan Bay. The introduction of the SAC provided an opportunity of developing new ways of working with local communities along Cardigan Bay.

The effective involvement of the local community is vital to the success of the SAC. Much thought has been given to ways of ensuring that local residents and users are involved in the development of management measures for the SAC.

In 1998 local communities and groups were asked for their views about the way in which the SAC should be managed. Arising from consultations, the following Management Framework was introduced:

The Advisory Group reviewed this management framework in July 2000. It was decided to create one Liaison Group that would be open to all former Topic Group members. This group now works with the relevant authorities to monitor the progress of the management plan. The relevant statutory authorities are:

• Ceredigion County Council

• Pembrokeshire County Council

• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

• Countryside Council for Wales

• Environment Agency Wales

• North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee

• South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee

• Dwr Cymru

• Trinity House

The first meeting of the Liaison Group was held on 2nd November 2000 in New Quay and it has continued to meet ever since. Minutes of the meetings can viewed on the SAC Publications page.