Ynys Môn AM welcomes new research collaboration for Prince Madog Vessel

16/08/2019By: Rhys Hughes

News of a partnership between Welsh Government and Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences to utilise the Prince Madog Research Vessel has been welcomed by Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth, who has led the campaign to secure the vessel’s future.

Bangor University’s research vessel, the Prince Madog will be used to gather data from the seas around Wales which will assist Welsh Government to fulfil its marine and fisheries evidence requirements.

An agreement is in place between Bangor University and P&O regarding the future of the vessel until 2021, but what future the Prince Madog has beyond that time is unclear at present, which led to Mr ap Iorwerth proposing last year that the vessel be adopted as Wales’ National Research Vessel following the conclusion of the current agreement.

With the announcement of this collaboration between Welsh Government, P&O and the University, the Assembly Member is hopeful that this news can lead to a more long-term collaboration going forward that would further secure the vessel’s future use.

Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“This news is the result of a long-running campaign to secure the future of the Prince Madog, which is an iconic sight on the Menai Strait and a symbol of excellence of Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences.

“Whilst this initial collaboration between Welsh Government, Bangor University and P&O is for two years, I hope that it can be the start of a long-term partnership which can go some way to unlocking the potential of Wales’ incredible marine environment.

“The Wales marine area includes valuable and varied natural resources that can provide significant economic and social opportunities and contribute to the well-being of the nation and of future generations. But, in reality, we know virtually nothing about those resources.

“We have the resource that we need to change that: the Prince Madog. I’m delighted to see Welsh Government realising and securing the potential of this vessel for the future in carrying out this vital research, working in collaboration with the excellent team at Bangor University.”