Age and Growth Analysis of Native Oyster Beds (Ostrea edulis) in Wales dataset https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=007_NRW_DS101725 The native flat oyster Ostrea edulis is a UK and Welsh Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, for which a UK action plan exists. Native oysters have a long history of over-exploitation in Wales and elsewhere in the UK. Harvested beds in Wales used to be present off Porthcawl, Swansea Bay and Mumbles, Milford Haven, Cardigan, Pwllheli and the Menai Strait. All of these fisheries declined during the early 1900's due to intense exploitation, possibly combined with disease and poor recruitment. Significant oyster beds are now restricted to Milford Haven, Swansea Bay and Porthcawl, although at a much reduced scale. The remaining oyster populations in Wales are under threat through increased fishery effort in the existing oyster fishery and from diversification of fishing activities in the fisheries. Dredging activity used in harvesting sublittoral oysters causes physical damage to the seabed and associated marine biodiversity. Oyster beds in Milford Haven occur in the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and form part of the features for which the SAC is designated. The present work reports on the morphometric characteristics, the age structure, growth and settlement of Ostrea edulis populations from seven sites in Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire (Wales, UK). Information gained from the project will contribute to an ecological understanding of native oyster beds and provide management advice for the remaining native oyster beds in Wales. 20030430