Aberporth is a seaside village, community and electoral ward in Ceredigion, Wales. The population at the 2001 Census, was 2,485, of whom 49 per cent could speak the Welsh language. At the 2011 Census, the population of the community was 2,374 and of the village 1241. Aberporth's beaches have earned Blue Flag status. Location Aberporth is on the Ceredigion Coast Path, part of the Wales Coast Path, at the southern end of Cardigan Bay, about northeast of Cardigan and southwest of New Quay. The Fishguard to Bangor Trunk Road (A487) is reached via the B4333 road in about . Etymology The name Aberporth is first recorded in 1284, and is derived from the Old Welsh “aber” (mouth) and “porth” (port). History In the 16th century, boats, nets and salt for preserving were brought in from Ireland. Aberporth became a subsidiary port of Cardigan. The landing point developed rapidly in the late 17th and early 18th centuries as local people began to take part in the maritime trade. It became a very active port; the northern of the two beaches extended into the river valley and provided a safe anchorage. Lime kilns, coal yards and warehouses were built on its south shore. Aberporth developed into a centre of the herring fishing industry in Wales. Drifting and netting were both employed, and at one time at least 20 full-time herring smacks, a type of traditional fishing boat, went to sea regularly. The industry continued until the beginning of the First World War, when fish stocks declined. Governance Aberporth is the name of the electoral ward which is coterminous with the community, although before 1995 it was a ward of Dyfed County Council and included the neighbouring communities of Penbryn and Y Ferwig. Since 1995, the ward has elected one county councillor to Ceredigion County Council. Independent councillor Gethin James represented the ward from 2004 until the May 2017 election when he was beaten by Plaid Cymru candidate Gethin Davies. Aberporth is represented at the local level by 12 community councillors on Aberporth Community Council. Amenities The small St Cynwyl's Anglican parish church was renovated in 1857, but has been decaying over the last few decades. The village has two sandy beaches: Traeth y Dyffryn ("valley beach"), also known as Traeth y Llongau ("ships beach"), and Traeth Dolwen Both have been awarded a Blue Flag several years running. Aberporth is a recreational fishing