The Government has – on 8th June 2021 – published its response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Review which they had previously commissioned former Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon to undertake to examine whether and how the strongest protections for areas of sea, known as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), could be introduced.
National News
Government Response to the Highly Protected Marine Areas Review
by NW Coastal Forum on June 16, 2021
Fishing and Offshore Wind – Policy Brief
by NW Coastal Forum on June 16, 2021
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries has published a policy brief on UK Fishing and Offshore Wind. The briefing summarises the outputs from the APPG on Fisheries open Parliamentary webinar, which took place in May 2021. This webinar brought together a wide range of stakeholders to explore how the fisheries and offshore wind sectors
Closed – consultation: UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation Closes 14 Jun 2021 The Scottish Government, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Welsh Government, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland (DAERA) and the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, have developed a UK-wide conservation strategy for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales. The aim of the strategy is
Closed – consultation on draft regulations for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation close: 6pm on 16 June 2021 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are seeking views on the draft merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2021 and associated guidance. These will implement the international convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments into domestic law.
Closed – consultation: Introduction of a deposit return scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation close: 11:45pm on 4 June 2021 The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is carrying out a second consultation on proposals for a deposit return scheme (DRS) on drinks containers. The aim of a DRS would be to help change behaviour and encourage recycling / reduce littering. DEFRA is seeking views on:
Closed – consultation: Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment 4 Scoping
by NW Coastal Forum on April 29, 2021
Consultation close: 5pm on 7 May 2021 The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on the draft plan/programme to enable future offshore energy leasing and licensing for offshore wind, wave and tidal devices and licensing/leasing for seaward oil and gas rounds, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide gas storage,
Closed – consultation: Dee River Basin Management Plan 2021-2027
by NW Coastal Forum on February 2, 2021
Closes 22nd June 2021 Natural Resources Wales have opened a consultation to seek views on the issues impacting upon the water environment in the Dee river basin district and the actions that are needed to protect and restore the water environment. Responses will be used to shape, develop and update the Dee River Basin Management
Plover Rovers – Talking the Coast 2021
by NW Coastal Forum on February 1, 2021
The Plover Rovers are a newly established science communication charity focusing on bringing marine science and coastal communities together. Their 2021 “Talking the Coast” project will have members of the UK Marine Scientific Community walk stretches of the English Coast Path and present their relevant research to local communities in towns and villages along the
England Coast Path – North West Section Added to National Trails Website
by NW Coastal Forum on February 1, 2021
The National Trails website has been updated and includes a section dedicated to the coast path in the North West. The site provides general information about the path, including maps, enables trip planning and – importantly – enables the public and local businesses, etc., to add photos and relevant information such as accommodation services or
Impact of Brexit on Shellfisheries Exports (Bivalves)
by NW Coastal Forum on February 1, 2021
The inshore waters of North West England support a thriving and diverse shellfish industry but in the last few days it has emerged that there are potentially huge impacts on the industry arising from the UK’s exit from the European Union. The majority of our shellfish stocks are sold to Europe as live stock. Live