The Celtic Seas Partnership encourages stakeholders to get involved in developing ideas and initiatives to achieve ‘Good Environmental Status’ in the Celtic Seas by 2020 in accordance with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Resulting from a series of workshops, surveys and consultations with multiple stakeholders, the Partnership is now setting up five thematic task groups to […]
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries have issued their newsletter for November 2014. The content of the newsletter includes the appointment of Commissioner Vella for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and how he seeks to make the European sea’s environmentally and economically sustainable, Political agreements for deep sea fishing opportunities within the North-East Atlantic for 2015-2016, an update on […]
30 designated bathing waters, including marine and freshwater, in the North West have successfully passed the European Union’s current standards for bathing waters. 13 of the designated waters achieved the highest possible standard, referred to as ‘guideline’ under the existing Bathing Water Directive. Bathing water quality standards are set to increase under the revised Bathing Water Directive […]
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) are currently developing marine plans for the southern inshore and offshore areas of the UK. The plans occupy the marine environment from Folkestone to the River Dart in Devon. Consultation on the “Vision and Objectives” has been completed and a Consultation Summary Report has been produced explaining how the consultation […]
Cumbria Wildlife Trust has issued a new newsletter for October 2014. The newsletter presents topics on the following: Introduction of laws to restore nature and biodiversity through “act for nature”, Cumbria Wildlife Trust wins Combating Climate Change Award, the opening of Gosling Sike Farm in Carlisle, results of Cumbria’s Wildlife Trust hay meadow photography competition, […]
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have a produced a new Marine Litter Report evaluating extensive marine and coastal litter problems within the UK. The report presents a vision (2014-2020) to reduce litter by 50% through effective and integrated anti-marine litter practices from all maritime, coastal and land-based sectors. The report aims to reinforce “good environmental status” […]
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has produced its E-Newsletter for November 2014. The content of the E-Newsletter includes the development of technical guidance for four descriptors described within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), developments of the ICES interactive popular advice map with the addition of Skate species, Marine Strategy […]
The European Marine Sand and Gravel Group (EMSAGG) is holding its 5th Conference in Delft, Netherlands on the 4th and 5th of June 2015. The Conference will cover a range of topics relating to the dredging industry. Across Europe the demand for sand and gravel is increasing, especially in relation to coastal protection and sea […]
The MMO has published a guidance document. The document setts out their revised approach to the management of commercial fisheries in all European Marine Sites in England to ensure that current and future fishing activity is managed in accordance with the Habitats Directive (Article 6). The revised approach will be applied on a phased and risk-prioritised basis to both […]
Call for written evidence closes 26th September The House of Lords European Union Committee’s Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Energy has launched a call for evidence as part of an Inquiry into EU Regional Marine Co-operation. They would like to hear from a wide range of witnesses. Public hearings will be held from October to December 2014 […]