This document summarizes England's progress toward establishing a network of marine protected areas as required by law. It discusses the designation of existing European sites and development of new marine conservation zones through stakeholder engagement. Key challenges addressed include the evidence base required, representation of stakeholders, and determining appropriate management measures for protected areas.
Celtic Seas Partnership- Caroline Salthouserebeccalynam
The Celtic Seas Partnership is a 4-year, €4 million EC LIFE+ funded project led by WWF-UK and involving several other partners. The project aims to demonstrate best practices for implementing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and achieving Good Environmental Status in the Celtic Seas marine region by 2020 through multi-stakeholder collaboration. The project will support development of voluntary measures, solutions for transboundary challenges, and integrated coastal zone management. Stakeholders are encouraged to get involved through workshops and provide their views, knowledge and experiences to help shape the project's outcomes.
Translating and communicating marine science- Dr. Tavis Pottsrebeccalynam
Dr. Tavis Potts is the principal investigator in ocean governance and policy for Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and is part of Defra’s Marine Science Co-ordination Committee. He will talk to us about translating science into policy, public marine perspectives and marine communication, including insights from a recent UK survey.
This document provides an overview of the state of the Severn Estuary, describing its unique physical and natural environment including habitats, wildlife and designations, as well as the human uses and activities in and around the estuary such as ports, energy, recreation and aggregate extraction. It also discusses some of the estuary's environmental issues and how its management aims to balance competing demands while protecting this fragile ecosystem. The report is intended to inform the public about the estuary and set a baseline for monitoring future changes, particularly those related to climate change.
The document summarizes the draft strategy 2015-2025 of the Severn Estuary Partnership. The partnership is an independent organization established in 1995 to promote sustainable management of the Severn Estuary. It hosts numerous projects and works with stakeholders from various sectors. The draft strategy aims to incorporate the goals of relevant governments and partners. It establishes 10 draft principles for a sustainable marine economy, strong society, environmental protection, governance, and use of science. The next stages will involve public consultation on the draft strategy throughout winter and spring 2016, with the finalized strategy coming in 2016.
2012 06 Bristol Channel Strategic Coastal Group – Shoreline and Flood Risk Ma...SevernEstuary
John Buttivant - Environment Agency
Bristol Channel Strategic Coastal Group, Shoreline and Flood Risk Management
John has a BSc in Geography from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He is a chartered Water and Environmental Manager and a Chartered Environmentalist. Since joining the Environment Agency in 2001 John has had a key role in Coastal Management at all levels from individual flood defence schemes to strategic management planning and regional coastal monitoring. Currently, he is a Senior Coastal Advisor working for the Environment Agency’s Wessex Area, where he maintains a Strategic Overview of coastal activities and works closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to manage the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
The Coastal Groups play a key role in the integrated management of coastal flood and erosion risks. They are responsible for production of the Shoreline Management Plans and have key roles in the sharing of best practice and overview of coastal issues.
Local Authorities and the Environment Agency are working hard to address the demands of society for effective coastal defences as well as meeting legal obligations to mitigate habitat losses. The challenges posed to the coastal authorities by increasing sea levels adds to the pressure at a time when direct government funding is decreasing. The Coastal Groups have a vital role to play in assisting the coastal operating authorities as they seek external partners and partnership funding to deliver improvements to defences whilst acting as a focus for innovative solutions that meet the demands of society.
N150146 - Highways England Biodiversity Plan3loDavid Weston
Highways England is launching a new plan to protect and increase biodiversity on England's strategic road network. The plan aims to halt the decline in biodiversity that has occurred in recent years due to underinvestment and negative impacts from road development and management. It will guide Highways England's actions over the next 5 years to deliver no net loss of biodiversity by 2020 and a net gain by 2040, as required by the government. The plan will involve better management of road verges and other lands, new biodiversity projects, engagement with partners, and changing internal processes to fully consider impacts on wildlife. The goal is for roads to positively support wildlife by connecting habitats and providing valuable habitat itself.
The German Federal Ministry for the Environment funded a 4.5 million euro, 4-year project called the Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network Project to strengthen marine protected areas in six eastern Caribbean countries. The project aims to declare new protected areas, build local support, improve decision-making tools, and establish long-term funding. Key partners include The Nature Conservancy, OECS Commission, UNEP/SPAW-RAC, Caribbean Network of Fisher Folk Organizations, and PCI Media Impact. An update on activities in St. Kitts and Nevis includes developing management plans, funding livelihood projects, raising awareness, and building capacity.
Celtic Seas Partnership- Caroline Salthouserebeccalynam
The Celtic Seas Partnership is a 4-year, €4 million EC LIFE+ funded project led by WWF-UK and involving several other partners. The project aims to demonstrate best practices for implementing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and achieving Good Environmental Status in the Celtic Seas marine region by 2020 through multi-stakeholder collaboration. The project will support development of voluntary measures, solutions for transboundary challenges, and integrated coastal zone management. Stakeholders are encouraged to get involved through workshops and provide their views, knowledge and experiences to help shape the project's outcomes.
Translating and communicating marine science- Dr. Tavis Pottsrebeccalynam
Dr. Tavis Potts is the principal investigator in ocean governance and policy for Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and is part of Defra’s Marine Science Co-ordination Committee. He will talk to us about translating science into policy, public marine perspectives and marine communication, including insights from a recent UK survey.
This document provides an overview of the state of the Severn Estuary, describing its unique physical and natural environment including habitats, wildlife and designations, as well as the human uses and activities in and around the estuary such as ports, energy, recreation and aggregate extraction. It also discusses some of the estuary's environmental issues and how its management aims to balance competing demands while protecting this fragile ecosystem. The report is intended to inform the public about the estuary and set a baseline for monitoring future changes, particularly those related to climate change.
The document summarizes the draft strategy 2015-2025 of the Severn Estuary Partnership. The partnership is an independent organization established in 1995 to promote sustainable management of the Severn Estuary. It hosts numerous projects and works with stakeholders from various sectors. The draft strategy aims to incorporate the goals of relevant governments and partners. It establishes 10 draft principles for a sustainable marine economy, strong society, environmental protection, governance, and use of science. The next stages will involve public consultation on the draft strategy throughout winter and spring 2016, with the finalized strategy coming in 2016.
2012 06 Bristol Channel Strategic Coastal Group – Shoreline and Flood Risk Ma...SevernEstuary
John Buttivant - Environment Agency
Bristol Channel Strategic Coastal Group, Shoreline and Flood Risk Management
John has a BSc in Geography from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He is a chartered Water and Environmental Manager and a Chartered Environmentalist. Since joining the Environment Agency in 2001 John has had a key role in Coastal Management at all levels from individual flood defence schemes to strategic management planning and regional coastal monitoring. Currently, he is a Senior Coastal Advisor working for the Environment Agency’s Wessex Area, where he maintains a Strategic Overview of coastal activities and works closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to manage the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
The Coastal Groups play a key role in the integrated management of coastal flood and erosion risks. They are responsible for production of the Shoreline Management Plans and have key roles in the sharing of best practice and overview of coastal issues.
Local Authorities and the Environment Agency are working hard to address the demands of society for effective coastal defences as well as meeting legal obligations to mitigate habitat losses. The challenges posed to the coastal authorities by increasing sea levels adds to the pressure at a time when direct government funding is decreasing. The Coastal Groups have a vital role to play in assisting the coastal operating authorities as they seek external partners and partnership funding to deliver improvements to defences whilst acting as a focus for innovative solutions that meet the demands of society.
N150146 - Highways England Biodiversity Plan3loDavid Weston
Highways England is launching a new plan to protect and increase biodiversity on England's strategic road network. The plan aims to halt the decline in biodiversity that has occurred in recent years due to underinvestment and negative impacts from road development and management. It will guide Highways England's actions over the next 5 years to deliver no net loss of biodiversity by 2020 and a net gain by 2040, as required by the government. The plan will involve better management of road verges and other lands, new biodiversity projects, engagement with partners, and changing internal processes to fully consider impacts on wildlife. The goal is for roads to positively support wildlife by connecting habitats and providing valuable habitat itself.
The German Federal Ministry for the Environment funded a 4.5 million euro, 4-year project called the Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network Project to strengthen marine protected areas in six eastern Caribbean countries. The project aims to declare new protected areas, build local support, improve decision-making tools, and establish long-term funding. Key partners include The Nature Conservancy, OECS Commission, UNEP/SPAW-RAC, Caribbean Network of Fisher Folk Organizations, and PCI Media Impact. An update on activities in St. Kitts and Nevis includes developing management plans, funding livelihood projects, raising awareness, and building capacity.
YN1(SW) Rachel Whitcomb's efforts as the CDF coordinator at NOSC Bangor led to the base being selected as the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Campaign Drug Free Flagship Award recipient. Through her program since 2009, over 1000 students at 4 schools have received presentations providing tools for healthy, drug-free lifestyles. The newly established PRCO program will help ensure compliance and fairness in the Physical Readiness Program across the Navy. MCPON West reminds sailors to ACT (Ask, Care, Treat) if they notice warning signs in a shipmate in order to help prevent suicide and get sailors the treatment they need.
This summary provides an overview of the key points from the document:
The document outlines summaries from various speakers at the 43rd Annual Shellfish Association of Great Britain Conference held in May 2012. Several speakers discussed challenges facing the shellfish industry such as regulations and the need for growth. Seafish aims to support a sustainable future for the seafood industry including shellfish. The ACRUNET project was established to improve management of the crab industry in Europe. Mussel sales in the UK were outlined and modified atmosphere packaging is gaining popularity. Efforts to educate children about seafood through programs like Seafood in Scotland's Seafood in Schools were also discussed.
2. Chris Williams NEFs Marine Socio Economics Projectnefcomms
This document discusses fisheries management and reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. It summarizes research showing restoring fish stocks to sustainable levels would increase catches, revenues, and employment. Overfishing costs the environment, food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. The Marine Socio-Economics Project aims to build capacity of marine NGOs in economics to better inform policymaking. Briefings and case studies produced examine topics like valuation of natural capital and regulatory tools.
- A team of 7 people based in Warrington, England started a project to help develop Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea region to protect important habitats and species.
- The project's goals are to inform local stakeholders about MCZs, create a group to represent different sea users, and host workshops to develop recommendations for MCZ locations that meet ecological guidelines and have consensus from stakeholders.
- The recommendations will then be submitted to government agencies for formal consultation and designation of final MCZs by 2012.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) works on several programs to protect UK seas including fisheries management, reducing marine pollution, and monitoring marine species and habitats. Through their Beachwatch program, over 110,000 volunteers have collected litter data along UK coastlines. This data has helped pass policies like single-use plastic bag bans. MCS also runs a citizen science diving program called Seasearch that collects species and habitat records to help identify and manage marine protected areas. The document describes a case study where MCS used a community engagement method to facilitate stakeholder workshops on managing the Kingmere Marine Conservation Zone off the Sussex coast.
People, planning and the opportunities to make a difference- Bob Earllrebeccalynam
Dr. Bob Earll, founder of Communications and Management for Sustainability, will share information on marine planning in and around the Irish Sea as well as fisheries, biodiversity and ‘society’ with a focus on the difference individuals
and organisations can make.
2012 10 A Partnership Approach, experiences from the DeltaNet project Paul P...SevernEstuary
Paul Parker - Severn Estuary Partnership / Coastal Partnership Network
A Partnership Approach
Paul Parker has over five years working experience with the Severn Estuary Partnership, helping to build a practical working framework in order to aid the effective cross-border communication of coastal estuarine matters in the Severn Estuary. Paul is currently the acting Chair of the National Coastal Partnership Network after holding the secretary’s post for 2 years. The Coastal Partnership Network aims to encourage the exchange of information and debate between Coastal Partnership Officers on a regular basis, linking Partnership Officers to the wider field and offering increased opportunities for learning and influence. Paul has a background in Marine Geography and completed a Marine Geography Degree at Cardiff University in the Summer of 2008.
This presentation will focus on the Partnership approach to sustainable coastal management, drawing on the past years experiences of both the Severn Estuary Partnership and Coastal Partnership Network. The presentation will also offer a brief analysis of research between the Coastal Partnership Network and Marine Management Organisation exploring how and where Coastal Partnerships can best and better engage in marine planning and coastal management processes in to the future.
February 2021 edition of the NSW Roadside Environment Committee newsletterNeil Dufty
February 2021 edition of newsletter issued by the NSW Roadside Environment Committee highlighting good environmental management practices for linear reserves (e.g. roadsides, rail corridors, travelling stock routes and utlity easements). In this edition, news about:
• New bridges built in bushfire recovery to help wildlife cross highways
• Aerial spraying in Hilltops LGA
• Essential Energy partners with NPWS to regenerate Lowland Rainforest
• Stop Weeds at the Gate
• Roadside amphibian surveys for Port Stephens Council
• Wildlife on our Roads – Gang-gang Cockatoos
• Submissions received on Draft State Strategic Plan for Crown land
• Wetland Birds of the NSW Murray-Riverina Region
• Staggering loss of threatened plants over 20 years
• Final Report: Independent Review of the EPBC Act
• How creating wildlife crossings can help reindeer, bears – and even crabs
Working at the public-private interface to improve the outlook for coral reefsDr Adam Smith
Coral reefs face mounting challenges, with many reef ecosystems now in the worst condition since scientists first donned diving masks. Redoubled efforts in climate change mitigation and ecosystem management, characterized by scaled-up investments, innovation, capacity building and greater participation by community and private sectors are all required if we are to give reefs the best chance of surviving this era of rapid global change. Reef Ecologic was established as a non-government organization to facilitate public-private partnerships necessary to address the challenges of contemporary coral reef management and sustainable development. In this seminar we will provide an overview of some of our recent work in Australia and overseas that will be of interest to staff of the GBRMPA, including coral bleaching surveys, tourism infrastructure assessments, assisted reef recovery at Magnetic Island, code of practice for recreational fishers, the Reef Manager’s Guide to Fostering Community Stewardship, management and leadership training for coral reef managers and strategic advice for Reef Trust investments.
Baltic SCOPE workshop discussion on ENVIRONMENT at Baltic SCOPE Central Baltic case (involving Latvia, Estonia and Sweden) stakeholder conference on 31 May - 1 June 2016 in Jurmala, LATVIA
Read more on: www.balticscope.eu
* The information presented is the working exercise on the cross-border maritime spatial planning discussions and can not be treated as the official opinion of the European Commission and the Member States involved in the consortium of the Baltic SCOPE project.
This presentation was given at the Catchment Management Network meeting on February 3rd 2017. The Catchment Management Network consists of the EPA, all of Ireland's Local Authorities, and other public bodies involved in looking after Ireland's catchments, sub-catchments and water bodies. For more information about this work see www.catchments.ie
This document provides recommendations to avoid whale strikes off the coast of San Francisco, CA. It discusses the relevant regulatory setting at the local, national, and international levels. It then makes several recommendations, including developing a real-time whale monitoring program and implementing dynamic management areas to slow vessels when whales are present. It also suggests continued research on whale distribution, adjusting shipping lanes to reduce overlaps with whale habitat, and implementing voluntary or regulatory vessel speed reductions. Technological upgrades, education and outreach, and involvement of relevant agencies are also recommended to help reduce the risk of whale strikes.
Doing Nothing is Not an Option - 10-Year Plan submission to Regional Governme...Karamea Insley
Yesterday we tabled our solutions-based submission with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Review Panel pointing the opportunity to create 100's of new local jobs and need for policy to establsih enabling infrastructure around water irrigation, energy and renewable energy, and growing people.
Junior Professional Legal and Regulatory Group: Session 1 Lecture and TutorialGlobal CCS Institute
This document discusses public engagement and the regulatory process for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects based on experiences from the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project. It provides background on the project, which aims to inject 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into a saline reservoir in Decatur, Illinois. As of February 2014, 750,000 tons had been injected. It notes the complex regulatory context for CCS projects and importance of stakeholder engagement. Effective engagement requires gaining community trust, allowing communities to influence decisions, and adapting projects based on community needs.
The document summarizes discussions from the 2010 annual conference of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in Honolulu, Hawaii. It discusses several topics aimed at improving boating safety culture in the US, including strategies to increase life jacket wear rates through education campaigns and potential mandatory requirements. It also provides updates on recreational boating participation trends, boating accident statistics, and federal grant programs and legislative efforts related to boating safety.
This document provides a summary of a pilot marine spatial plan for the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area off the northern coast of Scotland. The plan was developed by a working group consisting of Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council. The plan establishes a vision, objectives and policy framework to guide sustainable development and use of the marine environment while protecting environmental quality. It is intended to inform future statutory regional marine planning for the areas. The plan covers territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from Orkney and the Caithness and Sutherland coastlines.
This document provides an overview of marine protected area (MPA) networks around the world and in the UK. International case studies of MPA networks in West Hawaii, Australia, the Chagos Islands, and South Africa demonstrate a range of MPA types and functions. The development of the UK MPA network is still ongoing, with sites being identified and key organizations like the new Marine Management Organization and agencies in England and Scotland working to establish the network and management plans.
FY 2013 R&D REPORT January 6 2014 - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administ...Lyle Birkey
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducts $331 million in environmental research and development annually. This research is conducted through NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and its seven laboratories across the US. OAR research addresses climate, weather, oceans, coasts, and atmospheric chemistry to improve NOAA products and services. Specific areas of research include hurricanes, severe storms, air quality, ocean acidification, fisheries, and coastal and marine ecosystem science.
This document provides a conservation strategy for the Afon Teifi candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) in Wales. It outlines the site description, confirms the special features requiring protection including various habitats and species, and establishes operational objectives and actions plans to maintain a fully functioning wetland ecosystem and the favorable conservation status of the features. The objectives address threats such as surface water acidification, organic pollution, and elevated nutrient levels from various sources. The vision is for the river to support a variety of wetland habitats and natural processes, with stable or increasing populations of the special features.
Submission of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper - Reviewing Canadian Nuclear Safety Co...LOWaterkeeper
The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) is an internationally significant undertaking. It is the biggest radioactive waste clean-up project in Canadian history, and involves one of the largest nuclear waste holding facilities in North America. The PHAI is comprised of two distinct projects: the Port Hope waste relocation project (“Port Hope Project”), and the Port Granby waste relocation project (“Port Granby Project”). Together, both projects seek to clean up a combined two-million cubic metres (m3) of low-level radioactive waste from various sites across Port Hope and Port Granby.
The Port Hope Project involves excavating 1,223,250 m3 of historic radioactive waste from several sites around the town of Port Hope to a Long-term Waste Management Facility (PH LTWMF) just north of the community. The project was subject to an environmental assessment (EA) under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 1992 (CEAA, 1992) which was conducted from 2001 to 2007. In 2009, the CNSC granted a five-year Nuclear Waste Substance Licence to Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL) to implement the project. In 2012, AECL applied to have its licence extended for ten years. This was granted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), making the current licence valid until December 31, 2022.
The Port Granby Project involves the removal of 450,000 m3 of historic radioactive waste from the existing and poorly contained Port Granby waste management facility to a new above ground waste management facility (the PG LTWMF) 700 metres north of the Lake Ontario shoreline. The Port Granby Project was also subject to a federal EA under CEAA, 1992 and the project was approved in 2009. After a public hearing in September 2010, the CNSC granted AECL a ten-year licence to implement this project.
In the last five years, some progress has been made to ensure the initiative supports a more swimmable, drinkable, and fishable Lake Ontario. But more work is still needed.
YN1(SW) Rachel Whitcomb's efforts as the CDF coordinator at NOSC Bangor led to the base being selected as the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Campaign Drug Free Flagship Award recipient. Through her program since 2009, over 1000 students at 4 schools have received presentations providing tools for healthy, drug-free lifestyles. The newly established PRCO program will help ensure compliance and fairness in the Physical Readiness Program across the Navy. MCPON West reminds sailors to ACT (Ask, Care, Treat) if they notice warning signs in a shipmate in order to help prevent suicide and get sailors the treatment they need.
This summary provides an overview of the key points from the document:
The document outlines summaries from various speakers at the 43rd Annual Shellfish Association of Great Britain Conference held in May 2012. Several speakers discussed challenges facing the shellfish industry such as regulations and the need for growth. Seafish aims to support a sustainable future for the seafood industry including shellfish. The ACRUNET project was established to improve management of the crab industry in Europe. Mussel sales in the UK were outlined and modified atmosphere packaging is gaining popularity. Efforts to educate children about seafood through programs like Seafood in Scotland's Seafood in Schools were also discussed.
2. Chris Williams NEFs Marine Socio Economics Projectnefcomms
This document discusses fisheries management and reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. It summarizes research showing restoring fish stocks to sustainable levels would increase catches, revenues, and employment. Overfishing costs the environment, food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. The Marine Socio-Economics Project aims to build capacity of marine NGOs in economics to better inform policymaking. Briefings and case studies produced examine topics like valuation of natural capital and regulatory tools.
- A team of 7 people based in Warrington, England started a project to help develop Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea region to protect important habitats and species.
- The project's goals are to inform local stakeholders about MCZs, create a group to represent different sea users, and host workshops to develop recommendations for MCZ locations that meet ecological guidelines and have consensus from stakeholders.
- The recommendations will then be submitted to government agencies for formal consultation and designation of final MCZs by 2012.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) works on several programs to protect UK seas including fisheries management, reducing marine pollution, and monitoring marine species and habitats. Through their Beachwatch program, over 110,000 volunteers have collected litter data along UK coastlines. This data has helped pass policies like single-use plastic bag bans. MCS also runs a citizen science diving program called Seasearch that collects species and habitat records to help identify and manage marine protected areas. The document describes a case study where MCS used a community engagement method to facilitate stakeholder workshops on managing the Kingmere Marine Conservation Zone off the Sussex coast.
People, planning and the opportunities to make a difference- Bob Earllrebeccalynam
Dr. Bob Earll, founder of Communications and Management for Sustainability, will share information on marine planning in and around the Irish Sea as well as fisheries, biodiversity and ‘society’ with a focus on the difference individuals
and organisations can make.
2012 10 A Partnership Approach, experiences from the DeltaNet project Paul P...SevernEstuary
Paul Parker - Severn Estuary Partnership / Coastal Partnership Network
A Partnership Approach
Paul Parker has over five years working experience with the Severn Estuary Partnership, helping to build a practical working framework in order to aid the effective cross-border communication of coastal estuarine matters in the Severn Estuary. Paul is currently the acting Chair of the National Coastal Partnership Network after holding the secretary’s post for 2 years. The Coastal Partnership Network aims to encourage the exchange of information and debate between Coastal Partnership Officers on a regular basis, linking Partnership Officers to the wider field and offering increased opportunities for learning and influence. Paul has a background in Marine Geography and completed a Marine Geography Degree at Cardiff University in the Summer of 2008.
This presentation will focus on the Partnership approach to sustainable coastal management, drawing on the past years experiences of both the Severn Estuary Partnership and Coastal Partnership Network. The presentation will also offer a brief analysis of research between the Coastal Partnership Network and Marine Management Organisation exploring how and where Coastal Partnerships can best and better engage in marine planning and coastal management processes in to the future.
February 2021 edition of the NSW Roadside Environment Committee newsletterNeil Dufty
February 2021 edition of newsletter issued by the NSW Roadside Environment Committee highlighting good environmental management practices for linear reserves (e.g. roadsides, rail corridors, travelling stock routes and utlity easements). In this edition, news about:
• New bridges built in bushfire recovery to help wildlife cross highways
• Aerial spraying in Hilltops LGA
• Essential Energy partners with NPWS to regenerate Lowland Rainforest
• Stop Weeds at the Gate
• Roadside amphibian surveys for Port Stephens Council
• Wildlife on our Roads – Gang-gang Cockatoos
• Submissions received on Draft State Strategic Plan for Crown land
• Wetland Birds of the NSW Murray-Riverina Region
• Staggering loss of threatened plants over 20 years
• Final Report: Independent Review of the EPBC Act
• How creating wildlife crossings can help reindeer, bears – and even crabs
Working at the public-private interface to improve the outlook for coral reefsDr Adam Smith
Coral reefs face mounting challenges, with many reef ecosystems now in the worst condition since scientists first donned diving masks. Redoubled efforts in climate change mitigation and ecosystem management, characterized by scaled-up investments, innovation, capacity building and greater participation by community and private sectors are all required if we are to give reefs the best chance of surviving this era of rapid global change. Reef Ecologic was established as a non-government organization to facilitate public-private partnerships necessary to address the challenges of contemporary coral reef management and sustainable development. In this seminar we will provide an overview of some of our recent work in Australia and overseas that will be of interest to staff of the GBRMPA, including coral bleaching surveys, tourism infrastructure assessments, assisted reef recovery at Magnetic Island, code of practice for recreational fishers, the Reef Manager’s Guide to Fostering Community Stewardship, management and leadership training for coral reef managers and strategic advice for Reef Trust investments.
Baltic SCOPE workshop discussion on ENVIRONMENT at Baltic SCOPE Central Baltic case (involving Latvia, Estonia and Sweden) stakeholder conference on 31 May - 1 June 2016 in Jurmala, LATVIA
Read more on: www.balticscope.eu
* The information presented is the working exercise on the cross-border maritime spatial planning discussions and can not be treated as the official opinion of the European Commission and the Member States involved in the consortium of the Baltic SCOPE project.
This presentation was given at the Catchment Management Network meeting on February 3rd 2017. The Catchment Management Network consists of the EPA, all of Ireland's Local Authorities, and other public bodies involved in looking after Ireland's catchments, sub-catchments and water bodies. For more information about this work see www.catchments.ie
This document provides recommendations to avoid whale strikes off the coast of San Francisco, CA. It discusses the relevant regulatory setting at the local, national, and international levels. It then makes several recommendations, including developing a real-time whale monitoring program and implementing dynamic management areas to slow vessels when whales are present. It also suggests continued research on whale distribution, adjusting shipping lanes to reduce overlaps with whale habitat, and implementing voluntary or regulatory vessel speed reductions. Technological upgrades, education and outreach, and involvement of relevant agencies are also recommended to help reduce the risk of whale strikes.
Doing Nothing is Not an Option - 10-Year Plan submission to Regional Governme...Karamea Insley
Yesterday we tabled our solutions-based submission with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Review Panel pointing the opportunity to create 100's of new local jobs and need for policy to establsih enabling infrastructure around water irrigation, energy and renewable energy, and growing people.
Junior Professional Legal and Regulatory Group: Session 1 Lecture and TutorialGlobal CCS Institute
This document discusses public engagement and the regulatory process for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects based on experiences from the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project. It provides background on the project, which aims to inject 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into a saline reservoir in Decatur, Illinois. As of February 2014, 750,000 tons had been injected. It notes the complex regulatory context for CCS projects and importance of stakeholder engagement. Effective engagement requires gaining community trust, allowing communities to influence decisions, and adapting projects based on community needs.
The document summarizes discussions from the 2010 annual conference of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in Honolulu, Hawaii. It discusses several topics aimed at improving boating safety culture in the US, including strategies to increase life jacket wear rates through education campaigns and potential mandatory requirements. It also provides updates on recreational boating participation trends, boating accident statistics, and federal grant programs and legislative efforts related to boating safety.
This document provides a summary of a pilot marine spatial plan for the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area off the northern coast of Scotland. The plan was developed by a working group consisting of Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council. The plan establishes a vision, objectives and policy framework to guide sustainable development and use of the marine environment while protecting environmental quality. It is intended to inform future statutory regional marine planning for the areas. The plan covers territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from Orkney and the Caithness and Sutherland coastlines.
This document provides an overview of marine protected area (MPA) networks around the world and in the UK. International case studies of MPA networks in West Hawaii, Australia, the Chagos Islands, and South Africa demonstrate a range of MPA types and functions. The development of the UK MPA network is still ongoing, with sites being identified and key organizations like the new Marine Management Organization and agencies in England and Scotland working to establish the network and management plans.
FY 2013 R&D REPORT January 6 2014 - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administ...Lyle Birkey
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducts $331 million in environmental research and development annually. This research is conducted through NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and its seven laboratories across the US. OAR research addresses climate, weather, oceans, coasts, and atmospheric chemistry to improve NOAA products and services. Specific areas of research include hurricanes, severe storms, air quality, ocean acidification, fisheries, and coastal and marine ecosystem science.
This document provides a conservation strategy for the Afon Teifi candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) in Wales. It outlines the site description, confirms the special features requiring protection including various habitats and species, and establishes operational objectives and actions plans to maintain a fully functioning wetland ecosystem and the favorable conservation status of the features. The objectives address threats such as surface water acidification, organic pollution, and elevated nutrient levels from various sources. The vision is for the river to support a variety of wetland habitats and natural processes, with stable or increasing populations of the special features.
Submission of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper - Reviewing Canadian Nuclear Safety Co...LOWaterkeeper
The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) is an internationally significant undertaking. It is the biggest radioactive waste clean-up project in Canadian history, and involves one of the largest nuclear waste holding facilities in North America. The PHAI is comprised of two distinct projects: the Port Hope waste relocation project (“Port Hope Project”), and the Port Granby waste relocation project (“Port Granby Project”). Together, both projects seek to clean up a combined two-million cubic metres (m3) of low-level radioactive waste from various sites across Port Hope and Port Granby.
The Port Hope Project involves excavating 1,223,250 m3 of historic radioactive waste from several sites around the town of Port Hope to a Long-term Waste Management Facility (PH LTWMF) just north of the community. The project was subject to an environmental assessment (EA) under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 1992 (CEAA, 1992) which was conducted from 2001 to 2007. In 2009, the CNSC granted a five-year Nuclear Waste Substance Licence to Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL) to implement the project. In 2012, AECL applied to have its licence extended for ten years. This was granted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), making the current licence valid until December 31, 2022.
The Port Granby Project involves the removal of 450,000 m3 of historic radioactive waste from the existing and poorly contained Port Granby waste management facility to a new above ground waste management facility (the PG LTWMF) 700 metres north of the Lake Ontario shoreline. The Port Granby Project was also subject to a federal EA under CEAA, 1992 and the project was approved in 2009. After a public hearing in September 2010, the CNSC granted AECL a ten-year licence to implement this project.
In the last five years, some progress has been made to ensure the initiative supports a more swimmable, drinkable, and fishable Lake Ontario. But more work is still needed.
Presentation CTI-CFF for IORA - ICZM BLUE ECONOMY 29 AGUSTUS 2023.pptxssuser61f95d
The document discusses the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF). It introduces CTI-CFF, which is a partnership of six countries working to sustain extraordinary marine resources in the Coral Triangle region. It outlines the threats in the region like overfishing and pollution, and the challenges CTI-CFF faces like strengthening cooperation between countries. It also discusses how CTI-CFF's goals align with and support the blue economy model, which promotes sustainable and inclusive ocean-based development.
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National Oceanography Centre - 5th annual meetingbis_foresight
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Dr Stephen Bolt (Association of IFCA's) - "The new Association of IFCA’s"
James Marsden (2011)
1. SAGB Annual Conference Fishmongers Hall, 17 May
England s contribution to an ecologically coherent UK MPA network
James Marsden, Director Marine, Natural England
Natural England wants a strong relationship with the shellfish industry. Despite differences
of opinion we continue to invest in dialogue So I m very grateful for the opportunity to
address you today.
Context
The Government s claim to be the greenest government ever is being challenged.
But Ministers remain committed to establishing an ecologically coherent UK MPA network,
which they want to be substantially complete by December 2012.
By the end of 2016 the entire UK MPA network must be in place with management
measures that help deliver ecological coherence by conserving representative marine
habitats.
So that by 2020 further degradation of marine biodiversity has been halted and where
possible, restoration is underway, helping deliver good environmental status (GES) required
by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
We re trying to deliver in a few years at sea what it has taken more than six decades to
achieve on land.
England s contribution to the UK MPA network will comprise existing and proposed Special
Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under the
Habitats and Birds Directives (Natura 2000), Ramsar sites and SSSIs in estuarine and
coastal waters, and MCZs one network, five designations.
There are four very distinct roles in delivery of the MPA network in England: Defra makes
policy and designates MPAs; Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee
(JNCC) provide advice on site selection, conservation objectives and activities likely to
cause damage to the features to be protected; the relevant authorities the Marine
Management Organisation (MMO), Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs)
and other public authorities develop, implement and regulate management measures; and
stakeholders provide evidence and inform choices to be made about MCZs.
Designation of European Marine Sites SACs & SPAs
Last August, the Government submitted 8 candidate SACs and notified the European
Commission (EC) that 2 SPAs have been classified.
Natural England completed re-consultation on 2 proposed SACs (Lune Deep and Prawle
Point to Start Point) last November and on 11 May, our Board approved recommendations to
Government for these sites to be added as extensions to existing SACs.
A consultation on Portland to Studland pSAC will commence later in 2011 and this site will
be submitted to the Commission in 2012.
2. Designation of these three 3 SACs will complete the SAC network in English waters and,
together with existing European Marine Sites, will extend protection under the Habitats and
Birds Directives to around 23% of English territorial waters (0-12nm).
Consultation on a further tranche of perhaps 10-11 new SPAs is not expected to begin until
late 2011/12 with classification extending to 2015/16.
Marine Conservation Zones
Unlike Natura 2000 sites - perceived by some as designation by diktat - the location and
boundaries of MCZs are being designed by stakeholder groups through four regional
projects.
This is a unique and new way of working for all involved. We re now two years into the
process and huge progress has been made.
The four regional projects published their third iteration reports on 28 February and received
feedback from the independent Science Advisory Panel (SAP) at the end of March.
The SAP report confirms that the regional projects are likely to deliver final site
recommendations by 31 August 2011 that meet the Ecological Network Guidance (ENG)
design criteria, subject to the identification of reference areas.
Stakeholder engagement
There s been impressive and welcome stakeholder engagement so far more than a million
people are having their say.
No other country in the world has attempted to engage so many people in developing plans
for marine protection on such a large scale before.
Despite this stakeholder-led process, it s been reported that Natural England and JNCC
already have a secret map of draft MCZs. We do not.
124 draft MCZs have been identified to date. The hard work wasn t done in Whitehall, nor by
environmental NGOs, but by a combination of fishermen, offshore energy developers and
aggregates producers, recreational boaters and conservationists, port authorities, local
communities and the public.
It hasn t been easy. People don t always agree. And the stakeholder groups deserve huge
credit for sticking together through some tough and difficult times.
Their discussions have been open, honest, sometimes heated, and they have surfaced big
issues, particularly about representation, evidence base, management measures, reference
areas and impact assessment.
Representation
There s real concern among fishing interests about representation on the stakeholder groups
and I know some SAGB members have felt marginalised. But it s not possible for industry
sectors to have multiple representatives on the stakeholder groups - the process is not about
majority voting but collaborative decision making.
3. Best available evidence
Natural England is under close scrutiny from stakeholders in terms of the openness,
transparency and rigour of our processes, and trust in our evidence.
We ve identified scope for improvements to ensure that our processes are consistent with all
relevant Government guidelines and codes of practice. In February, Defra s Chief Scientific
Adviser commissioned an independent expert case study review to look at the selection of
three SACs. The review group is expected to complete its task by mid June.
We ve provided the review group with a complete chronology of the SAC designation work of
English Nature and Natural England from February 2001 April 2011, including a summary
of the quality assurance carried out at each stage and what changes were made as a result;
what project management structures/accountability were in place; and an audit trail of
evidence used to inform our site recommendations. We are working towards publication of
all supporting evidence and related documentation for SAC recommendations on Natural
England s website.
But what does enough evidence look like vs best available , who should provide it (e.g.
where does the onus/burden of proof lie) and who should pay? Definitive marine evidence is
expensive.
The MCA recently estimated that there would be capacity in the commercial market to
complete multibeam survey of the UK Continental Shelf (0-200 nm) within a 7 year period1.
Such a programme would cost £30 million a year resulting in a total of £210 million.
To put this in perspective, the total cost of evidence to support site recommendations for four
of the south west reef SACs was £2.5m, and yet some stakeholders continue to doubt the
evidence base.
Similarly, the ENG draws heavily on international good practice and peer reviewed science
to inform the proposed approach to MCZ selection. But levels of evidence and stakeholder
support for the 124 draft MCZs in the regional projects final recommendations are likely to be
variable. JNCC s initial analysis (at end May) indicates that only 29 draft MCZs may have
green evidence status, there are 47 amber sites, and the rest are red or not assessed.
Defra expects formal advice from Natural England and JNCC to include a discussion of the
evidence used to support the regional projects site recommendations, including a clear
assessment of the scientific certainty of recommended sites and conservation objectives.
We ve established robust quality control and assurance processes for the evidence provided
by Defra, Natural England and JNCC to the regional projects, but how should evidence
subject to different standards of quality assurance and peer review be weighed in the
balance when hard choices have to be made by Ministers in the end game? Will scrutiny of
socio-economic data be as rigorous as that of ecological data?
Ministers will decide the level of ambition and risk around which draft MCZs to take forward
to public consultation and designation. I m confident they will designate some of the 124
draft MCZs by December 2012, and they may want to designate additional sites before 2016
as the cost of gathering the necessary evidence and stakeholder engagement allows.
1
Cefas & ABPMer. ME5408: Marine Survey Needs to underpin Defra Policy needs. Final Report to
Defra. July 2010
4. Management measures
Management measures must be reasonable, proportionate and enforceable. And there will
always be a strong preference for voluntary rather than regulatory management measures.
But there s ongoing debate about the level of evidence required to justify management
action by the regulatory authorities - what is reasonable and proportionate and when is it
appropriate to adopt a precautionary approach?
There are very real concerns about what will be permitted, what will be regulated, what will
be prohibited, and we are all very aware of the implications this may have for those who
work and make their livelihoods from the sea.
Natural England and the Wildlife Trusts have spent £1.4m acquiring evidence, including
multibeam survey last winter, to support site selection and conservation advice for Lyme Bay
and Torbay SAC. There are clear risks of damage, and of infraction to UK Government,
while fishing with mobile gear continues over the reef features outside the statutory closure
yet more than nine months after Defra submitted the site to the EC, no management
measures are in place.
Furthermore, all other industries have to pay for survey and monitoring to demonstrate no
adverse effect, but while the jury is out on whether the general licence is a plan or project
for the purposes of the Habitats Directive, fishing remains an exception. There are legal
arguments either way, which I will not rehearse here. Suffice to say these matters are under
close scrutiny by the EC and environmental NGOs.
How will these concerns apply to management of other SACs and MCZs? My sense is that
to avoid an arms race with unaffordable costs of evidence and enforcement placed on the
taxpayer, or an MPA network of unprotected paper parks , there will have to be pragmatism
by all parties.
Natural England supports the principle of differential management within MPAs and the trial
of VMS technology that will help make it happen. We ve published MCZ fisheries guidance
describing how different activities may impact specific habitats and species, and the likely
conservation outcome of different management options.
For MCZs, we believe that where uncertainty remains it may be best to delay progressing
management measures i.e. apply an adaptive management approach as the evidence
base and our understanding of pressures and impacts on designated features allows.
That s why we re supporting casework to develop MPA compliant shellfisheries (e.g. seed
mussel capture on the Exe Estuary), and trial projects in the Deben estuary and Chichester
Harbour, where we re providing financial support to the native oyster recovery project. We ve
also helped fund a project to assess threats to native oyster in the Solent.
And we re working with the Scallop Association to develop a Good Practice Guide, which is
an important step towards our common goal of a sustainable scallop industry, by providing
advice on sensitive habitats and how to develop management strategies for MPAs.
Reference areas
Reference areas, similar to the no-take zones at Lundy and Flamborough Head2, where
nature is left to its own devices, will have an important role to play in the MPA network
2
Lundy and Flamborough Head NTZs together extend to <5 square kilometres
5. broadening our understanding of how the marine environment rebounds when all extractive,
depositional or human-derived disturbing or damaging activities are curtailed.
It s nonsense to suggest that this means closing the sea to industry and other sea users
reference areas will be the exception not the rule and they are not scientific playgrounds.
They will help ensure that decisions about MPA management measures are based on the
best available evidence. And the information they provide may well lead to more permissive
management regimes in the future.
A new study of European marine reserves by the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of
Coastal Oceans shows clear benefits of this type of marine reserve.
Scientists recorded increases in biomass (up by 250%), abundance (126% more abundant),
body size (15% bigger) and species diversity (up by 19%).
We ve recently published this report on Natural England s website.
Impact assessment
Government is clear that stakeholders need to have the opportunity to influence choices on
how sites could be managed to achieve their conservation objectives. The management
options identified by stakeholders will inform the IA. The IA will:
Identify which activities need managing to achieve the conservation objectives;
Identify the management options to achieve the conservation objectives;
Provide information that provides assurance that the management options are
practical and feasible (e.g. are they enforceable);
Comment on the likely effectiveness of different management options to achieve the
conservation objectives; and
Assess the potential impact of different management options (costs and benefits).
Defra expects a national IA, with regional summaries covering all of the 124 draft MCZs, to
be submitted with formal advice from Natural England and JNCC.
Opportunities to influence choices to be made
The regional projects stakeholder groups have been given opportunities to:
Apply the network design criteria to identify draft MCZs in different ways;
Choose between alternative sites available to represent a particular feature;
Decide where to co-locate MCZs with existing MPAs and socio-economic activities;
Identify the location and size of reference areas;
Determine the conservation objectives and management options to inform the IA.
This means that stakeholder groups can be spatially efficient and minimize the impact on
their activities as they prepare to submit their final draft MCZ site recommendations.
Natural England and JNCC will not change the stakeholder groups recommendations, but
we will consider what further advice may be needed to meet the ENG criteria. While
respecting devolution arrangements, JNCC will provide an assessment of the extent to
which the stakeholder groups recommendations together with existing MPAs, meet the
requirements of the Marine Act (section 123) for an ecologically coherent UK MPA network.
Public consultation next year will give stakeholders another opportunity to express their
views. Ministers will then decide which sites to designate by December 2012.
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