Comprehensive study of UK seas published
July 2010: Defra have published a new comprehensive assessment of the state of the UK seas.
Charting Progress 2 is the result of a five-year study into how human use and other pressures, such as climate change, are affecting our seas. It draws on evidence gathered by scientists from marine agencies, research institutes, universities, environmental organisations and industries around the UK. All the evidence has been peer reviewed by national and international scientists.
The report looks in detail at how climate change has increased sea levels and temperatures and what impacts that change is having on the marine environment; the changes in the habitats and species in our seas; levels of pollution; and marine industries impacting on marine ecosystems.
Further information is available on the report's website:
Defra: Charting Progress 2
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The Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009
The Government's vision for the marine environment is for clean healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas. To help deliver this vision Defra developed a Marine Bill. This has evolved over several years, and following Royal Assent, the Marine & Coastal Access Act was passed in November 2009.
Find out more about the Act
The LGA Coastal SIG has responded to a number of consultations relating to the Draft Bill and now implementation of the Act. Further information is available on our responses to consultations below:
Consultation responses
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RLSS UK
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK ) operates a beach risk assessment training programme, in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). The training courses aim to support and develop beach operator skills in production of beach risk assessments. The programme leads to an accredited RLSS UK/CIEH qualification, attaining the CIEH Level 3 Award and is recognised by ENCAMS, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Scotland Beautiful. For more information on the RLSS UK/CIEH risk training course please click link or visit our website lifesavers.org.uk.
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Coastal Handbook published
June 2010: The Coastal Handbook has now been published online.
This new, comprehensive guide for anyone involved in working on the coast in England and Wales provides an invaluable source of information. It includes existing legislation, strategic planning, governance, funding and approval processes and other general guidance. It has been written as a collaborative project between the Environment Agency and local authorities and will help understanding of how each other operates.
The Handbook is a 'living draft' document and is available to view on the Environment Agency website:
Coastal Handbook
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Shipping Incidents
This report has been prepared to stimulate a debate on the liabilities that shipping incidents can create for local government. It makes a number of recommendations for action to reduce liability and increase protection for the coast. The report is now being finalised following comments.
View consultation response
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PREMIAM: Pollution Response in Emergencies – Marine Impact Assessment and Monitoring
The LGA are partners in a new cross-government initiative to improve the response and effectiveness of environmental impact assessment following marine oil and chemical spills.
PREMIAM is a Defra funded project running for 3 years (2009-12) and is being coordinated by emergency response and impact assessment experts from Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science). The project will be overseen by a steering group comprising representatives from all important government stakeholders (including those with regulatory, response and conservation interests) and will fully engage the scientific and emergency response community in delivering its aims, ensuring an integrated approach.
For more information visit www.premiam.org
View details
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