‘Cutting edge’ UK law set to recognise that octopuses are sentient The UK government is considering amendments to animal welfare legislation which would recognise the sentience of Octopus and their ability to feel pain, as reported in the Independent. In November last year, the scope of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill was extended to recognise […]
Nearly 13,000 homes and businesses will be better protected thanks to the construction of a new tidal barrier in Somerset, which the Environment Secretary has authorised. George Eustice has granted permission for construction of the £100m Bridgwater tidal barrier with a Transport and Works Act better protecting 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses in the town […]
Blue Economy Vision for Scotland launched: Scottish Government news release: Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management. Scotland’s ambition for a world-leading ‘Blue Economy’ has been set out in a vision document. The Blue Economy is sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health […]
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has announced the formation of an advisory group that will shape plans for mandatory charges on coffee cups and other single-use disposable beverage containers. Work to tackle single-use cup waste is re-starting, having been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The charge is expected to come into effect during the […]
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project has signed an agreement with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) to map the bottom of the ocean. As part of its official partnership with Seabed 2030, the UKHO will provide bathymetric gridded map products to be used by the project within the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) gridded bathymetric data set. UKHO will also share and promote methods […]
Consultation on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement: Closes 12 Apr 2022 From the Defra website: We are seeking your views on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). It has been developed by the four UK fisheries policy authorities (the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and […]
Defra Survey ‘This short survey has been launched by Defra. The aim of this research is to help us understand your experiences and perceptions of Defra. Your answers will be used to help us improve our stakeholder engagement and communications in the future.’ This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. All answers are completely anonymous and […]
NGOs block gillnet fishing across 100,000 sq km of Great Barrier Reef In an effort to protect dugongs and other threatened species, WWF-Australia bought a commercial gillnet fishing license for a swath of ocean in the northern Great Barrier Reef, to establish a de-facto marine sanctuary spanning more than 100,000 km2 (38,600 mi2). Dugongs, turtles, […]