14 May 2024

From 12th May 2024, selected interim measures will be implemented in Scotland for inshore fishing vessels, including: prohibition on landing of egg-bearing crab and lobster into Scotland controls on creel fishing vessels of more than 12 meters overall with a track record of landing more than 200 tonnes of crab and / or lobster in […]

14 May 2024

The Scottish Government and teams have published a paper detailing the positive results of targeted protection for the critically endangered flapper skate within a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Evidence informed MPAs The Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura MPA was established in 2014 with fisheries measures, such as fisheries closures and fishing gear restrictions, […]

14 May 2024

‘Deeply concerning’ failures to properly implement regulations designed to protect rivers, lakes and coastal waters in England mean key targets for improvement will be missed, a report by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has found. The OEP has carried out a review of the key legislation regarding water quality – the Water Framework Directive […]

14 May 2024

A record number of swimming spots in England have been designated as bathing sites, the UK government has confirmed. There has been widespread coverage, including in BBC, ITV, The Guardian, Independent and Sky, of the government’s announcement that 27 new bathing water sites will be designated across England. The decision follows a public consultation last year. The Environment Agency […]

14 May 2024

The UK government has announced a package of new technologies are to be deployed on fishing vessels from this summer to help tackle the risk of over-fishing. Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) technologies involving camera, gear sensors, and GPS units are to be deployed to make sure catches are accurately recorded and fish are not unlawfully […]

06 May 2024

Research has uncovered that nearly half of the world’s estuaries have been directly altered by human activities. Estuaries, vital transition zones between freshwater and marine environments can be called ‘nurseries of the sea’ as not only animals but also humans commonly rely on them for nesting and breeding as well as tourism, fisheries, and recreational […]