01 Aug 2018

This Commons Library Briefing Paper examines water quality in the UK, including EU requirements and potential impacts of Brexit. It sets out some key facts and figures for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, explains how water quality is measured and discusses action being taken by the Government to manage and improve water quality. Water […]

01 Aug 2018

Committee on Climate Change: ‘We have today put six research projects out to tender to support the next UK Climate Change Risk Assessment Evidence Report, due in summer 2021.  The research is being funded by Defra, the devolved administrations and research councils (NERC, ESRC, EPSRC), totalling £925K.  Closing dates for bids range from 10th – […]

01 Aug 2018

Good news story – The Rivers Trust have launched a new film about the Green Port Hull Fish Mitigation Project with Associated British Ports and the Environment Agency. The projects, carried out by Aire Rivers Trust, Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust and Don Catchment Rivers Trust have helped salmon and other migratory fish reach new spawning […]

30 Jul 2018

If this story sounds familiar it is. That is because planning authorities recently gave the green light to another Scottish Coastal golf course in despite it being a coastal SSSI. The role of SNH in this and what is appearing like a suppressed report on the impact of the Trump golf course also raises unfortunate […]

30 Jul 2018

BEIS ‘Announcement of further Contract for Difference auctions, giving the offshore wind sector certainty it needs to build on success through the next decade.   Meeting staff from the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult today in Newcastle ahead of the meeting of Regional Cabinet, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry said: We are witnessing an unprecedented […]

30 Jul 2018

EIA consent decision & MCZ stage 1 assessment – 26th July by MMO https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/goodwin-sands-aggregate-dredging-scheme Dover dredging application decision The MMO has approved an application from Dover Harbour Board for aggregate dredging off the Kent coast. Published 26 July 2018   Marine Management Organisation The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has approved an application from Dover Harbour Board […]

30 Jul 2018

Defra: ‘Report to Parliament about inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) conduct and operation Closes 4 Sep 2018   Opened 24 Jul 2018 Contact ifca-consultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk  Overview   We are asking for evidence on how well IFCAs have worked to meet their duties in the last 4 years (September 2014 to September 2018). Why We Are Consulting We are seeking […]

30 Jul 2018

Campaigners try and overturn the complete ban on taking bass by sports angling If you are a rod and line fisherman you can take 5 tonnes … but sport anglers cannot take one fish. The Angling Trust and Save Our Sea Bass have ramped up pressure on the European Commission after new scientific advice from […]