17 Aug 2021

In December 2020, Defra announced a call for evidence on the scale of shark fin trade in the UK, seeking advice on the conservation impacts as well as economic, social and cultural impacts. According to a report of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) the UK has reported between 2,000 tonnes and […]

17 Aug 2021

One of the elements of the Environment Bill, which is expected to become law by autumn 2021 is the principle of biodiversity ‘net gain’ for developments in England. Once enacted, requirements for net gain in both terrestrial and intertidal habitats (to mean low water mark) will have to be considered, with any biodiversity impacts which […]

17 Aug 2021

Marine animals may eat plastic rubbish in the sea because an additive found in common items such as water bottles and yoghurt pots lead them to mistake the debris for food. A study using hermit crabs has shown their respiration rate increases significantly in response to low concentrations of oleamide and that they are attracted […]

17 Aug 2021

To be able to fish commercially for scallops and shellfish, fishers are required to have a scallop and/or shellfish permit on their fishing vessel. These vessels can also engage in a mixed fishery targeting other species, including other shellfish to meet market demands. The management provisions vary depending on the area fished. In a current […]

10 Aug 2021

IPCC Reports – Link to all reports  https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/#SPM Watch the press conference IPCC Press Release ‘GENEVA, Aug 9 – Scientists are observing changes in the Earth’s climate in every region and across the whole climate system, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, released today. Many of the changes observed in […]

10 Aug 2021

New Met office report The UK’s climate has continued to warm, with 2020 the first year to have temperature, rain and sunshine rankings all in the top 10. The latest analysis of the UK climate, State of the UK Climate 2020 published in The Royal Meteorological Society’s ‘International Journal of Climatology’, has shown that climate […]

10 Aug 2021

Flood Re consultation Amendments to the Flood Re scheme Defra ‘We received 118 responses to this consultation from a wide range of stakeholders. The government will now implement technical changes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Flood Re scheme. The government supports the proposals for discounted premiums and build back better. It will […]