23 Aug 2016

‘Act now to help our communities become more resilient as the Calder Valley will flood again, thanks to changing weather patterns, climate change and changes in land management.   That’s the message within the Calderdale Flood Commission’s final report into the causes, impact and response to the unprecedented flooding which hit the Calder Valley on Boxing […]

22 Aug 2016

Leaked documents reveal the scale of cuts to Natural England but how this is also forcing a change of relationship with the very organisations that are causing the problems that wildlife and the environment face. Further austerity cuts to staff will bring Natural England to a staff level to half that when it was set […]

22 Aug 2016

A Consultation on proposals to establish the interim body to manage The Crown Estate assets in Scotland post-devolution Overview The Scottish Government is supportive of the Smith Commission’s recommendations to devolve powers in relation to the management and revenues of Crown Estate assets in Scotland, which are in line with policy objectives to ensure that […]

22 Aug 2016

Government launch electro-fishing consultation BBC: A controversial method of catching razor clams using electricity could be legalised, under new Scottish government plans. Ministers are considering applying for an exemption to European Union laws which prohibit electro-fishing.  They have launched on consultation on the proposal. Razor clams – or spoots – are increasingly in demand by […]

22 Aug 2016

Understanding underwater noise – Marine Noise Registry launched Amy Wardlaw, MMO, As human activities in the marine area increase so does underwater noise. Understanding and mitigating the impact of this is an important part of the sustainable development of our seas and protecting the marine environment for future generations. Underwater noise from human activities can […]

22 Aug 2016

Wide-scale disruption from warming oceans is increasing, but they could change our understanding of the climate. This link rich article from the Guardian illustrates how the range of major habitats, corals, kelp forests and mangroves are being directly affected by major warming events. Mobile species and fish are no less susceptible. These events are providing […]

22 Aug 2016

With ocean mining flagged as one of the issues to be addressed by the Foresight Marine review this article is a mine of useful reference information. Adam Minter is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is the author of “Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade.” Is Ocean Mining a good idea? While commodities traders […]

22 Aug 2016

Colin Speedie, WiSe – MMO ‘ Watching marine wildlife safely   With the next heat wave reported to arrive, it is a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy some of the amazing marine wildlife around the English coast. But our enjoyment can quickly lead to the distress of the animals we are there to see. WiSe scheme’s […]