03 Oct 2023
The Scottish Government and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published its annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2022. Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2022 Key Points: The fishing industry value has increased from last year but hasn’t returned to 2019, pre-pandemic levels. The value of landings has risen less than general inflation between 2019 and 2022: […]
26 Sep 2023
Ofwat has published the Water Company Performance Report 2022-23. It looks at the performance of the 17 largest water and wastewater companies in England and Wales across a set of key performance and expenditure metrics. According to Ofwat, “Under-performance by the majority of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, will mean companies have […]
26 Sep 2023
Last week’s speech by the Prime Minister on Net Zero provoked criticism from many organisations and commentators, but Kathryn Brown at the Wildlife Trusts wrote a great deconstruction of the government’s muddled thinking on climate change and the environment. Key points The government’s announcement will significantly increase household energy bills The Prime Minister will scrap […]
26 Sep 2023
Wildlife campaigners are warning that harmful neonicotinoid pesticide levels can be found in rivers around England, according to new research published today (22 September). The warning comes as environmental groups wait to hear if one banned toxic neonicotinoid pesticide – Thiamethoxam – will be approved by the Government for English sugar beet farm use for […]
26 Sep 2023
The government has published its response to the recent consultation on the expansion of the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan to cover coastal and estuarine waters. In summary Government expands plan to tackle storm overflows, including all coastal and estuary sites Marine protected areas and shellfish water protected areas made a priority Plan to drive […]
26 Sep 2023
Reported in the Guardian, pollution from treated and untreated sewage is the greatest threat to river biodiversity, causing more damage than runoff from farms, according to research. There is a need for more regulation of water companies and improvements at their treatment plans to protect rivers, say the authors of the study. The research from […]
26 Sep 2023
The Climate Change Committee has published some useful new briefing notes, commissioned by the Welsh Government, on adaptation to climate change. They cover – Adaptation and the nature emergency – Adaptation and social justice – Adaptation and decarbonisation There is also a progress report on adaptation in Wales, which shows there are some positive examples […]
26 Sep 2023
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has criticised the Government’s “lack of leadership and deep-rooted complacency” in the conclusion to its follow-up inquiry into Ofwat, the water industry and the role of Government. In a letter to Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the cross-party committee has […]
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