11 Jun 2019

By: Clare Fischer MCS      A three day conference to develop a ‘blueprint’ for returning native oysters (Ostrea edulis) to seas around Europe is taking place in Edinburgh. It’s set to build on work already being carried out in Scotland, led by Dornoch Firth based, whisky producers, the Glenmorangie Company, Heriot-Watt University and MCS.  Large-scale ecological restoration and […]

11 Jun 2019

ABPmer, Steve Hull:  UK marine habitats and species continue to experience some notable declines. This represents a serious failure of existing marine conservation policy and practice. The 2011 Natural Environment White Paper – The Natural Choice aspired for ‘this to be the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state […]

11 Jun 2019

Set against an industry plan to double the size of the Scottish salmon farming sector has been a growing and vociferous coalition of organisations and campaigners opposed to these plans. A Scottish Parliament review was also extremely critical of both the salmon producers and the regulators for their current approach. Set against this has been […]

11 Jun 2019

Irish Examiner: ‘Irish shark experts have called on newly elected MEPs to outlaw the growing shark fin fishery in European waters, following a fine imposed on a Spanish fishing vessel detained off the Irish coast. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has confirmed that the fine of €2,500 and forfeiture of catch and gear worth […]

06 Jun 2019

National Drought Group – EA Chief Executive’s Statement. The National Drought Group (NDG) brings together government departments, water companies, environmental groups and others to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of dry weather by coordinating action to maintain water supplies and protect the environment. The NDG met on Tuesday 4 June, chaired by Sir James […]

06 Jun 2019

Millions of wet-wipes are flushed into UK rivers and are making the headlines on morning TV pic.twitter.com/CUqyHZlprE   One wonders whether the consumer labelling route is going to be enough to solve this problem.  Bob Earll MCS: Leading retailers not embracing new wet wipe ‘flushability’ standard Own-brand wipes can’t carry new ‘Fine to Flush’ logo because […]

06 Jun 2019

UKTAG Standards Consultation May 2019   We are consulting on proposals aim to improve the quality of the water environment in the UK by setting new standards or improving existing standards where the evidence suggests a change would be beneficial.  The consultation runs from Friday 24 May to Friday 5 July, inclusive. Why We Are Consulting   […]