DEFRA Archives - Communications and Management for Sustainability

Reports published into the economic outcomes and sustainability of fisheries catch limits negotiated for 2024

Two reports have been released from the UK government which outline the economic and sustainability outcomes of the annual negotiations for UK fishing opportunities. The ‘Assessing the sustainability of fisheries catch limits negotiated by the UK for 2024’ report from the government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) details the assessment of negotiated […]

Up to £11m in water company fines to be reinvested

News , Water

Up to £11 million in water company fines and penalties will be reinvested back into a new Water Restoration Fund (WRF), Environment Secretary Steve Barclay announced this week. All water company environmental fines and penalties since April 2022 have been ringfenced to directly improve the water environment. The Water Restoration Fund will offer grant funding […]

Bottom towed fishing gear prohibited over reef habitats in 13 marine protected areas

Marine , News

A new byelaw protecting an area of almost 4000 square km of seas from damaging fishing activity is now in force in English waters. The byelaw prohibits the use of bottom towed gear in specific areas within 13 English offshore MPAs that contain valuable reef and rocky habitats. The implementation of the byelaw comes days […]

OEP launches investigations into Special Protection Areas

Marine , News

The Office for Environmental Protection is investigating the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Secretary of State (SoS) and Natural England over possible failures to comply with environmental law in relation to Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for wild birds, it has announced. The investigation will seek to determine whether Defra SoS and Natural […]

Over £180m of investment fast-tracked to prevent sewage spills

News , Water

The government has announced that fast-tracked investment of £180m over the next 12 months is expected to prevent more than 8,000 sewage spills polluting English waterways. According to Defra, it follows the Secretary of State directing water and sewage companies last December to measurably reduce sewage spills over the next year by accelerating commitments and delivering new […]

Marine and coastal sociocultural values review – Research wanted

News

Marine and coastal sociocultural values review – Research wanted Ecologos Research, in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory, is currently undertaking a structured review of social and cultural values of UK marine and coastal ecosystems as part of Defra’s Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme. We would like to invite you to submit […]

Marine & Coastal socio-cultural values survey

Marine , News

Defra’s Marine Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (mNCEA) programme is currently undertaking a structured review of social and cultural values of UK marine and coastal ecosystems. Ecologos Research are undertaking the review, in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory. They are asking the marine and coastal social science and arts and humanities community to submit links to relevant studies and […]

Consultation on IFCAs conduct and operations

Marine , News

The Secretary of State must prepare a statutory report into the conduct and operation of the ten Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCA’s) every four years, which must be laid before Parliament. This third report covers the period from September 2018 to September 2022. The report will assess the IFCA’s against their five high level […]