22 Feb 2022

Welsh fishing boats to have monitoring devices. Wales has become the first nation in the UK to require all of its licensed commercial fishing boats are fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). Boats 12m or more in length were already required to have such a system in place, but an Order coming into force […]

22 Feb 2022

The MMO has recently updated the information on impact assessment requirements for marine licence applications. Marine Plan Policy Assessment section updated to show changes coming to the system from April 2022. From April 2022 the marine plan policy section will be replaced with smart functionality that identifies all marine plan policies relevant to your proposal. […]

17 Feb 2022

Since publication of the SPS there has been a growing amount of commentary see below: Read the SPS here Angling Trust ‘Government Water Statement must overhaul ‘creaking and leaking’ sewage infrastructure The Government’s Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) for water, laid before Parliament today (February 2nd), urges water companies to do more to protect the environment. […]

17 Feb 2022

Ofwat  ‘Introduction to the guidance At PR19 Ofwat announced a £469 million ring-fenced development fund for companies to investigate and develop strategic water resource solutions that benefit customers, protect and enhance the environment and benefit wider society. This funding provides companies with the ability and certainty to accelerate the development of solutions to be ‘construction […]

17 Feb 2022

Pharmaceuticals in rivers threaten world health – study BBC ‘Pollution of the world’s rivers from medicines and pharmaceutical products poses a “threat to environmental and global health”, a report says (see link below). Paracetamol, nicotine, caffeine and epilepsy and diabetes drugs were widely detected in a University of York study. The research is among the […]

17 Feb 2022

Defra ‘Farmers take ownership of nitrogen targets in Dorset’s Poole Harbour Farmers in Dorset’s Poole Harbour catchment are aiming to become some of the most nitrogen efficient in the UK. Poole Harbour is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar site.  But an increase in nutrients entering […]