December 2016 WFD News Highlights

The consultation is a call for evidence that will inform MMO draft site assessments for marine protected areas (MPA) in English inshore waters. These assessments will help the MMO ensure current and potential fishing activities do not have a negative impact on habitats and species in these MPAs.

This consultation is open until 12 December 2016.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mmo-seek-public-views-to-inform-marine-conservation-plans

Draft South Marine Plan: Consultation now open

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced that the consultation on the Draft South Marine Plans will take place between 7 November 2016 and 27 January 2017.

The consultation gives interested parties the chance to share their views and opinions on the draft marine plan and it will provide the MMO with invaluable insight to shape this stage of the Marine Planning process. When the consultation has closed all of the comments received will be reviewed and considered.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/draft-south-marine-plan-consultation-now-open

CONSULTATION OUTCOMES

Analysis of issues with evidence for marine plan areas

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published an Issues database for the north-east, north-west, south-east and south-west marine plan areas.

The database provides an update on progress on the marine planning process for these areas. The call for issues with supporting evidence ran from 30 June 2016 to 5 August 2016, supported by a series of workshops. The aim of the call was to gather information and evidence on the opportunities and challenges for the sustainable development of the north-east, north-west, south-east and south-west marine plan areas. A consultation summary is available here which shows that more than 3000 individual comments were received from a wide range of national and local stakeholders. The response to the call has provided such a wealth of information that the MMO does not now consider it necessary to have a further round of formal consultation on issues this year.

Further analysis and development of issues will instead continue up until early 2017 when the MMO will consult stakeholders on the iteration 1 outputs.

Source of information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/analysis-of-issues-with-evidence-for-marine-plan-areas

UK NEWS

Your Fisheries

(Posted 7 December 2016)

‘Your Fisheries’ is a catchment initiative developed by The River Trust supported by the Environment Agency and Angling Trust. It will provide a common web-based planning system that brings together evidence and knowledge from a range of different sources to inform catchment specific fisheries reports. The programme has now entered a phased roll out across a number of catchments in England and it is hoped that it will eventually be trialled in at least one catchment of every River Basin District in England.

The reports are intended to represent a range of perspectives from various partners on the current status of fish populations, fishing opportunities and actions required to maintain and deliver improvements.

http://www.theriverstrust.org/projects/your_fisheries/index.html

Environmental impact of microplastics: Government response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2016–17

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Environmental Audit Committee published its Fourth Report of Session 2016–17 on 24 August 2016. The government’s response was received on 26 October 2016.

The response document sets out the 11 recommendations of the EAC report on microplastic pollution, each point being followed by the government’s response.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenvaud/802/80202.htm

England’s bathing waters best on record

(Posted 7 December 2016)

New statistics on bathing water quality reveal that England's favourite swimming spots are the cleanest they've been since records began.

Bathing water quality, tested at 413 beaches and lakes up and down the country, is the best on record and 98.5% passed tough standards this year. Just 28% of bathing waters met the top water quality standards in the early 1990s; now 93.2% are rated excellent and good.

The seaside economy is worth more than £3.6 billion annually and 146 million people flock to Britain’s beaches every year. ‘Staycations’ are growing in appeal, with almost 14 million people in England choosing to holiday at a beach here in 201 (up 7% on the previous year).

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/englands-bathing-waters-best-on-record

£4.8 million of funding offered to six Fisheries Local Action Groups under EMFF scheme

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) announces that £800,000 funding under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) has been offered to each of the six Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).

Cornwall, Dorset and East Devon, Hastings, Holderness, North of Tyne and North Thames will each receive £800,000 to take forward their local development strategies to benefit and develop fisheries, coastal communities and the wider supply chain infrastructure.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/48-million-of-funding-offered-to-6-fisheries-local-action-groups-under-emff-scheme

EA launches £1m programme of River Thames works

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Environment Agency embarks on its annual winter programme of major repairs and refurbishments to locks along the non-tidal River Thames in November. Eight lock sites will have a total of £1.2m spent on them – in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey.

Funding for the work comes from boat registration fees and government. The annual investment in their upkeep ensures the locks are in good working order, enabling boaters to carry on cruising throughout the 135 miles of navigable waterway from Cricklade in Wiltshire, near the river’s source, to Teddington in south west London, where the river becomes tidal. The work is done during the winter months when there are very few boats on the river; this minimises disruption if locks need to be taken temporarily out of service.

Read more here

Unlocking the River Severn for people and wildlife

(Posted 7 December 2016)

A major new wildlife project on the River Severn has secured almost £17 million of funding – £10.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £6m from the European Union LIFE programme. The scheme will reopen the Severn and its major tributary for fish and wildlife whilst reconnecting millions of people and local communities with the lost natural, cultural and industrial heritage of this river.

This is the largest project of its kind ever attempted in Europe and will reopen the UK’s longest river to all fish species, many of which became extinct in the upper reaches following the installation of weirs required to power the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. The work will remove blockages and secure the long-term future of many of the UK’s declining and protected fish species by substantially increasing access to important spawning grounds.

The project was developed as part of a 3-year long collaborative partnership between the Severn Rivers Trust, the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency and Natural England. Work to install the first of seven state-of-the-art fish passes will begin in 2017, and the project will take approximately 5 years to complete.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/unlocking-the-river-severn-for-people-and-wildlife

Seaweed: a future UK farming sector?

(Posted 7 December 2016)

We have been harvesting wild seaweed in the UK for many centuries. These macroalgae have traditionally been used as food for humans, feed for animals, and fertilizers to grow more food. Worldwide, demand has increased during the last half-century. To meet this new demand required a change in production methods. Wild stocks are limited, so seaweeds have been cultivated instead and production has more than doubled between 2000 and 2014 – an increase of 10 to 28 million tonnes, and this seaweed is worth a lot of money. In fact, the 2012 world production of seaweeds had an estimated value of $6 billion. However almost 95% of global production is currently from Asia.

There has not been a long history of seaweed farming in the UK. However, in recent years, there has been more interest in seaweed aquaculture, mainly driven by research into algal biofuel technologies. Research has shown that seaweed could be an important source for the production of biofuels such as methane, a potential renewable energy source.

Uniquely, seaweed can be farmed in a way that does not compete with crops and animals for land or freshwater resources. The future of seaweed aquaculture holds great potential. It is an important and underutilised resource – but we need to understand the possibilities better.

Regulating for people, environment and growth: 2015 evidence summary

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This document reports on the Environment Agency’s regulation work in 2015. It provides facts and statistics about:

emissions to air from the businesses they regulate
the number of serious pollution incidents and sectors responsible
the compliance of businesses with their environmental permits
the reduction in costs for businesses they regulate
enforcement action they take when businesses don’t comply

The Environment Agency applies the regulatory framework set by government. They work with businesses to make sure they operate in a way that avoids harming people or the environment, without imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on them.

Read the evidence summary here

Environment Agency data on business environmental performance

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Data and reports on the performance of the businesses we regulate and the effectiveness of our regulatory approach. This includes:

Regulating the waste industry (information about the environmental performance of the waste management industry).
Pollution incidents (information about serious pollution, its causes and impacts).
Regulating for people, environment and growth (information about the EA’s regulation work and the impact on the environmental performance of the businesses they regulate).
Environmental performance of water and sewerage companies (information about water and sewerage companies the EA regulate, for 2013 to 2015).

Access all the above through:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/environment-agency-data-on-business-environmental-performance

Environment Agency 2015 data on regulated businesses in England

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Data is available on operational risk appraisal compliance ratings, pollution inventory, pollution incidents, enforcement and waste crime for 2015.

The data has been made available to members of the public for information. If you wish to reuse this information either commercially or non-commercially you must contact the Environment Agency to obtain the appropriate licence. You can also request more current data.

See terms and conditions for data and information on data.gov.uk.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-agency-2015-data-on-regulated-businesses-in-england

14 New ‘Aligned Areas’ for Defra’s 25-Year Environment Plan

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Environment Agency and Natural England, along with the Forestry Commission, are working with Defra on the approach to a 25 year plan for the environment. To help support the 25 year plan, strengthen relationships with local partners and enable integrated decisions that deliver the best environmental improvements, the Environment Agency and Natural England are producing joint plans for 14 new aligned areas.

Following the UK vote to leave the EU, Defra announced it would be delaying the publication of the plan. In a letter to stakeholders, they explained that the original timings of the framework and the subsequent Plan ‘did not take into account [Britain’s] decision to leave the EU. As a result we will not be publishing the framework this summer or the plan by the end of the year’.

http://www.ciwm-journal.co.uk/14-new-aligned-areas-defras-25-year-environment-plan/

Crayfish claw back after River Wye conservation project

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Efforts to save the native white-clawed crayfish from extinction in Wales are showing ‘encouraging’ results. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said an innovative project has seen approximately 4,000 of the threatened crustaceans reared and released here since 2009.

The focus is on the River Wye and its tributaries, the last remaining native crayfish stronghold in Wales. As a keystone species, the decline of the native crayfish impacts on the overall diversity of water courses with knock-on effects for a large number of other organisms and habitats as a whole.

The Water Environment Fund and Scottish rivers

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Published by SEPA, this article looks at the work of the Water Environment Fund (WEF) and how it helps Scotland improve its rivers by removing historic problems and helping return them to a healthier, more natural state.

In Scotland, the condition of the beds, banks and shores of 14% of their water bodies are below good status because of historic engineering pressures such as reinforced banks, embankments, culverts and straightening, and 12% are below good status because instream barriers, such as redundant weirs, are preventing access for migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout, lampreys and eels.

WEF provides funding from the Scottish government for river restoration projects in Scotland. It focuses on improvements to the river beds and banks and the removal of barriers to fish migration. Managed by a team of river restoration specialists within SEPA, the fund works in partnership with organisations such as fisheries trusts, local authorities and other stakeholders. Since 2013 over £4.6 million has been provided by WEF for the restoration of fish passage, improvement of urban rivers and work removing invasive plant species across Scotland’s rivers.

Plastic Soup Foundation: UK microbeads ban is the first step to implementing plastic circular economy

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The UK government's decision to introduce a national ban on microbeads can act as an ‘important step’ that mobilises countries to look beyond microbeads in the ocean and focus on creating a plastic circular economy ‘without leakage’. That is the view of the Plastic Soup Foundation’s head of programmes, Jeroen Dagevos, who claimed that national governments and companies need to tackle plastic waste at its ‘source’ instead of delaying action until plastic had impacted marine life.

Dagevos hailed the UK’s decision to tackle microbeads in cosmetics, which will be banned from sale in the UK by the end of 2017, stating that it would be interesting to see whether the rest of Europe adopted the ruling, or if they would push the ban further.

To read more click here

£200,000 of rod licence money to fund over 50 angling projects

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Angling Improvement Fund (AIF) has funded 54 projects to encourage freshwater fishing. The projects funded by this rod licence money will protect fisheries from predation, encourage more people to go fishing, encourage school children to get involved, improve facilities at clubs and fisheries and safeguard venues.

The AIF is administered by the Angling Trust in partnership with the Environment Agency. Every project has also attracted financial or in-kind support through match-funding. This means that AIF funded schemes have benefitted from over £500,000.

The schemes were awarded funding under the following four themes: otter-proof fencing; community waters; schools and colleges; best unfunded proposals from previous rounds.

Wessex Water supports biodegradable cotton bud stick campaign

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Wessex Water has joined calls for urgent action to prevent plastic cotton buds reaching the UK’s rivers, seas and beaches. Bristol-based campaign group City to Sea has launched the Switch the Stick campaign, urging retailers to ditch cotton buds with plastic sticks in favour of biodegradable paper versions. Paper stem cotton buds are currently sold in Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Co-op Food.

Millions of buds with plastics sticks which don't biodegrade are flushed down toilets in the UK every year and end up accumulating on beaches and rivers, where they break down into smaller pieces and can get eaten by birds, fish and other wildlife. The campaign group is hoping to persuade thousands of people to sign a petition in favour of the switch, ahead of a meeting with major supermarkets and high street stores. The campaign follows a new report by the Marine Conservation Society, which found that the amount of plastic waste dumped on UK beaches has soared by a third in the last year. Cotton buds are among the top five plastic items found, alongside bottles, bottle tops, crisp packets and smaller plastic fragments.

To read more click here

The Future of the Natural Environment after the EU Referendum inquiry

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Environmental Audit Committee has launched an inquiry into the Future of the Natural Environment after the EU Referendum. Issues include the future of funding for biodiversity and agri-environment schemes, the likely changes in the devolved administration, and the role that managed re-wilding can play in conservation and restoration. Terms of reference: The Future of the Natural Environment after the EU Referendum

The committee requested written submissions, the deadline for which was 9 September 2016. Further developments on this in due course.

To read more click here

Government announces microbeads ban to protect sealife

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The government announced (in early September) plans to ban the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products containing tiny pieces of plastic, commonly known as ‘microbeads’. A consultation on this will be launched later this year. At the same time, evidence will be gathered on the extent of the environmental impacts of microbeads found elsewhere, such as in household and industrial cleaning products, before considering what more can be done in future to tackle other plastics, for example microfibres, which enter the marine environment.

Each year billions of tiny beads end up in our seas from a range of products such as face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels. These beads build up in the marine environment and can be swallowed by sea life, including fish and crustaceans. The ban follows the successful introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge – which has led to six billion fewer bags issued this year – and is the next step in government action to tackle plastic in our oceans.

Twenty-five UK cosmetics and toiletries companies (eg Unilever) have already taken steps to voluntarily phase out microbeads from their products. Waitrose announced they will stop stocking such products by the end of September 2016. Manufacturers are exploring natural alternatives, including nut shells, salt and sugar, which have the same exfoliating properties but do not pose a threat to the environment.

The government will consult industry, environmental groups and other relevant parties to establish how and when a ban could be introduced, aiming to change legislation next year.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/microbead-ban-announced-to-protect-sealife

Send a Message In A Bottle to Parliament

(Posted 7 December 2016)

As part of the Message In a Bottle campaign, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is urging the public to write to their MPs calling on them to support a deposit return system (DRS) in the UK. Each day the UK uses 38.5 million plastic bottles and 59 million cans, of which only 56% are recycled. Introducing a deposit system will help ensure these containers are trapped in the recycling economy rather than escaping to pollute our blue and green environments.

A Deposit Return System is the most effective and easy to implement solution we have to fight this marine litter crisis and targets the worst offender, single use plastics. These containers might be used for a few minutes but can impact the environment over many centuries. SAS beach cleans have removed and recycled a staggering 50,000 plastic bottles from UK beaches over the past 12 months.

A DRS for the UK could reduce 40% of all litter as well as almost doubling our recycling rate of PET bottles. It is estimated that such a system would not only save local authorities an estimated £160 million per annum but also generate a net increase of 4,000 jobs, with many of these being skilled positions.

https://www.sas.org.uk/news/send-a-message-in-a-bottle-to-parliament/

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Princess Cruise Lines to pay largest-ever criminal penalty for deliberate vessel pollution

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency has been working with the US Coast Guard and the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate a serious incident of deliberate pollution of the seas by this major cruise-line.

The case began after a British engineer working on one of the company’s vessels reported the matter to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency when the ship called at Southampton, England. For the full account, see the press release from the United States Attorneyﾒs Office, Southern District of Florida. The company is to pay $40 million and will implement remedial measures on all Carnival companies visiting US ports.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/princess-cruise-lines-to-pay-largest-ever-criminal-penalty-for-deliberate-vessel-pollution

Estimated 1,455 tonnes of plastic floating in the Mediterranean

(Posted 7 December 2016)

A new study says that this amount of plastic is estimated to be floating plastic at present across the Mediterranean. Researchers gathered floating plastics using trawl nets and found that microplastics with a surface area of around 1 mm² were the most abundant size found. The study is one of the first large-scale surveys of plastic waste in the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Sea has a population of approximately 100 million people living within 10 km of the coastline, giving high potential for plastic accumulation. In contrast to other seas, the high variability of surface currents in the Mediterranean means that concentrations of plastic are less stable and less likely to remain in set locations. However, the researchers identified four potential areas of plastic accumulation due to currents and other factors, such as coastal populations, tourism and plastic washing into the sea from rivers. These areas are the Otranto Strait, the northern coast of Sicily, the Ionian Islands and the Menorca Channel.

To read more click here

BirdLife International proposes protected status for area of the Atlantic identified as vital for marine biodiversity

(Posted 7 December 2016)

BirdLife International (the world’s largest nature conservation partnership) has presented a proposal to create a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) under OSPAR, the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic. If accepted by OSPAR, the MPA will be the first of its kind to be identified using seabird data as the principle data source, and will fill an important gap in the global network of protected areas.

The aim of the proposed Evlanov Seamount and Basin High Seas MPA is to protect an area of the North Atlantic that is not only vital for many seabird species, but also for other marine megafauna such as tunas, sharks, whales and sea-turtles, by maintaining the natural richness and resilience of this pelagic ecosystem. The proposed MPA will now be examined by OSPAR.

Read more here

Our Ocean 2016 conference – $48m marine commitment announced

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Wildlife Conservation Society, the Waitt Foundation, the blue moon fund, and the Global Environment Facility announced a $48 million commitment to expand the world’s marine protected areas.

The announcement came during the US State Department’s conference at which Secretary of State John Kerry invited heads of state, scientists, business leaders, NGOs, and others to tackle key issues including marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and climate-related impacts on the ocean.

Click here to read more

UK to double marine protection areas around overseas territories

(Posted 7 December 2016)

More than £20m will be invested in doubling the area of ocean under marine protection around British overseas territories, the government has announced.

Four million km² of ocean will be protected under the new plans. In addition, an additional one million square kilometres of ocean will be closed to commercial fishing, in an attempt to preserve important marine life.

The announcements include the designation of protected areas around the Pitcairn Islands, which host a marine environment covering around 840,000 km². Additionally, the 444,916 km² marine environment around St Helena – home to more than 40 endemic species and sea life such as whale sharks and turtles – is now also designated as a protection area. A commitment was also made to designate marine protection zones around the south Atlantic islands of Ascension by 2019 and Tristan da Cunha by 2020.

http://www.edie.net/news/4/UK-set-to-double-marine-protection-areas-around-overseas-territories/

Ireland's Sustainable Aquaculture Development Potential

(Posted 7 December 2016)

There is great potential for Ireland to develop its aquaculture in the coming decade, with a rich and varied marine landscape, and a long coastline. However, the sector is small in scale relative to Scotland or Norway, and has been in decline somewhat over the last decade, as it has been across Europe.

A recent report from the National Economic and Social Council Sustainable Development in Irish Aquaculture (NESC report No. 143) argues that future Irish aquaculture development can be achieved that balances economic, environmental and social goals. Three key themes came out of the research: the requirement for diverse economies for development; the need for environmental risk to build resilience; and improvement of conflict resolution, engagement and decision-making.

http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/27784/new-report-outlines-irelands-sustainable-aquaculture-development-potential/

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

Herbicide found in German estuaries – transported to the Baltic Sea

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, able to kill a broad range of plants that compete with crops. This study used a validated method to assess its presence in 10 German estuaries that lead to the Baltic Sea. All but one was contaminated with glyphosate, and all were contaminated with its metabolite AMPA. The researchers recommend risk assessments for these chemicals in the Baltic Sea and other marine environments.

To read more click here

Sustainable drainage systems: new ecosystem services based evaluation methods

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) could be made better for biodiversity and local people with the help of two new evaluation methods presented by a recent study. The methods, which assess the value of SuDS sites for wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, recreation and education, are described by the authors as cost-effective, quick and reliable, and could help designers plan and retrofit SuDS that are wildlife-friendly and socially inclusive.

To read more click here

Herbicide run-off reduced by grassy ditches in Italy – recommended for agri-environment schemes

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Pesticides used on agricultural land can leach into nearby surface water and harm aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the potential of ditches to reduce run-off, using Italy’s Po Valley as a case study. Grassy ditches were able to significantly reduce the concentration of herbicides, even during extreme flooding. The researchers therefore suggest that the promotion of vegetated ditches via agri-environment schemes would be beneficial for pesticide mitigation.

To read more click here

Pollutants from the EU Watch List: a review of their occurrence and water treatment options

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Micropollutants – small, persistent and biologically active substances – are found in aquatic environments all over the world and can have negative effects on plants, animals and humans. The EU recently adopted a ‘watch list’ of potential priority substances, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products that need to be monitored to determine their environmental risk. A new study reviews data on their worldwide occurrence and options for their removal from wastewater, and from surface and groundwater used to produce drinking water.

To read more click here

Fisheries need better enforcement of rubbish disposal to reduce plastic waste around UK coasts

(Posted 7 December 2016)

A new study has analysed marine litter on beaches across the UK, indicating that the fishing industry is responsible for large quantities of marine rubbish. The researchers recommend a combination of better enforcement of regulations covering waste disposal, and incentives for fishing vessels to reduce marine litter.

In this study, researchers attempted to determine the origin of marine litter found on beaches across the UK, focusing on any link with commercial fishing and shipping. The researchers summarised the litter data into plastic debris, fishing debris and fishing-related plastic and rubber debris, depending on the type and most probable source of the rubbish.

The results indicated that beaches with large amounts of rubbish were related to fishing ports and grounds nearby. Most of these beaches were found in the North Sea, English Channel and the west of Scotland. Analysis of specific fishing-related materials on beaches showed that several plastic items, including fish boxes, floats, nets, rope and other plastic pieces, were strongly related to fishing grounds. These results suggest that the fishing industry is responsible for a large proportion of the marine debris on UK beaches, particularly in areas close to fishing grounds.

To read more click here

Wave and tidal energy plants are ‘green’ technologies

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Environmental impacts for a wave energy device, tidal stream and tidal range plants are potentially 8, 20 and 115 times lower respectively than for coal-generated power, averaged over five impact categories. An assessment of the amount of metal used by these technologies, however, shows an impact respectively 11 and 17 times higher than for coal- and gas-based power generators.

These are the findings of a recent study which compared the life-cycle environmental impacts of various wave and tidal energy devices with other forms of energy generation. The researchers conclude that wave and tidal energy plants qualify as ‘green’ technologies according to their definition, but that their impacts on marine ecosystems need further research.

To read more click here

New method to prioritise pesticides based on their environmental and human health risks and on monitoring results at river basin level

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Researchers have developed this new approach in the Pinios River Basin of central Greece. The analysis indicated that a number of pesticides were found in concentrations that could cause negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The results provided information to inform decisions on the monitoring of pesticides in this river basin and outline an approach that could be used in other watersheds.

To read more click here

Anti-fungal compounds: emerging environmental contaminants

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Azole fungicides are active ingredients in a range of pharmaceutical and personal care products, and are also used in agriculture. This study reviewed the sources, presence and risks of these compounds in the environment, finding evidence of toxic effects on aquatic organisms. The researchers provide suggestions for future research and warn that caution should be exercised until more toxicity data becomes available.

To read more click here

Mussel biomarkers gauge pollution in European estuaries

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Coastal areas are under threat of pollution from a variety of marine activities. This study focused on pollution caused by a range of activities with no specific discharge point (diffuse pollution) in three areas – a European harbour, marina and industrial area – by measuring biological responses in mussels.

To read more click here

Multiple fish-based indicators successfully evaluate water quality in eight-year study

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Worldwide, programmes have been implemented to protect water quality from human pressures, often using ecological indicators as a method of evaluation. An eight-year study of a Portuguese estuary has found that indicators based on multiple measures of fish communities, such as the number and relative abundance of resident and migrant species, reflect human pressures on these transitional waters and could improve the implementation of water protection programmes.

To read more click here

New computer modelling tool to identify persistent chemicals

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Chemicals that persist in the environment can harm humans and wildlife. This study describes a computer modelling based approach to predict which chemical compounds are likely to be persistent. The models were able to correctly predict persistence for 11 of 12 chemicals tested and could provide a cost-effective alternative to laboratory testing.

To read more click here

Aquatic life needs further protection from effects of personal care products

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Personal care products (PCPs) are a diverse group of products, including toothpaste, shampoo, make-up and soaps. The number and use of these products has increased over recent decades, generating concern about their impact on the environment. This literature review analysed over 5,000 reports of environmental detection of 95 different chemicals from PCPs. The analysis reveals toxic levels of PCP chemicals in raw and treated wastewater, and in surface water. The results emphasise just how ubiquitous these chemicals are in the aquatic environment.

The literature review showed that, after treatment, concentrations of chemicals from PCPs in wastewater can be reduced by between 33–90%. However, the researchers also note that there is a need for more effective methods of treating water to remove/detoxify chemicals from PCPs.

To read more click here

Improving river habitats to support wildlife during low flows

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This is a recent study into the effectiveness of restoration measures to improve river habitats during low flows. Physical modification is one of the main reasons why many rivers do not support thriving wildlife. Engineering and other changes to natural river forms have damaged habitats, reducing populations of plants and animals and reducing their ability to cope with extreme low and high river flows. A particular concern is the effect of low flows during extended dry weather, which may occur more frequently as the climate changes.

To allow wildlife to recover and be resilient to a range of river conditions we need to understand how to restore the natural river processes and habitats that species depend on. This study reviewed the results from previous river restoration work and modelled additional measures such as embankment and weir removal at five case study sites. It was shown that the models can help to target the most effective restoration schemes and avoid costly measures that are unlikely to succeed.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-river-habitats-to-support-wildlife-during-low-flows

Effects of run-of-river hydroelectric power schemes on fish

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This project investigated small-scale hydroelectric power (HEP) schemes with the aim of improving understanding of the environmental effects of HEP schemes in rivers. The study looked at changes in fish communities from run-of-river HEP schemes compared with a set of control sites without hydropower across a range of river types and locations. The research showed that the impact of these schemes on fish is limited, although the small number of samples means that subtle changes may not have been detected.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/effects-of-run-of-river-hydroelectric-power-schemes-on-fish

Chemicals risk assessment – Baltic study recommends more monitoring of emerging pollutants

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Chemicals are everywhere and new substances are regularly being introduced to the market. However, only some pose a risk to the environment. How do we decide which of them to monitor? A new study using a database of chemicals found in fish in the Baltic Sea has assessed which chemicals are commonly monitored. The researchers suggest that monitoring is biased towards known, already regulated hazardous chemicals, and recommend changes to address other chemicals.

To read more click here

PUBLICATIONS

River Restoration and Biodiversity – Nature-Based Solutions for Restoring the Rivers of the UK and Republic of Ireland

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This report describes the importance of rivers in the UK and Ireland for nature conservation, summarises the damage that river habitats have sustained over many decades, and discusses ways in which repairing damage and restoring river habitats can bring benefits both to wildlife and to human society. It is hoped that not only will it raise awareness of the importance of river restoration but also help to obtain funding for practical restoration work around the UK and Ireland.

Read the report here

http://www.crew.ac.uk/publication/river-restoration

Fishing Focus – Autumn 2016

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Fishing Focus is a marine newsletter published by Defra to keep stakeholders informed about the work they are doing.

In this issue you can read about:

December Fisheries Council
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
Cod Plan amendment
Marine Protected Areas
Seafood Industry Expert Working Group
Sea angling 2017 survey
Marine planning

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-focus

Rivers and lakes in European cities: Past and future challenges

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Rivers and lakes located in European cities and towns are getting cleaner thanks to improvements in waste water treatment and restoration projects which have brought many waterways back to life. New forms of water management contribute to make our cities greener, smarter and more sustainable, but key challenges remain, according to this new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

This report assesses the strategies and measures authorities have taken in urban centres to improve the state of local rivers and lakes. These can serve as useful examples of lessons learned on urban planning and design approaches for socially and environmentally-resilient cities. Case studies involving 17 cities from across Europe, including Aarhus, Bucharest, Leipzig, Madrid, Oslo and Vienna, were screened for the assessment. The report looks at the major challenges urban river and lakes have to deal with, including availability and supply of drinking water, water quality, flood protection and management, well-being and quality of life benefits, and stakeholder involvement in governance issues.

http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/restoring-european-rivers-and-lakes

First UK assessment of underwater noise in the marine environment, published by UK research partnership

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has teamed up with Marine Scotland Science and the University of Exeter to analyse underwater noise data from sub-sea sound recorders located around the UK coast. The results of the Defra-funded study have now been published in an article Underwater noise levels in UK waters in Nature.

Sources of noise in the ocean include shipping, seismic exploration, and construction activity, such as port extensions or offshore wind farms. There is concern that rising levels of underwater noise pollution worldwide may have an impact on marine life by interfering with communication, causing changes in behaviour, and raising stress levels.

For the first time, the team has drawn together measurements from around the UK coast to make an assessment of underwater noise pollution. They found that many sites were exposed to persistent noise from shipping traffic, while other locations were comparatively undisturbed. In addition to shipping noise, the team also identified noise from onshore industrial activities, fishing, and acoustic deterrent devices (also known as ‘seal scarers’). The study will inform UK policy on underwater noise pollution, and forms the basis of the UK assessment of underwater noise under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which assesses the status of European seas.

Read the report: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep36942

Source of article: click here

Bathing waters in England: 2016 compliance report

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This report sets out the classifications of bathing waters in England based on 2013 to 2016 monitoring.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-in-england-2016-compliance-report

How porpoises can benefit from quieter wind farm construction

(Posted 7 December 2016)

A new WWF report shows how reducing the underwater noise that offshore wind farm construction produces could help harbour porpoises thrive in the North Sea.

Underwater noise affects harbour porpoises in two main ways: at really loud levels, it can cause injury or even death, but thankfully this is relatively rare. Equally importantly, porpoises and other cetaceans will change their behaviour or avoid areas with even relatively low noise levels, usually for between 1 and 3 days after a noise event. If these events continue, this can lead to the abandonment of the area for weeks, even months. This is called ‘effect disturbance’ if it’s temporary, and ‘displacement’ if it’s longer-term. This new report A Positive Future for Porpoises and Renewables uses noise reduction scenarios to identify the benefits of reducing noise by set amounts, against a baseline of no noise reduction at all. The key finding is that noise reduction really has great benefits for harbour porpoises, and a little goes a long way!

This is the first publication to explicitly cover the new Marine Protection Area for harbour porpoise in the North Sea. It will be presented to developers and key decision makers over the next few months and hopefully it will help offshore wind developments to take place inside these protected areas safely, boosting our clean energy supply without reducing our rich marine biodiversity.

Access the report here

Fishing regulations – The Blue Book

(Posted 7 December 2016)

The Blue Book is a single collection of UK and EU laws.

The Marine Management Organisation tries to maintain the Blue Book with up-to-date legislation but cannot guarantee that it is up to date at all times. The legislation and documents may have been updated since the links below were published.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-regulations-the-blue-book

Explaining ocean warming: causes, scale, effects and consequences

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This IUCN report reviews the effects of ocean warming on species, ecosystems and on the benefits oceans provide to humans. Compiled by 80 scientists from 12 countries, it highlights detectable scientific evidence of impacts on marine life, from microorganisms to mammals, which are likely to increase significantly even under a low emissions scenario.

Abstract from the report: Ocean warming may well turn out to be the greatest hidden challenge of our generation. This report represents the most comprehensive review to date on ocean warming. It contains many recommendations from the contributors on capability gaps and research issues that need to be resolved if we are to tackle the impacts of ocean warming with greater confidence in the future. The focus of the report is on gathering facts and knowledge and communicating this to show what is now happening in, and to, the ocean. There is purposefully much less focus on political ramifications.

Download the PDF here: https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/46254

State of Nature 2016

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This report brings together data and expertise from over 50 organisations, providing an update on how wildlife is faring across the UK and its seas, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.

The report reveals that 56% of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether. However, the report illustrates that targeted conservation has produced inspiring success stories and, with sufficient determination, resources and public support, the fortunes of our wildlife can be turned around.

Access all the reports here:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/science/research/projects/363867-the-state-of-nature-report

REPORTS FROM EVENTS

Catchment Conference – Informing Government’s 25 Year Plan for the Environment (30 November 2016)

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Defra’s 2013 policy framework encouraged the wider adoption of an integrated Catchment Based Approach (CaBA); this thinking is a core building block of Defra’s upcoming 25 year plan for the environment. The plan, inspired by the 2011 Natural Ecosystem Assessment, the 2011 Natural Environment White Paper and The Natural Capital Committee’s third State of Natural Capital Report, will deliver the government’s manifesto pledge to improve the environment within a generation.

This event provided a forum to discuss and advise the content of Defra’s 25 year plan and the potential shape of post-Brexit farming subsidies, aiming to find cost-effective ways to take action to further improve the water environment, secure supply and protect communities at risk from flooding.

http://www.ciwem.org/events/catchment-conference-informing-defras-25-year-plan/

Valuing the Environment 2016 (24 November 2016)

(Posted 7 December 2016)

Natural Capital is the stock of all natural assets, including soil, air, geology, water, and all living things. It provides humans with a wide range of services, often called ‘ecosystem services’, which make human life possible. Natural Capital accounting is a means of explicitly including information on the state of, and changes in, natural capital, in economic accounts.

Natural capital has rapidly gained traction as a tool to value environmental goods and services. The Natural Capital Committee has proposed a 25 year framework to protect and improve natural capital in the UK. With a water management focus, plus case studies from other sectors, this event provided a good opportunity for cross-sector learning. This interdisciplinary event discussed progress in the natural capital accounting and ecosystem services agenda.

http://www.ciwem.org/events/valuing-the-environment/

New Developments in Sustainable Phosphorus Management: Taking the P out of Pollution (27 September 2016)

(Posted 7 December 2016)

This conference examined new developments and emerging issues in the field of sustainable P management. The programme gave the latest EU and UK policy background; it then examined some of the new catchment-based approaches to managing agricultural P, concentrating on the latest findings from the demonstration test catchments and considering future risks and opportunities.

The water industry perspective was discussed, reporting on the current national trials of P removal technologies and moving beyond removal to P recycling and recovery. The potential need for source control measures for P in drinking water and P in food and food additives was also considered. The final session examined how working together at national and catchment scales can achieve the aims of more sustainable use of P and minimise pollution.

http://ciwem.org/events/new-developments-in-sustainable-phosphorus-management-taking-the-p-out-of-pollution/