INDEX

CONSULTATIONS

consultation outcomes:

UK NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

PUBLICATIONS

Reports from Events

 

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

CONSULTATIONS

update to the draft river basin management plans

((Posted 6 November 2014)         

This consultation gives you the chance to comment on shaping the water environment throughout England - consider the issues, current and possible future action to protect and improve the water environment, and the outcomes that are worth achieving.

This is the third of three Environment Agency consultations. Previous consultations:

  • Working together (June - December 2012) which asked how the Environment Agency should work with groups and individuals to achieve the objectives of the current RBMPs and develop the updated plans.
  • Challenges and choices (June - December 2013) which asked for views on the most significant water management issues for each river basin district in England.

Natural Resources Wales is consulting on the draft updates to the Dee and Western Wales river basin management plans. To respond to these consultations you will need to visit the Natural Resources Wales consultation pages.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is consulting on the draft updates to the Solway Tweed river basin management plan. This consultation will open on 20 November 2014. To respond you will need to visit the Scottish Environment Protection Agency consultation pages.

Your input matters. Deciding how best to work, what to invest in and where, how fast action should be taken and who should pay is a complex process with significant consequences. The updated river basin management plans will direct considerable investment and action from 2016 and provide benefits to society and the environment.

This consultation closes on 10 April 2015.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/update-to-the-draft-river-basin-management-plans)

(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult)

 

draft flood risk management plans

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Defra are seeking views on proposals to reduce flood risk for communities and deal with the impacts of flooding when it does occur. The proposals set out how the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, local councils, drainage authorities, highway managers and water companies will work together with communities to manage flood risk.

Flood risk management plans have been produced for each of the 10 river basin districts which cover England. Draft flood risk management plans have been developed jointly with Natural Resources Wales for the Dee and Severn river basin districts. The draft flood risk management plan for the Solway Tweed river basin district only covers the English catchments. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will consult on plans for the Scottish catchments from December 2014.

Consultations for all the English river basin districts, including the Severn and the Dee, will run until 11:45pm on 31 January 2015.

The consultation on the English catchments of the Solway Tweed river basin district will run until 2 June 2015, to align with SEPA’s consultation on the Scottish catchments.

Deciding how best to work, what to invest in and where, how fast action should be taken and who should pay is a complex process with significant consequences. Your responses will inform the first cycle of flood risk management plans, to be published in December 2015. These plans will direct considerable investment and action from 2016 to 2021 and beyond, and will provide benefits to society and the environment.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-flood-risk-management-plans)

(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/flood/draft_frmp/consult)

 

consultation on environment agency charges from 2015

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The EA are required to consult formally on changes to their charges. This consultation sets out the EA’s charging proposals for Environmental Permitting, Abstraction and EU Emissions Trading Schemes. They want to know what you think about these new charging proposals as your responses will form an important part of the final submission to government.

This consultation closes on 20 November 2014.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-environment-agency-charges-from-2015)

(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/finance/2015/charges)

 

reforming environmental guidance and information obligations

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

This consultation seeks comments on Defra’s plans to simplify environmental guidance. Defra wants to make it easier for users of government guidance to understand environmental regulations. Defra will be focusing on different topics throughout this consultation period. The regulations themselves will stay the same.

Defra is also carrying out an independent review of all the environmental information that businesses have to report to government regulators. Defra asked for your views on proposals to make this reporting simpler; comments for this closed in March 2014.

This consultation closes on 31 March 2015.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforming-environmental-guidance-and-information-obligations)

 

consultation outcomes:

marine strategy framework directive (MSFD): proposals for UK monitoring programmes

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The proposals have been updated following the consultation exercise and the final UK monitoring programme has been published in the UK marine strategy part two: UK marine monitoring programmes.

This consultation sought views on the ways in which we monitor the marine environment around the UK. Specifically, this was about how we monitor progress on achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) by 2020 as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

The consultation covered monitoring proposals for each of the eleven Marine Strategy Framework Directive descriptors. These relate to:

  • biological diversity
  • non-indigenous species
  • commercially exploited fish and shellfish
  • food webs
  • human-induced eutrophication
  • sea floor integrity
  • hydrographical conditions
  • contaminants
  • contaminants in fish and other seafood
  • marine litter
  • introduction of energy (including underwater noise)

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/marine-strategy-framework-directive-measuring-progress-in-uk?cm_mid=3757912&cm_crmid=00abff55-f721-e311-a13d-00155d00012f&cm_medium=email)

 

small sewage discharges: new approach to how we regulate in england

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Defra sought views on what people thought about their proposals for a new approach to regulating discharges from septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants. They are proposing a simpler and more risk-based approach to controlling these types of discharges in England.

The proposals would remove administrative burdens on over 400,000 rural households and businesses who have septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants whilst keeping the necessary controls to prevent pollution, protect public health, improve drinking water supplies and protect sensitive habitats.

Following consideration of respondents’ views, Defra plan to implement the proposed simpler regulatory approach. This will control small sewage discharges from septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England. The new approach will include general binding rules, which will replace the existing registration scheme and conditions. It will be a more risk-based approach to permitting in sensitive areas.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/small-sewage-discharges-new-approach-to-how-we-regulate-in-england)

 

UK NEWS

yorkshire water opens its first self-powered sewage works

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Early October marked the completion of a £34m project enabling Yorkshire Water's sewage treatment site in Bradford to run entirely on sludge-generated biogas. The plant will use advanced BioThelys technology to generate renewable biogas from 30,000 tonnes per year of sludge, producing enough heat and power for its entire 750 acre site. The project, which took two years to finish, is expected to reduce Yorkshire Water's carbon footprint by 9000 tonnes per year, saving the company £1.3m per year in energy costs.

Read more at:
(http://www.edie.net/news/5/Yorkshire-Water-opens-its-first-self-powered-sewage-works/?utm_source=weeklynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news&utm_campaign=weeklynew sletter)

 

nutrient management plan: river wye

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Working with Natural England and other partners, the Environment Agency has developed a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for the River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in consultation with groups such as the National Farmers’ Union, the Country Land and Business Association and Welsh Water. The NMP identifies sources of nutrients that are entering the river and steps that can be taken to manage them. The aim of the plan is to manage nutrients in the River Wye SAC to enable growth in Herefordshire whilst conserving the river environment. Defra are asking for your views on the best ways of managing nutrients in the catchment. For the River Wye SAC, the NMP focuses on sources of phosphates. High levels of phosphates in the SAC are threatening the development of the catchment and the wildlife in the rivers.

The NMP comprises three parts:

  • evidence base (finalised)
  • options appraisal (finalised)
  • action plan (now being developed)

The action plan sets out the steps to take to reduce phosphate levels in the River Wye. It will be open to public consultation over the next few months.

Access the report at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye)

 

nutrient management plan: river clun

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Working with Natural England and other partners, the Environment Agency has developed a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for the River Clun Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in consultation with groups such as the National Farmers’ Union, the Country Land and Business Association, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Severn Trent Water. The aim of the plan is to manage nutrients in the River Clun SAC to protect the endangered freshwater pearl mussel population. The River Clun was once a haven for the protected species but colonies have been depleted because of habitat changes and inadequate water quality. As a result of their reduced numbers this population of pearl mussels is at serious risk of extinction. Defra are asking for your views on the best ways of managing nutrients in the catchment. For the River Clun SAC, the NMP focuses on sources of phosphates, nitrogen and sediment. High levels of these in the SAC are threatening the pearl mussel population.

The NMP comprises three parts:

  • evidence base (finalised)
  • options appraisal (finalised)
  • action plan (now being developed)

The action plan sets out the steps to take to reduce phosphates, nitrogen and sediment in the River Clun. It will be open to public consultation over the next few months.

Access the report at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-clun)

 

new water portal for business, policymakers and regulators – WSKEP

(Posted 6 November 2014)

WSKEPortal is designed for users of water research and water data. It provides a fast introduction to national-scale datasets, includes 60 case studies that demonstrate the efficacy of high-quality research, and puts you in touch with those actively involved in water research. The UK’s economic and social well-being will be determined by its ability to stimulate creative thinking that generates innovative new methods, systems and products. Effective partnering between government, industry and the research-base is key to this. The site is designed to help businesses, policymakers, regulators and others see how the water-related challenges that they face have been addressed, and to assist them in finding the data and researchers that can help them address the water-related challenges of the future. It brings together a number of online tools produced by the NERC-funded Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme which has now finished.

Explore the site at: (http://www.wskep.net/)

 

thames tideway tunnel gets go ahead

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Press release from Defra (12 September 2014):

A major new infrastructure project to modernise London’s antiquated sewage system has been given the go ahead. This paves the way for the construction of a new 25 km tunnel which will transport sewage and waste water from the capital for treatment. London’s sewerage system is 150 years old and operating close to capacity which results in sewage overflowing into the river around 50 times a year. This not only harms wildlife but can also pose a health risk. Evidence has shown that a tunnel is the best solution to address this failing sewerage infrastructure. The Thames tideway tunnel will reduce these sewer spills which can affect those who use the river. Spanning fourteen London boroughs, the tunnel will run from West London (Acton Storm Tanks) to East London (Abbey Mills pumping station) with a storage capacity of 1,250,000 cubic metres.

This is one of the country’s leading infrastructure projects which will be built and financed by the private sector. The decision to grant consent for this Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) was made under the Planning Act 2008. The Thames Tideway Tunnel is the largest ever NSIP.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thames-tideway-tunnel-gets-go-ahead)

 

british wetlands invaded by dangerous mussel

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Britain’s wetlands have been invaded by a mussel that, in the US, is threatening to bring the Hoover dam to a standstill and cut off water to Las Vegas. It was recently identified by UK scientists as the number one most dangerous alien species. Quagga mussels are less than 5cm long but breed prolifically, forming vast colonies on hard surfaces that can smother boat hulls, block pipes and potentially cause flooding. Last week they were found in Britain for the first time at Wraysbury Reservoir near Heathrow Airport. A mature quagga mussel can produce one million eggs a season. Once fertilised, the larvae can drift downstream for four weeks and up to 300 km before forming new colonies. However, the spread to new areas is more often due to human activity. Adults attach to boats. The microscopic larvae are even more easily transported in cooling systems and ballast tanks.

Wildlife experts are extremely concerned about the quagga mussels, which have been described as ‘ecosystem engineers’ because their vast capacity to filter water upsets the natural balance throughout the food web. Originally from the Ukraine, the species spread across Europe as new canals opened. It was introduced to the US by ships discharging ballast in the Great Lakes.

Anyone who finds a suspected quagga mussel should report it via www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/quaggamussel

Read more at:
(http://www.wwt.org.uk/news/all-news/2014/10/wwt-news/british-wetlands-invaded-by-dangerous-mussel/)

 

ciwem installs new president

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Dr Norman Lowe took over as president of CIWEM for 2014/2015 in September. During his presidency, Dr Lowe will focus on the importance of working in partnership with both long-standing and new organisations.

Read more at: (http://www.ciwem.org/information-and-resources/press--media/news-list/2014/oct/ciwem-installs-new-president.aspx)

 

royal park introduces floating wetland

(Posted 6 November 2014)

As part of a programme of wildlife habitat improvements in the Royal Parks, a large floating wetland island has been built on the Serpentine Lake in London's Hyde Park. Last spring, ecologists and landscapers worked with Salix Bio Engineers to install a 200 m2 island in the southern lake to clean the lake's water naturally by creating an area where good bacteria can thrive, whilst providing erosion control and important new nesting areas for water birds, habitat and food for fish. Made from recycled plastic materials, including plastic bottles, the BioHaven floating island has been planted with native aquatic plants.

Read more at:
(http://www.theenvironmentmagazine.com/news/2014/aug/royal-park-introduces-floating-wetland.aspx)

 

marine litter action network

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The Marine Litter Action Network (MLAN) was established to bring together people and their organisations from across different sectors to tackle the issue of marine litter. Together they are working on practical solutions to reduce marine litter now, as well as securing commitments for long term actions from key players in the commercial, public and environmental sectors.

The network was launched in June 2014. To ensure that stakeholders are represented in the network, various founding principles have been agreed. Ten topic proposals were presented by stakeholders from the network, each with their own individual actions and follow-ups in the coming year.

See more at:
(http://www.mcsuk.org/what_we_do/Clean+seas+and+beaches/Campaigns+and+policy/Marine+Litter+Action+Network)

 

sepa ceo to stand down

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Professor James Curran, announced on 1 August 2014 that he is standing down early next year. Professor Curran has been in post since January 2012 and has led some of the most transformational changes the environment watchdog has seen since it was established in 1996. Those changes are continuing, with the development of a new regulatory framework and new funding model, the implementation of new enforcement powers, and new approaches to resolving Scotland’s most pressing environmental issues. Professor Curran is not immediately moving to a new post, but is considering a range of options. SEPA is currently preparing to find a successor.

(http://media.sepa.org.uk/media-releases/2014/sepa-ceo-to-stand-down/)

 

shale gas extraction

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Impacts of the exploration for, and extraction of, unconventional oil and gas on water and wastewater service providers. In a briefing in June, Water UK and its members stated that they do not support or oppose the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas. A position paper outlines their understanding of possible impacts on water and waste water services.

Impacts of the exploration for and extraction of shale gas on water and wastewater service providers
Water UK briefing, 3 June 2014

Water UK and UKOOG to work together to minimise the impact of shale gas development on water resources in the UK
Water UK press release 27 November 2013

Water industry lays down challenge to UK shale gas fracking industry
Speech by Dr Jim Marshall, Water UK Business and Policy Adviser, UK Shale 2013

(http://www.water.org.uk/home/policy/positions/shale-gas)

 

scotland unveils strategy to tackle marine litter

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The Scottish Government has announced that it has launched a new strategy to tackle marine litter. The aim of the strategy, entitled 'Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland', is to develop current and future measures to ensure that the amount of litter entering the marine and coastal environment is minimised to bring ecological, economic and social benefits. At a cost of £16.8m each year to clean up, the strategy reveals that the majority of the litter found on Scotland's beaches and in the seas around it is plastic. The strategy proposes 40 new actions to minimise coastal and marine litter. Efforts under the strategy will be focused not just on clearing up the litter, but preventing it in the first place. It is thought that 80% of marine litter originates on land.

(http://www.edie.net/news/5/Scotland-unveils-strategy-to-tackle-marine-litter/?utm_source=weeklynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news&utm_campaign=weeklynew sletter)

 

river basin planning guidance

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Following Defra’s consultation in May 2014, this statutory guidance is from the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, coming into effect on 31 July 2014.

This new guidance is to help the Agencies carry out their river basin planning functions for the second planning period 2015 to 2021. The guidance sets out expectations for the main steps and principles of the river basin planning process and the documents the Agencies must produce. The new guidance incorporates and updates the parts of the existing guidance that remain relevant to the second and subsequent planning cycles.

This new guidance replaces Volume 1 (2006) and Volume 2 (2008) of river basin planning guidance.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/river-basin-planning-guidance)

 

areas of britain where whales, dolphins and sharks need help

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The Wildlife Trusts are calling for 17 areas to be awarded special protection because they are ‘acutely vulnerable’ to pollution, commercial fishing and other human activities. For the first time, areas of water have been identified where large marine life (known as ‘megafauna’) gather to feed, breed and raise their young. Although the government is creating Marine Protected Areas to secure the future of habitats and wildlife on the seabed, the Wildlife Trusts are concerned that there are no protected areas for dolphins, whales and sharks in England and only one in Wales. They suggest ‘designating areas of the sea which are known hotspots [where] we can provide safe havens for these species and some impacts can be limited or removed altogether’.

Read full article at:
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/11205537/The-17-areas-of-Britain-where-whales-dolphins-and-sharks-need-help.html)

 

new protection for scotland’s seas

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Scotland’s iconic marine species and habitats will be better protected following the designation of 30 Marine Protected Areas. Sites will protect a range of habitats and species including flameshell beds, feather stars, the common skate and ocean quahog, a large mollusc which can live for centuries. They will also protect sandeels – a small fish that many seabirds and marine mammals depend on for food – and black guillemot. One of the sites, the North East Faroe Shetland Channel, is estimated to be the largest Marine Protected Area in the EU.

Scotland’s seas are the fourth largest in the EU and support many habitats and species including cold water coral reefs, 22 individual species of whales and dolphins and almost half of the European Union's breeding seabirds. The Marine Protected Area (MPA) network in Scotland’s seas is designed to conserve a selection of marine species and habitats and offer long-term support for the services our seas provide to society.

Read more at:
(http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/New-protection-for-Scotland-s-seas-f1e.aspx)

 

new chairman of the environment agency

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Sir Philip Dilley took up his post as the new Chairman of the Environment Agency on 8 September 2014.

Prior to his appointment, Dilley spent five years as the chairman for Arup, an employee-owned engineering company. During this time he also spent two years as a member of the prime minister’s Business Advisory Group. Dilley has spent most of his career in engineering. He is also chairman of the business membership organisation London First. He replaces former Labour minister Chris Smith.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

roads for water – the unused potential: optimising road design for water harvesting

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Roads are generally perceived as infrastructure to deliver transport services, but they are more than that. They are major interventions in the hydrology of areas where they are constructed – concentrating runoff and altering subsurface flows.

At present, water-related damage constitutes a major cost factor in road maintenance. Using ongoing research from Ethiopia, this article argues to reverse this and turn water from a foe into a friend and integrate water harvesting with road development. Optimized road designs are required – better planning of alignments, making use of road drainage, road surfaces, and river crossings, but also capturing freshly opened springs and systematically including developing storage and enhanced recharge facilities in road-building programmes. Equally important are inclusive planning processes that are sensitive to the multi-functionality of roads but also to the potentially uneven distribution of benefits and the diverse livelihood impacts.

There is a need for closer integration of watershed and road-building programmes. With 5.5 million kilometres of roads in sub-Saharan Africa alone, and road building continuing to be one of the largest public investments, the potential of roads for water harvesting is great.

(http://www.emwis.net/thematicdirs/news/2014/10/practical-action-paper-optimizing-road-design-water-harvesting)

 

world rivers day

(Posted 6 November 2014)

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. It was held on 28 September this year.

See more at: (http://worldriversday.com/events/)

 

vindel river life

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Vindel River LIFE is a collaborative project between Umeå University, Vindel River Fishery Advisory Board, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. It has involved the restoration of tributaries of the Vindel River combined with monitoring and evaluation of ecological responses of species and habitats.  

The project aimed to reduce the effects of fragmentation and channelization in the Vindel River catchment by removing former timber-floating installations. The objective was to achieve a good water status in the river and an increased conservation status for the species in the area. Habitats for riparian species and water species were targeted, as were six species (otter, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, bullhead, European brook lamprey, and freshwater pearl mussel).

The Vindel River LIFE project has concluded by staging an international conference on stream restoration entitled ‘Reviving Waters’. The three-day event, which was held in Lycksele, Sweden from 22-24 September 2014, gathered more than 100 attendees from ten countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Ireland, England, Scotland, and the US) for presentations, a poster session and a field trip to project sites.

(http://vindelriverlife.se/?lang=en)

 

river ecosystems damaged by agriculture and dams at local and basin scales

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Human activities are threatening river ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Recent research in south-east Spain has highlighted the need to assess biodiversity and the ecological condition of river ecosystems at both basin-wide and local scales. The researchers say this will provide a better assessment of river ecosystems, aiding management decisions.

Read more at:
(
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/agriculture_damages_river_ecosystems_390na3 _en.pdf)

 

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

drugs flushed into the environment could be cause of wildlife decline

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Potent pharmaceuticals flushed into the environment via human and animal sewage could be a hidden cause of the global wildlife crisis, according to new research. The scientists warn that worldwide use of the drugs, which are designed to be biologically active at low concentrations, is rising rapidly but that too little is currently known about their effect on the natural world.

Studies of the effect of pharmaceutical contamination on wildlife are rare but new work at the University of York and the University of New Brunswick reveals that an antidepressant lessens feeding in starlings and that a contraceptive drug reduces fish populations in lakes.

A few dramatic examples of wildlife harmed by drug contamination have been discovered previously, including male fish being feminised by the synthetic hormones used in birth-control pills and vultures in India being virtually wiped out by an anti-inflammatory drug given to the cattle on whose carcasses they feed. But because the pharmaceuticals are not designed to kill – unlike pesticides – the damage caused to wildlife can be more subtle.

This article first appeared in the Guardian.

Read the full article at:
(http://www.edie.net/news/4/Drugs-flushed-into-the-environment-could-be-cause-of-wildlife-decline/?utm_source=weeklynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news&utm_campaign=weeklynewsle tter)

 

an updated synthesis of the impacts of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity

(Posted 6 November 2014)

In the past 200 years, it is estimated that the ocean has absorbed more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide released by human activity, increasing ocean acidity (hydrogen ion concentration) by a similar proportion. It is now nearly inevitable that within 50 to 100 years, continued anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions will further increase ocean acidity to levels that will have widespread impacts, mostly deleterious, on marine organisms and ecosystems, and the goods and services they provide. Marine calcifying organisms seem particularly at risk, since additional energy will be required to form shells and skeletons, and in many ocean areas, unprotected shells and skeletons will dissolve.

Read the full report: (http://www.cbd.int/doc/publications/cbd-ts-75-en.pdf)

 

shipping noise puts endangered European eels at risk of predators

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The noise generated by commercial shipping can impair the ability of the critically endangered European eel to avoid predators, new research has found. The results show that marine noise can have serious effects on these animals with potentially fatal consequences.

Noise is recognised as a marine pollutant by the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) hears sound at frequencies which overlap those produced by ships. As part of their life-cycle these eels have to pass through busy shipping channels as they move from the deep ocean into rivers. In this study researchers examined whether recordings of ship noise changes how these eels respond to predatory threats.

Read more at:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/shipping_noise_impairs_European_eel_predator _avoidance_390na6_en.pdf)

(http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/news/story.aspx?id=1739&cookieConsent=A)

 

land management change: evaluating the water quality benefits

(Posted 6 November 2014)

This project was set up as part of the Defra Flood Management Demonstration Scheme to provide evidence to show how integrated land management change can contribute to reducing local flood risk while improving ecosystem services within the catchment, such as landscape quality, biodiversity, carbon stewardship, water quality, amenity and recreation.

This research summarises the water quality component of the scheme and was a collaborative project between the University of Exeter, The National Trust and the Environment Agency.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/land-management-change-evaluating-the-water-quality-benefits)

 

treatment of pollution from abandoned metal mines

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Waters draining from abandoned metal mines pollute up to 3,000 km of rivers in England and Wales and prevent these rivers from achieving ‘good ecological and chemical status’ under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This research project summarises the development of a passive treatment technology to remove metals from mine waters. Researchers at Newcastle University operated laboratory and pilot-scale compost bioreactors to remove metals, particularly zinc which is the most common pollutant in metal mine drainage. These systems could help the Environment Agency, the Coal Authority and Defra to minimise construction and operating costs when dealing with metal mine pollution.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/treatment-of-pollution-from-abandoned-metal-mines)

 

bioaccumulation of chemicals in fish: investigating the relationship between depuration rate constant and fish lipid content

(Posted 6 November 2014)

This research considers three aspects of a new approach to analysing how chemicals build up in fish, known as bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation is an important piece of information in assessing the risk of chemicals and for regulatory regimes such as the European Union chemicals regulation REACH (the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).

When alternative means of getting information on bioaccumulation are not viable, fish are generally used as the key indicator for bioaccumulation in laboratory studies. Studies investigate how a chemical is taken up into fish during exposure, and how the chemical is lost from the fish when exposure ceases (depuration). Our understanding of the effect of different processes in such tests is regularly evolving and we need to update the way in which we interpret the information that is measured. This research proposes a new laboratory method for measuring bioaccumulation in fish.

To access the report:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bioaccumulation-of-chemicals-in-fish)

 

PUBLICATIONS

regulation for water quality – how to safeguard the water environment

(Posted 6 November 2014)

This major new publication provides an innovative and structured guide to the wealth of information on water regulation and catchment planning. The book was officially launched on 2 September 2014 during Stockholm Water Week. It was originally developed as part of a knowledge exchange programme between the EU and China and has been extensively rewritten to meet international needs. Its authors, Chris Chubb, Martin Griffiths and Simon Spooner, have been working in the field for many years and realised that finding policy and guidance documents can be very difficult if you don’t know where to look.

This guide should become a key knowledge transfer resource, particularly for developing countries where polluted waters are a major public health hazard, water security is reduced and environmental damage continues.

Published as hard copy, the book’s design provides easy access to the principles of water quality policy, law, planning, implementation, techniques, delivery and enforcement. In free, high quality PDF form on the FWR website, the book’s hyperlinks give instant access to hundreds of original UK and EU documents providing relevant policy, legal and technical detail.

See more at: (http://www.fwr.org/WQreg/index.htm)

 

catchment based approach support newsletters nos. 9 & 10

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Some key news items:

Subscribe to the CaBA newsletter mailing list at: (http://theriverstrust.us5.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=fb1d7eb86bc790428464bd9f0&id=5785643b8e)

 

catchment restoration fund: environment agency summary report 2013 to 2014

(Posted 6 November 2014)

This report by the EA contains details of projects supported by the Catchment Restoration Fund between 2013 and 2014, which are expected to bring about significant improvements to our rivers, lakes and other waterbodies.

The Catchment Restoration Fund was founded by Defra in 2012. It was set up to support projects from third sector groups that will:

  • restore natural features in and around watercourses
  • reduce the impact of man-made structures on wildlife in watercourses
  • reduce the impact of diffuse pollution that arises from rural and urban land use.

Published: July 2014

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/catchment-restoration-fund-environment-agency-summary-report-2013-2014)

 

trawling through time: cefas science and data 1902–2014

(Posted 6 November 2014)

‘Trawling Through Time’ provides an overview of 112 years of scientific excellence by drawing attention to the wealth of historical data and biological material in Cefas’ archives. The account is not exhaustive, but highlights the breadth of our legacy data – realising that these represent ‘a major national asset’ that is ‘being put to productive use in establishing long-term trends’ (Cefas Science Review 2012).

Published: October 2014

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trawling-through-time)

 

marine socio-economics newsletter

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The Marine Socio-Economics Project (MSEP) is a project funded by The Tubney Charitable Trust and coordinated by the New Economics Foundation in partnership with the WWF, MCS, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts. The project aims to build socio-economic capacity and co-operation between NGOs and aid their engagement with all sectors using the marine environment.

Access the newsletters at: (http://www.mseproject.net/newsletter/cat_view/3-newsletter?limit=10&limitstart=0&order=date&dir=DESC%20)

 

demonstration test catchments newsletters

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Read the summer and autumn newsletters at:
(http://www.wensumalliance.org.uk/newsletters/DTC_Newsletter_Summer_2014.pdf)

(http://www.wensumalliance.org.uk/newsletters/DTC_Newsletter_October_2014.pdf)

 

annual uk fishing industry report

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published its annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2013 report. Landings of demersal fish (such as haddock, cod and whiting) increased by 10 per cent between 2012 and 2013 to the highest level seen for over ten years. The report includes detailed figures on the UK fishing fleet, the number of fishermen, the quantity and value of landings, international trade and the state of key fishing stocks.

The full report can be seen at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/uk-sea-fisheries-annual-statistics-report-2013)

 

aquatic and riparian plant management: controls for vegetation in watercourses

(Posted 6 November 2014)

This publication provides watercourse managers in flood risk management in England and Wales with a framework to help inform decisions on when and how to manage vegetation, taking into account both the species present and the type of watercourse. The management of aquatic and riparian plants is essential to ensure the efficient functioning of many watercourses. Management needs to be cost-effective, take account of legal restrictions, and meet the objectives of the greatest number of watercourse users whilst minimising any negative environmental impacts.

This new field manual, technical guide and decision-making spreadsheet tool is intended for use in catchments where aquatic and riparian plants need to be periodically controlled or removed to achieve the watercourse’s desired function. A case study report and a literature review report summarise the evidence on which the framework is based.

Published: July 2014

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aquatic-and-riparian-plant-management-controls-for-vegetation-in-watercourses)

 

fishing focus – summer 2014 (Issue 34)

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Fishing Focus is a marine newsletter published by Defra. In this issue you can read about:

  • regional fisheries management
  • International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice
  • the drift net ban
  • fisheries management in Marine Protected Areas
  • the new fisheries grants fund
  • the Scotland referendum and the fishing industry
  • Seafish’s responsible fishing scheme
  • the South marine plans

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-focus-issue-34-summer-2014?cm_mid=3742123&cm_crmid=00abff55-f721-e311-a13d-00155d00012f&cm_medium=email)

 

Reports from Events

15th world lake conference
lakes: the mirrors of the earth – balancing ecosystem integrity and human wellbeing (1–5 September 2014)

(Posted 6 November 2014)

This was hosted in Italy by the International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) and the Umbria Scientific Meeting Association. Scientific sessions covered:

  • Ecology and biology of lakes and inland waters
  • Lake processes and dynamics
  • Inland systems and global change
  • Informatics, mapping and monitoring
  • Lake and human connection
  • Lake basin management experiences and challenges
  • Governance and management: participation and challenges
  • Lake basin best management practices

For further details: (http://www.ilec.or.jp/en/wlc/past/?p=2881)

 

building the age of climate resilience (23 October 2014)

(Posted 6 November 2014)

In light of the impacts of recent events such as the flooding earlier this year, this conference explored the social and economic case for developing climate resilient systems and infrastructure. Talks included: UK climate risks and the adaptation challenge; the practitioner-academic divide – barriers to information exchange; decision-making with climate uncertainties; the business case for climate resilience; the role of land management in delivering resilience. 

See the presentations at: (http://www.ciwem.org/events/events-outputs.aspx)

 

water pollution 2014 – wessex institute of technology
(26–28 may 2014)

(Posted 6 November 2014)

The 12th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Water Pollution was held in Portugal, organised by the Wessex Institute of Technology. Presentations included Water quality deterioration of the Euphrates River before entering Iraqi lands, Impacts of submarine groundwater discharge on Kuwait Bay, and Assessment of environmental conditions in Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy) harbour. The remainder of the programme included sessions on water quality, health risk studies, wastewater treatment and management, groundwater and aquifer issues, monitoring and modelling.

(http://www.wessex.ac.uk/14-conferences/water-pollution-2014.html)