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Guardian ‘Fisheries ministers from across Europe came to an agreement on a sweeping reform of fisheries policies early on Wednesday morning, [May 15th] but fell short of the most ambitious changes that green campaigners had demanded. They agreed to ban the wasteful practice of discarding healthy fish at sea, but most of the ban will be phased in from 2015 instead of this year as had been proposed, and there are significant caveats for some species. Fish quotas will be based on scientific advice on what is the "maximum sustainable yield" for each stock, but there is no date on when stock levels must be restored, to the deep disappointment of greens for whom this was a central issue. Key aspects of the management of stocks will be devolved to member states instead of decided centrally in Brussels. But details of the deal were still sketchy on Wednesday morning as the full results of the negotiations had not yet been officially released. The ministers' meeting is also not the final stage of the process – their document will be discussed by the European parliament and commission before the end deal is reached, which could take months. Maria Damanaki, the EU fisheries commissioner, said: "[This is] a good step forward. We need a fast deal and this can give the opportunity to the commission to focus on issues relating to the implementation. We need to solve the practicalities and at the same time we need to help our fishermen to adjust to the new situation, because this is a radical change for the way we fish. We have to give all possible support to our fisheries sector and our administrations. We have positive news this morning and I hope that in the coming weeks we can work we can work together with.’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/15/eu-fisheries-reform-plan-discards-ban
Posted in marine on 18 May 2013
Three elements are covered in more detail in their latest newsletter
Sir John Beddington praises UKWRIP In his last public speech as Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir John Beddington, endorsed the vision of UKWRIP, and highlighted two major global problems – population and climate change - as likely to be bigger than currently assumed. .... continued
RCUK and UKWRIP play matchmaker for water experts and research users The RCUK water showcase aimed to develop new collaborations between researchers and research-users. Users from industry, government and NGOs explained their particular short-term and long-term needs, then water researchers provided two minute quick-fire presentations to explain their relevant expertise and research. Each of the topic sessions – climate change and environment, infrastructure and technology, and water use - were followed by networking around posters connected to the presentations. The audience filled the venue to capacity, with more than 120 delegates representing academia and private, public and third sector organisations .... continued Business and Economy -
This group, led by Mark Lane of Pinsent Masons, is holding an initial meeting on 23 May with wide representation from across the research/ industry water sector to develop a report on ‘Tapping the Potential of the UK Water Technology Sector’. The aim of the report is to improve the way UK water research and innovation excellence reaches the market place both globally and nationally, and it will be launched in parliament at the start of 2014.
Food and Farming - Tim Benton, Champion of the Global Food Security cross-council programme, is leading this UKWRIP action group, which will look at 3 aspects of water in agriculture in an integrated way: 1) enhancing farming’s water use efficiency in the face of growth in demand for agricultural production and water constraints, 2) reducing farming’s impact on water quality downstream, and 3) understanding embedded water ..... continued
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ec512e8b7c8510c8aa3727004&id=c30efd7ed4&e=d06aff93e6
Posted in water on 18 May 2013
EAC ‘In our recent report on Sustainable Development Indicators, we said that we would undertake a further inquiry on the ‘Measuring Well-being’ initiative. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) published in November an analysis of its well-being survey data. The ONS analysis compared people’s well-being according to gender, age, ethnic group, relationship status, health, disability, employment status and occupation, as well as by nation, region and local authority. This potentially opens up a raft of new data for social science and policy making that reflects well-being and sustainable development. Well-being comprises four ‘capitals’—natural capital, produced capital, human capital and social capital. The Treasury usually concerns itself with produced capital (GDP). The new Natural Capital Committee is due to make its first report to Government in March 2013. Human and social capital have tended to get less attention.
Posted in sustainability on 18 May 2013
Telegraph ‘ She will leave the water regulator in November after six years at the helm, Ofwat said in a statement, with the search for a successor already underway. Ms Finn faced criticism from the industry after spearheading controversial proposals to change the way water utilities are regulated. Ofwat threatened to take companies that opposed the plans to the Competition Commission but backed down at the end of last year under the weight of opposition from industry. Companies warned the plans would increase risk for investors, leading to higher consumer bills. Jonson Cox, an industry veteran who became Ofwat chairman last year, said: “We recognise that Regina wishes to take her career forward in a different direction, and we look forward to working with her over the coming months in a smooth transition process.” Ms Finn said: “We have laid the foundations for a new model of regulation in which water companies have to listen to their customers and deliver a step-change in their performance. These changes will lead to long lasting improvements in the sector.”
Posted in water on 18 May 2013
‘Defra: The Triennial Review (the Review) of the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural England (NE) was launched on 12th December 2012 with the publication of a discussion paper. The paper summarised the outcomes of the Review’s preparatory analysis and set out information on the range of scenarios for reform to the two bodies. Stakeholders were invited to contribute evidence to the Review by responding to the paper and offering views and supporting evidence on: function and form of EA/NE, changes that could be made to provide better quality outcomes for the environment, economy and society, options for reform to the current delivery arrangements, suggestions for alternative delivery options.
The deadline for responses was 4 February 2013 and the views received will contribute to the Review. In total, 357 responses were received – 222 from individual members of the public and 135 from organisations. Of the 222 responses from individuals, approximately 180 were responses generated by an email and letter-writing campaign organised by an environmental Non-Government Organisation (please see section on campaigns for further details).’
Posted in sustainability on 13 May 2013
Defra / MMO ‘European marine sites (EMSs) are designated to protect habitats and species in line with the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive. To bring fisheries in line with other activities, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced on the 14 August 2012 a revised approach to managing fishing activities within EMSs. This change in approach will promote sustainable fisheries while conserving the marine environment and resources, securing a sustainable future for both. A Fisheries in European Marine Sites Implementation Group has been set up to put this new approach into practice. The group includes key stakeholders and delivery bodies to ensure that the new approach is implemented effectively and practically, in line with legal commitments, considering the impacts of management measures available and suitable timetable of delivery. The approach will be introduced to current fishing activities on a risk-prioritised basis. We aim to have an implementation plan and timetable by the end of February 2013.In order to keep people informed about the work of the group and any subsequent actions taken by the regulators, relevant documents and information is accessible below. As the work of the group continues further documents will be added.’
http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/protecting/conservation/ems_fisheries.htm
Posted in marine on 13 May 2013
In this issue you can read the Defra/MMO views on the Marine Conservation Zones consultation (over 40,000 people responded), CFP reform, the catch quota scheme, protecting dolphins and porpoises, the Cod Recovery Plan, fisheries in European Marine Sites and news from the Marine Management Organisation including marine planning, fish DNA testing scheme and 2013 fisheries sector grants.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fishing-focus-issue-29-spring-2013
Posted in marine on 13 May 2013
The Natural Capital Committee, established to give independent advice to Government of the state of England’s natural capital and incorporate natural capital into the fabric of national and corporate accounting, has published it first State of the Natural Capital Report. The first committee of its kind in the world, the remit of the Natural Capital Committee (NCC) is to help the Government better understand how the state of the natural environment affects the performance of the economy and wellbeing, and to provide advice on how to manage our “natural wealth” in an efficient and sustainable way. The creation of the NCC was a commitment of the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper, which set out the vision that “Government wants this to be the first generation to leave the natural environment of England in a better state than it inherited”. Reporting to the Economic Affairs Committee – chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer – the NCC has a real opportunity influence the economic policy of the UK for the good of the natural environment.
Posted in sustainability on 13 May 2013
The Carbon Trust Water Standard certifies organisations that measure, manage and reduce water use year on year. By achieving the new standard, your organisation will demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and improve its reputation. The Carbon Trust Water Standard recognises the growing importance of conserving water resources, and builds on our world-leading expertise and proven track-record as a leading international certification body. Reducing water use is an essential step in the move to a sustainable low carbon economy. How you can benefit The Carbon Trust Water Standard provides major benefits: Cut your water use - Benchmark your water use and water efficiency plans - Gain recognition for your water stewardship - Enhance your reputation by using the new Water Standard logo- Reduce exposure to water scarcity - Lessen your impact on the local environment.
Posted in sustainability on 06 May 2013
Biodiversity offsets are measures taken to compensate for residual and unavoidable damage to wildlife once all other mitigation measures have been exhaustively applied and to ensure that there is no net loss of biodiversity. Such schemes have been applied elsewhere but have not yet been realised in the marine environment around the UK. The scope of the work for this report was to examine the potential for marine biodiversity offsets in the UK and investigate whether they are a viable option in terms of environmental consequences and policy. As well as conclusions and recommendations for future actions, the report contains two case studies. The project was carried out for The Crown Estate by eftec in association with Marine Planning Consultants, Gardline and Treweek Environmental Consultants. For further information contact: Prof Mike Cowling, Chief Scientist, The Crown Estate, 16 New Burlington Place, London, W1S 2HX, mike.cowling@thecrownestate.co.uk Tel. 020 7851 5032. The report citation is: Dickie, I., McAleese, L., Pearce, B. and Treweek, J. (2013). ‘Marine biodiversity offsetting – UK scoping study’. The Crown Estate, 126 pages, ISBN: 978-1-906410-44-5. The report may be downloaded from the list on The Crown Estate website at:
http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/research/seabed-and-coastal-research/
Posted in marine on 06 May 2013
We are likely to see a number of these sorts of press release over the coming months and years and GIB gets stuck into it’s work. GIB Press release: The UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) is pleased to confirm its first direct equity investment in offshore wind through the acquisition of a 24.95% stake in Rhyl Flats Wind Farm Limited (Rhyl Flats) from companies owned by RWE AG (RWE) for a cash consideration of £57.5m.This landmark transaction represents a significant step for GIB in supporting one of its core sectors, offshore wind. Rhyl Flats wind farm is located eight kilometres off the north Wales coast in average water depth of eight metres. It has been fully operational since March 2010 and consists of 25 Siemens 3.6MW turbines with a total capacity of 90MW. GIB acquires its stake alongside Greencoat UK Wind PLC which also acquires a 24.95% interest from RWE, following its successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange, the first company of its kind to be fully invested solely in operating UK wind farms. To read more:
Posted in sustainability on 06 May 2013
In another example of evidence, science, policy and precaution the EU seem likely to take forward a two year ban on 3 pesticides linked to a decline in bee populations. These are set to be outlawed, despite UK opposition, after the majority of European countries voted in favour of a ban. At a vote in Brussels, a majority of European countries voted to accept existing evidence that neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to bees. The ban will restrict the use of the three most common neonicotinoids, imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, on crops which are attractive to bees. However, there was not enough of a majority to force an immediate ban. Now the EU Commission has seized upon its right to make a final decision and said a ban would be put in place "in the coming weeks. "Since our proposal is based on a number of risks to bee health identified by the European Food Safety Authority, the commission will go ahead with its text in the coming weeks," EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg said after the vote. The buzz over neonicotinoid pesticides has been heightened because of the economic importance of bees to the European and world economies. Bees, through pollination of crops such as rapeseed (pictured, above), are estimated to contribute €22bn to the European economy annually. In England and Wales alone bee pollination is valued at between £127m and £277m to the economy, whilst the honey industry is estimated to be worth between £26.1m and £38.6m. To read more
http://www.channel4.com/news/bees-pesticides-ban-europe-decline-nicotinoids-commission
Posted in sustainability on 30 April 2013
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