Marine environment, pollution response, fisheries interference
The Agency licenses a number of activities in the marine environment on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and in certain areas for Wales for the Welsh Assembly Government:
- the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) for English and Welsh waters requires a licence to be obtained to deposit any articles or substances in the sea or under the seabed (below mean high water springs). The aim of the Act is to protect the marine ecosystem, human health and minimise interference and nuisance to other users of the sea. Licences granted include specific conditions designed to minimise any negative impacts;
- the Coast Protection Act 1949 (CPA) requires a consent to be obtained for any construction or alteration of works lying on or below the seashore, below the mean high water springs CPA also covers the removal of material below mean low water springs. The aim is to ensure that any danger of collision or obstruction in marine waters is kept to a minimum;
- the Environmental Impact Assessment and Natural Habitats (Extraction of Minerals by Marine Dredging) (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2007 require a license for dredging of aggregates from the marine environment. The aim is to ensure that the impact of such activity upon the marine environment is negligible. Licence conditions are imposed to mitigate any potential effects of dredging and the impact of dredging is regularly monitored to ensure it remains acceptable;
- the Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations will be introduced to extend the protection of important marine species and habitats under the Birds and Habitat Directives beyond UK territorial waters. It will require licences to be issued for certain marine activities which would otherwise be an offence under the new regulations.
The breadth of activities licensed by the Agency is vast, ranging from the construction of a small jetty to an entire offshore wind farm. The Agency is committed to helping the government achieve its aim of 10% of UK electricity production from renewable sources by 2010 and 20% by 2020. The offshore renewable projects contribute greatly to these targets. They require consent under FEPA, CPA and the Electricity Act, with the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) having responsibility for the latter.
In some circumstances we do not issue a licence but still advise on the environmental impact of marine activities. For example, we work with the Department for Transport on Transport and Works Act applications to assess the environmental impact of proposed transport works that are built in the marine environment.
The Agency provides a 24 hour response service to major oil spills and pollution incidents at sea. The Agency is responsible for issuing approval for the use of dispersants in shallow or coastal waters within an hour of notification. It also has a role in coordinating the environmental aspects of a major marine incident and licensing the use of oil dispersants under FEPA.
The aim is to try to minimise the impact of any pollution and ensure public health is protected and the impact on wildlife and fisheries is reduced as much as possible.