MFA licensing
The MFA administers a range of statutory controls that apply to marine works, including all construction, coastal defences, dredging and the disposal of waste materials at sea in waters around England and Wales for which responsibility is vested in the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the National Assembly for Wales.
These controls are exercised under the following statutes:
- Food & Environment Protection Act 1985 Part II (Deposits in the Sea)
- Coast Protection Act 1949
- Telecommunications Act 1984
- Other Legislation - such as local harbours Acts (where the Secretary of State's approval is required for marine works)
In addition to the controls which the MFA administers, a developer may require a variety of other consents.
The MFA also processes applications for burial at sea of human remains and the approval of oil spill treatment / dispersant products for use in UK waters under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.
The MFA has established the Marine Consents Liaison Group (MCLG) to serve as an informal forum for the exchange of views and information about the work of the Unit and marine consents matters generally.