Defra issues a consultation paper

Defra has issued a consultation paper inviting views on a proposed amendment to the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Regulations) 2007.

The Department is inviting views by 19 February 2009.

Other than views on a proposed amendment to the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Regulations) 2007, it is also seeking views on whether the Port of London Authority should be an "appropriate authority" for the purpose of the above regulations and the transposition of Directive 94/43/EEC ("the Habitats Directive") more specifically in relation to England and Wales in respect of 'marine works' and marine mineral dredging in harbours.

According to Defra, this year's plan reflects the changes which have been taking place in Defra with the implementation of the 'Renew Defra' initiative to change working practices to make the Department more flexible and responsive.

Defra is also gearing up for the forthcoming Marine Bill, which will introduce a new system for the sustainable use and protection of the marine area. "Its implementation will enable more strategic decisions to be made about what activities we want in the marine environment and where they should take place. It will simplify the system for managing our use of natural resources and regulating activities that impact upon them," the department says.

According to Defra, for 2008-09 financial year, the Marine Programme has £64.68m for Programme expenditure. This includes payments to other organisations to promote activities or outcomes in support of the delivery of the Marine Programme. £25.43m of this goes to the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) and £29.72m goes to the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) under a High Level Agreement with Defra.