Marine and fisheries

Offshore marine conservation regulations

The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 came in to force on 21 August 2007. They ensure that we can manage certain activities that have an effect on important species and habitats in the offshore marine environment.
 
'Tursiops truncatus' breaching (note pinkish hue on belly). © Judith Oakley (Oakley Natural Images). The Regulations apply in the “offshore area” beyond 12 nautical miles from the UK coast. They protect marine species and wild birds through a number of offences that aim to prevent environmentally damaging activities. For example, deliberately  killing or significantly disturbing a protected species (such as dolphins) is now a criminal offence.

The Regulations also enable the designation and protection of areas that host certain important habitats and species in the offshore marine area. Once designated these sites will be known as:

  • Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for the protection of certain habitats and species, and
  • Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the protection of certain wild bird species.

Proposals for offshore sites

Seven new Special Areas of Conservation in the offshore area have recently been consulted upon by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). These areas are located all around the UK and cover nearly 4,000 square miles of sea – a map is available of the sites consulted upon. The consultation closed on 14th March, and JNCC are now analysing the responses received. For further details see the JNCC website.

Defra’s marine biodiversity policy team has prepared guidance on the implications of the regulations for marine stakeholders:

Dr J Hall-Spencer, University of Plymouth © AWI/IFREMER – its from 1 km depth and was taken with a deep-sea robot in 2003In preparing the regulations, Defra carried out two consultation exercises (in 2003 and 2006).

2006 Consultation on Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations

This consultation closed 30 June 2006

 

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Page last modified: 4 April 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs