UK
Marine SPAs
The UK currently has 73 SPAs with marine components, but only
one of these is entirely marine; Bae Caerfyrddin/Carmarthen Bay SPA
(Wales) was classified in 2003 for its non-breeding aggregations of
common scoter.
Work is currently underway by the JNCC and the four
country nature conservation agencies
to identify further
SPAs with marine components that will comprise a suite of entirely
marine SPAs.
The role of JNCC
The role of JNCC in progressing marine SPA issues is different
between
territorial
and
offshore
waters
(see map). JNCC is leading
on the selection of SPAs within the UK offshore area. The
identification of sites that lie within territorial waters is
the responsibility of the relevant country conservation agency,
although JNCC provide scientific advice on the identification of
these sites on their behalf.
JNCC's marine SPA work is carried out by the JNCC's
Marine SPA team, and is steered
by the Marine Natura Project Group. As guidance and
methods are devised we are consulting with stakeholders and marine
experts through consultation exercises and/or relevant fora.
JNCC's Marine SPA news
JNCC's Marine SPA team produces a regular e-newsletter to
keep stakeholders informed about JNCC's marine SPA work. If
you wish to subscribe to this, please send an email to
.
Previous Marine SPA newsletters:
July 2008
December 2008