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

On 27 November 2009, JNCC started a three month formal consultation in conjunction with Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales on two potential Special Protection Areas (along with 10 possible Special Areas of Conservation); Outer Thames Estuary pSPA and Liverpool Bay/Bae Lerpwl pSPA. The Outer Thames Estuary pSPA has been proposed because of its nationally important wintering red-throated diver population. It crosses the 12 nautical mile boundary, but because more than 90% of it lies within the 12 nautical mile boundary, Natural England will be taking the lead in progressing this site, rather than JNCC. Liverpool Bay/Bae Lerpwl pSPA holds internationally important numbers of north-west Europe’s wintering common scoters and nationally important numbers of GB’s wintering red-throated divers. This pSPA is a cross-border site, with elements within both English and Welsh territorial waters. Natural England and CCW will jointly progress this site. More information on the formal consultation and how to respond to it is available on our consultation page.

Scottish Government have announced that 31 of Scotland’s seabird breeding colony Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are to be extended to protect their adjacent marine habitats. The extensions which came into force on 25 September 2009, will go out to 1, 2 or 4km, depending on which species are protected within the existing terrestrial SPA. The announcement follows a consultation on the SPA extensions, carried out on behalf of Scottish Government by SNH in summer 2008, which recommended the extensions based on work carried out by JNCC’s Marine SPA team. For more information, see http://www.snh.org.uk/about/directives/ab-dir15j.asp

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 .

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