Selection of SACs and SPAs in the UK has so far been confined to terrestrial sites and within UK territorial seas. As a result of a UK court judgement in 1999, the UK Government is taking steps to implement the Habitats Directive in offshore waters and has also agreed to take parallel steps to apply the requirements of the Birds Directive to all relevant marine waters. The UK offshore area in the context of this report refers to the area from the 12 nautical mile territorial seas limit out to the UK Continental Shelf designated areas limits.

 

The report and its conclusions are the first step in the process of identification of SAC and SPA sites for UK offshore waters. It is being made widely available to stimulate this process and to assist those with an interest in participating in an open and transparent site selection process.

 

Its conclusions were discussed in the European arena at a seminar (PDF, 141 kb) held in the UK in June 2002. The response is now available (PDF,  31 kb)

 

If you have any queries on scientific implementation of the directives please contact