Offshore SACs

Since August 2007 the UK has had the legal mechanism to designate SACs in the UK offshore marine area under the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 2007.

JNCC is responsible for selecting SACs in the UK offshore marine area. This includes waters beyond 12 nautical miles, within British Fishery Limits and the seabed within the UK Continental Shelf Designated Area. For areas within the UK Continental Shelf Designated Area, but beyond the British Fishery Limit, JNCC can recommend SACs for habitat features associated with the seabed.

Where a site crosses the 12 nautical mile boundary, if the site lies more than 90% in offshore waters it will be progressed by JNCC. Sites between 10 and 90% in offshore waters will be progressed jointly by JNCC and the relevant country conservation agency.

The first five sites were submitted to the European Commission on 31st August 2008. These are now candidate SACs. A further six sites have been formally recommended to Government by JNCC. Two of these are possible SACs that were consulted upon from December 2007 - March 2008. Four are draft SACs that JNCC is hoping to consult on in 2009.