The JNCC plays a key role in the provision of
advice for marine nature conservation, and the management of
information that underpins this advisory role.
Human uses of the seas are widespread, and as
a consequence, general measures and guidelines are often more
useful than an approach based on protecting individual sites. It is
these more widespread measures that form the basis of much of the
marine advisory work of JNCC. This work may be divided into three
main areas: fisheries; offshore industry; and species.
This site provides some background to current
fisheries around the UK, their effects on the marine environment
and aspects of fisheries management. There are also copies of the
joint views of the UK statutory nature conservation agencies on
aspects of fishing management, practice and policy.
We also provide advice on many aspects of the
offshore
industries including oil and
gas, renewable
energy and offshore marine
aggregates. JNCC provides an advisory service in case of oil
spills or other major pollution incidents in UK waters, key pollution
contact details for UK waters are available
here.
Seismic
surveys are carried out in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf
(UKCS) in the search for, and managing of, oil and gas reserves.
These do not necessarily constitute a threat to marine mammals, but
the JNCC are consulted on whether consent should be granted for
each individual seismic survey.
JNCC provides advice on the conservation of
marine species listed under legislation. These include cetaceans,
seabirds, fish and turtles. In addition, advice is provided to help
meet legislative requirements to prevent the introduction of, or
control of, non-native species, especially those that threaten
native or protected species. We have compiled information on these
non-native species; the site also outlines our responsibilities and
obligations. Non-native varieties may displace native organisms by
preying on them or out-competing them for resources such as for
food, space or both. When an invasive species has established
itself in the marine environment, it is likely to be impossible to
get rid of it.