Inshore SACs with Marine Components
SACs in territorial waters (within 12 nautical miles of the
coast) are identified by the relevant
country conservation agency, and
co-ordinated and submitted to Government by JNCC.
Where a site crosses the 12 nautical mile boundary, if it lies
more than 90% in territorial waters, it will be progressed by the
relevant country conservation agency. Sites that are between 10 and
90% in territorial waters will be progressed jointly by the
relevant country conservation agency and JNCC.
In the UK, inshore SACs are designated under the
Habitats Regulations. These are
the same regulations that support the designation and
management of terrestrial and freshwater SACs.
There are already
76 coastal SACs with marine
components. An
ESRI shapefile of these sites is
available. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are looking
to identify additional marine SACs within their territorial waters.
The SAC network in Welsh waters is largely complete.