ABPmer to review Solent European Marine Site Management Scheme
November 2, 2010
ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer), a recognised provider of specialist consultancy services and research, has been commissioned to undertake a review of the Solent European Marine Site (SEMS) Management Scheme.
The original Management Scheme was produced in 2004 to ensure that the European site is managed in line with the Habitats and Birds Directive and to prevent damage or deterioration to the habitats and species for which it is designated. The key objectives of the review process are:
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To ensure the conservation objectives of the SEMS continue to be met;
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To ensure that changes in site usage are updated;
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To ensure that improvements in knowledge and information are taken into account;
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To identify whether an action plan is required and if so how this could be produced; and
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To provide an improved method for annual monitoring and reporting.
The work will include a discussion with each Relevant Authority to gather information and to obtain views on certain aspects of the Management Scheme. The initial findings will be presented to the SEMS Management Group this winter. There will also be consultation with the Strategic Stakeholder Group to enable other organisations to contribute to the review. It is expected that the final report will be presented to the Management Group in the spring.
Stephen Hull, ABPmer’s Technical Director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this exciting project. ABPmer has significant local knowledge of the Solent, its habitats and species and the management pressures. We also have a detailed understanding of marine nature conservation and environmental policy having led directly relevant projects for Defra, Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage”.
ABPmer is a leading marine environmental consultancy with a recognised reputation for delivering high quality consultancy services and research for government and public sector bodies. More recently, it has been leading a study for The Crown Estate to develop an ecosystem services valuation framework for UK seas as well as developing a sensitivity matrix which identifies the sensitivity of marine conservation zones (MCZ) features to a wide range of human pressure benchmarks.
Enquiries:
Tracey Hewett
ABPmer Communications
Tel: 02380 711840
