Policy and legislation
Providing scientific and technical advice on marine and environmental policy, legislation and regulation is a core component of Cefas’ work. We advise and provide guidance for policy makers and regulators in the UK, Europe and around the world.
We are actively involved with governments and international bodies on the negotiation and development of marine environmental policy and legislation. This gives us a unique perspective of the intricacies of policy development and means that we are ideally placed to provide advice around such issues.
As experts in marine science, we also plays a key role in contributing to the on-going development of the marine evidence base and providing support for the sustainable management of marine and coastal environments. This work bridges the gap between science and policy, helping governments to make informed and assured decisions.
Domestically our work includes:
- Various work streams addressing the implementation of the UK Marine Strategy
- Contributions to the development and implementation of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009
- Advice on the status and management of fisheries
- Advice on marine climate change impacts and adaptation.
Internationally we help drive forward policy-led scientific initiatives through roles of responsibility in fora including:
- London Convention and Protocol
- The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
- The Oslo and Paris Convention (OSPAR)
- MSFD is becoming a significant driver of marine monitoring standards, alongside the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Cefas' technical experts helped shape the specification for MSFD monitoring through significant roles in policy-led scientific initiatives domestically and internationally, including contributing to the UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy (UKMMAS) and the UK MSFD Steering Group.
Cefas is also actively engaged in national and international research groups, projects and initiatives aimed at developing tools and approaches to support national and international marine environmental policy implementation.
