ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE
Devolved Government
Scottish Government
The creation of a separate Scottish Executive has meant some
changes to the ways in which environmental regulations are
implemented in Scotland. For the first time, internal boundaries
have been drawn within the UK’s Territorial Waters to create a
Scottish Fishing Zone. Matters taking place within this area for
which FEPA licences are required, such as dredging, construction
and disposal of material are considered and administered by the
Fisheries Research Services of the Marine Laboratory, an agency of
the Scottish Executive. Matters requiring consent under the Coast
Protection Act 1949 are dealt with by the Transport Division of the
Scottish Executive Development Department.
The Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SERAD) advises
Ministers on UK and European Union policy relating to agriculture,
environmental issues and fisheries. It is responsible for the
implementation of these policies and ensuring that national and
international objectives for pollution control and drinking water
are met. The Scottish Executive is responsible for Scottish
Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage
(SNH).
For more information visit www.scotland.gov.uk/
National Assembly for Wales
Environmental matters of concern to the recreational boating
sector are split between different divisions within the Welsh
Assembly. The Environment Division consists of six branches
covering a wide range of environmental responsibilities relating to
the protection of air, land and water; countryside and nature
conservation; and flood and coastal defence. The Division also
contains the Assembly’s Sustainable Development Unit. Dredging
issues are considered under the remit of the Planning Division. The
policy background increasingly reflects the influence of
international obligations, primarily through EU Directives. Within
Wales, the main executive responsibility generally rests with third
parties, notably the Environment Agency (Wales), Countryside
Council for Wales, national parks authorities, flood defence
committees and local authorities.
For more information visit www.wales.gov.uk/
Northern Ireland Executive
Whilst devolution in Northern Ireland has been suspended, the
Department of Environment for Northern Ireland deals with
environmental matters of concern to the recreational boating
sector. Northern Ireland also maintains its own body of
environmental law, although has to conform to European Directives
and other regulations. The Environment and Heritage Service is the
largest Agency within the Department of Environment and is
responsible for advising on, and in implementing, the Government’s
environmental policy and strategy in Northern Ireland.
For more information visit www.northernireland.gov.uk/