21 Mar 2016

MSC ‘Seafood fraud – the selling of seafood products with a misleading label, description or promise – has become a widespread form of food fraud. In fact a recent global analysis suggested that on average 30% of seafood products are misdescribed or mislabelled.  Although it is possible for seafood to become unintentionally mixed at various […]

21 Mar 2016

Sea Change has produced a short animation introducing the concept of Ocean Literacy and outlining the medical, economic, social, and environmental importance of the sea to Europe and indeed to the rest of the world. The animation highlights the importance of protecting the ocean by making choices that are more “ocean-friendly”. https://vimeo.com/139562761 Sea Change (www.seachangeproject.eu) […]

17 Mar 2016

Three perspectives, Defra, The Guardian and the Insurance industry who are not happy! Belated recognition that earlier cuts were not the right direction. 1.  Defra Announcement  Defra ‘An extra £700m in flood defence funding will help deliver the government’s commitment to ensure communities are protected against increasingly extreme weather. ‘This comes on top of the […]

16 Mar 2016

Guardian ‘Figures show 62% cut to R&D budget to improve forecasting and defences over seven years, despite calls for such evidence in the wake of winter flooding. Funding for “vital” research to improve flood forecasts, warnings and defences has been slashed by almost two-thirds since 2009, figures obtained by the Guardian show. The annual funding […]

16 Mar 2016

For many years hydro-morphology and in particular physical obstructions in rivers have been one of the major unresolved issues highlighted by the WFD process. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, not least with other Government messages on slowing the flow. Defra & Environment Agency: ‘Rivers across England could benefit from new […]

16 Mar 2016

Business Green: ‘Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom says net zero Paris goal will be written into UK law following advice from the Committee on Climate Change in the autumn. The government has promised to enshrine a key Paris commitment to deliver a ‘net-zero’ emission economy into UK law, Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom told the House of […]

16 Mar 2016

Two Points 1.  Water saving week March 21st – 25th – Waterwise Campaign Waterwise are hosting Water Saving Week for the second year running. As before, there’ll be an exciting range of activities to raise awareness about why we need to save water, including daily challenges, ideas and tips to help you do it. The UK […]

16 Mar 2016

Documents explaining how new arrangements for Higher Tier and Mid Tier arrangements will work. Key documents for those involved in land use management and water programmes.  Higher Tier These three documents explain: the Higher Tier of Countryside Stewardship the application process the options, supplements and capital items available under Higher Tier when existing Environmental Stewardship […]