The OSPAR Commission for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) is seeking views on whether to extend the North Atlantic Current and Evlanov Sea basin Marine Protected Area (NACES MPA) to cover the seabed and other species and habitats. This consultation, that starts on 1 December 2022 for a period of 3 months, invites views on new evidence presented in the revised nomination proforma that seeks to demonstrate clear linkages between the benthic and pelagic systems, explaining why this site is so important for seabirds and other species. More information is available here.
Category Archives: Surveys
OSPAR: consultation on the proposed expansion of the NACES MPA
Filed under International Organizations, Surveys
UK: consultation on the development of an Emissions Trading Scheme open
The Emissions Trading Scheme Authority of the United Kingdom (UK ETS) is seeking stakeholder views on proposals to develop the UK ETS which operates across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This call is of particular interest to individual companies and representatives of the maritime sector as Chapter 7 sets out proposals to expand the scope of the UK ETS to the domestic maritime sector. UK ETS replaced the UK’s participation in the EU ETS on 1 January 2021. This consultation is open until 17 June 2022; more information available here.
Filed under State Practice, Surveys
UK: responses to the consultation on the draft nuclear ships regulations published
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) of the United Kingdom (UK) has published a summary of the responses to a consultation on the proposed Merchant Shipping (Nuclear Ships) Regulations. MCA had opened this consultation in August 2021 seeking views to assist in transposing Chapter VIII in the Annex to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (‘SOLAS’ or ‘the Convention’) into UK law. Views were also sought on the accompanying draft Marine Guidance Notice. The UK Government now intends to make the Regulations and bring them into force by the autumn of 2022. The Marine Guidance Note will be finalised and published at that time. A summary of the responses to that consultation is available here.
Filed under State Practice, Surveys
EU: new legislative proposal on illegal discharges from ships under preparation
The European Commission (executive branch of the European Union) is preparing a new legislative proposal revising the Ship-Source Pollution Directive, a common framework outlining how to deal with illegal discharges from ships. This initiative aims at preventing marine pollution by ensuring that any natural or legal persons responsible for the discharge of polluting substances into EU waters are subject to adequate penalties. A public consultation is ongoing, divided into two sections: the first gathers views from citizens and the second targets experts and relevant stakeholders. The consultation is open until 3 March 2022. More information is available here.
Filed under International Organizations, Surveys
Consultation: ISA draft standards and guidelines for exploitation of mineral resources in the Area
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) welcomes comments from stakeholders on the first set of draft standards and guidelines to support the implementation of the draft regulations for exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area until 20 October 2020. This includes:
Draft standard and guidelines on the development and application of environmental management systems
Draft standard and guidelines on the form and calculation of an environmental performance guarantee
Filed under Surveys
Consultation: EU mission for healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters
The European Commission is currently developing its research and innovation missions that will form part of the Horizon Europe framework programme beginning in 2021. Under the mission area, healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters, citizens may submit proposals until 14 September 2020.
Filed under Surveys
Consultation: EU Arctic Policy
The European Commission and the European External Action Service are undertaking a consultation to assess the relevance and completeness of the current focus areas of the EU’s An integrated European Union policy for the Arctic. Stakeholder contributions are welcome until 10 November 2020.
Filed under Surveys
Consultation: EU International Ocean Governance Agenda
The European Commission and the European External Action Service are currently undertaking a targeted consultation to assess the development needs and options of the EU’s International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans. Stakeholder contributions are welcome until 15 October 2020.
Filed under Surveys
Survey: the BBNJ during the COVID-19 crisis
The MARIPOLDATA research group has launched a survey about the postponement of the negotiations towards a new treaty for the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The group seeks to learn about perceptions on the potential effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the BBNJ Treaty and, also, how this situation has changed people’s interest and involvement in the process. The survey is open until 17 May 2020 and can be found here.
Filed under Surveys
De Maribus 