Abstract
Summary Objective: "To identify and prioritise Defra’s marine seabed survey priorities against marine policy requirements. To collate key details on marine survey programmes operating in the UK (primarily by other Government Departments and the Delivery Agencies) in order to identify collaborative opportunities for Defra to actively pursue, once a clear set of priorities (e.g. area coverage or data type) have been identified. This exercise will involve engagement with Defra policy officials and reviewing policy in order to identify priorities for habitat mapping, to complete a review of current and proposed marine survey activity in the UK in order to identify where the gaps are and the provision of recommendations on a forward plan (or strategy) for Defra to implement " Key Customer Purpose: The results of this work will be used by Defra to help inform priorities for marine survey activities. The outputs will also be of use in taking forward marine planning policy proposed in the Marine and Coastal Access Bill and the compiled information will be of use to the Marine Management Organisation which is anticipated to come into operation at towards the end of 2009.
United Kingdom