21/08/2003
UK's best-known coral reef receives emergency protection
The UK's best-known cold-water coral reef is to receive emergency protection, Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw has announced.
A new European Commission regulation will now ban damaging fishing activity within the Darwin Mounds off the north coast of Scotland.
The site is around 180km off the mainland and was discovered in 1988. Named after the research vessel 'Charles Darwin', the site covers around 100 sq km and has been identified as the best example of a cold-water coral reef in UK waters by the body that advises the government on nature conservation issues.
Countries in the EU are required to take action to protect these reefs and surveys have shown that they are vulnerable to damage from towed fishing gear. The UK asked the European Commission to introduce the emergency measures which will apply for six months and could be extended.
The government is also taking steps to designate the Darwin Mounds as a candidate special area of conservation under the EC Habitats Directive. This would ensure that the area is managed to ensure that activity does not damage the habitat.
(gmcg)
A new European Commission regulation will now ban damaging fishing activity within the Darwin Mounds off the north coast of Scotland.
The site is around 180km off the mainland and was discovered in 1988. Named after the research vessel 'Charles Darwin', the site covers around 100 sq km and has been identified as the best example of a cold-water coral reef in UK waters by the body that advises the government on nature conservation issues.
Countries in the EU are required to take action to protect these reefs and surveys have shown that they are vulnerable to damage from towed fishing gear. The UK asked the European Commission to introduce the emergency measures which will apply for six months and could be extended.
The government is also taking steps to designate the Darwin Mounds as a candidate special area of conservation under the EC Habitats Directive. This would ensure that the area is managed to ensure that activity does not damage the habitat.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 August 2013
Warship Arrives Amid Gibraltar Dispute
A Royal Navy warship has arrived in Gibraltar this morning, amid current tensions between the UK and Spanish authorities over a territorial fishing quarrel. The ship arrived on Monday morning as part of a routine deployment, just 24 hours after Spanish fishing boats staged a protest in British-controlled waters over the creation of a concrete reef.
Warship Arrives Amid Gibraltar Dispute
A Royal Navy warship has arrived in Gibraltar this morning, amid current tensions between the UK and Spanish authorities over a territorial fishing quarrel. The ship arrived on Monday morning as part of a routine deployment, just 24 hours after Spanish fishing boats staged a protest in British-controlled waters over the creation of a concrete reef.
24 July 2007
Massive emergency operation underway following floods
A massive emergency operation is underway in order to provide clean water to 350,000 people in Gloucestershire who have been stranded without running water since Sunday.
Massive emergency operation underway following floods
A massive emergency operation is underway in order to provide clean water to 350,000 people in Gloucestershire who have been stranded without running water since Sunday.
19 July 2013
Stansted Proposes Second Runway
The Airports Commission has received a submission from the owner of Stansted proposing a second runway and highlighting its potential to be biggest four-runway hub.
Stansted Proposes Second Runway
The Airports Commission has received a submission from the owner of Stansted proposing a second runway and highlighting its potential to be biggest four-runway hub.
01 December 2009
Fake BBC Contestants Revealed
The BBC has once more been plunged into a 'fakery' row after it emerged that several of its popular daytime television shows used production staff to pose as members of public. In a statement the BBC has strongly defended its integrity and said that it takes all breaches of editorial guidelines seriously.
Fake BBC Contestants Revealed
The BBC has once more been plunged into a 'fakery' row after it emerged that several of its popular daytime television shows used production staff to pose as members of public. In a statement the BBC has strongly defended its integrity and said that it takes all breaches of editorial guidelines seriously.
31 May 2013
Emergency Landing Flight Doors 'Unhatched'
An investigation into a flight that made an emergency landing at Heathrow last week has found the engine doors were left 'unhatched'. The discovery was made by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Emergency Landing Flight Doors 'Unhatched'
An investigation into a flight that made an emergency landing at Heathrow last week has found the engine doors were left 'unhatched'. The discovery was made by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry and cloudy this morning, some patchy rain in the northwest. This afternoon will be cloudy with some light and patchy rain spreading southeast for a time. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Clear periods across the north at first this evening. Otherwise a cloudy evening and night with outbreaks of rain spreading from the southwest. Light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.