Science and monitoring
In order for Defra to address pressing marine issues and set future priorities it is necessary undertake effective Science and Monitoring. Without these activities we cannot improve our understanding of the marine environment and our impact upon it.
How do we achieve this?
In order to satisfy Defra's policy needs we commission a number of scientific and monitoring activities and initiatives. The most recent of these are listed below.
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UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy
Safeguarding Our Seas
(615 KB) committed the UK to an ecosystem approach to the management of the marine environment. The report Charting Progress concluded that current monitoring programmes were insufficient for this purpose. An exercise is currently underway to look at ways in which the strategy for marine monitoring within the UK might be re-shaped. -
Charting Progress - an Integrated Assessment of the State of UK Seas
This report illustrates the extent to which the seas round the UK meet the goal of being sustainable, healthy and productive. Where necessary management requirements are identified in order to achieve these goals. -
The Marine Data & Information Partnership (MDIP)
Formed in early 2005 this expert group aims to address the need for greater harmonisation and co-ordination of marine data and information through long-term stewardship and access. For further information about the partnership please contact the MDIP co-ordinator Dave Cotton (dcott@bodc.ac.uk) -
Quality Status Report of the Marine and Coastal Areas of the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel 2000
This report is the result of Defra's commitment at the 1992 Ministerial meeting of the Oslo and Paris Commissions (OSPAR) to complete a programme of quality assessment of the whole of the North-east Atlantic by the year 2000.
Page last modified:
17 January 2008
Page published: 14
December 2007