Changes to the.....

Marine Consents & Environment Unit

On 1 April 2007 the work previously carried out by the Marine Consents and Environment Unit (MCEU) within core-Defra was integrated into the Marine Fisheries Agency which now has expanded environmental responsibilities. To reflect this new role, the Agency has also changed its name to the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA).

As well as assuming responsibility for the statutory control of marine works, the Agency has also taken on the control of marine sand and gravel extraction previously exercised by the Department for Communities and Local Government. These new functions of the Agency will be undertaken by the Marine Environment Team, which will be located in MFA headquarters, London. (see contact details)

The main aim of this merger will be to bring together within the MFA the service delivery functions covering the control of coastal and marine developments; including coast defences, wind farms, wave and tidal power; the disposal of marine dredgings at sea; contingency planning for oil spills and other marine pollution, and marine aggregate extraction. It is intended also that the MFA will take on responsibility for monitoring, enforcement and wildlife licensing under the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations which are due to come into force later this year. These changes are described in a letter from the Agency's Chief Executive.

Whilst the current MFA website is to be reconfigured to encompass these changes users may continue to access information and make applications for approval to marine works through this site.

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