|
Now as these relevant authorities have no new powers, and would certainly not wish to share the responsibility and costs of somebody else’s activities, the strange situation is created that such a plan can only exist by consent. The regulations also state that, if there is a scheme of management for a European Marine Sites (i.e. a coastal SAC or SPA), then there shall be only one. This calls into question the status and legality of all kinds of ‘management plans’ of which there is a profusion. These are reviewed in the Solent Crisis section of this site l
On the smaller sites, such as Arisaig in Scotland, the number of people and the number of interests involved is small enough for consensus to emerge easily.
On bigger sites, such as the Severn and the Solent, there are numerous interests, and considerable pressure on the features for which the site is designated. On the Severn for example, there are five port groups, three regions of the Environment Agency, three Sea Fisheries Authorities, two country conservation agencies (EN & CCW), and about 40 local authorities! In that case, the basis of the SAC designation has been challenged, and progress is difficult.
On the Solent, after nearly four years work, a Foundation Document is under development It describes what has been agreed regarding the site, the basis of designation, what appropriate powers are exercised by the relevant authorities and where. It also attempts to identify the various activities that could impact adversely on the site, and who should take appropriate management action.
Bureaucrats like regulating – it is what they do. The yachting community needs to be vigilant
|
