Ministry for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Department for Environment, Food and

Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

o Natural England

Government statutory conservation body responsible for advising the government and industry, regarding environmental conservation, biodiversity and seascapes in the territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles). Also responsible for the recommendation of marine areas to consider and include in the national network of Marine Protected Areas.

o Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Advises the government regarding the conservation of nature in the offshore maritime space (between 12 and 200 nautical miles), considering the national and international legislation for the protection and conservation of biodiversity and marine environment.

o Environment Agency

Responsible for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in order to achieve good ecological status for water. Responsible for the prevention of coastal erosion, pollution, the monitoring of bathing water, the environmental licensing up to 12 nautical miles.

o Marine Management Organization (MMO)

Responsible for Maritime Spatial Planning, for marine licensing and maritime conservation zones. It is the main government regulator for the territorial waters and sea areas in the high seas.

o Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities (IFCAs)

Responsible for the management of coastal fisheries and for compliance with local laws up to 6 nautical miles.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Advises the government regarding the conservation of nature in the offshore maritime space (between 12 and 200 nautical miles), considering the national and international legislation for the protection and conservation of biodiversity and marine environment.

Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Responsible for the prevention of coastal erosion, pollution, the monitoring of bathing water, the environmental licensing up to 12 nautical miles.

Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC)

Co-responsible for Maritime Spatial Planning, for marine licensing and maritime conservation zones. It is the main government regulator for the territorial waters and sea areas in the high seas.

Department for Transport (DfT)

Co-responsible for the management of coastal fisheries and for compliance with local laws up to 6 nautical miles.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Through English Heritage, is responsible for the protection and preservation of wrecks, and the protection of marine historical and archaeological environment.