Royal Navy signs up to protect UK marine conservation
areas
The Royal Navy, after three year’s
consultation with JNCC, has adopted a new approach to minimising
its impact on the environment that could become a blueprint for
other naval services.
The Environmental Protection Guidelines
(Maritime) (EPG(M)) are an interactive military layer of electronic
charting which provide advice on the suitability of military
activities in the vicinity of designated marine protected
areas (MPAs) across UK waters. By following these guidelines,
ship planners and operators can be confident that their actions
minimise the risks to the environment and are not contravening
legal restrictions.
The EPG(M) provides details for consideration
across all activities undertaken by the Royal Navy near MPAs,
including those taking place in the air, on land, at sea or
underwater.
Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Capability)
Rear Admiral Duncan Potts, said: “The marine environment faces
an array of increasing pressures and expanding legal protection
aims to safeguard certain species and areas. The Royal Navy is not
exempt from this legislation and our planners, ships, staff and
aircrew face a growing range of environmental considerations, not
only during training but also when on operations. EPG(M) works
within our electronic charting system to offer clear and
interactive guidance to our people when planning so that they can
continue to deliver the UK’s maritime defence priorities
safely.
I believe that this is a real advance and
further tangible evidence of the effort being expended by the Royal
Navy to protect the environment and minimise our ecological
impact.”
It is thought that the EPG(M) is the first of
its kind among naval forces. Currently it offers guidance for the
UK marine area only, but work is underway to expand the tool to
cover the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies,
and European Union waters.
JNCC has praised the actions of the Royal Navy
in this initiative to improve the protection it provides for the
marine environment.
Dr John Goold, JNCC Director of Marine Advice,
said: “The Royal Navy has taken a proactive and innovative
approach to minimising the potential environmental impact of its
marine activities. The UK statutory nature conservation bodies
strongly welcome and support this positive approach and the Navy’s
continued consideration of the marine environment.”