The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, No. 1013 (as amended)

The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (COMHS Regulations) are designed to protect and conserve marine habitats and species in offshore waters. Here's a concise summary of its key aspects:

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the COMHS Regulations is to implement measures for the conservation and sustainable management of offshore marine habitats and species. These regulations aim to safeguard important marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and deep-sea habitats, and protect vulnerable or threatened species from harm or disturbance caused by human activities.

Requirements:

1. Designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs): The COMHS Regulations provide for the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to protect and conserve specific areas of offshore waters with significant ecological value. MCZs may be designated based on scientific evidence of biodiversity, habitat diversity, species richness, or ecological importance.
2. Conservation Objectives: For each designated MCZ, conservation objectives are established to guide management and conservation efforts. These objectives specify the desired state of marine habitats and species within the MCZ and outline measures to achieve and maintain conservation goals.
3. Prohibition of Harmful Activities: The COMHS Regulations prohibit or regulate activities that may harm or disturb protected habitats and species within designated MCZs. These activities may include fishing practices, seabed trawling, dredging, offshore development, anchoring, and other activities that pose a risk to marine biodiversity.
4. Monitoring and Reporting: Authorities responsible for enforcing the COMHS Regulations are required to monitor the condition of designated MCZs and assess compliance with conservation objectives. Regular monitoring programs and reporting mechanisms help track changes in marine ecosystems, evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures, and identify emerging threats or conservation priorities.

Applicability:

The COMHS Regulations apply to offshore waters within the jurisdictional boundaries covered by the regulations. They typically apply to a wide range of stakeholders involved in offshore activities, including:

• Government agencies responsible for marine conservation and management
• Regulatory authorities overseeing marine resource management and environmental protection
• Marine industries, such as fishing, shipping, oil and gas extraction, renewable energy, and maritime construction
• Conservation organizations and environmental NGOs advocating for the protection of marine habitats and species
• Researchers and scientists studying offshore ecosystems and biodiversity

Overall, the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 play a crucial role in protecting and conserving marine biodiversity in offshore waters. By designating Marine Conservation Zones and implementing measures to regulate harmful activities, these regulations aim to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of offshore marine ecosystems and species.

The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (COMHS Regulations) establish requirements for gathering evidence to support the conservation and management of marine habitats and species in offshore waters. Here's a summary of the key evidence requirements under these regulations:

1. Scientific Evidence for Designation: The COMHS Regulations require robust scientific evidence to support the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). This evidence may include data on biodiversity, habitat distribution, species assemblages, ecological functions, and the presence of rare, threatened, or vulnerable species.
2. Baseline Surveys and Monitoring: Prior to designation and throughout the management of MCZs, baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring programs are essential to gather evidence on the condition and trends of marine habitats and species. These surveys provide data on habitat distribution, species abundance, population dynamics, and ecological processes, serving as a basis for assessing changes over time.
3. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): For activities that may impact designated MCZs, developers are often required to conduct EIAs to assess potential environmental effects. These assessments provide evidence on the potential impacts of proposed activities, including habitat disturbance, species displacement, and changes to ecosystem structure and function.
4. Species and Habitat Records: Authorities responsible for enforcing the COMHS Regulations maintain records of species and habitat distributions within designated MCZs. These records include data on protected species, critical habitats, and areas of ecological importance, helping to identify priority conservation areas and inform management decisions.
5. Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement: Evidence of stakeholder consultation and engagement is essential for ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and public participation in the management of MCZs. Records of consultation activities, stakeholder feedback, and responses to concerns raised provide evidence of meaningful engagement and support for conservation measures.
6. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement: Authorities responsible for enforcing the COMHS Regulations monitor compliance with conservation objectives and regulatory requirements within designated MCZs. Evidence of monitoring activities, enforcement actions, and compliance outcomes help assess the effectiveness of conservation measures and identify areas for improvement.

Overall, the evidence requirements of the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 emphasize the importance of scientific data, monitoring programs, stakeholder engagement, and compliance monitoring to support the conservation and sustainable management of offshore marine habitats and species. Gathering robust evidence ensures informed decision-making, effective conservation measures, and the long-term protection of marine biodiversity.