What is the Management Scheme Process?
The ASERA Management Scheme sets out the management needs for the Severn Estuary European Marine Site (EMS). The process of defining the Management Scheme enables Relevant Authorities to understand the interest features of the Severn Estuary EMS and activities that may affect the site. The process involved in developing the Management Scheme clearly identified the appropriate management options and an implementation action plan. The Scheme also draws upon the conservation objectives defined for each of the features of the SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites.
This document is the single integrated Management Scheme for the Severn Estuary European Marine Site, which includes:
- Severn Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA)
- Severn Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
- Severn Estuary Ramsar Site
The diagram to the right gives a summary of the process of developing the Management Scheme for the Severn Estuary EMS. The diagram identifies the key steps and outputs in the process that provide valuable background and reference information.
Who is Responsible for the Implementation of the Scheme?
It is the responsibility of each Relevant Authority to implement their individual actions identified within the Action Plans of the Management Scheme. These actions will address the potential effects of the activities listed within the Scheme and help to achieve the nature conservation objectives of the Severn Estuary European Marine Site.
In certain cases when more than one Relevant Authority is responsible for managing an activity with a known or unknown effect on the site, or where there are gaps in management, Relevant Authorities have agreed to work co-operatively to address the issue.
Reporting on the Management Scheme
Relevant Authorities will be responsible for reporting to ASERA on their progress with implementation of their Action Plans. It is likely that the ASERA Officer will carry out the “ASERA Roadshow” each year as a mechanism for members to report on their actions. Such reporting by the Relevant Authorities will allow a review of progress of the following:
- the progress with implementation of individual actions within their Action Plans
- any changes to activities (e.g. location , extent or frequency) or to management practices
- any changes to plans or initiatives (F1 activities) used to construct the Management Scheme
- any new activities being undertaken within the EMSs within or outside of the jurisdiction of the Relevant Authority.
Where there is a change in management, or in light of further information, the impact of the activities will be reviewed by ASERA and re-assessed by NE and NRW. Management options may be reviewed in the light of revised advice from the Conservation Agencies. Discussion and reporting on progress of the Management Scheme, monitoring and actions will take place on a regular basis at ASERA’s bi-annual Management Group Meetings. The ASERA annual report will formally summarise the progress of the Relevant Authorities as indicated by their annual reporting responses. This will be presented each year at the ASERA AGM.
Click here to view the 2018-2023 Management Scheme. Click here to view the 2018-2023 Relevant Authority Action Plans.