Legislation and Duties in MPAs
Competent and Relevant Authorities
The Habitats Regulations refer to two different types of statutory organisations which have certain responsibilities within Marine Protected Area. They are known as competent and relevant authorities. The term competent authorities includes any statutory body or public office exercising legislative powers, whether on land or sea. Relevant authorities are those competent authorities which have powers or functions which have, or could have, an impact on the marine area within or adjacent to a European marine site. Defra have produced guidance for competent authorities on the habitats regulations.
Public authorities in England have a duty to have regard to conserving biodiversity as part of policy or decision making. Conserving biodiversity can include restoring or enhancing a population or habitat.
Natural England have produced a marine recreation toolkit that summaries the roles and responsibilities of authorities with regard to managing recreational activities.
Natural England Summary table of roles and responsibilities of key authorities in relation to MPA management
Organisation |
Roles and responsibilities regarding MPA management |
---|---|
Defra |
|
Natural England |
|
JNCC |
|
MMO |
|
Local Authorities |
|
Harbour Authorities |
|
IFCAs |
|
National Parks |
|
|
Source: Natural England Managing Marine Recreational Activities toolkit |
Resources
- Duties of public authorities in relation to Marine Protected Area (MPA) management, May 2015 - Guidance Note
- Natural England marine recreation toolkit
- Management of European Marine Sites, JNCC guidance
- IFCA guidance on Marine Protected Areas