The three locations under consideration are in Morecambe Bay, Lyme Bay and off Salcombe. These sites all lie within 12 nautical miles of the coastline and possess some of the most important marine habitats in UK waters. ‘Our project is a two stage process, beginning with the gathering of existing data on the sites, said Haskoning’s Richard Braund. ‘We will analyse and assess the data to identify areas that might be suitable as cSACs. We will then recommend the stage two survey work needed to fill in any gaps in the data, in particular detailed information on the location and character of sub-tidal reefs and sandbanks.’

The survey work will be carried out over the summer by Gardline, Royal Haskoning’s partner in the project. Royal Haskoning will also be supported by a technical advisory panel consisting of leading UK experts in various fields of marine biology.

The project’s focus is preparing briefing statements. They will demonstrate how the areas in question meet the selection criteria specified in the Habitats Directive, drawing on the assessment of both existing data and collected data. A key aspect of their presentation will be habitat maps, which will show the location and extent of the habitats and biological communities present. The statements will be complete by the end of the year and will underpin a formal consultation programme for designating these sites should DEFRA decide to proceed to the EU with applications for SAC designation.