North East Biodiversity Forum

Marine & Coastal Biodiversity Sub-Group

9th December 2005 Meeting Notes & Actions

1. Attendees:

Mike Quigley (EN), Nick Brodin (NE Biodiversity Forum), Jonathan Gibson (INCA), Katie Wellstead (Great North Forest), Ginny Swaile (Environment Agency), Niall Benson (Durham Heritage Coast), Steve Lowe (Northumberland Wildlife Trust), Jim Cokill (Durham Wildlife Trust), Andy Lees (Durham Biodiversity Partnership), Tom Cadwallender (Northumberland Coast AONB), Jane Lancaster (Northumberland County Council), Susan Clark (Countryside Agency)

Apologies:

Susan Stewart – ONE North East

2. Group Remit and Membership

The remit of the Sub-Group was discussed and the following points were made:

  • The remit should encompass coastal geodiversity
  • Regional priorities should be established in addition to any nationally relevant priorities from the UKBAP.
  • Group should seek to establish closer working practices and data sharing/storage.
  • Group should identify and influence key regional policy development processes – The Countryside Agency ICZM Regional Stock-Take Contract should assist in this work. Results of this are due by end of this financial year.
  • An audience should be identified for the output of the Group. Suggestions included: WWF, MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency), LGA (Local Government Association), Development Control For a & Groups, NSFC (Northumberland Sea Fisheries Committee), NESFC (North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee), National Trust, Jane Delaney and Judy Foster-Smith (both of Dove Marine Laboratory, Newcastle University).
  • Niall Benson offered at presentation on the work of the Durham Heritage coast projects at a future meeting

Action: All – To consider the above points and to submit additional “audience” members and/or work areas to Nick or Mike by 27th January please.

3. Role of Regional Biodiversity Coordinator

Nick Brodin outlined his new role as Regional Biodiversity Coordinator and the relationship between him and the Group. Nick’s role is to help coordinate activity between partners and facilitate closer and more effective working. This includes assisting with the organisation of sub-groups and the administration of their meetings.

4. Chair and Secretariat

Mike Quigley agreed to Chair for the first year. Nick Brodin will provide the secretariat. Minute taking will rotate through the group.

5. North East Marine & Coastal BAP Audit

An outline list of current UK BAP coastal and marine habitats and species was circulated. This is based on current knowledge and might not represent the full regional picture, for example Sabellaria reef (a UK BAP priority habitat) has recently been found off NewbigginBay. There was discussion about whether this was Sabellaria spinulosa reef or Sabellaria alveolata reef (both of which are distinct habitats). Jane Lancaster agreed to check on the distribution of Sabellaria alveolata within the region.

Action – Jane Lancaster to investigate distribution of Sabellaria alveolata within the North East

There will be a national review of the UK BAP in 2006 and new priority marine/coastal habitats and species might come forward.

Action - NB to identify any relevant changes to National BAP

  • Status of Marine HAPS for the north east should be assessed.

There is also a need to identify any other regionally important marine and coastal habitats and species not included on the national BAP list.

Action All – provide suggestion for regionally important habitats and species, with a justification for their selection, to NB by 27th January

Mike Quigley raised the subject of native oyster and a possible re-introduction into the region.

Action MQ to contact Clive Askew re. opportunity for native oyster project in the north east. This may also fit possible Crown Estate funding.

6. Key Regional Issues

  • Key regional issues were identified as – Shoreline Management Planning (SMP), Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), Local Development Frameworks (LDFs), North East Strategy for the Environment (NESE), Catchment Management Plans (CMP), Regional Coastal Tourism Strategy (ONE North East)

7. Action Plan 2006-2007

  • This item will be parked until the next meeting.
  • Will a Communications Strategy will be required for the Group?

8. Project and Funding Opportunities

  • The Crown Estate Commission are seeking ideas/proposals for a flagship marine or coastal project in the North East

Action: MQ – To establish the funding criteria for Crown Estate Projects.

(Above Action Completed: For details of project funding criteria click on the following link to the Crown Estate Website:

If you have any difficulty following this link go toand using the “quick find” drop down box, click on “Marine Stewardship Project”. We will discuss the possibilities for funding under this programme at the next meeting, please come armed with ideas!).

  • Opportunities need to be identified for accessing SITA funding – SITA will not fund coordinator work. The North East Biodiversity Forum provide input to the SITA board on regional priorities and make recommendations on projects received.
  • The North East Wildlife Trusts are seeking a marine officer.
  • It is suggested that the funding for a North East marine coordinator could become a group objective.

It was agreed that it would be useful for the group to take an overview of projects already taking place in the region and a ‘shopping list’ of projects developed.

Action All: provide a potted history of any marine or coastal projects in time for the next sub-group meeting. List should include: 1) projects that have now ended; 2) projects currently being worked on or in development; and 3) aspirations for projects

9. Date of next meeting

Next meeting will be at 10am on 27th January at the Northumberland Wildlife Trust offices in Newcastle