23/10/15
Stour & Orwell Estuaries Management Group -Terms of Reference
- Group Members
Natural England1 / Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils1 / Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Marine Management Organisation1 / Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils1 / Royal Yachting Association (Eastern Region)
Environment Agency1 / Ipswich Borough Council1 / Country Land and Business Association
Anglian Water1 / Tendring District Council1 / National Trust
Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority1 / Essex County Council1 / National Farmers Union
Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority1 / Suffolk County Council1 / The Crown Estate
Associated British Ports1 / Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB / British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Harwich Haven Authority1 / Royal Society for the Protection of Birds / Anglia Wildfowlers
Port of Felixstowe1 / Essex Wildlife Trust
- Purpose of the Group
2.1.To oversee the preparation, monitoring and implementation of management strategies for the estuaries.
2.2.To promote effective co-operation between those involved in management work in and around the estuaries.
2.3.To provide an advisory role in the conservation and enhancement ofthe estuaries.
2.4.To assist all memberorganisations with the discharge of their statutory and other responsibilities regarding the conservation and stewardship of the estuaries.
2.5.To promote the awareness, understanding, appreciation and active conservation of the specialqualities, status and natural processes of the estuary.
2.6.To promote an integrated approach to the sustainable development and management of the estuaries.
2.7.To promote measures to accommodate coastal and environmental change.
2.8.To promote the sustainable economic use of the estuaries, by informing and supporting balance in commercial and tourism activities.
2.9.To promote sustainable land and water based recreation by providing support and information that allows for sensitive access and use of the estuaries and their hinterland.
2.10.To organise an annual Forum, which will report on the programme and achievements and be a platform for the discussion of community matters.
- Membership of the Group
3.1.The membership of the Group shall (not exclusively) include all of the relevant authorities1, as defined in The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, for the Stour and Orwell Estuaries European Marine Site.
3.2.Any other organisation or group with an interest in the management of the estuaries may apply to become a member by contacting the Chair or secretariat.
3.3.Membership of those other than the relevant authorities will be reviewed annually.
3.4.No group member shall have precedence or powers over any other.
3.5.It will be for each member organisation to appoint a representative to the Group, who will attend meetings on behalf of that organisation.
3.6.Whilst representatives may express personal opinions, they are expected to represent the view of their organisation.
- Organisation of the Group
4.1.A Chair and Vice Chair of the Group will be elected from the membership of the Group for a three year period.
4.2.The Chair is expected to act as a ‘champion’ for the estuary, to be committed to thepurposes of the Group and to act as an effective chair of Group meetings.
4.3.The Estuaries Officer will be responsible for the organisation and practical arrangements ofmeetings.
4.4.Notice of the dates of Group meetings will be sent out to members at least one month in advance of each meeting, at which time members will be invited to submit items for inclusion in the agenda.
4.5.Agendas and any papers will be sent out to members at least one week in advance of meetings.
4.6.Meetings of the Group will be open to any members of the public and representatives of interestedorganisations who may attend as observers. This must be with prior notification to the Chair.
4.7.The Estuaries Officer will distribute notes of each meeting to members within one month of the meeting.
4.8.The Group may invite any person or representative of anorganisation to address and take part in a meeting where his or her knowledge or experience wouldcontribute to a relevant matter on the agenda.
The Group does not in itself hold any executive powers or authority, nor does it have authority over any of the functions, duties or responsibilities of the group members; each of the group members is empowered to establish the Management Plan in partnership with the others.
4.9.The Group shall ensure there is wide participation in development and ownership of the Management Plan by:
a)Consultation with all authorities that have a role in the management of the site
b)Consultation with the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Forum, local groups, interests, landowners and occupiers.
c)Publication of appropriate information on the development and use of the Scheme of Management
d)Ensuring that the Management Plan builds on existing good practice and dovetails with other management plans which apply to the site and adjacent areas.
4.10.The Group may establish sub-groups to consider appropriate issues and to provide a specialist focus on the particular aspects of the management strategies or to undertake specific tasks. The Group will provide clear terms of reference for any such group.
4.11.The members of the Group may, in partnership, undertake projects to develop and implement the Management Plan.
1Relevant authority
The definition of ‘relevant authority’ with respect to management schemes on European marine sites:
In the UK, management schemes may be established on European marine sites as a key measure in meeting the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Each scheme will be prepared by a group of authorities having statutory powers over the marine area - the relevant authorities.
Relevant authorities are such of the following as have functions in relation to land or waters within or adjacent to that area or site:
(a)a nature conservation body;
(b)a county council, county borough council, district council or London borough council; .
(c)the Environment Agency;
(d)the Marine Management Organisation;
(e)a water undertaker or sewerage undertaker, or an internal drainage board;
(f)a navigation authority within the meaning of the Water Resources Act 1991(29);
(g)a harbour authority within the meaning of the Harbours Act 1964(30);
(h)a lighthouse authority;
(i)an inshore fisheries and conservation authority established under Part 6 of the Marine Act(31) (management of inshore fisheries);
(j)a local fisheries committee constituted under the Sea Fisheries Regulation Act 1966(32) or any authority exercising the powers of such a committee; and
(k)a National Park authority.
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