Marine Management Organisation
Details
Marine Licensing
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has been engaging with NWS since 2021 on matters related to the GDF, including advice on licensable activities under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The MMO understand that NWS has also been engaging with other bodies, such as the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCB) and navigational authorities, regarding planned marine geophysical surveys.
As part of our discussions with NWS, MMO outlined that some marine activities fall under the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 certain activities which would ordinarily require a marine licence are exempt from licensing process to enable proportionate regulation. To rely on an exemption those undertaking works must make sure that they meet the relevant qualifying criteria and conditions.
The MMO looks forward to continued engagement with NWS regarding the GDF, and any relevant updates of MMO activity in relation to this project will be updated on this page. The Public Register will also contain any details of applications made by NWS and their outcomes, including scientific advice from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) obtained by the MMO. This can be found by searching for ENQ/2021/00099.
Wildlife Licensing
Nuclear Waste Services applied to the MMO for a wildlife licence under both the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. A wildlife licence is required for activities which may have certain impacts upon a protected species which would otherwise be an offence and can only be granted for specific purposes.
On July 8 2022, after a process of determination involving consultation with statutory advisors, MMO issued a wildlife licence to Nuclear Waste Services for potential disturbance to certain cetacean species resulting from a seismic (geophysical) survey in the inshore area off the south west coast of Cumbria. Details of the licence issued can be found on our Public Register by searching for MLA/2022/00085.