The Marine Management Organisation and Defra have provided an update on a planned reduction in the quarter 3 catch limit for North Sea Nephrops.

The proposed catch limit of 4 tonnes has been reviewed using new scientific advice. This analysis demonstrates a 4 tonne catch limit is not required for this quarter.

An announcement made on 14 June 2018 explained that the reduction to catch limits had been planned as part of a package of measures to deliver recovery of Farne Deeps nephrops stocks.

Since this date, more up-to-date information has been received from Cefas following their annual video survey of nephrops burrows in the Farne Deeps, completed on 26 June 2018. A preliminary analysis of this data shows a modest but continued increase in stock abundance which, in conjunction with further analysis of MMO landings data of the year to date, gives a more positive impression on stock health. As such, the decision has been made to revise the planned reduction and the July to September catch limit will therefore be maintained at 20 tonnes per vessel.

In addition to this, the MMO has also discussed potential measures with industry, short of a reduction in catch limits, to help relieve pressure on nephrops stocks in the area. During discussions with North East fishermen in particular, the potential for a targeted mackerel fishery was identified. In response to this, the MMO will be increasing the North Sea mackerel catch limit per vessel to 4 tonnes per month for July.

This statistical bulletin presents the latest estimates of greenhouse gas emissions for Northern Ireland. The estimates are expressed in terms of global warming potentials defined on a 100-year horizon. The estimates and the global warming potentials are consistent with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change reporting guidelines and based on the latest UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Each year the greenhouse gas inventory is extended and updated. The whole historical data series is revised to incorporate methodological improvements and new data. The previous version becomes redundant and cannot be used for comparison purposes.

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This report is the second of a series of quarterly updates to Parliament on the government’s progress on the UK’s exit from the Euratom Treaty.

It covers developments in relation to:

• EU negotiations on Euratom exit
• international agreements
• the setting up of a domestic nuclear safeguards regime
• implementation
• research and training
• stakeholder engagement
• wider issues in the period leading up to March 2019

Residents are being invited to learn more about the Outstays to Skeffling Managed Realignment Scheme by attending the surgery at Patrington Village Hall, Church Lane, 11am to 3.3pm on Thursday 5 July.

Being delivered in partnership with Associated British Ports, the scheme will see a new inter-tidal environment created that offsets habitat losses from future coastal development and climate change.

It is a legal obligation for the Environment Agency to rebalance the reduction in habitats caused by ‘coastal squeeze’, which occurs when fixed hard flood defence structures, built to protect people and properties along the coast, reduce the inter-tidal land between low and high tide as a result of rising sea levels.

As part of the proposed scheme a 900 acre natural habitat site will be created for estuarine and terrestrial wildlife and an improved landscaped flood defence will surround this area to help reduce the risk of flooding to the local community.

The Environment Agency and Associated British Ports say they are hoping to announce the final design and plans this autumn, with the planning application being submitted before the end of the year and construction starting in spring 2019.