Government

Management of our coasts and seas is becoming increasingly difficult as a wider range of industries and users compete for space whilst wildlife and environmental concerns have to be taken into account.  As spatial planning within our seas becomes more common place, the requirement for sound strategic advice alongside the very latest data is vital.  SMRU Ltd provides input to Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), advice on marine mammal distributions and ecological considerations, and input to Appropriate Assessments to assist government with its activities relating to commercial developments. 

We have provided expert advice on marine mammals to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reforms (BERR) marine energy SEA, expert reviews of harbour and oil & gas development EIAs to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), a review of synergies between Natura and OSPAR Marine Protected Areas to the Scottish Government, and we are also involved in the provision of advice on seal populations around the UK.