The application of environmental assessment to marine developments and activities in Great Britain

This paper discusses the application of environmental assessment (EA) to activities and developments in the British marine sector, with particular regard to their project characteristics, geography and identified issues. The first section details the legislative framework of EA regulations in Britain with specific reference to marine projects. The categories of marine projects covered by the regulations are discussed along with a description of the types, numbers and locations of EAs undertaken between July 1988 and the end of 1995. The second part of the paper goes onto highlight the principal issues and perceived benefits of applying EA to marine projects. Although there is a significant increase in the amount of EA research and practice occurring around the world, especially in Canada, the Netherlands and Australia, this paper only examines the application of EA within the geographical boundaries of Great Britain.