Consultation on methodology for assessing navigation safety risk of aquaculture sites

The placement of fin/shellfish and seaweed/algal farms in UK waters has the potential to affect shipping, safety, the freedom of navigation, and emergency response.  This guidance has been produced to assist marine licence applicants in preparing their Navigation Risk Assessment and emergency response arrangements for all types of fin/shellfish and seaweed/algal farms.

Where a marine licence is required for a marine licensable activity (including but not limited to construction, deposit, and removals at sea), the marine licence application must be supported by a proportionate Navigation Risk Assessment (NRA) to determine the extent of the ‘interference with other legitimate uses of the sea’ as per relevant legislation.  To support the fin/shellfish farm and seaweed/algal industries, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in consultation with interested parties, has produced guidance in the form of draft Marine Guidance Note 687 (M+F) on the key aspects to be considered on a case-by-case basis which is proportionate to the scale of the works.  Its intention is to help the industry provide a useful and effective assessment of risk to avoid any delays during the formal marine licence application stage.

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