In order to
meet the aims of the Habitats' Directive, conservation objectives
seek to maintain (or restore) the habitat and species at (or
to) 'Favourable Conservation Status' (FCS).
Ammocoetes
(larval stage of lamprey)
@Ross Gardiner, Fisheries Research Services
Ongoing monitoring
of the habitats and species is an essential part of the process
of assessing the condition of the SAC features. A requirement
of the Directive is that the UK reports every six years to
the EC on the conservation status of habitats and features
identified in the Directive. The FCS for the Cardigan Bay
SAC features has been assessed and will be submitted to the
EC in December 2007. The status of Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic
grey seals and sea caves has been assessed as favourable.
River and sea lamprey have both been assessed as unfavourable.
A programme of research and monitoring will be required to
provide more information and to improve our understanding
of the factors affecting the distribution and abundance of
these two species. Subtidal sandbanks and reefs have not yet
been assessed.
Monitoring
and research programmes have been established within the SAC
to inform management decisions and update current available
information to improve our understanding of the marine environment
and the species and habitats that it supports. CCW has also
developed an advisory and approvals system for research to
ensure that research activities carried out in the Bay do
not pose a threat to the features of the site. As part of
the actions identified in the new Management Scheme CCW will
be developing the current research programme to incorporate
additional research projects as well as promote SAC related
research amongst local research groups and organisations.
