Background of Organisation
ASERA (the Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities) has been set up to develop a scheme of management for the European marine site. Its members are the Relevant Authorities (public bodies and statutory undertakers which have relevant functions) in the Severn Estuary, as defined in the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994. The relevant authorities association formed in recognition of the practical and resourcing difficulties, which would be experienced by many relevant authorities, if they were to individually attempt to discharge their duties in respect of the nature conservation designations on the Severn Estuary.
The relevant authorities are producing a management scheme which will set the framework within which activities will be managed, either voluntarily or through regulation, in ways compatible with the achievment of the conservation objectives of the site.
An Advisory Group, comprising of non-Relevant Authorities and ,which gives advice to ASERA to enable the management scheme to take account of users’ views as fully as possible and develop wide support for the scheme, was formed in 2002.
Organisational Objectives
To produce a management scheme for the Severn Estuary European marine site, under which the functions of the relevant authorities shall be exercised so as to secure in relation to the site, compliance with the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives.
Relevant Policies, Projects & Activities
The management of the site has been planned in a series of eight stages, culminating in the production of a management scheme, anticipated by the end of 2004. It is expected that a draft management plan will be circulated for consultation in Spring 2004. For further information on the progress being made go to: ASERA Progress